//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 - Wide-Eyed Wonder // Story: Star Trek: I'm Coming Home // by Aceman67 //------------------------------// Six Years Later... Equus Orbit "...It is with fervent hope and optimism as well in the spirit of friendship that we dedicate this Space Station." Princess Twilight Sparkle continued. "Long may it serve as a place of commerce and meeting place between the citizens of Equus and those that extend the offer of friendship and harmony. Thank you." With the Princess' closing words, those gathered erupted into applause. Representatives of every nation on Equus as well as diplomatic envoys from nearly every Alpha and Beta quadrant power. Klingons stood with Romulans, Humans with Gorn, even Tholians were present. A noticeable exception to this was the absence of the Tzenkethi, who had broken ties with their Typhon Pact allies and enacted policies of extreme isolationism. The galaxy hadn't seen or heard from them in almost six months. Even though relations with most of these powers were strained, things would be a lot different if not for the events a year ago. Unknown to anyone, when Starfleet revealed to the galaxy its Slipstream technology almost a decade prior, an enterprising Ferengi engineer staked a claim on a small moon because of the benamite crystals in its crust. She then set out to duplicate the technology on her own, and at great cost to her personal wealth. Because of the frivolous nature of the way she spent her money (and the fact that she was a female), her work went largely unnoticed. While the members of the Typhon Pact played their spy games with Starfleet, Nell toiled in obscurity. She had even had some modicum of success, and successfully tested her variant of Slipstream which proved to be capable of faster travel than even the most advanced Starfleet models equipped on their Vesta-class starships, but it came at a cost, as it caused the benamite crystals to degrade at a faster rate. Lacking the recrystallization technology that Starfleet possessed, Nell was about to throw in the towel until word spread that a new source of benamite with a stable crystalline matrix had recently been discovered. Being a civilian and not bound by the Khitomer Accords like the Ferengi Alliance was, Nell entered into negotiations with the Equus government for a sample of the mineral. Trading her knowledge of warp technology, something that other government powers had been unwilling to trade opting to let Equus develop the technology on their own, she was able to obtain the sample she needed. After months of testing, her designs bore fruit. While the Starfleet design that used the same stable benamite still required recrystallization after extended periods of use, Nell's design could be used for years before recrystallization would be needed. Nell's life work was complete. To say what happened next shocked the galaxy would be an understatement. Using what was left of her fortune, Nell was able to broadcast a message to the galaxy on every frequency. My name is Nell, I won't be surprised if those in the engineering field don't know who I am, or that most Ferengi males are likely reaching to their consoles to turn this broadcast off. That would be a mistake. On Ferenginar, we have a saying: "War is good for business". You know what's better for business? Peace. So it should be no shock that we have the saying "Peace is good for business" as well. You can't buy anything when you're dead. The last decade has been plagued with skirmishes and pointless conflict that profits no one. Dozens were killed at Utopia Planitia when Starfleet's Slipstream tech was stolen, many of whom I studied with at University, including my husband, and it's unknown how many died in Breen space when a Federation Special Ops team went to retrieve what was taken. For the better part of the past decade, I've been independently developing a Slipstream Drive of my own and I managed to make it work. No longer will Starfleet have a monopoly on Slipstream Technology. It's time to level the playing field, maybe then you'll all learn to get along and stop acting like children. Embedded in this message are the complete plans for my design as well as instructions on how to integrate it into common Klingon, Gorn, and Romulan engine systems. Unlike the Starfleet design, however, my drive utilizes the stable benamite crystals that can be found in only one place in the galaxy, on Equus. I had originally planned on licensing out the plans for a standard fee, but last week I was diagnosed with Dorek Syndrome, so I don't have much time left. I am well aware of how unscrupulous most of the species in our galaxy can be, most of you are worse than Ferengi, so it is with that in mind that I have included a prototype for a method that can stabilize common benamite during standard recrystallization. So leave that peaceful world alone. Sadly, it's not finished, however. So let this be my legacy, and hopefully leveling the playing field will keep you all from killing each other for no better reason then who's ship can go faster. Within a month, the political climate changed. What was once cold hostility and suspicion with fingers on the trigger shifted to begrudging tolerance. No longer did the threat of war loom overhead should cooler heads not prevail. But all of this meant nothing to a young unicorn filly sticking to her father's side surrounded by so many that were different from her. "Dad, is it done yet?" I asked my father, who lowered his head and smiled at me. "Almost, Zoe," he told me. "I have to go talk with a few people then we can go." "Do you have too? I want to go see the arb-- arbor-- the garden again." I said, using my magic to tug on the sleeve of his suit jacket. "You mean the arboretum?" He said, taking note that I had trouble saying the word. "Yeah, that." "Don't worry, we will," He promised. "In fact, your mom is waiting there with a picnic lunch for us. But I really do have to talk with a few people, its part of my job." "Ok..." I said, gazing at my hooves. When I noticed that Dad had started off towards a group by a window, I started after him, weaving in and out between people. Eventually, I found him standing with some men fancy white uniforms with red and gold trim. "This is quite the facility, Minister Scott, I look forward to a tour later." One of the men said. He had grey hair and a beard, and like my cousins spots going up the side of his neck. "It is, isn't it?" My dad said. "Every time I'm up here, I'm amazed by the fact that the entire crystal structure was grown," He explained as I stepped up beside him and gave his leg a nudge with my shoulder. "As for the tour, Admiral, I'm afraid it'll have to wait till after lunch, as I am otherwise occupied." He finished while looking down at me with a wink. I just giggled. "And who is this?" The 'Admiral' asked, What ever that is... I thought. "My daughter Zoe." Dad introduced. "Zoe, this is Admiral Jorel Quinn." "Hello," I said with a smile, which faded into an inquisitive expression. "Whats an Admiral?" I asked. Dad and Admiral Quinn both laughed at the same time. Staring back up at them, I blinked twice. "What?" I asked. "Remember when I told you I was in Starfleet before you were born?" Dad told me, and I nodded. "Well, I was an Ensign, an Admiral is a few ranks higher." Even though he tried to explain it, I still didn't know what he meant and I looked at him like he had two heads. Next to him Quinn was hiding his growing smile with his hand. Facehoofing, dad let out a sigh. "You know how at the Canterlot Castle, there're the castle guards, right?" Dad asked. "Yeah, we just studied them in school, Mrs. Cheerilee said we're going to have a test on it next week," I answered. "Well, what are their ranks?" "Umm... Munifex or Guard, Evocati or Veterans, Centurion, Legate and Imperator." I rattled off in quick succession. "The Imperator is in charge of everything, right?" "Well, yeah..." I responded. "But didn't you say he was also in charge of hot-air production?" Quinn nearly spit out his drink with a sputter while he turned beet red trying not to laugh. As for Dad, his coat appeared to turn a shade whiter. "Zoe!" He said, quickly covering my mouth with his hoof. "Remember when I said that what I say at home stays at home?" Still keeping his hoof on my mouth, I looked up at him and nodded. He didn't remove it until he located Imperator Nimble Justice in the crowd and was certain he was out of earshot. "Anyways, if you know that, then you know what an Admiral is." "So, you're in charge of Starfleet?" I asked Quinn. "Well, I'm only a Vice Admiral, so it's a little more complicated than that," Quinn responded. "But I've been in charge of the Twelfth-Fleet for almost five years now." "Here's to five more safe and quiet years," Dad said, offering his glass for a toast, which was met in kind. "I sure hope so," Quinn said just as a human in a regular grey and black Starfleet uniform came up and whispered in Quinn's ear. "Is this accurate?" "Yes, sir," He said. "Seems we spoke too soon, James," Quinn said in a grim voice. "Nothing of immediate concern, but Command will be sending your office a brief on the situation within the hour," He told my dad, who mirrored his concern. "I'm afraid I must go," He explained. "Minister Scott, Miss Zoe," Quinn said with a nod. I watched quietly as Dad slowly walked to the window, which showed a stunning view of Equus' deep blue oceans circling below. Stepping up alongside him, I put my forelegs on the edge and looked up at my father, who seemed to not be looking at anything at all. "What's wrong?" I asked. "Oh, nothing sweetheart," He lied. I may be Six, but I'm not stupid. I thought. "I won't be able to join you and mom for lunch, though, so we're going to see her right now, Ok?" "James, what's going on?" Twilight asked as she walked up. "All the guests from Starfleet just left and the others are starting to look like they're about to as well." She continued, then she saw me and smiled. "Oh, hello Zoe," "Hi, Auntie Twily," I said with the best smile I could muster, trying to hide my disappointment. "I don't know, Princess. Admiral Quinn said they'll be forwarding a brief on the situation within the hour. You'll know more shortly after." Dad explained. "Oh, no, you had plans for a picnic after this didn't you?" Twilight asked my dad. "I'm sorry. Tell you what, I'll break the news to Fluttershy and keep her company. It's been a while since I've spent time my favorite munchkin." The Alicorn said, lowering her head to my level and smiled. "Thanks, Twilight," Dad said. "I owe you," "Nonsense," She said, picking me up with her magic and putting me on her back before setting off for the exit. "Come on, Zoe, let's go find your mom, your dad has to get to work." The Station's arboretum had trees and flowers from all over Equus. From a prize sapling from Sweet Apple Acres to a towering Palm tree from Saddle Arabia, it all came together into a beautiful display of the flora Equus had to offer. Fluttershy found it all peaceful, even with the sporadic visitors touring it. Most left her be, but some said hi, and one human couple with a young toddler who got away from his parents and ran up to her. They apologised for bothering her, but Fluttershy assured them it was no bother, even reminded them that they should cherish this time with their son as he'll never be this small again. Despite the interruptions, she found herself with enough time while the dedication ceremony was taking place to get quite a ways through the latest 'romance' novel by Sultry Quill, "A Mare Less Ordinary". Riveted by the twisting tale of the wealthy heiress and her bodyguard that she was forbidden to love. ...Precious Treasure inhaled sharply as Midnight Star nipped gently at her ears as he wrapped his massive wings around her. Involuntarily she shook as the sensation sent shivers down her spine. "Midnight, we can't, my father would never approve..." Precious attempted to say as her legs buckled under her as kissed the base of her Horn. "Your father doesn't understand," He said, holding her tighter. "How can he? He still sees you as a filly, not the beautiful, intelligent mare who's stolen my heart." In that instant, Precious pulled away from him only to kiss him deeply. "Oh, Midnight," She said, tracing a pink scar that marred his face that stood in stark contrast to his pitch black coat. Smiling and looking right into his eyes, she turned and flicked his muzzle with her tail before heading to her chambers. Transfixed by the visage that was walking away from him, Midnight stood still, until a sultry voice calling out for him... "Mom!" Was not what Fluttershy expected to hear, as she snapped her book shut, wishing she could hide her face which was now a similar shade as her mane. Quickly jumping off Twilights back, I started to run towards my Mother. Picking a spot just in front of her, I focused my magic and in an instant I had closed the distance in a flash of fuchsia light. Because I was running when I teleported, I skidded to a halt right in front of her with a wide smile and letting out a playful giggle. "Hi, mommy," I said as she pulled me into a hug. "Hello Zoe," Fluttershy said with a warm smile of her own. "You're getting quite good at that," she remarked. "She's a good student," Twilight said. "Probably one of my better students." "I bet she is," Fluttershy responded, feeling pride from her daughters accomplishments. "Where's James?" "He had to work," I said, pouting while I started to dig through the picnic basket. I carefully pulled out a nice slice of apple pie, being mindful that mom wasn't looking and moved to take a bite... "Eat your sandwiches first, Zoe," Mom said, without even turning around. How does she do that? I thought. "Mothers have eyes in the back of their heads. I keep telling you this." Can they read minds too? "Something came up and James will be home sometime tonight. You two can take the shuttle home with me if you like." Twilight explained. "That would be nice. Ice tea?" Fluttershy said, offering her a glass. "Thank you. So, when are you going to tell her that you watch her in reflections," Twilight whispered. "Like in my glasses." She continued, taking them off with her magic and cleaned them with a napkin she grabbed from the picnic basket. "When she figures it out; until then I'm going to keep it to myself for as long as possible," Fluttershy said, just as the deck beneath them shuttered for a second. Out of the viewport, a massive starship glided past in silence. Unknown to the hundreds of souls on board, two young eyes filled with awe and wonder looked on.