//------------------------------// // An real threat // Story: Trinity - Nature // by Ice4smaster //------------------------------// An real threat “We have to leave! Now!” This was the one sentence surprised the four ponies, dryly stated by Bulkhead, along side how the humans move in unison, and as their mood change, like a switch being flipped. The group was enjoying some good food and chatter together when suddenly all this happen. Before they knew it they carried by the biped creatures on board the strange black flying machine. “W-what is happening?!” Blurted finally Octavia, looking up Dave with evident fear and confusion in her eyes, one that Midnight shared, well minus the fear that is. “I don't fully know, but our satellite picked up one enormous energy outburst on this island just a few moments ago, and we been ordered to retreat at once. We will return to the base.” This explained the situation to the ponies, why exactly they being hauled around by the humans, but sure it did not calm their fears. They share a quick look among them self, and silently agreeing, they are still better off with them, then whatever abomination spooked the humans to leave. With the pilots lead they began strap into the seats, and since the said seats not been designed for the smaller ponies, they held in place by a human. Octavia was sitting in Daves lap, while Trixie with the scientist named Erick, Vinyl with Bulk, and finally Midnight with Amanda, one of the doctors in the group. Moments later the engines roared to life and vibration could be felt through the whole jet. But then something other surpassed the noise made by the jet, loud, rapid bangs, like cannon fire, yet not alike any they heard before. “We got company!” Shouted the pilot as a black creature jumped at the noise of the jet, staring them all in the eye as it's horn began glow green, just to be mowed down by one of the automatic turrets the team deployed. Then the humans got their answer to one of the unasked questions as Midnight hissed. “..Changelings.” The majestic jet took off and left a dust storm in it's wake. The thunder were the burst fire of the automated weapons as they flashed up now hidden in the sand cloud, and the rain was the bodies of the ambushing insectoids by the dozen. Their green burning magical missiles leave small scorch marks on the hull, but nothing of significance as the machine was designed to withstand burning hot plasma currents at extreme high speeds. Soon the ruckus died down as the bugs overpowered the sentry turrets, and their true prey escaped. Aboard the Equestrian airship things too, got hectic after Twilight passed out for no apparent reason. The crew moved around like busy bees, fulfil their duty in this new state of emergency. One particular pony was in a rush, like many other, her coat was cyan greenish, Mane in colors of sandy yellow and in a stunning Mohawk, and she wore shadow bolt uniform. She was in fact a member of a relatively new personal elite flight team of Luna, a team that didn't exist before but Luna come found of the very idea to make it happen after got a better knowledge of Celestials famous team, the Wonderbolts. Lightning Dust quickly made her way towards her desired destination, she entered swiftly into a large storage cabin as she gave a quick glare backwards. Once inside she gave a sly, barely noticeable smirk as her eyes flash green for a short moment. She quickly placed four small green crystals on the floor among the boxes, and they hummed to life shortly after. The light emitting from the crystals intensified as soon a greenish mist began forming in the middle, with it's own light, and moments later it exploded in a bright flash. The shadow bolt stood there unphased by the event, and her smile grew even bigger. The smoke began to clear up as the crystals in the corners cracked up and fall apart. At the center stood five changelings. They had sleek black bodies, their black chitin shone in the ambient light of the storage room. They all sport four insectoid wings on their back. A sadistic smirk spread across the room, filled with thirst for blood and death, showing of their impressive fangs. Lightening Dusk licked her lips as her eyes light up green again for a short moment. The others vanished in a column of green flames as transformed into other members of the Shadowbolts. One by one they left the storage room, disappeared into the dynamic chaos of the airship deck. “General, the team is on it's way, back to the base, they have however been attacked by insectoid like creatures, about the same stature as ponies.” The General nodded as he listened to the report of Commander Kay as the footage was shown, recorded by the various cameras present at the recent event, being mounted on the Iron Claw jet or on one of the many sentry turrets the team deployed in foresight of any trouble. “They seem able to use magic, firing plasma discharges at will. Very agile and fast, but have no means to protect them selves from our small arms...” “That we know of, Commander, I presume they have more tricks up their sleeves than what we had a short glimpse of just now. I want a full scale scan of that island, and our own islands as well, by yesterday. Is that clear Commander?” “Sir, yes Sir!” “Also I want all military personnel to mobilized, anything that capable release such enormous amount of energy, regardless how exotic it may be, that matches of a nuclear weapon are a serious threat.” “That is already been done General, as well I command the teams to double their efforts at the Titan Gate.” “That's a good thinking, boy, we might need that carrier and her fire power soon. Dismissed.” Kay salute to his superior and return to his section while the old man, began to make his report to the high command back on Earth along side with recommendations how to deal with this threat and request of more assets to do so. Just a little over the horizon, away from the main island commanded by the human forces, lay a small natural ring of towering cliffs, rise high out from the ocean. It was a corpse of an once volcanic island, but was reduced to this in it's sure to be spectacular death when the volcano exploded many millennia before. Just like one island done this back on Earth around the 19th century. Now this place was full of life again, as it was the very foundation of a new imposing structure, the Titan Gate, an enormous trans-dimensional gateway. The VTOL crafts flew around it along side, while many, alike small ants, engineers and other technicians worked on the superstructure. It was like a massive sphere, spawn 2500 meters in diameter in all directions, formed from colossal pillars. Yet it wasn't one of it's kind, it's sister situated back on Earth, and both were ready to be used. At the base of the pillars massive energy capacitors lay, each stretch 480m above the water in form of spiky towers, all around the construct, under the deep water, blueish light began to emit as massive fusion reactors come to life, to power up the massive device. The teams who worked on the field began to retreat to safety with the help of the VTOL transports, there was plenty of time still before the gate would be activated, but even then, the surging energy was dangerous. “Bonny!” Cried in pure joy Lyra as her love finally open her eyes. Bon Bon was not amused, not at all in the state she found herself, restrained, sore, and the plastic tube down into her lungs. But she was glad as well, alive and in one, and her ever so energetic mare friend bounced up and down on the other bed. She was limited in movement and the tube was a true bother, but she did face her love, her eyes shone from the so called liquid pride. When Lyra calmed down a little she explained all the things happened since she woke up, all about these humans and how they took care of them. Lyra was excited, but some degree of uneasiness was present, and Bon Bon share that with her. She gave a weak, experimental tug on her bindings which held firmly, she just let go, she didn't even need the effort to breath as the uncomfortable machine took care of that. Soon the humans who cared for them enter, earn Bon Bons and Lyras attention. “Good morning Miss Bon Bon...” Greated her the male, the Doctor who's name was Michael if she recall to Lyras over energetic storytelling not that long ago. “... My name is Dr. Michael, and in charge to take care of you ponies, but I guess Lyra already told that didn't she?” Finished the Doctor with a knowing smile as those earned a light blush from the lyrist, and a knowing, slightly annoyed, yet loving eye roll from the candy maker, related to her love antics. The towering human continue from then on as he got closer to her. “I suppose it's best if we remove the intubation so you can breath freely as well talk. We already examined you earlier, and we gonna do a quick run through now as well. We are also going to remove the main restrains, but for the time being will place a cuff on one of your rear leg for security reasons, which I hope you understand. We are new to this world, and it's wonders and dangers and safety of our own civilians is top priority.” After a short pause and thoughtful look, Bon Bon gave a clear, slight nod in understanding the situation. The two humans afterwards began what they sought to do in the first place. “Hello, name is Nurse Ururu, I am going to take out this plastic pipe. It's going to be quite uncomfortable but try to bear with me and remain calm. It shouldn't take to long, and afterwards you will be free to speak. Also I got some water to ease your thirst once this is done.” The nurse spoke in a calming voice, Bon Bon spared a quick glare to Lyra who look at her. The knowing look alone told thousands of words, that this going to be uncomfortable, and that she is in good hands. Bon Bon eyes then meet the Nurse's and give a reluctant nod. She did not look forward to this particular part, and in her mind she questioned why they had to remove this thing after she woke up and not while she was still out and cold. The nurse then leaned forward and with practiced moves removed the offending plastic from Bon Bon windpipe, all the while she began gagging, and blink a tear or two. Once the pipe was finally out the nurse began to pat her on the shoulder while she had coughtfit for a minute. Bon Bon composed herself, as the nurse wiped the drool off from her lips and moments later offered her a glass of water. She eyed the transparent liquid greedily, and was happy she could drink. The nurse gave her the water little by little. “There there. Now this is out of the way just relax, the rest shouldn't take long, nor cause any discomfort. Your throat will be sore for awhile and should take it easy with talking.” “..Hope..never.. again..thanks.. though..” Cracked Bon Bon's voice long last, each syllable was a pain on it's own at this point, but it was indeed done and over with. “It's quite alright, and sorry for the discomfort this caused, but all of you been in a truly horrible state when we picked you up at the middle of the ocean and we didn't want to risk things.” The response was a nod this time from the light cream colored equine. It was quite an awkward sensation as she felt the humans touch her with their strange hands. First they have undone the restrain on her left rear leg and she could feel the cuff clicked securely in it's place. She watched it intently, it was a heavy duty, strong cuff, made from metal that she couldn't quite place anywhere in her mind, was quite light, unlike iron. She looked up and the nurse gave her an apologetic look. One by one the other restrains have been removed and now she could move around with far more freedom. She quickly began to nurse her neck, the sensation still very much vivid. With a tired look and a deep, but the hopeful sight she flopped her head back down to the comfortable pillow. She turned her head towards Lyra and return a weak tired smile to her energetic love who been smiling at her. “..Hey..” She waved with a hoof to Lyra who giggled now and waved frantically back. The humans watched the spectacle and gave a warm smile. These ponies looked fascinating and quite innocent and carried all the range of emotions, qualities, intelligence of humans. The very genuine, forbidden love the two mare displayed was heart warming. They quickly explained things to Bon Bon, if in need of anything to press the button on the side of her, on a small remote that was linked to the bed itself with a flexible and sturdy cable. All the while the doctor done a quick check on the now vivid mare. Once the nurse tucked in Bon Bon they excused them self and left with a wave. Bon Bon sat up a little, supported herself with her front hooves, yet careful not to unlatch the infusion needle in still in her hoof and turned towards to her minty friend. All the while Lyra laid on her side to face her. “I was so worried for you Bonny..” “I know, and I know you been bored to death too, have you not?” Lyra gave her a brief pouty face before smiled again as roll her eyes. “You have no idea... But I was so worried! It's a true relief you're alright and up again.” “Hehe, it's good to be back among the living, but sure wasn't fun to wake up now. It's even beats a hangover after one of Berries big get togethers.” The two mares chuckled at the memories, and as it died down they both had a pang in their hearts. They missed home and did so as they truly regret ever board that forsaken ship. They shared a bittersweet look. After all that nightmare they have been through, back and forth to and from Tartalus in the past days waiting hopelessly for their faith claim them. They still had each other, and they have been saved, true not free at about that moment. The two lovers slowly drifted off into their dreams. Back on board the Iron Claw jet as it cruised through the skies high above the ocean the occupants have had a long conversation. The humans intently listened to the ponies, as Octavia and Midnight retold their not so favorable encounter with the bestial beings, called the changelings. “..So they really feed on emotions?” Asked the scientist of the group, Erik, truly amazed by the absurdity of the fact. “Yes, indeed they do.” Reinforced the claim made by Midnight just few moments before. Then all eyes shifted towards Dave who was deep in thought and was about to speak up. “..Now.. This is stupid. And let me explain it..” He looked down to Octavia who look up, with an eyebrow raised and a clear look to carry on, before he return his glare to the others present. “If I, would feed on love and other positive emotions, yes I sure would go out and try to do what they did, as in impersonate other ponies to gain said 'nourishment', or better, try to earn said love... But to go out and do an all out invasion. Cause serious trauma and harm, and earn hatred instead of love, make myself public enemy number one. Just to ease the hunger these buggers have been cursed with, and just a little. And for a short time on top of that is truly moronic. Pardon my language.” Every one nod at that in agreement. “I do see their side of the coin, but they took the possible worst path, desperation or not, and they got their chitin arse handled to them on a silver plate, in quite a spectacular way I might add. And what an ironic one at that, blasted by love to heavens.” Midnight gave a smirk the way he expressed his feelings about the story, it grew even bigger after the 'silver plate' part. Dave just shook his head. The sentiment was shared by the others around, changelings pose a real threat and was clear not to be taken lightly. After the apex of the changeling issue the conversion took a new direction, as Trixie voice her concerns about their own safety. “Now... Trixie feels kind of unease..” “Why?” Asked Bulk with calmly and as earn the undivided attention of the rest. “Will we be prisoners now or guests?” Trixie got to the point straight and an uneasiness covered all present, ponies and humans alike. Especially as two groups found the other interesting and pleasant. Bulk broke the silence after a moment, displeasure evident in his rumbling deep voice. “I'm afraid it will be the former, for the time being... I don't agree with it, nor anyone around, but the higher ups are crazy about security at the moment, and now with a clear, intelligent, and very aggressive race on the horizon who can shape shift... well... said craziness gone overdrive... Sorry.” It took a few moments for the equines all this sink in fully. Dave looked down to Octavia who tremble slightly in his lap, he rested his hand on her shoulder reassuringly. Then he spoke up, his voice was somewhat quiet, and filled with guilt about how things stood at that moment. “Don't worry though, you won't be harmed.. I know this won't be a pleasant period, but you'll be alright. Just cooperate and things will go easy and try to avoid confrontation, so they won't see you as a threat. Also we will give our own voice to the matter to make sure you treated reasonably.” “If I to guess, you would be held together, so you would have each other companion all the while have a degree of freedom. As I know the other team successfully saved three other ponies, stranded in the middle of the ocean in a boat. They sure to be in the medical ward and hopefully recovering at fully.” The group of ponies perked their ears up to the last bit, it was a good news, others survived as well, and saved from a truly grave fate. Midnight was the most affected by this news, as she was trapped on a piece of floating debris for days before the island came to view. She looked down to the floor, guilt wash over her as she remembered the poor elder pegasie mare, Cloud Counter, how she didn't live to see the safety the island and how she was forced to leave behind her body to be claimed by the endless waves. She was shaken out from the bitter memory by Amanda as she leaned forward a little to meet her yellow draconic like eyes. “Are you alright?” “Heh.. just a bitter memory.. I was stranded on a piece of junk in the middle of the cursed ocean. So I know very well what those three had gone through.” “Oh..” Was all the girl could say as a response to the bat pony. The bitterness was quickly shared by ponies and one human who had the charming time enjoy the wrath of the ocean and it's mighty storm that faithful night. It was Trixie again who broke the rule of the silence. “Well, Trixie thinks things could have turned out much worse.. If we wouldn't have met up with Dave... we sure be dead, easily many times over, and decompose inside the belly of those beasts.” Vinyl, who was quiet all along made her presence known with a loud gulp. The memory floating helplessly inside that monstrosity, unable to move, or breath, the constant feeling being burned, drained of energy, yet kept alive somehow in the disgusting fluid just chilled her down to the bone. Trixie gave a knowing look to her as she also had the goose bumps run up and down on her spine. “Indeed..” Dave then gave a sly smile and poke Octavia on her shoulder, as he always found the bright side of life even in the face of the grim shadows of events. “..and you might still be enjoying that nice aerie view, would you not, my little pony?” Octavia shook her head as chuckled to the remark. And made her comeback quick. “Oh Gramps, just shush, I know you envied the view I could enjoy hanging upside down while you run around the thick and nasty jungle.” Laughter erupted at the ongoing banter between the two, and by that the mood lifted some. No longer all grim and gloomy, yet it was far from blue skies and rainbows. With refreshed spirits they looked forward to what fate will deal to them in the near future.