Across the universe on the pony home world Troezen returned to the Pontian base after landing he stood up and bowed to Hydoria, Kalios and Chrysalis.
Hydoria said “welcome back.”
Troezen nodded “thank you my lord.”
Hydoria said “I have a mission for you I want you and Kalios to travel to the capital of the griffin empire a place called Griffinstone once there persuade them to join us.”
Kalios said “if they refuse?”
Hydoria said “they won’t Chrysalis has operatives in the griffin kingdom and based on their Intel their kingdom is not in the best of shape. Also one interesting thing is they value gold above all else so it should be easy to bribe and mold them to our favor.”
Both Troezen and Kalios nodded in understanding.
Hydoria looked at Troezen and said “don’t let them know you can speak” then paused “not yet anyway.”
Troezen was slightly confused but nodded.
Hydoria handed him a box with a small blinking device on it “this box contains 12 gold bars this metal is very heavy so I placed a gravitational inhibitor on it.” He opened the box the gold gleamed in the light of the sun closing the box he continued. “Tell them there is more where that came from all they have to do is join us and all the gold they could ever want will be theirs. Since the griffins love gold this may help you to get around Griffinstone.” He handed Kalios a bag of gold coins.
Kalios took a coin out of the bag and asked “what are these?”
Chrysalis said “that is what they use for currency here they call them bits.”
Troezen asked “where is this griffin empire?”
Chrysalis said “one of my drones will show you the way” her horn glowed then pulsed soon a changeling drone landed nearby. She stared at the drone for a moment it nodded and began to hover then in a puff of green magic became a griffin Chrysalis smiled and said “your guide.”
Kalios climbed on Troezen’s back as they took off into the sky and followed the drone after crossing the Celestia Sea Griffinstone came into view. They landed on the outskirts of the kingdom Kalios dismounted and took the box.
Turning to Troezen he reached into his pocket and pulled out small device and said as he took the box he continued “wait here if I need you I’ll send a signal” Troezen nodded.
As Kalios and the disguised changeling entered Griffinstone Kalios looked around and thought by the prime creator this place is a mess, it’s perfect. Kalios said to the changeling “meet back here in 4 sorbons” the changeling nodded and walked around Griffinstone.”
He walked up to a random griffin and asked “excuse me who’s in charge here?”
The griffin said “I’ll tell you if you have the bits.”
Kalios said “have the what?”
The griffin said with a claw out in a slightly annoyed voice “bits and or gold.”
Kalios said thought oh yeah currency he reached into the bag Hydoria gave him and pulled out 2 coins. Placing them into the griffin’s claw and smiled “I have something for your leader he opened the box showing the 12 bars of gold that gleamed in the sunlight. The griffins’ eyes gleamed with a greedy sparkle.
Kalios smiled “this is for your leader maybe I can persuade them to share this with you.”
The griffon pointed to a castle on a hill and said “that is the palace of Gorba king of the griffon empire.”
Kalios nodded “I need to speak to him.”
The griffon said “be sure and tell him tell him Horpath sent you.”
Kalios nodded and began the trek up the hill and soon came to the building a single griffin stood guard grabbing a nearby lance said “Halt! State your business.”
Kalios said “I am here to speak with king Gorba I have a proposition he may find interesting.”
The guard arched an eyebrow held out a claw and said “what’s in it for me?” Kalios reached into his pouch and gave the guard 2 bits. The guard smiled opened the door and said “down the hall left, right then left then upstairs is the throne room.”
Kalios entered the hallway then the other directions and entered the throne room it was large the walls were made of a white marble stone with blue streaks. The celling had a similar design with swirls several glowing ivory gems. In the center of the room was a golden throne with long cylinders that rose slightly above the back on either side. On top of the cylinders were spheres on top they were pearl in color they almost glowed. In the center of the throne sat a griffin wearing a royal cloak and a crown.
Kalios approached and bowed respectively and said “greetings your majesty allow me to introduce myself I am Kalios 2nd in command to Hydoria leader of the Pontian Empire.”
The griffon on the throne said “I am Gorba king of the griffin empire state your business.”
Kalios said “I represent a vast empire one that spans hundreds of galaxies and millions of planets
Gorba leaned forward and said “that means nothing to me now tell me something of significance otherwise be gone.”
Kalios said “I come bearing gold.”
Gorba arched an eyebrow “you have my attention.”
Kalios smiled and opened the box he was carrying the gold bars glistened as Gorba’s eyes glazed over with a greedy glow. Kalios closed the box he said “join us and this and more can and will yours.”
Gorba said “what do you want from us?”
Kalios said “your allegiance, we are looking to expand our empire and we share technology with our allies. He grinned wickedly “there are planets with rich deposits of gold all you and your subjects can hoard we can give you ships to travel there, as for mining and smelting the gold that’s up to you.”
Gorba smiled “tell your leader they have the support of the Griffin Empire.”
Kalios bowed and handed him the box “a token of our new alliance.”
Gorba nodded “I will inform my subjects.”
Kalios bowed and said “before I go I was referred by a griffin named Horpath do you know him?”
Gorba frowned “that two bit mooch? He’s one who will do anything for bits or gold.”
Kalios said “if it were not for his direction we would not have this alliance and you would not have access to endless supplies of gold.”
Gorba said “you have a point, very well he will receive recognition.”
Kalios bowed again “I must return to my leader and deliver the news we will be in touch.”
Gorba nodded and Kalios tuned to leave soon he came to where Troezen was and so was the changeling as he mounted Troezen he said “mission accomplished return to base.” The griffin and Troezen nodded and took to the sky as the three rose into the sky. A passing griffon saw them flying away.
The griffon was about to follow them when Gorba came flying from his castle and landed on a speaking platform and addressed the kingdom. Extending his wings outwards he spoke “griffons of Griffinstone I have spoken with the 2nd in command of the Pontian Empire. They have offered to give us access to their technology and all the gold we could ever want. All they ask in return is our allegiance with their help Griffinstone will be great once more.”
The crowd cheered as the griffin that saw the Pontian and a griffin flying away took to the air and flew in the direction of the 3.
The griffin followed them at a distance being part eagle granted a certain advantage soon a base came into view the griffin landed and approached the base. Ducking behind a building and poking a head out. Soon Hydoria and Chrysalis came into view the griffin watched as Hydoria looked up into the sky. A flapping sound was heard he smiled as if he knew who was approaching soon a griffon and the creature from Griffinstone came into view and landed. The griffin watched as Chrysalis, Hydoria and the being that had been walking around Griffinstone. It was riding the flying creature. The flying creature landed and the being slide off the creatures back as the griffin, Hydoria and Chrysalis gathered around.
The watching griffin was stunned that a fellow griffin would not only betray their race but sell them out for what seemed like no profit. The watching griffin felt torn between 2 worlds on the one talon returning home and telling Gorba there was a traitor in their midst. On the other playing it cool and seeing what if the griffin was a liaison. Suddenly the griffin was engulfed by a ring of green magic and a changeling drone stood there. The drone stared at Chrysalis she nodded and the drone flew away.
The watching griffon thought so that’s how it is and listened to the group
Kalios said “good news my lord we have their support.”
Hydoria said “you have done well.”
Kalios bowed.
Hydoria pulled out a communication devise and said “Hydoria to Flackphar.”
A voice replied Flackphar here “how may I serve you my liege?”
Hydoria said “send 2 interstellar ships and pilots to the Griffinstone kalios will provide coordinates.”
Kalios pulled out a communication device “Kalios to Flackphar transmitting coordinates.”
Flackphar said “coordinates received ships and pilots will arrive in Griffinstone shortly.”
Kalios said “acknowledged.”
Hydoria faced the group and said “our knew allies will serve us well but our work in not yet complete those 6 ponies in Ponyville have a power that could cause serious problems to my plans they turned my finest beasts to stone” folding his four arms “revolting.”
Kalios said “so far there is no known defense against that kind of power.”
Hydoria said “the one thing the beasts were lacking was intelligence.” Turning to Troezen he said “that is where you come in, you have the ability to anticipate their next move and countermove.”
Troezen asked “why are we attacking the inhabitants of this planet my lord?”
Hydoria said “they are an inferior species and we wish to expand our empire and do not need resistance cells causing disruptions. Pausing for a moment he continued “we do not need that that moment to spread spreading it will cost us valuable resources.”
Troezen said “but I still don’t understand why we are doing this can’t we just well talk to them?”
Hydoria said in an aggravated tone “I will not have my authority challenged” raising a finger he continued “do not forget you are a created being and we can make more of you therefore it is not your place or wise to question your creators understood?”
Troezen said “yes my lord.”
Hydoria said “good now that we have an understanding this is your mission I want you to travel to Ponyville and wear them down break their spirit then victory will follow.” Pulling out a communion device he said “Hydoria to science lab.”
A voice responded “science lab Qualar speaking.”
Hydoria said “I need 2 ground based Malctitudes and 2 Blatomars.”
Qualar said “at once my lord.”
Moments later a shuttle came overhead and landed and a Qualar stepped out as 2 robotic arms brought out 2 Malctitudes in stasis containers and Blatomars in cages. He bowed and said “2 ground based Malctitudes and Blatomars as you requested my lord.”
Hydoria a said “excellent send them to Ponyville” turning to Troezen and pointing a finger he said “you shall lead the attack.”
Troezen thought this makes no sense Darco said there was no glory or nobility in this.
Hydoria turned to Chrysalis and said “this time we will send in 7 attack ships can you summon 7 drones?”
Chrysalis nodded as her horn began to glow and a ring of green energy moved down her body to the ground then extended outwards followed by another. Soon pulsing circles radiated from her hooves across the ground one after the next moments later 7 changeling drones appeared.
Looking at Chrysalis Hydoria asked “are they capable of speech? I’ve never addressed directly them before.”
The drones looked at each other one of them stepped forward and said in an insectoid voice “yes we can speak we prefer to use nonlinguistic communication it is much faster and efficient.”
Hydoria nodded “makes sense, I want you and the others to pilot those ships and attack Ponyville Troezen will lead the assault break their moral crush all that oppose you.”
The griffin watching from behind the building snuck away from the building and took to the air.
Meanwhile in the castle of friendship the group was discussing various strategies.
Shining Armor said “with Kendar and Synora’s help we managed to rebuild most of the ships we acquired from the Canterlot battle we got them operational and redesigned the seats.”
Zackmar asked “how many do we have?”
Kendar said “5 it’s not enough for an armada but they will be good for defense they are here and disguised as supply wagons.”
Then a knock came at the door as Spike went to the door as Twilight cast a curtain spell that hide them.
Shinning Armor asked “can you see who it is?”
Spike stood on a box and looked out the window and said “it’s a griffin.”
Shining said “set the sensors to detect changelings only for now.”
Spike nodded and pressed some buttons on the alarm then opened the door smiled and said “hi what brings you here?”
The griffin said “hi is Rainbow Dash here? I have important information.”
Spike nodded and motioned for the griffin to enter as the griffin entered and passed by the sensors the alarm did not sound he thought ok not a changeling as they entered the throne room. The room was unusually dark Zackmar was the first to emerge from the magic curtain it looked like he emerged from nothing the griffin blinked.
Zackmar said “greetings how can I help you?”
The griffin asked “hi I’m looking for Rainbow Dash is she here?”
Zackmar nodded and Rainbow emerged from the behind curtain.
Rainbow smiled “hi Gilda long time no see forgive the hiding but we have to be sure you are well… you.”
Gilda nodded “that’s what brings me here a strange creature bribed our king to join their empire.”
Zackmar said “let me guess a creature with 4 arms?”
Gilda nodded “you know that creature?”
Zackmar said “yes that was a Pontian they are bad news.”
Gilda said “they are also in league with the changelings.”
Rainbow said “we know they attacked Canterlot then took over after then they Ponynaped Luna brainwashed Celestia and framed Cadence and took over the Crystal Empire and since Ponyville is the last bastion of resistance they have been attacking it regularly.”
Gilda asked “what about Cloudsdale?”
Rainbow said “they tried that but since its make entirely of clouds they are unable to do any sort of damage so they abandoned it.”
Gilda said “I know where their base is maybe we should attack them.”
Zackmar said “that’s good news but we don’t have enough resources to launch a full out assault.” Thinking for a moment he said “can you persuade some griffins to work against the Pontians?”
Gilda thought for a moment “possibly but it’s hard to top their offer of gold, to a griffin there is nothing more important but I will do what I can.”
Both Zackmar and Rainbow nodded in understanding Rainbow said with a smile “that’s all anyone can do.”
Gilda nodded and asked “does this make me a spy?”
Rainbow and Zackmar looked at each other and Rainbow asked “do you want to be one?”
Gilda nodded.
Zackmar smiled stepped forward and said raising his hand and lowering it to one side of the griffin and then the other as he said with a smile “as the leader of the Sardian defense force, I hereby declare you secret agent Gilda then with a slight chuckle “try not to get caught.”
Gilda smiled “I’ll do my best.”
Rainbow said “since your one of us you should meet the others.”
Gilda arched an eyebrow “others?”
Zackmar nodded as Twilight dropped the magic curtain revealing Kendar, Synora, Spike and the other ponies.
Gilda blinked somewhat stunned not so much for the ponies but the strange beings and standing before her said “wow.”
Suddenly the Ponyville siren began to sound.
Gilda asked “what’s that sound?”
Zackmar sighed and said “that’s the early warning alarm were under attack again.”
The group went into town as the defense dome came down over the town the lookout in one of the towers shouted “INCOMMING!”
A flapping could be heard then a shape came into view followed by 7 Pontian ships 2 of them carried ground based Blatomars and the Malctitudes dropping them on the ground. As the ships dropped the creatures on the ground the creatures roared and moved towards the shield. The Blatomars drug a foot on the ground and began to charge. As the malitudesran towards the sheild and began attacking it violently causing it to shimmer.
As ponies scrambled to the ships and as they ascended into the air using their shields they matched the resonance frequency of the shield allowing them to pass through. Once clear of the shield they engaged the Pontian ships. Energy bolts flew in every direction as the ships flew past each other some of the Pontian ships fired at the shield the bolts dissipated as shield dome rippled. As the ships were engaged Troezen took advantage of the distraction. Swopping down he spewed a burst of flames for several seconds causing the shield to ripple violently the generator whined but held firm. One of the Ponyville defenders saw this and began to chase Troezen as he dodged and weaved firing energy bolts as he continued to evade them. Twilight’s horn began to glow and the Multitudes and Blatomars were enveloped in a purple field then vanished in a purple flash.
In the air the pilot locked on said “I have you now.”
As the ship fired Troezen dodged again and did a 180ᴼ turn up and over the ship the pilots eyes grew wide as the creature came up behind the ship. Before the pilot could react Troezen shot a fireball at the ship striking the aft section. The ship rocked as the engine exploded in a fireball as smoke billowed from the ship as it began to descend from the sky. Much to the pilots surprise the creature did not follow but the ships consoles lights blinked wildly. The pilot did their best to maintain control but the ship continued to fall crashing to the ground. The ship skidded digging a small trench into the ground kicking up a cloud of dust. The pilot got out of the ship and looked up into the sky as the battle continued. Ships flying in every direction energy bolts flying in every direction.
Troezen managed to bring down a second ship and was attacking the shield again and did not see a ship coming up from behind the ship fired striking him in the back. He howled and fell from the sky crashing somewhere near the everfree forest. The Ponyville fleet continued to battle the Pontians as the spectators on the ground watched as the ships were shot down one after the other. The changeling pilots ejected before their ships crashed to the ground after the last ship crashed the residents of Ponyville cheered as the changeling drones retreated.
After battle the shield lowered Gilda looked around and said “I will go to Griffinstone and see who I can rally to our cause” spreading her wings she took off into the sky.
Rainbow said “I’m going to Cloudsdale and speak with Captain Spitfire and Cmdr. Soarin after the last attack they mentioned something about making the city into a mobile fortress.”
Zackmar said “here take this thermal dissipater with you they could use the additional reinforcement.”
Rainbow looked at it and said “how can I carry it? I’m fast not strong” pointing a hoof at the device she continued “that thing weighs more than I do.”
Zackmar smiled and said “don’t worry I will place a gravity inhibitor on it making it lighter.”
Rainbow nodded as Zackmar strapped a harness to the device and attached then one to Rainbow and placed a small device on the thermal dissipater. He set the dial to 4 and said “ok see if you can lift it.”
Rainbow flapped her wings and rose into the air but was stopped by the device Zackmar set it to 6 and she tried again and it slightly lifted up into the air.
Zackmar asked “is it still slowing you down? I can make it lighter.”
Rainbow nodded and he set the dial to 8 as Rainbow rose into the air she smiled “perfect” then off headed off towards Cloudsdale with the device in tow she said “I’ll be back soon.”
At the Pontian base Kalios, Hydoria and Chrysalis were standing around talking about how the last pocket of resistance had been crushed. When a drone came in and landed it started at Chrysalis for a moment she nodded and the drone flew away.
Chrysalis just shook her head “the resistance still stands and they shot down Troezen.”
Hydoria just face palmed “this is getting ridiculous my finest ships and creation shot down and my finest creatures turned to stone by those Stone Age primitives.” Clenching 2 fists “revolting” looking sat Chrysalis he said “did they see where Troezen crashed?”
Chrysalis said “somewhere in the everfree forest and if the crash did not kill him then the monsters will.”
Hydoria pulled out a communication device from his belt pressed a button and said “attention all soldiers this is a priority alpha message. Troezen has been shot down by hostile fire I want search teams to cover every volar of that forest, bring back either a body or at the very least a part.” After he finished speaking he pressed another button on the device pulling out a communion device he said “Hydoria to science lab.”
A voice responded “science lab Qualar speaking.”
Hydoria said “come to where I am I have something to discuss with you.”
Qualar said “I’m on my way my lord.”
A short time later a shuttle came to where the 3 were standing it landed and Qualar stepped out “you wanted to see my liege?”
Hydoria nodded “in the event Troezen is not found or was killed do we have enough DNA to make another Malctidragon?”
Qualar nodded “yes we have enough to make an army if you so desire.”
Hydoria said “one beast questioning its creators is bad enough the last thing I need is a full-fledged rebellion on my hands. In the event search and rescue and or retrieval is unsuccessful create another. This time make it totally loyal and obedient and will not question its place in the ranks” thinking for a moment he said “begin work at once.”
Qualar bowed “at once my liege” then boarded the shuttle and left to carry out Hydoria’s orders.
Kalios said “if I may my lord perhaps were going about this the wrong way instead of a direct assault we should consider a more subtle approach.”
Hydoria said “what do you mean?”
Kalios said “perhaps we should use something other than direct assaults.”
Hydoria thought for a moment grinned turned to Chrysalis he said “do you have any drones that sow seeds of mistrust?”
Chrysalis nodded “how many do you need?”
Hydoria said “2 for now summon them.”
Chrysalis’s horn glowed and pulsed as rings of green magic rings flowed out from where she was standing flowing across the ground like ripples in a pond. Moments later 2 drones appeared these were slightly different from the usual drones. They were slightly taller than the others and did not have horns and their wings and eyes were turquoise instead of the traditional green.
The drones landed and bowed to the queen then stared at her and she at them they nodded and in a puff of green magic and a pegasus and a unicorn stood before them. The unicorn was dark purple with a blue main and tail with a pony shouting cutie mark. The pegasus was white with a cyan mane and tail and a pair of wings on a sphere cutie mark.
Chrysalis said “these drones are highly adept in spreading mistrust and disinformation.”
Hydoria smiled and pointed to the pegasus and the unicorn “I want you to go to Ponyville and Cloudsdale and do what you do best.” He paused then grinned wickedly “now go spread mistrust amongst the ponies make them fight against each other.” The 2 nodded their heads as the unicorn climbed on the pegasi’s back and the ponies took off. Once they reached the outskirts of Ponyville the unicorn slid off the pegasi’s back. They looked at each other nodded and the pegasus took off into the sky towards Cloudsdale.