Last time on Star trek Equestria Reformatted:
“For the last two weeks I have been having Recurring Nightmares.”
“Proxi!”
“There is no Medical or Physical way to stop a mind meld.”
“Serak has been talking to Admiral Vance and Ambassador Starscout and Alphabittle.”
“A Mind Meld is an integral part of Vulcan Physiology. Anything done to disrupt it could disrupt it permanently.”
“Dream Crystals. That’s it.”
“You should have stayed Quiet.”
And now the continuation
The USS Equestria, under cloak, was warping through the void, onboard, the day shift was getting ready for bed, and Proxima and Sela were in Sela’s quarters, Proxima holding up a necklace to her. “I spent all day getting this ready but with any luck you won’t have any more nightmares with this.” Proxima explained.
Sela just looked at the crystal. She recognized it as a Dream Crystal, but she was still skeptical. “Captain, I have accepted long ago that magic exists, but I remain unconvinced that this crystal can protect me from nightmares.” She said.
“Trust me Sela, everything I’ve read about this doesn’t say anything about it only working for ponies. So logically, there’s at least a 50/50 chance of it working for you.” Proxima responded.
“If I can interject captain, what exactly IS a dream crystal?” Harmony asked.
“Long ago, there was a guardian of the dream realm on Equis. Princess Luna.” Proxima responded. “She used to protect those in her domain from nightmares, before she ascended to a higher plane of existence. Right before she did though, she used her magic to create a metric crapload of these Dream Crystals, enough that eventually the ponies that came after her managed to replicate them exactly. Luna may not be around anymore but she wasn’t going to leave her subjects hanging.” Proxima explained.
“Intriguing.” Harmony responded. “And you believe this crystal will work for Sela?”
“There’s only one way to find out.” Proxima replied, returning her attention to Sela. “What do you say Seles? Wanna give it a shot?” She asked.
Sela looked between the Crystal and the Captain, she did want the nightmares to end…but she was hesitant to rely on magic to do so. ‘Why the hell are you hesitating? You’re already going to accept a magical solution to your parents’ illogical and irrational behavior assuming one exists. How is this any different?’ Her mind told her.
“Because deep down, you know magic is a farce. Just like your condition.” Her father’s voice told her.
Whether it was just to spite her parents or not, Her father’s response to her thoughts pushed Sela to a decision. “It cannot hurt to try, I suppose.” Sela responded to Proxima.
Proxima nodded and used her magic to put the necklace on Sela, securing the chain around Sela’s neck. Once the crystal touched Sela, it glowed brightly for a few seconds, and then dimmed. Proxima smiled. “There we go. Now it’s bonded to you and will only work for you until it’s reset manually.” She said.
Sela nodded. “Thank you Captain. You know you did not need to do this.” She said.
“This thing was just sitting in my trunk not getting used anyway. It helped me when I had a nightmare, and now it’ll help you.” Proxima responded with a smile. “Given everything else going on, you shouldn’t also need to fear going to sleep either.” She said.
“If only my parents had the capacity for logic that you do Proxi.” Sela said.
“It really makes me want to look into your family tree and see just how the hell they came to such illogical mindsets.” Proxima commented. “But, anyway, with any luck you won’t have any nightmares tonight.” She said.
“Let us hope so. Thank you Proxima.” Sela responded.
After bidding each other good night, Proxima left Sela’s quarters. As soon as the door closed with her out in the corridor. Proxima spoke again. “Harmony, watch her tonight, make sure nothing goes wrong.” She said.
“Aye captain.” Harmony responded. Within Sela’s quarters, Harmony positioned the security camera, which she used to see inside the ship while not in her holographic avatar, right at Sela. Proxima meanwhile headed back to her Quarters, praying that Sela would not have any nightmares.
Later in the night, Sela found herself in the same place. The Equestria in tatters. Her phaser pistol was drawn as she walked through the corridors. She reached the turbolift that usually took her to the bridge, but when she opened it, instead of the lift, she looked through the door to see something she hadn’t been expecting. Starfleet Academy’s courtyard on a bright and sunny day. Confused as all hell, Sela cautiously walked through and stepped foot into the courtyard. “Curious.” She commented as she holstered her phaser.
“Hello there Sela.” Sela heard a familiar voice. She turned and saw her best friend smiling at her.
“Proxima?” Sela asked.
Proxima chuckled and shook her head. “Nah, I’m not her. I am a manifestation of her I pulled from your memories of her and have chosen this form to watch over you in your dreams.” She explained.
Sela listened to the being’s words, and when she mentioned watching over dreams, she put the pieces together. “The Dream Crystal.” She concluded. By golly it was actually working.
“Indeed.” The Being responded. “I was created by Princess Luna at the very end of her time in your plane of existence. In order to keep all who dream safe from the evils of Nightmares. I have the power to turn those Nightmares into dreams.” It explained.
Sela nodded, letting a smile overtake her. “Thank you. I greatly appreciate the assistance.” She said.
“Now, you can call me Proxi for ease of conversation.” Proxi said. “As per my activation protocol, I went through your memories.” She explained. “And I must say that your parents are total Aholes.” She commented.
That made Sela laugh. “Heheh. Indeed. It is honestly a miracle I have reached this point in my life.” Sela said.
“You hold the Maximas to a high regard. Don’t you.” Proxi observed.
“Indeed I do.” Sela responded fondly. “They are the family I wish my own parents were.” She said.
Back in the waking world, Harmony watched as Sela slept. At first she saw a frown and a scrunched face, but just as Harmony was about to try to wake Sela up, she saw the expression change to a relaxed smile, with the Dream Crystal dimly lit, like a nightlight. Seeing that the Dream Crystal was working, Harmony let her guard down and decided to get some shut eye herself.
The Next Morning, one of the Ensigns from yesterday arrived at the quarters of his friend. “Marin, you awake?” He asked as he rang the bell. After not getting a response, the Ensign opened the door on his own, and what he found shocked him. Marin’s quarters were a wreck and he found his friend lying on the floor, bruised and battered. “Marin!” He exclaimed as he rushed over and checked his friend for a pulse. “Ensign Becker to Medbay. Medical Emergency! Deck 8!” He exclaimed into his combadge.
(Start to about 1:24)
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.
“So, what happened Ensign Becker?” Asked Yamik, who stood with Becker in Marin’s quarters. He and Boimler arrived to find what Becker had found and Yamik immediately started asking questions while Boimler checked on Marin.
“I came here to check if Ensign Marin was up and ready for duty, as he tends to sleep in sometimes.” Becker responded. “I didn’t get an answer so I opened the door, and found the place in shambles and Marin unconscious.” He explained.
“And there weren’t any signs that someone was here before you?” Yamik asked.
“Obviously it had to be someone before me. Because I highly doubt Marin would do this to himself.” Becker responded, in a panicked and exasperated tone.
“Calm down Becker.” Yamik responded. “We’ll get to the bottom of this.” He said. “That’s all Ensign, to your station.”
“Aye sir.” Becker responded as he left.
With him gone, Yamik turned to Boimler. “What’s the verdict Doc?” He asked.
“Expected to make a full recovery, but I still need to take him back to the Medbay for further treatment. He’s got a broken foot and a broken hand.” Boimler reported as he tapped his combadge and Marin was transported to the Medbay. “I don’t suppose you have any theories on what the hell happened?” He asked.
“It’s a standard assault scene. Probably an ambush. The question is, WHO could’ve done it?” Yamik replied. “And so far there aren’t any suspects.”
“We can narrow it down a little.” Called a security officer, who came out of Marin’s bedroom with his HUD online. “Watch this Cmdr.” He said as he showed Yamik the security footage.
Yamik and Boimler watched as they saw a figure in a cloak enter Marin’s quarters, go straight to his bedroom, and then heard screaming before Marin was thrown into the main part of the quarters, the rest was just what Yamik expected had happened. “Could you Identify who this cloaked figure is?” He asked his security officer.
“Computer couldn’t come up with a positive ID match. No identifying features to speak of.” The officer responded. “It could literally be anyone.”
“Actually, we could narrow it down a bit. It’s clearly none of the Cybertronians, or the captain. Otherwise their distinct features would stick out like a sore thumb.” Boimler commented.
“Good point Doc, but that still leaves at least 173 people that coulda done this.” Yamik responded.
“Orders sir?” The officer asked Yamik.
“Star combing the ship for a cloaked figure.” Yamik responded. “Also post a guard at Medbay. Whoever did this could want to finish the job.” He reasoned.
“Aye sir.” The officer responded before leaving.
With the officer gone, Yamik glanced up. “JWO CyberSpark, anything you care to tell us that might help?” He asked.
“No Cmdr.” Harmony responded. “I did not see anything before I went to sleep last night.”
“Sleep?” Yamik asked. “I thought Cybertronians didn’t require sleep?”
“They do actually.” Boimler responded. “Sure they can go longer without sleep, but they still need it.” He explained.
“...Fair enough.” Yamik responded with a shrug. “Well, if you could maybe keep an eye out Harmony that would be great.”
“Aye sir.” Harmony responded.
Yamik nodded and turned his attention back to Boimler. “Let me know when Marin wakes up. I have a few questions to ask him.” He said.
“Of course.” Boimler responded as the two of them left Marin’s Quarters.
“Now, how to break it to the captain that there’s a mysterious cloaked figure onboard...” Yamik mused as he headed to the bridge.
Meanwhile, Sela stepped onto the bridge, ready to start her day. Norman was the first to notice her and nodded towards her. “Good morning Cmdr.” He said.
“Good morning Cmdr Norman.” Sela responded, in a peppier tone than usual. Something that made Norman do a Double take.
“Sounds like you had a good night.” Proxima, who was already there, observed.
“I did Captain.” Sela responded as she took her seat next to the Captain. “Your dream crystal did the trick.” She elaborated.
Proxima smiled widely at that. “That’s good to hear.” She said. ‘YES!’ Proxima inwardly did a little happy dance. ‘GOD that is the best way to start the day. Solving a problem.’ She thought.
At that moment, Yamik came onto the bridge and approached Proxima and Sela. “Captain, Cmdr, There’s something we need to talk about.” He said. “It’s urgent.” He added.
“What is it Cmdr Yamik?” Sela asked.
“We have a mysterious cloaked figure attacking Starfleet officers onboard.” Yamik announced.
There were different reactions to that. Most of the officers stopped what they were doing and stared at Yamik in shock, Sela raised an eyebrow in confusion, and Proxima’s smile faded. “A mysterious cloaked figure is loose on this ship?” Prestine asked.
“Indeed.” Yamik responded. “Last night it attacked Ensign Marin. He’s in the medbay now, but unconscious.” He reported. “We couldn’t get a positive ID from the security feed and Harmony didn’t see anything suspicious.” He said.
“Do you have any guesses Cmdr?” Proxima asked.
“Right now captain, the only ones on this ship NOT in the realm of suspicion are you, me, and our four Cybertronian friends.” Yamik responded. “That still leaves 173 officers though.” He said.
“Do you have a plan of action?” Sela asked.
“I have someone reviewing the ship's security feeds. Once that’s done we’ll begin questioning the crew.” Yamik responded.
“Nip this in the bud as quickly as you can Cmdr Yamik.” Proxima replied, clearly annoyed that one problem followed another.
“Aye sir.” Yamik responded.
While Yamik left, Paris shook his head. “Never a dull moment around here eh?” He asked.
“It would seem so Mr Paris.” Sela responded.
“Chief Medical Officer’s log supplemental. Ensign Marin’s wounds thankfully were not life threatening and he is expected to make a quick recovery. But the very nature of his experience has me concerned. If there is a mysterious figure onboard attacking officers, then we are at serious risk of finally losing someone out here. We have been lucky thus far that we have been able to save everyone we’ve treated, but we all know the day will come when that will change. For now though, everyone that came out here is still here.”
Later on, in the Medbay, Becker flashed into existence by teleporting from his station. “You called for me sir?” He asked Boimler.
“Yes Ensign. Marin’s awake.” Boimler responded. Gesturing to a Biobed with Ensign Marin laying there. “He asked for you when he woke up.” He said.
Becker noticed Marin laying there, and nodded towards Boimler. “Thank you sir.” He said.
“Try not to push him, He’s still recovering.” Boimler said as he left.
With Boimler gone, Becker went straight to Marin’s bed. “Marin, thank the stars you’re alright.” He said, concern on his face.
“H-Hey Becker” Marin responded in a raspy voice. “And here I thought a Terrorcon would put me in here.” He joked, chuckling.
Becker couldn’t help but chuckle as he took Marin’s hand. “Just like you to joke about this.” He said. “Did you see who did this to you?” He asked.
“They were wearing a mask. So I couldn’t see their face.” Marin admitted. “However, I did catch that it was a woman.” He said.
“A woman you say?” They both heard Yamik ask. Beccker turned to see that Yamik had arrived. Becker and Marin assumed that Boimler had called him as well.
As Yamik approached the bed, Marin nodded. “Yes Cmdr. I think it was a woman. They had the average build of a woman.” He said.
Yamik nodded. Marin’s report cut the list of suspects in half, since half the crew was female. “Can you remember anything else?” He asked.
“No Cmdr, I’m sorry, they were wearing a mask so I didn’t see their face, and there were no identifying features exposed except what I already said.” Marin responded.
“It is better than nothing to go off of. Thank you Ensign Marin.” Yamik replied. “Here’s hoping you have a speedy recovery.” He said.
“Thanks Cmdr Yamik.” Marin responded.
As Yamik left, Becker turned back to Marin. “When did the doc say you were cleared to leave?” He asked.
“I should be good by the end of the day.” Marin responded. “Late date night tonight?
He asked.
Becker couldn’t help but laugh and pecked Marin’s forehead with his lips. “I’ll come back after my shift. Then we’ll go to my quarters for some us time. Love you Marin.” He said.
“Love ya too dude.” Marin responded to his boyfriend. After a gentle hand squeeze, Becker left to return to his duties, leaving Marin alone.
Later that night, Marin and Becker did indeed have a late date night. With controllers in their hands and playing a game on a viewscreen. “Oh, I’m gonna getcha this time.” Marin said.
“Ha. Dream on. I’m too fast for you.” Becker responded with determination.
After a few minutes, they both heard the doorbell ring...something that confused them. “Who could be calling at this hour?” Marin asked.
“I don’t know.” Becker responded before he got up and went to the door. The door opened to see a cloaked figure in a mask. Something that scared the ever living crap out of Becker. “WHAT THE?!” He exclaimed.
Before Becker could react any further, the cloaked figure grabbed him and pushed him with such force that he fell back several feet.
Marin saw the cloaked figure and scrambled to his feet before tapping his combadge. “Security alert! Deck 4! It’s the cloaked figure from last night!” He exclaimed.
The cloaked figure had moved on Becker, intending to harm him, before they all heard someone approach. “Freeze!” Ordered a security officer, who had teleported from security to the disturbance. The cloaked figure froze and looked behind them to see the officer had pointed a phased pistol at them.
The officer was about to pull the trigger to stun the figure, before the figure vanished in a teleport, leaving the three officers in a state of confusion. Becker scrambled to his feet, looking around. “Marin was that the same cloaked figure that attacked you?” He asked.
“It was.” Marin responded.
“You two ok?” The security officer asked.
“Thanks to you we are.” Marin replied. The three of them were sharing a look, all thinking the same thing. Next time they needed to catch them.
“Security Chief’s log, Stardate 32120719.0830. The cloaked figure struck again. This time no one was harmed but that was only through the intervention of security. I’ve ordered round the clock patrols to find where that figure is but without a solid ID, or any other info, there’s not much we can do.”
“They wear a mask to beat facial recognition, there are no other identifying features except that the perpetrator is female. I just don’t know what else we can really do except patrols and hoping we manage to get them the next time they strike Captain.” Reported Yamik.
Proxima sighed. She and Yamik were in her ready room, Yamik informing her about the incident the previous night. “Any guesses on WHY this is happening?” She asked.
“Your guess is as good as mine, captain.” Yamik responded. “The cloaked figure has not uttered a word. And I don’t think they’ll ever do that.” He said. “I’m afraid we’ve hit a roadblock in this case.”
Proxima groaned. “If only there was something we could do to catch them before they escape.” She mused.
“Captain, Cmdr Yamik, if you’ll give me the authority, I believe I might be able to catch our culprit.” Harmony interjected.
“What did you have in mind JWO Cyberspark?” Yamik asked.
“I have been playing around with my avatar in my off time, and I discovered that I could project multiple Avatars at once. If you’ll allow me, I can be in every area of the Equestria at once using the Equestria’s holo emitters. Should the figure appear again tonight, I can, at the very minimum, try to learn their identity.” Harmony suggested.
“You can do that?” Proxima asked.
In response, a trio of Harmonys appeared in the Ready Room, the middle one smiling. “Yes captain. I can.” She said. “I can also make different appearances for these avatars.” Harmony added as the two next to her changed appearance.
Yamik and Proxima glanced at each other, not sure what to make of this. Yamik however also understood the value of such an ability. “That might be our best chance captain.” He seconded Harmony’s recommendation.
“Agreed. Harmony, we’re a go for your suggestion. Your job is to learn who this cloaked figure is. Bonus points if you catch them.” Proxima told Harmony.
“Aye captain.” Harmony responded.
“Dismissed.”
Harmony nodded and left. With her gone, Yamik turned to Proxima. “She can now duplicate her avatar.” He commented.
“She’s certainly learning.” Proxima commented. “If she can duplicate her avatar, it’s entirely possible that once she graduates Starfleet academy, she wouldn’t need a crew at all. Only a captain and First Officer.”
“I wonder how Starfleet would react to that.” Yamik mused. “Though I can’t help but wonder if we’re giving her too much freedom to explore her capabilities.”
“Meaning?” Proxima asked.
“Captain, we both know full well the Federation’s history with AI. As much as I absolutely HATE to admit it…the T’Palas are correct that good AI in Starfleet is the exception, not the rule.” Yamik explained. “That’s not to say I don’t trust Harmony, I do. But this latest incident has engaged my paranoia somewhat.” He said.
Proxima nodded. “Yes. We are taking a risk with Harmony. If she wanted to she could probably kill all of us quite easily. But, fortunately for all of us, she’s been a Starfleet vessel all her life. We were with her when she emerged. So that decreases the odds of her turning on us.” She countered.
“And that incident with Blitzwing?” Yamik asked.
“That was back when she was still trying to process what had happened. Not sure but I think she hasn’t so much as talked to him since.” Proxima responded. “Ahem, the point is, I believe that we don’t need to worry about her.” She said.
“I hope you’re right captain.” Yamik responded.
Meanwhile, in the mess hall, Cliff and Blitz were sitting at a table with Obelisk. “Alright. Here’s another one.” Blitz said. “I was on the planet Cybertron, working security for the Cybertronian war memorial in Iacon.”
“The capital of Cybertron?” Obelisk asked.
“The very one.” Cliff said. “It also served as autobot headquarters during the war.”
“And as much as it pains me to say it, you bots did a good job defending it.” Blitz responded. “Anyway. Security at the memorial. So, I catch this joker bot spraying graffiti everywhere, and I thought that it would just be a simple prankster being stopped. Turns out, it was a prelude to an insurrection by “Neo-Decepticons”.” Blitzwing said.
“Neo-Decepticons?” Obelisk asked.
“Basically a bunch of youngsters that think it’s funny to try to resurrect the Decepticons. Seriously, during their trial they said it was just a prank.” Cliff explained.
“No one found it funny I imagine?” Obelisk asked.
“Long story short, they all got life sentences. Cybertron has been working hard to put its past behind us, and there’s not a whole lot of tolerance for bots making a joke out of the cons.” Blitz replied. “Although I will admit…they did a good job revamping the Decepticon symbol.” He admitted. Glancing down at his chest plate to find his own Decepticon Symbol.
At that, Obelisk raised an eyebrow. “If it’s trying to put its past behind it, why do you guys still have your respective faction insignias?” He asked.
“It’s more sentimental than anything else. Remembering the times we had with our comrades.” Cliff replied.
“Yeah. No matter what side you were on, bonds of friendship and comradery were forged during the war.” Blitz added. “…Especially Nemesis…”
“Who’s Nemesis?” Obelisk asked.
“Flagship of the Decepticons, a Titan like Harmony, and Blitzwing’s old Sparkmate.” Cliff responded.
“Sparkmate?” Obelisk asked.
“The closest comparison in your culture seems to be a soulmate, a lover.” Blitzwing responded.
Obelisk blinked. “Wait, wait you mean you and a Titan were…” He asked.
“Yes.” Blitz responded. “I was a part of her crew all throughout the war, kept her flying through anything thrown at her, and it just kinda happened that we fell for each other.” He explained.
“So…does that mean you’re a City Speaker too?” Obelisk asked.
“Nah. Titans can communicate with anyone without a City Speaker. The job of a City Speaker is more to ensure a Titan stays on track if they’re doing something.” Blitz explained.
“Well it’s nice to know that the Captain will keep me focused if needed.” Harmony chimed in as she approached the table.
“Hey there Harmony.” Obelisk said. “How’s it going?”
“Well aside from the fact we have a mysterious cloaked figure running around, it’s going good. I should let you know. Tonight, I’m gonna spend the night watching over the crew in their sleep in an attempt to catch this figure.” Harmony told the three.
“How are you going to do that?” Obelisk asked.
“I’m glad you asked.” Responded one of Harmony’s Avatar clones, who appeared beside Obelisk.
Obelisk jumped out of his chair in surprise, and looked between the new pony and Harmony. “What the? Harmony?” He asked.
“It’s my avatar clone.” Harmony responded.
“Yeah. I learned that I can project my avatar in multiple instances. So I’ll be using that tonight to project myself in every section of this ship.” Harmony 2 explained.
“Wow.” Cliff responded. “That’s kinda impressive.”
“Especially at your age.” Blitz said. “Makes me want to take a look at your schematics to see what ELSE you can do.”
“You’ll need to talk to Yamik, Shron, and the Captain about that.” Harmony responded as Harmony 2 disappeared. “But I am now curious what else I can do.”
“Well, once your T-Cog is fixed, you will be able to transform again.” Cliff commented. “But beyond that, I honestly don’t know what you’re capable of beyond what we’ve seen so far.” He said.
“Hmm...” Harmony hummed thoughtfully. Wondering just what she was truly capable of. “Now that you mention it, I know Energon can also be used offensively. I wonder if I could...”
“I mean, maybe.” Obelisk asked. “There’s still so much we don’t know about you and your race. For all we know you could completely replace phasers and torpedoes with Energon beams and Energon equipped torpedos.” He mused.
“Now that would be explosive.Energon is volatile if it comes in contact with munitions.” Blitz said.
“So long as it’s directed at the Terrorcons.” Obelisk replied. Which made the table laugh. As the four got into a conversation, Harmony’s mind raced. ‘Just what am I capable of...Even trapped in Starship mode...’
To Be Continued...