//------------------------------//
// Episode 3: Adrift 
// Story: Star Trek Equestria: Reformatted: Wild Access 
// by Captain_Cosmos 
//------------------------------//

In a massive, gaseous nebula in Extragalactic Space, the USS Equestria was traveling at Full Impulse, moving gracefully between the large clouds and stellar debris that littered the area. On the bridge, at a glance everything was normal, but Lt Cmdrs Norman, Shron, Yamik and Ensign Paris were standing next to each other looking at the Viewer, with controllers in their hands. “Alright boys, Game’s loaded, who’s ready for some Xenon hunting?” Norman asked.

“X3 Albion Prelude. Centuries old, but there’s something charming about its simplistic nature.” Yamik commented.

“What’s today’s mission Jack?” Paris asked.

“A big one, We’re hitting one of their primary sensor relays. Take that out, and the Terrans and Argons can advance on the Xenon without warning.” Jack responded. “It’s inside an unknown sector.”

“Unknown sectors. Those are always hell.” Yamik commented. “Natural Hazards always throw a wrench into everything

“But this time we have the upperhand as far as strength goes for once. Shron, our fleet’s kitted out right?” Norman asked.

“Thanks to a tad bit of plugin hackery, I got us enough ships and firepower to–” Shron responded before being cut off.

“Excuse me gentlemen, but if I may ask, what is it that you four are doing?” Harmony asked.

The four officers jumped a bit at the sound of a female voice, but after glancing around to find Harmony’s orb, they relaxed. “Oh, Harmony. It’s just you.” Mr. Paris responded.

“Thought you were the captain, or commander Sela.” Shron said.

“Why would you be worried if either came up onto the bridge?” Harmony asked. “And what is that on the viewer? Mr Paris, shouldn’t you be at the helm making sure we don’t crash?”

“Eh the computer’s got it covered, simple avoidance pattern.” Paris responded. “As for what’s on the viewer…” He trailed off.

“It’s a tactical training simulation.” Norman spoke up. “We’re uh, sharpening our combat readiness in the event of an attack.” He fibbed.

“Uh huh. Computer, Verify what is on the viewscreen?” Harmony asked, skeptical.

“X3 Albion Prelude is currently on the viewscreen. A Space Sandbox game created in the early 21st century.” The computer responded.

Norman and the boys glanced between each other, they inwardly gulped. Harmony meanwhile was confused. “Might I ask why you would think being dishonest was a good idea?” She asked.

Shron, knowing they were caught, just sighed. “Ok, alright, we were going to play a video game.” He admitted.

“All we’re doing is flying through a nebula, something the computer can easily do so we had some time to kill.” Mr. Paris said.

“Is this an approved action?” Harmony asked.

“Not…exactly. Captain’s not supposed to be on duty for a bit so…” Norman trailed off. “Y-you’re not gonna tell her are you?”

Harmony glanced at the screen, before glancing back to the boys and addressing them. “The game is intriguing, have room for a fifth player?” She asked.

Meanwhile, in the medical bay, Sela sat on a biobed while Dr Boimler performed their regularly scheduled neural scan on her. “Any emotional outbursts during these last two weeks?” Dr. Boimler asked.

Sela quickly ran through her memory before replying. “No, I have managed to keep my emotions in check.” She said honestly.

“Any progress in trying to mitigate your condition?” Dr. Boimler asked. “Particularly of letting a certain Equine know the situation?” He asked.

Sela caught on to who the doctor was referring to. She shook her head. “No, the captain is still in the dark about the true nature of my condition.” She said, the slightest hint of regret ever so present in her voice.

Dr. Boimler let out a sigh. He had suspected as much. Proxima had not mentioned it the other day when she came in for a scorch mark on her horn from standing a bit too close to Blitzwing’s thrusters. “Sela, during our last examination, you told me that you believed yourself to be incapable of handling this on your own. I believe the reasoning was “Too much baggage any one person can deal with alone.” He told her.

“Yes, I remember doctor.” Sela responded, sensing where this was going.

“In 15.5 months you will kick the bucket assuming the severity does not worsen along the way. That may seem like a long time, but it’ll sneak up on you faster than a warp jump from Earth to N'Var.” Boimler said.

“I am aware of that doctor.” Sela responded, a slight irritation in her voice as her annoyance towards the lecture rose.

“So, if you want to nip this in the bud before it can get any worse, you need all the help you can get. And from what you’ve told me, no one on this ship is more qualified to help you than the captain.” Phlox said.

“Yes Doctor, I know.” Sela grimaced in frustration as her hands clenched into fists in her lap. This conversation was really getting to her.

“Then why are you making no effort to tell her?” Phlox asked. “Why are you continuing to hide this?” He asked. He could tell from her body language that she was getting annoyed.

“It is easier said than done, Doctor.” Sela said, trying to control herself. “Given what happened the last time I would rather she not go through that again.” She told him.

Phlox stopped when Sela said that. “Last time?” He asked. “Do you mean there was a last time this condition was lethal?” He asked. Sela had not revealed that before.

Sela paused when she realized she had let slip that this was not the first time her condition had been lethal. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, she felt the ship rock violently. “The hell was that?” Phlox asked.

Sela tapped her combadge. “Sela to bridge, What just happened?” She asked.

“Got a bit too close to an asteroid. But shields held. No damage.” Shron responded.

“Mr. Paris, you said that we would not hit any asteroids in the nebula.” Sela inquired.

“Well that was before moving asteroids came into the picture.” Mr. Paris responded in his defense. “Moving asteroids are much harder to avoid.”

“Acknowledged.” Sela replied. “I am on my way now.” She said as the connection cut. “Apologies doctor but I must be on my way.”

“Sela, you’re avoiding this.” Phlox deduced based on the way Sela was acting.

“We are finished with the examination are we not?” Sela asked.

“Well, yes.” Phlox admitted.

“So there is no further reason for me to remain.” Sela responded. Without another word, she insta teleported up to the bridge before Phlox could say anything.

Phlox took a second for his brain to catch up. “She is definitely avoiding this.” He told himself. He had noticed that Sela paused when he asked about the last time her condition turned lethal, almost like she realized she let slip something she didn’t want to. “And I could tell she was trying not to lose her cool…” He turned his head to his medical HUD and ran the results of the examination through. What he found alarmed him a little. “Maybe I shouldn’t have been so forward.” He deduced regretfully after realizing he accidentally shortened Sela’s expected lifespan down to 15.4 months.

He didn’t have time to dwell on it though when he heard Harmony address him. “Dr. Boimler, might I have a word?” She asked.

“What is it Harmony?” Boimler asked.

“I feel a tingling sensation where the asteroid struck the hull. Something not there before. I am not sure if it is something I should worry about or not.” Harmony explained. A very noticeable pain in her voice.

Doctor Boimler’s gut instincts started kicking in when Harmony spoke to him. “Sounds like it might be more than a tingle. You feeling OK Harmony?” He asked.

“I don’t know. I just feel different.” Harmony responded.

Phlox nodded. Grabbing his medical kit. “I’ll grab Kasey and Risa and we’ll do an EVA to the problem spot. Let me know in the meantime if anything worsens.” He said.

“I appreciate it doctor, thank you.” Harmony responded as Boimler left the medbay. He didn’t know why, but he had a bad feeling about that collision.




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.



In the vastness of the nebula, Blitzwing was standing on one of the many, many asteroids found within. Exploring, and also scouring for something. “Third asteroid I’ve searched since we entered this asteroid, still haven’t found it yet.” He said as he continued to look. Until he found a rock that was lodged into the greater asteroid. “Aha! gotcha! “ He said as he reached down and plucked the rock out of its ledge. “A perfect addition to my collection.” He said to himself as he transformed into his jet mode and blasted off back to the Equestria. He caught up to the ship and matched its axis and vector so that he would land in the hangar bay in the correct orientation.he entered the bay and transformed, landing on his feet with the rock in his hand.

The noise caused Cliffjumper, who was in stasis in vehicle mode, to awaken. “Ugh. Is it morning already?” He asked groggily. He soon transformed into his robot mode and stretched. “Blitz I thought I told you not to make so much noise when coming back from your daily flight.” He told him.

“Hey, think of it as your alarm clock.” Blitz responded. “Gotta keep my flying sharp for whenever Unicron’s lackeys find us.”

“Well at least TRY to be more quiet from now on.” Cliff replied. He noticed the rock. “What’s that?”

“Souvenir.” Blitzwing responded. “You know I like to collect things from interesting places…” He trailed off as his optics widened, realizing something. “Crap! My souvenirs on the Ark! Damn it!”

“Relax Blitzwing, I’m sure Starfleet’s taking good care of them.” Cliffjumper said. “They did say they’d work to preserve the ship and its contents.”

“Still, I need to ask the Captain to make the request to Starfleet.” Blitzwing responded as he started for the door out of the hangar, before he was reminded of his size as he saw it. “Right. We’re too big to go anywhere beyond the Shuttlebay.” He said.

“Least you can go out for a flight.” Cliffjumper responded. “I haven’t left the Shuttle Bay since we departed from the Federation. Every time we make a pit stop I hope it’s a planet I can drive on but so far we haven’t run into any planets.”

At that moment; the doors opened and Teletran crawled through into the Shuttlebay. “Morning Cliff, Blitz.” He addressed them.

“Morning Teletran.” Cliff responded.

“It is a good morning isn’t it. I spent all night studying the Pod, and I can feel it starting to crack.” Teletran reported.

“So we could have an origin location soon?” Blitz asked.

“Possibly. Depends on if the Pod decides to fight back harder.” Teletran responded.

Cliff nodded. “Good work Teletran.” He said. “Now, mind hooking me and Blitz up to the Energon station?” He asked as he transformed back into his car mode and carefully maneuvered so that he was parked next to what Kasey, who made the station, described as a drive thru gas station in ancient Earth times.

Blitzwing transformed into his jet mode and parked next to the second station as Teletran crawled over to them and secured hoses to where their fuel ports were. He then pressed a button on the console connected to the stations and Liquid Energon started to flow through the hoses from the storage silos they were connected to. “Remind me to thank Cmdr Baker for this.” Blitz commented. “So much easier.”

“It’s amazing that she was able to make this without any prior exposure to Cybertronian technology.” Cliff said.

“Ahem, I helped too, you know.” Teletran pointed out.

“Yes. You and Baker make a good team, Teletran.” Blitzwing responded.

As if on cue, the door opened again and Dr Boimler and Lt Cmdrs Baker and Prestine walked into the bay, all wearing EVA suits. Blitz was the first to see them. “Speak of the devil. Morning you three.” He said.

“Morning Blitzwing.” Kasey responded. “Have your morning flight?” She asked.

“Just got back. What’s with the EVA suits?” Blitzwing asked.

“Harmony’s not feeling like herself. Word is we scraped the side of an asteroid and she started feeling a tingling.” Dr. Boimler responded. “We’re doing an EVA to the problem spot. Teletran I might be calling on you shortly.”

“Understood Doctor.” Teletran responded. “While you’re out there I could try to diagnose her now if you’d like. I am programmed with all Cybertronian Medical knowledge.”

“I’d rather you hold off until I can be there with you. Sure you may be programmed for all Cybertronian medicine but this might be something of a more organic nature.” Boimler explained.

“Got it.” Teletran responded.

The three Starfleet officers reached the forcefield that led outside the ship. “Alright guys you know the drill.” Dr. Boimler said. He, Prestine, and Baker all attached safety cables to each other and to a hook that formed from programmable matter on the floor. Once they were hooked up. They magnetized their space boots, and they stepped through the forcefield and onto the hull of the ship. And they were immediately subjected to the changed G-force from the Equestria’s maneuvering.

“No one gets motion sick right?” Kasey asked as she steadied herself.

“Not the only thing we should worry about out here. But we should be fine so long as the Equestria doesn’t pull any sporadic movements.” Boimler responded as they made their way across the hull, headed for the problem area.

Back in the Hanger, Cliff watched them go, and an idea came to him. “Shrinkage.” He said.

“What?” Teletran asked.

“That’s how we can access the rest of the ship! Blitz and I were shrunk to the size of the crew, we can move more freely than being confined to the Shuttle Bay!” Cliff jumper explained.

“Why would you want to be the size of a weak organic?” Blitz asked.

“Because I don’t want to spend the next 7 years trapped in this box with no room to drive!” Cliff suddenly snapped. 

Teletran and Blitz, as well as everyone else who was in the shuttlebay at the time, All heard and stared at Cliff, who quieted down. “Ahem. Sorry, been trying to keep my cool but the same scenery over and over again is starting to get to me.”

“Shall I go find the captain and ask what she thinks of your idea?” Teletran asked.

“Please Teletran?” Cliff asked.

“Certainly.” Teletran responded.

Cliff let out a sigh as he collected himself. Shoulda chosen a spacecraft, or a jet. He thought, now regretting his choice of vehicle mode. Sure he could theoretically change it right but he didn’t have a lot of options currently. Every Cybertronian knew that choosing the wrong vehicle mode that didn’t fit their personality was a major mistake, one that Cliff didn’t want to make. Though at the same time, he was getting sick of being stuck in the Shuttle Bay. “Teletran please go ask the captain now.” He told teletran.

“As soon as we finish fueling you up.” Teletran responded. “You know what happens when you get too much fuel.”

“Fine.” Cliff said. “I just really want to be able to get out of this shuttle bay.”





“Personal log: Stardate irrelevant right now. I’ve only barely woken up and I’m already having a bad day. I wake up sick and Harmony is also not feeling well, as evidenced by a series of shipwide malfunctions. Because that’s JUST what we need right now.”

In the mess hall, Jack walked up to a replicator to order breakfast. “Eggs. Scrambled.” He said.

The ordered meal appeared in the dispenser and he took the plate. He went to sit down, before he noticed Captain Maxima sitting far off in the corner, away from everyone, not looking all too well. Deciding to be a good friend. He approached Proxima. “Good morning Captain.” Jack said.

Proxima looked up from her Hay salad and saw Jack standing next to her table. “Ugh. It’s a bad morning actually.” She said with an eyeroll. “I suggest you stay back. I’m sick and the replicator in my quarters is on the fritz.” She explained.

“And you’re eating here versus taking it back to your quarters?” Jack asked.

“I needed the energy. Feel like gravity is pulling me down.” Proxima responded. “And if that wasn’t bad enough, Harmony is sick.” She added.

“Yeah I heard.” Jack said as he sat down across from Proxima. “A ship being sick is bad news.”

“Tell me about it. Malfunctions have been reported all over the ship. If we don’t find out what kind of sickness that has befallen Harmony soon, I fear what could happen to everyone on-on, ACHOO!” Proxima said before she sneezed, her voice raspy as she let out a sudden sneeze that set off her horn.

Before Jack could react, the magical misfire from Proxima’s horn hit his breakfast and turned it into a Turkey, a turkey that gobbled loudly and ran off.

While the turkey was causing Havoc in the Mess hall, Proxima sighed. “Sorry Jack.” She said.

“It’s fine.” Jack responded. He was well aware that Proxima’s sneezes could cause magical misfires thanks to their time in the academy. So what would have surprised anyone else just only mildly annoyed him. “But given you can do that.” He gestured to the chicken. “I think it would be better if you confined yourself to quarters until you get better.” He suggested. “And I’ll arrange for meals to be brought to you until you get better.”

“Maybe that would be best. Thanks Cmdr Norman.” Proxima responded.

Jack nodded as he stood up. “I’ll walk you back.” He offered.

On the bridge, Cmdr Sela was on coms with the EVA team, who she cleared to be out on the hull of the ship. “Sela to EVA team, status?” She asked.

“No structural damage beyond some scuffs and scratches that I could buff out.” Kasey reported.

“We noticed some rocks stuck to the hull. We’re taking one as a sample and disposing of the rest.” Dr. Boimler reported.

“Anything you can ascertain now?” Sela asked.

“Well, based on our readings, along with the context we have, we believe that the compounds found in this nebula are giving Harmony an allergic reaction. Something her shields protected her from till now.” Dr. Boimler responded.

“Until Mr. Paris allowed asteroidal debris to collide with our ship.” Sela responded.

All eyes turned to Mr. Paris, who just sighed, realizing what his negligence did. “I’ll just wait for the inevitable demotion.” He said. “In the meantime, hold station?”

“Hold station. Doctor, you and your team return to the Equestria’s interior, I want a detailed analysis on that sample.” Sela responded.

“Aye Commander.” Risa responded.

At that moment, Norman came onto the bridge. “Bad news everyone, Captain Maxima is sick.” He told everyone on the bridge.

Shron’s, Yamik’s, and Paris’s eyes widened when Norman heard that. “Sick?!” They asked in panic. Like Norman, they knew that an Equestrian with Proxima’s magical prowess being sick was a disaster waiting to happen.

“Yes. But don’t worry, I took the proper precautions.” Norman responded. “I escorted her back to her quarters and will be having food delivered to her while her Quarters’ replicator is malfunctioning.”

“You made sure her magic inhibitor was on good and secure?” Sela asked.

“Yes I did. She won’t be using magic anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean we’re safe.” Norman responded as he approached his station. “I’ll issue a memo warning all aboard to steer clear of Maxima’s quarters.”

Sela nodded, but her mind raced when Norman announced that Proxima was sick. Both Harmony and Proxima are sick at the same time, and Harmony’s illness arose when that asteroid collided with them…Sela did not know why, but she was starting to suspect that Harmony and Proxima being sick was not a coincidence. “Shron, you have the Con, I will go visit the Captain.” Sela announced.

Everyone stared at her in disbelief. “Commander, you did hear Cmdr Norman right? Going to visit the captain when she is sick is like asking to be turned into a salamander.” Mr. Paris responded.

“So long as her magic inhibitor remains in place it is a risk I will take.” Sela responded. “But your concern is appreciated.” She added before she left.

While Shron took the captain’s chair, Harmony, after letting out a cough, spoke up. “If I may ask, why is the captain being sick so alarming?” She asked.

“Trust me Harmony, you’re better off not knowing. Just be glad you’re too big for Proxima to turn into a Salamander.” Mr. Paris responded.

“You’re still upset about that Ted?” Yamik asked Mr. Paris.

“I get that it wasn’t the Captain’s fault and I forgive her. But I was scared out of my ass that I was going to walk the same path my ancestor took and mate with a fellow Salamander to have little Salamander kids.” Ted responded. “So apologies if her being sick now raises so much panic with me.” He said.

“I hear you.” Norman said. “Just steer clear of her quarters and you should be fine.”

“I hope so. Just, no one ask me to take care of any crew turned into Salamanders.” Ted responded as he brought the ship to a complete stop.

“No problem.” Yamik responded, before an idea came to him. “So has your family kept tabs on your Salamander distant cousins in the delta quadrant?” He asked ted.

“Ah dude. Don’t.” Ted responded as he gave Yamik an unamused look.

Shron and Norman chuckled. “We’ll stop now Ted. Promise.” Shron said.

“Thank you.” Ted responded.

“Mr. Paris, apologies if this brings back hard memories but I just am too curious.” Harmony spoke up.

She didn’t get to say another word before Ted cut her off. “Proxima got sick during our first year at the Academy. I was in the line of fire when she sneezed and I spent the rest of the day as a Salamander. Simple as that.” He explained. “And now that you know. Maybe it would be best if you got some rest, Harmony, don’t try to control anything, save your strength.” He said.

“Yes, that might be best.” Harmony responded. “Thanks for sharing Mr. Paris.”

“Yeah, just never bring it up again.” Ted responded as he kept focus on the area around them.

Norman meanwhile got a notification on his console. And once he saw it, he stopped smiling. “Uh oh.” He said.

“What is it?” Shron asked.

“Long range subspace transmission incoming. From Admiral Vance.” Norman said.

Everyone on the bridge glanced at each other, all thinking the same thing. This is gonna look bad.

To Be continued…