//------------------------------// // Episode 6: New Face, Old Conflicts // Story: Star Trek Equestria: Reformatted: Wild Access // by Captain_Cosmos //------------------------------// Monday Morning found the USS Equestria orbiting a large asteroid with an Energon Deposit. The crew had come to the agreement that it was better to keep their supply of Energon full as much as possible In the event they were not able to replenish for an extended time. So while Captain Maxima led the mining operation, Commander Sela took the con on the bridge. “Any sign of Terrorcons?” She asked. “No Sir.” Norman responded. “Looks like we gave them the complete slip last week.” “Good. But as we learned during our first mining operation that can change at any moment. So keep your eyes sharp.” Sela said. “Aye sir.” Shron replied. Silence befell the Bridge once again and Sela’s thoughts turned to her recent Ordeal. She could not help but wonder what happened. She had tried to look for any residual Mind Meld energies within her that might have given her a clue but she could not find any. Suddenly, she saw flashes from the ordeal, the writing on the bulkhead, Proxima laying there motionless, and her parents. Sela stopped and blinked a few times before her vision returned to normal. She kept her breathing under control so that no one would worry. Maybe I should ask Dr. Boimler for that Neural Monitor again… “Commander, Commander Sela.” She heard Norman calling to her, bringing her out of her thoughts.  Sela returned to reality and glanced behind her to Norman. “Yes Mr Norman?” She asked. “Incoming Call from Admiral Vance, Subspace video.” Norman reported. “Alright. Thank you.” Sela responded before patching through to Captain Maxima. “Bridge to Captain Maxima, We’re receiving a Subspace Video call from Admiral Vance.” She said. Down in the mine, Proxima could clearly hear something off about Sela. “I’ll be right up. Have Harmony meet us in Holodeck one.” She said as the connection cut. She turned her attention back to Cliffjumper, whom she had been talking to before Sela called. “As I was saying, It’s not practical for me to magic you down to our size every day. But I can talk to Baker and see if she can’t make a device to allow you to access the rest of the ship.” She told him. “That would be great, Captain.” Cliff responded. “I’m sorry to bother you with this but my sanity is taking a beating being stuck in the same room every day.” He said. “No, I understand. Really I do. I would go mad too if I had to stay in the same room every day.” Proxima responded. “I’ll talk to her when I go back to the ship in a minute.” “I appreciate it, Captain.” Cliff responded as he returned to mining. With that, Proxima tapped her combadge and insta transported back aboard the Equestria. 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 Holodeck One, A Young Adult Earth Pony Mare phased into existence. This pony had gold colored fur, a visor, and looked like a Rainbow had puked on them, the finishing touch was that she was wearing a Starfleet uniform, but dark gray with no rank. This pony heard the door open, followed by a familiar voice. “H-Harmony?” Proxima asked. The pony turned her head to see the captain and commander come in and she smiled. “Greetings Captain, Commander. Yes, this is my avatar. What do you think?” She asked. Proxima glanced at Sela, before answering. “It’s uhm, it’s colorful.” She said. “Indeed.” Sela responded. “Although I would ask Cmdr Baker what she thinks. She is more knowledgeable when it comes to appearances and her insights will be helpful for you.” She said. Harmony nodded. “I shall do that after our meeting with the Admiral.” She said. “I would lose the glasses.” Sela commented. “That way you look more professional.” The glasses Harmony was wearing disappeared to reveal bright blue eyes. “Acknowledged commander.” She said. Proxima nodded. “Computer. Accept Subspace video call from Admiral Vance.” She said. The holodeck activated completely and the scenery changed from a grid to Admiral Vance’s office back at Federation Headquarters. With the Admiral himself standing there in front of them. “Hello, can you hear me?” He asked. “We can hear you Admiral.” Proxima responded. “Loud and Clear.” “Good. Looks like bouncing the signal off your communication buoy network is working well.” Admiral Vance said. “Thank the stars for that.” Proxima responded. Admiral Vance was about to speak, before he noticed something off his peripheral vision. He turned his head to see that Commander Sela and Captain Maxima were joined by another pony. He refrained from commenting on their appearance. “I see you have a new face onboard your ship.” He said. “Yes Admiral.” Sela responded. “This is Harmony CyberSpark’s avatar.” “Admiral Vance sir.” Harmony acknowledged. Vance nodded her way. “Ms. CyberSpark.” He acknowledged. “It seems like you have already solved one of the council’s concerns.” “Almost sir. We will equip Harmony with a Mobile Emitter later today.” Proxima responded. “Good. Then that is one concern squared away. The council has informed me that they will be available for you tomorrow.” Vance said. “At that time they will discuss their remaining concerns and from there a final decision will be reached.” He explained. “Admiral, if I may, what might block my application into the Academy?” Harmony asked. “I see two potential deciding factors on that front. One would be physical location. You are unable to physically attend the Academy at the moment. However, I am confident that we can arrange for a form of field training that will satisfy all concerned.” Vance explained. “That would be the ideal method of instruction.” Proxima responded. “And the other factor?” “Sadly, the Eugenics Act. Any genetically modified individual is not allowed to serve in Starfleet.” Vance replied. “The same law that nearly blocked Captain Maxima sir?” Harmony asked. “The very one.” Vance replied. “The simple matter is that you, Harmony, would be the first of your kind to come into the Academy. And in your current state you are still smarter and likely faster than the other cadets in the Academy.” He explained. “An unfair advantage.” “According to the situation at the time of her birth I would argue that she was born with those attributes and not genetically enhanced after the fact.” Sela countered. “However she was born out of one of our starships.” Vance responded. “With Captain Maxima we do not have evidence to suggest she was anything BUT a pony for her whole life. But with Harmony, it is much less cut and dry.” Vance did raise a good point. Harmony could very well be considered genetically enhanced based on Vance’s argument. “Understood sir.” Proxima said. “I would look into Starfleet’s history banks. There may be a precedent set for a being similar to Harmony going through the Academy. That will likely help your case.” Vance suggested. “We shall do that sir, thank you.” Sela responded. “I shall send word when the Council is ready for you.” Vance responded. “In the meantime, Harmony?” He asked. “Yes Admiral?” Harmony asked. “White stripe on black is the official observer uniform for Starfleet.” Vance told her. “Until such time that you might hold an official rank, A member of the crew with your current standing is an observer.” He explained. Harmony glanced down at her Starfleet uniform and the colors changed to a white stripe on black. “Thank you Admiral.” She said. “I shall see the three of you tomorrow.” Vance responded before the connection cut. When the Holodeck returned to its gridlike appearance. Proxima let out a smile. “I have a good feeling about the outcome.” She said. “The Eugenics Act is likely to be Harmony’s biggest hurdle.” Sela replied. “I have been looking into that law’s history, it seems to have sprouted due to an Earth War?” Harmony asked. “Indeed.” Proxima responded. “Long story short, humans tried to improve themselves, it backfired on them HARD, and essentially it was the beginning of the end for Earth of that time. Giving rise to United Earth that exists to this day.” She explained. “After the Eugenics wars, a law was created to prevent a disaster like that from happening again.” Sela added. “Though over the centuries it has caused a few…cultural issues with member races.” “Member races who wanted to join the Federation but genetic manipulation is part of their culture.” Proxima clarified. “Hm. It sounds like the law needs to either be updated or overturned.” Harmony surmised. “Eh.” Proxima shrugged. “It’s a pretty low level law these days and not often on the radar. But when it does pop up, it can be a crapshow.” “I see.” Harmony responded. Proxima nodded. “Now, I should probably get back down there and help finish mining.” She said. “You have the Con Number One. And, start checking Starfleet records, any precedent of an officer with similarities to Harmony will be helpful.” She told Sela before she insta transported away. With Proxima gone, Sela turned to Harmony. “I will tell Baker to come to Holodeck One and help you complete your Avatar.” She told her. “I’d appreciate that Commander.” Harmony responded. With that, Sela left. “Cmdrs Yamik and Norman, I have a task I need your assistance in.” She said. “Chief Engineer’s Log Stardate 32120626.10: Been working on this beauty for some time now but it’s finally complete. With the help of a cortical psychic patch created by Teletran, the consciousness of our ship should be able to leave the confines of a Holo Emitter’s range and enjoy the freedom of movement we enjoy.” Cmdr Baker approached the Holodeck and tapped a button to open the door. The doors slid open and she walked inside. “Alright Harmony, are you ready to be free from–Holy Kanar!” Cmdr Baker stopped when she saw what she was told was Harmony’s avatar. And holy crap did it look like a mismatch of colors that really did not go together. Harmony turned her head to see Baker enter, and raised an eyebrow when she saw Baker’s reaction. “Is there something wrong Cmdr Baker?” She asked. Cmdr Baker cleared her throat and relaxed. “Ahem, well, not WRONG per se, but…Your appearance could use some work.” She admitted. “I do not get it. Is my appearance bad?” Harmony asked. “It looks like a rainbow puked on you.” Baker responded as she clipped the mobile emitter onto her belt. “I take it the council will be ready for you soon?” She asked, being in the loop about what was going on. “Tomorrow.” Harmony responded. “So we have just one day to make you look professional and presentable to a room full of government officials. Good thing your appearance is holographic in nature. Makes it easier to change.” Baker said. Meanwhile, in the mine, Teletran was working with the captain on mining using his mining laser. “So, as I understand it, there are three main divisions, six subdivisions, and various departments under those 6 divisions.” He said. “That’s right, Security and tactical fall under command. Operations and Engineering fall under…Engineering, And Medical and science fall under science.” Proxima responded. “Intriguing. And any aspiring Starfleet officer can go into any field they choose?” Teletran asked. “That’s correct.” Proxima replied as she cut through an energon crystal and magically moved it into the waiting arms of several DOTs. “So Harmony has a choice to make as an officer.” Teletran concluded. “Assuming of course she is allowed in.” Proxima said. “Yes. But it is interesting how many fields Starfleet covers.” Teletran said. “Exploration, diplomacy, and defense does give Starfleet many career paths.” Proxima said. “It took a while before I settled on a command Career path.” “What drew you to command?” Teletran asked. “Take your child to work day, Little ol 6 year old me. Captain Burnham of the Discovery required my parents for a mission and she allowed me to come along. She let me onto the bridge, and let me sit in the Captains chair to take the ship into warp. It was exhilarating, giving the order. I had always known I wanted to explore the stars but it wasn’t until that moment when I knew I wanted to be a captain.” Proxima explained. “Of course I didn’t expect to make captain so soon, and I certainly did NOT expect to be captaining a titan all the way out in Extragalactic space. But, I am right where I want to be.” “Inspiring.” Teletran responded. “Do you know what department might suit Harmony best?” He asked. “Why make her choose?” Asked Blitzwing, who landed beside them after delivering a crystal to the Equestria. “If you ask me, she would be fit for any department. So why not let her into all of them?” He asked. Proxima couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “ALL the departments? Yeah. When pigs fly.” She said. “There might be a precedent for a being like Harmony to be allowed into the Academy but there is no way any officer has ever been allowed to wear all those hats. The amount of course work that would require would be too much to just complete in 4 years.” She explained. “Has anyone ever even tried?” Cliff asked, he overheard what they were talking about and decided to go over. “Beats me, but if anyone has, they were likely shot down.” Proxima responded. “Perhaps Harmony could be the first. After all she essentially IS the USS Equestria. Maybe such a status would warrant her wearing all the hats.” Teletran suggested. “Well, we’ll just have to see. But if you ask me, the most likely career path for her would be command. Making it all the way to Captain of the USS Equestria…Assuming of course they don’t retire her by then.” Proxima said. “Captain, I already explained it to Sela, But If Starfleet doesn’t want to have massive problems on their hands, then they should never take you off the ship and away from Harmony. I’vre seen what happens when Titans are separated from their City Speakers and it is not pretty to say the least.” Blitzwing warned. “Good thing about Admirals Blitz, they can take a ship as a flagship. So Don’t worry about that.” Proxima said. “Good.” Blitz responded. “That raises another question. How far would she be able to go as far as ranks are concerned?” Teletran asked. “That I’m not sure.” Proxima responded. “It’s one of those things we’ll need to wait and see.” She said. “Assuming we all survive to that point.” Blitz commented as the four got back to mining. Meanwhile, back on the Equestria, Sela, Yamik, and Norman stood in a holodeck area surrounded by Starfleet officer IDs. “Finding a single precedent in an officer that’s similar to Harmony.” Yamik commented. “Like finding a needle in the world’s largest haystack.” Norman commented. “If Harmony is to have a chance of getting into the academy, then we must comb through these records to find even a single precedent that remotely is similar to Harmony.” Sela told them. “But commander, she’s going to go up against the council tomorrow. This is gonna take us a month at least.” Yamik said. “Well, we just need to narrow it down.” Norman responded. “Computer, separate the records of enhanced officers and non enhanced officers, and dump the non-enhanced.” He said. Most of the officer IDs disappeared, leaving only 100 officer IDs left. “Nice work Mr. Norman.” Sela said. “Ok now this is doable.” Yamik nodded in approval. “In that case, let us get to work.” Sela said as they began closely reading the IDs. Looking for anything that could help Harmony’s case. It did not take them long before Norman brought a new ID up close for a read, and noticed something. “I got something.” He said. “What did you get?” Yamik asked as he and Sela looked at the ID Norman found. “A Starfleet officer that is quite similar to Harmony in nearly every relevant regard.” Norman responded. Back in Holodeck one, Baker was helping Harmony with her look, Harmony was meanwhile back to being a blue orb while her Avatar was being a work in progress. “For ponies, it’s important that you pick a singular color scheme and stick with it.” Baker told her. “Pony is your chosen species?” She asked. “I would like to be an Earth Pony. Yes.” Harmony replied. “Then it will be best for you to pick a fur color and a singular mane and tail color. Sometimes, like in the case of the great Princess Twilight Sparkle, or Ambassador Starscout, different color stripes can work. But what you did with your first attempt was have equalized color regions in your mane and tail. To just name one of the problems.” Baker explained. “I was meaning to represent Starfleet seeing as I am a starfleet vessel.” Harmony responded, being a bit attacked right now. “There are better ways to do that.” Baker responded. “Now, how about the glasses? What made you want those?” She asked. “I apparently have a visor built into my head in robot mode, as the schematics of my body show.” Harmony replied. “So I thought I should include them in my Avatar.” “Understandable.” Baker said. “Though they can also be a liability, I would advise that you forgo the visor under normal circumstances. Although in battle visors can absolutely be of use.” She said. “Fair enough.” Harmony said as baker tapped at a holographic control panel, changing up Harmony’s avatar look. “My apologies if I’m coming off as too harsh on your look Harmony.” Baker commented, sensing how harsh she might be coming off. “Cardassians have a proud legacy of art and aesthetics. Guess that just gives us a critical eye for this stuff. All in all, it was a good first attempt.” “I understand Cmdr Baker, thank you for helping me refine my look.” Harmony responded. “Might I ask that we keep the leg bands?” “Any reason?” Baker asked. “I have been trying to stick close to my own body’s color…scheme…I just realized I completely went against that the first time around.” Harmony realized when saying it out loud. Baker couldn’t help but let out a snicker. “Hm…How about we do this…” She said as she worked her magic. She came up with an appearance in no time. “How about this?” She asked. Harmony gave the appearance a look, before speaking up. “I will not lie, this is infinitely better than my first attempt. Can we go with this one?” She asked. “It’s your avatar. Your call.” Baker responded. “I like it. Let’s go with this one.” Harmony said. “Alright then.” Baker responded. “Now to see if this Mobile Emitter mod works. Meet me in the medbay and Dr. Boiler can monitor your brain activity.” She said. “Copy that Cmdr Baker.” Harmony responded. In the medical bay, Dr. Boimler was seeing a patient out. “Just take it easy on the leg for a few days and it should be fine. I’ll put you on restricted duty till then.” He said. The patient nodded and left, thanking Phlox. Phlox turned back into the medbay to put the order in when an Earth Pony mare suddenly appeared before him, a mare which had a familiar voice. “Greetings Dr Boimler.” Said the voice of Harmony. Boimler stopped in his tracks, piecing together what was happening. “Harmony?” He asked. “Yes Doctor. This is my new Avatar.” Harmony responded. Boimler saw that Harmony had a silver fur coat, a gold mane and tail with a red stripe running down the middle of both. She was wearing a Starfleet observer uniform, and wore a pair of bands on each of her four legs. After taking it in, Phlox nodded in approval. “It definitely suits you.” He said. “So, what can I do for you now?” He asked. “Cmdr Baker wanted me to meet her here. We are ready to test my mobile emitter and she believed it best to do so here so you may monitor my neural brain activity.” Harmony explained. “Smart.” Phlox responded. “Harmony, are you sure you want to take this risk? If something goes wrong you could effectively die from this experiment.” “Considering I will gain mobility that my physical body cannot provide for me, and considering that said mobility will help my case for being allowed into the Academy, I say the risks are worth the reward.” Harmony responded. Phlox couldn’t argue with that logic. “Fair enough.” He said. “So, What career are you going to go into?” Phlox asked. “I have not given thought to that. I have been focused thus far on just getting into the Academy at all.” Harmony answered. “But from casually obtaining glimpses, I would say I find command intriguing.” “Given that you are a starship, with control over everything, command does seem like the way to go for you.” Phlox said. “But I would take a little more time to consider it. You cannot change careers easily once you get into your second year as a cadet.” “Understood.” Harmony replied. “If I may ask, how did you get into medical?” She asked Phlox. “Both my parents were doctors in their day. I always found biology and medicine intriguing. And saving people’s lives is always a nice feeling. So, when I knew I wanted to join Starfleet, it was a no-brainer to go to Starfleet Medical.” Phlox replied. “You could say it was my calling.” “Intriguing.” Harmony responded. Right then, Kasey entered the medbay. “Afternoon Doc.” She greeted Phlox. “Cmdr Baker.” Phlox responded. “I assume you have the Mobile Emitter?” He asked. “Right here.” Baker responded as she held up the emitter. She pulled out a retractable cord from it. “And this is the cortical Psychic patch that Harmony can use to transfer her consciousness into the emitter.” “And that is the part that I am needed for. To make sure nothing goes wrong.” Phlox concluded. Baker nodded as she walked over to a console and plugged in the cord. “Yeah. We are literally playing around with our ship’s consciousness. If something goes wrong our vessel becomes brain dead.” She said. “And as we found out last week, that also presents a risk to the captain…We should probably warn her.” Phlox responded as he tapped his combadge. “Doctor Boimler to Captain Maxima.” He said. “Maxima here.” Proxima responded through coms. “We’re about to transfer Harmony’s consciousness into her new Mobile Emitter. Harmony has said she’s willing to take the risk. What’s your take?” Phlox asked. “Worst case Scenario, Commander Sela is a capable captain. You’re clear.” Maxima responded. “Acknowledged.” Phlox responded before cutting the coms. He took a deep breath and called up Harmony’s brain activity. “Ready Harmony?” He asked. “Yes Doctor.” Harmony replied. “Alright then, only question now is where do you want me to stick this?” Baker asked. Harmony thought for a moment, considering her options. “Perhaps on the back of my head? I believe it could be possible to conceal it with a bow after the fact.” She said. “Hm. You’re learning.” Baker replied with pride as Harmony approached, she turned her head so Baker could stick the Emitter where Harmony wanted. Once it was secure, Baker kept a hand on the Emitter just in case. “Ok, the Emitter is on, do you see the pathway Harmony?” She asked. Internally, Harmony could see a new connection opened up in the system. “Yes, I believe I see the pathway into the Emitter.” She said. “In that case, ready when you are.” Phlox said. Both he and Baker were holding their breath. After one final muster of courage, Harmony entered the pathway and her consciousness traveled into the Emitter. The Emitter itself lit up a bright blue before dimming again. Phlox took that as an indication that she was in the Emitter now. “Brain activity stable so far.” He said. “Baker, Disconnect.” Baker did as she was told and Disconnected the Emitter from the console. Everything flickered for a fraction of a second before stabilizing again. But despite that, Boimler Never lost the brain activity he was monitoring. “Well the ship might have glitched but her brain activity is still strong.” He said. “Harmony? You good?” Baker asked. “Yes cmdr.” Harmony responded. “Alright, now comes the test of the Emitter itself.” Baker said. “Computer, disable all emitters on this deck.” She ordered after ensuring they weren’t going to upset anyone with this step. Every emitter shut itself off on the deck, and Harmony’s avatar remained. Baker smiled as she took her hand off the emitter, confident it wouldn’t fall. “We can still see you Harmony, I think this actually worked.” She said. Harmony couldn’t help but smile widely at this news. “I’m mobile!” She exclaimed excitedly as she pranced in place. “This is amazing. Thank you Cmdr Baker.” She said. “Any time Harmony.” Baker responded. “Now we just have to wait and see if a complete shutdown will affect your avatar with your consciousness loaded in.” “I do not recommend that right now.” Boimler responded. “I’m not an engineer but even I know how bad an idea that is right now.” “Yeah. It is.” Baker said. “And there’s not a convenient time to do such a test, because we are FAR away from the nearest possible spacedock. It’s just one of those things where if we get hit by an EMP, the silver lining will be that it allows us to test if it actually works or not.” “Well. for now, I do not believe it is important.” Harmony said. “Agreed.” Phlox replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Harmony said as a black bow appeared in her hair, the same color as her uniform. “I’m gonna see what the captain thinks. “Admiral Vance.” Proxima acknowledged when the Admiral’s face appeared on her holo imager. Commander Sela had informed her that Admiral Vance waa calling again, and this time it was marked Priority One. So she and Sela took it in Proxima’s ready room. “Captain, Commander.” Admiral Vance replied. “Is there a problem Admiral?” Sela asked. “Your call was marked Priority One.” “Yes. Because I wanted to ensure you two heard this news.” Vance responded. Proxima could tell that Vance was looking worried. “Did the council need to reschedule our appearance before them?” She asked. “No, that is still happening. The issue is WHO will be in attendance.” Vance responded. Proxima and Sela glanced at each other in confusion. They did not know of any problem representatives on the council. “I fear we do not follow Admiral.” Sela told Vance. “Mr. And Mrs. T’Pala were re-elected as N’Var’s representatives on the council mere moments ago. And ever since Harmony’s original inquiry, they have been very vocal AGAINST Harmony’s acceptance.” Admiral Vance responded. Proxima’s eyes widened as Sela just raised an eyebrow. “What?” They both asked. Proxima in a rising panic voice and Sela in a neutral voice, but that did not mean Sela herself was not internally panicking. Forget the Eugenics Act, Harmony’s biggest obstacle tomorrow will be my parents. She thought, already guessing what her parents were REALLY up to here. To Be Continued…