Nebula was born an Equestrian citizen, like any other pony. He grew up in Ponyville for the first few years of his life, and then things changed.
On March 17th, 2750 A.N.M (After Nightmare Moon), the first space shuttle was launched into orbit.
Only 10 years after, the first probe made it past the moon.
Soon enough, ponies were exploring the universe.
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"And that, class, is how the Elements of Harmony sealed away Nightmare Moon forever."
"If you don't mind me saying, mam' but that is complete and utter bullshit."
"Of course you think so, blank flank. You even doubt that alicorns exist." The classic hater retorted, almost snorting each word out.
"I have a name, you know."
"Oh, right, Nebula. Why'd your parents even call you that?"
"They were both astronomers, that disproved the theory that Nightmare Moon ever existed."
"Yes, Nebula. There is scientific proof that Nightmare Moon never could have lived on the moon. But historical records show-" The teacher was cut off by the persistent student.
"About 20% of history is made up."
The teacher let out a deep sigh.
"Oh, well, I guess you have a point, Nebu-"
BBBRRRIIIIIIINNNGG
The teacher was once again cut off by the sharp ring of a school bell. The students shuffled out the door and into the schoolyard.
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"Hey, mom, I'm home." Nebula said halfheartedly to the empty house.
Why do I even pretend? They're gone.
Nebula shouldered off his bag and sat down to do his homework. He completed it, all 30 pages, in about 20 minutes.
I'm getting a bit slow. Concentrate, damn you!
After doing his homework, he went outside and to the market stand for groceries. On his way, one particular vendor caught his eye.
She was a beautiful crimson mare, with a blonde mane styled in a persontail and freckles.
"Hey pal! Would ya' like to buy some apples? We're lookin' to sell the whole crop this time 'round!"
"Sure, Apple Shine! Always a pleasure to see you. I'd like 10 Red Delicious."
"That'll be 20 bits. Thank you for stoppin' by. I been meanin' to see you." She dropped a few perfectly red apples into a bag and exchanged it for some bits.
"What do you mean?" Nebula was slightly puzzled at Apple Shine's latest remark.
"Ah' was wonderin' if you'd want to come to dinner with me sometime."
"Wait, what? Oh, ummm, sure! Okay, I mean. Yes, I'll go!" Nebula stammered.
Is she asking me out?
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Did he just say yes?
Apple Shine beamed at Nebula and spoke.
"'Kay then! How 'bout tomorrow?"
"I'm open!"
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Nebula prepared hurriedly for his date with Apple Shine.
It's not a date! It's just a sort of get-together.
Nebula combed his mane, brushed his teeth, and then took out through the door.
Passing the statue of the six ponies who were the supposed bearers of the Elements of Harmony, he tried to remember what he had planned for the night.
Okay, so we go to The Gilded Horseshoe, and then I lead her back to Sweet Apple Acres. This will be easy.
But what if she doesn't like the food and leaves? Then what? His thoughts were interrupted by somepony crashing into him head on.
"Oh, ah'm so sorry! Let me help you up!" He opened his eyes and found a pair of deep blue eyes looking into his.
"Apple Shine! Why were you in such a hurry? I was just running to pick you up at Sweet Apple Acres."
"And ah was just going to pick you up!"
"Oh! Well, this is awkward. I guess you planned a whole night for us as well."
"Spot on. Ah'm sorry, what were you plannin'?"
"Dinner at 'The Gilded Horseshoe'"
"Ugh. Ah hate that place I was plannin' a picnic up on a hill."
"That sounds lovely. Let's go!"
"'Kay then! It's right this way."
Nebula now noticed that she was carrying a picnic basket in her saddlebags. He facehooved for not realizing. They made their way across Ponyville and came upon a small hill that provided a great vantage point from which to watch the moon rise.
"Wow... this place is beautiful. How come I've never noticed it before?"
"Not many ponies have. This was where my mom found her first coltfriend. And her mom before that. And her mom."
"I'm glad we didn't go to the Gilded Horseshoe. This is so much better. Aww, wait! This would be the perfect place to see the Flarflar Galaxy be eclipsed by Wangadoodle 02751! And I didn't bring my telescope!"
(Quick author's note: Yes, the "Flarflar galaxy" and the star "Wangadoodle 02751". I still have pride.
"Ah figured something all spacey was gonna 'appen tonight, so ah brought this." Apple Shine reached into the picnic basket and pulled out a telescope and separate tripod.
"You really know me, don't you?"
"Ah sure do."
They set up the picnic and the telescope and started eating.
"Ah thought you'd be all over that tel-ey-scope."
"While a galactic eclipse may be beautiful, I am sitting directly next to something infinitely more."
"You're pretty easy on the eyes too, Neb."
"Why, thank you."
The sun lowered below the horizon and the moon peeked out from behind the mountains to the east.
Apple Shine and Nebula slowly made their way closer together, until Nebula's front hoof was around Apple Shine's neck, and their sides were touching. They watched the moon rise over the mountains and soon enough the night surrounded them.
"You know, I had a really nice time tonight. Thank you for inviting me."
"Ya know what I said 'bout my mom meetin' her first coltfriend here?"
"Yeah. It must be a nice story."
"Well, this is where ah met mine."
"Really? Who was he?"
"Well, he was an astronomy buff, really smart, but he didn't have a clue."
"I'm not so sure about that." Nebula leaned down and kissed Apple Shine on the lips. She returned it.
After a few moments, they pulled away.
"He wasn't entirely stupid."
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Nebula woke up in the morning and got out of his bed.
Best night ever.
He ate breakfast, got himself into some decent state of cleanliness, and a knock emanated from the front door right as he was about to open it. He opened it and a pegasus pony gave him a letter with the stamp of ENASA (Equestria National Aeronautics and Space Association). He opened it and was shocked at what the letter said.
Dear Nebula:
As you know, ENASA is having a shortage of volunteers for space exploration teams, and you seem to have an exceptional understanding of outer space and what lies within it. Therefore, we are drafting you into service with permission from the Council of Equestria. Your service begins April 10th, 2797 A.N.M.
Yours truly,
Chief Star Fire