//------------------------------// // I will never forget... // Story: Assignment: Equestria // by Naxanz //------------------------------// Nick could do nothing but watch in horror as the green flash of light struck the captain. He shook violently for about two seconds before falling lifelessly back into the chair. “Captain!” exclaimed both Nick and Trent simultaneously. Twilight, who was standing near the captain’s chair, quickly rushed over to him and felt for a pulse. After a few moments of silence Twilight grimaced and said, “He’s dead…” “Wait, what!? But he can’t be!” exclaimed Nick fearfully. Scrabbling over to Nicole Nick quickly cut off communication connection with the Atropos before Trent could say anything. “Oh no… Oh no! This is not good; this is not good at all!” cried Nick, “What happened? Who shot that lighting!?” There was a moment of silence before Chrysalis replied, “It was me.” Nick wildly turned to face the queen; his surprise turned to anger as he shouted, “Do you have any idea what you’ve just done!? You’ve just killed the captain, our only leverage! Not only that, but Trent is now the new captain. And to make it even worse the captain ordered an Operation Revelation before he died!” Fluttershy suddenly burst into tears, remembering what Operation Revelation was. Applejack tried to comfort her, but to no avail. “Listen, I didn’t mean to kill him,” explained the queen nervously, “I was only trying to subdue him. He was getting out of control.” Nick stared blankly at Chrysalis before replying, “You’ve killed us all…” --Meanwhile aboard the Atropos-- Trent stared blankly into space as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. He had just been trying to negotiate an agreement with Nick when suddenly the Captain just lost it and ordered an Operation Revelation. Then, in the middle of his crazed order he had suddenly been hit with what seemed to be a green lightning bolt. “What the hell am I supposed to do…” wondered Trent as he continued to stare blankly. He couldn’t stop thinking about the lightning that the Captain had been struck with before the communication had broken. Did it kill him? What had happened? Did the Captain really want an Operation Revelation? The word sent chills down Trent’s spine. Operation Revelation: complete planet extermination of all inhabitants. Trent then turned to the black pony thing behind him and said, “Don’t even try to run. I’ve already called security.” “Don’t worry,” replied the black creature, “I wassn’t going to try.” Trent then stood up and began to pace his living quarters. He was now in charge of the Atropos, and his last order was to carry out an Operation Revelation. But Trent didn’t even know if the Captain was still alive, of course; it didn’t matter anyway because he had said to put the operation into affect even if he was still alive. “Ugh,” sighed Trent in frustration as he continued to pace his quarters. He knew that the Captain despised the ponies, but truthfully he didn’t have a problem with them. They seemed nice enough and were exceptionally intelligent. Not to mention the fact that if he issued the operation he’d have to live the rest of his life knowing that he had committed a planet sized scale genocide. But an order was an order and he knew that he had to obey. At that moment the black insect like pony suddenly pounced on Trent knocking him to the floor. “Gah!” exclaimed Trent in surprise and fear as he fell flat on his face, “What the hell are you doing!?” “Did you really think that I would be dumb enough to just sit here and be taken away?” chuckled the black creature, “No, I have a plan. You see, all I have to do is kill you!” “Wait, what!?!” exclaimed Trent as the black insect thing flipped him over onto his back. “That’s right,” smiled the black creature fiendishly, “All I have to do is kill you and then take your place. I will be able to command all of these humans and completely destroy Equestria! Queen Chrysalis will be so proud of me, and Changelings will finally be able rule this entire planet!” Trent couldn’t believe what he was hearing, and if he didn’t act fast he would be dead. Unfortunately, his pistol had fallen out of its holster when he had hit the ground. It had spun across the floor far out of reach. “Any last wordsss?” hissed the black creature as he unsheathed his small sword and held the cold blade up to Trent’s bare neck. --Canterlot Castle-- Nick kicked the chair of the dead captain with frustration, “It only takes about an hour to prepare Operation Revelation. That means we all only have about an hour longer to live! Damn you Chrysalis!” “I’m ssorry, normally that spell would stun a pony! I guess it kills humans…” sighed the queen in despair. Nick paced the floor restlessly as fluttershy began to sob once more. Rarity suddenly pulled up a red velvet chaise lounge before fainting onto it dramatically. Pinkie’s hair was flat and straight; she seemed to be in a deep depression. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Twilight were actually trying to come up with a plan, but just gave up after a while. “There’s only one thing we can do…” pondered Celestia somberly, “We must use the Elements of Harmony to destroy the Atropos.” Nick stopped dead in his tracks, stunned by what he had just heard. His stomach lurched as the word echoed in his mind, destroy the Atropos. “B-but you can’t!” exclaimed Nick whipping around to face Celectia, “Do you have any idea how many people are on that ship!? Over 30,000 people, and some of them are my friends!” “Okay, but do you have any idea how many ponies there are in Equestria?” countered Celestia somewhat irked. “You can’t do this! There must be another way…” cried Nick desperately. “There isn’t, and Nick, I really am truly sorry…” replied Celestia solemnly before turning to a royal guard and ordering him to retrieve the elements. “No! You can’t” cried Nick in despair. “I can and I will,” replied Celestia sternly. Nick stared blankly at the princess for a while before turning abruptly and fleeing from the room, pushing anypony aside that was in his way. Nick could feel the tears welling up in his eyes as he ran aimlessly down the castle halls. He tried to push them back but to no avail. Nick could only think of a few other times that he had ever cried. He could usually push through something sad or tough assuring himself that everything was going to be okay, but not this time. All his friends and comrades aboard the Atropos were going to die, and he felt like it was all his fault! If only he had never crash landed on this confounded planet. If only he had been able to convince the captain about how good the ponies were. If only he had been able to stop the captain’s death. If only… if only… if only… “Agh!” cried Nick in anguish as he grabbed fistfuls of his hair and fell to his knees in despair. Nick sat there quietly for awhile as he tried to regain at least some control. “There’s nothing that I can do,” sniffled Nick as he sat in the middle of an empty and unfamiliar hallway, “God, I need your help because there’s nothing that I can do…” --Meanwhile aboard the Atropos-- Trent waited in horror as the cold blade pressed against his bare neck. Any moment now he was going to be dead. “Goodbye…” hissed the black creature fiendishly. Suddenly there was a loud zapping sound and the creature fell limply off of Trent. “Looks like we arrived just in time,” sighed one of the two security guards standing in the doorway. “Thanks, I owe you,” replied Trent standing up as he watched the guard switch his gun from laser back to bullets, “That was a nice shot.” Trent looked down at the lifeless creature lying on the floor. It had a huge ugly burn mark on it back; the laser seemed to have even burned through its spine. “Just doin’ my job,” replied the guard gruffly. Trent sighed as he picked up his gun before turning and walking out the door. Now that that frightening experience was over he was going to have to carry out the final order the captain had given him. He didn’t want to do it, but he knew that it had to be done. “All right, listen up!” shouted Trent as he entered the bridge, “The captain is dead. This means that I am now the captain. But, before the captain died, he ordered an Operation Revelation, and I plan to carry it out. So...” Trent hesitated as he glanced around at all men on the bridge listening intently. “…initiate the Operation!” --Canterlot Castle-- Nick walked down the main hall leading into the room that he had just fled. He had calmed down but was still very sicken by what was about to happen. “I’m back,” announced Nick opening the doors leading into the room, “I’m sorry I ran like that, I was overwhelmed.” “It’s okay,” replied Twilight understandingly, “I know that this must be very heartbreaking for you.” At that moment Shining Armor trotted into the room carrying a jewel encrusted box. “A guard reported that you needed these you highness,” proclaimed Shining Armor placing the box at Celectia’s feet. “Thank you,” replied Celestia as she opened the small box with her magic. Nick watched in dismay and awe as she lifted the elements out of the box with her magic and gave them to the six ponies. Twilight placed a crown on her head as the other five all hung the elements around their necks. “We’re ready,” declared Twilight austerely. --USS Atropos-- “The Poison Pod is ready to be launched sir,” reported a crewman rigidly, “Just give the order and the pod will orbit the entire planet covering it in a deadly neurotoxin.” Trent sat in the captain’s chair grimly. He really did not want to do this but it was an order, he couldn’t deny it. Trent tried to stammer out the words “Launch Operation” but instead he ended up saying, “C-call Nick.” “What? Why?” asked the crewman not expecting this order. “Just do it!” ordered Trent harshly. “Yes sir,” replied the crewman scrambling over to the communications panel of the bridge. --Canterlot Castle: Royal Balcony-- Nick checked his watch. It had only been forty minutes since the captain had ordered the Operation Revelation, but if everybody on the ship had worked fast they probably had the pod ready by now. It didn’t take long to warm up the toxin. If the pod was ready, and if the Atropos was destroyed, then the poison might rain down on the planet. “I wish we had never decided to investigate this planet!” thought Nick unhappily as he watched his six pony friends get into a position. “Ready…” sighed Twilight closing her eyes, “GO!” At that moment Nichole suddenly started ringing. “It’s a call from the Atropos,” she announced. “WAIT!” cried Nick as he watched to six ponies slowly start to ascend into the air, “I got a call from the Atropos!” Nick quickly answered the call as Twilight and her friends dropped back down to the ground. “Yes!?” exclaimed Nick not sure what to expect. “This is Trent speaking,” replied a voice as Nick set the call to hologram. “And…?” inquired Nick intently. Celestia, Shining Armor, Twilight and her friends, the royal guards, Queen Chrysalis, and Nick all waited impatiently for what Trent was about to say. “I’ve…Well I’ve…You see…” “What!?” inquired Nick anxiously. “I’m calling off the Operation. I just can’t do it…” sighed Trent, “I’ve never had anything against those little ponies, and I just can’t kill an entire planet without a good reason.” Nick couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Trent was canceling the Operation. It was the most wonderful thing he had ever heard! “YES!” cried Nick joyfully jumping up into the air. All the ponies on the balcony were ecstatic. They were just as happy, if not more happy, then Nick. “But wait…” declared Trent seriously, “There are a few conditions.” Trent waited for everybody to calm down before he continued. “One, I want you to hand over the elements immediately, and two, I want Nick to come up here and turn himself in for treason,” negotiated Trent sternly, “If you abide by these terms then I will release all of your cities and pull out my troops. Also, we will leave at once at never bother you again.” Compared to complete planet extermination or the Atropos being destroyed these sounded like pretty good terms to Nick. Of course, he knew that Celestia would never hand over the Elements of Harmony willingly. “I will turn myself in if it means no more bloodshed,” replied Nick honestly, “But you will have to consult with Celestia about the elements.” Nick then handed Nicole over to Celestia who seemed eager to negotiate these terms. “I will never give you the Elements of Harmony,” announced Celestia firmly, “We have no deal otherwise.” Nick could tell that Trent was obviously shocked by this response. He could tell that Trent felt like he was being extremely generous to the ponies, but had just been rejected by their princess. Of course, Trent had thought that this was the ponies’ last hope because he didn’t know that they planned to destroy the Atropos. “What!?” exclaimed Trent surprised, “You’re telling me that you’d rather have your entire planet killed then simply hand over the elements?” “Wait, Trent, I don’t think you understand,” pronounced Nick calmly, “You don’t know this but the Atropos was about to be destroyed right before you called. So basically, you’re the ones in danger if you all don’t agree on something.” “Destroy the Atropos?” gasped Trent surprised, “But how?” “We were going to use the Elements of Harmony,” replied Rainbow Dash flying over. Nick could tell that Trent was completely taken aback by this sudden turn of events. He let out a few gruff indistinguishable words before sighing in defeat. “So…” Trent said at last, “It sounds like we either come to a compromise or both die.” “Sounds about right,” replied Celestia unwaveringly. A few minutes of silence lapsed as Trent pondered the serious matter. Then, realizing that he really didn’t have any other choice, finally gave in. “Fine, we will pull out and leave at once, but only as long as Nick turns himself in immediately. Also, we will keep any resources that we have already taken from the planet. This is my final offer, is that understood!” huffed Trent determined. Celestica mulled over this for a while before agreeing to the terms with a smile. “I’m glad you agree,” sighed Trent, “I’ll begin removing troops now, and I’ll send down a hoverjet to pick up Nick.” With that Trent disconnected from the communication link leaving everybody staring at nothing. Nick felt a wave of relief wash over him as he realized that this entire ugly ordeal had finally come to an end. As he looked around the balcony he could tell that everypony else was just as happy as he was. “This calls for an enormously huge super fantastic one-of-a-kind party!!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie with ecstatically. Nick chuckled to himself as he made his way over to the edge of the balcony and took one last look at the world he was about to leave. It was a beautiful place, but he knew that he had to go. If it meant the end of the war, then he would do it without a second thought. Nick then turned, and with a smile, said goodbye to all of his pony friends. “See ya,” waved Applejack, “I’m somewhat glad you crashed in my orchard, because, if you didn’t, we never would’ve been able to have met.” Nick jumped as Pinkie suddenly appeared out of nowhere and hurtled into him with a hug. “I’ll miss you,” she sniffled glassy-eyed before finally letting go. As pinkie trotted back over to her friends Rainbow Dash flew up and said, “I’ll see you around Nick, and for the record, you’re pretty cool. By the way, be sure to call me anytime you want to have that race.” “I will,” joked Nick as Rainbow Dash flew away and Rarity took her place. “I still do say that you’re so called uniform is a crime against fashion, but I’m still glad that I had the chance to meet you,” smiled Rarity. “Oh, yes…” added Fluttershy emerging from behind of Rarity, “At first I thought you were scary but now you’re not scary at all.” Nick then quickly said his goodbyes to the five ponies as the hoverjet appeared over the horizon. But wait… where was Twilight? He had gotten a goodbye and said a goodbye to everypony but her. “Where’s Twilight?” he asked scanning the castle balcony. “I don’t know,” replied Rainbow Dash, “She was here just a minute ago.” Nick really didn’t want to go without saying goodbye to her, but the hoverjet was almost above Canterlot now. Nick nodded to Celestia, Luna, and Shining Armor, who were standing off to the side as he savored his last few seconds in Equestria. Then, just as the hoverjet rumbled over the balcony Twilight suddenly came galloping out onto the balcony. “Wait! Nick! I’m here.” Nick smiled as Twilight ran up to him. Spike ran up as well, holding something in his claws. “Before you go…” huffed Twilight out of breath, “I would like to give this to you.” Spike handed Nick what he was carrying and Nick quickly realized that it was a book entitled, “The Magic of Friendship”. “Thanks Twilight,” beamed Nick, “I’ll never forget any of you.” “And we will never forget you either Nick,” replied Twilight. At that moment a ladder suddenly dropped out of the hoverjet and somebody yelled for Nick to climb up. Nick climbed up the ladder and waved one last time through the hoverjet’s window as it glided away. The last thing Nick saw of Equestria was Celestia, Shining Armor, Spike and his six friends waving goodbye to him as the hoverjet flew out into space. --15 minutes later: USS Atropos-- After Nick arrived onboard the Atropos he was immediately escorted by two burly guards to the main bridge where Captain Trent was waiting. “Nick!” exclaimed Trent as he was shoved onto the bridge, “Long time no see. I’m glad you finally decided to do the right thing and turn yourself in.” Nick just hung his head and said nothing, being sure not to make eye contact. “Well, this entire war and your little escapade resulted in absolutely nothing,” announced Trent solemnly, “The only thing it accomplished was procuring a small amount of valuable resources, and getting out captain killed.” Nick grimaced as Trent stood up and marched over to him. “You used to be my friend Nick, one of my closest. But now… now I don’t know what to think,” spoke Trent. There was a few moments of silence as Trent stared down at the planet through the viewing window. “So… I guess you’re going to kill me?” asked Nick breaking the silence. Trent turned and studied Nick very closely before replying, “No… I’m not…” Nick looked up at this unexpected response, “Wait, what?” “…No, I’m not going to kill you,” continued Trent, “I still like you too much. But did you know that there’s a second punishment for treason?” Nick didn’t know what the punishment was, but he briefly remembered it being mentioned when he infiltrated the Atropos. “W-what is it?” Nick finally stuttered. Trent didn’t answer Nick’s question right away. Instead he said something completely different, disregarding the question Nick had just asked. “We’re going to mark this planet down as a void planet,” spoke Trent, “That way other people won’t make the same mistake we did in the future. Besides, I think if we leave the ponies alone they will eventually evolve into a sophisticated race.” Nick listened quietly as Trent continued to talk. “Set course for the next solar system,” ordered Trent to the chief navigator, “And Nick, you will now be punished for treason.” “But I still don’t know what it is,” replied Nick anxiously. Trent stared once again down at the planet for awhile before replying, “The second punishment for treason is… memory erasure.” Nick’s eyes widened when he heard this. He’d heard theories about this, but as far as he knew memory erasure had never been done before. It was science fiction. “T-That’s not possible,” stuttered Nick, “It’s only a theory. It’s science fiction.” “So you think,” replied Trent, “You see about five years ago memory erasure was, for the most part, perfected by the US government. Of course, it was kept top secret because of how powerful it was. The memory machine was surprisingly easy to make, the only down side was that the procedure was excruciatingly painful. Testers could not be put under anesthesia because the brain had to be active, or awake, for the procedure to work. The government knew how powerful this machine was, and knew that it should only be used if absolutely necessary. They eventually decided that it could be one of the punishments for treason, other than death. Soon every Starship was secretly equipped with one, and only the captains were informed about it. They were told to only use the machine if a man ever deserted or committed treason.” Nick stood dumbfounded by what he had just heard. He couldn’t believe it. Trent was going to remove all of his memories about Equestria. Of course, at least it was better than getting killed. “But wait…” spoke Nick suddenly, “You said that it was for the most part perfected. What’s that supposed to mean?” “Well, you see,” answered Trent, “They were never able to actually pick and choose which memories to erase. The machine doesn’t remove select memories… It removes all memories.” Nick turned pale at this reply. His entire life… would be gone! He wouldn’t remember his family, friends, or anything! “You can’t do this!” cried Nick, “I’d rather die!” “I’m sorry Nick, but this isn’t your decision,” sighed Trent, “I’d rather have you alive then dead.” “NO! Please don’t!” shouted Nick, “I don’t want to forget EVERYTHING!” Two guards suddenly grabbed onto Nick and held him securely. Nick tried to shake them off, but they were just too strong. “Take him away,” ordered Trent, “Begin the procedure. Oh… and Nick? I really am sorry, but you brought this onto yourself.” “NO!” screamed Nick going into a frenzy, “You can’t do this!” The burly guards began to drag Nick off of the bridge. “Trent… please, no…” sobbed Nick tearing up. Nick’s sight of Trent was cut off as the sliding metal doors leading off the bridge shut in his face. His last hope… gone. As the guards escorted Nick down the hall he sadly flipped open the book that Twilight had given him. Inside the first page was an inscription that read, “Nick, although we will probably never see each other again, I just wanted you to know that friendship is something that can never be broken. Even if your memory gets foggy over the years, you will never forget what’s in your heart.”