//------------------------------//
// Exploration: 3 
// Story: Star Ship Unity 
// by Ponyess 
//------------------------------//

    The weather-patrol had apparently found something.  Whatever it was, they had unearthed an ancient city, from what I had understood.  This isn’t just a find of a lifetime, it is the greatest find known to Ponykind, to date.  I had to be there.  No matter what was to be discovered, I have to be there.

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie would insist on going, while Fluttershy would be hesitant to say the least.  Yet, when I finally ask them to follow me, I feel pretty sure they will be right there with me.



For now, I will leave Spike with the castle, to hold the fort, as they say.  The library needs to be open, and he is the best I have on the job.  Not just because I have trusted him from the day I hatched him, but also because he has been tending my library for me, from the first day I came to Ponyville in the first place.  Maybe he is in a sense like a son to me.

Of course, I will have to pick a few others to come with me.  That will include the once who was there on the initial discovery.  Both Soaring and Ditzy.  I just hope they can be back for the night.



There is another detail to take care of, I will also have to write a letter to Princess Celestia about the exploit, before I go.  In part, due to the fact that Spike is staying, while I go of on this new adventure, but also in order to see if she knew something on the matter at hoof.  If she knows something, it may be of use to us, when we get there.

“Spike, I need you to write a message of great import to Princes Celestia at the Royal castle at Canterliot!” I exclaimed.

“You always have urgent message of great importance to send to your former tutor.  I know her extended experience could prove invaluable to your task at hand, but you need to be confident and trust in your own abilities.  Even if this sounds like an occasion where she may know something.  Yet, there is a slim chance this is actually out dating even Celestia!” Spike reminded me.

“Of course, Spike.  She was, after all, grooming me towards becoming a Princess.  Apparently, the village of Ponyvile has become too important for a Mayor to handle alone.  Yet, I fear you do have a point, right there, Spike.  What do I, or we do, if she doesn’t know?  I could always hope to draw on the experiences from the adventure to Canterlot High.  My friends did stand by my side, even if they were different friends than the once I commonly rely on!” I pondered.

“In retrospect, you are correct.  She made you hatch me in order for me to be there for you at any and all times.  She needed you to have a means to send and receive message to or from her.  She clearly had planned for it from the start!” Spike concluded in confirmation.



“Sike, take a note!” I instructed him, readying my throat to speak the words for him to write down and send off to the Princess and my former mentor.

“Of course!” Spike responded, quill and parchment in hand.

“Dear Princess Celestia.

My friends recently found the ruin of what looks like an ancient city.  From what they told me, it is very old.  They couldn’t make much out, but returned in order to report the findings, in hope for more experienced and better prepared Ponies to find out what they had found.  Now I am putting up a team in order to make this excavation, true to my passion.  I intend to find out everything I can about this ancient City.  Yet, if you have any information of the city, so long hidden under the sand of this plain, it may prepare me and my friends for what we may encounter!” I prompted.

“That was short, but to the point!” Spike pointed out with a short chuckle.

“Yes, but we don’t really know more!” I pointed out.

“Okay!” Spike responded, sending the message on the wind of his fire to the castle, where Celestia soon found herself reading the short message.

“Thanks, Spike.  Now we can wait and see if she responds, and what she may know of our quandary!” I put forth.

“I wouldn’t hold my breath, if I were you.  Finding anything as old as this takes time, unless she remembers the event in question.  Yet, gathering provisions is the best we can do while we wait for her response!” Spike suggested.

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