Based on the famous game DooM, having influence from other games, though. A soldier is assigned to serve in the EAC, something not too pleasing to him. However, this is a matter of life or death, for the fate of the universe may be in his hooves.
I was playing DooM the other day. A few hours later, I was watching My Little Pony with my sister. Then, an idea rushed to my mind: what would happen if i combined them? Here's my idea. In a futuristic Equestria, Princess Celestia has started space exploration to find new life. Under the command of her and their newly created Equestria Aerospace Corporation, they launch ships to the space. However, one of these disapears in the middle of nowhere, leaving a corrupted message about death and chaos. In the rush, Celestia wants to send one of her finest marines to help. However, her best marine is also one of the worst marines her army has ever had. With no time, she convinces him to help on the mission. He accepts. What they find there is nothing good. Image borrowed from http://anglophobia.deviantart.com/art/Spike-in-DOOM-289879613
Space Walker was dealing on how to shoot properly the new Plasma Blaster mark III “Hammer”. It had gained a bad reputation due his tremendous power and bad aim. However, it was Walker’s favorite weapon. He was practicing in the gym, when a familiar voice came from behind. “Looks like you like the Hammer, don’t you, Private?”
Walker turned to see Captain Iron Helmet behind of him, holding a folder that looked more like a book. “Yes, sir. In terms of a weapon, I prefer power to accurate.” “Yeah, that’s what you said in the Canterlot Peak incident.”
That incident originated due a pony who was trying to reach the peak above Canterlot. However, things went wrong and he finished hanged of a branch. When the rescue team arrived, Walker’s superior ordered to conceal a plan to save him. But it took too much, for the branch started to break.
Walker tied himself to a stone and jumped to the cliff to save that pony. He made it on saving him, but due the fact he disobeyed a superior’s direct order, he was suspended three days and got another report in his expedient. “Let’s see… ninety five reports for bad conduct…” “Ninety six.” “… alright, ninety six. Seven reports for disobeying direct orders…” “And fifteen reports for punching a superior.”
Iron Helmet stood still, seeing at him in a bad way. His file was of an untrusting pony and yet, he was the best of his unit. “Do you know I could suspend you for the next month by saying that to me?” “Well… if you check my expedient, you might already know I have three months in unaccomplished suspension.”
Iron Helmet just started to walk around him. “I can’t believe the soldier that got promoted is the same that is recorded on this expedient.” “I haven’t been promoted due my bad conduct, sir.” “Now you have.”
That caught Walker attention for a moment. He couldn’t be promoted to another thing but Private class B. But that was out of his reach. “Here’s your ID necklace. Welcome to EAC.”
EAC was meant to the Equestria Aerospace Corporation. It had been founded twenty years ago with the purpose of exploration in search for new life. Getting in the EAC’s army would only mean that you’re an elite trooper. “Wow, wait. You’re telling me that, even with my expedient… they want me in?” “No, they don’t. They HAVE you in. Pack your things. You’re going there tomorrow.”
It was the life’s opportunity. But not to Walker. He never wanted to go to the space. He wanted to stay in Equestria for him to keep helping ponies in danger. “I fear that I might refuse, sir.” “Why is that?” “Because my duty is here, in Equestria. Not in the middle of nowhere.” “Too bad, because you can’t refuse. Your duty ended when you got over the fifty reports. If you want to stay in, you have to become a Space Marine. Otherwise, search for another way to help that is not interrupting royal business.”
Said this, he turned around and exit the room immediately. Walker, by his part, went to his bedroom in order to pack his things. He finished in less than a minute. When he was ready to get away, he opened his door, revealing three unicorns with Hammers pointing at him. “What may I do for you, gentleponies?” “Private Space Walker. You’re coming with us. We’re your escorts for you to aboard your ship. Please, proceed with calm and order.”
Walker did as they said to him. While wandering over the base, he was looking for a chance to escape. He found it in a dark hallway. When his escorts got out of the tunnel, they didn’t saw him. “Wait, where is him?” “I thought you were watching him.” “Hey, where’s your Hawke?”
The soldier turned to his belt, where the original place for his Pistol Mark V “Hawke”. It was gone. A light weapon along with a dangerous dude was not a pleasant combination. “Guard One here. Do you copy me?” “Roger, Guard One. What’s the matter?” “The soldier Walker has escaped and has a Hawke with him. We require immediate help.” “Roger. We’ll be closing the complex in a few minutes. Head to a security room and wait for instruction.” “Roger, HQ. Guard One out. Come on, dudes, you heard HQ. We have to go.” “Following your lead.”
The three guards went running as fast as they could to the security room. Otherwise, they’d be breathing somniferous gas in less than a minute. Once there, the door closed behind them, leaving them trapped for at least fifteen minutes. “Sir, are you okay?” “Yes, Two. I’m okay.” “What about you Three? You okay?”
The third guard didn’t was speaking. He was just looking down. “I’m okay.”
The others saw this and thought that maybe the somniferous had already some effects on him. However, when he took out his helmet, they saw the same soldier they were escorting. “What the… where’s Three?” “I knocked him out and took his armor. He was able to keep his Hawke, though.” “Damn you… I would kill you if I could.” “Calm down, Two. We have him in here.” “Oh, no. I have YOU here.”
In a quick movement, he had taken away the ammo deposit of their Hammers and was pointing them with their own Hawks. They were locked in and were in mortal danger. “Listen up, dude… you don’t have to do this.” “Oh, yeah… I have to do this. I’m getting the hell out of here.” “You’re not going to make it.” “Oh, yeah? Why not?” “Look behind you.”
Walker turned to see a turret pointing at him. He felt a minimal pain when a red object got incrusted in his chest. He started to feel dizzy and tired, typical symptoms of a narcotic drug. He fell on the floor, watching at the guards who were retrieving their ammo deposits and laughing at him. His eyes started to get closed.
He awoke in a chamber sealed by the fact that there didn’t seemed to be any doors. He stood up to see around, only to see a white alicorn in the upper part of the chamber. Even under the effects of the narcotics, he could recognize her. “Princess Celestia.” “Private Space Walker.” “Why do I have to honor to see the main Royal Sister in front of me?” “Because we need you.” “Bullshit.” “It is truth. You have the fame to be one of the strongest soldiers in the army. But that’s not the real reason for you to be here.” “If it’s not for my “abilities”… then, why do you need me?” “For your heart. You do seem to care about the unknown ones, even if your life is in danger.” “So?” “I have come here to you to personally beg you.” “Beg me? It’s not necessary. All what I need to know is that you’ll set me free once I accomplish my mission.” “I can’t promise that.” “…knew it.”
He sat on a corner of the room and sat in there. He saw Celestia still watching him from the window. He felt a deep guilt for answering her like that. He stood on his hooves and got to the center. “Even if I accept, I’ll assume you’re not going to put me in a rough situation.” “Actually… that’s the why we called you.”
He lifted his eyes to see Celestia directly into hers. “We’re sending you in a Battleship class B. An Explorer class C disappeared in the middle of the space. We want you and your fleet to explore and determinate the causes of disappearance.”
He thought about it for a second or two. Suddenly, an extreme feeling of anxiety filled him. “When do I part?” “Immediately. You have to report to the Crescent Moon.”
As Walker went around the boarding bay, he saw many ships with different destinations on them, but none of them had the name of Crescent Moon. Last day, he accepted the mission to aboard that ship… but now, he didn’t was able to find his transport.
He stopped in a central to ask. He saw a white mare in the desk. “Excuse me. I’m looking for a transport.” “Of course. Name of the ship?” “The Crescent Moon.”
The mare turned to him with a surprised look on her face. Walker already knew that her superiors had warned her about him. “I’m not the badass you thought, right?” “Oh… w-well…” “Relax; I’m not here to kick some tails. I’m here to aboard a ship named the Crescent Moon. Please?”
Walker pointed toward the computer on the desk. Then, she remembered her work. “Oh, I’m sorry. Let me see… the Crescent Moon. Door nineteen, if you please.” “Thank you…?” “Oh… Sunset. Sunset Ray.” “You already know my name. See you.”
He left the surprised mare in the desk and head toward the nineteenth door. When he arrived, he saw two guards at both sides of the door. “Hey, you! Stop right there!” “Identify yourself.” “Class B. Private Space Walker. I’m assigned to aboard the Crescent Moon in a few hours.” “Let me see your ID.”
Walker showed them his ID, which was a necklace with the name and grade of his user. “Private Space Walker. Alright. Proceed.” “Thank you.”
The gate opened to reveal a small ship. It could transport a max of six ponies on it. It didn’t seemed to have a pilot, neither. “Umm… hello? Anypony in here?” “Private Space Walker, confirmed. Please, have a seat, for us to be taking off in a few minutes.”
Walker instantly knew that ship was equipped with an AI. It was logical, for him to be a presumably dangerous dude. He sat on a seat, waiting for the ship to get started. Several minutes passed until Walker got bored. “Computer, when are we going to take off?” “When the other passenger arrives in here.” “May I know who the other passenger is?” “Negative.” “That’s great. Now we have to wait for this unknown dude.”
Suddenly, a young mare boarded the ship. She was wearing a cloak and dark glasses. Walker thought she had seen before this unknown mare. She saw the ship up and down, until she saw Walker in the back row. “Private Space Walker. I have been assigned to watch you closely, in order for you to arrive safely to the Crescent Moon.”
Walker saw her closely. Black cloak, dark glasses, dark clothes. Surely, she would be a well trained kind of spy, or something like that. “Why? Do they think that I’m going to hack the ship and fly to another planet, or something like?” “… That’s what we think you’re going to do.” “… hm. Do YOU think I’m really going to do that?” “…” “While you think about it, may I ask you to have a seat and fasten seat belts, please?” “Why should I listen to a dangerous criminal?” “Because the ship is ready to take off.” “Alright.”
The mare sat on the front row of seats, watching him with a mirror in the upper part. Walker was too quite to simply pay attention to her. “Passengers aboard. We’ll be taking off in 3… 2… 1…”
With a crashing sound, the ship took off, sending the heads of both of them to the edge of their seats. Several minutes of pressure and pain over them passed, until they were out of the atmosphere. The ship took a more relaxed flight in order to reach the EAC’s space station. Walker turned to see upon the mare in a few seats ahead of him. He could recognize the familiar sound of a snorting.
While going to space, someponies experienced that the pressure of getting out of the atmosphere was too much for them and they couldn’t help but to fall asleep. This was one of those cases.
He could easily jam up the ship in order to escape. However, he remembered his mission. Date: 4508.07.25
Celestia came to the keep on which had Walker closed in. When she arrived, she saw the earth pony in the floor, along with many hits on the wall, which were signs of he trying to escape. However, trying to escape of the military keep was almost impossible. “How long has he been trying to escape?” “Since he awoke in there.”
Celestia looked at the earth pony. His hooves were bleeding; his fur was covered in blood and sweat. She could feel his uneasiness. “I am going down there.” “What? But, Princess, he’s a dangerous dude and-“ “I said I am going down there.” Minutes later, Walker lifted his head at the time he saw a pair of white hooves standing in front of him. What he saw was one of the most beautiful, yet powerful being in the entire known universe. “Why do I have the honor to have you in my presence?” “Because I am here to beg for something.” “What is that?” “For you to join to the EAC. We need your help.” “If you need my help, then let me stay in Equestria.” “You can’t help here more of what you can help in the Sparkle of Dawn.”
Walker lifted his head even more by the mention of that name. “The Sparkle of Dawn? The lost ship?” “Yes. We thought it was lost since we lost all the communications with them. However, three days ago we received a signal of help, along with a distressed message.” “What did it say?” “…come with me.”
Walker followed Celestia to a control room. All the ponies lead his sight toward Walker. One of them even aimed him with his Hawke. “Do not worry. He is with me.”
All the soldiers went again to their works. Celestia made a sign to Walker to keep following her. “What I am about to show you is a deeply important matter related to the Sparkle of Dawn. Computer, play the message arrived from the Sparkle.” “Sparkle of Dawn. Date 4508.07.25. Message arriving.
I’m the captain of the Sparkle of Dawn! We’re under attack of an unknown enemy! Survivors are less of twenty! We’re almost out of ammo and food! If somepony hears this, please, come to save us! Oh, shit! Here they come! Fire! Over there, Gahhhh! End of transmission.” “…hmm. An unknown enemy, uh?” “Yes. Do you have an idea of how much ponies were aboard the Sparkle?” “Maybe over a million, right?” “Two millions, actually. As you could hear, the survivors of the attack were less of twenty, and that was three days ago. We don’t know how many last in there.” “And you want me to go. Right?” “Yes. We are sending the best units available in the army. You are one of the bests in the army. Therefore, I am begging you to go. We do not know what we are facing there.” “… alright, I’ll go. But on one condition.” “What are you asking?” “My freedom.” “Granted.” “Right. I suppose I’m going to aboard a ship, am I right?” “Yes. You will be boarding a Battlecruiser Class B.” “Why. A class B?” “Yes. Its codename is “Crescent Moon.””
Walker opened his eyes. He had been sleeping the past six hours, judging by the time. He turned to look for his companion, finding her sleeping. He thought about waking her up, but stopped by the gaze that she had a Hawke in her hoof.
He turned to the window, only to see amazed at how big was the ship at the side of him. He could calculate that the little ship was at least one thousand times smaller than the bigger one. “That’s not our ship.”
The mare had awakened during the short period that Walker got from her side to the window. However, Walker was intrigued. “What do you mean by saying that this is not our ship?” “No, it’s not. Our ship is at the other side.”
Walker went to the other side of the ship, only to see amazed a ship as triple as big as the anterior. Walker mouth went wide open only of seeing that. “Do you mean this colossus is the Crescent Moon?” “Yes. That’s the Crescent Moon.”
The ship got into the docking bay of the Crescent, only to find a unit of five ponies waiting for him. Each one of them had a gun ready to be used at any time. “Looks like they don’t trust me.” “Nopony can trust in a dangerous criminal like you.” “And what about you?” “Me?” “Can I trust you?” “…no. I’m not the kind of mare to be trusted.” “Of course not. Not with that cloak and sunglasses. Those are quite difficult to trust upon, don’t you think?”
Once the ship landed, the mare got out to speak to the guards. Walker saw she gave them a panel with his picture upon it. He thought it was some kind of personal profile. However, the guards left the place and the mare returned to the ship. “All done. They can’t trust you, but I can.” “Why. Thanks. It’s nice to have somepony like you.” “Don’t mention it. I’m in charge of you right now.” “And may I know the name of my foalsitter?” “… Eagle Eye.”
Walker let is saddle bag to fall to the ground once he recognized the name. “Eagle Eye? You’re… the Sniper?” “I’m not used to that name.” “Yes, sorry. But you have the best snipe shooting all over Equestria. That’s the why you earned that name.” “Listen. I’m here only as an employee of EAC. Once the Sparkle of Dawn is found, my task is done and everypony’s gone. Got it?” “So, your task is to watch me until we find the Sparkle and then… you will go? Just like that?” “Yes. Just like that. Now come on. We have to go and find your room.” “Hm. I have the feeling that these three months are going to be a living hell.” “Indeed.”
Walker followed Eagle to his room. However, he noted the room had two beds instead of only one. “Am I going to share my bedroom with somepony else?” “Yes. I have to watch over you twenty four hours.” “Wait. You’re telling me that these three months you’re going to be like my shadow? Even by sleeping in the same bedroom as me?” “Yes. Got any problem with that?” “Umm… no. I suppose not.” “Fine. We’ll explore the ship later. I have to take a bath.”
The mare started to strip in front of Walker. Even by seeing upon every mare in Equestria naked, the sight of one of the better reputation ponies striping in front of him made him to start to have nose-bleeding. “What? Is something matter?” “Do. Doffing.”
The mare turned to see Walker covering his nose. The dark red fluid flowing down his hooves made her to react. “You’re bleeding.” “Yeah. I’ll have to clean. May I use the bathroom first?” “Sure.”
As Walker went into the bathroom, he saw Eagle entering the bath too. She turned the water on and started to bath in front of him. He got out of the bathroom, still with his nose bleeding. He thought about what he said earlier. “A living hell, indeed.”
Three months of constant suffering passed over. However, Walker was able to see upon most of the sections of the ship. He located the medical bay, the armory and the food supplier. He even got to keep practicing with his Hammer. Along with Eagle, he became a skilled shooter.
However, during those three months, Eagle became a bit closer to him, getting to call him “friend”. Walker found her a little bit more attractive of what she was. At the end, they were close friends.
At the end of those three months, the ship arrived to the sector where the signal of the Sparkle was casted. Walker was eating in his room. Eagle was bathing herself. Walker got used to see her stripping almost every night he got to their room. “All the personal in the ship. Report immediately to your combat stations.” “Eagle, that’s us. Move now before you get reported.” “Coming. You know, a mare needs some time for herself.” “Yeah, but you take more than an hour to prepare yourself.” “Well, sorry.”
Eagle got out of the bathroom, dressed with her typical gothic look. “We better get going.” “Understood.”
The two ponies went to the main deck, place where hundreds of ponies were aligning in order to enter in combat. Walker went to his place, ready to whatever it came. However, the captain showed up in the front of the army. “Listen up. The ship known as the Sparkle of Dawn is up ahead. We’d take about thirty minutes to get there. However, the ship shows no sign of life.”
The army of ponies remained silent while listening to the news. “We are not sending a whole army to an empty ship if not necessary. However, is very strange for a ship like that not to show any life sign, even after being attacked. Therefore, I have ordered to assemble a recognition team. Any volunteers?”
Many ponies lifted their hooves in order to go. However, the captain put his gaze on one of them. The brown stallion was called to the front. Eagle saw with surprise her roommate to get to the front. “This is the one. Everypony, retreat.”
The captain took away Walker, while Eagle was wondering herself why.
“But sir… why me? There were other ponies apart from me. Do I have special privileges or something like?” “No. However, you do have special qualities. Also, they’re direct orders from Princess Celestia.” “They’re what?” “You got it.” “Um… excuse me. Celestia ordered me to go first?” “Celestia ordered you to be first on the matters of security. That’s what you want, do you not?” “Umm… yeah. Sure, I guess.” “Right. Then, prepare yourself. You and the recognition team will be landing in the Sparkle at 0800 hours. Got it, Soldier?” “Yes, sir.”
Walker turned around and got out to the armory. Once there, he saw many ponies in there. For him disgrace, he wasn’t as strong or fast than any other. In fact, he was smaller than the others. “Umm… Hello, everypony. Do you know where can I pick the equipment?” “Over there.”
A pony pointed toward a computer in the wall. “Right, thank you. Um… computer?” “Orders.” “Oh, right. Private Space Walker. Recognition team. I require the equipment for military exploration.” “Processing. Check on the door on the right.”
Walker turned to see a set of armor. It was very heavy green armor, typical for a Space Marine. The part of the legs was only covered by a weird combination of pants and armor. However, the helmet was something special. When he put it on, the helmet instantly started to show many interesting things, giving him the idea it was an intelligent helmet.
Turning around to see the other ponies, he noted they had their weapons ready. They were starting to prepare themselves to get to the exploration shuttle. “Hey, where do I get a weapon?” “Over there.”
They pointed toward a cage with a security lock. It was activated by the ID. When Walker passed in his ID, he looked toward a lot of weapons. He looked toward the snipers, causing one of them to capture his attention. It was the Plasma Blaster Mark IV. The successor to the Hammer was now available. The Thunder was a modified version, which had a more accurate shot, even allowing his user to enable sniper mode. However, the shot did improve, too. It was stronger than his predecessor, but the larger cannon made the shot less drastic. “Hey, you.”
Walker turned to see a taller pony behind him. He was watching him from a certain distance. However, he was more focused in Walker’s weapon. “You look used to the Thunder.” “Oh. Well, yeah. I was more used to the Hammer. However, the Thunder is more stable at the time of shooting it.” “The Hammer?” “Yeah. It was the mark III. Didn’t you know it?” “The Hammer was a model designed to prevent hurting ponies in a manifestation. It was only to scare.” “What? You’re telling me that it was designed as an anti-manifestation weapon for its bad aim and powerful thrusts?” “Yeah. That’s the why the Thunder is only here.”
Walker turned to see his weapon. He could only hear a weak whispering of the ponies in the room. “You’re new here, don’t you?”
A voice came from behind the crowd. “Do you like to get the new ones?"
The captain had been watching them from a certain distance. However, he didn't say anything until Walker got upset. "He's a special sent directly from Celestia. Therefore, if you want problems with him, you're searching problems with Celestia. Got it?" "Got it." "Fine. Prepare yourselves. We are going to the Sparkle in a few minutes."
Walker didn't want to cause any problems. But now, he was almost like Celestia's favorite. He was the kid on EAC’s army. “Sir! I want to go first on the Sparkle!”
Everypony turned to Walker, obviously surprised by the reaction of the low guy in front of them. “Why do you ask that?” “I want to show these jerks that I’m not a wimp.”
The others became even more surprised by Walker’s declaration. It was like if he was able to read their minds. “Alright. If that’s what you want.”
The others turned his sight when Walker looked at them. He had earned some respect from his comrades.
As the ship approached to the Sparkle, Walker though about what they would find there. He had listened the message about the unknown enemy. However, the message was so confusing that Walker didn’t was capable to even see what attacked the captain. “Ten seconds to arriving.” “Alright, you heard that. Helmets on. We’re going in.”
Walker put his helmet on. Instantly, messages about every one of his partners started to appear. It was signal of good functioning. “Arriving. Docking.” “Alright. Heads up! We may have a fight!”
When the door opened, the crew went trotting toward the corridor in front of them, place where an emergency pod was once. “Sharp! Any sign of life?” “No yet, sir.” “Keep your eyes open.” “Yes, sir.” “Walker, you go with the front.” “Yes, sir.”
As walker and the front row advanced, it was evident that the ship hadn’t been used in a very long time. However, something captured Walker’s attention. “Sir, do you see this?” “What?” “Bullet shots in the wall.” “Well. You do know that this place was attacked, don’t you?” “Yes, sir.” “Sharp Blade here. We see a dude just in front of us.”
Walker turned to see a strange looking pony standing in front of them. He was just looking at them. "Gentlepony! Are you okay? Is anypony else in here, too?"
The pony didn't answered. He was just standing in there. Walker grew more worried by this. "Sir, I think It'd be more prudent to take cautions on this dude." "Why is that, Private?"
The pony lifted his hoof, revealing a Hawke that shot almost instantly. "Oh, shit! Get cover!" "That's the why i told you that! He has a Hawke!" "Sir! We're not supposed to shot you! However, if you keep firing at us, we'll be forced to blow your head!"
The pony emited a weird sound resembling more a roar than a scream. It made his echo all along the corridor. He started to walk toward the crew. He was shooting at them, even when he couldn't give an accurate shot. "Sir! We have to do something!" "Alright. We knock him out or we take him out, you choose." "Alright, dudes. Let's take him out."
A group of three ponies jumped toward him. They punched him in the face, causing him to get knocked out. "All clear!" "Alright, let's see who is this dude."
As Walker aproached toward the unconcious pony, he noted something weird in the pony's chest. It was emanating a brown liquid from a hole in his armor. "Hey. Look at that." "Did somepony shot at him?" "No. None of us opened fire against him." "Then... why is he bleeding?" "Maybe something attacked him."
Suddenly, a far sound caused them to react. It was a roar. One as they had never heared before. The strenght of this creature was evident by this simple sound. "What was that?" "I don't know. But that thing sounds powerfull." "Yeah. 'No signs of life'. My ass." "Now, everypony. We have to stay calm. Walker, take Blade with you and secure a perimeter." "Umm... which one of you is Blade?"
Two ponies lifted their hooves. They were very resembling each other. "Let me guess. You're brothers." "Yes, sir." "Sir, which one i take with me?" "Both of them." "Yes, sir. You heard that. Let's move." "Following your lead."
Walker got deeper into the darkness in companion of his two guards. They had inspected about twenty meters around of the crew when something got Walker's attention. Walker "What the?" "Sir? Something wrong?" "You didn't heard that?" Walker "That! You tell me you didn't really heard that?" "Wait... I'm hearing something... but..."
Sharp's face went deeply pale as he started to hear better. "No... it can't be."
Swift Blade's face went the same. Walker saw the expression of horror on their faces. Even he was starting to get scared by this voice that was calling him. Walker... come here... "What are you hearing?" "...our mother." "Hm... maybe it's the stress." "Sir?" "We came here waiting for something horrible to happen. Our minds might have been affected by this... and now, we're listening things." "Yes... maybe you're right." Walker... come here... "So, we better report to the rest of the crew. They might be getting worried." "Yes, sir. I'll start the communications." "Right."
Walker turned around to inspect the hallway they were in. It was all dark and gloomy. Suddenly, Walker's heart went faster and faster as he saw a pony running in the far side of the hallway, turning in a corner.
The pony he saw was too familiar to him. He was sure he had saw her in the past. However, he couldn't rememer right know. "Sharp, Swift. Stay here, I think i saw something." "Something, sir?" "I saw a pony turning in the far corner. She might be a survivor. I will check it out. Report inmediately to the rest." "Yes, sir."
Walker picked up his Thunder and went as fast as he could to reach the pony. When he turned in the same corner he saw the other pony did, he saw an empty alley. Walker... you...
Walker's heart started to beat faster as he recognized the voice was coming right above him. He lifted his sight to see an horrific scene.
A pony was hanging of the ceiling. His dead face still had the look of horror and pain. One of his hooves was missing, while the other one showed many signs of torture. The lower part of his body was missing, while his upper part was hanging of his intestines. Walker... you... failed... "Nnghh... shut up!" Walker... "I said, SHUT UP!"
He falled to the ground with his face buried in his forehooves. When he opened his eyes, the whispering had gone. He turned to the ceiling, looking for the dead pony on it. However, the ceiling was empty, not showing any sign of anything to have been chained in there before.
Walker got again on his hooves, still trying to give a logical explanation to what had just happened. An horror scream took him out of his thoughts as he could recognize the source of the scream: His partners were being attacked.
Walker went running as fast as he could, only to find Sharp Blade with his forehoof burned and his chest armor showing a deep emanation of blood. "Sharp! What happened?" "I don't know! Something attacked us and took away Swift!" "They took Swift?" "Walker! Do you copy me? Walker!" "Yes, sir! What is happening?" "We found Swift Blade unconcious! Get back here as fast as you can!" "Understood! C'mon Sharp!"
Walker and Sharp went as fast as possible to the other's position. However, they found the others around a body in the center. It was Swift.
His chest had a fire mark on it. A mark that he had seen before in an forbidden cult.
The crew remained silent while seeing the mark on Swift's chest. It was done with fire but it also presented a deep cut on his skin. "We have to take him back to the Crescent!" "We don't have that much time! He's losing too much blood!" "Then, what do we do?" "We try to cure him right here!" "No. I have a better plan." "Which one?" "The EAC was working in a teleportation device. It's our chance to prove it." "What if it doesn't work?" "I don't know! Do you have a better idea?" "..." "That's what i thought."
The Captain took out a radio communicator from one of his saddlebags. "Captain to Crescent. Captain to Crescent. Do you copy me?" "Crescent Moon here. We hear you, Captain." "One of ours is badly hurt. We need to take him to the Crescent, but we don't have the time for wait to the arrival ship. We need to try the experimental teleporter." "Roger, Captain. We'll set the coordinates. Hold still." "Okay, everypony. Hold still."
A bright light started to shine around them. But also a red light that seemed like fire coming toward them. "What is that?" "I don't know. But it seems like fire." "Fireballs."
The lights started to be more clear. It soon became obvious those didn't were simple fireballs. They were skulls in fire. "What the fuck?" "They're coming here!" "Hold still! Otherwise, you'll be teleported incorrectly!"
The skulls turned toward them. Walker saw his eyes. They were on fire, giving them the look of the scariest thing Walker has ever seen. "It's them!"
Swift Blade shouted before the surrounding light became stronger. The skulls started to fly with a surprising speed toward them. "Shit! They're going to kill us!" "Hold still! Transportation in 96%!"
In a sudden moment, the light became stronger when the skulls reached them. When Walker opened his eyes, his helmet had the visor burned. But he and the others were alright. "Captain, the teleportation device has proven to be 100% operational." "Glad to hear that. Walker, take Sharp and Swift to the medical deck. After that, I want to talk with you." "Yes, sir."
When Walker took both brothers to the medical deck, it became obvious Sharp was too uneasy. Swift was unconcious, but he was talking non senses about a danger.
The doctor arrived as quickly as they could. They cured him in the most. However, with Swift was not that easy. The wound denied to be cured with anything they tried upon him. It was just abnormal.
One of the doctors went over to see Walker, who was waiting just outside. "Mister Walker? May i have a minute with you?" "Yeah, sure." "Do you know what happened to Swift Blade?" "No. I left them alone when i went to check... something." "How well do you know Mr. Blade?" "Not as well as his brother." "Hmm... that's weird." "What?" "The mark on its chest... It's not an usual tattoo. It was done too deep and with a blazing object. But that's not the weirdest thing yet." "What is it?" "It's the symbol. It is a mark that doesn't exist anymore." "And why is that?" "Because it was from a demonic cult. Those that were of that cult were mad. They adored a demonic entity named Deimos." "Deimos... Isn't there a legend with the same name?" "Yeah. But getting back to our business... Do you know if mister Swift Blade was part of this cult?" "No. Ask his brother. He knows something else."
Walker got out of the medical bay to lead to the library of the ship. It was a room with the biggest computer Walker had ever seen. It contained all the historical records of all the known civilizations. Walker typed in the word Deimos on the computer, which immediately gave him many results, including the one he was searching for.
When he click on the legend, it resulted to be corrupted or missing. Even by asking directly to the ship's librarian, he couldn't find the original legend. However, he got an idea.
An hour later, Walker was in front of the Captain's room, ready to be interrogated for what happened in the Sparkle. When the door opened, he saw the Captain in front of a desk, filling tons of reports about what happened. When he turned to see Walker, he made him a sign with a hoof for him to sit down.
After a few moments, of hearing only the barely audible sound of the pen writing, the captain turned to Walker. He was about to tell him something when he was interrupted. "Captain, i think i know what happened on the Sparkle." "... Oh, really? Then, tell me." "Sure... but I need to communicate first with somepony else." "And exactly with who?" "With Princess Celestia herself."
The Captain was shocked by him to be so direct with his requests. He was about to tell him something, being interrupted again. "I have the feeling that she may have the answer to anything is happening in there."
The Captain looked at him with surprise. After a few moments, he decided to accept Walker's petition. He opened a direct channel direct to Princess Celestia. "Good morning, Princess." "Good morning, Captain. It's nice to make your acquaintance. I hope you have found the Sparkle." "Yes, we have. However, there are a few... abnormalities." "Abnormalities?" "Your Highness. Private Space Walker. I have something to report." "Oh, Walker. Nice to see you. What do you have to report me?" "Too much. However, I have a question for you." "A question? What are you interested in?" "... Your highness, what do you know about a dude called Deimos?"
Celestia got frozen by the mention of this name. He got a deep breath before answering. "... Deimos is an ancient demonic being that Luna and I defeated. He was a being with a wicked mind that liked to make others to suffer. With the power of my sister and I combined, we send him to a place where no one could find him. We thought about an unknown place... one that even us didn't knew about." "And what was that place, m'lady?" "... a few years ago, we find a small planet where an ancient race existed. They called themselves "humans". However, they have a legend that talked about a place of constant suffering. A place where only the wicked ones would go." "Is there a place like that?" "... We're not certainly sure. However, if it exist, it does have a name... The humans called it... The hell."
The word bumped in Walker's head. It was like hear of a place he never wanted to go. "Why are you asking that?" "... When did the Deimonists ceased their existing?" "...Certainly about one hundred years ago." "... then... it's very suspicious..." "What do you mean?" "...We had a strange incident in the Sparkle. One of ours was heavily damaged." "... Who was he? Is he okay?" "Not at all. However, something happened back there that leaved him an strange mark on his chest. One of the doctors recognized it as Deimos Mark." "Wait, Walker. What are you saying? Do you pretend us to believe that something in there happened and this demonic being has something to do with it?" "I'm pretty sure you do, Captain. I'm pretty sure you heard the same whispers that I. They didn't sounded... normal." "..." "... Captain, if Walker's right, then you have to take care of it. Be sure to do the necessary to ensure that anything that happened in that ship is not going to repeat." "... Yes m'lady." "As for you, Walker. You watch closely to the injured soldier. Report immediately." "Yes, m'lady."
Once the screen shut down, the Captain turned to Walker with a serious face. "... Walker... If what you're referring to is true, then i need you to warn the others of the recognition team. Tell them..."
The Captain's face went deeply pale from the fear reflected upon it. Before Walker could ask him, he listened the Captain's fears. ... Walker...no... escape... "What is that?" "Don't listen to him, Captain." "To who?" "...Deimos... I know you're in here." I have plans for you, Walker. You and all the others in here... you will die...
After hearing that, the sound of the alarm started to sound. The red alarm went on. "Emergency on medical deck. Quarantine class A has been declared. All the available units report immediately."
Walker turned to see the Captain, still pale. They knew that when they came back with the teleporter, they brought something else. ...It has started...
As Walker, along with the Captain could hear Deimos' voice in their heads, something went wrong in the ship. The last words of Deimos remained echoing in Walker's head. It has started. "What has started?" "What do you want from us?" ... ... ... I want to see all of you... dead...
Suddenly, Deimos' voice was replaced by a red light and an alert alarm. "Emergency in medical deck. Quarantine class A is declared. Only armored personal can enter." "What is quarantine class A?" "Infectious disease."
Walker turned toward the ceiling with an angry look on his face. "Is that all what you got?" "Walker, keep calm. These are your orders: Go to the armory and get a weapon. After that, go to the medical deck and find out what is happening down there." "What about you?" "I'll go to the bridge. Report immediately once you know something, you got that?" "Yes, sir." "Right, then let's get moving."
As Walker went running toward the armory, he could remember about the last words of Deimos. "It has started."
He sensed something much worse was about to happen. If this dude was someone able to deal with Celestia and her sister, not to mention the fact that, according to the legend, he caused them many troubles, then a simple battle cruiser class B would not be a match to him. You do know that there is no escape from here. You know it and still... you will try to defy me?
Walker stopped for a second, for Deimos' voice was again on his head. "I don't know if the whole ship can stand against you, but i do know that we won't fall without giving you a fight." AHAHA! I like you, mortal pony. Do you really think about daring me to fight will change anything? "No. But I will warn you. If you defy us, then we'll battle you until the last of us dies." ... that what I'm hoping to see.
In the same way Deimos' voice came to Walker's mind, it disappeared. Walker continued his way to the armory, seeing on the way many ponies running from side to side. Once in the armory, he requested his favorite weapon: The Thunder. "Again with the same weapon, Walker?"
Walker turned around to see Eagle standing in the door with a Hawke and a Laser Sniper. She seemed ready to be in action soon. "Where are you going?" "I'm going with you. I heard the alarm." "So?" "I know something bad is going on. If you're going, i'm going, too."
Walker looked for something to reject Eagle Eye to go with him. However, she wasn't somepony who give up so easily. Therefore, he made only a sign to her to follow him.
Few minutes later, Walker and Eagle were near of the elevator shaft.
The elevator shaft was a huge moving platform that connected all the sections on the ship, including the ship's bridge.
When they arrived to the medical deck, they saw a lot of doctors working on injured patients. However, there was a lot of them, maybe even more of what was supposed to be in there.
When they were deeper in the crowd, Walker spotted a pair of marines in the back, guarding a door. "Hey, dudes. Private Space Walker. I was sent here to check out what is going on." "Space Walker, uh?" "Look, dude. You don't wanna go down there, believe me." "Why is that?" "A team was sent down there.a couple hours ago. Nopony has respond." "That's the why i'm here." "Don't know, dude. I can't let you go down there alone. That doesn't mean i'm going with you." "Then, who's coming with us?" "We're assigning you with the Delta Squad. They are already down there." "Thank you for your BIG help, bro." "You're welcome."
Walker went through the door to see a narrow stairway leading to the second floor. "On which deck is the emergency?" "Deck D. Military urges." "Thanks." "Military urges?" "Yeah. That's the place where the injured marines are... sent..."
A chill went through Walker's back. He suddenly remembered about Swift Blade, for him and his brother were on this deck when all this started.
If he was right, then those two would be death. "Walker? Are you okay?" "...No."
They continued going downstairs, until they found the door with the huge D on it, telling them that they were on the correct deck. When they opened the door, they found many ponies pointing them. "Private Space Walker. I was sent down here to help." "Oh. Good Lord. We thought you was one of those things." "Things? What things?" "You may see them very soon. For the meantime, help us with these dudes, okay?"
Walker turned to see a few ponies sitting on the floor. Some of them with serious injuries. "What do we do?" "Help them to get calmed."
A voice came from behind of Walker. It was a known one. "I'll help you out."
Walker turned to see over a grey pony with a bandage in his chest. The mark of two crossed blades was seen on his sides. "Sharp Blade?" "Yes, sir." "I thought you were dead." "Yeah, well... casualties in this deck are... many. It's not a surprise for me for you to believe that I was dead." "Casualties? How many deaths?" "We don't have a confirmed number. However, it's increasing at every-"
The sudden noise of coughs came from a pony in the group. When the others listened to it, they rushed at his side and took him out of the crowd. The pony started to scream them to let him go, being ignored by his partners. "Hey! What are you doing?" "Don't worry, sir. It's protocol."
When the marines put the pony in a security room, a non-reflecting glass appeared to them, showing them the frightened pony inside.. "So... what do I have to see?" "We don't know if he is going to become one of them." "Them?" "Yes. Follow me."
Walker and Eagle followed Sharp to a room full of containment cells. Each one of them had a pony closed in. "What are you doing with all of these ponies? They don't look so bad." "Just wait to see the last cell."
The last cell was very well guarded by two marines. They turned toward Walker to see if he was going to be jailed or not. "He's clean. He just showed up. However, he wants to see the infected one."
The two guards looked at each other before agreeing in showing the anti-reflecting glass. Done this, Walker saw a strange looking pony standing next to the wall. He had a his sight lost in the wall next to them.
Walker could note something terrifying on this dude. He had the same look and the same behavior that the one they found in the Sparkle. ... ...
Suddenly, Walker remembered about it. In the Sparkle, they have knocked out a dude with the same look. But, what happened to him? Eagle saw the concerning expression on his face. "Walker... what's wrong?" "... I have to talk to HQ."
Walker got out of the medical quarantine and head toward a security room. Once there, he opened a channel toward the ship's bridge. "Space Walker here. Does anypony hears me?" "Captain here. What's wrong?" "Captain. I have my doubts." "About what?" "Do you remember the strange looking pony that we fought in the Sparkle?" "Yeah. What's up with that?" "What happened to him?"
The captain remained silent while seeing Walker to the eyes. "Why are you asking that?" "I think there might be some relationship between that dude from the Sparkle and what is going on in here." "... I think he's on the researching lab. He had something... interesting." "A mysterious mark on his chest. Yeah, I have already thought about it." "... I think I know where this is leading to." "And that is?" "... Keep watching in there and give us a full report when you finish. Understood, private?" "... Yes... sir."
The channel was closed. Walker turned around and got out of the security room. Eagle saw him from a distance and went closer to him. "Walker? Is everything okay?" "... No. Where's Sharp?" "Over there."
Eagle pointed toward Sharp in a far side of the room. Walker went quickly toward him with an angry look on his face. "You. We have to talk. NOW." "Yes, sir."
