• Published 6th May 2013
  • 17,716 Views, 1,472 Comments

Voidrunner - The DM



Colonizing space is never easy nor is it ever predictable. Each planet presents it's own challenges and it's own rewards.

  • ...
62
 1,472
 17,716

May 10th, 2559

//Begin Personal Log

//

//May 10th, 2559

//

//21:44 Local Time

Well, it's been almost a week and we’re still alive . Hell, it only took a few days for us to get involved in an armed conflict. Technically what we did was an act of war. However, seeing as though the gryphon government has all but collapsed I am not worried about a formal declaration of war. Even still, I’ll be talking to Celestia about the possible diplomatic fallout that could come from us opening fire on and killing foreign citizens. It’s an issue I will tackle later.

In other news, Princess Luna is recovering nicely. We kept her overnight in a recovery suite and will probably recommend she stay one more night just so we can keep her under medical observation.

Also, Andrew had this crazy idea for SPARTAN armor for ponies. While it sounds and looks incredible, there would be numerous logistical issues for it to actually happen. First being that we are dealing with a tier four civilization. Then there’s the issue that the MJOLNIR armor is highly classified by ONI and the UNSC as a whole. Even if Andrew wanted to make the armor, he would need approval from ONI and I seriously don’t think that will happen any time soon. Although, I will say it was a really cool drawing.

Another thing I feel like addressing; the use of nuclear weapons. When we went into the gryphon empire I had given the order to arm two three hundred megaton nuclear weapons. I had gotten concerned looks from some of my crew. However, I had no intention of using them. It is standard operating procedure to have at least two nuclear weapons armed during any conflict. If I was to use a nuclear weapon here, it would be a Fury Tactical Nuke. They have almost no radioactive fallout and only a fifteen kiloton payload.

Anyway, it’s late and I should get to bed, seeing as I have a friendship report to give tomorrow.

//End Log

It was almost midnight in Canterlot. The Tuscany had just landed in the castle gardens. Princess Twilight was waiting with a handful of guards as the ship decloaked and touched down. The guards next to Twilight were visibly shaken as the five hundred foot starship landed just a hundred feet away. There was quite a bit of wind coming from the ship’s engines as the landing gear touched down.

Daniel was watching the landing from his station on the bridge. The prowler had managed to slip into Canterlot without raising too much suspicion or alarm. The Captain turned and walked to the display table. There was a perfect holographic display of the exterior of Canterlot Castle being projected. Daniel then grabbed his radio and called down to medical.

“Doctor Tetrow, this is the Captain.”

“Go ahead Captain.” Tetrow responded over the radio.

“We just landed and are ready to offload our guests.”

“Aye sir. I still have multiple ponies down here who have not been cleared.”

“How many?”

“Four still critical, and one under observation.”

“Alright. Keep working on them. Update me when their conditions change.”

“Of course Captain.” Daniel then returned his radio to it’s spot on his breastplate.

Captain Ryan then walked down to the launch bay in time to see the main ramp lower. Celestia was standing in the bay with the same seven guards from the lounge. With them was the gryphon emperor and his two bodyguards. The emperor had half his head bandaged while both his guards were mostly unharmed. The medical staff had tried to keep the large gryphon for further treatment but eventually let him go after making sure he wouldn’t suffer further injury. Captain Ryan had been the one to authorize the emperor’s release.

Princess Celestia smiled warmly as Captain Ryan approached.

“Hello Captain. Again, thank you for all your help.”

“It has been my pleasure.” Daniel said with a smile.

“I know I already asked a thousand times, but is my sister still alright?”

“She’s fine. She’s asleep in a recovery suite as we speak.”

“So she will be able to leave tomorrow?”

“Yes, however, I would like to hold her for one extra day to make sure she is fully recovered. Just a medical recommendation.”

Celestia looked at Daniel with an inquisitive look. “You seem to be well versed in medicine. Are all UNSC officers like this?”

Daniel laughed slightly “No, I was a combat medic during my years as an ODST. I could easily finish a medical degree if I wanted to become a full time physician.”

“Well, I’m glad we had your skill earlier today, both as a leader and a doctor.”

“If I said I enjoyed today, would you be offended?”

“No, and I will admit, today has been... intense. I am just thankful that it turned out as well as it has.”

“Anyway, back to Luna. Is it alright if I keep her for another day for medical observation?”

“I have no objections, though you may want to ask her.”

“I will when she wakes up. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t overstepping my bounds.”

Celestia smiled. “I thank you for keeping that in mind.”

“Of course. Well, I won’t keep you any longer. I’m sure you and your guards are eager to get some rest.”

“I am. Thank you again Captain. We will speak again tomorrow.”

Celestia then turned and walked down the ramp with her guards behind her. The emperor then approached the Captain.

“Ah, you must be Captain Ryan! I am Emperor Coalfeather, Princess Celestia told me you were the one who made our escape possible.”

“That I am. A pleasure to meet you, your Highness. Sorry about the circumstances that preceded the rescue.”

“Nonsense. That was an impressive display of force. Celestia should be proud to have found such strong allies. I have to ask, I have never seen your kind before. Where are you from? Celestia told me, but I want to hear it from you too. Not that I don’t trust her, it’s just that I wanted to hear it from you.”

“I understand. Well, I can say that we are, in fact, from a different planet.”

“Incredible. And where is this planet?”

“That’s highly classified. Sorry.”

“I see. Also, thank you for seeing to my wounds. Is the one that I ran into okay?”

“He will be.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Now if you'll excuse me, Princess Celestia has offered me a place to stay in the castle.”

“Then I expect we will have the opportunity to talk again soon.”

“Indeed. Have a good evening, Captain.”

“And to you, your Highness.”

The Emperor bowed slightly and followed Celestia down the ramp. Daniel breathed a sigh of relief as the massive avian predator and his comrades walked off the ship. Tommy materialized on the nearby display pad.

“So how’d it go, sir?”

“Better than I expected. He was quite appreciative for our help and even said he enjoyed our display of force.”

“It would make sense. Gryphons have high respect for those who display strength that can rival their own.”

“Reading up on those books?”

“Yes sir. One of us needs to be well versed on this world.” The AI said with a grin.

“Wow, did Andrew have a smart ass algorithm added to your programing?”

“I’m not at liberty to say. Sorry sir.”

“Uh huh. I’ll find out one way or another. I’ll be damned if a computer gets the better of me.”

“I believe I have heard you say that there is a first time for everything, sir.”

“Why you cheeky little... Well then you also know that I make a point to not trust any computer that I can’t throw out a window.”

“Seeing as my AI core weighs a couple tons and is integrated into the ship, I feel I am quite safe.”

“Oh ho ho. I wouldn’t need to remove your core, just your program chip. Ya know, that little chip that stores all your algorithms and personality traits.”

The AI visibly shuddered. “Y-you wouldn’t...”

“Wouldn’t I?” Daniel said with a shit eating grin. Tommy quickly disappeared from the pad.
“Human, one. Computer, zero.”

~~~

Luna awoke to dim sunlight coming into her room. As she opened her eyes she noticed that her room had changed. Instead of the recovery room she had woken up in last time, this room looked more normal. There was only one piece of medical equipment in the room next to her bed. Looking at the strange machine, she was eventually able to figure out that it was a heart monitor, similar to those found in Equestrian hospitals. Looking around she noticed a pad of paper on the nightstand next to her bed. Using her magic, she picked up the pad and brought it up to read.

Luna,

Sorry if my writing is poor. While we can make machines to help us speak your language, writing it actually requires some knowledge.

Anyway, you have no doubt noticed your change in scenery. I felt you would be more comfortable waking up in an actual bedroom, rather than a hospital room; I know I would. We arrived in Canterlot late last night. Your sister and Emperor Coalfeather are in the castle. When you are feeling up to it, give me a call on the intercom. Just press the yellow button on the lamp next to this pad. Tommy will put you in contact with me.

Hope you slept well.

-Daniel

Luna set the pad on the bed and looked at the lamp. Sure enough, there was the yellow button Daniel had mentioned. Before pressing it, she decided to check out the rest of the room from her bed. Across from her on the wall was what looked like a television, though this one was incredibly flat and seemed to be built into the wall. Next to that was a dark grey metal desk and a black chair. To her immediate right was a door, she was unsure of where it went. There was a second door that looked to be thicker and heavier, farther across the room. She assumed this was the main door to get in the room.

With nothing better to do, she pressed the yellow call button with a hoof. A holographic image of Tommy soon appeared on the nightstand.

“Good morning Princess. How may I help you?”

“Oh, uh... Daniel left me a note to call him.”

“One moment.” Tommy stood still while he contacted Daniel. Soon the Captain’s voice came over the speaker.

“Hey Luna, glad you’re awake. I’ll be over to check on you in a few minutes, okay?”

“No hurry. I just read your note.”

“Oh good, so I don’t suck at your language.”

“Not at all, you managed to write it just fine.”

“Sweet. I’ll see you in a sec.”

“Alright.” There was a click as the transmission ended. Tommy then spoke up again.

“Is there anything else I can assist you with, your Highness?”

“Actually yes, is Daniel’s room nearby?”

“Yes, he is five doors to the left of here.”

“I think I’ll go to him. The walk will feel good after being in bed for a day. Thank you Tommy.”

Tommy nodded once as his display turned off.

~~~

Daniel and Zerom were sitting in the Captain’s room when Tommy interrupted and connected Luna to their comm. Daniel told Luna he would be there in a few minutes before disconnecting. He then turned back to Zerom.

The two of them were discussing the various possibilities of advanced diplomatic relations with Equestria and it’s neighbors. Even the possibility of colonization was thrown around. While both men knew it wouldn’t happen for many years to come, the idea was interesting to say the least; despite how far fetched it was. The two continued to talk about how an exchange of technology could benefit or harm either civilization. Both men were interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Enter.” He commanded.

The door slowly slid open as Luna poked her head into the room, she had heard their conversation and was not sure if she should have interrupted them.

“I’m sorry... if you two are busy I can come back later.” Luna said sheepishly.

“No, no, it’s fine. I think we are done for now.” Zerom said.

“Alright, Zerom. I’ll talk to you after I call the Director.”

Commander Zerom nodded as he slipped past Luna and down the hallway toward the gym.

“Is everything okay?” Luna asked with concern.

“Not exactly. But it’s nothing you need to worry about.”

“Okay then.”

“How are you feeling? I can see you’re up and walking, so thats a good sign.”

“I’m doing better than yesterday.”

“Good.” Daniel paused for a moment. “I’m curious, what will Celestia do about the other national leaders in regards to our arrival?”

Luna pondered the question for a moment. “Well, she will of course inform them all of your existence and will likely convene a meeting with them. That way it doesn’t look like we are trying to hide the discovery of the millennium.”

“So she'll want me to meet each of these leaders?”

“Probably.”

“Okay, how many are we talking about?”

“Not that many. The gryphons are already here, then there are the dragons, the zebras, I guess you could count the diamond dogs as long as you don’t expect them to show up, the crystal ponies, and the deer.”

Daniel just stared blankly. “I’m so fucked aren’t I?”

“Not at all! You’ve already met Emperor Coalfeather.”

“Yeah, he seemed to like me.”

“Then you are off to a great start. The dragons are... well they will be difficult, but not impossible. They respect only the strongest and brightest.”

“So they would want a show of extreme force, backed up by a quick wit?”

“Pretty much. The zebras will be naturally suspicious of you. They will just take time to get to know you.”

“Sounds simple enough. What else?”

“The diamond dogs are... well, just ignore them. They are a nomadic race with no real defined nation or government.”

“Got it. Next?”

“The crystal ponies. Since you already know me and Celestia, Cadance and Shining Armor won’t be too difficult to win over.”

“So are they related to you in some way?”

“Cadance is mine and Celestia’s niece.”

“Huh, good to know. So that just leaves the deer?”

“Yes. You’ll like them. They value technology over everything else. They have no magical ability, so they supplement this by building wondrous pieces of technology.”

“Sounds like a people after my own heart.”

“Indeed, last I heard they were finishing a prototype flying machine.”

Daniel’s eyes went wide. “So they are attempting flight?”

“Oh no, they have had aircraft for years. My sister and I have been funding a joint project to create a machine capable of high altitude flight.”

“How high are we talking?”

“I think they said it would be able to reach twenty miles.”

Daniel’s jaw nearly hit the deck. “So... an orbital vehicle...”

“I believe so.”

“That... that could change a lot...”

“Really?”

“Question, have either of your nations split the atom?”

“We are still trying.”

“But you figured out the physics behind it?”

“Our scientists say it is possible, plus the deer have already done it.”

“Then my initial assessment of your world was wrong.”

“How so?”

“Well, I initially categorized you as a tier five; industrialized. It would seem as though you are actually a tier four; atomic.”

“And that makes a difference?”

“A huge one. Protocol is different. What else do you know about the deer and their space program?”

“Very little. I did hear a rumor from Celestia that they were going to try and launch some kind of object into space soon.”

“Any idea what it could be?”

“No, sorry.”

“Wow. You might have a tier three civilization as a neighbor... I really hope you do.”

“Well, I bet you’ll have the chance to ask them about it soon enough.”

“I hope so.” Daniel reclined in his chair and stared at the ceiling for a moment before looking back to Luna. “Now then, lets talk about you. Since you are up and walking I think it is safe to release you. Just don’t do anything to extraneous or physically demanding for about a week. Give your lungs time to fully recover.”

“Alright. What about the guards who are still here?”

“We are keeping them under observation for a while. Two of them are still unconscious.”

“But they are all doing okay?”

“Yes. No one died and no one is going to die.”

“That's a relief.”

Daniel looked to the Princess for a moment. “Luna, I have to ask. We have only been here for a week, and yet you have been showing us nothing but kindness and understanding, much like an old friend. Why?”

Luna was caught off guard by this question, but quickly recovered. “Well, it has to do with how you treated our ponies when you first arrived. The incident with Rainbow Dash and later that meeting with Twilight. You showed them kindness and compassion when you had no obligation to do so. You did it regardless of what others thought. Even with the violence and destruction you talked about, you still took the time and the risk to help somepony you knew nothing about.”

“Well, we did kinda hit her.” Daniel said with a nervous chuckle.

“Still, you then stayed and made sure she was okay.”

“So it’s along the line of ‘One good deed deserves another’?”

“Yes, that is an excellent way to put it.” Luna said with a happy nod.

“Can I tell you just how rare it is to find an individual who lives by that? Let alone an entire nation!?”

“Is it really that rare where you come from?”

“Sadly.”

“Then why did you show such an attitude?”

“I was desperate and didn’t want to spark another intergalactic war.”

“And do you feel that you have avoided that?”

“I feel pretty good that we aren’t going to start shooting each other.” Daniel said with a laugh. Luna couldn’t help but laugh as well.

“Well Daniel, I think I’ll head back to the castle and let my sister know that everything is okay.”

“Cool, I might stop by later.”

“Feel free to come by for dinner.”

“I might do just that. Also, if you were wondering you can get off the ship through the launch bay. Just take the lift to the lowest deck and then follow the makings on the bulkhead.”

“Thanks, I’ll see you later Daniel.”

Luna then got up and walked down the hall toward the lift. Daniel sat in silence as he turned back to his computer. Director Burr was expecting a report that night on his progress. Deciding not to wait, Daniel began dialing ONI.

“Office of Naval Intelligence, how may I help you?”

“Captain Daniel Ryan calling for Director Burr. Authorization sierra-zulu-tango seven seven nine.”

“Transferring you now.”

There was silence as the line transferred. Soon the face of the Director popped up on Daniel’s screen.

“Hello Captain, you’re early.”

“Yeah, figured I might as well make my report while everything is still fresh.”

“Alright, I received your written report already on yesterday’s events. All hands are doing okay?”

“Yes Director. One sailor will need a medevac though.”

“Hmmm, Petty Officer Jung if I am not mistaken.”

“Yes sir.”

“Very well, call Captain Davaston and have your man transferred to the Grafton before she leaves.”

“Will do.”

“Now, you mentioned that the Princesses are open to further diplomatic relations?”

“Yes sir. Also, my initial assessment of their civilization was wrong.”

“Oh? How so?”

“I had classified them as a tier five.”

“Yes?”

“In reality they are a tier four.”

“They have split the atom?”

“Just about. They have proved it is possible. There is also a neighboring ally nation that is rumored to be building an orbital vehicle.”

The Director’s face took a look of surprise. “So there is a space capable civilization?”

“Possibly. The reports are unconfirmed.”

“Confirm those reports, Captain. That could be a game changer.”

“I understand, sir. I believe Princess Celestia intends for me to meet with the other national leaders of this world.”

“How many nations?”

“Five. One of which is a possible nuclear superpower.”

“What are the races we will be dealing with?”

“Two sets of ponies, zebras, gryphons, and deer.”

“Deer?”

“Yes sir, deer. They are the ones with the spacecraft.”

“Interesting.” The Director rubbed his chin stubble in thought. “Now Daniel, ONI is preparing to release a statement about your discovery and the progress made. I want you to continue building relations with the Equestrians as well as any of the other races, especially the deer. Understood?”

“Yes Director. Rumor also has it that Celestia is going to reveal us to her nation.”

“That would be a good opportunity for you to show them the best of humanity on a national scale.”

“Win the hearts and minds of the people.” Daniel finished for him.

“Precisely.”

“When will your announcement be made?”

“Next Monday, so I would very much like to confirm the presence of a space faring race on that world.”

“I’ll do what I can.”

“Good. Well it was a pleasure hearing from you again.”

“I’ll report back later when I have more, sir.”

“Very good. Goodbye Captain.”

The screen then went dark as the connection terminated. Daniel felt relieved that his report had been well received. All that was left was to confirm the existence of a spacecraft. Daniel sighed as he reclined in his chair. On one hand everything seemed to be going smoothly, the Princesses liked him and wanted to introduce him to the other national leaders. On the other hand, there was not a concrete long term plan.

~~~

Andrew was happily laying in the hammock he had set up in the engine room. While most people would question the sanity of a man who slept suspended between two coolant pipes, no one dared question Andrew. With the engines repaired and no damage to the ship, he really had little to do. He knew the Prowler inside and out, so exploring the ship was out of the question. Then it hit him; there was a whole new world outside. A world of technology that he might not have ever seen. Deciding to capitalize on this opportunity, Andrew rolled out of his hammock and onto the deck.

He picked up his jacket, sunglasses, and radio before leaving engineering. He was only wearing a pair of grey cargo pants, black work boots, a simple black T-shirt, and a sweatshirt from his favorite band of the twentieth century, Dream Theater. He happily hummed the chorus from one of their songs as he disembarked the ship. Across the courtyard were a pair of Royal Guards standing on either side of the castle entrance. He gave a shrug as he approached the doors.

“Excuse me sir,” one of the guards said as he approached, “before you may enter, the Princesses have requested that you remain in the common areas of the castle. These places include the dining hall, main foyer, and throne room when court is not in session.”

“Oh, that’s cool. I’ll be sure not to wander.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.” The guard said as the doors swung open.

Andrew removed his sunglasses as he entered the massive dining hall. There was a table that looked like it could easily seat a hundred or more. He continued through the massive room, still humming a tune. At the end of the hall was another set of large double doors with a pair of guards, one on either side of the door. He nodded to them as they opened the door to the throne room.

Inside the throne room were a handful of guards scattered at various doorways or patrolling. Neither Celestia or Luna were at the throne, leaving it empty. There was one thing that caught Andrew’s eye. Three guards were standing near a door, all looking at something on the floor. He quietly moved up behind the three guards until he could clearly hear what was being said and see what they were looking at.

The three guards were circled around a small wood box that someone had left next to a door.

“Any idea what’s in it?” The guard on the far left asked.

“No, but let’s not touch it until Captain Silverlight gets here.” The guard on the right said.

“Let’s just open the lid real quick, that way we can tell the Captain what it is when he gets here.” The one in the middle said to his two partners.

“I guess that makes sense. It doesn’t look locked. Alright, Grace Note, go ahead and open the lid.”

The unicorn in the middle nodded as his horn lit up and the lid on the box slowly lifted up. None of the guards knew what they were looking at. Inside was a black cylinder with a single cord coming out of one end. All around the metal cylinder were wrapped bundles of unknown objects.

Andrew peered over the guards until he could clearly see the mystery object. His eyes went wide with fear as he realized what he was looking at.

“Uh... guys,” all three guards spun around quickly as the human spoke up, “that... that’s a bomb.” The guards looked at the human and then back to the box.

“How do you know that?” The unicorn in the middle asked.

“Because I know what an IED looks like. When did you find this?”

“Uh, like five minutes ago.”

“Okay, no one touch it. Call your superiors and tell them we have a bomb in the throne room.”

“Look, I don’t take orders from you.” The unicorn said with slight contempt.

“Hey, if you wanna deal with a bomb without my help, then go right ahead.”

The pegasus on the left then cut in. “Woah there Grace Note, clearly this guy knows what he’s doing. Let him help, okay?”

Grace Note grumbled. “Fine.”

Andrew then pulled his radio from his pocket. “Captain Ryan, we have a bomb in the throne room. Repeat, bomb in the throne room.”

Daniel’s voice came over the radio. “Say again? I thought you said there was a bomb in the castle.”

“I did. We have an IED in the throne room.”

“Fuck... stand by, I’m sending EOD.”

“Please hurry, I don’t feel like getting blown up.”

Andrew then turned his attention back to the bomb. He pushed past the three guards and began closely inspecting the device. He began to follow the cord in the end of the device as it led toward the nearby door. He crawled on his knees as the cord slipped under the runner rug just outside the door. Andrew didn’t hear the voices on the other side of the door grow louder until the door opened. Still in her conversation with Luna and Emperor Coalfeather, Celestia took a single step out of the room and onto the runner rug. There was a quiet ‘click’ as her hoof pressed down on the rug. Just as Celestia was about to take another step off the rug, Andrew threw himself forward and grabbed her leg, preventing her from lifting it up.

“Don’t. Move. A muscle.” Andrew said with panic in his voice, still clinging to Celestia’s leg.

Luna then spoke up. “What is the meaning of this?! What’s going on!?”

“Princess, you have just stepped on a pressure pad for the bomb next to this door. If you lift your hoof, we all die.” Andrew said with a frightening amount of calm.

Celestia looked to the small box next to the door and the three guards next to it. She took a deep breath as she tried to calm her nerves. “Okay, what do you want me to do?”

“Wait for EOD. Daniel is coming with a team as we speak.”

Soon the sound of heavy boots on marble filled the throne room. The doors leading to the dining room quickly opened as three fully armored ODST’s and two SPARTAN’s ran in. Captain Ryan was the first through the door.

“Talk to me Andrew. Where’s this bomb?”

Andrew, still wrapped around the Princess’s leg, used a free hand to point to the box. “Right there.”

Daniel nodded. “Trent, get to it.”

A SPARTAN in EOD armor nodded as he jogged to inspect the bomb. The three guards gave the massive human plenty of space to work.

“The rest of you, I want this whole room secured and swept for additional devices.” The Captain ordered.

“Aye sir.” The other four responded before moving out. After a few minutes, Captain Silverlight entered the room with a full contingent of guards. Silverlight was not in a good mood, and it was obvious from his facial expression. He looked at the four humans moving about the throne room in a very meticulous method.

“What in Tartatus is going on here?!”

Daniel moved to intercept the irate Guard Captain. “We’re dealing with an IED, and I would kindly request that you keep your distance.”

“Really? And what makes you think that you can just waltz in here and start giving orders?!”

“Look, I’m just here for the bomb.”

“And what?! You think you’re better handled for this?!”

“Yes, yes I do.”

“Why you...”

Trent then interrupted. “With all due respect sirs, please shut up. I don’t need you two arguing while I try to defuse a bomb.”

Both Captains looked at the SPARTAN. Celestia then spoke up. “Yes, can we please stop arguing and focus on the more important matter at hoof?”

“Thank you.” Trent muttered for all to hear.

The room sat in silence as the EOD SPARTAN worked. Eventually the others returned from their sweep of the room, luckily empty handed.

“Commander, anything?” Daniel asked.

“No sir, room’s clear.”

“Very good.”

Eventually Trent got up with the bomb in hand. “All clear.” The SPARTAN reported.

“So, can I move now?” Celestia asked.

“Yes ma’am. We’re all good.” Trent replied.

Andrew finally released her leg as Celestia slowly removed her hoof before letting out a sigh of relief. “Captain Silverlight, I want you to have your guards sweep the entire castle for other devices.” Celestia ordered.

“Yes Princess.” The Captain said with a salute before trotting off with his guards. Celestia then turned to the group of humans.

“Is that the second or third time I have been saved by you this week?” She asked with a chuckle.

“It’s only the second, but it was within a day.” Daniel replied.

“Still, thank you. Especially to you mister Traxus.”

“Eh, no worries. Wanna come watch us blow it up?” Andrew said with a shocking amount of enthusiasm.

“Maybe later.”

~~~

As night fell on Canterlot, guards were still searching for more explosives with nothing to show for their efforts. Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Captain Silverlight, and Captain Ryan were all sitting in the grand dining hall. There was much confusion over how the bombs had been planted with no one noticing. The popular theory was that a guard or someone dressed as a guard had done it. Captain Silverlight was outraged at the mere notion that one of his subordinates would betray the Princesses. Captain Ryan had argued that nothing should be ruled out until substantial evidence was presented. The two Captains argued back and forth for about five minutes before Celestia put a stop to it.

“Both of you, stop it! The two of you bickering like foals is getting us nowhere closer to finding any solutions. Now, Daniel, you said your crew has experience dealing with these sorts of situations?”

“Yeah, Trent is one of our explosives experts.”

“Very good, I would like you to assemble a team and have them sweep the more sensitive areas of the castle with a mix of guards who I will hoof pick. They will serve as their guides and hopefully learn something in the process.”

“Sounds good. I have three guys who would be perfect for the job.”

“Umm, Daniel,” Luna spoke up, “would it be alright with you if I stayed on the ship? At least until we know the castle is totally safe.”

“That’s fine with me. Celestia, do you have any objections?”

The solar Princess shook her head. “No, and in fact I think it would be a good idea. We have no knowledge of how many bombs are still undiscovered.”

Daniel nodded. “Cool, I’ll make the arrangements with our ship security team.”

“Excellent. Then I think we have a plan?”

“Assemble an EOD search team.” Captain Ryan replied.

“Get a full roster of everypony who was on duty today and where they were stationed.” Captain Silverlight responded.

Celestia nodded. “Lets get it done.” Everyone at the table quickly got up and went about their assigned tasks. Daniel and Luna headed back to the Tuscany to assemble the EOD team. Security at all doorways had been bolstered, but it paled in comparison to the security force keeping watch on the launch bay ramp. Ten marines and four ODSTs stood guard, all armed to the teeth. Two gatling machine turrets had been set up as another layer of protection, both were manned by marines.

Daniel and Luna were quickly granted access to the launch bay. Daniel then informed the watch officer to expect Princess Celestia and Twilight later that night. He then took Luna and showed her to her new room. She thanked him before disappearing inside. All that was left was to assemble the bomb squad. He made his way up two ladders wells before coming to the bridge.

“Tommy, Dior, I need a word.” Daniel called out.

Tommy materialized on the display table while the Commander made her way next to the AI.

“I need to assemble an EOD team. Dior, I want Trent and two ODSTs.”

“Yes sir. I’ll have Trent grab his kit.” Dior replied.

“Good, have him report to the bridge when he is ready. Tommy, page Mikey and Lucas. Tell them to get their gear; full CQB loadouts.”

“Aye sir.”

Fifteen minutes later, both ODSTs and the lone SPARTAN arrived on the bridge. Gunnery Sergeant Mickey Caffee and Corporal Lucas Binkley stood with their helmets in one hand, and a suppressed SMG in the other. Lucas stood at a full six feet tall, while Mickey was easily four inches shorter. However, both of them were shorter than the six foot four SPARTAN. Trent also walked in with his helmet under his arm, but had a shotgun across his back. All three stood at attention.

“At ease boys.” The ODSTs relaxed while the SPARTAN didn’t move. “You guys are going to be doing a bomb sweep with the local guards. They are inexperienced in dealing with this kind of situation. However, they know the area you will be working in, so use them as your guides. I don’t need to tell you how to do your jobs, so I’ll just let you get to it. Oh, and one last thing. If you by chance stumble across the individual responsible for this, please try to take them alive.”

“Yes sir!” All three replied in unison.

“Good, now bring me some bombs. Dismissed.”

Author's Note:

So here we are at the end of another chapter.

Here is something I really need to say before the comment section gets flooded even more with complaints:
The UNSC is NOT giving SPARTAN armor, or any other military tech, to ponies, it was just a drawing from a borderline crazy engineer. No military tech is being traded. Even possible medical tech will be highly regulated and very rare. Please do not panic.

Now that we have that out of the way...

Some of you requested some exploration into the SPARTAN team on the Tuscany. Well, meet SPARTAN Trent-387. He is the resident explosives and EOD expert for team Chevron. His armor is the Mark VI EOD variant; armor color is a base dark blue with red and white highlights. More SPARTANs will be added soon.

Next time, on meet the SPARTANs. Snipers; what you can't see will hurt you.

As per usual: questions, comments, concerns, thing you liked, things you didn't like, haiku poetry, drop 'em bellow!

Thumb up if you like freedom and ponies. Thumb down if you hate freedom and ponies.