//------------------------------// // March 9th, 2560 // Story: Voidrunner // by The DM //------------------------------// It was early March in Equestria as ponies across the country woke up and prepared for a new day. Children bid farewell to their parents as they trotted off to school, and adults said their  sweet goodbyes to loved ones as they went to work. It was peaceful once more in Equestria. The war with the gryphons had been hard on everyone. Entire cities had been razed, thousands killed, and the entire world pushed to the brink of war. But one year ago, something extraordinary happened; the citizens of Equestria learned that they were not alone in the universe. Now, with their new friend and ally, ponies across the country were waking up to a few new additions. As part of the treaty agreement with the UNSC, the ponies would be placed under the protection and jurisdiction of humanity. Affairs of state would still be held solely by the princesses, but in matters of interplanetary relations, the UNSC would take point. This treaty also came with new additions to pony cities across the country. Modern medical facilities had been erected. Even basic utilities such as power, water, and waste disposal had been brought to modern times. More noticeably, however, were the two spaceports and orbital elevators. Ponyville Starport and Phillydelphia Starport had been built soon after the defeat of the Gryphon Empire, with the orbital elevators near Ponyville and Phillydelphia following soon after. It took some getting used to, but the ponies had grown accustomed to seeing human architecture interspersed within Equestrian cities. It was even becoming more common to see humans walking through cities, even though most of them were UNSC workers or civilian contractors. Though one of the most important structures erected was nothing more than a piece of hull plating stuck in the ground. Within Canterlot Central Park stood a piece of armor plating recovered from the wreckage of the UNSC Tuscany. On it were inscribed the names of those who had fallen during the rescue of Princess Cadance and the Crystal Heart. From her vantage point in the park, Princess Luna sat in front of the monument with the Harmony Orbital Tether in the background. However, her gaze once again was drawn to the wrecked starship further down the valley. To her it was more than a burnt hunk of aluminum, it was a tomb for many of her closest friends. The final resting place for so many that she had grown to know and care for. Ever since the monument with the names of the crew was erected, she had made it a morning ritual to greet the new day in the presence of the friends she could no longer speak with. As the orbital elevator began its morning ascent, Luna began to read the names in silence. Petty Officer Gordon Stens Petty Officer Hubert Franks Airman Hector Tallas Ensign Frank Torres Master Chief Petty Officer Greg Cazaras Seaman Emily Flint Commander Theodor Gimple Chief Petty Officer Jack Lorenzo Seaman Markus Xiao Petty Office Norman Jezeral Seaman Glenn Bernstein Seaman Tessa Glenn Airman Erika Voyas Petty Officer Paul Horchis Seaman Don King Chief Petty Officer Deborah Allen Petty Officer Joe Lutz Junior Lieutenant Paul Dukas Lieutenant Bella Dartok Airman Samuel Barber Petty Officer Iannis Xenakir Commander Thomas Tallir Seaman Jonathan Tavener Petty Officer Franco Salavanes Chief Petty Officer Sergi Ronkovich Junior Lieutenant Merlyn Sue Airman Wesley Porter Petty Officer Hubert Jackson Lieutenant Commander Anderz Bjorkland Corporal Lucas Binkley Lance Corporal Yaraon Morrow Staff Sergeant Kelly Verrez Sergeant James Hodges Gunnery Sergeant Philip Ballas Corporal Nick Gerrard PFC Harry Farks Master Sergeant Vince Borvian Private Kasandra Hendrikson Captain Erika Choral Sergeant Max Kandof Private Sarah Martinez Staff Sergeant Kyle Sorchin Corporal Chase Drall Sergeant Jessica Quay PFC Lawrance Umas Lieutenant Veronica Westlake Lieutenant Jeremy Klondas Sergeant Fernando Roselli Private Chen Xi Staff Sergeant Miles Kalandria Of the eighty crew members, only thirty survived the crash. Luna had long since learned that fighting her sadness was a pointless battle. The place she had lived for months, and most of the people she spent that time with, was gone. She had tried to save them, but it wasn’t enough. In her mind, she failed them. Allowing her tears to flow freely, she placed a hoof on the monument and bowed her head as the sun began to rise. As her sister’s celestial body barely poked over the horizon, the sound of footsteps on grass caught her ear. Most ponies had learned to leave her be during this sacred morning ritual of hers. Curiously, she looked over to see who had intruded on her silent reflection. Sitting in the grass next to her was none other than Andrew Traxus. Rather than meeting her gaze, he stared out over the valley at the rising sun. “You okay?” Andrew asked quietly. Luna merely nodded without looking up. The two sat in silence for a few minutes as the sun slowly rose higher above the hills. “Did anyone ever tell you about the time Deb caused a mass panic?” Andrew asked with a cheerful grin as he looked to the clearly distraught pony. Luna wiped away a few loose tears as she looked up to meet his gaze. “As in Chief Engineer Deb?” “Yup,” Andrew replied with a grin and a nod. “This one time while we were in port, a few families came aboard to see loved ones and get a brief tour of the ship. Well, Deb thought it would be a great idea for them to see the engine room. So while she was explaining the basics of nuclear reactors, she started shouting ‘It’s reaching critical mass!’. So all the engineers began screaming and ran out of the engine room. You can probably guess that the civilians who were with them were freaked the fuck out and began to run too.” Luna looked at him with a horrified expression. “What happened after that? Was Daniel angry?” Andrew laughed as he nodded. “Oh you bet. Everyone in engineering had to clean every window and mop every floor by hand. You see, a reactor has to get to critical mass before it starts generating power in any substantial quantity.” “So Deb and the others acted like it was melting down, when really it was just turning on?” “You got it.” Andrew replied with a chuckle. Luna couldn’t help but let out a tearful laugh as she imagined the engineers running through the corridors yelling in fake panic. “I could totally see Deb doing that.” “Yeah, she was always a fun one. Hell, I loved all the guys in engineering. The sense of camaraderie and professionalism was always present. I know those guys fought it till the bitter end,” Andrew commented as he looked to the wreckage of the once proud starship. “You think so?” Luna asked. Andrew nodded as his tone took on a somber tone. “I know so, their final stand was recorded by Tommy before he was ejected.. They ignored the evacuation in order to keep the ship flying as long as possible. They had to manually balance the power consumption and keep the secondary generators running. It’s amazing to think that five guys kept the entire ship powered while it was falling apart.” “It still hurts to think about all of them,” Luna mumbled as she looked back at the list of names. “It’ll hurt for a while. Though you should think about what they died for. Do you think their sacrifice was worth it?” Andrew asked as he leaned forward, still watching the sun rise. “They died so we could beat the gryphons,” Luna replied shakily. Andrew nodded his head back and forth as he thought about her answer. “Basically. But it’s more complicated that that, isn’t it? They died saving Cadance and protecting the Crystal Heart.” “Yeah…” “Wouldn’t you agree that keeping a powerful magical artifact, such as the Crystal Heart, was rather important?” Andrew asked as he glanced over at the alicorn. “Yeah…” Luna replied as she stared at the grass. “So their deaths were not in vain. By keeping the Crystal Heart safe, they deprived the gryphons of a potentially devastating weapon. Therefore increasing the chances of successfully driving the gryphons back and saving thousands upon thousands of lives,” Andrew stated as he motioned to the wreckage. “I know… it’s just… you guys were my first real friends since… well… you know,” Luna muttered solemnly. Andrew draped his left arm over her shoulders and pulled her into a hug. “I understand. But you know what? They’re not gone. They’re all still here,” Andrew said as he motioned to the wall before placing a hand over her heart, “and here. Remember that, and they’ll never truly be gone.” The two sat there for a few silent minutes as the sun continued its journey over the horizon. “So, Andrew, what’s going to happen to the Tuscany?” Luna asked. Andrew sighed as he looked toward the wreckage. “She’s already been rebuilt, her sea trials begin tomorrow.”  Luna perked up at this as she looked to the engineer. “Sea trials?” “I know it’s not an accurate term, but it’s what we call it when a ship goes out for the first time to test all her systems. It’ll only take a few days,” Andrew replied with a nod. “But it’s not the same ship…” Andrew chuckled as he raised a finger. “Actually, that’s not entirely true. Yes, the body of the ship was ruined. But the heart and mind of the ship were saved. So think of it as reconstructive surgery.” “The heart and mind?” Luna asked with a perplexed expression. “The ship’s reactor and Tommy. The thing that gives the ship life, and the thing that lets it think,” Andrew replied with a smile. “Huh, I’ve never really thought about it that way,” the princess responded with a nod. “So yeah, we cleared the ship for launch last week. Now all they had to do was get a crew,” Andrew stated as he continued to look out over the valley. “Please tell me Daniel is still captain. I haven’t gotten a chance to see him since he went back to Reach,” Luna asked with pleading eyes. The engineer nodded as he spoke. “It took some convincing and some other deals, but yes, the ship is still his.” “Ok good,” Luna said with relief. “In fact, one of the terms of his reinstatement was a homeport change,” Andrew said with a sly grin. “To where?” Luna asked with a perplexed expression. “Well, seeing as how Avalon is the newest planet to join the UNSC, and it is also near the border of UNSC space, ONI feels it would be prudent to station someone with a considerable amount of experience on that border world. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he also has some expertise with the locals, wouldn’t you agree?” Andrew asked with a grin. Luna’s eyes grew wide as her ears perked up. “So the Tuscany is now stationed here?” Andrew nodded with a chuckle. “Yup.” “So I have to wait another week before getting to see anyone from the ship… great,” Luna said as her expression dropped again. “Oh don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions, your highness. The first stop on the sea trial is the Harmony Tether. Now, if you somehow found out that they’re arriving at nine thirty in the morning, I’m sure you would be able to just walk onboard.” “Hmmm, how many of the original crew are still around? I’d imagine some of them would have taken this opportunity to retire,” Luna asked as she looked to the orbital elevator. “All the survivors from the original Tuscany are onboard the new one. So I don’t think you’ll have any issues getting onboard,” Andrew remarked with a grin. “But what about my duties here? I can’t just disappear for four days,” Luna replied. “Luna, you’ve been holding this country together without the aid of your sister for quite a while now. I’m pretty sure if I talked to your sister she would be more than willing to let you got for until Saturday,” Andrew stated with confidence. The princess thought for a moment before nodding. “It would be nice to see everyone again…” Andrew clapped his hands together as he rubbed them together. “Great! I’ll talk to Celestia during court and let you know during night court.” As Andrew stood up to head off to the castle, he patted the indigo alicorn on the back. “You should get some rest. I’ll come find you this evening. See ya later Luna.” “See you tonight Andrew,” Luna called out in response before turning back to the memorial wall and placing a hoof on it. “I’ll see you all tomorrow.” ~~~<<<>>>~~~ Luna happily trotted through Canterlot in the early morning, as he saddlebags bounced with each step. The sun had just come up and everyone was beginning their daily routine. Most ponies were quite surprised to see the lunar princess outside the castle, let alone at any time other than midnight. Though for her, she had a plan. Andrew had successfully convinced Celestia to let her have a few days of rest and relaxation, and as such, she was on her way to the Harmony Tether. First though, she had to stop by the park as promised. A few ponies were there with young foals, enjoying the early morning calm. They seemed startled by the princesses sudden appearance, but said nothing as she slowly walked up to the wall and placed a hoof on its face. “Morning everyone,” the princess said softly, “I’m off to meet up with the rest of the crew. Turns out they rebuilt the ship and are running her through something called ‘sea trials’. I know it’s not the exact same ship, especially with so many of you unable to be there, but it will be nice to be somewhere familiar. Well, I gotta go guys. I’ll be sure to say hi to the others when I see them.” With her conversation over, Luna slowly backed away from the wall and walked slowly out of the park. The bystanders at the park watched in silent awe as their princess spoke, and then walked away. No one was quite sure what had just transpired, but nor were they ready to question it. Having completed her first stop that morning, Luna headed into the city toward a UNSC office that had been set up. There she boarded a pelican bound for the Harmony Tether. After a quick and silent flight, the pelican touched down just outside the main terminal of the space elevator. With a quick thanks to the pilot, Luna stepped off the aircraft and headed inside. Luckily the terminal was fairly empty, save for a few human and pony workers. The ride up the elevator was a fairly quick fifteen minutes, it gave her a magnificent view of the planet as she rose higher into the atmosphere. As the features of the planet grew too distant to make out, the view of the upper terminal grew larger. It was a large circular structure with eight arms branching off from the central station. Jutting out from each arm were six docking arms. There were a few ships docked at the moment, but one in particular brought a slight smile to her face. Docked onto one of the innermost arms was the familiar shape of a Prowler. As soon as the elevator doors opened, Luna was trotting out. Moving through the landing area, the Princess made her way into the main atrium. Above her was a massive dome of reinforced glass, giving a beautiful view into the depths of the universe. While she would have loved to sit there and stare into the abyss for hours, she had more pressing matter at hoof. Keeping in mind where the ship in question was docked, Luna trotted up the escalator and headed down the third arm of the massive station. She passed numerous shops that were still closed or under construction before finally getting to gate 3-2. Standing just before the doorway were two ODSTs. Both had their helmets on, obscuring their faces. But Luna recognized the curved blade attached the shoulder of the man on the right. “Hello Ahmad.” Luna said with a smile. Ahmad seemed startled by this as he snapped out of his daydream. After coming back to reality, he pulled off his helmet and jogged forward to hug the lunar princess. The other ODST could only stand there in silence and watch. “It’s good to see you, my friend.” Ahmad said as he broke away from the embrace. “Luna, this is Corporal Noob Lord.” “That’s not my name...” the other ODST muttered. “Shut up, Noob Lord.” Ahmad barked. “So what brings you all the way up here?” Luna chuckled at the other ODST before replying. “I‘m coming with you, actually. I got some time off and decided to come see you guys.” “Oh? Does Daniel know?” Ahmad asked with a grin. Luna shook her head. “Nope. I was thinking of surprising him. Wanna help?” Ahmad’s eyes went wide as a grin grew across his face. “Noob Lord, cover here for a few. I have to escort our esteemed guest to see the Captain.” The ODST sighed as his head drooped. “Yes, sir.” Luna had to fight back a few giggles as she walked with Ahmad aboard the Tuscany. She had sorely missed the banter of the crew. It was just something that she couldn’t really experience back at the castle. “So, Luna, how’ve these past few weeks been for you?” Ahmad asked as they walked through the ship. “It’s been rough. Keeping a war-torn country together is rather exhausting. Plus not having any of you guys around... well, it hasn’t helped.” Luna replied with a sigh. “I feel ya. The first few weeks back home were tough for everyone. Lots of guys had survivors guilt, especially Daniel. Hell, even I had some low points. Though I have Chef to thank for helping me get through it all,” Ahmad said with a solemn nod. “I think I’ll be paying him a visit soon. Talking to my sister about what happened has helped a bit, but it’s just not the same,” Luna replied. “Understandable,” Ahmad said as he stopped and leaned up next to a door. “Well, here we are. Recognize it?” Luna looked at the door number and nearly dropped her bags. Taking a step forward, the doors slid open to reveal an empty cabin. It was just as she remembered her old one back before the crash. Allowing her saddle bags to slide off her back, she sat on the floor in the middle of the room. With a deep breath, Luna began to take in all the familiar smells that this room held. From the slight odor of the metal to the smell of recycled oxygen. With a quick jump, Luna flung herself onto the bed with a flop. While most ponies would complain that the mattress was uncomfortable, Luna felt it was perfect. “I’m glad to see that everything is still to your liking, Princess,” announced the electronic voice of Tommy. Luna paused and looked up to the ceiling with a smile. “It’s good to hear your voice again Tommy. I really did miss you.” “Likewise, your highness. Will you be joining us on our voyage today?” the AI asked. “I will. Though don’t tell Daniel. I’ll do that,” Luna replied with a grin. “Of course. Take care, Princess. It’s good to see you again.” Ahmad could only watch with a smile as Luna became reaquainted with her mattress. “I hate to break up this scene, but we gotta go surprise a certain Captain.” “Right,” Luna said as she rolled off the bed. “Let’s go.” The pair continued their walk through the ship before stopping at Ahmad’s cabin. “Just gotta grab something.” Luna nodded as the human quickly slipped into his room before emerging again with a rubber chicken in hand. The lunar princess raised an eyebrow at the bright yellow chicken. “Do I even want to know?” She asked. Ahmad chuckled as he held up the chicken. “It’s going to be part of my distraction so you can surprise Daniel. Trust me, this joke will be worth it.” After a few minutes of idle chatter while walking through the ship, the pair came to the door leading onto the bridge. “Alright, I’ll go on first and distract him. Then you can do... whatever it is that you were planning on doing. Okay?” Ahmad said as he shoved the chicken into a pocket. “Got it.” Luna replied as she took a deep breath. Ahmad gave her one last smile before walking onto the bridge. Inside, the bridge crew were going about their pre-flight checks. Vezina was sitting sideways in his chair with a book, while Dior and Zerom were on either side of Daniel’s chair. To Luna, they seemed to be discussing the ship’s course. That was, of course, until Ahmad stepped in front of them all, forcing them to keep their backs to Luna. “Hey Cap, how long are we gonna be in port?” Ahmad asked. “Another hour or two. Why?” Daniel replied as he set down his datapad. “Cause I wanted to go rock out. Wanna join me?” “As much as I would love to just have a jam session, we kinda need to get underway soon. Maybe tonight,” the captain responded with a nod. “Alright. I’ve got some free time, so I’m going to go rock out,” Ahmad said as he pulled out the rubber chicken, “with my cock out.” Zerom had to stifle a bout of laughter, as Dior sighed and shook her head. Daniel, however, chuckled as he rubbed his eyepatch. “How long have you been sitting on that joke?” Ahmad rolled his eyes. “Waaaaay too long. Also, surprise!” Daniel looked up at Ahmad just as his vision went dark. Realizing that someone was covering his eyes, he reached up to remove the perpetrators hands from his face, only to find feathers. Perplexed, his mind began to scour through the individuals he knew with wings. It couldn’t be Spotlight, he only had one wing. That was when he recognized the familiar scent of the owner of these wings. With a smile, he slowly peeled off the wing covering his right eye before turning around in his chair. “Miss me?” Luna asked with a smile. Daniel tapped his chin as he looked at the alicorn. “Maybe a little bit.” Luna rolled her eyes as she pulled him into a hug. “Get over here.” Zerom chuckled as he gave Ahmad a thumbs up. The ODST took a bow before turning and leaving. Eventually the two broke from their embrace. “So, where’re we going?” Luna asked as she looked out into space. “That’s what we were planning. I’m thinking about taking a trip around Orion’s Belt. Fairly standard for a sea trial. I expect we’ll be back around Friday,” Daniel replied as he repositioned himself in his chair. “Great. I’ve already put my stuff in my old cabin,” Luna responded with a grin. Daniel raised an eyebrow as he looked at the Princess. “You’re coming with us? Doesn’t Celestia need you here?” Luna shook her head. “I managed to get some time off. She felt that I had earned a few days to reprieve from government. Didn’t you see the message Andrew sent you?” The captain slowly reached for his datapad. As he turned it on he was greeted by a waiting message from Andrew. “Huh. Well alright then.” “So we’re leaving in an hour or so?” Luna asked. Daniel shrugged. “Really we could leave whenever. An hour was just the arbitrary number I picked. But now that you’re here, I see no reason to delay our departure. Sound good?” Luna nodded as she looked forward through the main window. “Sounds great. So what’s in Orion’s Belt?” “Nothing special. It’s just three stars.... but since you’re here, why don’t you pick our first destination.” Daniel replied with a grin. “Really?” Luna asked with a shocked expression. “Go for it. Pick a star or planet from the star chart,” Daniel said as he motioned over his shoulder at the display table. Luna instead took a seat next to Daniel and began to scour the sky in front of her before stopping on a star. “Right there,” she said pointing with a hoof, “second star on the left.”