Jezabelle kicked around some of the fragments still left at the crash site. The Everfree Forest was already reclaiming the patch of open ground. Tall weeds and fast growing vines were already fighting for dominance choking out the slower growing plants. Jezabelle turned her head in the direction of Ponyville, with a soft sigh she started up out of the hole. The malicious feeling the forest was uncomfortable. Being the foremost predator in the living world or that of the dead still didn’t shake the fact she had to devote a good portion of her attention to her senses. She wanted to avoid fighting another predator or worse than that stepping on or brushing a plant that could make her ill. She could purge poison as easily as tossing her crown on, or slay any foolish predator with a swing of her scythe. It was the attention it would draw that concerned Jezabelle to be careful on the short trip to get out of the forest.
It was only a few days ago Cecilia learned the truth, and despite the circumstances she accepted the fault. She was happy again which made Jezabelle smile again, but no matter how convincing Jezabelle was to senior leadership Cecilia had obligations back home to fulfill. She was ordered to come to Equestria and bring Cecilia back before the end of the week.
She stepped closer to a tree to keep herself somewhat hidden from the dragon stationed to watch the section of the forest edge. Turning back she put the tree between her and the dragon and slipped her tablet out of her pocket. Looking over a building layout map of Ponyville with simple blue dots that stood for ponies, Jez touched a spot nearest the yellow dot. That yellow dot was the only one that had a name beside it; the only green dot on the screen was Yulee. The spot she touched left a red dot, and touched the menu tab which brought up a list of actions. The menu was simple with a few grayed out as unavailable without other orders inputted first. Jez passed over the attack, defend, and analyze tabs to choose the transport tab. The whole screen changed to a readout screen on half with options menu right. Setting the delay of 15 seconds she put the device away just in time to appear at her chosen spot.
“SURPRISE…”
Jez jumped at the sudden shout of the word, Cecilia being less than a pony length away didn’t help matters. It looked as if everypony in the village was there; Jez looked at Cecilia a smile coming to her face.
“Cheater, you peaked ahead didn’t you?”
Cecilia gestured to the still laughing pink pony on the floor.
“Pinkie’s been nagging at me to have a party, so yes I cheated to have her throw a surprise party for you.”
Jez gestured to a filly with a party hat on.
“I didn’t pack my celebration gear, wouldn’t happen to have a spare would you?”
Pinkie pulled one out of her mane and held it out, it was a hoof colored and Jez noted the construction paper build and staples holding it together. It was made by a young pony for sure, but Jez took it and put it in place shifting the elastic band away from her ears. Cecilia turned to everypony standing in the room.
“I would like to introduce to everypony my twin sister Jezabelle Barnum. I ask that we give her a great Ponyville welcome while she’s visiting.”
Pinkie broke out into song and dance, and Jez watched the rest of the ponies form into some synchronized dance routine to what she was singing. It looked random yet practiced, Jez wondered if they carried scars at all from the fighting they had to perform just days ago. Yet in a way she was content with the fact they were able to bounce back to something close to what they were. She knew too many people back home that were ruined by the war she fought in. The song ended and Jez applauded before pulling out her tablet and touched a spot.
“Shion, can you pass the word to your sister that you and her are to attend soon as you can.”
Cecilia smiled and clapped her sister on the shoulder before moving on to talk to Lyra and Bon Bon. Jez grabbed a glass of punch and a muffin before moving to a table to sit down. It didn’t take long for Twilight to approach the table.
“Jezabelle, may I join you?”
“Knock yourself out, and you are;” Jezabelle waived to the chair across from her.
“Twilight Sparkle, you can call me Twi or Twilight.”
Twilight got comfortable on the chair. Jez responded as Shion appeared on her shoulder.
“You can call me Jez; this is my companion ship Shion.”
Shion stood on her hind legs and waived a paw towards Twilight; Twilight waived a hoof back before setting it back on the table.
“So you’ve never actually lived on a planet or witnessed a sunrise either?”
Jez finished her bite before responding to the question.
“Does that surprise you Twi, you are aware that my species is not exactly on everyone’s favorite list. Those that do not want us dead wish to use us for personal gain, we’re simply tools created by science in their shared eyes. It was that science that also scarred the Lady of Sorrows. It is part of her life's mission or collected the remnants of that research. Twilight, Glaxia for me is both a safe haven and a prison.”
“T…that’s awful…”
Jez and Twilight both looked at Fluttershy and she lowered her head backing up a few steps quickly adding very softly.
“If you think so that is.”
Jez gestured to another seat beside Twilight.
“You can call me Jez for short, you are?”
Fluttershy hesitated at first looking at Twilight, Twilight gave her a reassuring nod and Fluttershy moved to sit down still sitting rather low in the chair. She gave her name in a near inaudible whisper, but Jez heard her fine even with the crowd of ponies and music around her.
“It’s nice to meet you Fluttershy, but rest assured my family has not been mistreated. Please relax, how about you choose another topic you would be more comfortable talking about.”
Fluttershy ears drooped for a moment, a distressed look crossing her face as she tried to think of a topic. Nothing comprehensible came out even to Jezabelle. Tatiyana thankfully chose that moment to save her.
“How is the rest of the old gang doing?”
Jez looked at Tatiyana briefly before turning back to her glass on the table.
“I wish I could say they were doing well, truth is there are only four of us left. I, Cecy, you, and Rebecca are it from our class. Everyone else is either dead or discharged from field service.”
Tatiyana slid into the chair beside Jez filling the last of the available chairs at the table.
“30 lives swallowed, names on a wall or shells just doing a job not their passion.”
Jezabelle reached over and patted Tatiyana on the shoulder.
“I have some good news for you; The Lady of Sorrows approved your request. Welcome to the 225th Commander Crescent Claw, I have to break it to Cecy she got promoted as well. I’m still your boss though so no funny ideas.”
Tatiyana stuck her tongue out at Jez.
“Honestly Anna, I thought you more civilized then such barbaric gestures.”
Trixie arrived looking rather amazing in another cape and hat courtesy of the pony beside her. Rarity was expecting a response so Tatiyana blew a raspberry at her with got a giggle out of Fluttershy which she quickly silenced at the look from Rarity.
“Trixie believes there is nothing wrong with such gestures at this party. The idea is to have fun, so if it is fun to stick one’s tongue out at their commanding officer then…”
Trixie stuck her tongue out at Twilight, Rarity face hoofed on the spot. Tatiyana laughed and Jez chuckled at the display. Trixie nudged Rarity with a hoof.
“Trixie believes if you embrace your element of laughter you would find it worth laughing about too.”
Rarity rolled her eyes.
“I’m a lady who does not give into such crude behavior.”
Jez leaned back in her chair.
“I really do not mind if you let your mane down a bit Rarity, there is some wisdom in what Trixie says although she has a skewed sense of humor at times.”
Trixie set her glass on the end of the table.
“I would like to hear this revelation, as Trixie believes her humor to be of the normal type.”
Jez gave her a side glance with a crooked smile.
“Anything you can do I can do better challenges.”
Trixie’s pose lost a little luster, and a blush tinted her muzzle.
“Yes, I guess Trixie did have a sense of humor that was not most appreciated by all.”
Jez raised an eyebrow; “Past tense, are you saying that you’ve changed?”
Trixie fooled with the edge of her cape, the question demanded an explanation she wasn’t really comfortable in giving in front of those she just got to know.
“I chose death over fame when the truth presented itself, and it hurt all the way to the end.”
Trixie hoped that would suffice as an explanation despite its vagueness. Jez let it slide moving on.
“It hurt because you found what was worth more than fame, but fame has a way of finding you when you least expect it. Perfect your talent while being yourself and you’ll achieve what you set out to do in life. You’ll live up the great and powerful title, trust me on that.”
Tatiyana stood up; “Look at us sitting around like a bunch of old women. We just going to sit and talk or are we going to party?”
The party began to take off as Jez spoke with a good portion of the guests and loosened up enough to act less an officer. The mug of hard apple cider helped considerably in this, and she discovered that she was decent at pin the tail on the pony. It was discovered that sarsaparilla made Tatiyana hyper, but not quite to Pinkie levels. The same could not be said for Jez or Cecy after they tried it. They stood on par with the pink party pony for a good half hour before the crash which left them working on punch to keep a decent amount of energy till they could call it a night.
It was during a lull that Trixie glanced at the small stage where Octavia was quietly putting her cello away after fulfilling her promise to play. She sneaked away almost unnoticed to stand on the little raised wooden platform.
“I’m sorry, please allow me a moment longer.”
Trixie snapped out of her daze and looked right at Octavia who paused in putting her cello bow back in the case.
“Do not be rushed, Trixie is not here to perform.”
Octavia resumed packing her cello case, speaking as she did.
“If you don’t mind my curiosity what is your full name? I doubt you grew up going as The Great and Powerful Trixie.”
“Trixie Lulamoon;” Trixie held her breath waiting for the insults to fly concerning her family name.
Octavia paused in picking up her case.
“Your ancestors supported Nightmare Moon, and even today it is considered awful to associate with any member of the Lulamoon family. I heard that much at least after the article of the Ursa attack here in Ponyville, Prince Blueblood was making quite the case to the other nobles to have the rest of the Lulamoon family rounded up before they cause such trouble.”
Trixie turned her head away from Octavia.
“Those are the lies the fearful nobles wanted everyone to believe, even the noble families that supported Luna before her banishment turned their backs.”
Octavia sensed the bitterness in Trixie voice.
“I did not wish to offend Trixie, it was rude of me to speak commonplace when I should ask for truth.”
Trixie picked her head up and closed her eyes to focus. Little motes of magical light began to dot the room. Trixie opened her eyes and spoke with confidence born of family pride.
“We were once many, like the stars in the sky. We wandered Equestria spreading news through the telling of stories, almost always we preformed at night for it was best for our gift to be displayed.”
The glow from Trixie’s horn began to shine through her hat as lights began to blow out around the room, candles snuffed out throwing the room into the dim light coming from the little motes of magic. Except they were not just little balls of magic anymore, they were translucent representations of ponies. They spanned the ages given the dressing style, but they were all performing some sort of storytelling as they moved about the dark room. Trixie continued as a middle aged stallion moved out of performing to move towards the stage all the other illusions began to collect at the stage forming into a single illusion of Luna.
“Princess Luna would ask for our performances at her court regularly, but sadly even our loyalty to our princess was not enough to stop the jealously she held. The bitterness that our performances elsewhere were mildly attended if held at night, but packed if held during the day. Many began to shun the night for larger crowds."
The stallion turned and seemed to take on an aggressive stance as other illusion noble ponies began to appear and take shape. The illusion Luna took on a supporting look of her lone supporter, but that drew into an expression of anger as the other noble ponies began what appeared to be bold accusatory motions. Trixie continued to explain the now formed scene, completely unaware of the real Luna standing in the doorway her jaw hanging open. Celestia managed to keep her mouth closed but was just as shocked to see this level of storytelling after so many years.
“Those of the nobles began to question Luna’s erratic behavior, blaming all sorts of ridiculous things as to the cause. We stood loyal to her and defended her even without title to play against the nobles. Unfortunately the story must skip ahead as those who knew the stories of the fateful day never got to pass on their stories.”
The many illusions popped back into existence as the two previous puffed away to add more charge to the air that was messing up Rarity's mane. This time rather than performing they were running, or fighting to survive, or in the process of being killed.
“In the wake of our princess’s banishment and before Princess Celestia could gain a firm hoof we became the focus of blame since we were so vocal and most loyal to Luna. We were persecuted in the many ways you can see; the stories became sad and shared only among family.”
One by one the illusions lost shape and blew away to darkness on drafts. Trixie brought the lights back on but lacked the strength in magic to relight the candles. She was already panting from the complexity of near perfect illusions and making them move to how the story went. The hoofkerchief was quite damp by the time she finished wiping the sweat from her brow.
The stillness in the room was broken by a single set of hooves. They came to a stop behind Trixie, and Trixie closed her eyes speaking as she turned her body.
“Trixie does not have it left in her to tell another story.”
Trixie opened her eyes and her pupils shrank to tiny dots as they stared into the eyes of Princess Luna. Luna bowed her head speaking softly.
“So much of those last few months were lost in the purge by harmony. I am ashamed…yet also honored by your display of loyalty to me. If you could I would appreciate another performance, perhaps in Canterlot upon the Silver Shoe stage.”
Trixie could not believe what she was seeing and hearing, the chance to perform for the Princess upon one of Equestria’s most famous stages.
“Trixie would be honored to, but on one condition.”
Luna lifted her head as Trixie took a more respectful pose.
“Name you terms my little pony.”
Trixie gestured to the ponies around them, and spoke with a bit more confidence.
“That any pony from Ponyville that wishes to attend be permitted so without charge, and it is held under your night sky. If that can be done, Trixie will tell the story of Tatiyana and Trixie's escape of the underground fortress.”
Luna nodded in agreement, moving to face the crowd in the room.
“It will be done, I will also throw in lodging and train fare for any pony coming from Ponyville that officially sends word of attendance to me."
Jez clapped her hands together, she was joined by Shion clapping her paws together, Tatiyana joined in along with Cecilia, and in groups the ponies began cheering along with applauding the performance. Trixie’s performance re energized the remaining guests to party on for a few more hours. Celestia, Luna, Jezabelle, and Cecilia were the last ones still conscious in the early hours of the morning. They left Sugarcube Corner to allow the others to sleep in peace.
Jez looked up at the stars.
“Looks like you’re back into the swing of things Luna, it is quite a change to have the time to appreciate the stars from this perspective.”
Luna smiled a bit looking up at the compliment of her night sky.
“The time I had in banishment was the first time I could really take perspective on how important I am to Equestria and beyond that to the planet itself. I’m glad you like my work your majesty.”
“I usually make it a rule that my friends do not address me as royalty.”
Jez looked at the dark tree line of the Everfree Forest and sighed as the conflict of interests played in her mind.
“What ails you Jezabelle?”
Celestia was observant as always, and this tip off got Cecilia looking at her with eyes that demanded an answer.
“I have orders to bring my squadron back by Thursday night. I also owe my sister a big debt for taking the blame for my actions and I want to see her enjoy the huge reception Pinkie is throwing . I also know the even with the addition of Shion’s IMMT system and myself helping Cecilia, it will still take hours to transport all the hostages back safely across the lines. There is also the fact that I cannot keep death’s proper timeline at bay no matter how much guilt I have for causing this conflict to befall your subjects. The luck of your armies not suffering casualties will run out, I was hoping this conflict would be over before we leave, but if it’s not then…”
Celestia’s hoof on her shoulder brought a pause.
“My subjects are fully prepared to sacrifice if it means another generation can live free in peaceful times. I do not wish to face the horror I did days ago, but if it comes to that I will mourn their passing in time. I appreciate the favor you have granted Jez, but do not continue if it threatens your own position. You’re a great friend that I support, why don’t you wait until tomorrow evening to launch your mission. You would do better well rested to tackle such a stressful mission.”
Cecilia shook her head.
“We would lose too much time, I have it calculated out to the minute. I have to go wake up Anna in 20 minutes if we are to complete on time with an hour to say goodbyes.”
Luna stomped her hoof moving to stare at the sleeping village.
“I don’t understand why you can’t order her to be patient. To reward your loyalty and respect your positions as queens.”
The aggravation of the approaching situation undoing everything the party did to relax Jez.
“Curse this damn situation, to hell with your orders captain. Cecy I don’t give a damn if it takes eternity, we don’t leave this rock until you’re satisfied.”
“Shh…it’s coming…”
Luna checked and sure enough her moon was low in the western sky, as the eastern horizon had the first warm fringes of light. Jezabelle got to enjoy her first sunrise on a planet, and for a few moments it was silent. Then the obvious question came to mind.
“Cecy, where are you staying at in Ponyville?”
Cecilia pointed up at the sky first, before her finger drifted down to the just visible branches of the library.
“Well I was staying on Yulee for awhile till you ordered her out of the sky, before that I was staying at Twilight’s library. The day is going to be mild, so we can just sleep in Isis’s shadow.”
Jez glanced over at the large interstellar.
“You’ll have to tell me how you managed to swallow your hatred of Interstellar’s. I would appreciate it later though since I’m tired.”
(Glaxia, Blue Cloud Nebula)
“Captain, the head of engineering reports that all critical damage suffered has been repaired.”
Mindy spoke up next, looking over the shoulder of her assistant at the console.
“Captain, scout squadron still has not located our runner, given the interference of the nebula energy and the unpredictable gravity patterns I recommend recalling them. This sensory blindness is a handicap to weapons guidance systems as well.”
The Lady of Sorrows sat in her chair looking at the information scrolling down the two large screens situated above the windows. The blues and slight reds of the nebula were bright, a beautiful mask to the dangers that lurked within. She looked down at the operators working navigation.
“Navigation, what would be the best exit for our runner, if they haven’t double backed along their flight line given our squadron picket line. The range of the stolen fighter is already seventy-five percent wasted your best estimates on the left please. Go ahead and recall the squadrons Mindy, double check the count since I don’t want anybody left behind in this soup. Glaxia, have you figured out what information they took?”
Glaxia chimed in on the speakers.
“The database housed the information concerning squadron operations, I’ve narrowed the trail down to current operations in place, but I have also detected taps into restricted personnel files as well. Search history of our traitor concerned mostly around public information concerning the 127th and 225th squadrons and their members. Lieutenant Mary’s interview has been completed and the information is being processed to your headset for review. Although it is not much more then what Rebecca gave us half an hour ago?”
Sorrow picked up her glasses and set them on her nose. As she read she spoke up to another group of console operators.
“Intelligence, Is there any chance they can reach the where the 225th is currently located?”
The operators researched for a few minutes before responding.
“There is a remote chance, but it would involve themselves with one of your former teachers. However, given our last update of her projects her technology progress is lacking the transporting range for anything heavier than a cruiser.”
Mindy swung around to look up.
“Captain, my daughters need to be aware of this threat, even if they can handle it without trouble. What we have learned from Captain Jezabelle is that the inhabitants are not properly equipped to deal with the threat. Pirates would have no trouble taking hostages.”
The communications officer chimed in quickly.
“Captain, to send any message we need to be out of this nebula, there is too much interference.”
Sorrow was really not looking forward to this; all her plans were going down the drain with this development.
“Helm, get us out of here soon as we have all the squadrons on board. Glaxia, pass the word to have Lieutenant Mary Hess, and Rebecca Warshall brought to my lab. I found some things in their interviews I have further questions on, have on duty legal representation present as well for both parties as I don’t want to tread on any rights I may be overlooking in my anger.”
Sorrow stood up from her chair and made her way to the transport pad beside the large doors.
“Commander Samantha, I leave current operations in your hands. I wish to be informed once we are clear of the nebula, if anything serious happens I want to be informed of it immediately.”
Sorrow was finishing up her questions when she was informed they were clear of the nebula’s interference. She dismissed Mary and Rebecca thanking them for their time, and asked for Mary to report to her squadron to await further orders. The small scale test proved effective, performing it on a larger scale would be harder considering they had to modify an old IMMT coordinate. Sorrow stepped off the transport pad on the bridge, and rather than take her seat she descended down to where the operators sat at their respective consoles.
“Commander, are all squadrons on board?”
Samantha responded with a nod, and Sorrow stopped behind the IMMT system operator.
“Good, my testing of our next move is completed, Mindy advise your squadrons to prepare for atmosphere combat. Have the technicians adjust the craft as needed, and make them quite aware that where we are heading is completely top secret. They discuss it with no one but others with proper clearance or part of the operation. I’ve gotten lazy in my security measures; I will not let this happen again.”
(Ponyville, 5pm)
Cecilia’s tablet chimed the hour just as the bell tower did, and she closed the book quickly. The sound caught Jez’s attention and Twilight’s; the two others were similarly engaged in reading until disturbed by Cecilia. Cecilia was crossing the library to slide her book back in place at the poetry section. She turned to the expectant eyes.
“It is time sis; we need to prepare for tonight’s mission. I’m going to track down Anna; she should be at Rarity’s boutique.”
Jezabelle closed her book and set it aside, to pick up her tablet on the cushion beside her.
“I’ll have Yulee and Shion move into position. You were going with your standard assault gear?”
Cecilia paused with her hand on the knob of the door.
“Yeah, that should be okay. I’ll give Yulee and Shion a boost to get on their way.”
Cecilia left and Jez stood up as her tablet chimed with replies. A clothing rack appeared with two sets of clothing, two tables with a lot of hardware, and various sized bags. Jez started unbuttoning her uniform top and shedding the top and grabbing a free hangar off the rack she began to smooth it out on one of the tables.
“Umm…Jez…I have a room you could use…so…umm…you wouldn’t have to be half naked in the public room of the library.”
Jez turned and Twilight blushed even more and quickly turned her head. Spike vanished through the kitchen door knowing better if he didn’t Twilight would have a lecture for him. Jez let it be and turned back to the table.
“I’m fine right here Twilight, though the offer is most generous in your role as hostess. You don’t have to avert your eyes, I won’t mind one bit since were both female here.”
Twilight turned her head back slowly and relaxed seeing as Jez had a top on now.
“There is something I wished to ask you the other day, but given the events of the party it would have been improper for me to bring it back up. Do you mind if I ask a personal question?”
Jez shrugged as she started working the various belts on that held weapons or equipment.
“If it’s too personal I’ll not answer, but ask your question.”
“Cecy has told us about your parents, and we have learned of her relationship with Tatiyana first hand. I was wondering if Hybrid Nekos were genetically programmed to be attracted to females as well.”
Jez paused a moment in putting the power pack into her rifle.
“That is a good question, I never really thought too much on it. While I can’t speak on my sister’s past dealings in the area of love and mates. I can say that I have never strayed into the male side when searching for a mate or companionship outside of Shion. If I was to give an answer I would have to assume you are correct at least until I can ask Sorrow. She has kept a majority of the stored information of The Masters. Why do you ask Twilight, are you questioning your position in terms of sexual preference?”
Twilight shuffled her hooves.
“I’m inexperienced in things like attraction and love, so I don’t really know what I like. I thought about exploring it with your sister, but thankfully that never happened since I found out about Tatiyana’s relationship with her. I would have felt guilty, and would have caused Cecilia problems when I admitted to them both.”
Jez finished getting ready and despite everything laid out on the table, she looked like she was carrying only half of it.Twilight couldn’t have organized it any better than what stood there. Jez carried her rifle over and set it beside the couch and gestured to the chair across from her.
“That would have been ugly, but have a seat. I’m not seeing anyone so I can help you without causing drama. However, tell me why the sudden interest?”
Twilight took a seat and looking back at the kitchen for a moment.
“Spike, can you come out here please?”
Cecilia, Tatiyana, Trixie, and Rarity entered the Library an hour later, and only Jezabelle was sitting in the main room. Tatiyana set her pack down beside the door.
“Is Twilight here?”
Jez didn’t look up from her tablet.
“She is upstairs resting; we talked about some personal things. Spike is keeping an eye on her; you need to hurry Cecy as we are behind in the time frame of the operation. Rarity, as you are the next best pony when it comes to organizing you’ll take Twilight’s place tonight.”
Cecilia moved to the tables and began changing; Tatiyana took a seat as she was ready and the cause of the delay. Cecilia spoke up as she did not care about the shocked looks from Rarity and Trixie.
“So have Yulee and Shion reached their predetermined orbits?”
Jez grunted her acknowledgement and Cecilia went on.
“Well that is good, what’s the front door look like?”
Jez shrugged but flipped to a different view to read off what she could see.
“Well given its early in the evening the ground is messing with thermal imaging, so far I have 10 visible combatants at posts around the door. They are acting quite bored with the assignment, so chances are we can slip up and dispose of them quickly without alerting those below. Door B is impassible without disguise as you can already guess, and I doubt our guide or Tatiyana will pass for Changelings.”
Cecilia glanced at Trixie for a moment before stifling a giggle with a hand.
“It would be something to see, but I didn’t fall in love with a Changeling. That and Trixie would look downright appalling in black.”
“Trixie would rather be a statue.” Trixie mumbled to herself. She caught a glimpse of Anna’s face in her corner vision. It was yet another stabbing reminder that she wasn’t alone anymore, that falling back on bad habits would hurt others. Rarity broke the silence to revisit the topic when they first entered the library.
“Is Twilight okay, there are not many personal issues that would put her down to resting voluntarily.”
Jezabelle looked at Rarity with a frown.
“A cultured mare such as yourself would find it rude…”
“It’s quite okay Jez…”
Rarity looked up to the sound of Twilight’s voice and she stood at the top of the stairs. Jez gave her some credit for looking better than when she went up the steps. Cecilia wasn’t about to sit though a long winded send off, or a mushy moment.
“225 on your feet, there’s ponies waiting for their happily ever after.”
Tatiyana stood up and retrieved her pack from beside the door swinging it onto her back. Jez touched one last time on her tablet.
“Lieutenants, start the timer, 30 second countdown Trixie stays with me. Anna goes with Cecy.”
Jez put the tablet away and picked up her rifle and moved to stand with Cecilia. Trixie made her way over but looked up briefly at Twilight. In the short few seconds left she saw the truth in a purple mare’s eyes before the white overtook her vision. She had no time to say anything to Cecilia or Jezabelle as they were silently moving forward in the overgrowth of the tree line.
Jez finally stopped at the closest point the tree line came to the doorway. Jez turned and motioned up, and Cecilia nodded handing her rifle off to Tatiyana as she moved forward to the large tree. Tatiyana and Jezabelle moved to get a better view of the doorway and the remaining guards. Cecilia dug her claws into the tree bark and pulled herself up.
Trixie looked further up the tree and quickly sank to her stomach shifting closer to some brush as a large griffon sat perched on a thick branch. The griffon had no warning, and Trixie could only watch in nauseating awe at how quickly Cecilia dropped on her target and slit its throat. The blood sounded like raindrops on the bushes below, followed by the thud of the griffon’s body. Jez moved to sit on its free wing until its trashing ceased, Cecilia climbed down and took her rifle back.
When the last guards left were the two at the gate itself, Cecilia and Jez lined up their sights. The bolts of yellow light caused Trixie to rear up startled, Jez looked back and shook her head.
“I’m starting to wonder if I was better of leaving you in Ponyville, but you have about 4 minutes to get your head straight Trixie. You do that again inside the fortress I’m going to send you out on the first group are we clear?”
“Your weapons startled Trixie with their flashy nature; Trixie will try her best not to disappoint you any further.”
They left it at that and moved down to pause at the entrance, Jez took point and moved in with Trixie behind her. Anna was next in line with Cecilia covering their backside. Trixie managed to lead them down to where she knew of the holding areas, the process was going rather good for the first round when Tatiyana brought it up.
“Jez, we haven’t come across a single griffon or diamond dog since the doorway. The changeling patrols are acting amateur at best and nowhere near the caliber that attacked Ponyville. My gut says something’s wrong here.”
Cecy had to agree, this was just too easy compared to the meaning this place held to the enemy.
“We need to move now, we can transport on the run under an open sky.”
Trixie sighed looking at a different tunnel.
“How about I go ask the Queen?”
Anna, Cecy, and Jez looked at her like she had lost her mind. Tatiyana spoke first trying to find the logic in Trixie’s proposal.
“You are basically going on your own, and running into Celestia knows what just to ask a question of someone who used you. How are we to even believe what she says at all?”
Trixie shot back with some heat behind her voice.
“Why did you believe Trixie when you knew Trixie worked for her in the past? Everypony who’s ever made a mistake this big sometimes wonders how to get out of it. Luna only knows I did, and for you to give Trixie that second chance meant more than all the fame of a lifetime.”
Jez punched the final few commands and the first group began transporting out in blocks of ten.
“Alright Trixie, you have 15 minutes of Cecilia’s time, don’t waste it sightseeing. Commander, if her majesty wishes to talk, she can come back here and talk. Message me if you run into complications.”
Cecilia nodded shouldering her rifle and looked over at Trixie.
“I’m following you Trixie, and if you want to gallop go for it. The only rule I have is that I go around corners first unless you want to carry a weapon.”
Tatiyana waited till they left through a tunnel before turning to look at Jez.
“Why did you just split us up like that, if they get cut off or stuck in a fight do we abandon our responsibility here to go bail them out?”
Jez shook her head and reaching into her front pocket she took out her old commander bars. She moved over and pinned them on the pocket of Tatiyana’s shirt.
“There is four of us Anna, I would just leave you in charge here, you have rank in this squadron. While you couldn’t physically pilot Shion or Yulee, they have no choice but to answer any request for other services they provide to a higher ranking officer within reason of course. Now I’ll show you how to work the IMMT system while we prep the next group.”
(Canterlot 11:43pm)
Princess Luna received a few odd stares from visitors gracing night court. Wearing the odd glasses she wore during the defense of Ponyville made her look silly. Cecilia assured her that even with Yulee not present in Ponyville; she would leave a system in place that would keep the glasses working. This “signal relay” as it was called was doing a good job as Rarity was keeping her up to date on the arrivals. They both were receiving updates as well from Jezabelle, although not as regular as Luna would like. They were hopeful in the fact that no real resistance or fighting was taking place.
“Princess Luna, Lady Starfall to see you. She claims it is urgent concerning your stars.”
Luna looked up from the streaming text on the glasses to look down at her assistant first before moving her gaze over to the elder mare kneeling before her throne.
“Please stand Starfall, what have you discovered about my stars that troubles you?”
Starfall got back on her hooves, and looking back several pages of notes floated out of her right saddlebag to levitate in front of her. She nudged her reading glasses down so that she could read her notes a moment before speaking.
“My apologies Princess, I needed a moment to ensure that I do not sound foalish. My team has asked for permission to use your observatory tonight, and during our time we have discovered that one of your stars is moving closer. Using astral mathematics we’ve determined its size and speed of approach to our planet. We have also rechecked our records of the previous night during our time at the public observatory and discovered the anomaly was not present at the time we looked over the constellations in that area of the sky. I cannot say for certain what it is, but it was not there during your previous night princess. I’m still awaiting word from other observatories close by, but this discovery paints a clear picture as its size is beyond anything the planet can withstand. It’s heading straight for us, and will be hitting the surface by sunrise.”
Princess Luna lifted her hoof and spoke into the small microphone attached there.
“Jezabelle, Can you have one of your companion ships investigate a star that is moving towards the planet?”
Luna watched as the text finished appearing on the lens, and quickly after it a response from Rarity appeared below it.
“How can a star move without your influence your highness?”
Cecilia responded next her words not too reassuring for the princess.
“Princess, not to sound rude but you have thousands of stars up right now. Can you narrow it down a bit so we don’t waste a lot of precious time searching.”
Luna looked up from the text on the glasses and putting her hoof back down she focused on Starfall.
“Lady Starfall, may I view your notes please, and do they contain the location in the sky where this star is moving?”
Starfall let her notes drift up towards the princess as she responded to the question.
“They do contain the location as viewed from the public observatory and your own. You may keep the notes if you wish Princess as they are copied from the originals. It was my intention to leave them with you before I left.”
Luna reviewed the notes and found them to be rather organized and painstakingly written so that somepony with the basic understanding of astronomy could understand what was written. Luna quickly spoke the location to Cecilia so that she could get started getting more answers before carefully sending the notes over to be taken by her assistant. The text came in from an unknown source, it was bold black, and the name was three letters LOS.
“It is not a star that moves in your night Princess.”
Luna was about to respond to the message when a bright flash went off momentarily blinding those in the room. When Luna’s eyes readjusted standing midway between the door and the throne stood The Lady of Sorrows. She was everything to how she saw in memory from Cecilia, and how she was described.
Standing at Celestia’s height, the few draconic features that remained were obvious. The wings, the small horns, and her eyes were the most noticeable. Everything else about her had been altered so drastically to match the body type of Jezabelle and Cecilia. The difference between even that began in the lack of the short velvet fur that covered the hybrids. Sorrow was bare skin, and wore clothing to cover. Her uniform was black, the gold captain’s bars with two stars on either side. Sorrow looked at Luna with emotionless eyes that seemed to pick her apart piece by piece to get the full measure of who Sorrow stood looking up at. Sorrow moved her gaze to the elder Starfall.
“I would have assumed the Princess of the Night would have discovered Glaxia moving before an admirer.”
Starfall recovered enough from the shock to respond to Sorrow.
“I take my work seriously, but who are you?"
Sorrow glanced down at her uniform and noticed that she grabbed her newest without having the tailors embroider the name in yet.
“The Lady of Sorrows is how I wish to be known here, and for those such as your leadership who have been blessed to know my real name I wish them to keep it to themselves. I will accept the shortened Sorrow.”
Sorrow looked up at Luna.
“The preliminary report received from Cecilia states another princess named Celestia. I assume she is resting given you stand alone, but the matter for which I have undertaken this journey here warrants disturbing her rest. There is significant risk to this world as a whole. A day ago Glaxia standard time an officer committed treason stealing a considerable amount of classified information. They are coming for the ribbon I have entrusted with Cecilia, not to mention Braxus has a large score to settle with the members of the 225th.”
Luna looked to the guard that stood to the left of the throne.
“Wake my sister and inform her we are heading up to meet in her chambers. Speak to no one else about this and we are not to be disturbed unless for dire emergencies.”
Luna turned to her assistant; “Inform the kitchen to bring refreshments, and return to me in my sister’s chambers.”
Luna descended from the throne after assistant moved to follow the guard in completing their assigned tasks. The remaining guards in the room moved to an escort pattern. Sorrow hung back out of sight as Luna addressed the remaining petitioners, Starfall stood beside Sorrow doing her best not to appear uncomfortable with standing beside a total stranger.
“I must sincerely apologize that I cannot hear your petitions tonight as an emergency has come up needing my full attention. I will see to it that you are the first to be heard tomorrow evening in the order you have signed in.”
The ponies bowed respectfully and the guards at that particular door escorted the petitioners out. Luna turned and started back the other way turning onto a staircase. Midway through the third hallway Sorrow touched her ear.
“Pull into a stationary orbit clear of the celestial rotations, last thing I want is a sun to swing around this planet and turn Glaxia into a toaster oven. IMMT operator and Glaxia are to work with Shion and Yulee to aide getting their job done because I want them standing tall and explaining to me why they are disobeying orders.”
“Who are you talking to;” Starfall asked as they came to a stop in front of double doors.
The bright colors and carving of Celestia’s mark upon the door was detailed. Sorrow answered quickly so to shorten the delay of getting this over with.
“The person that steps into command aboard ship while I’m down here. Glaxia decided to speed up since our discovery, and if you’re curious she’s visible to the naked eye.”
Starfall started moving again towards the end hall door speaking over her shoulder.
“I’ll do that while telling the rest of my group that there is nothing to worry about.”
Luna lifted a hoof and was about to knock when a golden aura enveloped the doors and they swung open. Luna entered and Sorrow followed into a room that had warm colors on all walls, it was well lit, and already waiting just inside the door was Luna’s assistant. The two trays of various refreshments sat on a low table near the fireplace.
Celestia was watching Sorrow come in while she lounged on a large cushion between the fireplace and the table, another cushion awaited Luna. There was a low couch across the table, Sorrow moved to it and remained standing until Luna settled on her cushion. After everyone was seated Celestia looked at Sorrow.
“It’s an honor to finally meet you in person Lady of Sorrows. I have but good praise for the conduct of your officers while they have been guests in our kingdom?”
Sorrow adopted an amused look and nodded her head slightly.
“Their persistence has earned me two allies in the past, but something about this place has shifted their normal behavior. I don’t think it solely rests on cleaning up the mess Jezabelle made either, but try as they might to correct their mistakes they have obligations to me. I’ve been very patient with them, but I was not joking or being flexible when I gave a return to duty time for Jezabelle to pass along.”
Sorrow turned serious and moved a hand to indicate Luna.
“As I touched on with Princess Luna, the reason for my visit is to bring you into the loop on a significant danger to your planet as whole. A traitor stole a significant amount of information related to the squadron that has been guests in your kingdom, pieces of Cecilia’s preliminary report were taken, along with an IMMT coordinate Jezabelle gave to me in a presentation. The treason wouldn’t be so hard to take except for the guilty party was a mutual friend of Jez and Cecy. I have issued kill/capture orders to the 225th if they spot the traitor.”
The good nature look soured on Celestia at the hint of danger coming to her kingdom. Luna always seemed to bear a neutral to unhappy look to bad news. Luna beat her sister to the question as her magic began levitating the pot and cups to pour her and Sorrow a cup of tea.
“This is rather disturbing to know, but what news of the ship that supposedly brought this traitor?”
Sorrow took the levitating cup and saucer from Luna’s magic.
“That ship is hiding somewhere among your stars Princess, they are out gunned and outnumbered to achieve any victory in space. So they will make the only choice that allows them to survive longer and inflict pain upon attackers by landing on this planet. While your subjects have no value to piracy, they are four legged shields. That is why I am here telling you this, because you must prepare your subjects for the possibility they will be caught in the middle of our war.”
Celestia kept the anger out of her voice but her word choices communicated it along with the heat in her eyes.
“Your vengeance against piracy has led to one slaughter too many, Sorrow, of which you nearly cost a goddess her life. I think the only reason you’re here is to…”
Sorrow interrupted rather heated, her cup clinking rather loudly onto the saucer.
“I told you why I came here, as to Cecilia’s brush with death. That was her own doing, and I could only provide her with the resources fix herself.”
Luna sighed rather loudly and clearly forced to draw attention to her.
“Sister please, we cannot blame Sorrow for anything which has transpired within our borders, or the ailment of a fellow goddess when both goddesses have openly admitted to fault. She came here in good faith to warn us of a serious threat, she didn’t have to do anything since we share no alliance with her. Our personal opinions of Sorrow have no place here, nor is it how we treat guests. That is something you taught me when I returned, and how sad it is that the teacher must be reminded by the student.”
Sorrow shook her head leaning back on the couch.
“It’s rather nice to have students remind their teachers of things they forget when anger clouds judgment. If you want to hate me for what I do then let me give you a truth. Traxium held great power, but was content with what he had. Braxus was not content with merely his guild; he thirsted for power rather than material wealth. After the downfall of Traxium, Braxus conquered another world within three months. The lucky survivors of that world that managed to make it to me told me that Braxus was using a magical artifact of unknown origin. With what I was told about the artifact, with each death at his hands it increased his magical power.”
Sorrow leaned forward taking a sugar-cube from the container.
“This represents the magical power of one unicorn.”
Sorrow closed her hand over the cube, and with a little trickle of magic she tossed the cube to a large enough space. It enlarged to a 4 ft square block of sugar, Sorrow picked out another sugarcube from tray.
“That block over there is the sum of your magical power. Now we give this unicorn the magical artifact, and it kills another unicorn.”
The small cube between Sorrow's thumb and index finger grew a little to match the cubic mass of another small sugar-cube.
“Do the math princess, but wait it gets better since Braxus has gained enough magical power to enslave minds. So the gain is half that of killing them outright, but the return is a being willing to do anything including die without question.”
Sorrow tossed the double sized sugar-cube back in the container, and set her tea cup on the table before standing up.
“Braxus will never be satisfied until everything that lives and breathes is under his heel, and the known universe and all its sub dimensional planes of existence are his. Through this conquest he ascends to a god. This is simple math and not some foolish prediction; I can’t face him directly without being killed myself. He’s grown too strong; he’s grown too strong even for a hybrid neko to take down alone. So the only thing I can do is attack his powerbase, his fleets and military bases, and wait for Cecilia and Jez to mature. I have to be a butcher of tainted innocence to preserve pure innocence while the guilt of that piles up in me. I feel the pain of mothers as they slap me in the face when I tell them their sons or daughters were killed in combat. I am responsible for the actions of those under me, and I alone will bear that sin at judgment.”
“The Lady of Sorrows;” Luna whispered looking away from Sorrow.
Sorrow moved to the door; “Word on the vine says an officer of mine is getting married in the next couple of days, I’ll make sure those who Cecilia or Tatiyana invite are permitted to attend. I’ll let you know when I eliminate the threat, sorry for disturbing you rest and court Princesses.”
Celestia rose to her hooves.
“Sorrow, wait a moment please…”
Sorrow paused reaching for the handle, and turned back around dropping her hand back to her side as Celestia approached her.
“I apologize for harshly judging you without knowing the full story. It’s not like me to act in such a way, and thank you for assisting in the rescue of my subjects.”
Sorrow nodded holding her hand out; Celestia lifted a hoof and placed it in the hand.
“I’m used to it Princess, but then again it’s nice to hear the truth work once and awhile. As to your subjects…”
Sorrow reached up with her free hand and tapped her ear.
“Go ahead Samantha…communications, patch me through to Captain Barnum. Captain, you had better have a damn good explanation for bringing two unauthorized guests aboard my ship without my prior approval and avoiding quarantine procedure. I don’t give a flying feather if you say they are clean you don’t leave the hangar until I get there nor will you hinder the infirmary staff that is being sent to starts tests am I understood Captain? Good, now if you’re done pushing my patience to the breaking point I’m sending your parents down to chew your tails since my regulations are not good enough a warning.”
Sorrow tapped her ear again; “They are quite done Samantha, unfortunately I’ll be bringing two more with me, these two are not to follow quarantine since I vouch for them. Yes, those are the two I intend, great delay for a minute and transport, oh and have Mindy and Lola in the hangar as well.”
Sorrow looked at Celestia; “I have to steal your sister for awhile, apparently my officers decided to use my ship as neutral ground since the Queen of the Changelings wishes to defect.”
Celestia moved her hoof out of Sorrows hand and up to hide the small yawn she had.
“That is quite okay, she will fill me in at breakfast. I’m quite sure she’ll be alright in such close proximity to Cecilia.”
Sorrow just nodded before the three of them disappeared in a bright flash.
(Glaxia, 2:30am Equestrian time)
Luna, her assistant, and Sorrow appeared on the bridge. All noise died as operators and Samantha paused to look at the arrivals. Samantha finished turning around and moved out a bit “On behalf of the night shift bridge crew, I welcome you Princess Luna and Blue Ink to the Battleship Glaxia.“
(Authors note: Sorry the update took so long, but two maybe three chapters left. Although i tried to stay away from shipping ponies I guess the forecast is for Twilight x Trixie. I might have spike take a hit for Rarity and earn a date. Maybe. For all those who gave this at least a glance, thanks.)