Introducing the Team
The sunlight filtered through half closed curtains. A groaning Andromeda buried her face in her husband’s back, his dark blue wings providing cover for the tired unicorn as her magic tugged curtains to cover the gap. ‘The only problem with being an astronomer is mornings.’ She thought, drifting into a light sleep.
*
The night before had been enjoyable for all concerned, Andromeda, Latitude and his team Refract, Receiver and Brunswick had all been invited to an audience with Princess Luna. “So, my little ponies. Please, our earlier introductions were brief could you tell me a little about yourselves. After all, if I am to give you my patronage I should know who you are!” The little group had chuckled at that, their nerves at meeting royalty eased.
Looking from face to face, Andromeda decided to go first. “Well, Princess, I graduated from the school for gifted unicorns and attended Canterlot University, achieving my doctorate in astronomy. I became an employee at the observatory shortly afterwards. I met my husband while studying in university. We married after we had settled into our jobs.” She smiled fondly at Latitude who took his turn. “Well, like many pegasus ponies, I hale from Cloudsdale. However I set my sights higher than the weather and after getting my cutie mark started studying astronomy. Some crafty work on the part of a tutor of mine got me into Canterlot U on merit and I got a masters in astronomy with a minor in metrological theory. The observatory hired me for cloud clearance but one or two of the slightly more open minded seniors allowed me time to develop methods of recording and viewing the night skies. I gathered my team from likeminded ponies from the workshops.” The dark blue pegasus smirked at that and ruffled a wing.
Luna looked to the three others. “I believe that we were not formally introduced beyond the announcer this evening.” She smiled at the shy unicorns, trying to dispel their obvious fear. The earth pony gave a nicker and clomped an emerald hoof. “’Scuse the twins yer highness, they’re a mite shy.” He forwarded a hoof and shook mightily with the alicorn. “Tha name’s Brunswick Green.” He bowed his head slightly. “Oh, the Greens?” Princess Luna asked. “I believe I have met some of your family. Dartmouth and Laurel?” Brunswick smiled widely.
“Aye, that’ll be my kinfolk alright. They’re my second cousins. Their ma and pa run the Canterlot end of the family business. We Greens are only equal only in size by tha Apple family.” The emerald stallion nodded, his straw coloured mane briefly covered his eyes. “Ah got into tinkering with machines and that back on the family farm. Got a job out with the family down here but moved along to these sky-minded types after I trained young Lawn. Got nabbed by that pegasus.” He playfully hoofed Latitude. “Been working on their bigger equipment since.” As the earth pony finished a member of the night staff discreetly entered and deposited some snacks and drinks, leaving swiftly. The six set about eating the twin unicorns relieved their turn had been delayed.
Food consumed Luna looked expectantly at the twins. The mare blushed and ducked her head, the white stallion gulped and then took a breath. “I’m Refract Device and this is my sister Reciever.” The pale pink unicorn made brief eye contact with the princess before burying her nose against her brother. “We are from Fillydelphia, we studied magical theory in the university there. We were invited to the Royal Observatory after a paper of ours was published. ‘Magical Communication with Spatial Bodies’.” He finished there and nudged his sister. She looked up with a blush and an apologetic expression. To Luna’s surprise the girl’s horn began to glow. “I am Reciever.” A voice came, not from a mouth and not into ears but directly into the mind of the ponies present. A delighted look spread across the nocturnal princess’ face and Andromeda smiled encouragingly at her pastel pink colleague. “I was sadly born bereft of the faculties necessary to communicate normally with ponies.” Her tone was sweet and gentle but a sadness dwelt in her soft amber eyes. “As I grew I developed a method of communicating with others, at first only my brother but soon with other close friends and family. Through this I discovered that all things magical in nature had their own ‘voice’ and eventually found even the stars in our sky ‘speak’ to us.” The glow of her horn subsided and Refract took up the narrative. “We met Andromeda and Latitude and worked with them to develop the radio telescope. We are very glad you are interested in our little project.”
Luna beamed. “My little ponies! You are the most interesting ones I have met since the elements of harmony! Your magic Ms Receiver, We thought ourselves the only one to hear the voices of the sky.” The little unicorn mare blushed even deeper. A small smile crossed her face.
“It was the music I heard first. Such a comfort to me. It chased the lonely silence from my nights. I started to focus on it and call to it, eventually I could share it with others.” It was Luna’s turn to blush now. “Thank you, Receiver, I am glad my night is a comfort to you.”
The group settled into a companionable silence, nibbling the leftover snacks and simply enjoying company. The night drew on and a breeze rustled leaves outside the window. Canterlot was clear of clouds. Noticing that she was not alone in gazing at the night sky, Luna stood. “Would you like to see my personal observatory?”
In her bedroom, Princess Celestia smiled and rolled over in bed. Excited voices and the slight pressure of unfamiliar magic came from her sister’s quarters. “Well done Lu.” she mumbled, returning to sleep.
*
It was midmorning when the alarm clock blared only to be silenced by ice blue magic. “C’mon Lat’, time to get up we’ve got a busy day today.” Almost as soon as they had accepted the Princess’ offer they had been removed from the control of the Royal Observatory management and were instead working with her to plan out their new location. “Kay ‘Rommy,” he groaned and rolled from bed.” The unicorn moved around their house preparing a light meal before they would meet Princess Luna.
Refreshed and fed they attended the palace. The rest of the team were taking a break. The twins had purchases to make and Brunswick was helping out at the family business. The day guard saluted as Andromeda and Latitude entered, their passes allowing entry to the palace. One of Luna’s staff was waiting for them and they were taken to the princesses’ study.
“Good afternoon my astronomers, we have much to discuss.” She rolled out a map of Equestria with her magic. “How much do you know about Ponyville?”