//------------------------------// // I: Onwards and Upwards // Story: Wonderbirds: Chasing the Darkness // by 8_Bit //------------------------------// Relentless sunshine beat down upon the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the narrow trail that wound its way through the lush flora. The jungle seemed to echo with the symphony of wildlife, from the distant calls of exotic birds to the chirping of unseen insects. Earthy scents of damp soil and decaying leaves mingled with the heady fragrance of tropical flowers. Combined, they created a sensory feast that hung in the moist air. Thick underbrush almost seemed to reach up towards the treeline above, curving around the trail in a peculiar way that appeared to form a near-perfect tunnel through the trees. As she galloped along, beads of sweat glistened on Pinkie Pie's brow, streaming down her face and soaking into her tank top. The path ahead was uneven, strewn with roots and fallen branches, demanding her full attention. Each fall of her hooves kicked up small clouds of dust, adding to the hazy, dreamlike quality of the jungle. Despite the sweltering heat and the physical challenges of the terrain, a sense of exhilaration coursed through Pinkie's veins. Harmony Island was a veritable nature reserve in its own right, mostly untouched by the hooves of ponykind. This particular region of the isle was treated by its few equine inhabitants as sacred ground. They could pass through it, observe it, Fluttershy had even taken to cataloguing it, but under no circumstances were they to interfere with it. Pinkie loved running through its winding trails, trip hazards be damned. With every pounding heartbeat, Pinkie's muscles started to cry out in protest. Like a symphony of ache and fatigue that began to resonate throughout her whole body. The heat bore down on her like an invisible weight that sapped at her strength and resolve. Oh, but she was so close to her personal record. Even as the sweat stung at her eyes and blurred her vision, she couldn't bring herself to stop yet. She was too determined, especially when she set her sights on a particular goal. Finally, Pinkie came across the scene of tranquillity she'd been so desperate to reach. It was, quite literally, a breathtaking sight. In front of her, a vast, rippling pond sat nestled within a lush clearing. The pond's surface reflected the azure sky above in gentle undulations, creating a mesmerizing, almost surreal scene. Across the water, a majestic waterfall thundered from the heights of a moss-covered cliff on the opposite shore. It cascaded down and shimmered in the dappled sunlight, sending silvery droplets dancing through the air. There, right by the waters edge, a small wooden bench had been set up. A rest stop that managed to sit within its habitat without detracting from it. Pinkie made a beeline for the bench, clopping a front hoof down hard on it, and reaching up with her other hoof to stop the timer on her watch. As her chest heaved and her breaths came in heavy puffs, she pulled the water bottle out from her compact saddlebag. She sucked at it with relief. Her nostrils flared as she drank, struggling for air as she put equal priority on quenching her thirst. Much of Pinkie's weight shifted to the trembling hoof resting on the bench, as the exertion of her run finally caught up with her. She gasped as she drained the final few dregs of water from her bottle, and fell to her haunches. Still shaking, she raised her hoof to eye level to examine her watch. Disbelief washed over her as a colossal grin contorted her face. She had smashed her previous record by an entire twelve seconds. And that record had been set on a day nowhere near as hot as this. Pinkie pattered her front hooves at the ground, her tippy taps of elation only adding to the ambient sounds of jungle wildlife and running water. Oh! The water. Well, she reasoned, she'd earned a chance to cool down. Swims in the pond were permissible, after all, within the established rules that Fluttershy had set down for the nature reserve. The surface was like a perfect mirror, reflecting the vibrant greens of the surrounding jungle and the cloudless sky. After setting her saddlebag aside, and with cautious steps, Pinkie waded into the crystal-clear water. A slight moan escaped her lips as the refreshing chill enveloped her overheated body. As she ventured in, the pond's depths surrounded her in a gentle, cool embrace. The sensation was pure bliss, a soothing balm to her weary muscles. Her breathing became less laboured as she settled herself in place, hooves resting on the muddy bed of the pond. In the peace and serenity that settled upon her, Pinkie shut her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy the moment. Cool, refreshing water hugging every inch of her body. A mesmerising cacophony of wilderness sounds echoing around her. The dull roar of the nearby waterfall. Pinkie loved it here, this spot especially. The fact that she was able to call this island her home was something she often found herself unable to believe. She jumped when she felt something brush against her muzzle. Blinking as she peeked her eyes open, a bemused smile spread across Pinkie's face. She actually had to cross her eyes, but she recognised the faint outline of butterfly wings resting atop her nose. It was a tiny little creature, boasting vibrant pink wings splotched with black polka dots. "Oh, good morning Mrs. Flutterbug," Pinkie giggled. "How's Mr. Flutterbug today?" The butterfly twitched its antennae, gave the slightest flutter of its wings, and generally failed to provide any solid impression that it had even heard what Pinkie had said. Let alone even understand her words. "Yeah? Uh-huh. Oh, is that so? Well, you know how men are, but I'm sure he'll be fine!" Pinkie beamed in reply. As was the norm for Pinkie's life nowadays, however, the peace and quiet was short-lived. Her riveting conversation was interrupted as her wrist watch trilled with a high pitched tone. It was still loud, despite the fact it was attached to a hoof being held several feet underwater. The butterfly responded immediately, flapping its wings and zooming off into the sky. Pinkie looked around in surprise, trying to watch it as it flew away, but glare from the sun reflecting off the rippling water blinded her to its path. She suppressed the urge to say a rude word as she raised her watch out of the water. "Go for Pie," she said to it. "Hey Pinkie, it's Twilight," a voice sounded from a tiny speaker. "Judging from the time, I'm guessing you must be out on your morning run?" "Uh-huh," Pinkie said, nodding despite the fact her watch was incapable of video calls, rendering it a moot gesture. "I'm out in the West Reserve right now. Just cooling off in the pond with the waterfall." "Ahh, that's one of my favourite rest stops as well. Anyway, can you get back here as soon as you can please? It looks like we have a rescue for you, but we need to sit down and have a talk about it." Despite her exhaustion, a fresh wave of adrenaline flooded into Pinkie's chest. "And when you specifically say a rescue for me, do you mean..." Her watch chuckled. "Yes, Pinkie, I mean it's a space rescue. But it's not exactly straightforward. Get back to the villa, shower yourself off, and meet me in the lounge so I can explain." "Copy that, see you soon." Anticipation seemed to send Pinkie into overdrive as she surged towards the edge of the pond. The water clung to her fur, cool and invigorating, as she scrambled up the mossy bank. Droplets cascaded from her body, creating a shimmering trail in the warm sunlight. Standing at the water's edge, she took a moment to steady herself as a single thought danced in her mind: she would be taking Wonderbird Three out for a serious rescue. Its first mission in months, finally. A triumphant grin spread across Pinkie's face as she watched the waterfall for a moment. She contemplated the endless supply and shuttle runs. For what felt like an eternity, her only space duties had been ferrying Rarity back and forth to Wonderbird Five for her tours of duty. As if her magnificent rocket was nothing more than a giant red taxi. Then, like a bolt of lightning, determination surged through Pinkie once more. She donned her saddlebag and sprinted away from the pond, the jungle trail seeming to point her home, and the world around her turned to a blur as she raced back towards Harmony Villa. Wonderbird Three was her craft, a towering rocket of fiery red that dwarfed Wonderbirds One and Two, but space rescues were few and far between. Ponykind was only now starting to reach the true potentials of space travel, and there were only a few inhabited stations in orbit. Additionally, to best of Pinkie's knowledge, there were only two missions of exploration currently under way from any global space agency. Her mind reeled with possibilities as her second wind propelled her homewards. Though dramatic in its potential consequences and harrowing for its survivors, much of Pinkie's back-catalogue of space rescues had been borderline mundane compared to ones pulled off on Equis by Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and even Fluttershy. On her last outing, at least, one that hadn't been a trip to bring Rarity to or from Wonderbird Five, Pinkie had been tasked with tracking down an astronaut from the GRIFF-X Space Station. His safety tether had broken during a spacewalk. She'd found the griffon adrift somewhere over Brayzil with plenty of time (and oxygen) to spare, and dutifully returned him to his station. He was dropped off with well wishes, advice for overcoming the vertigo, and some strong opinions about rope manufacturers. Compared to the high-octane, often explosive rescues that were pulled off within the safety of an atmosphere, some ponies could be forgiven for considering the space rescues a charge riddled with mundanity. Pinkie, however, had a touch more insight. Her job may have been repetitive, but it was never boring. Plus, she was often called upon to assist with a plethora of rescues, and spent more time in the jumpseat of Wonderbird Two than she did her own rocket. Drama and loud explosions, she was happy to leave those problems down on terra firma. It wouldn't do her any favours to wish such excitement upon anypony in space. Before too long, Pinkie had left the nature reserve behind. By the time she was entering the part of the island that bore more signs of civilisation, her wet clothes had begun to dry off. She slowed to a jog as the dirt path underhoof made way for paved stones that emitted loud clops with every step. Dense trees thinned out, replaced by a thicket of shrubs that rose to shoulder height. And as Pinkie rounded a corner, a short but wide staircase rose in front of her, embedded into the side of a rocky cliff face. She jogged up, emerging at the top by the side of a large swimming pool. To her right, the cliff face rose higher and higher, and to the left was the pool with the Pintocific Ocean stretching into the horizon beyond. In front of her, up another flight of stairs, sat Harmony Villa. Its sleek and modern lines, jet black polarised glass windows and sprawling balconies would have contrasted harshly with the terrain, were it not for the well cared-for plants and shrubs that nestled it into its surroundings. From the pool, the sounds of splashing drew Pinkie's attention. A short-cropped mane of pale pink skimmed above the surface of the water, bobbing along as its owner swam laps. Behind the pool, Pinkie could see a sunglass-clad Rarity snoozing gently on a sun lounger. The towel loosely wrapped around her rose and fell with every subdued breath. Her spells of duty on Wonderbird Five operated on a monthly rotation, three weeks on-board and one week of rest. None of them would begrudge Rarity the chance to relax in the sun during her time on back on the island. Reaching the edge of the pool as she finished a lap, Fluttershy made to twist herself around to start another. She paused when she spotted Pinkie. "Hey," Fluttershy called out, stretching her wings as she rested a hoof on the poolside. "Did you have a good run?" "Pretty good, beat my record from here to the Waterfall Pond," Pinkie replied, wiping a line of fresh sweat from her brow. "And I saw the most amazing little pink butterfly while I was cooling off in the water." "Pink butterfly? Did it have stripes or spots?" "Err... spots, why?" "How many on each wing?" "...six, I think?" Fluttershy thought for about two seconds. "Oh, that's Derek. He's such a sweetheart." "Wait, what?" Pinkie gasped, an ear drooping. "Mrs. Flutterbug's first name is Derek?" As Fluttershy tilted her head in confusion, both her and Pinkie jumped slightly as Rarity let out a single, loud snore. This was followed by a contented moan, a re-adjustment of her position, and then silence again. Pinkie and Fluttershy grinned at each other, suppressing laughter. "Anyhoo," Pinkie continued. "I need to go shower off and report to Twilight." Both of Fluttershy's ears perked up. "A rescue?" "That's what she told me. See you later!" Having been in the rescue game long enough, Pinkie had grown used to judging the severity of any situation purely by Twilight's initial reactions. Absolute crisis, perilous situation, immediate action needed? Twilight's orders would have been for Pinkie to get back, launch immediately, and she would be given instructions when airborne. Today, following the directive of getting home, showered, and meeting with Twilight to discuss the situation? Well, it had to be an urgent situation, Equestrial Rescue didn't launch for anypony and everypony for the sake of saving a cat from a tree. Twilight would have dismissed it immediately if she didn't think they were needed. But they had some time to work out a plan, that made things less stressful. When she was feeling refreshed, showered and basking in a post-workout glow, Pinkie trotted into the lounge. Twilight was sat at her desk, a panoramic view of the ocean framed in the full-height window behind her. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy lazed on a nearby sofa, the latter wrapped up in a towel and still looking damp from the pool. Twilight's face lit up as Pinkie entered. "Excellent, thank you for your promptness, Pinkie. Have a seat and we'll get started." As Pinkie settled into a plush armchair, both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sat to attention. It was possible that Rainbow Dash had also been summoned by Twilight, but Fluttershy appeared to be there out of curiosity more than necessity. "So," Twilight began. "Firstly Pinkie, I'd like to ask you, what do you know about Project Duskwalker?" Pinkie's pulse raced and her shoulders tensed as the gravity of the situation dawned on her. "Duskwalker is one of STEED's latest missions, and probably the most expensive to date. It's a mobile research lab stationed on the planet Marecury. Well... research lab doesn't really even cut it, it's a ginormous tracked machine that's supposed to stay in constant motion. Last I heard, the mission was underway and going well." "It was going well," Twilight corrected. "Until a few hours ago when they lost contact. The crawler was stationary at the time the communications went dead, pausing to drill some material samples from the planet’s surface. But it missed its rendezvous to get underway again, and as of the most recent satellite photos, it still hasn't started moving." "So, they're just broken down?" Rainbow Dash interjected. "What's the problem, why don't STEED just send somepony out with... do they have tow trucks for giant mobile labs?" Uncomfortable silence emanated throughout the room. The sheer ludicrousness of Dash's comment took a moment to fully settle upon all of them. "Err... not really, Dashie," Pinkie replied, moments after the awkwardness peaked. "Duskwalker is too big, there isn't any kind of machinery that STEED has in stock that could just... pull it along. And that's not even the biggest problem." "Nope, daylight is," Twilight confirmed. Never one to miss the opportunity to double down on looking silly, Rainbow Dash tilted her head to one side. "Huh?" "Marecury is the closest planet to our sun," Pinkie explained with a roll of her eyes. "During the daytime, the temperature can reach as much as four hundred degrees. And then at night, it plummets to one hundred and eighty degrees below. The thermal insulation on the crawler is designed for extreme low temperatures, because for safety reasons they deemed it better to operate in the night zone. It's super good at standing up to the cold, but the heat could do some really bad damage. That's why it's a mobile lab, it's constantly moving so it can stay in the darkness. I don't think it would last more than a few minutes if direct light got to it." The weight of the situation hung in the air, but Rainbow Dash seemed to be going for a hat-trick of asking silly questions. "Those... those temperatures. Were they in Fahrenheit or Celsius?" Twilight leaned forward against her desk. "First one, then the other," she deadpanned. "So, in short: the crawler has stopped moving, their communications are dead, and if the sun rises on them? Everycreature on board will be charbroiled alive. Any other questions, Rainbow Dash?" "Nope, I'm good," Dash replied, slumping deeper into the sofa cushion and pursing her lips as her ears twitched. "Alrighty then. So we can start working out a plan." "Wait a second. You said everycreature, not everypony. Have STEED given you a crew manifest?" Pinkie asked. "Mmhmm, I've got it right here," Twilight nodded, tilting her head towards the computer screen on her desk. "The full crew complement is seventeen ponies, three minotaurs, six griffons and a changeling." Fluttershy cocked her head towards Pinkie. "You didn't know it wasn't just ponies on board?" "STEED never said there were other creatures on board. They announced the number of crew and that was that. For a research mission on such a hostile planet, they sure were vague about a lot of details." "I imagine they had their reasons," Twilight mused, ever taking the path of diplomacy. "Quietly building a culture of co-operation between races and organisations, likely. Imagine the publicity after their return journey. Emerging victorious, and revealing that it had been four races working together on a mission of discovery. You'd never be able to buy that much good press." "Hang on," Rainbow Dash interjected, her tail flicking in agitation. "Return journey? That's something, how were they supposed to get back in the first place?" "The main body of their ship is orbiting the planet," Pinkie explained. "And the crawler is fitted with escape modules. When the time came for them to return home, the plan was for them to launch from the crawler and dock with the main ship." "So... why don't they just do that?" Okay, that was a reasonable question. "If the communications are down..." Pinkie said, trailing off at the end of her sentence as she looked to Twilight for confirmation. "Exactly right," Twilight obliged. "The main ship also acts as a communications relay between them and STEED. I have the data right here, the line between STEED and the ship is operating perfectly. But from the ship to Duskwalker, that line is currently down. They could try to launch, but they have no way of knowing where their ship is to dock with. It'd be like throwing darts in a pitch black room." "Okay then Twily," Pinkie said, sitting up straight. "What's the plan, repair or extraction?" Twilight leant back in her chair as her ears folded slightly downwards. "When Bright Star made the emergency call, she begged for us to focus on repairing the crawler, citing the value of the research on board. I just told her we'd do the best we can, but ultimately our job is saving lives, not property." That was a mark change from the younger Twilight that Pinkie had first come to know all those years ago back in Ponyville. That Twilight would have sympathised on valuing research above all else. The more mature, coolheaded Twilight knew better. Machines could be rebuilt, experiments re-attempted, but there was no bringing back the deceased. Save lives first, that was the mantra she'd aspired to when she'd founded Equestrial Rescue. "Alright," Dash said, rising to her hooves. "Enough talking then, we know what we're up against, let's go." "Hang on, Rainbow Dash," Twilight interjected. "There's one other thing we need to discuss." The cyan mare stood dumbfounded. "What do you mean, 'other thing'? Time's a-wasting, let's go already!" "This is not a straightforward mission, and there is one more layer of complication. Now please, sit down." Grumbling, Rainbow Dash perched herself back onto the edge of the sofa. "It took STEED nearly three months to reach Marecury," Twilight explained. "Our technology is a few decades ahead of them, so we can cut a huge chunk out of that journey time. But it will still take about two weeks, each way, which amounts to being away in space for at least a month." The room was silent for a moment. "Can we even get there in time?" Fluttershy asked. "I mean, if it's two weeks to get there, and they only have until sunrise?" "Marecury days are longer than Equis days," Pinkie explained. "Fifty eight and a half here, is one there. So a night there lasts for about twenty nine days." "It'll be tight, for sure," Twilight added. "Based on their position at the time of breaking down, I'd say they were about sixteen Equis days ahead of sunrise. So we'll have two days to play with. But it's not just a timing issue, it's also a personnel issue, for lack of a better term." "Meaning what, exactly?" Rainbow Dash asked, raising an eyebrow as she cocked her head. "Meaning... well, I know it's our standard practise for you to be Pinkie's co-pilot on space operations. But... I don't think it's entirely wise that Wonderbird One should be without a pilot for such an extended period of time. Nor Wonderbirds Two, Four or Five." "Hang on a sec... that's why you didn't put a call out to me either, why I had to hear about this from Fluttershy! If you're saying what I think you're saying... then you want to send Pinkie to one of the most dangerous places any of us have ever set hoof... and you want her to go alone!?" Twilight took a deep breath before she answered. "Yes." All it took was this single word, and immediate rage was unleashed. Rainbow Dash was on her hooves again, roaring her disapproval to Twilight. And for a few moments Twilight appeared to take the abuse with calm acceptance. Her ears slumped all the way down and she hung her head, her eyes fixated on a spot on her desk, as she seemed to be mouthing silent reassurances to herself. "Dashie." The room fell silent, as Pinkie's quiet utterance somehow cut through Rainbow Dash's furious yells. Three pairs of eyes turned towards Pinkie. Rainbow Dash, her chest heaving and nostrils flaring. Twilight, her eyes glassy and ears still hung low. Fluttershy, who appeared to be undecided on whose side she should take, and had settled for looking bewildered. "You don't need to lash out at Twilight like that," Pinkie murmured. "She's right, we can't afford to lose anypony else for such a long time. Say if somepony needed help and Wonderbird One was the only thing quick enough to get to them in time. What then?" "But Pinkie, I-" "And I know you're only angry because you're protective of me. Of all of us. But we all agreed, when we signed up for this, that Twilight was in charge. That we knew she wouldn't make any decision lightly. And you, Dashie, you're not just doubting her judgement, right now you're acting like I'm not able to do this myself. I know it's dangerous, I know the risks. And I don't care, there are creatures up there that are in danger. I'm going." Rainbow Dash's tail twitched as she seemed to consider this. Her eyes were unfocused, and a vein pulsed on her forehead. Tense moments passed inexorably by, until finally, she let out a deep sigh, hanging her head down low as she clenched her eyes shut. "Twilight," she whispered. "Permission to be excused?" "Permission granted, Dash." "Thank you. And I'm... I'm sorry for shouting at you." "Apology accepted." Deafening quiet fell on the room, broken only by the light clopping of Rainbow Dash's hooves against the hard wooden floor. Fluttershy seemed to take this as an opportunity for slipping out as well. She whispered reassurances as she went, that she'd give Rainbow Dash a moment of peace before she went to check on her. When the exiting hoofsteps faded to silence, Pinkie and Twilight looked at each other. "So," Twilight said, coughing awkwardly. "You're sure you're up to this?" Pinkie nodded. "Absitively posolutely." "Alright then." A small smile clawed at the edges of Twilight's face, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Rarity's next tour of duty wasn't supposed to start until tomorrow. She might not be too pleased about a premature end to her week of rest, but better a day early than a month late. Please go fetch her, and then prep Wonderbird Three for immediate launch." Silence. Stillness. Pinkie Pie remained in her seat, frowning to herself as she seemed to be mulling something over in her head. "Pinkie?" A few more moments passed before she finally spoke. "I think... I think we should wait. For a day, maybe two." Though she had requested a rocket launch, it was in fact Twilight's eyebrows that made a rapid ascent. "You... think we should wait? Wait for what, exactly?" Pinkie rose to her hooves, making her way over to join Twilight behind her desk. She wordlessly ushered the alicorn aside as she stood herself in front of the small computer. Tapping at the keyboard, she worked her way through a complex system of menus and options that comprised Equestrial Rescue's computer interface. Soon she landed on what Twilight recognised as a real-time map of the solar system. Pinkie zoomed in, focusing on the sun and the innermost three planets. "So there's us, Equis," Pinkie explained, gesturing to the third planet orbiting out from the sun. "And there's Marecury. Launching right now, I don't think Equis is in the best position for us to get there as quickly as we're able to. At least, I'm pretty sure we're not." To illustrate this, she programmed the computer to plot an optimal course between the two planets. Additionaly she asked it to calculate the time it would take to travel, if they launched immediately. It took a few moments, but soon the map of the solar system had a line curving across it. The forecasted time for transit was fourteen days, eleven hours and thirty six minutes. Near enough exactly correct to the two weeks that Twilight had said it would take. "But, if we wait just a day or two," Pinkie continued. "I think that planet Veneigh will be in a good position for Wonderbird Three to slingshot around it with a gravity assist, and get to Marecury sooner." She entered this request into the computer. It took a bit longer for the computer to process. On top of plotting an optimal course and calculating the travel time, Pinkie had also asked it to work out what time and date they would need to launch to get to Marecury as soon as possible. She fought the urge to look smug as the route and figures popped up on the screen. Ten days, six hours and thirteen minutes, if they departed at twenty seven minutes past seven in the morning, the day after tomorrow. "Wait two days, and we gain two days," she chuckled, and her tail seemed to bounce around in satisfaction. The smile that spread across Twilight's face was a wonder to behold. "You worked that out in your head?" Pinkie shrugged. "Ain't nothing to it, Twilight. And it means Rarity gets an extra day of rest in the sun. I'm always looking out for the wellbeing of my friends, you know?" "This is 'Three calling base, me and 'Five are in position, requesting startup clearance." "Startup clearance granted, 'Three." Pinkie and Rarity set themselves to work. As they started pressing buttons and performing checks, the dark cockpit of Wonderbird Three became alive with glowing lights. Switches and screens flickered into life, illuminating the two mares strapped into their seats. Pinkie was seated in the primary control position, and Rarity operated a supplemental backup console. "Activating engine sequence," Pinkie said. "Engine sequence is a go," Rarity confirmed. "Anti-detection shield is green, hydraulic systems green." "Set primary fuel pumps." "Primary fuel pumps are set, redundant pumps on standby." Somewhere far below them, a deep throbbing whir began to emanate from the bowels of the rocket. The change was immediate, as propellants, oxidisers and coolants began circulating. Vital fluids, breathing life into the dormant machine, like rousing a mighty dragon from its slumber. The vibrations steadily increased, reverberating throughout the body of Wonderbird Three as if its pulse was rising to full strength. "Retro systems are green," Rarity continued. "Guidance systems are green. Engine sequencing complete." "Check reactor stability," Pinkie requested. There was a pause as Rarity examined her screens. "Fusion reactor is stable," she confirmed. “Ion drive?” “Green and standing by.” "Life support systems?" "All online and green." "'Three to base, requesting clearance to open launch doors." "Clearance granted, 'Three," Twilight's voice replied. "You may open when ready." "Copy that, base. Opening launch doors and preparing for thrust check." Pinkie flicked a switch, and somewhere high up in the darkness, a colossal orchestra of machinery began to stir. Deep, rumbling vibrations resonated down the sides of the hangar, as the dark yielded to sunlight. Above Wonderbird Three, light bore down in the perfect outline of a three-pronged star, as the building sat atop began to segment and slide apart. The Roundhouse, home to the main library on Harmony Island, became alive with hissing and rumbling as airlocks slid into place. Splitting into perfect thirds, the neat slices of the building inched gradually out of the way, in preparation for the launch of the rocket housed below it. This was the slowest part of the launch. A great deal of the background systems that made Wonderbird Three function would bring themselves online automatically. This was part of a digital domino chain preceeded by the manual startup of the core systems. Pinkie, Rarity and sometimes Rainbow Dash (when co-piloting) would often sit silently during this time, monitoring the various systems starting up. It killed time as they waited for the launch doors to fully open, before takeoff could proceed. "We have confirmation, 'Three, launch doors open and locked," Twilight's voice said from their headsets. Pinkie confirmed this on her screens. "I'm showing full open and lock here too." "All subsystems online and functioning correctly." Rarity added. "Same here, all subsystems green," Pinkie agreed. "We are go for thrust check." Reaching out to the throttle lever, Pinkie nudged it forward until she heard a small click as it locked into launch position. The effect this had on the rocket was immediate. Well and truly awoken from their slumber, the colossal engines at Wonderbird Three's base roared into life. A deep, throaty grumble echoed through the cavernous hangar. Flames began to lick at the launchpad, the blast ducts diverting the inferno away from the craft. So strong was the vacuum effect, not even a puff of smoke managed to rise up and away from the fire below. The vibrations in the cockpit increased tenfold, juddering Pinkie and Rarity in their seats. "Ten million pounds of thrust," Pinkie observed. "It's holding steady. Arm gantries and umbilicals for retraction." "Armed for retraction, confirmed." "Go." Down the length of Wonderbird Three, a labyrinthine web of crisscrossing girders and metallic tendrils began to detach themselves. One by one, they sprang to life. Fuel lines and conduits leapt away from the rocket and pressed themselves against the surrounding walls. It was as if they were steeling themselves for the apocalyptic event to come, as roaring engines passed them by. Each lifeline between Wonderbird Three and its support systems in the hangar slid away in a harmonious ballet, accompanied by loud clicks and hisses as openings on the rocket's hull sealed themselves shut. A shimmering cloud of vapour began to form. Born of liquids dripping from curling and coiling pipes, it was swiftly dragged down and out of sight by the incessant force of air pulled by the ferocious engines. "All gantries retracted and stowed, and all external ports locked and ready," Rarity announced. "Copy that, system status for electromagnetic assist?" "Electromagnetic assist, green and ready." Pinkie took a deep, steadying breath. "All checks complete and good to go, base, Wonderbird Three requesting launch clearance." "Launch clearance granted, 'Three. Good luck." Turning to Rarity and grinning, Pinkie began her countdown. "Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Go." Within a fraction of a second, two things happened. First a powerful array of docking clamps, that anchored Wonderbird Three in place atop its launch pad, all released in perfect unison. Second, either side of the rocket's hangar, two gigantic pairs of rails sat opposite each other came alive with electric current. Lengths of conductive alloy that ran the full height of the cavernous space, from pad to doorway, crackled with immense power as the current flowed through the strips and into Wonderbird Three. Rather than ignite any explosive material housed within the rocket, the electricity instead generated a magnetic field that encompassed the entire machine. The electrical current exerted a force on the magnetic field, one that was perpendicular to the direction of the rails: straight up. The result of this was instantaneous. Riding within the electromatic field and propelled by the thrust of its engines, Wonderbird Three launched upwards with blinding speed. Pinkie Pie and Rarity found themselves pressed hard into their seats by the immense forces sending them skyward. The vibrations abated ever so slightly, but only because of the acceleration that had taken their place. Within a second, the three-pronged star of daylight above them had taken up the entirety of the cockpit windscreen. They soared past the trisected library and into the sky. "Clear of launch area," Pinkie called out. "Go for maximum thrust." And with that, she pushed her throttle lever all the way forwards. The world behind Pinkie and Rarity exploded as the engines surged into full power. Vibrations that had previously eased off returned with a vengeance. Wonderbird Three charged upwards with a renewed vigour. Forces being reaped upon the two mares seemed to pull them back down into their seats, with ferocity that threatened to squeeze the air from their lungs. The rocket ascended, with Pinkie Pie and Rarity both trembling in their safety harnesses as their muscles strained against the pull of gravity. Were it not for their helmets, the noise would have been deafening. But Pinkie couldn't help herself. She whooped and hollered as they rose higher and higher, up into the stratosphere and away from Harmony Island. Spurred on by Pinkie's glee, Rarity let out fits of laughter as she found herself once again revelling in the thrill of the ride. And what a ride it was. Nothing on Equis could compare to this. "Wonderbird Three is go," Pinkie declared, cackling to herself.