The Find

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Fallout Equestria: Apocalypse.

"I lifted my eyes and saw, and beheld, four chariots came out from between two mountains."

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Useless.

Click. Eject. Insert.

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap…

Useless.

I sighed. Stars I hate this.

I clicked away at the terminal, data drive after data drive of useless prewar information recovered from the old Canterlot ruins. You'd think there'd be something interesting in these things other than old business records and messages about office love affairs...

“Goddess, this is so boring~.” I whined as I was getting so tired of this useless shit.

I ejected the drive, looking at my reflection in the black screen. As a griffoness, I had an unusual color for one of my race. My feathers were purple and blue. Purple largely the color of my wings and blue the feathers on my head. Even my fur was a blend of the two. Normally griffons are white and brown or red even. Sometimes a dark grey but I was born an oddball.

If it was still the Equestrian Wasteland my colors would be the last thing anyone noticed about me. I was lucky enough to be born fifty years after the Lightbringer Littlepip and The Security Mare Blackjack finished off the major baddies in the wasteland and cleared the skies. By the time I was born it was less Wasteland and more… prewar. Some tribes and gangs still caused trouble and diplomatic talks with the Zebras were on a hair trigger at all times but all in all, civilization was rebuilding and mostly rebuilt.

I got into history because of the era of The Wasteland. So many stories only spread through word of mouth and so few of them had much in terms of solid evidence or proof these Wasteland Wanderers even existed. There were some Ghouls and older folks who remember that time. Talking to them was like hearing about a whole other world.

The Alicorns also remembered, but still so many… didn't enjoy remembering. The few that did talk talked about pre war Equestria, not post war Equestria.

“And here I am digging through records of how some douche bag plowed his secretary…” I groaned.

I inserted the next data disc. Oh look, said duche now has a bastard on the way… heh, well at least it seems his wife found out. If I find an audio file about that… oh hey, there is one.

I played it, hearing the sounds of one mare crying, one mare screaming, and one stallion getting beat and yelling ouch. Heh, well at least pre war Equestria was entertaining.

“There’s at least some of these gem’s thankfully.” I sighed out.

I stored this one away in my desk, a small collection of data I was going to copy and keep for my own amusement.

I sighed. Honestly when I signed up to apprentice at the NCR Historical Preservation Institute, I was hoping for the exciting parts of history. I inserted the ne- what the? This data drive was different. Engraved on it was 'Property of The Ministry of Image'. Hmm, Ministry of Image eh? Must be some old books or propaganda stuff.

“Alright, let’s take a look to see what you’ve got in store for me.” I started as I cracked my fingers, now intrigued by something.

Inserting the drive I was greeted by a Password screen. I entered into the bypass screen and after a bit found the password. It was Xxk807669*plK. So it was dumb luck I found it.

The data was mostly Messages, censorship reports, printing details… hello. Message from the Canterlot Historical Society. Don't mind if I do.

To: The Ministry of Image
Replying to your messages on our exhibits, the preservation of historical accuracy is the upmost important to our group and therefore we are well within our established rights to without original copies of historic texts and documents from the Ministers. Furthermore, our planned archaeology dig is privately funded, and your attempts to persuade us otherwise by providing no funding is a mute effort.
We will continue to do what we must to preserve the truth about Equestria, and the worlds history for the generations after this war has ended.
Red Hat

“Oh ho ho, now this is juicy.” I said, my interest piquing as I read this privately funded archaeology dig.

The next message was from the M.O.I.

To: Red Hat
Reviewing your response to our request for your improper texts and dismissal of requests to halt your archeological dig at Cinders Creek in the Whitetail Woods.
Failure to comply with our request will result in legal action and fines of up to 50,000 bits per document.
Failure to disband your excitation attempts will result in arrest and imprisonment of up to ten years and fines of 2,000 bits per day on site.
The Ministry of Image Public Relations Department

“Damn, these people really don’t want them to dig in Cinder’s Creek.” I muttered.

Cinders Creek… eversince The Lightbringer turned on the Gardens of Equestria Whitetail wood's poison issues are largely mute now, still a few dangerous plants but nothing like in the past… and Cinders Creek if I remember still is just a bunch of forest and such between two large hills.

Still, wonder if whatever these ponies wanted is still in the dirt there? What could have been so valuable that this Canterlot Historical Society would risk legal actions from the Ministry of Image?

“Hmm…” I hummed, trying to find anything else on this disc before I decided to either bring it to my boss or find someone that wants to help me see what’s there.

Most everything else here was back and forth between the M.O.I and this… C.P.S. there was one image send through and… what the?

I was looking at the image of a cracked stone slab, the images on it depicted a Unicorn, a Griffon, some… bug looking pony, and some… I wanna say large dog or rat? The four of them were surrounded by old Equish texts… but not all of it made sense… some of it looked to be a different language entirely.

I read the attached note.

This historical find is a once and a lifetime venture! This slab is written in old Equish, Changeling scripture, Ancient Griffon, and Ancient Zebra! This could be proof of a long lost kingdom where these races all co-existed! The historical value and significance of this dig far outweighs your crown obligations!

“While that’s fascinating...why does looking at those four fill me with unspeakable dread?” I muttered worriedly, even through the picture of the four something about them felt...horribly wrong.

I ejected the drive and began taking it to my Professor, Clockwork. He was a fun unicorn, big poofy brown mane and a silver coat and eyes. He's been my professor ever since I enrolled and shares my love of Wasteland History, but also pre Equestrian history. He wants to know about the exact moments what happened, who did it and most importantly, why they did it.

“Professor?” I called out, knocking on his office door just to have some form of professionality.

"Come in." He replied. Entering I spotted him looking through reports and such. "Hello Plory." He said, eyes still reading the papers. "How goes the Data Drive shipment? Still more office life trivialities?"

“It was, until I found something really interesting.” I said honestly. “It’s about the Ministry of Image trying to stop an excavation to Cinders Creek.” I explained.

"Really? Well they did rewrite not only fictional texts but historical ones too for the war. So, not too surprising. Anything of interest?"

“Besides that ministry gonna use any and all law enforcement to stop Red Hat and the Canterlot Historical Society, there was also ancient writings from Equestrians, Zebras, and even Griffons from what the document said.” I explained.

"Really?" He said, still looking the documents over, though his tone held interest. "Possible mixed tribe and species village? A lost culture definitely sounds of value."

“Then there was the pictures of four specific creatures.” I said honestly. “One was a unicorn, the other a griffon, and the other two...one looked like a bug and the other I couldn’t tell if it was a dog or a rat.” I shrugged.

"Hmm… A Griffon, a Unicorn, a Changelings… and a Chimera?" He asked me.

“Are there still Diamond Dogs around?” I asked curiously.

"Most are up in Hoofington but I'm sure we can scrounge up a little group for help if need be. Firstly though it's best to send a scout to the area to see if it's still there. Who knows what the two hundred years of poison the Whitetail Wood's suffered might have done to these artifacts."

“Hopefully things will be okay there and not a poisonous cesspool.”

"After Gardens activated only the larger plants retained their poison, the ground should be clear, you can leave the Data here. I will look it over later. For now you head home, it's getting late after all."

“Thanks professor, if it wasn’t for that specific data, and some guy getting caught by his wife, I’d probably be sleeping at my desk...again.” I admitted sheepishly.

He chuckled. "Funny all the drama of pre war Equestria. I'll be seeing you tomorrow Plory."

“Alright, have a nice night professor.” I nodded, leaving his office and yawning. “Gonna need some food first…” I muttered as I closed the door behind me.

Once outside I was flying home. It was hard to believe that Junction Town is such a thriving place when not so long ago it was just a camp set up for mercenaries. Now it's more like a city these days. Gone are most of the old railcar and scrap wood houses and what's here now are proper homes taking the look and pride of the old world, only scrap and boxcar homes around still are in the boonies.

I landed at my apartment window, I have wings I'm not gonna fly in to use the stairs. With a sigh I flew in, closing the window behind me and turned on the lights. To greet me was a few NCR recruitment posters, a bookshelf, a terminal, my bed, and radio. To my left was the kitchen, just a simple stove, table, sink and fridge. Bathroom was the blue door to my right.

I quickly began cooking some Molerat meat and once that was done and eaten sat at my terminal. A nice thing about living in this town is that there's servers up and running, message friends and or listen to music the radio stations won't play. Or, play games even. Most are alright, text based mostly but they're fun enough.

“Nothing like cooked food and a cold beer after a long day of work.” I said warmly, opening up a beer bottle and taking a quick swig. “Thank god people figured out how to get the fridge's working again.”

As my terminal booted up a new message was sent to me. From mom!

Dear Plory,
How are things going? You said well in your last message but I know how things can change from week to week. I've mailed you a few more books and some audio records of a few more Wasteland Heroes of the past. Nothing too major really but it's what I was able to find. Oh! And there's also a copy of Wasteland, an old pre war board game I managed to find. It's missing some prices but the game book is still in good shape and I figured you'd want it, can finally have that Wasteland Adventure you've dreamed about.
Love, Mom.
P.S: Also packed your favorite, Blueberry jam, three jars. Enjoy!

I chuckled. I loved mom, we weren't related biologically, but she raised me, fed me, named me. It's nice to hear from here every so often, just wish she'd visit more… though I can always visit her. Still, that's quite the flight up to The Hoof.

“Mom’s the best.” I smiled warmly.

As I was thinking about the time it would take her package to reach me from The Hoof to Junction Town I couldn't quite shake that feeling when I saw those four creatures.

A Unicorn.

A Griffon.

A Changeling, though I'm pretty sure they're all extinct.

And lastly some dog rat thing… it didn't look like a Chimera but then again the definition of one is just two animals mixed together, so maybe?

What made them so significant that they were carved into stone like that? Days like this I wish the ancient languages were easier to translate.

“I’d also love to know why the hell they gave me such a terrible feeling…” I groaned, hating how I sometimes just ‘get a bad feeling’ about something and can’t explain it for shit. “Instincts are one thing...but it’s literally just a picture of stone carvings…”

With a sigh I sent a thank you reply to mom and turned my terminal off, flying up and onto my bed. I stared up at the ceiling, recalling the adventures from The Book of Littlepip and Security Mare, then there was the Big 52's Ghost, though even by Wasteland Standards that was a tad far fetched, still, there was lots of testimony and eye witnesses about that one so, can't all be made up.

All the kids grew up reading and hearing about these stories and a lot want that for themselves, so of course so did I. Closest I ever got to that was a ten millimeter pistol mom gave me for my fifteenth birthday. She took me out and I got to shoot some cans and even radroach.

“Those were the days...enjoying life and adventure...only to turn into a damned desk job…” I sighed out bitterly.

I've considered joining as an NCR soldier a few times, but they're not adventures and only elites go out passed NCR territory. Even then most dangerous places are the underground tunnels and even most of those are cleared out.

I sighed, turning my lights off and trying to sleep.

The next few days were business as usual. Desk, data, useless, useless, ha! I was a bit bothered that Professor Clockwork didn't say anything about the stone slab and all but that usually meant he was looking into it himself, so I kept high hopes.

As I was reading a… less than safe for work message chain between a photographer and his model Professor Clockwork entered my work space. I squaked in surprise and backed out of that immediately. And it was just getting juicy too…

"How goes things Miss Plory?" The professor asked me.

“Oh, you know...just sorting through data.” I said, putting my tail between my legs carefully cause of the rather steamy bits. “What brings you here Professor?”

"I received word back from the scout I sent to investigate this location." He stated simply, adjusting his glasses. "It's there."

I perked up at hearing that. “Really?” I asked, wanting to know more about this archeological find.

He nodded. "His first few digs didn't find much but he found traces of structures and old tools within the ground the more he dug. Even brought this," The professor levitated out the stone carved head of what looked like the tip of a spear. "He didn't dig for much else but what he has found showed incredible promise. I'll be discussing with the committee later today about sending a small team out there with you and myself to archive the artifacts."

“For real!?” I asked in shock. “I get to be apart of the expedition?” I asked giddily.

"My dear, in this day and age most don't focus on the past, their eyes look towards the future and horizons. You are one of the few who actively enjoys learning about the past and of who lived it and how. I'd be an old bastard not to take you along. Of course, that's if the committee approves this." He said, giving me a small smile. "Besides, as my student this provides a perfect learning experience for you. Not too many of those around anymore."

“Yes!” I cheered and threw a fist pump into the air.

"With luck by tomorrow we will hear something back. Carry on."

With the professor gone I happily spun around in my chair before opening up those messages again. Now then, what was that mare planning on- Sweet Horny Littlepip that's hot!

Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough and when I greeted the professor he greeted me with a smile, duffle bag and pith hat. "Best start packing Miss Plory, we leave in a week." He said. "It's a smaller team than I'd have hoped for, but it's better than nothing."

“Hooray!” I cheered. “This is gonna be amazing.”

"Hm." Professor Clockwork laughed. "It will be the first dig for artifacts from ancient Equestria, that's for sure. Here." He said, levitating me over a list of items. "I'll handle food wans camping gear but these supplies will be for you personally, once you have them pack them and any other necessities in your bag and bring it to my office so we can grab them before we leave."

“Sounds good to me professor.” I nodded, taking the list in my claws as I was just so giddy to explore this unknown that people were fighting over.

I took the hat and duffle bag and flew out, checking the list over. Let's see here…

Healing potions ×10
Poison Antidotes ×12
Armor (Your Preference)
Weapon (Gun preferably but up to you)
Ammo (If needed)
Maps of the area.
Notebook.
Pipbuck.

Pipbuck? They don't make Pipbuck for Griffons… well there was a few models made but there aren't a whole lot out there… hmm… maybe I could settle for a replica? They have been making and selling them, granted they're not as good as an actual Pipbuck and far more fragile.

“Well...at least this list is reasonable.” I shrugged. “But besides the Pipbuck..where the hell am I gonna find maps for Cinders Creek?”

Getting the potions and antidotes was easy, armor I went with some basic leather armor, and I still have the gun Mom gave me, so I just stocked up on ammo for it. Got a few of each type and an extra magazine too.

Notebooks was simple enough and now I was looking for maps. I looked around, finding nothing much until I spotted an old book store and it had a pre war almanac of Equestria. Oh thank goodness, Mom did always say my luck was above average.

Okay, now all that's left is a Pipbuck… somehow…

If you're a Pony getting a Pipbuck is easy, but less so when you're… basically any other race.

A few wanna be Pipbucks have popped up and some aren't too bad, still sucks that I can't get an actual one.

“Alright...which one’s the best for this scenario cause it’s gonna be tough…” I muttered. “Maybe I could get it custom...no, it’ll take more than a week to get a pipbuck custom fitted…”

I walked into a workshop filled with makeshift Pipe Bucks and random helmets from various power armors. The stallion at the desk took notice. "Looking for something specific?" He asked.

“Yeah, I heard you do custom jobs for Pipbucks for other races correct?” I asked.

"We have a few models yeah, most are running down custom OS that works similar to a Pipbuck but not exact. Stupid Stabletec did a damn good job with them, can't even copy the OS from one of their things, but we can simulate it well enough." He said. "Hmm… so, any idea what you're after or what you need?"

“I’m going on an expedition.” I said with a smile. “Gonna explore an old place in Whitetail Woods, so gonna need something durable to handle the trip.”

"Hmm. Weather proof then, probably need EFS and a Geiger counter. How often do you fly?"

“Better question is how often don’t I fly?” I chuckled. “But I fly quite a bit.”

"So light weight and or balanced… I recommend the Scouter MK 9." He said, pointing to what looked like a small set of saddlebags linked to half an old Enclave helmet via some wires. "Built for a Pegasus but a griffon like yourself can wear it too, got EFS and a geiger counter, weather proof and the spark batteries it uses last about a year. Four hundred caps or six hundred NCR bits and she's all yours."

Damn that's pricey. In terms of bottle caps I got about two hundred left and only a hundred NCR bits left.

“Got any odd jobs for me to lower that price?” I asked carefully. “Cause sadly I only have two hundred caps and a hundred NCR bits…”

"Hmm… well, I can knock off two hundred caps if ya don't mind flying a shipment for me. Would benefit you in the long run too."

“What’s the shipment and will it take longer than a week?” I asked curiously.

"It's just to New Appaloosa and back. If you fly it's just a few hours flight. My associates have a new prototype I need to take a look at, help fine tune some glitches and such."

“Sounds good to me.” I nodded.

"Good." He said, writing down a quick letter and handing it to me. "That's his address and name, tell him Cheese War sent ya."

"Alright." I nodded. "And what's the shipment?"

"I told ya, a new prototype alternative for Pipbucks. This one is supposed ta focus more on combat applications than just the usual."

“Alright, sorry just...really excited about something coming up for work in a week.” I said sheepishly.

I grabbed the paper and flew off, following the railroad lines to New Appaloosa. After peace and all the rebuilding, New Appaloosa became a major trade hub. Just about every major settlement has a line that links to New Appaloosa. It's iconic boxcar walls was still standing, but they were fortified by concrete and high towers. Though, most of those towers are for flyers like myself.

"State your name and business." The guard asked when I landed in the tower platform.

“I’m Plory, and I’m here to pick up a package.” I answered to the guard.

"Alright, just hit the security gate on your way out too. Got a few chem traffickers lately."

With a nod I flew on inside and found the address on the paper. The building was a heap of scrap metal and electronics from pre war Equestria. Entering I noticed the door was just welded together scraps of metal and broken electronics boards.

There was a ding, a small bell ringing. "Coming!" Yelled a female voice.

"Be there-" Kaboom! "In a minute!" Said a males voice… that shook the building...

“Uh...you okay back there?” I called out worriedly.

"Yeah, I'm-" Kaboom! Kaboom! "Fine!"

Running down the stairs was a mare, her coat was a rust orange and her mane a light brown. She was a unicorn, cutie mark a Pipbuck with a wrench inside the cracked screen. "Ignore that my brother blows up several times a day." She waved off.

Kaboom!

"See." She said, giving me a smile. "I'm Hack. Nice to meet you."

“Uh...hi…” I started carefully. “So I’m here to pick up a thing for Cheese War.” I said as I handed Hack the letter.

She looked it over. "Ah, so your heart for the Securepip prototype then." She said. "Program! This one's for you!" She yelled up at the ceiling.

"Be down in a second!" Kabo- "Oh sweet Celestia thank you…"

Did… that explosion… stop half way?

Rushing down the stairs was a stallion of identical color and race to Hack, only his cutie mark was a terminal with the image of a Pipbuck on it. "Greetings, I'm Program. So Cheese War sent ya then?"

“Yes…” I started carefully. “And...the hell was any of that?”

"New project, nothing too fancy." He said, levitating a- hey, that actually looks like a Pipbuck. "Behold, the Securitypip!" He said.

“Neat.” I said honestly. “What makes it different from the average Pip?”

"Taking inspiration from the stories of Security and The Lightbringer, this device gives all the combat benefits of the Pipbuck and then some! In theory it will turn even a paralyzed radroach into a deadly force of mutated nature."

"In theory." Hack added. "The finer applications and hardware is all prone to glitches. Hence why we are sending it to Cheese War, he's good as ironing those out."

"Amazing." I said in awe.

"It will be, and if it's perfected the NCR and Hoof will both be buying these in bulk for their troopers." Program said. He then floated it into a box and gave it to me. "Say hi to Cheese War for me."

"Alright." I nodded, taking the box carefully. "Thank you."

As I headed out and got screened by security my curiosity kept getting the better of me… a Pipbuck that can make anyone who wears it a combat master huh...

“I have to get my claws on one...but I’d rather not experience one of those ‘bugs’ mr explosions back there talked about…” I muttered nervously.

Still… I sighed, patting the box. Maybe when the full version hits the market.

The week went by too slow for me. I spent it archiving data drives as usual but also getting used to my Scouter MK 9. It fit like a smaller version of saddlebags, but more under my wings. It was a little uncomfortable, but not too bad. The helmet fit well enough and looking through the visor I saw radiation levels and EFS so all around behind walls and such I saw dots where creatures were. Cool.

The Professor and I were on the train, with us were two Sand Dogs and a Pegasus guard. The Sand Dogs were, like most, Cyborgs. One was a taller blue furred dog with a robotic eye, left arm and legs. The other, had red fur and had their torso and lower jaw be robotic. The taller one was named Clipper, the other was named Greg.

Our Pegasus guard wore lightweight Pegasus Enclave Combat armor, carrying a saddle mounted plasma rifle. He had pitch black fur and an orange mane. Aside from the Professor he was probably one of the oldest of us. His name was Storm Cloud.

"This is much smaller than I first thought." Professor Clockwork said with a sigh.

“They had to be picked for a reason.” I said honestly to Clockwork.

"Yes, because we were cheap." Greg the Sand Dog said, chuckling in a high pitched voice.

"Hmm… he's not wrong…" Clipper said, his voice more deep and gruff.

"I'm the only one who agreed to get paid in NCR bits." Storm Cloud said.

The Professor gave a heavy sigh. "Well, better than nothing…"

“Well that sucks.” I frowned. “I was hoping it was more you three are really good at what you do...not that you’re cheap.”

"Nope, we're just cheap." Greg stated bluntly. "We're working for the price of one Sand Dog."

"Again, soly in NCR bits, nothing much else to add there." Storm Cloud said with a shrug. "No offense to your republic, but your money ain't worth as much as a good old fashioned bottle cap."

"None taken." Clockwork said. "What's the exchange rate at these days? Fifty NCR bits for ten caps?"

"Sixty for fifteen." Storm Cloud corrected.

"Ah. Sounds about right."

I sighed a little. NCR is a good place to live, but outside of it our currency isn't worth all that much.

“Alright, so who here knows anything about Cinder’s Creek?” I asked. “Or Whitetail Woods in general?”

"Aside fromit used to be a poisonous death pitt, there's still some mutant critters out there." Storm said. "Mostly some freaky plants, no Killing Joke thankfully, but these fuckers can and will still eat ya. Some Yao Gui last I heard."

"Ghouls as well." Clipper said. "One of the few places feral ghouls still reside. Not as many as there was, but the ones there still contain the poison from before Gardens activated."

“Good to know.” I said nervously. “But it’s better than some other...alternatives.”

"Hopefully we don't run into anything." Professor Clockwork said.

“But we’re prepared if we do run into anything.” I said honestly.

"More or less, you have your gun, I have a double barrel, Storm Cloud has that plasma rifle, and the Sand Dogs…" The dogs in question brought up their claws. "Have that. Guess if worst were to happen then we are well armed."

“Yep.” I nodded. “I still can’t believe we’re doing this.”

"So what do ponies want that's buried and requires Sand Dogs?" Clipper asked.

"It's an archeology dig, we will be pulling artifacts out of the ground and recording them. A few have been found already and evidence points to a possible small settlement of a cross race society."

"Hm, and this is pre war?" Storm Cloud asked.

"Yes, many thousands of years before the war, and most likely even before Equestria was even founded."

“It’s really cool but...kind of concerning and I don’t know why.” I mentioned.

"In my experience anything involving old world artifacts is bad news." Storm stated.

"Hm, agreed. Many of the tunnels of The Hoof still contain many abominations of the old world. Especially The Core." Greg said, he and Clipper both shuttering a bit at that. "Destroyed it may have been, but it's ruins and monstrosities still bring death for those who enter."

“Oh…” I started nervously. “That’s...that’s not good at all.”

"Hence why only idiots and the suicidal go in." Storm said. "The few who make it out of there are either at death's door or so paranoid and afraid they get a one way ticket to the mental asylum. If even half of what Security's story is true, The Core's Ruins are living proof."

"Hence why these days it is also completely illegal to enter the area. It's immediate jail time." Greg said.

“Yeah...that would do it.” I said honestly. “So with this, we have seen depictions of a unicorn, griffon, Changeling, and either a chimera or some weird looking Diamond Dog cause neither of us could tell if they were a dog or a rat.”

"Huh, well that is definitely weird." Storm said.

"Does bird have photo? Maybe we can tell if it is dog or not." Clipper said. The Professor levitated over a printed image if the slab. "Hm… that’s not a normal dog."

"Looks like a Mow Hound." Greg said.

"Mow Hound?" The Professor asked.

"Old Diamond Dog legend, supposedly they were a pack of Diamond Dogs that were cursed, and suffered a terrible hunger, nothing filled their bellies and according to legend they ate themselves into extinction by eating one another."

“Uh...huh…” I nodded. “So...why the hell it would be depicted here if it was either legend or they died out a long ass time ago?”

Greg shrugged. "I just know the story, not the facts."

"Add that to my research subjects." The Professor stated.

“And something I’ll help look into.” I nodded. “Cause this is fascinating.”

We arrived at our stop then had to walk the rest of the way. Pulling wagons took us the better part of the day but thankfully using markers the scout from before placed and the maps I found we made it to the site. It was a fair sized clearing with stones that, to an untrained eye were just moss covered rocks but once The Professor and I saw them, we realized these weren't giant rocks, they were once carved stone, time wore down the edges.

"These are at least four thousand years old." The Professor said in awe.

"It's a rock?" Storm Cloud stated.

"Hm, Even we Sand Dogs can see the worn down work on that stone." Clipper said, sniffing at the stone.

"Betting that goes deeper." Greg stated.

"You might be right…" Professor Clockwork said as he moved some dirt aside with his hoof. "You two can start here, Plory and I will get camp started, Cloud,"

"Shoot anything unfriendly?" The Pegasus asked.

"And keep a bird's eye view of the area."

"Sounds like a plan." I nodded.

And so we got to work. The Sand Dogs worked especially fast. Storm got the area checked fast and kept a good watch in the sky. Once the tents and equipment was set up we saw that Greg and Clipper dug out maybe half of it already. "Still has writing." Clipper said. "Looks pony."

"Let me see." Professor Clockwork said, sliding down into the pitt and looking at the carved in writing. "Hmm… yes, definitely ancient ponish, and some changeling."

“Know what it says Professor?” I inquired.

"Not much. Few texts survived the war time about Changelings and old Ponish was already difficult to translate, but I know most of the basics… huh… we might have found something of vast interest, if I'm translating this right."

"So what's it say?" Greg asked.

"This is a… I believe this word is tomb, but then it also states this is a prison."

"A tomb prison? Why make a tomb a prison?"

"Buried alive?" Storm said, flying above us all. "So when you're dead you're already where ya belong."

“But Undead were either not common in the slightest, damn near non-existent from PreWar texts, and Ghouls didn’t appear until after the War.” I pointed out. “So...that begs the question of who the hell they buried alive at this point.”

"Well then, that's the question we need to answer, don't we?" The professor asked, looking over at me with a smile. "Plory, go grab Old Ponish in Modern Tongues Volumes one through four, and help me translate these."

“On it.” I nodded and rushed to find the proper volumes, super excited to learn some old Ponish history.

From stars they fell, rising like the phoenix from their ashes, stood tall and imposing, four creatures of mayonnaise-

Okay that is not right at all…

I sighed, erasing that part. Old Ponish was a bitch! How many vowels can one word have?!

Still, it was good progress for two days. So far this stone was proving taller than we expected. The Sand Dogs so far unearthed fifteen feet and it still was going.

A few bones, tools and even some weapons.

“So something appeared from the stars, and this massive stone was either fought over or guarded for some reason.” I said honestly.

"How interesting, now can cat bird move her butt, Clipper must reinforce this wall." Clipper said, holding a support beam.

“Sorry.” I said as I moved quickly to give Clipper room for the support beam.

As Clipper reinforced the wall I gave another look at this stone thing and flew up, heading to the research tent where The Professor was going over books. "How goes the translation Plory?" He asked, reading the books over with one of the weapons, a broken spear, in his magic.

“It’s coming along fine enough.” I nodded. “Too bad that this language is a bitch and a half to translate though, but all I know is that these people fell from the sky and are really important.”

He chuckled. "Time and patience Plory, we have enough supplies to last us two months so we have some time. So, mind doing me a favor?"

“What up?” I asked.

"Catch." He said, magic tossing the broken spear to me.

I yelped, catching the artifact and… woah… for being only a foot long it's heavy, and… what's with these holes here? I looked at the holes, my talons… hmm. I fitted the tips of my talons into the holes. Huh… a damn near perfect fit.

“Huh…” I started. “It’s...close to a perfect fit…” I said. “It’s also really heavy.”

"As I expected." He said, lifting his book and showing me the page. The spear on page was two feet long, one end a spear, the other a small double sided axe. "This might be an ancient Griffon weapon used throughout your species history Plory. This alone provides evidence of your people in the area. Just imagine, your own ancestors walking and flying in this area, and holding that weapon much like you are now."

”The better question would be...why would Griffon’s need a weapon like this here?” I asked nervously.

"According to this it was a common weapon amongst soldiers, the weight allowed for powerful swings with the axe end and the spear allowed for piercing through armor and some shields. Though I can't say what metal it is made of."

“All I know is that, it’s heavy.” I said honestly. “And that still doesn’t explain why it would be here...or now the question is ‘why were soldiers here?’.”

He laughed lightly. "Well, if I were to wager a theory, perhaps this is a battleground? Or a former military encampment? What do you theorize?"

“If this was a prison then it would probably need guards.” I brought up. “But….to have soldiers wear military gear on them? For a prison of all places?”

"If this is a prison, then perhaps the prisoners were just that dangerous?"

“But it would also be weird if this is a prison cause there’s history written down here, rather important history if four beings somehow fell from the sky.” I brought up.

"Hmm, perhaps that's inspiration from the Zebras? They do always talk about the stars, typically in a bad light."

“But if Ponies were here then there would have at least been something involving Princess Luna.” I pointed out, scratching my head with my free talon. “Gah! This is so confusing~...” I groaned.

The Professor chuckled. "Unknown history often is. You just need to remember that, even for the times, stories are often given a creative license for the public."

“This certainly doesn’t feel like ‘creative license’ to be honest…” I said nervously.

"The best never do."

From stars they fell, rising like the phoenix from their ashes, stood tall and imposing, four creatures of fate.

One, a pony, the unicorn was as pale and white as ash, and his eyes fogged as the dead.

The second, a Changeling, chitin like scales, for its body was a shell hiding the horrors of the sick.

The third, a hound, so starved their skin worn like leather over her bones as no feast could calm the hunger.

Fourth, a Griffon, his feathers shined like crimson moonlight, his eyes and body as red as blood spilled fresh from the body.

When the four walked the dirt, began the cupcake museum-

Fucking damn it… I was so close too...

“Seriously...this feeling keeps getting worse and worse…” I grumbled, the more I deciphered this ancient text the more this niggling in the back of my mind kept telling me this was a bad idea. “So we have a Necromancer Unicorn, a Bio-Mage Changeling, that Mow Hound thing the others talked about but even worse...and a very pissed griffon.” I started. “The fuck are they hiding here?”

Today marks two weeks we've been at the site. The worst thing to come out of the forest have been some radroaches and a wild mole rat. This tower has been fully dug out, it was twenty feet underground.

Clipper and Greg have definitely been working overtime, on top of this stone pillar we also found some remains. A Griffons talons, pony skull, Diamond Dog legs and, the best part, Changelings exoskeletons. One is just the upper torso, but the other is almost completely intact, missing only the left leg.

The Professor has been studying it since it was dug up. Changelings were believed to have gone extinct during the war and no bodies were ever found, so this is the first in over… well, possibly ever to have been discovered.

"Incredible." Professor Clockwork said as he analyzed the shell with his magic. "Even after death their unique magic is bound to their exoskeletons almost like an enchantment."

“That’s fascinating.” I said in amazement. “Who’d have thought Changeling exoskeleton’s had that kind of magic, even after being buried for a long ass time.”

"Indeed. And it's durability, even after all this time, it's fossilized state is as hard as stone! What an interesting race, it's a travesty they went extinct. Though, part of me wonders how the radiation would have affected them. Doubt they'd be able to eat it, they are emotivores so perhaps they would not have fared well in the era of the Wasteland."

“They could have maybe turned into a creature that can absorb radiation?” I asked. “From what I heard Changelings gained certain attributes from whatever they turn into...at least, the rumors and reports on them.”

"Perhaps, though to be honest I'd rather not have something on par with the Alicorns back in the Wasteland era roaming around that can also shape shift."

“It would both be amazing...and extremely terrifying at the same time.” I said honestly.

"Heh, definitely. I'll have to send word to the museum, this find needs researched and set up for display."

“Yes it does.” I nodded. “Cause this is turning out to be a find of the century at this point.”

"Hey, Professor." Storm said as he flew in. "Sand Dogs said they found something."

The Professor and I exchanged glances and we ran off to the pit. Once the pillar was unearthed the Sand Dogs began working on tunnels to find more artifacts. Sliding down the ladder we arrived in the tunnels and followed the lanterns until we spotted Clipper and Greg. The two stood before what looked like a stone wall… no, no, not a stone wall, a stone door. On this door were the images from the slab. The hound, The unicorn, The Changeling, and The Griffon.

"Sweet Celestia…" The Professor said.

“I…” I started. “Professor...I don’t like this…” I said, my instincts somehow telling me that this was not a good place and we need to leave.

"Something the matter Plory?" He asked.

“I don’t know...and it keeps bugging the hell out of me.” I frowned. “Just my instincts or something telling me we shouldn’t be here...especially with this door here.”

"Doubt we can even get in, whatever this door is made of broke my claws." Greg said, showing us his broken and slightly bleeding claws. "Looks like stone, smells like stone, but hard like metal."

“Well...that’s good to know.” I nodded. “Whoever wanted this door made, sure as shit didn’t want anyone to open it.”

"Hmm…" The Professor hummed, using magic on the door. "It's… a steel mithril alloy? This type of metal infusion didn't exist until Power Armor was invented."

"If it's like power armor then only a Hell Hound can cut through it. Sand Dog claws are tough but not that tough."

“So someone really didn’t want this door opened.” I said honestly. “Now the questions are who made effectively prehistoric power armor as a goddamn door...and what the hell is it keeping hidden?”

Clipper sniffed the door, growling. "Clipper smells something…" The Sand Dog growled. "Clipper smells rot…"

“We need to leave…” I started. “Cause...that Changeling from the myth…” I started carefully.

"Whatever this is, we'll need to inform the museum." Professor Clockwork said.

From stars they fell, rising like the phoenix from their ashes, stood tall and imposing, four creatures of fate.

One, a pony, the unicorn was as pale and white as ash, and his eyes fogged as the dead.

The second, a Changeling, chitin like scales, for its body was a shell hiding the horrors of the sick.

The third, a hound, so starved their skin worn like leather over her bones as no feast could calm the hunger.

Fourth, a Griffon, his feathers shined like crimson moonlight, his eyes and body as red as blood spilled fresh from the body.

When the four walked the dirt, began the final days for life, and the beginning of a rebirth. So said the four.

Death.

Pestilence.

Famine.

War.

The Bringers of The Apocalypse.

Are you there? I headed a gravely, soft voice.

“Huh?” I shook my head slightly and looked around, wondering who said something.

You need to get up. Spoke a whispering female voice.

“Five more minutes…” I grumbled. “We might have accidentally summoned the end of the world...at least let me sleep through it…”

That's why you need to collapse the tunnel. A third, charismatic voice spoke.

“And...what’ll happen if I do that?” I asked carefully. “And who are you people?”

We will rest, eternally. The three spoke at once.

And keep brother restrained. The female voice spoke.

Hurry, he's already gotten to one of you. The gravely one said.

That was one thing I legitimately didn’t want to hear. “Alright...you three will answer my second question later.” I started to get up. “How do I bring it down?”

Collapse the tunnel, and stop our resurrection.

I got up, maybe… I dug through the supplies, finding a fire axe and… wait… I looked back over, looking for… where's Professor Clockwork?

I quickly grabbed my Scouter MK 9 and set up the EFS. Okay, So according to this Clipper and Greg are still in their tent… I don't see any other dots…

I looked outside, towards the dig site tunnel. One dot… where's… please no...

“Where’s Professor and Storm?” I said worriedly as I ran off towards where the dot was.

I flew down the hole, into the tunnel and turning my flashlight on. Still one…

What the?

“Excuse me...what in Discord's salty taint?” I asked carefully.

Blood… there was a lot of it. Along the floor and the walls, splattered like paint.

I've seen blood before. In cuts and wounds. I've seen photos of the horrors the Wasteland Era bred… to see it in reality, I felt a terror in my core I've never experienced before. Like a waking nightmare…

“Sweet Celestia…” I muttered in horror, trying to find either the Professor or Storm as fast as I could before it was too late.

I rushed to the doors, the blood leading the way like a morbid trail as I reached… Storm, a knife in his teeth as The Professor was bleeding out against the door. "Ah… almost too late…" The Professor spoke, his voice was… deeper though, commanding and fearful.

Storm gave a quick glance at me. "Best get outta here little birdy, dunno what's up with your teacher but I know trouble when I see it." He said. I noticed Storm's plasma rifle was broken along the tubes.

“We need to bring this entire place down, now.” I said quickly. “We need to keep… them sealed.” I said carefully, thinking War was the only one of the four in the ancient texts that would cause this much blood shed.

"Hehehehe. Oh to hear my name again, how I've dreamed of it. It's been so long."

"So the fuck are you? And the fuck did you to with the egg head's body?" Storm asked.

"The weak willed, so easily influenced. Promises of grand fame and discovery were all it took."

“We need to get out of here and get this place buried six feet under now!” I snapped at Storm. “Ancient being, probably helped end the world during the War, we need to get out and seal this place now!”

"Hmm… now...heh… you're too…"

The Professor's body fell over, their pooled blood began crawling up the door, forming the image of a lock as suddenly gears began to turn somewhere…

The door slid into the ground with a rumble. Inside behind it was a cool breeze… my flashlight shined inside a little… so, so many… bones.

"Sweet mercy…" Storm said.

Even though the massive door was opened and I just knew a ton of bad shit was about to happen, I couldn’t help but move over to the professor quickly, looking over his broken corpse and seeing what Storm had to do to stop War possessing him.

I've seen photos of the dead, but… I've never seen death, or someone die in front of me, let alone… someone I know, and care about… A part of me was… missing now, as I felt tears starting to fall I heard and saw Storm start to walk inside.

“Wh-where are you going?” I asked Storm, sniffling as I tried to comprehend the loss of my mentor...my friend.

"Whatever the fuck happened to your friend, it's in here right? Well, I got a knife, and you still have that shooter. If anything has been locked up in here for as long as y'all say, Then it ain't doing so hot I'd imagine."

“They told me...they want to be sealed forever...and they're doing their best to keep the problem child contained…” I started. “The Pillars texts...say they are the Bringer’s of the Apocalypse…”

"Welp if you're hearing voices then stay there and I'll take care of it." He huffed, heading deeper inside the chamber.

“God damn it…” I groaned as I got up. “Don’t worry Professor...I’ll make this right…” I said softly as I followed after Storm before he did something dumb. “We should also message Greg and Clipper about this as well.”

"Sure about that?" He asked, his chest flashlight shining on the clear remains of Diamond Dogs, one decapitated with the axe still between the head and shoulders, the other with a spear jammed through its skull and into the stone under us. "Something tells me they weren't fighting each other…"

“From what records I’ve read up on, Diamond Dogs are actually really difficult to kill...but this…” I shook my head, trying to fight back the bile at all the death that’s been here for possibly centuries and what could have caused all of this.

"Yeah, Hellhounds clearly show it. Still, look at the positions, majority of them are still in either fighting or defensive stances… whatever killed them was a powerful critter, killed them with little effort at all… huh…" Storm stopped, taking a look at the axe. He used his wings, dusting it off as it's metal shined clear and clean like… moonlight…

Hang on! I zipped over to it, tapping it and hearing a hum that… sweet bloody Blackjack! This is Star Metal!

“That’s why Greg and Clipper said it smelled and felt like stone, this is Star Metal!” I squawked in surprise.

"Star Metal? Like from that Security Mare's story?"

“Yeah…” I said nervously. “This...god’s almighty this is getting worse and worse.”

"Wait…" Storm said, picking up a nearby sword, I looked… Star Metal. I picked up a Crossbow Bolt… the tip is Star metal… every weapon in this room is star metal?!

“Where and how is there this much star metal!?” I asked incredulously. “I know the four here came from space...somehow, but there shouldn’t be this much Star Metal, especially in one place…”

"So, if those stories are true… this stuff can probably hurt them…" Storm said, keeping the sword. "Good to know."

“That’s if all the stories are true.” I pointed out. “This isn’t going to be good…” I muttered, as I picked up an axe.

As we walked down the chamber there was other doors. We opened one and… yeah that's a coffin… big… star metal coffin… "So, do we?"

"Open. The. Lid."

We jumped… that voice… that was one of the three, the charismatic one.

“Which one are you?” I asked carefully.

"The sexy one sweetness."

… what?

"Not what I expected from some… whatever you are?" Storm stated.

"I'm, wait you did read the pillar right?" The voice in the coffin asked.

“Death, Famine, Pestilence, and War.” I started. “You four fell from the sky to the world and brought about Apocalypse...none of you were sexy, even from the pictures.”

"I told that asshole it needed to be realistic!" They yelled. "I'm Pestilence. Nice to meet you, now can you get me out cause given the door opened we have about… I'd say maybe ten minutes before war breaks out so, either face my big brother alone or let me and my other two siblings out and have a half a percentage chance of victory."

"I'm not that good at math but even I know those are terrible odds…" Storm said.

"So's my dry spell, now let me out!"

“It’s better than nothing.” I said honestly. “And you promise not to end the world when we do this right?” I asked, putting my talons on one side of the coffin lid.

"If I wanted to end the world when I got here we wouldn't be having this conversation would we?" Pestilence snarked.

“True.” I conceded as I started to pusht the coffin lid as hard as I could.

Once I did… a small gnat fly flew out and landed on my break. "Few, that was stuffy."

"... Y-you're a fly?!" Storm Yelled.

“I thought you were a Changeling!?” I asked incredulously.

"Hey! That's the form I usually take. I've been out for so long I reverted back to my base form. Just give me a moment… oh and you two might wanna step against the wall for this." Pestilence said as he got off my beak.

Storm and I looked at one another and went to the wall… where shortly a small army of radroaches and rats flowed into the room, piling up onto one another and melting into grotesque shapes and forms up and around Pestilence until it formed something akin to a pony shape, and soon the finer details filled out as now, they looked like a Changeling, a Changeling with scales but a Changeling still. "Ah, yeah, that's more like it." They said, stretching their new… body.

"And just like that, I'm having nightmares…" Storm said.

“Same here…” I agreed. “So anyways...your Pestilence...the one that brings great diseases to anything and everything just from the definition of your name.”

"Oh if that archiver wasn't dead already…" Pestilence growled. "Oh sure, focus only on the bad aspects of my existence… fucking prick, he's just pissed I slept with his wife! And daughters! And sons!"

"... If this is a dream, wake me the fuck up now." Storm groaned as they rubbed their head.

“Same here…” I shook my head. “So anyways, where are your siblings? We need to move fast.”

"Oh, across the hall is Famine." Pestilence pointed. "Just shake some food over her if she won't wake up."

"Makes as much sense as anything else…" Groaned Storm.

“And Death?” I asked.

"Down the hall and to the left." Pestilence said.

“Alright, let’s go wake those two up.” I nodded.

We went over to Famine's room. It was full of… dried plants and boxes of… I think that's… wine bottles? Storm lifted the coffin lid, and inside was… A dried up withered flower.

"Huh… not what I was expecting…" Storm said.

“How the hell is this famine?” I frowned. “Uh, fine…” I grumbled as I moved over and brought out a thing of beef jerky I was saving. “Alright you, time to wake up. Shit’s going sideways.” I said as I dangled the piece of meat over the flower.

One second I had my talons waving jerky over them… the next, the head of a massive long nosed jumped out, biting the meat… and my hand. My mind had to process before the pain hit me as I jumped back, blood spewing onto the dog as I started screaming. Storm worked fast, upping a Med-X into me and rapidly tying my stump up.

"For fucks sake sis not again!" Pestilence yelled from his room.

"So hungry…" Was all Faminn said as… she chewed… loudly… my hand...

“Goodie! I’m now down a hand!” I snapped angrily.

Famine looked down at me, her eyes pitch black. She just chewed, looking a bit Awkwardly at me and finally, she swallowed. "Heh… so, type B-?" She asked

"If we survive this, I'm demanding a raise…" Storm huffed.

“And I’m getting a robo hand.” I growled. “And yes, that’s my blood type, thanks a lot for handicapping me from helping more.”

"Heh… normally it's one of my siblings who does that and they just regrow it." She said shyly. "Uh… so, you're that one we messaged… sorry about the arm…"

"You have zero self control…" Pestilence said as he walked inside. "So, I can help here but you definitely won't like it."

“If it’ll help us with what’s to come, I’ll try to stomach it as best I can.” I said honestly.

"Yeah… you'll kinda have to." Pestilence said, grabbing my good hand and ah!

He was kissing me and…

Whatever crawled out his mouth, went into mine and down my throat…

I broke it immediately and nearly choked, hacking as I felt… whatever that was moving and… ahh!

"The fuck did you do to her!" Storm yelled.

"Oh relax it's just a symbiote parasite that will replace her heart and feed off some of her blood in exchange for accelerating her healing and some other crap." Pestilence replied.

"Replace- what's it going to do to her old one!?"

"Eat it."

Everything got real quiet and real… dark for a minute and suddenly, it all became clear again as I sat up, feeling sore and- ah!

I looked at my new talons. Gone were the usual hide and claws, and now it was a pale fleshy skin leading to a set of metallic looking talons.

“The fuck…” I started slowly.

"What? You got your arm back. Better even." Pestilence stated. His head was then bitten off by Famine.

"Thank you." Storm sighed.

"Any time." She said, crunching as Pestilence's neck regrew his head.

"You fucking bitch…" His mouth, once that was back, spoke as soon the rest of it came back.

“Well...now onto Death.” I said carefully.

"Best let us do that, he requires a certain special touch." Pestilence said.

"By that we mean unless you wanna be a zombie and have a parasite heart, best keep some distance." Famine said.

“Yeah, I’d rather not turn into a zombie thank you very much.” I nodded.

And so we walked out and over to Death's room.

"So does your job cover mental health? Something is telling me you're going to need a lot of therapy…" Storm said as we walked behind Pestilence and Famine.

“Thankfully…” I sighed out. “Does your job give mental health leave?”

"Nope, but that's why I'm planning a trip to the Sheetland Isles where my sister brews everything from beer to moonshine."

“If I can still feel alcohol...I’m gonna need to tag along with you cause...I need a powerful drink…” I sighed out.

"Hm… so… how's the… 'heart'?"

“Well...it’s something.” I said, putting a hand to my chest. “Gonna take a while to uh...learn that I’m not gonna die anytime soon because of it but...eh.”

"Does it… feel any different?"

“I can feel it writhing sometimes and it feels really fucking weird.” I said sheepishly.

"I don't even wanna imagine it… though it does raise a few questions, especially regarding what Pestilence said earlier."

“That there’s a whole lot more to what that ancient stone had to say about these four?” I asked.

"Well, remember when he was ranting on about some Archiver being pissed? I have a feeling that the whole End of The World thing, ain't the only thing they do. I mean, if killing is all they do, you and I shouldn't be alive right?"

“That’s what Pestilence said.” I said honestly. “Which seems...really weird.”

"It's definitely strange. Still, I did not expect… this," He waved a wing at Famine and Pestilence. "From beings capable of destroying the world."

“Neither did I…” I sighed out. “So how are we gonna wake up Death?”

"Don't worry about that, just keep a fair distance." Famine said.

Death's room was… different. Rather than a normal coffin like Pestilence and Famine, this one was set up almost like a bed, the lid open as what looked to be a rib bone of some Creature rested atop the ancient pillows. "There's our big brother." Pestilence said.

“And...how do we wake him up?” I asked carefully.

Pestilence walked on over to the night stand, taking out a single small music box. After winding it up he placed it down and it let out a small melody.

The melody it played was… sad. It kept rushing my thoughts back to Professor Clockwork… Mom… I felt tears forming and rubbed them out.

It wasn't just me. Storm was rubbing some out too, even Pestilence and Famine were.

When it finally ended, the rib bone vibrated, suddenly growing more bone along itself until a whole skeleton a unicorn was formed, then, as it watching decay work backwards, I watched as dried and mummified flesh grew back onto the bones, then grow bloated and rotten and recede back into that of a normal unicorn body.

The pillar was right, Death was ash grey and pale, with fogged eyes you'd see on the dead. He sat up, taking the music box in his pitch black magic and holding it for a time before putting it back in the nightstand drawer. "This is not going to end well." Death said, his gravelly voice heavy and tired.

“I’m sorry…” I sighed out. “No wonder why the Ministry of Image was so adamant…”

"I doubt they even knew…" Death sighed. "Come now, War should be up by already, and his chains won't hold him for long."

“How do we stop him?” I asked carefully. “And where is he?”

"Down sixty floors in the Dungeon."

"Come again? Sixty floors?" Storm asked.

“How big is this place?” I asked in surprise.

"It is our vessel, you would know it as… ah fuck what was the word…" Pestilence sighed.

"Spaceship." Famine said.

“A spaceship!?!” I asked in absolute surprise. “How? The text said you four just...kinda fell out of the sky one day to bring about the end of the world.”

"Fell, crashed… same difference." Pestilence shrugged.

“Not as one spaceship but four individual stars.” I started.

"Creative license." Famine said. "I mean, what sounds better to you? Four stars fell from the sky or one giant thing crashed and made a big as hole in the ground?"

“True.” I started. “So...what’s in between here and where War is?”

"Mostly storage, engines, armory, the Zoo." Pestilence said.

“The Zoo?” I asked carefully.

"Let's just say that before we crashed here on your planet we actually had jobs before." Pestilence stated.

“And what would your jobs be that would need your...specific names and all this Star Metal?” I inquired.

"We were soldiers, and leave it at that." Death said as we arrived at… an elevator? We got in and he pushed a button with a symbol on it I can only assume is sixty and now we just waited.

“So...what caused you to crash land on our irradiated planet?” I asked curiously.

"Well, when we crashed it wasn't irradiated." Famine said. "Your war happened about… seven thousand years after we crashed and two thousand years after we locked ourselves inside here to keep War at bay."

"How do you even know about that if you've been locked in here the whole time?" Storm asked.

"It's kinda like… radio I guess. When we're in hibernation we can pick up the brainwaves of other living creatures. It's not perfect but we can hear enough." Pestilence said.

“Sounds...simple enough.” I said honestly. “But...what are you four? Cause you may look like native species to this world...god that’s gonna take some getting used to.” I sighed out, thinking how much bigger everything gotten now that I’m talking to literal aliens.

"Well, that's a long story…" Famine said.

"Very long." Death stated.

"Got an abridged version?" Storm asked.

“Any knowledge is better than nothing.” I said honestly, and even though I should be super excited about learning something from thousands of years ago...it feels robbed now that the professor is dead.

Death sighed. "Well, as you know we don't come from this world. Our home is known as Eden, the first planet to grow life. By the time your planet cooled enough to hold water, our people were already expanding to other worlds for resources and colonization."

"Procatiouse little scamps aren't we?" Pestilence chuckled.

“But...wait...then why do you four look like natives to Equis?” I asked curiously. “I mean...right now at least.”

"Think of it as camouflage." Famine stated.

"Right, well while our species thrived, we forgot about a single issue… our sun was starting to die. We packed up and left, and watched as our sun died, exploding in a fiery blast that obliterated our Homeworld. If it ended there, it would have been a happy ending…"

“But then you came here and one of you decided ‘let’s conquer this place or destroy everything’?” I asked.

"Hardly." Death sighed. "We had expected the sun to destroy our Homeworld and reduce it to dust… but our planet had one last gift of life to birth. You see, everything living has a soul, and even some objects can grow one, or gain something close to a soul. Planets are considered living things. When the sun exploded, our planet refused death."

"It ate the sun, the energy and soul of our star and it devoured and then began to mutate. Emerging from the fires, a new race was born. We called them Demons. Fast growing, fast breeding and highly adaptable and violent." Famine stated.

"It's how we were born." Death stated.

“Oh no…” I started in pure concern.

"So you four are demons?" Storm asked.

"Yes and no." Pestilence stated. "More like… half demons. We were just… left behind when everyone else evacuated."

"I'm a rib because I was a corpse. Pestilence is a fly because that's what he was, a fly. And Famine was a wilting flower, starved for light and water." Death said, the other two nodding.

"What was War?" Storm asked.

"A stone." Pestilence said.

“If only he was as dumb as a brick.” I said honestly.

"I hear that." Pestilence said, lifting a hoof for a bump. I gave him a slow bump back. "Yes!"

"We emerged and, at first, we were no different than the others. We killed, invaded, and slaughtered planets… then we were captured." Death said as the elevator stopped and the doors opened. We walked out and down the hall. "While we were captured we were shown the value of the life we were mindlessly killing. It's how I discovered music, Pestilence discovered sex, and how Famine discovered food."

“It’s really concerning when Pestilence discovered sex...and ironic that Famine discovered food.” I started.

"Well, before I ate everything raw and bloody… like your hand…" Famine said, whistling at that awkwardness.

"I take it War wasn't easily convinced?" Storm asked.

"He took longer but found something he admired about life. Evolution and progression. He found it fascinating how different species evolved or developed technology to combat threats and overcome obstacles. Of course he learned this was accelerated in times of crisis." Death said.

"And so he went about causing them to force people to evolve either organically or technology wise." Storm said. We all gave the Pegasus a look. "What, I'm a mercenary, not stupid."

“And that’s why we hired you.” I nodded. “So instead of seeing advancements through time and effort, he immediately just went straight to War?”

"He found out that wars bring out the best and fastest technological and biological evolutions a race can undergo." Death stated. "At first it was small things, nothing too major… but he wanted it faster and more rapid… so he contacted the demons. Suddenly, he began focusing only on them, they were evolving as he wanted how he wanted… soon, he began using other worlds to help evolve the demons into the ultimate life forms."

“That is outlandishly terrible… and pretty outlandishly boring for him when he got ‘ultimate life forms’.” I said honestly. “Like...he’s got the ultimate life form...he can’t go anywhere else after that.”

"Which is why when they are as he desires he wants to slaughter them all into extinction then start again." Pestilence said.

“And how could he when their the ultimate life form?” I asked. “At least in stories the ‘ultimate life form’ is practically invincible.”

"In all our lives, we've yet to come across something that can kill us." Death stated simply. "Stun us, sure, trap us, yeah, but never kill."

“Any reason why?” I inquired, finding that rather interesting.

"No idea." Pestilence declared with a grin.

"None at all honesty, and not for a lack of trying." Famine stated.

“Well...that sucks.” I started.

We arrived in what definitely looked like a prison. Cells made from star metal and energy lined along the walls. In the far back, I finally saw him. He was taller than me, by about two feet, his feathers looked almost freshly soaked in blood as his beak and claws shined like star metal. "Welp, it's a family reunion." War chuckled. "Makes me wish I brought something."

“We’d rather you not end the world first of all.” I started.

"Hehehehe, oh don't worry, if you can out progress my demons then your world won't end." War said.

"Ugh, this guy…" Pestilence huffed.

“This doesn’t sound like ‘progress’.” I frowned. “This sounds like mindless bloodshed for shits and giggles. And I should know, I’m a historian.”

"Is that supposed to impress me?" War asked.

"Dude, nothing impresses you." Pestilence huffed.

"What are you going to do War, just tell us for once." Famine asked.

He chuckled. "You know, the usual. Make a base camp, bring the demons here, and once they are, start the chess game."

“My point was that what you're doing isn’t ‘progress’, it’s mindless violence for shit’s and giggles.” I frowned.

"No better villain than mindless monsters, right? Plory, isn't it?" He asked, catching me off guard. "Oh your professor's memories were so parental about you. Such an innocent little Birdy with dreams of adventure and heroism, like a child playing pretend."

“Don’t you dare desecrate his memories.” I growled, grabbing my Star Metal axe.

"Oh but little birdy, once I'm free, you can finally be just like your heroes. Of course, many will die, but hey, then you really will be just like them."

“We’re already trying to fix ourselves after a war that nearly destroyed this entire planet, back off War.” I growled.

"Ah, and there it is. Nearly destroyed. Now, imagine when I get out of here and start one. No creature on this planet surface and underground will survive. Unless, of course, my siblings finally get off their asses and help. After all, you've already got one of Pestilence's little insects pumping blood where your heart used to be. What's several more to even the battleground."

“That this isn’t natural? That this is just the thought of some insane mad griffon that thinks he knows better?” I asked. “I guess I was wrong, you are as dumb as a brick.”

"Hm, maybe, but I'm still smart enough to know how to stall." War said, suddenly winking out in a flash of light. All that was where war was, was a small metals and glass device.

"Oh how I hate him…" Pestilence growled.

"Him and his fucking holograms!" Famine barked.

“When the hell could he do that?” I asked worriedly.

"Always…" Death sighed. "Welp, I'm gonna go out for a walk."

"Going out for an orgy!" Pestilence declared.

"Going out to see how the food got here." Famine said as the three headed off.

… WHAT?!

“Whoa whoa whoa hold up!” I ran in front of the three, a whole lot faster than I realized. “You’re just gonna...go off and do whatever when War is currently threatening to destroy what little there is of this planet?”

"... More or less." Pestilence said.

"Even if we wanted to, it's not like we can track him, and until he makes his move it's like looking for dust in a dessert." Famine said.

"Basically, until he makes his move, we're blind."

“God damn it…” I groaned. “Fine...can you at least tell me what this bug symbiote does? Cause it writhes and makes me feel stupidly uncomfortable.”

"Well, as you can see it's replaced your heart entirely and can replace limbs of yours if lost, but they're limbs are replacements so they are not yours. Only thing of yours In them Is your blood." Pestilence said.

“Right…” I started nervously. “Anything else besides regeneration?”

"Well over time it will evolve and mutate you based on what you go through, eat and experience and I can Insert more into you orally, analy, or vaginal." Pestilence said, giving me a wink.

I shivered.

“Let’s not…” I started. “Like...ever cause seriously that...was not a good feeling.”

"Eh, suit yourself sweet cheeks."

“That aside, you can explore our ship if you wish." Death said. "And best go wake up your two associates above, pretty sure they should know about this."

“I hope I can get drunk after this…” I groaned. “But yeah...we should let Greg and Clipper know.”

"Do ya'll got a bar on this ship then?" Storm asked.

"Third floor, go to the left." Famine said.

"Thank ya kindly."

I groaned… this is not going to end well...

Level Up! New perk!

Parasitic Heart: A parasite not resides within your chest after it are your heart, it will keep you alive in turn for feeding off your blood. You will however, change and mutate over time until you are not even in your own body anymore.

The Discovery

View Online

"Fer Alien Beer, it's not half bad." Storm said from next to me at the ships bar. It was oddly… homey. Lots of tables made of woods shelves stacked high with various liqueur, and keeping this place going was some… creature.

He was bipedal like a minotaur, but lacked the horns or muzzle of one. He was without a coat but had a we'll kept combed brown mane on his head. He was dressed in a red and black outfit. "Actually, that's Equestrian beer." The being said as they cleaned the glass mugs.

“Really? What year was it made then?” I inquired.

"Well, if you mean when was it brewed, it's only a few weeks old. So fresher than the piss you poor fellows have been drinking that's for sure." The creature laughed. He had a calming, confident and charismatic charm in his voice that made me feel… safe, cared for and trusting of them. Like an old friend.

“Cheers to that.” I said with a smile, raising my glass up and taking a swig of this amazing booze. “I especially needed this after the shit I had to go through…”

"I heard. Sorry about your teach there little Birdy. War is the bad apple of the bunch, and try as the others might he escapes every time." It spoke as it refilled my mug and then returned it filled with foamy goodness.

“Thanks, and...yeah, from what the others told me.” I sighed out. “But you sound like you have… experience with them.”

"You can say that." He said said as he refilled Storm's mug. "Known them for the better part of the last 82 million years."

“Discord’s ballsack, that’s a long time.” I said in surprise.

"Not really." He said as he gave the mug back to Storm and then started cleaning some more empty mugs. "To you, I guess it is, for things akin to myself
and those four, it ain't too terribly long."

“Jeez.” I frowned, taking another swig of my drink. “And here I was hoping for a simple excavation on pre-equestrian history...not accidentally setting off the end of the world…”

"Eh, it happens." The creature shrugged. "At least ya can mess around with all the crap these guys collected over the eons. Shit here that will make you question your understanding of how reality functions."

“I’m already questioning enough as is…” I grumbled. “Seriously, and here I thought the End War was bad enough…”

"Heh. It's not all bad really. Most things here will give you a taste of the rest of creation."

“First learning the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are real, then learning their aliens...now I’m learning about creation?” I took a big drink of my really good booze. “The hell did I sign up to…”

"Something that's gonna make you a regular." He said, quickly refilling my mug for me. "And I don't charge."

“Thank Celestia.” I sighed out thankfully. “Cause with how much I might drink...I don’t know if I’d have enough to pay…”

"Same." Storm agreed. We clanked mugs and chugged.

We stayed there for a while, enjoying fresh, cold booze and getting fairly buzzed before we walked around the ship. Leaving the bar we wandered around until we came across a storage room. "F… fuck is in this." Storm said, half slurred as he popped the lid off one of the trunks. Inside the big trunk is what looked like more boxes.

“Woo, m-more boxshes…” I slurred a bit at seeing all the box’s.

We picked a few out and opened them, finding what looked like… batteries? They seemed to pulsate with a deep blue glow.

“I...don’t remember batteries glowing blue…” I muttered.

"Maybe… they're m-hic-magic batteries?" He chuckled, touching the top of the battery. Every hair of fur, mane and hair, even on his feathers stood up as if charged with static electricity. "Heh, tickles."

“Floofy.” I giggled drunkenly. “M-maybe...we’re a little too drunk to be looking at this stuff…”

"N-nonsense." He brushed off, tossing the battery back into the trunk. Opening the next trunk revealed a lot of slamm golden totems with emerald eyes. "The Fuck er these for?"

“Uh...no idea…” I said, trying to get myself together in some capacity to even know what the hell I’m looking at.

After staring into the green eyes of the little golden things for a while, I tossed them aside and opened the next trunk. Inside was a whole lot of books.

“Well...at least I’ll figure all this fancy crap out…” I muttered, thankful to see a whole lotta books in good condition.

Storm chuckled drunkenly. "Ner-hic-rd~" He teased.

I rolled my eyes, taking a book out and opening it.

"EEEEERRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Screamed the sudden flaming skull from within the book's bindings.

I slammed it shut fast.

"... Either we are way drunker than we thought, or these books are fucking cursed…" Storm said, suddenly more sober like myself.

“Uh...huh…” I started nervously. “What...what the hell is this book?” I asked nervously, looking for a title on this thing.

'The Screams of the Rageful' Volume 3.

"Huh… accurate." Storm said.

“If only one of those three decided to stay here and show me around instead of galavanting to who knows where…” I muttered.

Storm pulled up a different book. "Threats from Demons. Volume 2." He read aloud, opening it.

"I WILL DRINK YOUR SPINAL FLUIDS MORTAL!!" Screamed the sudden head of a burned mares head with four horns and a gorged out eye.

He rapidly closed it. "Yup. Not touching these ever again." He tossed the book back into the trunk and then slammed the lid shut.

“Sweet Luna…” I grumbled. “The hell are with these books?”

"Freaky alien books." Storm muttered. He opened up the next trunk and inside this one was… Trumpets? "Huh. They should really label these things."

“Uh…” I started. “Why is there a skeleton holding one?” I asked nervously, seeing a skeleton in the trunk holding a trumpet up to its mouth.

"Doot Doot." Went the trumpet in the skeleton’s hands.

"Is it weird I didn't even notice that thing Until now?" Storm asked as he closed the trunk. "You'd think there'd be more, I dunno, useful stuff here."

“I mean...there might be some useful stuff but...we’re kind of drunk and we don’t have people to explain this shit…” I grumbled.

"True." Storm shrugged. The next trunk held what looked like bags of chips. I couldn't read the label and opening them came a rush of a very strong artificial cheese smell. I took one out, finding it weird they were triangle shaped. "Think it's even safe to eat. I mean, is it even food?"

“I mean...it smells like cheese…” I frowned. “We’d have to ask...again…”

"I doubt that barkeep alien actually leaves that part. Hmm, well, if there is that… thing, here, then there should be a crew around here too right?"

“Or the ship can tell us if it has power.” I mentioned.

"The… ship?" He asked.

“Yes, the entire structure is a ship...somehow.”

"And… you think it can tell us things?"

“Well, if it has an onboard computer system than most likely.” I nodded. “Just...might need to either turn it back on or supply it with power.”

"Right. And how would we do that Nerd Bird?"

“Fucked if I know, I still barely understand whatever the hell’s going on…”

"Maybe we should look for a barracks or crew quarters and see if there actually is anyone else here."

“Yes we should.” I nodded. “It’s gonna be a pain in the ass to find but...hopefully it won’t take forever.”

With that goal in mind we explored floor by floor of this place. There was a fair amount of storage rooms, each one seemed bigger than the last. I think we also passed the armory and medbays. Eventually we finally reached what seemed to be a long hallway with various rooms.

So far all of them were empty. "So what, the barkeep survived but not the crew?" Storm huffed.

“I...don’t think the barkeep was a part of the crew though…” I started. “Something about it...that place...my instincts said it was ‘homey’...not like this place.”

"Well, aren't all good bars supposed to feel that way?" Storm asked as opened the next door. We stood there staring at the entity before us. They looked… kinda like the Barkeep, but hairless, with red skin and patches of metal on their body. They wore some kind of green outfit with a golden cape.

“Uh...hi there.” I said to the new person.

"Hello." They replied. Their voice was rather… nice, kind sounding. And a bit… artificial? "I was unaware we had guests. Are the Captains awake?" It asked us.

"Ya mean Pestilence, Death and Famine?" Storm asked.

"Yes. I was unaware they were going to reawaken." It stated.

“They’ve been awake for...maybe a day?” I guessed. “And...well War’s also out sadly.”

"What?!" They stood up in shock. "How did I not…" He placed two of his appendages to the side of his head. I think Minotaurs call them fingers? "The primary systems are all down? How did that happen?" They pondered mostly to themselves.

“Well...as far as I’ve learned, this place has been shoved into the ground for more than a thousand years, if not more.” I explained.

"Ah. So it seems the plan failed." He said, now pacing around the room. "Well, that isn't good. Not at all. Well, at least War, along with the rest of them are weak after that last battle."

"They're weak?" Storm asked. "How? Famine bit off Plory's arm like taffy." The Pegasus motioned to my now fleshy and possibly metallic limb.

“And...well the only reason why I’m alive is whatever the fuck Pestilence had to replace my heart…” I started. “How are they weak?”

"Welp, last time someone other than them woke her up all that was left was a foot. And normally Pestilence would have given you a fully evolved parasitic symbiote rather than the fledgling in your chest."

"Okay, well, how long until they regain their full strength?" Storm asked.

"Hmm, last time they fought like this to capture and imprison War, they're full powers returned after… ten years."

"Ten years?!"

"Might be more on this planet. I'll have to compare the yearly rotations to this planet and the last."

“Well...we have plenty of time before War starts trying to fuck everything up.” I said honestly.

"Hopefully. So, are you two part of the crew now?" The red being asked.

“Uh...no idea, cause the moment everyone woke up, they all just kinda...fucked off.” I frowned.

"Hm. Well, we do need more staff." His eyes flashed yellow for a second. "Scans show only other life forms aboard aside we three, are in the Zoo. Majority of them won't be of help either. Well then, as first mate of this vessel, I dub you two the newest members of the crew. Welcome aboard the Eternity."

“Ironic considering its current state.” I joked.

"Quite. So, your name is Plory if I heard right." They pointed at me. "And you are…?"

"Storm Cloud." Storm informed.

"Alright then, Plory, Storm Cloud. My name is Vision."

“Nice to meet you Vision.” I nodded. “So how do we start up this ship?”

"We will have to restart the engines." His eyes flashed yellow again. "Engines one through nine are in need of a jumpstart. Engines ten through sixty are thankfully fine."

"This ship has sixty engines?" Storm asked.

"For now, yes." Vision informed.

“I know this is a spaceship but...don’t you think that’s overcompensating by a lot?” I asked.

"No. Actually it's well within the current parameters of the ships current power consumption needs." Vision stated, suddenly levitating an inch off the ground and placing both their arms behind their back. "This way." He said, floating passed us and back into the hallway.

“Uh...alright.” I shrugged, following after Vision carefully.

"So… where are ya from Vision?" Storm asked as we followed them back into the elevator. Vision pressed a button and we began to descend.

"Originally I came from a planet known as Earth. My creation took place on it's soil about four million years ago." Vision informed.

“Damn.” I blinked. “I didn’t think it would have been that long ago…”

"Many have said the same thing through the ages. The species that built me, Humanity, long since soared to the stars and began co-existence with the rest of the universe. I, for a time, looked after them. A living archive of their history and of the planet now long gone. But, they began to interbreed with various compatible races amongst the stars. Soon it was hard to tell who even had human genetics in them from other various life forms. I traveled for a while, reviewing and studying other races, species. It's around then I ran into the Captains. War had escaped again, and his Demon race was laying waste to yet another planet. I'd already helped fend off one genocidal madman in the past, and seeing War brought back memories of a life from so long ago. I jumped in without hesitation, and helped the Captains win that battle. When it was done, they welcomed me happily. Few beings in existence can have a form of longevity like mine or in the Captains case, immortality. So we long lived beings prefer to stick together. I've been with them ever since."

“And what’s that stone in your forehead?” I asked, pointing to the glowing yellow gem in the ancient robot's forehead. “Is it an artifact from this...Earth of yours?”

"This?" He tapped it. "No, it's not from Earth. This is called an Infinity Stone." He stated. "One of six. They were created back then the universe exploded into being. Each one controls one of the six primal forces of this reality. This one is for Mind."

"How is Mind a primal force?" Storm asked.

"The Mind stone gives one, like myself, amazing and near limitless psionic abilities. I can phase myself through nearly any form of matter, shoot a laser beam from it. Sometimes it even gives me these… warnings, or foreshadowing. Not always though. Seems it also likes to hibernate for years at a time. Plus, in small tests I've learned it can even bestow primal, mindless races with sentience."

"In ponish that means?" Storm looked over at me.

“In ponish terms, he’s a God of Psionics, he’s able to see the future sometimes, and he could possibly give a wild animal the ability to talk and be a person.” I explained carefully.

"Ah. And have you done that often?" Storm asked Vision.

"Several. Including your own species." Vision replied plainly.

Storm and I did a double take up at Vision as the doors opened and he casually floated out.

“What...in Celestia’s name did we get ourselves into?” I muttered. “What other cosmic threats are there considering you’ve been at this for...four million years?”

"Well, that depends. If you mean still alive in this reality… nine."

"Huh. Thought it would be more." Storm sighed.

"Nine octillion." Vision finished.

"..." Storm looked over at me. "And that's… a lot?"

“It would have been six times larger than the entire planet’s population before the war.” I answered. “And...you said ‘this reality’...”

"Well, yes. Many other threats stem from other realities, timelines, dimensions. Frankly if it's a possibility it exists somewhere and if it's deadly then it's a potential threat. Thankfully we don't get too many threats from either of those."

As we followed Vision into the new room- Sweet Celestia's flanks…

The room was… how…

"Uh, Vision?" Storm asked. "How big is this ship?"

"Hm? Well, the exterior of the ship is approximately the size of your nearby Settlement of Ponyville, however the interior of the ship is four times that of your own planets surface."

Storm and I were looking at engines bigger than mountains. In a room that seemed like it went on forever.

“So...why haven’t I had a mental breakdown at the sheer size and...all the world shattering revelations I’ve had in the past day and a half?” I asked, my voice shaking a bit as I was just...beyond overwhelmed at everything.

"That would be your new symbiote heart. While your brain and other glands are most likely pumping excessive chemicals and such throughout your body, your Symbiote is consuming the excess."

“So...it’s keeping me calm and making sure I don’t die from shock?” I asked in surprise.

"As well as eats excess cholesterol, some toxins, and regulates how fast to pump your blood when needed."

“Wow.” I said. “That’s really good to hear.”

"Almost jealous." Storm chuckled.

The first engine had a small, manageable terminal next to it. Vision began to type and mess with some items on the control panel. "Hmm. Well, the good news is that the internal star cells are all fine. Should only take a moment to get full power back online."

“Well...that’ll definitely help.” I nodded. “It’s certainly gonna scare the shit out of the locals though.”

"What will?"

“The ship suddenly turning on and flying around.” I brought up. “Hell, even the start up might shake the ground with how much energy it might produce.”

"Actually the startup is undetectable from the exterior of the ship." Vision said. Suddenly all the engines, or the ones we could see, glowed with a near blinding blue light from various vents as long tubes seemed to spark with electricity into massive city sized wall sockets. "And engines are back online and power is reaching peak efficiency."

The room suddenly glowed with large lights that lit up the entirety of the room and everywhere.

“I’m surprised to see it working after all this time, coming back to life without much of a hassle.” I said in awe.

"Doubt pre-war tech would have pulled that off." Storm said. "Uh, Vision… when you said Star cells, did you mean… actual stars?"

"Yes." He nodded as he began to float back to the now well lit hallway and elevator.

"So… each engine…"

"Is powered by ten dwarf stars within their housing and keep them in a temporal loop so they do not die and explode into a supernova or black hole."

“That kind of engineering should be physically impossible.” I started.

"One thing you'll learn about quickly working on the Eternity Ms Plory," Vision started as he pushed a button on the elevator. "The only impossibility in this or any reality, is Impossibility itself."

"Makes as much sense as anything else here…" Storm huffed.

“So…” I started. “How is War a threat when...all of this is available?”

"He can survive it all and come back repeatedly." Vision started. "The demon race also only listens to him and there is no weapon he can't craft and use with absolute mastery."

“Well...I suppose that’s why he’s called ‘War’...” I frowned.

"So how do the letters beat him?" Storm asked.

"Armies, using his own weapons against him, and their skills. There is no disease Pestilence can't craft, no insect or vermin he can't control, and nothing organic he can't modify or mutate. Famine can consume entire planets, however, her blood can terraform even airless wastelands into lush fertile gardens ripe with life. And Death, well, he matches War in every way in terms of combat, and aside from his family, there is no being in this reality that can kill. Or, revive." Vision informed.

“Well...that sounds right.” I nodded. “So uh...when I read about them, being the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse...I didn’t expect anything about how they are personality wise…”

"No one ever does. Save for War, he pretty much lives up to what you expect. So, seeing as you two are new, I assume a tour is in order?"

"Yes please." Storm nodded. "We were examining one of your storage rooms and found… a lot of random stuff."

"Hmm?" He hummed, his eyes flashing yellow again. "Ah, storage room AA-55. Very well." He pushed a different button and we were soon in the storage room we were at when we were drunk.

We approached the first trunk we opened. "So, what are these?" Storm asked as he picked up one of the blue batteries.

“They look like batteries but uh...we were kind of drunk at the time.” I said sheepishly.

"Well, you aren't wrong. These batteries are made from a special crystal deposit more commonly found in asteroids. They generate a fair amount of raw energy and even after draining seem to self recharge themselves after giving them a resting period. They're commonly used in various electronics amongst the cosmos and some weapons even utilize their raw energy. The Backup Engines and the Temporal Loops In the main engines are even powered by these and their sister gems." Vision explained.

"Huh...cool." I said simply. “Glad to know these are the worlds best battery’s ever.”

We then walked over to the chest with all the gold and emerald eyed totems. "And what about these things?" Storm asked.

"Totems of undying." Vision informed.

“So...they keep people from dying or something?” I asked curiously.

"Precisely." He said. "So long as you have one either in hand or on your person, it will prevent a death. Each one only has one use. World we got these on was quite interesting."

We then came across the trunk of books. "Ah. I was wondering where these went." Vision said as he picked up a book. He opened it and the second the decayed face popped out, he slapped it and it vanished.

Storm chuckled. "Wait, just like that?"

"It's just a simple fear spell. Meant as protection for the tombs."

“Sounds about right.” I nodded. “So what’s in the books?” I asked, now that the fear spell is gone I was super excited to learn what was in them.

"These are tombs from an old friend of mine. When he passed he left them for me to look over. When the earth was to be consumed by the sun I took them with me into the stars, as well as a fair amount of other trinkets and personal treasures from friends long gone. They contain the incantations and preparations for summoning various other dimensional beings."

“Really?” I asked in surprise.

"Yes. He was the protector of the mystic arts and this reality."

"Who were they?" Storm asked.

"Doctor Steven Strange, the greatest, and last Sorcerer Supreme of earth."

“Seems a little strange...uh, no pun intended there.” I said nervously. “But in our history, the most magical beings on this world were nigh immortal...what happened to Doctor Strange?”

"He grew tired. True, he, like I, outlived many friends, students and family… but he grew tired of living. In the end it was just him and I, and he gave to me all his arcane knowledge, secrets and artifacts. A month later, he finally passed away from old age. He was going on six thousand years old when he passed."

“Sounds like old records of dragon’s.” I started, finding that parallel even more sad considering I’m talking to one of his old friends.

"I suppose."

We finally came across the last chest we opened before leaving. "So, are these chips or what?" Storm asked.

Vision simply picked up the opened bag, took out one of the triangle things, and ate one. "Yes. An old earth snack food. Oddm, these should be in food storage though. Must have been misplaced from the production level."

“Are they actually safe for people like us?” I asked carefully. “Cause well...your an ancient...sentient machine…” I took a deep breath, still thankful for my new symbiote heart for not making me flip the fuck out about that. “I’m never going to get over all this…”

Rather than respond, Vision popped a chip into my beak. It was a cheesy, salty and crunchy thing the likes of which I have never experienced before and it's delicious. "Yes." He said, handing me and Storm a bag each before he walked us to the next set of boxes.

“Okay...yeah that’s really good.” I said honestly.

"Anything is better than two hundred year old stale chips." Storm replied as he ate some.

We rapidly ate the snack chips then opened a new chest filled with Something I was familiar with. "Some gun parts, from earth. They seem to belong to a Glock 10 millimeter."

"Least it's fairly similar to what we know." Storm said as he basically inhaled the last of his chips. I forget ponies are such salt addicts.

“At least there’s some commonality.” I said at seeing all the gun parts.

Looking between the parts here and Vision. Looks like they're pretty identical to Griffon firearms. Meant to be held and fired from the class or hands, in these humans' case, over by mouth or magic like most pony and zebra arms.

The next few crates held the same for various arms. Some human, some other species.

We soon came across parts for vehicles and machines from all sorts of crazy things and such.

With storage being done with curiosity wise. We next went to the Armory, at Storm's request.

It was a large room with a dark black metal plating along the walls, but was well lit and oddly barren. "Shouldn't an armory have, well, weapons?" Storm asked.

“Either War took all of them, or the weapon’s are somewhere else.” I brought up.

"No, they're here." Vision brought up, tapping his foot twice as suddenly a holographic screen appeared before us. "Anything of preference?"

Storm and I looked at one another.

“Uh…” I started. “What...kind of weapons and armor do you have?”

"The Armory has several billion weapons and armor across space, ammunition, and can easily craft, modify and upgrade any armament across this and ten other dimensions." Vision informed.

I damn near fell over at hearing that. “Excuse me what?”

"So… where are these weapons?" Storm asked.

Vision tapped a few 'buttons' on the Holo screen and suddenly several lines appeared along the walls floor, and ceiling of the room and soon various shelves and racks emerged from every corner of this massive room. "Right here. The rest are kept in the Matter-Mass Computer servers."

“Sweet Luna...” I muttered in awe at all the choices.

"Anything we can use?" Storm asked.

"I can have the computer modify and rebuild some that will be compatible with your biology and combat equipment." Vision said as he seemed to type some things and all the shelves and racks retracted and soon a single one rose up next to us.

I watched slack jawed as small beams of light seemed to build up Griffon and pony weapons from seemingly nothing and continued to stare as they floated against the rack wall without any hooks or strings.

“Uh…” I was honestly speechless at what I was witnessing.

Storm seemed to be in the same boat, just eyeing the weapons seemingly being made by laser lights.

"Something wrong?" Vision asked.

“There...was nothing like this...ever.” I said. “Even before the Bombs…”

"Hm. I suppose it would seem Impossible or is some pure form of magic. Well, technically it's both magic and technology in perfect hybridization, but that's besides the point. Anything of note you'd like?"

“I...I don’t even know where to start considering… anything can be made here…” I said in awe.

"Hmm… well, anything to your preference is available."

"Does… that include weapons already existing here on this planet?" Storm asked, equally as awestruck as me.

"Hm. I can have our satellite grid scan the planet for all weapons and their records for anything weapon like throughout your worlds history from shortly after our burial to the present."

Did… I hear that right?

“You...really have a satellite system around our entire planet?” I asked in surprise.

"Yes. After we crashed we sent ten Satellites into high orbit around your planet and cloaked them from all forms of detection. After a bit of research we determined this planet once did house a thriving, primitive form of life, your ancestors, but a meteor impact wiped them all into extinction rendering the planet lifeless but still habitable. Some samples from various fossils and some genetic reconstruction and cloning later the species living here today were made from the literal ashes of the species before. None seemed to have any form of intelligence so I used the Mind Stone to grant it to all of them. They helped us capture and seal away War and we had hoped to be buried until this planet met its end naturally."

"Wait, so Ponies, Griffons, Diamond Dogs, Changelings, Zebras… all of us were originally an extinct species you revived?!" Storm said in shock.

"Yes. And after all was said and done your ancestors were all free to live about upon the planet as you all pleased."

“This...is some really heavy stuff.” I said, not believing I’d get the history lesson of a lifetime here.

"We actually have a large population your still primitive ancestors aboard in the Zoo. We keep all kinds of DNA samples and live specimen's aboard to prevent a species wide extinction. We find it's better than letting an entire planet's ecosystem perish." Vision added, his eyes flashing yellow again. "The Satellites have just sent in their recorded data. It should only take the ship a few hours to scan it all and render our modules of every weapon your various races ever crafted."

"Damn." I said. "Stars...this...I'm excited to learn all this stuff but...it feels like it's too much…"

"Well there is time for an adjustment period. We can take a week. By then I imagine the Captains will be finished with their fun."

"Hopefully…" I grumbled. "Seriously, just ditched us after they woke up like we'd figure out everything by ourselves…"

"Yes, sadly the captains are not the mentoring type. They much rather prefer the-" His eyes flashed yellow. "Intruders entering the main entrance." He said, suddenly flying off like the wind itself. When he returned he was holding two familiar cyborg diamond dogs by their scruffs. "Do you know these canines?" He asked.

I looked at Greg and Clipper, the two diamond dogs were a mix of confused and terrified.

"I know those two." I said. "Their friends, let them in." I said quickly.

He dropped them. "The Fuck happened while we were asleep?!" Greg asked/shouted.

"Clipper is… very confused." Clipper stated.

Storm and I gave a fair recap of everything that's happened and what is apparently happening. Vision adding bits and pieces there when needed.

"... I'd like a raise." Greg stated.

"Clipper would also like a raise." Clipper stated.

"There's a free bar on ship." Storm stated simply.

"That works." The two dogs replied simultaneously.

"I'm really sorry you two, it's been...a trying day and a half to say the least." I said sheepishly.

"Clearly. Though, I am interested in what this ship and the technology aboard can do to benefit everyone. Well, if we can fend off this War Griffon." Greg stated.

"From what we've learned...it could help revolutionize this entire planet and get it back on track." I said simply. "And...we also learned that it might take up to ten years before extraordinarily bad things happen."

"So there's time, but it seems like despite it looking long it really ain't." Storm added.

"My advice would be to train and learn about what we have that can aid you in your mission." Vision informed.

"Which is a metric fuck ton of stuff." I said honestly. "From all corners of space...stars that sounds both great and weird…"

I sat in what was now my room in the crew quarters of the ship. The door showed glowing yellow letters that now showed my name on it. Inside the room was a fair amount of items. Possibly from a prior occupant. Books from an alien world in an alien language lined the nearby shelves. Random trinkets and odd objects were placed about and decorated the walls and smaller hanging shelves. A desk with some strange built in computer rested near the bed which thankfully, the bed looked like a normal bed.

"It kinda sucks that I can't read half this crap…" I sighed out.

"Adjusting well?" I looked up, seeing Vision at the door. "Brought a trunk for you to store all this old stuff." He said, pulling a fair sized trunk that seemed to levitate off the ground half an inch.

"I am, but all the knowledge and...I can't read jack shit." I frowned.

"Hm." Vision nodded. "Perhaps I can help with that?" I raised an eyebrow as he placed two fingers to my forehead. His Mind Stone glowed bright for a second when it finished he walked over, picking a book then handing it to me.

I looked at the title. 'Moby Dick'.

Wait, what?!

"You can do that!?" I asked incredulously.

"I did invent the way your species mind thinks and processes intelligent thought. Programming in memories of several thousand alien languages only required the smallest altercations to the flow of how your brain processes and registers information." Vision informed.

Several… thousand...

“Uh…” I felt my right eye twitch at hearing just how many alien languages I just learned immediately.

"Something the matter?"

“Getting a thousand different languages in my brain all at once…” I started. “Shocking…to say the least.”

"Hm. I suppose. Well, have fun reading. Just let me know when you've packed the rest of the items away."

With that, Vision left and I decided to enrich myself with alien literature.

…

"Uh, Plory?" I looked up, eyes burning as I rubbed them. Once that stopped and I looked I spotted Storm at my door. "You good?"

“Yes, yes I am.” I nodded. “After a bit of reading, I feel much better.” I answered. “Anything happen while I was reading?”

"No I was just checking up on ya. Been in here for a… few hours." The Pegasus replied. "Thought you might have gotten hungry."

Before I could say anything, my stomach growled in confirmation. “Well...yeah.” I said sheepishly.

"Figured. You have been in here for seven hours."

I blinked at that, looking at the book I was reading and I realized I now had a fair pile next to me. Huh.

“Uh...well alright then.” I said honestly. “I didn’t think I would have read all that in seven hours…but damn was it all good.”

"Heh. Didn't know you could read alien." He said as I flew next to him and we began walking towards the Cafeteria. It was on the same floor as the crew quarters so it was a short walk.

“Well I originally couldn’t, but then Vision gave me the ability to read...over a thousand different languages.” I told him.

"Shit, seriously?" I nodded. "Doubt I'm ever not gonna be surprised by what this place can do. As is I'm still half expecting to go ta sleep and wake up from a bad chem induced fever dream." He chuckled.

“Same here my friend.” I sighed out. “At least then things would at least make more sense than having your entire worldview destroyed again and again…”

We walked to the cafe and I marveled at how I could now read the signs.

Various lines offering food from shiny, chrome like machines and one that looked like a pre-war coffee machine. Well, sorta, it had what looked like a keyboard in place of coffee selection buttons. "So, uh, anything here we can eat?" He asked me.

“Uh...no idea…” I started, looking at all the shiny chrome machines and wondering what they did and how we could get food from them.

We walked over to one. Arriving in the "line" suddenly a flash of light and there was… some weird looking robot with lots of mechanical arms descending from the ceiling. It seemed to observe us for a while before finally it spoke in a surprisingly organic voice. "What would you like for your meal?"

“Uh...what is there to eat?” I asked curiously.

"What would you like to eat?" It repeated.

"Uh… waffles?" Storm asked.

The robot seemed to turn as the machine began to make some kind of whirling noise and suddenly previously hidden panel opened. The robot took out a metallic plate and fork with four stacked waffles covered in syrup, butter and topped with whipped cream. "Enjoy your meal." It said as it gave the plate to Storm.

"I most certainly will!" Storm said happily as he took the plate.

“Can you make me a Medium Well T-Bone Steak?” I asked.

The panel closed up, the machine whirled again and when it opened the robot handed some a plate with a nice, inch thick T-Bone seasoned perfectly with garnish even as well as a knife and fork. "Enjoy your meal." The robot said.

I sniffed the freshly made steak and shuddered in pure bliss. “Oh I’m going to enjoy this to no end…” I said as I grabbed the plate. “Thank you.” I nodded with a smile as I flew off to a table, ready to demolish this steak like it’s my last meal.

It. Was. Amazing. So rich and meaty and juicy. I haven't had cooked meat this good in years! Maybe even ever!

"Growing up, my family lived in a renovated old diner." Storm said, taking another large bite from his waffles. "And the menu was printed on the wall. Grew up looking at this kinda faded but delicious looking photo of waffles. Looked around but never found any packages from the pre war and never found anyone who could cook them. It's as tasty as I imagined."

“I’ve only had steak like...a couple times in my life, and the rest it was told about in Pre-War cookbooks or the chef’s own personal views...but it’s never been this good…” I said, taking another piece and eating it, shivering in delight.

"Don't Griffons usually eat meat in their diets? Lot of old Wasteland Era pony folks still do from what I hear."

“I was raised by a single pony mother...so meat was few and far between sometimes.” I answered.

"Oh. How'd that happen? Met only a few Griffons in my time and they are pretty protective of their eggs and hatchlings."

“My mom found me at The Hoof…” I sighed out. “Barely old enough to talk to...but she found me in that hell hole and took me in as one of her own…”

"Oh. I've heard some horror stories about that place. Both before and after Gardens, still a bit of a warzone." Storm admitted. "You grow up there?"

“How I hatched from there or left for dead I have no idea, all I know is that mom picked me up and ran as fast as she could back home.” I shrugged.

"Oh. You ever wonder about it?" Storm asked. "How you got there and where you came from?"

“I have, especially considering how I managed to survive The Hoof as chick all things considered.”

"Sounds like you were one lucky bird. Any… siblings?"

“Nope.” I shook my head. “Single child, both from my previous parents and mom.” I said simply.

"Huh. So, what was your mom like?"

“She...did her best.” I said honestly. “A griffon for a daughter, all the crap she had to deal with, and all the time having a smile on her face and a penchant to try and teach me reading and writing, about the past like it’s some long lost fairytale land…”

"Sounds caring. Kinda reminds me of my mom. After the war and Gardens and the Enclave disbanded my dad met my mom on the surface. An earth pony for a mother and a former enclave engineer for a father. Lot of the older Pegasi despised me cause I wasn't pure enclave. Just a bunch of racist assholes. At least ma dealt with them better than I did sometimes."

“Beat the crap out of them?” I asked.

"Ten gauge bean bag rounds. She had a good shot too. Saw her shoot one almost up old man Scissors plot." He chuckled. "Was the funniest, coolest thing I've ever seen."

“Yeah, never piss off a mom, I saw that first hand.” I chuckled. “You’d think she was a griffon with how brutal she physically beat the shit out of a bandit.”

"Still can't believe some folks prefer raiding and robbing over how life has been turning around."

“It’s sad, yes.” I sighed out. “But...hopefully it’ll get better with what we’re learning.”

"Key word there is, Hopefully." He said as he finished his plate. "Heh, think the shock of… all of this is finally settling in."

“Hell if I know…” I sighed out. “Cause normally I’d feel the shock but...my new heart makes sure that doesn’t happen.”

"Heh. Lucky bird. So, any of those alien books good?"

“A lot of those were actually really good, and from what I read up is that those are ‘the classics’.” I brought up. “Like Moby Dick and To Kill a Mockingbird.”

"Hm. What were they about?"

“Moby Dick is weird, cause it has a lot of metaphorical implications based on the White Whale the main protagonist is chasing the entire time.” I started. “And To Kill a Mockingbird…” I said nervously. “It’s pretty sad, considering all the racist shit, killing an innocent man just because his skin color was different.”

"Sounds more sad that racism and bigotry is a universal concept. Literally…" Storm grumbled. "Wonder what else that machine can make?"

"I wonder that as well." I nodded.

"... Wanna test it?" He asked.

“Yes.” I answered readily.

With that I rapidly finished my meal and we went back into the line.

"What would you like for your meal?" The robot asked again. Looking back at our table I saw another one of them came down from the ceiling and picked up our trays and went back up. Cool.

"Hmm…" Storm thought. "How about… a large red apple?"

The machine made the noise and out popped a fair sized red apple on a tray.

“Hmm…” I hummed. “Beef Jerky?”

The Machine went off and soon a tray holding freshly dried jerky popped out.

"Okay, let me try something a bit more complex… I'd like a strawberry milkshake with whipped cream and a curly straw." The machine went off and soon a frothy milkshake popped out on a tray in a crystal clear glass cup. The robot soon added the metallic curly straw. "Sweet." Storm smiled as he took it and began drinking.

“Hmm…” I hummed with some thought, trying to think of something special. “Uh…’The Ultimate Sandwich’.” I asked, having always wondered what would be considered such the ‘ultimate sandwich’.

The machine activated and when it finished what popped out was the largest, thickest, most oddly symmetrical sandwich I have ever seen.

"Sweet Celestia." Storm whistled. "How do you even eat that?"

“Determination.” I said. “So what’s in this sandwich?” I inquired to the chef robot, grabbing onto it with my talons as I figured out how to shove this into my beak.

"All food aboard the Eternity is created with a programmable biomass gel that the Processor uses to create your orders as requested." The robot replied.

"Wait, so it ain't real food?" Storm asked.

"The Biomass gel once programmed is genetically and atomically identical to their nature made, manufactured, or cooked counterparts."

“Alright…” I started, not the answer I wanted so I just shrugged and took a bite out of the sandwich.

…

Woah…

"I see you two found the cafeteria well enough." Vision said as he approached us.

“What’s this sandwich?” I asked, in awe at all the flavors that were assaulting me and it meshing so well with each other. “This...I’ve never tasted something this good.”

“That is the ‘Perfect Sandwich’ from Adventure Time.” The chef bot said. “You asked for it.”

“Uh...yeah it most certainly is.” I said in awe. “But uh...hi Vision, and yes...we found the cafeteria.”

"I am glad you both are feeling at home." The red being nodded with a smile. "I hope that later tonight you both can accompany me to the schoolhouse for a briefing on the Captains and War."

“I will.” I nodded. “Cause we better know everything we can...even if it’s another world shattering revelation…”

"Excellent. Schoolhouse is a shuttle ride away and the shuttle is two blocks down."

"This place has a shuttle train?" Storm asked.

"Every floor does." Vision confirmed as he headed off.

“Considering how...big this place is, I’m not surprised.” I said honestly.

"Well, guess we best pig out now and then head off." Storm stated.

“Yes we shall.” I nodded with a smile, continuing to dig into my perfect sandwich.

The Eternity

View Online

After Storm and I were finished pigging out in the cafeteria, we began looking for Vision. Finding him he took us to the 'school' which was indeed a trolly ride away from Quarters and once Storm and I were seated he began. "Now then, as you know you two are aboard The Eternity, the most advanced space craft ever created. I imagine you both have questions so take this time now to have them answered."

“Why did you come to this world?” I asked, starting out swinging with a basic but strong question.

"We crash landed here after a harsh battle against Wars forces at the time. The damage to the ship itself was minimal, but aside from attacking war The Eternity is first and foremost an Archiving ship, meaning we catalog, restore and revive planets dying off or that have died off such as yours before."

“How is War so strong considering…well, as you said, you have a piece of the big bang at your disposal.” I brought up, considering he’s powered by something called an ‘Infinity Stone’, I’m surprised War is able to do so much.

"Simple. War, like the Captains are, was born from the will of their home planet itself refusing death. This more or less slap to the face to the natural cycle created the demon race and the Captains and War as embodiments of that will to live on. In a sense it's been theorized that they can only die when all of them want to die. So long as one clings to life, War, they all can't die."

“Huh…” I started. “That’s…very interesting.”

"Yes, therefore their battles are for, well, forever. The best they can do is trap him for periods of time."

“Right then…” I started. “So…why are you archiving dying planets?”

"Well, simply put if we don't then as far as the universe is concerned, your species, culture, world, none of it existed. Despite our best efforts, countless drone satellites and eons of time we are still missing roughly 94% of all the planets in the universe that have or are holding life, and if we don't find and archive them as a species and culture, then should the worst happen they will be lost to the cosmic winds for all eternity. Pun not intended."

“Uh…huh…” I started. “Now…I can’t help but find that a tad strange that there’s all those search parties and time and…not much has been found.”

"Well the universe is a big place. What you see as stars is still so far away that if you were to reach the edge of the last star you can see, you won't be finding another star above you, and traversing that void until you can see another star is quite challenging."

“Wow…” I said in awe.

"Yes, while we have successfully cataloged and even revived many species, 9.4 Octillion, that's still not even close to all that lives or has lived in the universe."

“That’s…that’s a lot of species.” I said in shock.

"And we are not yet even close to done. So, any more questions?"

"I'm Not even gonna pretend to understand any of this. You just ask away Plory." Storm said, giving a yawn as he started to nap.

“Gods, I have too many questions…” I said, trying to think of all the questions. “Well…what are the Four Horsemen?”

"That was a name given to the Captains and War back when they all worked with the demons to bring destruction. It spread through the intergalactic grapevine and became engraved in many planets cultures in one way or another."

“That’s the name answered…but what are they as people? Cause you said it’s a planet’s will made manifest…how the hell does that work?”

"It's through a process referred to as trans metaphysical materialism. It's the same process many gods use to create worlds. The theory goes that their planet's will to live triggered this metamorphosis, turning the planet itself into a god which then created the demons and the Captains plus War."

“Thats…that’s insane.”

"And yet, it happened."

“Well…life finds a way I suppose…”

"Exactly. Now, there are a few things to keep in mind about the inside of The Eternity. First and foremost, the inside is bigger than the outside, how big, well if you were to lay out every room and floor side by side it would cover this entire solar system six times."

“How?” I asked incredulously.

"Pocket Dimension technology. The ships engines don't just power the ship, they generate a forced spatial anomaly in where the space on the inside is larger than the outside. As a result the true interior size of the ship is fully customizable based on how much power we divert to those systems."

“Fascinating…” I said in awe.

"In any case, these levels also split the ship into their primary sectors. Level one is the pilots room/observations bay. Level two is Loading dock and the vehicle hanger. Level three is the Living Quarters. Where we are now, and also where the cafeteria and other various rooms are. Level four is storage. And lastly level five is engines and maintenance."

"I’m still probably going to need a map for how big this place is.” I said honestly.

"Now, Members of The Eternity, you will be assigned jobs based on a number of factors. Intelligence, skills, personality and the like."

“Well as you can clearly see, I’ve already got a head start.” I said while lightly tapping the sleeping Storm to wake him up.

"Right, well we typically use this." Vision brought out a strange looking camera from the nearby desk, pulling it up and walking up to me. The camera glowed red and flashed over me a red light. "Hm, according to this you're best suited as a Mobile Lab Technician."

“Well…at least I won’t be stuck behind a desk…” I sighed out thankfully.

"Right. Well the duties of a Mobile Lab Technician are to be the first on a field of a new world to gather samples, make first contact and all that. When not doing that you are required to check up on the Samples storage, the Zoo, and the labs in general." Vision informed as he pointed the thing at Storm now. It did the same thing as it did to me. "Security Enforcement. Makes sense."

“That’s what he was hired for.” I nodded. “So I have a lot of work to do already…goodie.”

Vision guided me to the Labs, which were a part of Level four, storage, oddly. I was given a jumpsuit to wear that was amazing! This suit is everything a Pipbuck is and ten times that. The technology in just this suit alone is amazing! And it changes colors at my command!

"Now then, from this point forwards are the Laboratories, Samples Storage, The Zoo, The Gardens, and R&D. For now I just want you to focus on Samples Storage, The Zoo, and The Gardens."

“Alright, so what do we start with?” I inquired, already giddy for work in my new tech.

"Samples are closest. I will go show Storm his workplace. When you are done you can return to your room if you wish." With that, Vision left and I began walking towards Samples.

It was actually a short walk, and I came across the door marked as Samples Storage. I tried to open the door, but it would not budge.

“Do I need a keycard or something?” I frowned, looking around to see if I needed something to open this bloody door.

"You must select a Laboratory room before opening."

I squaked, jumping as I looked around for who spoke.

“Wh-who’s there?” I growled.

"I am Environmental Protection Suit MK9, AI designation, Amanda."

Wait… my suit has it's own AI? Cool!

“Okay, that’s really cool.” I said happily. “So uh…hi Amanda.”

"Hello Plory. I have two primary designations. Firstly, keep Mobile Lab Technician Plory Alice to the best of my abilities. Second, Inform Mobile Lab Technician Plory of unknown variables to you. These directives come directly from First Mate Vision of The Eternity."

“Sounds about right.” I nodded. “So, what kind of labs should I be going to first?”

"The Sample rooms are labeled by Planet. There are currently 9.4 Octillion Samples rooms to select from. Please select a planet name to select a room."

“Uh…I don’t know any other planets besides Equis so how the shit am I supposed to know?” I asked nervously.

"The nearest planet from Equis is Pulbri Huthro, a short ten light-years away. Would you like to select Pulbri Huthro?"

“Uh…sure.” I nodded. “Let’s go to Pulbri Huthro…”

The door Immediately opened. Walking inside I was greeted by bright yet gentle lights illuminated the room. All around me, several stories worth were sealed metal and glass tubes. Woah…

“Wow…” I muttered in awe, walking around to see all the sealed metal and glass tubes, holding untold samples of creatures I’ve never heard of.

"Room Integrity, secure. 9.2 quintillion sample vials analized. Vials stability secure."

“Fucken what!?” I squawked, 9.2 quintillion samples!?!

"Pulbri Huthro has had, through fossil resynthesis and living descendants, a total of 9.2 quintillion living diverse organisms on it's surface from multicellular to single celled and currently, Observation satellites in orbit have gathered an additional 2.3 billion new life forms that have evolved on the planet since the last sample harvesting."

“Damn.” I said honestly. “So…all the samples have been looked over? Cause I doubt I can just walk all the way and look through every single individual one…”

"I have already scanned the room and every sample vial in the room. Everything is stable."

“Okay, thank Discord that I don’t have to deal with each sample individually…” I sighed out happily.

After that Amanda and I checked a few more Sample Rooms, eventually I was told she can scan them all, and it just takes half an hour. So I went with that and decided to ask the AI some questions while I waited.

“So…your a full on AI?”

"Correct. I am a self aware learning program who's name, personality, and voice were generated the moment you put on this suit. While I am always learning and self aware of myself and you, I am programmed to remain loyal to you and The Eternity."

“Cool.” I nodded. “So, besides helping me finish this extraordinary large workload, what else can you do?”

"I am programmed to keep you alive to the fullest extent of my abilities. I will either augment the suit functions or your biology to do so. But the latter is in an extreme case scenario with only a .0004% chance of transpiring. I can also place items into the suits Converter storage systems for later use."

“Awesome.” I said with a smile. “Wish I had something like you back in my pencil pusher job, that would have saved me a lot of trouble.”

"I also come equipped with a fully adaptable life support system. I have already configured them to your biolotand taken account for your new Symbiote Heart. I also come with full access to The Eternity's digital archives."

“Fantastic.” I sighed out. “So time for me to learn what the actual hell is currently my heart.”

"Accessing databases. Scanning. Identifying. Locating. Records Obtained. The species of Symbiote lifeform is a Carbon based Lifeform known as Sympagriothic Symbiote. Or, more commonly referred to as The Regenerator Symbiote. This species of Symbiote hails from the planet Ultratiun Carnage.

"The species take up host within a dying or severely injured host, replacing the damaged organ(s) with their own malleable, morphable body which while resembling the majority of carbon based lifeform muscle tissue, is actually as strong and durable as Adamantium. They prefer hosts that are carnivores or omnivores as their regeneration required proteins found in meats, and will replace limbs, organs, and bones within their host. If their host is prone to losing said limbs or organs, they will produce more durable replacements.

"This process of regeneration is achieved by the symbiote seeding small, single celled variations of itself into the host bloodstream that will act as red, white, or killer T cells within the host to keep them healthy, and upon injury will react and flow with the blood to the wound and repair, rebuild and restore the injury or limb."

“Damn…” I said in surprise. “That’s a…pretty good symbiote.”

"It is ranked number 2 in best symbiote to have for survival."

“Outstanding…what’s number 1 at that point?”

"Captain Pestilence himself."

“That’s fair.” I nodded. “Still hate how they all just fucked off when the world is about to get even worse than it already is…”

The scan was completed and every room and every sample was secure. With that done I moved onto The Garden. Hm, wonder what this room, or rooms, are like?

“So what’s The Garden like?” I inquired to my AI.

"The Garden, is a multi pocket dimension space in which replicas of every planet have all non sentient plant life growing upon it's surface across every stage of a plants lifecycle. A former Lab Technician referred to The Garden as The Garden of Eden, when he saw the uncolonized version of his homeworld."

Un… it's… untouched… Equis… untouched…

“An…untouched Equis…” I muttered. “I…that’s two hundred years old…”

"Would you like to view Equis, Two Hundred years ago? Warning, no buildings or architecture of intelligent design will be present, only plant and few echo system vital insect and animal life."

“I just…want to see my world untouched by…all of this…”

"Room Selected. Planet Equis Era selected."

The door opened and I was greeted by… sunlight, and a cool fresh breeze.

Slowly, I walked in, finding myself in a huge, grassy, flower meadow. Bright blue skies above, rich, healthy grass and flowers all around. A bee's buzz, a birds chirp…

My mind went blank, looking around me as I saw all this… pure nature. I stopped at a pond, a few fish swimming around in the clear, clean water. Not even Gardens did… this…

I sat down, then laid down. They destroyed… all of this… for coal? Gems? Rocks?!?!

I felt rage build up inside me, until I leaped onto my feet and let out a glass shattering roar of anger. “ALL OF THIS WAS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF PETTY SHIT LIKE ROCKS!?! BEAUTIFUL AND PEACEFUL NATURE RUINED BECAUSE FUCKING PEBBLES!?!” I roared, spreading my wings and flying high into the air, rage fueled adrenaline forcing me to move as hard and as fast as I could.

In my rage I punched clouds, trees, and yes, a large rock I spotted until my knuckles bled.

When the rage was gone, tears fell, and I collapsed onto the grass below me, crying over a world two hundred years dead. A world that could have, should have, been this way from the beginning. We're all… such idiots…

“How…how could we let this happen?” I cried, trying to figure out how this entire thing happened.

"Searching. Searching. Scout Satellite data found. Necromantic atomic fire detected on Manhattan and Zebra Lands coastal ports at 3:42 pm. Atomic detonations perfectly synchronized. Highest probable scenario, pre-planned two sided attack from unknown third party involvement."

“War…” I growled, already believing that asshole had something to do with Equis turning into absolute shit.

"Calculating probably… Searching War's cell cam footage… Answer. Spike detected in War's Cognitive Override telepathic brainwaves at 3:12 pm. Odds of War causing your worlds Nuclear Annihilation, 98%"

Cognitive Override… right, like what happened with the professor…

“So…he brainwashed all those people? But how the hell could he have gotten all of that so quickly? Even with hostilities growing…”

"War's Cognitive Override only requires a specific target or targets. Once used, he can manipulate them with a thought or completely remove their mentality conscious, leading to instant brain death upon deactivation."

“Oh gods…” I muttered in horror. “We need to stop War…but I don’t know how, and anyone that would know has fucked off for no reason…”

"The Eternity has 2.7 billion files on War, his abilities, his demons, and his still living generals."

“Well…” I sniffled. “At least there’s something I can do while sitting around not doing much…”

I flew myself back to the door for this room, curled up and took a nap in the grass.

"Uh, Plory?"

“Yeah?”

"Why are you napping?" A little sleepily I picked myself up, seeing Storm, sporting a brand new set of armor. It was way thinner and yet looked way more powerful.

“Because I just got the worst revelation a person could ever have…” I said sadly. “Also…you look thinner.”

"New armor." He said simply. "What is this place?"

“This…is Equis, two hundred years ago…completely untouched by all the bullshit War caused…”

"Shit, really?" He asked, looking around. "Looks like some old pictures my mom used to show me. Pre war photographs my ECT great great parents took."

“It’s true…and all of this was…it was taken from us by War…” I said, “Not just stupid people fighting over dumbass rock…but that rat bastard hurt so many people…”

"Hm?" I sighed as I explained what my suit AI Amanda told me about. "So, even locked up, he's still dangerous." Storm said after I finished explaining.

“Yeah…” I sighed out. “And now he’s running around able to do whatever the hell he wants..”

"Well, guess that's all the more reason to do our parts and help out here."

“Y-yeah…” I nodded, rubbing my eyes and getting both the sleep and whatever tears were still there. “We have a lot of work to do…”

I finished up the Gardens check and now time to check The Zoo. Much like prior rooms, I had to pick which world. Once I entered I was greeted by, well, what I imagine a pre-war zoo to look like, only way more high-tech.

Each exhibit was, of course, that weird pocket dimension stuff and behind a clear barrier were bunnies, snakes, elephants, ponies- ponies?!

"That's… surprising…" Storm said. Behind the clear barrier were ponies. Earth, Unicorn, Pegasi, all in a massive herd just eating and walking along the grass. "Coz these are those… mindless ancestors Vision talked about?"

“Those…are feral ponies yes.” I nodded.

"Creepy how they don't look all that different from me and others…"

“Yeah…” I said carefully. “It is…a bit weird and concerning.”

I walked around through the other exhibits. Zebras, Minotaurs, Diamond Dogs, Changelings… Griffons.

I looked into the mountainous exhibit, Griffons flying around, perching on cliffs or the few trees around their primal home. So, so weird…Agk!

I jumped, one Griffon, a male with bright orange red feathers and golden eyes flew right up to the barrier, looking right at me. His eyes were like mine, but right away I could tell they packed depth, intelligence.

"Amanda…are these beings feral or…are they fully sapient?" I asked carefully.

"Every specimen within The Zoo is feral. They lack the evolutionary prerequisites for Intelligent evolution, and First Mate Vision has not used The Mind Stone to bestow intelligence to them. The only beings with Intelligence aboard the Eternity are you, Storm Cloud, Vision, and the 9.2 billion prisoners within the ship containment cells."

"Prisoners?" I frowned. "Why the hell are there prisoners on this ship?"

"Prisoners aboard the ship are of a unique classification. They either are disgraced gods, hail from a dimension different from this one, or can not be killed for their crimes with any known means. To best protect the universe and themselves they are kept aboard the Eternity In the containment cells. Note that these criminals range in crimes such as Multie Planitary Genocide, Celestial Body Theft and destruction, illigal genetic experimentation, Planitary brainwashing and many more galactic war crimes. While not all beings within the Prison Cells are galactic level criminals, their very existence in this universe is unexplained or an evolutionary impossibility across the known reaches of the universe, and are locked up to protect themselves as well as all organic life as 99% of these anomalous entities are lethal to organic sentient life."

"Oh…okay…" I said slowly.

"I was actually heading there." Storm informed as I turned to look at him. "Vision said I only need to worry about the hiding cells between levels zero and two. Three to five he wants to give me that tour personally… uh, your friend there okay?"

I looked back over to the primal griffon exhibit and saw that one Griffon still there and using his beak to peck the barrier.

I gently put a claw on the barrier, taking a shuddering breath at seeing my kind in such a state…or just more of my kind…"Amanda…what's this griffin doing? Cause I…don't actually know feral griffin actions."

"Answer, the feral Griffon in question, Zoo ID 873421452, has most likely selected you for a mate, given biometric scans, and is trying to approach you in order to perform feral Griffon mating rituals."

I blushed, nearly falling over as Storm started laughing. Oh great, the first male anything to ever flirt with me and he's dumb as a brick. Literally!

"Oh come on…" I frowned. "While I'm thankful that a male would even give me the time of day, I'd like them to not be feral…"

Storm just chuckled more. "Say, Amanda, would Plory and that fella even be compatible?"

"Yes, Genetically there is little difference between Plory and Griffon 87341452. Offspring would be greentreed and likely inherit Plory's ability to obtain sentience."

I was crimson as Storm rolled around laughing now.

"Oh shut up you." I growled at Storm.

After that embarrassing episode I had Amanda scan the rooms, once it all came back clear I followed Storm to the holding cells. I was quite interested in that, plus it would be my… second encounter with alien life. Criminal, alien life but it counts.

"So, first up is level Zero." Storm said.

"So does it go from least bad to worst bad or vice versa?" I inquired.

"Vision said that Level Zero is not hostile. Basically they're creatures and things that aren't dangerous by nature but can be if used or misled." He informed as we entered. Level Zero was a long hallway of doors.

“Right then…” I nodded carefully. “Well…at least it’s starting off okay.”

Opening the first door on the right. It led to a rather empty room housing only a single fair sized metal box. Opening it revealed a small slightly dirty silver bell.

"Okay, a bell. What's up with it?"

"This Bell has an unexplainable Ability summon forth an entity known as Mr. Deeds, will appear. Despite not having a ringer, shaking to bell to ring it will earn a soft chime, signaling Mr. Deeds arrival." Amanda explained.

“That’s…very weird…” I frowned. “Even for…all of this, how in the world could something be made with an unexplainable ability?”

Storm shrugged. "Now idea. So, Amanda, where was this thing even found?"

"The item in question was discovered as part of debris found spewing out of a cross dimensional wormhole. Aside from the bell, many bits of wood, soil, carved stone and corpses were present."

"...Okay…" Storm said, closing the case. "Next one then."

“Right…let’s see the next item on thing on this massive list.”

The next door displayed a much larger room. This one housed a huge machine with two large compartments one each side of it and clockwork gears all in between. In the center of them was a panel with several settings and a switch.

"This item was discovered as part of an illegal manufacturing operation on the planet Kaltruki. It has the still unexplained ability to modify materials placed inside, such as turning simple Steel into Adamantium, or even the reverse, if placed on rough or coarse. 1:1 will output the same height and value of the input item but in a different form, and fine and very fine vastly Improve the item and even completely alter it into something new. Under no circumstances is organic matter to be placed within the input side." Amanda explained.

“Damn.” I said in surprise. “Uh…what would happen if you were to put organic matter into it?”

"View Incident videos #48392948557293 and #204857395849384839475 for reference."

“Oh no…” I muttered. “Well…let’s see what one off those incident videos are…”

What I witnessed was watching a small mouse go into the Intake side, and put to Very Fine, and put in Output cam some dog sized fast moving reptile that was night fighting some former Security Enforcers in a life or death match.

“Uh…okay so that’s why…”

"Let's not mess with this stuff then." Storm stated as we moved onto the next door.

This room was way different from the other two. It was set up a lot like a… kids bedroom? In the center of it all was a strange orange blob. It seemed to wiggle and make seemingly happy noises upon seeing us.

“That’s…weirdly adorable.” I said honestly.

"Looks like living Jelly." Storm commented.

"The entity present is often referred to as The Kid by Eternity staff. The Kid has the unique Ability to cure all negative mental ailments such as depression, anxiety, bi polar disorders and can turn bloodthirsty killers and sociopaths into gentle caring individual simply by maintaining contact with it, during which time it proceeds to interact with an individual by triggering nerves and sensors that give off a tickling feeling. DNA tests confirm The Kid is partly human, partly Eldritch God of the chaos variety, but despite this The Kid has no ill wills and actively aids and wishes to help others all around them."

“So…it’s a Tickle Monster?” I asked.

"That's adorable." Storm chuckled. The little slime ball walked… rolled… moved, over to him. It rapidly jumped to his leg. Immediately Storm began laughing. "Hahahaha! Hey, haha, cut that out!" Storm spoke between fits of laughter. The Kid jumped off him and once Storm caught his breath he took a deep breath. "Wow… I feel… great."

“I want tickles.” I whined, wanting fun times to after all the shit I’ve been through right now.

The Kid happily granted my request, giving me a full torso hug of sorts that left me laughing and enjoying their embrace. Despite being slime, they're a good hugger.

When they finally stopped and let me catch my breath my head felt… clearer. Less weighed down by all this insanity, like I was more whole than I was before. Wow….

“Thanks you adorable little slimeball.” I said happily to The Kid.

It gave some happy sounding gurgles. Suddenly a tray popped out the wall, filled with some what looked like candies. The Kid rapidly went to them and began… absorbing them.

"Candy?" Storm asked.

"The Kid, appears to only require sustenance from sweets. Meats and veggies are incompatible with it's biology, and carbonated beverages are not allowed, as they hyper charge The Kid, turning them into a kinetic ball of near unstoppable energy for a period of time. When it wears off, The Kid becomes extremely exhausted, and produces what The Eternity staff dubbed 'puke'."

Storm just chuckled. "Guess the little fella just gets one hell of a sugar rush from soda before crashing." He summarized.

“Sounds about right.” I nodded. “Weirdly sounds like Pinkie Pie if what few Pre-War recordings I’ve had to look over.” I said honestly.

"Oh I bet she and The Kid would have gotten alone so well." Storm said.

We left The Kid to their devices and opened the next door. Inside were a red and yellow teardrop shaped things, each rolling on a wheel and each sporting a single large blue eye all. They were rolling around a rubber mat, shaped like a small race track amongst various toys around them.

“So…mobile eyes?” I inquired.

"One late human Lab Technician jokingly referred to them as Eye Pods, and they seemed to enjoy that name. These little beings appear to be a bio mechanical life form not matching any known DNA in the known universe of species. They are extremely simple entities with no clear or need for food or drink, and have the intelligence equivalence to domestic feline or canine species. Both the Eye Pods enjoy following staff around and even are capable of sensing danger before it arrives, protecting the staff member they follow."

"Heh, they sure are affectionate." Storm said, petting the two little things.

“That’s really cool.” I nodded.

We played with the two for a bit before moving on.

Up next was what looked like a break room only there was a ton of boxes all filled with some alien currency. I think it's human given the face engraved on it looks like a human. One one side of the coins says Quarter Dollar and the Other shows an image of some bird.

The main thing though was the large vending machine, it advertised coffee but rather than pushing a button to select a type it had a keyboard on the selection panel.

"Well, that's different." Storm commented.

“So…just pop in a few bits and it gives you something?” I inquired.

"These coins are referred to as Quarters, and are one of the currencies of the planet Earth, where First Mate Vision originates."

“Cool.” I nodded, gently picking one up and putting it into the Vending Machine, cause thank Celestia that these things still exist in some capacity.

"Now use the keypad on the panel and type in what you wish."

Huh. Okay… what do I want?

“Hmm…” I hummed. “Let’s be weird, cause this isn’t going to backfire.” I shrugged, typing in ‘cup of classical music’, thinking there’s no way this would work even for what I’ve seen so far.

After a few noises, a styrofoam cup popped down and out poured a strange, clear liquid with a hint of olives in the scent.

"... Well… drink it." Storm said.

“Uh…” I started, gently taking the cup and looking at it. “How…the fuck…” I was so confused, but I drank the thing anyways.

It tasted like… walnuts, and once I finished the cup off I suddenly heard a beautiful orchestra of violins, harps, and instruments I didn't even know the name of. It lasted half an hour, and when it ended I wished I had that on a Holotape to hear again.

“Amanda, did you catch any of what I just heard?” I asked.

"The music you heard was placed inside your mind directly upon consuming the liquid. A brain scan and memory replication can retrieve the song."

“Oh thank fuck, cause that was one of the most beautiful orchestra’s I have ever heard…or just any music to be honest.”

"Well, guess it's my turn." Storm said, placing a quarter into the slot. "Umm… mind typing it in? I still can't read alien so those… letters, are still gibberish to me."

“Alright, what do you want?” I inquired.

"Magic. My mom used to tell me that Healing Potions made by ponies are essentially water plus a healing spell focused into it. I kinda always wondered what liquid magic looked like."

“Alright.” I nodded while typing in ‘Cup of Liquid Magic’, cause being in the computer department typing was a monster that was hyper specific and would be about as pissy as one of those spoiled nobles from Pre-War times.

Like before, the machine gave some noises and the cup fell down and now poured a glowing white liquid that seemed to radiate off small sparkles of multicolored stars.

"Woah…" Storm said as he took the cup.

“Well…let’s hope you don’t explode from it.” I said sheepishly.

"Yeah… I'm not gonna drink that. I think I'll just keep it for display."

“Well, ask your suit’s AI if it’s safe to drink pure undiluted magic.” I said. “Or we could just chuck it outside and see what happens.”

"My suit has an AI?" He asked.

"Yes." Amanda replied, this time coming from Storm's suit. "I am the crew AI. Every member has access to me and my data via their suits."

“She is very helpful.” I nodded. “So is drinking pure magic a bad idea?”

"Given your species biology and magic affinity. There is a 50% chance of instant ascension into the god race of Storm's species's, Alicorn, and a 50% chance Storm Cloud will explode at the cellular level, destroying his body and soul entirely."

"Yeah… not drinking it." Storm stated.

“That would be for the best yes.” I said quickly, nodding furiously as I did not want Storm to die on a fifty fifty.

We decided that before letting Amanda finish the scan herself, we'd check out one more room.

Opening our last door of the day we- what in the Nuclear Winter Wasteland?

This room was a log cabin, a lovely fireplace, and seated at a log wood table was an elderly Griffon. "Ah, come in, come in. Been a while since I've had visitors." He said, welcoming us in.

“Uh…hi there.” I said carefully. “And uh…who are you sir?”

"Well, people used to call me God, but one reality calls me 343, so that works." He said simply as we entered. "So, what brings you two youngsters here?"

“Cause…yeah that makes sense, after everything we’ve seen we meet God himself…” I said carefully. “We’re here to…check up on things.”

"Well, I'm a God. But my name isn't important, just call me 343, I'm used to that one." He insisted. Once Storm and I were seated, he snapped his talons and we each had a plate of waffles, syrup and butter given with a glass of milk each. "So, you two are new crew mates on this ship?"

“Yes, after we…accidentally found it.” I said carefully. “And stirred War…”

"Oh, that one. Such a terrible child. Always causing trouble."

“Yeah…he’s the asshole that made our world into a nuclear wasteland…”

"So there's like, way more gods?" Storm asked.

"Oh yes, every God either ascends to divinity from a mortal lifeform, like yourselves, or we are created, like myself." 343 informed.

“I mean…that sounds correct but I’m still not sure…” I said carefully.

"Do you wish to know something?"

“There’s…still so many questions I could ask literally anyone here…” I sighed out. “But considering you're a god…why are you locked up? And why does it sound like you're used to this kind of situation?”

"Heh, that's a long answer. Let's just say out of all the variations of the groups that contain beings like me, this one is honestly one of the nicest." 343 stated as a cup of tea appeared in his talons as he took a sip.

"Are all your answers gonna be vague?" Storm asked.

"Yup. Most of them."

“Goodie…” I sighed out. “What are some of the worst things you've encountered thus far?”

"Personally? Genocide. Doesn't matter the species, planet or reason… seeing all that life, ended before it's time just… it hurts." 343 admitted.

“It’s terrible…” I nodded in sad agreement.

"What species are you the god of?" Storm ask.

"Humans. Though, even if their descendants are all mixed with human DNA, when their planet in this reality was destroyed, I figured it's time to stop keeping an eye on them. They outlived their own homeworld and star, they were more than capable of handling themselves." 343 explained.

"Well, if you're the god of humans, why do you look like an elderly Pegasus?"

Wait what? Pegasus?

“What? He’s an Elder Griffon.” I said, honestly confused now.

"You blind, he's clearly a Pegasus."

343 simply chuckled. "Actually, you both are right." He said, gaining our attention. "It's a unique side effect of myself. I will appear as an elderly being if whatever intelligent species views me. So, to you, Plory, I appear as an elderly Griffon, and to Storm, I appear as an elderly Pegasus."

“Huh…that’s interesting…” I said honestly.

"Yes, many people find it confusing the first time around."

"Alright, well now that, well, that's settled, what exactly are the captains, and War?" Storm asked.

343 sighed, sipping his tea. "Well, simply put, they are a type of forged gods, made by their planet which ascended to the rank of Eldritch God. The strongest, and often times evilest of gods."

“I thought Eldritch Gods were…well whatever nonsensical crap H.P. Hoofcraft was coming up with?” I asked.

"They can be, and are. Eldritch really just refers to dark gods of a certain strength and evil. While on the other side of the spectrum, are elder gods, like myself, equal to them in power but for good. Elder and eldritch gods are the only gods that can make other, lesser gods."

“Huh…” I muttered. “That’s interesting..”

"So, their planet… god thing is still out there?" Storm asked.

"Oh yes. And still creating the demons that War uses in his invasions."

“So…to have stopped the demon production…you would have had to destroy the planet?”

"Well, yes. But killing a planet, and killing an Eldritch God are two very different feats."

“Right…” I frowned. “This…isn’t going to go well the more we learn about this…”

"Is it even possible?" Storm asked.

"Oh yes. There are two things that can kill an elder or Eldritch God. First, Is their opposing god. Second, is an All Maker."

“What’s an All Maker?” I inquired.

"They are as the name implies. They make universes, multiverse, and of course, the Elder and Eldritch Gods. In a sense, you can call them our parents, but the truth is, we pray to them the same way mortal beings pray to Gods."

“Uh…huh…” I said in shock.

"Woah… and, where are they?" Storm questioned.

"I don't know. And to be blunt, that's a good thing." 343 answered.

“Why’s that a good thing?” I asked nervously. "Are they…that bad?”

"Some are. One, in particular. Others are far nicer, kinder and merciful. Because if… well, if Pain The All Maker ever made her way here… well, War would be the least of your problems."

“Goodie…” I grumbled. “That’s something we don’t need right now.”

"Yeah…" Storm finished.

We ate the meals 343 gave us and bid him a goodbye. Amanda finished her scans, and I went back to my room for some rest.

An alarm woke me up. Not a bad alarm, just an alarm clock. The one next to my bed went off at 7:30 in the morning. Must have been what the last owner set it to.

With a yawn and a stretch I got up, stopping the alarm and figuring I'd wake up. My room came with a personal bathroom and thankfully it was all what I was used to.

Luckily I brought my beak brush, not having teeth a Griffon has a special brush for cleaning the inside of our beaks and tongue. When that was done I decided to take a shower. The pressure, temperature and even quality of water was all adjustable and I walked out of that shower feeling like I had a spa day.

“This feels amazing…” I sighed out happily.

Once I was dried off I put my lab tech suit on.

"Good morning Plory. Your days agenda has been created." Amanda greeted.

“Alright, what’s on today’s agenda?” I inquired, checking my to do list today.

"First and foremost is breakfast at the Cafeteria. Once you have consumed your morning nutrition you are to report to science lab 2 for debriefing from the science labs AI, Hunter."

“Alright.” I nodded, heading off to the Cafeteria for some great food.

I met up with Storm and we talked a bit as we ate. Once I finished eating Amanda led me to Science lab two and- Sweet mother of the stars this place looks so… science fiction! I can't even tell what half this stuff is!

“How the hell am I supposed to help when I don’t even know what I’m looking at?” I asked worriedly.

"Greetings." In a flash of light some odd blue skinned, three eyed, bald bipedal creature in a lab coat appeared before me, startling me. "I am Hunter, the Science Lab AI. And I must say I am very happy to finally have a lab technician working in the labs again, it has been way too long." The… hologram, I realized, Hunter, the AI, informed me.

“Uh…nice to meet you Hunter.” I nodded. “So, what is…literally any of this?”

"This is Science Lab 2, otherwise known as Genetics and Biological Augmentation." Hunter informed. "Everything in this room can be used to program DNA in ways natural evolution would take millions, billions, trillions of years to take, and we can do it anywhere from a day to a week depending on the project."

“Amazing!” I exclaimed in awe.

"Yes, it is, isn’t it. Anywho, I asked you here because of two things. One, I can't continue and finalize older projects without a Lab Technicians approval and there are still over seven thousand experiments on pause when the last technician passed."

“Damn.” I said in shock. “Also…how did the last technician pass? I kinda thought you would have been able to keep people alive a lot longer with all this tech…”

"We are, and he did. Forty thousand years and finally passed from old age in his sleep about a hundred and fifty years ago."

“Well…at least he passed peacefully.” I nodded.

"Yes. I miss him, but if you would just give me that green light? Please?"

“Have at it if the ship won’t explode because of this.” I shrugged.

"Thank you." He said, the various machines and stations all began to glow and make various noises as they began to operate again. "It has been driving me crazy not being able to compete them. And now, the second thing is that, since you are a Mobile Lab Technician, if you'd be kind enough to bring me some of the… Zoo occupants."

“Well…what kind of Zoo occupants?” I asked, really not wanting to go back there considering that one feral griffon…

"Any will do really, we just need to pad out staff seeing as it's just you and that one Security Enforcer. Captains laws clearly state that in The event of a lack of crew members aboard and the closest locals are… not at the proper stage for recruitment in their planetary stage of existence then Zoo occupants are to be selected, given either genetic, cybernetic or if first mate Vision is free to conduct it, besteow the intelligence and knowledge to them. After all the Eternity as it is is meant to house and hold a crew of at minimum 3.5 million and… well it's just you two and the first mate so…"

“Right…” I nodded carefully, thinking for a bit. ”Am I really going to help him specifically just to get a date?” I thought to myself nervously.

"If you decide to do it just head on off to the Zoo and speak to its AI, Noah."

“Alright.” I nodded. “Jeez, 3.5 million people to man this ship? I doubt I could just set it to ‘random’ and grab everyone right?”

“You would have to talk to the AI Noah. We AI’s only know information pertaining to our sections.” Hunter explained.

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “Alright, I’ll be heading back to the Zoo and getting as much help as I can get.”

I left the science lab and went to The Zoo. I went and stood back in front of the Griffon exhibit. I nearly jumped when that same Griffon appeared again, and began tapping the barrier again.

“Wow…you must really have it out for me.” I said, gently putting my claw on the barrier again, right where he was tapping his beak. “Don’t worry big guy…I’ll figure something out.” I took a deep breath. “Um, Noah?”

“Yes?” In another flash, appeared next to me was a bipedal, pale skinned elderly being with a scruffy beard and was pressed in an all white jumpsuit. “I am Noah, the Zoo AI. You are Plory, Amanda gave me some of your information when she asked for the security, health, and population of the Zoo yesterday.”

“Hi there.” I nodded. “And yes…that was me…but I’m here to ask for some help.”

“What do you require?” Noah asked.

“I’m gonna need to get a proper crew for The Eternity…cause Amanda probably told you that there’s only me, Storm, and Vision right now.’

“Ah yes, so you are here to collect Zoo residents to receive Intelligence to become crew members. Fantastic, tell me, do you have a specific preference or would you like a mix of various residents?”

“Well…” I started. “First I want this eager fella cause…well this is the second time I’ve been here and he really wants my attention…then after that, I suppose a mix of various beings that could help out the most.”

“I understand. Would you like them from any specific planets or perhaps a variety as well from multiple planets?”

“Surprise me, just as long as he’s a part of it.” I said, gently pointing to the griffon still pecking at the window, forgoing any form of sense as I fell into the hole of The Eternity helping me find a boyfriend.

“As you wish.” He waved a hand over the barrier. Soon I spotted various small orbs flying around and shooting beams at some Griffons. The male one there included. They vanished on impact in a flash of blue and I noticed across all the exhibits the same thing was happening. “A few hundred from each will be more than enough. Their populations were getting rather large.”

“Huh…alright then.” I nodded. “So how soon will the new crew be up for work?”

“Upon collection they are rematerialized within Science Lab 9,000, or The Academy, where they will be sedated while the Science Lab AI analyzes and determines the best course of implanting Sentience and Intelligence within them. After that they will be implanted with all the information for their job, and some basic personality traits and such will be implanted as well in order for them to, well, develop properly as individuals.”

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “As long as it’s going to work out well for everyone…”

”Plory, please report to Level One Observation Bay, request from First Mate Vision.”

“Wonderful…” I grumbled. “And where is that?”

She lead me there and once up there, The Observation bay was rather large, maybe as big as the University I worked at, filled with various floors all with seats of a glass window currently only displaying layers of dirt.

I spotted Vision in one of these seats. “Ah, I’m glad you made it so quickly. I received notification that you helped gather crewmates from the Zoo. I was debating on recruiting the locals topside or not.”

“Well, there’s still plenty of people up top that could help out.” I shrugged.

“Yes but training and teaching them is always the hardest part. Longest too. Well, yes we could implant the information into them like the Zoo occupants, but we can probably recruit some from up top after the captains return. Now, as for why I sent for you, I was hoping you could give me some basic information on locations.” Vision said, waving his hand as a holographic map appeared in front of him. I took a seat next to him. “We have all the local settlements mapped but no names for them yet, nor what affiliations they have.”

“Mind if I get a snack and a drink first? Cause it’s going to be a long talk about some of the people out there, and even more on some of the asshole groups that exist.”

He placed his fingers to his head. “I’ve sent for a snack bot.” He informed, putting his hands down.

“Thank you.” I nodded. “So…gods, where to begin with this mess.” I sighed out. “Well, let’s start with some basic stuff.” I started.

The next few hours I told Vision about The Light Bringer, the founding of the NCR, Gardens removing all the radiation from Equestria. Then I began on Security, her story and its insanity… which given where I am and who I’m talking to… suddenly seems less insane. I tried to tell him as much on lands outside Equestria but that’s not much at all.

“Hmm, so it seems that in terms of Governance and size, the NCR has the most, but in terms of resources and technology, this Hoofington has them beat despite being smaller.” He said to himself. “Interesting. Well, knowing the Captains they are causing a scene up there so sooner or later I will have to go out and make a proper first contact. The question is which? Plus with so little known about the other lands…” He placed his fingers to his head, his eyes flashing rapidly for a few moments. “Hmm, there are small bastions of non irradiated land and there are thriving cities there.”

“Wait, so there’s places on Equis that are safe from all this horseshit?” I asked in shock.

“Yes. Three by my count. Far to the north appears to be a settlement of mostly ponies. Across the ocean the lands that appear to belong to Dragons seem barren but there is a thriving population of dragons. Lastly it seems there is an isolated jungle home to various primitive tribes of ponies and other creatures.”

“That’s…that’s so amazing to hear…” I sighed out thankfully.

“Hm. Still too many variables, and given what you say about Zebra culture, they will most likely see us as, well, demons. Ironic given the Captain’s origins. Even more so given we are the ones that revived all your races, theirs included.”

“I mean…yeah.” I nodded. “It’s going to be very tough to try and help people that think we’re demonic in nature.”

“Well, knowing that, and given prior pre-war tensions between your races… I think our best bet might be one of the three untouched groups I mentioned. Perhaps the ones far to the north? Ponies are a tad easier, Dragons would be old enough to remember and want nothing to do with anything, and the ones in that jungle are using wood spears, no modern technology at all in their lifestyle.”

“That’s fair.” I nodded. “The north should be the Crystal Kingdom or Yakyakistan from what ancient records say…hopefully one of them is still around.”

“Yakyakistan… Yes, there is a small group even further north. Hm, their technology is still very old. Well, Tomorrow we can send some drones to explore them in better detail. Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you, the armory finished manufacturing all those weapons that your planet has ever had.”

“Which…either might be too much or too little…” I said carefully.

“Well, let’s go on and see.”

I followed Vision to the armory and-Oh shit! I stepped into Blackjack’s wet dream! Guns, energy weapons, power armors, there’s so much here just everywhere!

“I’m pretty sure some friend’s of mine would be having to clean up after themselves with what I’m seeing right now.” I said, wide eyed at all the weapons and armor that I didn’t even know existed.

”Take what you like or need. If you want ammunition just talk to the AI here, Tony.”

“I still can’t believe this is how you honor him.” A flash and soon a bipedal, similar to Noah, appeared next to Vision, dressed up in a fancy red and gold suit, combed black hair and black sunglasses on him.

“Well, Tony did make weapons. So, I programmed you with his personality and appearance.”

“Yeah, I get the irony, still doesn’t mean I like it given how well you made me like the guy.” Tony replied with a sigh.

“I feel like there’s an even bigger sense of irony and a reference…and I don’t know either.” I stated.

“You wanna tell the bird or should I?” Tony asked.

Vision sighed. “Tony, the original Tony Stark, was born the heir to a weapons company, and he was a genius. He invented weapons of mass destruction the likes of which the world has never seen before. Then, oneday, he was on a trip to display his new ‘toys’ off to the American government. Then his convoy was ambushed, and they were using the weapons he had made and built. One, nearly killed him. He survived, was kept alive and escaped by creating a prototype of something he would later call the Iron Man armor. When he made it home he dismantled the weapons company and rebuilt it into a clean energy and public aid corporation. He went on to create and perfect many variations of his Iron Man suits, of which I kept long after he passed and are here in storage. Though the Eternity can replicate them.” Vision explained.

“Yeah, and he honors the guy that owes him his existence as a free being by putting his replicated AI into the weapons room.” Tony replied.

“I thought you’d find it fascinating.”

“I do, don’t get me wrong, how most of this crap works is impressive but even still when you made me basically an exact computer replica of the guy, I’m gonna be a tad annoyed at the irony in this.”

“So…the AI turns his creator into an AI? That’s kinda funny.” I chuckled. “Also that sounds like an entire adventure and a half, and sounds really cool.”

“I am not an AI, my intelligence is my own.” Vision informed.

“Uh, excuse me but who is it that made the, oh yes, AI that makes up half that mind and personality of yours?”

“You also made the other AI that made up the other half that nearly went on to cause mass extinction of the human race by lifting and crashing a whole city into the earth.” Vision countered.

“Potato potato, it was Tony’s tech that built your body, his one loyal AI and his one rogue AI that fused to make your mind, and-”

“Stolen vibranium, the rogue AI who put the Mind Stone into my head and yes, originally wanted my body just so he can have a perfect, immortal body to cause global genocide.”

“Hey, in the end you were the one to take him out.”

“Yes and I still hate that I had to because I knew he would not stop.”

“W-well then…” I started nervously. “I see there’s…a lot of history behind that.”

“Too much.” Tony sighed. “So cat, bird, thing, what do you want to shoot or what are you trying to kill?”

“Not too much…just didn’t expect the talk about a genocidal robot.” I started. “But right now…I need any gun that can help me start trying to kill War or whatever the fuck he’s going to start throwing at us.”

“Right, well this way little cat-bird.” Tony said as he started walking.

Vision just groaned. “I made him too much like Tony…” He huffed before walking off back to the elevators.

I followed the AI to a wall of weapons. “Now, most of the good shit from your world comes from those mini horses but that’s an easy fix. So, first off there’s this.” Tony snapped his fingers and a griffon grip revolver floated down before me. “.44 caliber revolver, this one I took the liberty of making out of Sun Core tempered steel, so it won’t be wearing out anytime soon on ya.”

“Sun…core…” I blinked and stared at the AI. “How?”

“Oh, it’s easy, you just super heat the metal at the temperature the core of most suns burn at to temper it and make it stronger than anything your little rock will ever see in their lifetimes.” He said, having the gun float into my talons. It’s oddly light. “Want magic shit done to it go see the Wizard down in Magic Bullfuckery.”

“No I meant how the hell could you even forge something in the Sun’s Core when it should be the hottest part of it…shouldn’t it have atomized whatever material was there?”

“Normally but some space dwarves had a lot of techniques and such they gave the Captains as a reward for defending their planet sized forge from War some million years ago or so.”

“Uh…alright…” I nodded. “It’s…also oddly light.”

“That’s the beauty about Sun Core tempered metals. All the strength, almost none of the weight. Anyway, if you want something with more kick you can’t go wrong with a shotgun, course you’re on an alien spaceship so you might want something higher tech. Still, we’re keeping to your world so… ah, that.” He floated down a small, no clip gun that seemed to fire a single bullet at a time. A rather large bullet. “From what the satellites showed me this thing shoots one bullet at a time but that one bullet has the force of an atomic bomb beind it.” He said, putting it in my talons. “It also seems to need some special program to even shoot it or something but I bypassed that.”

A gun… made in my world… that has that much punch behind it! How, that doesn’t even… Wait… that sounds a lot like… the gun Security had, from that story… Wait, that was real!? This is that gun!?

“I thought this gun was just a stupid story!” I squawked in panic.

“Well, it’s not. Have to admit, that one impressed me.” Tony said as he floated down a few boxes. One box was silver, the other was brown. “Silver boxes has that gun’s ammo, brown ones have .44. Anything else you want?”

“Uh…how about some armor?” I inquired. “Probably gonna need it for whatever the hell War’s gonna throw at us.”

“Right, well you’ve already got that suit so…” Tony waved a hand, the guns and everything moving aside as now various outfits and armors suited for a griffon were now before us. “Hmm, no, no, no, tacky, no, no, also no, yeesh your people did not make good armors. Screw it. Amanda, open connection line to receive armor programing.”

”Connection established. Downloading. Download complete. Installing. Install Complete. Nanobot-fiber mesh armor will now automatically coat the suit wearer upon entering combat or within danger.”

“There, that will do.”

“What?” I asked worriedly. “The hell are nanobots?”

“I thought you were smart?” Tony said as I glared at him. “Nanobots. Nano, as in small, and bots, as in robots. Basically now your suit will deploy millions of tiny robots that link up and mold to your body like fabric but can easily stop bullets and lasers and do all kinds of other shit you clearly can’t imagine.”

“One thing Vision could have done was tone back the asshole.” I frowned. “But that’s really cool.”

“So, will that be all or would you like some more overkill?”

“How is this overkill when we’re dealing with War?” I inquired.

“I ment for the shit on your planet.”

“Fair.” I nodded, thinking over a bit on if I should get anything else. “Um…not at the moment, unless you have anything to suggest.”

“Not personally, no. Just stop by the Med bay and pick up some biogel in case you somehow manage to get injured.”

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “Anyways, thank you Tony for this.” I nodded as I put my revolver away and… overkill gun.

“See ya when you need more bullets.” Tony said as I left.

Finding the Medbay was easy, and once inside I was greeted to a fairly normal looking medical room… save for the large jar holding the professor’s body floating inside it… what the fuck!?!?!

“I don’t think that’s supposed to happen…” I said worriedly. “What’s going on?”

“Sorry!” Another flash and another AI appeared before me… this one looked like a jellyfish. A rather large one that spoke in a female voice. “My bad. Once full power was restored I detected a recent death aboard the ship so my programming kicked in and I collected them and they weren’t dead long enough for serious lasting damage so my revival programming kicked in so I’ve been trying to rebuild his body since yesterday.”

“Huh…right then.” I said. “So hi there, who are you miss jellyfish?”

“Oh, I am Medbay AI, Dex. Are you here for something? Status report? Check up? Implants?”

“Some healing gel.” I said. “Though…I might as well get a Check Up while I’m here…”

“Oh, you mean Biogel, yes. How many would you like to acquire?”

“Uh…how many should I hold?” I asked. “Cause I doubt I should have ‘all of it’...”

“Most Mobile Lab Technicians take around ten to twenty per mission as a precaution.”

“I’ll take fifteen then.” I nodded.

A piece of the floor began rising up, and in a small compartment was a small metallic case. I took it, popping it open showed me fifteen small vials of a blueish green gel. “Biogel is applied to the area of external or internal injuries and will rapidly replicate the damaged tissues and cells and repair the injuries.” Dex explained.

“Cool.” I nodded, taking all fifteen vial’s and putting them away carefully. “So, about that check up?”

“Yes, please remain still.” She said, a panel in the roof opening up that dropped a metallic limb that glowed blue. A bright blue light scanned over me for a few seconds. “Check up Complete. You have a minor shellfish allergy and slightly above average brain size. Your estimated lifespan is 94 years of age.”

“Neat.” I nodded.

“Would you like any implants, genetic or cybernetic?”

“Uh…what kind of implants could I get?” I inquired, curiosity getting the better of me here.

“Based on your biology, a subdermal implant to accelerate your brain's cognitive thinking and decision making. Eye implants that will display a visual hud of your environment and connect you to map and other data from The Eternity. Lastly, for now, I can input a genetic implant that can allow you to access your internal and external environments mana much like the Unicorn and Alicorn species of your planet.”

I blinked. “Uh….yeah okay, that works out great.”

“You would like all three? Excellent! Please take a seat upon the table there and I will begin the Implant procedure.”

I did as told, hopping up on the table. A mask connected to a tube dropped from the ceiling and I shrugged, putting it on as the gas began making me sleepy. Well, hopefully when I wake up I’ll have those cool new implants… and maybe look for that one griffon male… See how it is with a mind of his own…

The Everyday Work-Life

View Online

I awoke from the surgery feeling pretty good. Not quite well rested but definitely okay. With a stretch I got up and blinked a few times. It took a moment to register the… hud, in my vision now. A small compass and odd bar above it to my bottom left. A small square basic map to my bottom right, and to my left one below the next from top to just above that small map were various things such as SLP, H2O, FOOD, RADS… woah. That implant was so worth it!

"I see you have awoken Miss Plory." The Medbay AI Dex said. Her Jellyfish like holographic body floating over me.

"Yeah…and this is a lot." I said, seeing all the new things in my HUD.

"The implants were successfully placed and your Genetic Augmentation one will be usable after three days as the new cells need time to metabolize and multiply within your body. You have been asleep for ten hours."

Huh, ten hours for implants and a genetic rewrite… actually a lot less time passed than I expected.

"Surprised how fast it went." I said honestly.

"The surgeries and treatments only took three hours total. The remaining seven were for rest and to sleep off the leftover medications in your system."

With a nod I headed off. Probably got more work to do… let's see… checklist- oh, it popped up. Nice. First I need to eat. Alrighty, no arguments, second is to meet with… Grunk? Who's Grunk?"

"Answer," Amanda spoke up… not gonna question if or how she apparently read my mind. "Grunk is the name given to the male Griffin who selected you for a mate after he was modified and placed through the Academy for intelligence, education, and job placement."

Oh… right… I actually forgot about that…

“Alright…kinda forgot about all that…” I blushed a bit in embarrassment and remembering how…I got myself a boyfriend here.

I headed to the cafeteria- Holy crap! I nearly skidded to a halt as suddenly, the formerly empty cafeteria was now a buzz with all kinds of creatures in work suits all getting meals and talking amongst one another.

I had to admit, the line was also different. Aside from some creatures I know from Equestria, there were various aliens too! I think that's a human, like the AI Tony from Vision's honeworld, and… some weird tiny ones with big heads and eyes, and is that one on fire?!

"Ah, there you are." I looked up to see a familiar red eyed griffin male fly down in front of me, sporting a similar suit to my own. Woah… that voice is… yeowza! Like a deep, formal type of southern accent but none of the speech slang. "I finally get to meet you, Plory." He said, brushing some talons across my cheek.

I did not know my feathers could turn red until now…

“Uh…” I stuttered a bit. “It’s…it’s nice to meet you finally.”

"Come, let's get a meal to enjoy with our first date."

Fwoop!

Oh well that's embarrassing… now my wings won't go down…

“Well uh…this is very embarrassing…” I said nervously.

He lead me to the food Dispenser. We both had a fried ham sandwich with mustard. He then lead me to The Garden where he had us picnicking on a planet that had FLOATING islands in the sky.

"I hope you enjoy the scenery." Grunk said as he gently took my talons… woah sweet baby Celestia his talons are so shiny, sharp, firm yet gentle…

“I’m…most certainly enjoying a lot of thing’s right now.” I said sheepishly, trying to reign in my my emotions to try and have some semblance of professionalism and not be a griffon head over talon’s in love.

As we ate we began talking. "I know I've only had a mind of my own for the last eight hours, but I remember bits and pieces of my life in the Zoo. Nothing really… clear but once I was taken to the Academy and given a mind I was overjoyed to learn it was on your order."

“Oh? You were overjoyed because I ordered it?” I inquired

"Yes. When I was mindless the only thing in my head when I saw you was… well, heh, I'd rather not say…" Now Grunk was blushing… "But with a mind of my own, knowledge and self awareness I can actually bond with you! Talk, share moments and be something more than my mindless self ever wanted. Especially once the Academy AI modified me to be of your interests."

“Uh…yeah, they certainly…modified you to my interests…” I gulped. “And…well, I’m glad your happy.”

"More than I ever knew I could before you came into that zoo Plory." He said. He then leaned in, and placed a light peck of a kiss on my cheek.

Immediately, all my feathers stood up, my wings expanded their full span of length, and my face was redder than a ruby… then it all went dark.

I woke up in the Garden still. Thankfully… oh crap did I faint… from a kiss?! On the cheek?!?!?

“Uh…I’m alright…everything’s fine…I totally didn’t pass out!” I said in mild panic.

I tried to sit up only to feel the hefty weight of something keeping me down. When I saw what, or rather, who it was… my brain may have blown several fuses…

Grunk was cuddling me… correction, he was SPOONING me! I was the little spoon, he was the very… very… big, muscular… warm… unexpectedly soft big spoon… he seemed fairly out and once I saw his arms wrapped around my belly I felt… really hot all of a sudden…

I was actually thankful he wasn't… aroused right now. I don't know how much more I could take if I felt that poke at me or… against me… and now it's getting hotter it seems…

“Oh no…” I muttered, not liking how hot and bothered I was becoming because of this situation. “Could this get any worse?”

Thankfully some god, maybe that elderly one from earlier, showed me some mercy as a short while later Grunk woke up and while part of me did not want this awkward yet really, really nice spooning session to end, it helped me get back under control of myself. "Well, I guess we should get back to work. I will be in Science Lab 98. Will I… see you after work?"

“Yes.” I said a little too quickly. “Er…” I took a deep breath. “Yes, you will see me after work.”

He smiled, gave me another cheek peck and sent my wings at full mast before he left.

Once he was gone I collapsed to the ground and tried my damnedest not to start leaving a small puddle of… liquid, under my loins. Sweet Celestia's tits I have never been so turned on by anyone like that before… ever… like, seriously, not even in my perverted wet dreams have I felt that ready to pounce!

“Okay…why did you have to make him that perfect?” I groaned lightly, putting my tail between my legs to try and keep myself in check.

"Answer. Crew Member Plory showed interest in Crew member Grunk before his alternations and enrollment aboard The Eternity. Data from the Scout Satellites and your own brain scans informing us of your likes, dislikes, interests, hobbies, dislikes and fetishes all were a factor into Grunk's personality and attitude. Even his voice was modified and altered to best suit your likes based on data showings is your favorite voices to listen too."

“Well you could have at least made sure I wouldn’t want to ruin his hips more than the damn war ruined the planet.” I frowned.

"Such a situation is impossible, as those measures were taken care of with some minor genetic alterations giving Grunk the maximum endurance, strength and stamina a male Griffin of your species can have as well as added modifications to his reproductive abilities, and an entire subconscious catalogue of all your fetishes."

Oh great he's also gonna be as horny as me when we do start doing it… curse you advanced alien technology! You've doomed my hips!

“Yeah so…I’m gonna need a longer break at this point…” I said slowly. “Unless you can magically get me off in a moment's notice or cool me off more than a tidal wave of cold showers I think I’m gonna be here for a while…”

"I can have a realistic, life sized silicone replica of Grunk's reproductive organ delivered to your room for Practice. as well as a cold to room temperature shower ready for you upon arrival to your personal quarters. As for your work, it can be delayed for now."

… Wow an AI is better at preparing me for getting laid than I ever was on my own willpower…

“Have I ever said you're amazing?” I asked.

"Recognition is not needed but appreciated."

I smirked. Man, Amanda is definitely learning. Feels less like an AI and more like a Gal Pal.

The battle took many hours in the chilled water. The beast was way, way bigger than I was expecting. But after many hours of trial and error I eventually learned that I can tackle the monster and sweet Luna's moon will it leave me with a limp…

The epic battle nonsense aside, I think that genetic modifications to his genitals were based on a few of my fetishes… Feels like it should be illegal to be packing an Anti-Material Rifle in your pants but apparently that's what my boyfriend has and I only have a rifle case that can hold maybe a hunting rifle without some excess force and something to use as lubricant…

Still I left that shower feeling accomplished and more sexually relived than I ever have before with a normal shower session.

“Ah, nothing like the fresh feeling of accomplishment after a nice shower.” I said with a little pride.

I laid on my bed on my belly cause at the moment my rear was a bit… sore… no regrets…

Still, at least something arguably amazing came out of this chaos… almost enough to make me forget about War and his whole deal… Almost…

I sighed as I pulled myself onto my side and grabbed one of the many books my room had from the prior owner. It was a collection of fairy tales. Most made no sense to me and others were rather odd. Yeesh, these Grimm brothers must have hated happy endings.

Eventually I was well enough to sit upright and wondered what to do next… as fun as that new toy is and as amazing as Grunk is, it's all distractions… something to keep me sane or happy when dealing with War and whatever else might be happening…

With a sigh I figured it was time to review that data Amanda said she had on the son of a bitch.

“Alright Amanda, mind showing me the data on War?”

"Accessing Data." She said, many video, audio, photos and text files all came up in my HUD view.

Okay, let's see, ah, basics.

High Eternian Koposiv Entry 1.
These new entities that appeared after the death, or rather, the rejection of death by the planet are unexplainable.
Four in particular stand out amongst the endless hoards breeding and festering on the planet now.
He goes by War, and frankly his skills and abilities make even myself believe he might be the concept and action given physical representation. Every weapon from crude stone and metal swords, spears, bows and arrows no matter how weak he can use with unimaginable lethality. More modern weapons he does damage and shows skills our best veterans never could achieve in a thousand lifetimes.
He doesn't seem to be immune to damage, in fact he actively avoids it but a lethal wound is but a temporary annoyance as he body regenerates at speeds that are not biologically possible. His genetic makeup shows him to be High Etherian like us yet it seems his, and the others, genetics can change and adapt into any species.
Samples of his tissue and blood have proved… indestructible. No poison, radiation, virus, even nanobots can't break the cell walls apart. They simply can not be damaged nor does the blood coagulate or the flesh Rott. Decay is not a possibility with War…
Course, the opposite is true for his sibling Death. His cells are all dead yet somehow function as living ones. Another biological impossibility yet here we are with them…
I'll be frank. I have no idea what this or the other three actually are, but if there is a God, then these things must be of their, or some crueler divine entities making.

Hm, this must be from a LONG time ago. Vision already told me basically how their planet became a dark god by rejecting death, making the Demons and those four… so, High Etherian. Also explains why they look like Equis natives now. They shape shift.

“Huh…” I muttered. “That’s…massively concerning.”

Next document.

High Eternian Koposiv Entry 2.
We might be royally fucked here. The entity War has a Psionic power to override the cognitive functions of entities with even basic higher intelligence, and no, Psionic dampeners do little against it. Once he hooks Into them that's it, their mind is gone and all that's left is an imprint of War with the sole purpose of causing death and chaos.
There is at least a silver lining. If the victim dies but is revived the imprint dies and doesn't come back. Sadly neither does the original person, all that comes back is a mindless body akin to a state of brain death. Ethics committee is debating on recording personal minds for events like this but that's a huge debate.
Frankly I don't care. We should toss these monsters into a black hole and hope for the best cause somehow I'm willing to bet they escape it.
At least the other groups are having better progress with the others than I am. They're intelligent, extremely so… maybe if we can get them to understand compassion, the value of life and peace then maybe we can gain allies rather than fruitlessly attempt to destroy enemies.

“Well…that’s good to know…” I muttered worriedly.

The next few documents were more of the same. Finally though. I reached the final entry.

I was a fool…
War played me like a Gods damned string. He understands, he gets empathy and regrets, misery and the joys of life….but he honestly believes there can be no progress without conflict, that there can be no improvement without loss. He will plunge the entire universe into… war, just to see it fight and leave behind only the ultimate species.
He is willing to be a monster for his beliefs and that is a dangerous thing. His siblings tried to stop him. Death is the one that can match him in a fight but thankfully Pestilence and Famine can manage to distract and stun him for short periods of time…
New Eden is gone. And unlike old Eden, it did not fight death. It passed on and accepted it's fate. So few of my people are left alive… War will be back and he can not die; he can only be imprisoned temporarily. Maybe for a year, maybe for thousands, but by the time he is, we will be ready.
The last of the High Etherian with Death, Famine and Pestilence's help are building something to bring hope. We're calling it The Eternity. The most advanced scouting and Archiving ship we will ever create. The project will likely take many years but when it's done, and should the day War is finally slain for good, the Eternity's cargo, DNA, replica worlds, history and culture of every civilization across the stars War will attempt to slay, this ship can bring it all back. But only when War dies permanently. Even if it takes til the end of creation and time.

“Huh…” I muttered. “That’s…really interesting…”

I sat there for a while, asked at how this ship came to exist and how old it actually is… this ship is beyond Ancient… and still the most advanced thing to ever exist.

I put the documents away for now and decided to get some sleep.

A few hours later I got a knock at my door. Confused I got up and saw Grunk… right, after work meet up! "Hello." He greeted with a nod to me.

“Nice to meet you Grunk.” I said happily. “How you doing?”

"Pretty good. Lab work was work. Mostly some soil sample testing and such. How are you?"

“Well, did a lot of reading on War, and contemplating a lot of thing’s about how ancient this ship is.” I shrugged.

"Oh. Cool. Wanna talk about it?"

To be honest I want to do a lot more than just talk but I barely handled the copy and the real thing might split me in two. Still… doesn't mean there aren't other things I can do with my boyfriend.

“Well, there is talking and…well there are other things that we can do…”

I pulled Grunk in and kissed him. On the beak.

Odds are… we're gonna die fighting War, or heck even on an unrelated mission… I'm gonna make the most out of my life before something happens.

So, for now I'm gonna kiss, grope and be groped, and spoon with my boyfriend til I can readily handle his custom made monster.

And I slept amazing that night with him holding me close and tight.

"So, you and Build-A-Boyfriend seem happy?" Storm commented as he and I were checking the cells again.

“Grunk is amazing.” I sighed happily. “I mean…sure they built him more perfect than my wildest dreams but…yeah, we happy.”

"You two… fool around already?"

“Considering I had a limp just from a dildo based on his…proportions, not yet no.” I said. “Seriously, he would split me in half with the size of that thing if we got rowdy.”

"Not gonna ask how you got that, but for your sake I hope he ain't into anal."

I stopped as I thought about that… I'm into that… and he has all my fetishes… oh boy… ohhhh boy…

As Storm walked ahead I gave my rear a sad pat… Sorry… curse my pervertedness…

The room we were checking on was one of the more dangerous ones. Documents showed no pictures, but stated he's fairly docile unless looked at, in which he entered a manic rage state accompanied by howling cries where he will chase anyone who sees his face to the ends of whatever planet they are on and kill them in a fashion so brutal the victims remains photos have a warning on them.

They call him The Shy Guy. And he is placed in a Vibranium cell with no light, very small holes for air, a dark matter force field around it and for added measure he has a Vibranium box locked over his head. It's one of the few metals that can handle his raw strength in his rage state.

“I wonder why he’s so shy?” I wondered. “Or why do they go into a manic rage…hmm…” I hummed, looking through the notes to see if there was any survivor’s that saw this Shy Guy.

… None. Not a single thing has seen him and lived…

"Let's just make sure it's all still working and sealed then get out. Something that dangerous is frankly, not something I want to be around." Storm commented.

I frowned, feeling like there was something more about this being but had to put that in a mental shelf as I had way too many cells left. “Well, I’ll figure out something for this being, cause something about it feels off…”

We checked the cell, finding no faults in anything and headed off. We arrived at the Science Lab, well, one of them, for assignment.

"Ah, there you are." Vision said as he floated over to us. "I have good news… and bad news…"

“What did War do this time?” I frowned.

"Oh it wasn't War, thank divines. Good news is the Captains are back."

"And the bad news?" Storm asked.

"Well, Pestilence also brought back a small number of concubines, Famine after eating all the food in a town accidentally, repaid them by sharing her blood which terra formed the southern quarter of the Equestrian Continent into a lush jungle of fruit and vegetable plant, and Death is apparently being worshipped as a God for letting the locals speak to lost loved ones and reviving a few of the more recently dead."

“Sounds like an average tuesday then?” I asked.

"If it were an average Tuesday there'd be an angry mob, several pissed off alien gods and Taco's."

“Holy hell, never thought I’d hear Taco Tuesday in a serious fashion, in real life.” I said in awe.

"Yes, well with their return now comes the damage control. Which is why we are going topside to… hopefully not have a repeat of Higal…" Despite being made of metal, Vision shook.

“Should I even ask?”

"Let's just say that while it was a smooth transition at the start, being the cause of a Holy War left a very bad taste in our mouths…" Vision said as he led us back to the elevators. It had been a while since I came through the main entrance. The skeletons were cleaned up thankfully and once we made it out of the tunnel we were surface side. It had been a bit since I saw the sky. I used to look at it and see an adventure across the horizon… now, it feels… oddly, smaller, but still holding promise. "Now then, where is the nearest settlement?"

“It should be that way.” I said, pointing off towards the nearest settlement. “Hopefully there isn’t an angry mob there…”

We all flew towards it, and found all those fruit and veggie plants. There was also a bunch of ponies worshiping what I assumed was a poorly built stick and mud statue of Death, and upon arriving in the town we saw the local Brothel hanging signs stating 'Hiring, no experience necessary, you'll get it on the job.'

The looks Vision got were varied. Some ponies were wearing, some clearly didn't give a damn, and others rolled their eyes, likely not wanting to deal with more nonsense.

"Well, so far so good." Vision said with a smirk and a nod to himself.

“I’m surprised I’m not immediately hearing a chug chant.” I brought up.

"I'll give it five minutes." Storm added.

The next few hours were spent interviewing locals, informing them of who the Captains are, the eventual pull out of the ground of The Eternity, and whatever other random questions they had.

"Well, as far as damage this isn't the worst the Captains have ever done." Vision said.

"And the worst was?" Storm asked.

"Well, it depends. For Pestilence he literally screwed a new subspecies into existence. Famine turned a desert planet into a near endless food buffet of fruit and such but the climate was also drastically altered because of it. Death invented a new instrument once that showed the listeners how they'll die."

“Uh…huh…” I started. “That’s…definitely a thing you just said.”

"Trust me, the absurdity is not lost on me. In any case, getting the Eternity out of the soil will take some time so till then we can probably use this town as a temporary base and point of reference."

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “And considering how they’re either worshiping the captain’s or…well how this place has been terraformed for the better, I’d say it’s a good place to start.”

"Or how most are sleeping with one of them." Storm added.

"Yes, which means once we get everything set up we can begin our space explorations again." Vision said with a hand clap. "Let's head off to Storage."

“Alright.” I nodded. “Onwards to storage.”

We flew back and went with Vision through the many storage rooms. Turns out they had robots ready to construct buildings and such immediately. Once those were out and programmed it was back to inside the Eternity where I did some basic lab work for a few hours before I returned to my quarters where Grunk was happily there to massage me…

And he's really good at it…

“Oh sweet Celestia that is good.” I moaned in bliss from the wonderful massage.

"I'm glad you like it. This is my first time doing this, but the knowledge on how was put into my head at The Academy." Grunk said, using his knuckles to press Into my back and break apart knots and tension I didn't even know I had.

“I…know that sounds weird, but you’re doing wonderful.” I said. “Even if it’s your first time…you can’t really hardwire in experience.”

"Heh, true." Grunk said. After the massage was over I enjoyed a light spooning as we just laid there.

After a while, he tapped his talon on the nearby wall. To my surprise some kind of holoscreen appeared against the wall across from us and began displaying the clearest, brightest and most colorful video I've ever seen… holy crap! It's a TV!

“Wow, an actual TV.” I said in honest surprise. “Didn’t think this would be here.”

"It's a standard feature of every room in the living quarters." Grunk told me. "Every planet the Eternity visits, if it has video media, everything gets archived for later viewing as the crews desire. So far it seems this Earth first mare Vision is from still has the most on record though. Guess those humans loved entertainment." He added with a chuckle.

“I can imagine.” I shrugged. “Considering how many books they wrote, they must have had a lot of time on their hands.”

And so, I lay there spooning up to Grunk as my first TV experience of Human Media began. A show called The Golden Girls.

Many hours into the night and many gut busting laughs later, Grunk and I fell asleep.

The next morning I woke up in a really good mood. Grunk was still asleep spooning me so I happily let him, not even budging… wow, hard to believe it's barely been, what, two days and I care this much for him… does that make me needy or attention starved? Or both?

“This is nice…” I muttered with a warm sigh, loving every minute of this even if I was…most likely extremely attention starved and needy.

It was maybe half an hour later that Grunk finally woke up, giving me a morning kiss before getting up and letting both himself and I stretch.

"So, what's on today's agenda?" He asked.

"Crew Member Grunk is to report to the cafeteria for morning meal then report to science lab 42 for cross pollination experiments. Crew Member Plory has the day off." Amanda answered.

… I have a day off? Huh… wasn't really expecting that…

“Huh, I didn’t think I’d have a day off.” I said in honest surprise.

"Well, I guess I'll bring you breakfast then." Grunk said, giving me a peck on the cheek. "Any preference?"

“No preferences this time.” I shook my head. “Now bring me my food you wonderful stud.” I giggled happily.

He gave me a quick kiss before heading off. Once he was out of the room I jumped back onto my bed and honestly felt like a school chick from some pre-war romance novels.

I decided to see if I could turn the TV on… and there it is. Hmm… well, what else has Humanity made in terms of entertainment… shit! How can one species make THIS much media!?

“Holy shit, how the hell did they make all of this?” I asked in awe, sifting through hundreds of thousands of different media’s…and there was still more!

Hmm… Anime? The heck is that? Well, hmm… looks like odd cartoons. Eh, why not. Let's see… huh. Death Note?

By the time Grunk came back with breakfast I was enthralled in this show. It was definitely not a cartoon ment for kids…

"So you write a person's name in the book and they die?" Grunk asked.

"Yeah…and it's really good for some reason." I said honestly.

"Well, as long as you like it." He shrugged as we ate a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage and bacon. "I'll try and see you on my breaks if I can."

"Take your time." I said softly. "I'll be here when you're done

He smiled at me as we ate. Once the food was done he gave me another kiss and headed off to his work…

The thought that crossed my mind immediately made my wings stand at attention as he left… I feel like we're a married couple… and of course that made the image of a few small purple feathered griffins with red eyes flash in my mind and… I'm gonna use that practice toy in the shower now!

Once I cooled off from that sudden thought and found it was a bit easier this time than the first time with my practice toy, at least I don't have a limp… still sore though…

I jumped back onto the bed and began watching the rest of Death Note. It had thirty seven episodes and the ending was kinda bullshit. From there I was watching and sampling various media.

As I was doing this I reached to grab a glass of water… only for a purple aura to cover my talons and my glass of water to be covered in that same aura and float up some… the magic implant! It's working! Holy crap!

"I got magic now woo!" I cheered happily, happy to see the levitation magic working.

My cheer made my magic surge, and my cup shattered instantly. I yelped, then watched in awe as a tiny round robot emerged from a hole that opened in on the floor, picked up and dried the water, class and left the floor clean again before returning to the hole and the hole being covered again.

Huh… neat…

Now how do I use this magic stuff…

"Answer. Contact The Wizard in the Mystic Arts Room." Amanda said, reading my mind again.

Huh… a Mystic Arts Room… this ship has a room for everything…

"Alright, so where is the Mystic Arts room?" I inquired, getting out of bed and ready to learn me some magics.

To my surprise the minimap in my HUD suddenly gained a small compass on the bottom left corner of it, and a green line across the map… and same green line was in my view along the ground… wow this HUD implant was so worth it.

I followed the path my HUD gave me and arrived in Storage to a small room. It was lined with books and scrolls and in the center of the room next to a fireplace burning no wood or gas, seated in in an old fancy chair was a mummified human corpse. He wore a mostly black suit with a red cape of sorts, and a gold looking medallion hung around their neck.

"Hello?" I asked the possibly still living mummy.

The gold medallion on their neck suddenly began moving, opening and turning until it formed an eye. The green gem inside glowed with power and soon a semi transparent, probably alive version of the mummified human stood before me. "Oh, a Griffin. Wasn't expecting that. Hm." They said, kneeling down to my eye level. "And who are you?"

“My names Plory, and uh…who are you?” I inquired. “And what’s the gem somehow…keeping you alive?”

"Oh, that." He said turning and looking at the mummified body in the chair before looking back at me. "Right. Well, long story short, I am Doctor Steven Strange, and yes, timeline wise I am dead, but thanks to the Eye of Agamotto and some clever spell work, when needed my consciousness can get brought forwards in time, even past my death, to help. Mainly answer some questions or cast a spell. So I am dead, you're just talking to me in the past. I try not to mess with time anymore and especially around or involving my death, so, what brings a young talking Griffin to my chamber that Vision somehow put into this alien ship thing?"

“Well, I got unicorn magic due to the surgeries,” I demonstrated by, thankfully, levitating a book a little bit. “And well…I need to learn how to control it and how to use a lot more magic.”

"Hm, interesting. Which Unicorn if I may ask? Are we talking your basic unicorn, bicorn, tricorn, multidimensional unicorn, or some random unicorn species I don't know of yet?"

“Have you heard of Equis?” I asked nervously, thinking if I just named the planet he might know what I’m talking about. “Which uh…might technically be considered the basic unicorn but after all of…this, I don’t really know what ‘basic’ would mean anymore.”

"Equis… the name doesn't ring a bell. Mind using your magic again?" I nodded, lifting up my talons and letting the legic flow through. It was easier than expected… almost like sparking a lighter. "Hmm… Oh, Oh! This is, wow, okay that is unexpected." Strange said as he stood up. "Well, I know this world, or the world this type of unicorn magic comes from as Galtri. Um, question, how did you get this unicorn types magic, that planet went extinct when a Fallen Star God crashed into the surface."

Well, that confirmed the Security Mare's whole story…

“You confirmed one person’s story…” I muttered. “So I got this from a surgery to help be a better crew member on this ship, and was given this brand of magic.”

"I get that but the species this magic came from went extinct. How could you have an extinct species magic?"

“I think I remember Vision saying that he revived the planet.” I answered.

Strange face palmed. "Of course he did… well if anyone could it would be him and three Embodiments." He shrugged and shook his head. "Alright, now I admittedly don't know much about your magic or where it's limits are. But I do know it is tied to the Reality stone. It's one of the six Infinity stones."

“I’ve heard of those, the Mind Stone is what Vision has.” I said. “So…our magic is powered by that? Wow.”

"Well, powered by, no, originated from, yes. See, each form of magic works and functions in different ways and all tied to the species of the planet that magic forms on. For example, human magic, my own, originated from the Mind Stone. It works by study and understanding the programming the universe and multiverse works under, allowing us to draw energy from them in order to do those same basic universal actions at will. Yours however I don't know how it works cause, well, I can't use it. If I tried it would reject me and if I'm lucky horribly and irreversibly disfigure or mutate me."

“Well…that’s weird.” I frowned.

"Not when you understand how the Infinity stones work. See, as you can guess each stone works as a physical line, like a nozzle or link to a fundamental primal force in the universe. Time, Space, Power, Mind, Soul, and Reality. Each stone is incredibly powerful alone, if you can use them all at once and live, you're a god basically, ya know, without actually being one, but each one only has control over that specific section of the universe. And so any magic that evolved as a byproduct of their powers are also bound to those principles. It's like trying to mix water and electricity or to breathe in space, it doesn't happen… unless, in your case, you want it to." He said, looking me in the eyes now. "I have seen all the Infinity Stones in action before and the Reality stone has literally ignored the programming of the universe and rewrote or broken it with zero consequence. If your magic is tied to the Reality stone then odds are all that power isn't just in the unicorns of that race. That much power would divide itself amongst the species of the world over time."

“I suppose that would make sense why a lot of the races can just…do thing’s, and find nature doing normal thing’s is ‘weird’...” I said honestly.

"Possibly. Without more information I won't know for sure. If you can find some magic tombs or anything on the subject from your world and bring it to me I can study it and help you practice the best I can."

“I’ll try, cause currently my world is…after a brief bit of terraforming near a town as an apology, an irradiated wasteland.”

Strange sighed. "Of course it is. Well, good luck and come back to me when you find anything." He said, his body fading away as the medallion around his neck closed back up.

With that I went back to my room… actually…

“Hmm…” I hummed, thinking about heading off instead of going back to bed. “Let’s change it up.”

I was about to head out… then remembered… damn, what about Grunk. He'll probably be expecting me to be there… gah! Dating and working to save the world are hard!

With a sigh I decided to head back. Maybe Grunk can help?

I arrived to my quarters to find Grunk with a large Pizza. "There you are. Was wondering where you headed off to." He said with a warm smile.

“Sorry about that, just went to talk to The Wizard about somethings.” I said, feeling oh so happy to see that warm smile again. “Cause I got’s me some magic.”

"Oh, I heard you got that genetic augmentation. So, gonna need some magic tombs. Amanda, can you print off some basic magic tombs for unicorns from Equestria's pre-war time?"

"Printing now." Amanda said. A second later a tube popped out of the ceiling and dropped five fresh brand new books on magic on the table.

… It was that easy?!?!

“Well…I didn’t think it would be that easy…” I grumbled.

Before I got to reading I got to eating trying to relax and feeling a bit cheated at a possible Adventure for some books.

When lunch ended I gave Grunk a quick kiss on the cheek goodbye and then opened up a tomb and began reading…

…

Huh?

I fell to my side and saw no more of the books. Huh… read them all already? And in four hours? Damn… well, that was all well and fine but from what I can tell they all basically sum up to concentration plus will power and clear mental imaging with the right mana reserves makes magic happen. Sounds about right given what Doctor Strange said about the Reality stone.

“So…from what the books said…if I just…imagined an apple, and concentrated hard enough…” I muttered, closing my eyes and focusing hard on creating an apple.

Turns out that isn't so simple. Levitation is one thing, creating something from magic… yeah not happening. Haven't felt a claw cramp like this since highschool physics… Should start with more basic stuff first I guess… for now I'll just practice levitation… hmmm…

Using my newfound magic and knowledge from the books I levitated them up and around me easily enough and managed to put them all away on my shelves. Huh, well that was definitely easier than before… huh?

I noticed a new spot appear on my HUD. MP. I had six left. Crap I didn't even know that appeared… or that my HUD could quantity my mana reserves… cool!

“Alright, this is really, really cool.” I said with a giant smile.

I learned that drinking or eating can help restore MP. So my max MP is currently eleven… and it seems like Levitation uses very little MP at a time. Trying new spells uses a lot but practice and constant use can decrease the MP it uses and makes it easier to cast with a thought.

I also find imagining is part of it. I need to visualize key details. Like for a fire spell how hot to make the fire, how big, where it will ignite into existence at and how fast/strong will I throw it at something. Things like that also need to be accounted for.

I decided to rest my new magic powers for now and just relaxed while various songs from the Human culture files played. Starting with Classics, this Beethoven guy was good. His music kinda reminds me of that song that Vending Machine gave me to drink.

I ended up taking a nap, having a pleasant dream about Grunk and myself getting frisky… thankfully I woke up before I made a mess of the bed and sighed. Damn perverted virgin horniness. I swear once I hit puberty it all just came flooding out in many nights of wet dreams and many mornings of washing sheets.

“I really need to have that hunk of a griffon plow me already…I don’t know how much longer I can hold it…” I grumbled to myself.

I swear I had this under control before… everything… damn it is sex going to be a coping mechanism for me?

I sighed as I wondered if it was worth it to shower again today just to use my practice toy…

I shook my head and pulled up some files from Equestria. Seeing as this ship and those Satellites in orbit gather everything might as well see for myself… Population census? It took census of them all too? Wow, organized by birth year… I wonder…

Skip ahead a few hundred years- Holy crap I'm here!

“Well…didn’t expect that.” I said in surprise. “Also…damn…”

Wondering just how much this ship knows about me I opened my file.

Name: Plory
Species: Griffin
Sex: Female
Birth Mother: Melody Coos.
Birth Father: Melody Coos.
Birth Mother: Deceased.
Birth Father: Deceased.
Adopted Mother: Spring Flower
Age: 22
Sexuality: Bisexual/ Bi-curious
Sexual Identity: Female.
Notable accomplishment: First Griffin to graduate NCR public college, Apprentice under Professor Clockwork, Enrollment into The Eternity Mobile Science Technician Division.

There was a lot of other stuff here and all of it basically hit the hammer on the head… but my birth mother… is also my birth Father?!?!

“Uh…” I blinked. “So how the hell is my mom…also my dad?” I asked, not knowing how that’s possible given…well Griffon’s don’t do that.

I quickly found mom-dad's file here- Unicorn?! She was a unicorn?!?!?!? Okay what in the hell is going on with my birth family?!?

I read through the entire document. To summarize… mom was a whore… no really she worked as one at a brothel. One day someone who was collecting Killing Joke accidentally had some escape and it got to mom. This oddly turned her into a hermaphrodite Griffin. Now, apparently old mom-dad didn't mind the change and it seemed the customers loved it.

She also indulged in public showings of herself quite literally screwing herself… and that's how my egg came into existence.

Some time later a remnant raider gang hit the town hard and mom escaped with me into the Hoof wastes… only to die leading a pack of feral dogs away from where she had placed my egg to return and take…

Later that day, mom, Spring Flower, found my Egg…

Wow… the just… wow… wait so if my mom is also my dad am I like a clone of them? At least it explains my abnormal colors but… I mean… what the Fuck?

“Uh…hey, so am I technically a clone of my biological parent?” I asked nervously. “Cause uh…I’d like to know…”

"Answer. Given your DNA compared to Melody Coos, post Killing Joke transformation, your genetics are a 100% match for their own. Biologically, you can be considered a clone, but mentally, you are two completely different individuals." Amanda answered.

Well… that answers that… also explains why I'm such a pervert thinking about it… Still weird… actually, I regret finding out… all the regrets… am very much wanting to forget this…

“I think I need the brain bleach after learning all of this…” I said nervously. “But…seriously, how flexible did she have to be to literally fuck herself?”

My eyes needed to be burned when a video popped up… I do look a lot like her, and she packed a… good slab down there… but I did not need to see that…

I spent the next few hours looking at the ceiling in a blank star… my origins are right out of a wild wasteland tale of craziness… ironic given I usually love those…

"Hey Plory." Grunk said as he entered my room. "Something wrong?" He asked, walking up next to my bed.

“So uh…” I started. “I learned who my birth parent is…as in they got hit with Killing Joke and…I’m practically a clone and…I learned how flexible they are when Amanda showed me my…conception against my will.”

"... Well, that's… unsettling." He said, putting his talons to my head and gently rubbing it. "Well, aside from that, you are still you. Crazy clone origins aside or not. It's not like you have her memories anyway."

“No, I’m still me.’ I asid honestly. “Amanda said that, while I’m technically a clone, I am my own griff, and I should be okay with life even though I saw mom literally fuck herself…”

"Yeah, you need something to help you forget that…"

“They won’t let me get the brain bleach…” I said sadly. “Please help me…”

"Heh, well if you want we can see how flexible you are? If you want, I mean."

I looked at him and took a deep breath. “You just had to ask…” I said, grabbing Grunk and dragging him to bed. “Cause yes…I will show you.”

I spent the next two days after that night recovering. I didn't break anything but I sprained a lot of muscles and frankly I can still smell the musk in the room despite this being new sheets and a new mattress.

Word of advice, when your Boyfriend is a custom built lover with all your kinks and fetishes in mind, you will get to experience all said kinks and fetishes… even some I think shouldn't be possible but we still did them.

I also learned that yes, my rear was doomed once I threw my common sense and personal safety out the door after the third load… I also learned my beak can not take in that beast… but I sure as Tartarus tried… was amazed my rear did though…

Needless to say I felt like a badly written smut fic and I honestly loved it.

"I'm honestly amazed nothing tore or was dislocated." Dex said as she scanned me over again.

“Still worth it…” I said happily.

"I would advise against anymore sexual activity of that nature for a while miss Plory. At least until you lay and maybe use another genetic modification to increase your size to one that Grunk won't accidentally damage." Dex informed.

Oh yeah, and I'm pregnant. It's not really a shock to me given… what we did… how long we did it, how MUCH I took in and the fact we didn't bother with any form of protection. According to Dex it's twins, two separate eggs. Also, cool, gonna get that modification later for sure.

“Well, that’s all great news.” I said warmly. “Still…can’t believe I’m going to be a mother…”

"Well when you don't use protection and take nine of his climaxes in your vagina you should be glad you aren't pregnant with more." He's said with a huff. "Other than that you're pregnancy will likely last with you needing to make a nest and your eggs will be ready to lay within a week. And hatch within two months."

I nodded. Unlike ponies, Griffin infants are conceived and 'born' way faster, but still age at the same rate.

“All I can say is…still worth it.” I chuckled.

"Just remember that once your little ones hatch to bring them here so they can be enrolled as Eternity Civilian Crew members."

Huh… haven't heard that before.

“Civilian Crew members?” I inquired.

"Yes. In the past and majority of The Eternity's crew were largely born from an older generation of crew members. They are given the classification of Civilization Crew Members and are restricted to the Residential floor and will be enrolled in schoolings that will help them best obtain a job here aboard the ship."

“That sounds good.” I nodded.

With that done I went back to my quarters which had received a major overhaul. No longer was it a single room and bathroom section, now changed into fair sized single floor house.

There was now a proper living room, kitchen oddly, two bedrooms, a master and one that is a nursery. Two bathrooms. One hallway bathroom, and the master bathroom in the master bedroom, some closets and storage space, and best of all my own office space with the books I'm enjoying so far and, as you can imagine, Grunk. He was basically living with me anyway so, this works out way better.

Under the Eternity's laws Grunk and I are now part of an official Family Unit. First of the new generation of crew members. It's the talk of the ship. Captain Pestilence and his concubines do not count for obvious reasons…

"Wow, so three days and ya finally got him, and got knocked up." Storm said as he flew down next to me from wherever he came from. "Ya know this ain't the wasteland right? You could have let it wait until a month at least."

“Listen…I’m a massive pervert, and he asked me.” I tried to counter. “He was made more than perfect…I love every fiber of his being that’s isn’t just his massive dick…and also I needed to get my mind off of what my birth parent did to themselves to make me…”

"So your solution to forget about your conception was to screw and conceive your own foals?"

“Better than knowing my mom literally fucked herself to give birth to me after a Killing Joke accident.” I brought up.

"... You're a weird bird Plory. So, how are you gonna juggle being a first time mom, your work here, your research and vendetta against War, whatever missions you might get and the eventual truth you'll have to tell that mom pony of yours in the Hoof that you found your origins and she's gonna be a grandma?"

… Shhhhhhiiiiiiit…..

“Uh…I mean…” I tried to find some argument to that…”Fuck.”

Parents

View Online

I was due to lay my eggs any day now and I was glad for it. Feeling them grow in me has been… interesting but the weight and pressure sure as hell aren't fun…

Seeing as I'm pregnant and physically unable to actually, ya know, do field work I was given some work to do from my home office. It was mostly reviewing Prisoner Profiles and their cage status logs.

Majority came right out of eldritch nightmares. Some were funny. But most were nightmare fuel.

“How and why are they keeping these things here?” I wondered in horror.

Some on this list that as a soon to be mom sent me into panic attacks were such as The Old Man, a rotting humanoid looking elderly male who opens fucking portals of decay and rot l, can walk through walls, has his own pocket dimension and enjoys torturing people of all species and such, but has an age range he primarily targets which includes children.

I shivered, clutching my stomach in fear. The files showed very few are ever able to survive him let alone escape his pocket dimension of horrors.

He is kept in a special Reality shift cage, basically a bubble where the laws of reality can be programmed and the one law in that cage is that he is powerless. Still gives me nightmares…

“I…still have to wonder in what fucking world his true desire is to be on a farm with an old lady…” I muttered, having seen his ‘True Desire’, and while finding it wholesome I was more confused as to how someone that fucking sadistic against any and all life would rather be a humble farmer.

Theories in the file state it possibly has to do with how he was created or even who he was before becoming this monster, but it was all just theories.

That brings me to my next item. It's a fun one. A camera, old, and anything or anyone photographed with it will have their deepest desires revealed in the photograph. I wanted to try it and see my own but I lack the security clearance. It's kept in the Storage Room Safe 98.

Then there was another item I did mess around with a lot. The Clockwork's. A machine that has the still unexplainable ability to improve, evolve or disassemble/destroy whatever is placed inside and set to one of the five settings. The general rule for it was not to go above Fine and never put anything alive in there, especially yourself.

I mostly put stuff in to see what happens. I have to log each time as a test, record the outcome but I do get to keep them. Assuming security and the lead scientist in charge of the thing don't deem what it makes on the output a threat to the ship.

“Hmm…still have to wonder if I put a mask in there, put it on Fine…then give it to Shy Guy…hopefully that’ll at least calm him down?” I wondered. “If it could, than…maybe that poor guy can feel better?”

Much as I tried and argued though the lead guards on Shy Guy denied all my attempts to have a test or anything done with the creature. I hated it, and couldn't do anything about it. Even Vision was against it.

I wrapped up my work and began my small side projects. All my free time and access to scientific knowledge from across planets and basically the beginning of time I spent it learning and experimenting. Nothing massive just simple things like taking Rad Scorpion DNA and working it into whatever it was before radiation induced mutations hit.

Not bad for a historian.

“Well…if I can help make people RAD proof, that would be cool…” I muttered to myself.

Learning about DNA was fairly straightforward. The lesions thankfully went from what I understood of genetics and built up from there. The hard part was the formulas. Figuring out the right formula is the hard part but thankfully the ship and AI all do the calculations and project a real time simulation of the results. Unfortunately finding the right formula was the hard part. So far most end either in alternative mutations or death.

I wrapped up my side project and carefully got back onto the bed. Oof, felt them move a bit. Okay definitely the eggs gonna be laid soon.

“Ugh…eggs gonna be here soon…” I groaned.

I carefully rubbed them from the outside, wondering if they're boys? Girls? A boy and a girl? That would be neat.

I watched more TV and fell asleep…

It was dark everywhere. A void where nothing but a light above me showed me I was on some old concrete ground. This is… different.

“Uh…” I frowned. “The hell is going on?”

Suddenly, I heard something walking in the darkness. Whatever it was moved with wet meaty thuds and cracks and pops like bones breaking and joints dislocating and popping back into place with each step and movement.

I backed up and eventually saw… whatever it was. A part of it is revealed by my above light. Dark skinless flesh warped and distorted bones. Broken bones pierced parts of it's flesh and jutted out of wounds bleeding like leaks in pipes yet it seemed unphased.

I wanted to scream, but as I looked up I spotted it's many, many eyes all shapes, colors and kinds staring at me, as if judging or waiting for me to act, unblinking in their unity as the many puiples all were fixed on me.

“Wh-who are you?” I asked in fear.

It did not answer, just continued to gaze down at me with an almost calculative glare. It leaned down, the smell. It was like a pungent stench of decay, mold and feces as it's largest eye, twice my body size looked down at me with that sickly grey-green color.

I wanted to run or fly but I was too terrified by the monstrosity before me.

Eventually, it leaned back and moved along back into the darkness.

By the time it was far enough away I could barely hear it… walk I collapsed onto the ground hyperventilating.

Panic. I had forgotten what that felt like. Normally that symbiote working as my heart keeps that from happening… so this is a dream? Well, a Nightmare…

“Ugh…the fuck is going on?” I groaned, wondering why I’m having a Nightmare now and wondering who or what that thing was.

After a while I began to move. My little above light followed me, thankfully. A small comfort in this… place. As I walked I noticed things. Litter, paper. Cans. Cigarette butts. Bottle caps. I then came across a bench, looking around. I think this is a bus stop? Taped to the back of the bench was a ticket, a simple pink piece of paper with the words 'admit one's printed in black ink.

I hummed, gently taking the ticket and sitting down on the bench. “Well…hopefully this takes me away from this nonsense…”

Almost on cue I saw a pair of lights in the darkness and the roar of an engine. I almost didn't believe my eyes when I spotted it up close. It was a pre-war bus. I'd only ever seen them in old photos and as rusted out frames.

The doors opened and inside was no driver, but looking in I spotted a pony, a unicorn sitting in the back. I slipped the ticket into an insert slot and it began driving off and I walked back and up to the unicorn.

They had a brown mane, and a green coat.

“Hello.” I said politely to the unicorn.

"Sup?" They asked without looking at me, rather they looked out at all the darkness outside the window. "First time?"

“Yeah…” I nodded. “Where are we? Cause I was just…sleeping, then I saw that…being, and then hey, a Pre-War Bus…”

"Right. You're on the Eternity too right?" He asked me.

“Yes…how did you know?” I inquired.

"Same." He said. "Private Sleep Deprived, Mystic Security Unit 9." He said with a salute.

Right, that Academy thing did pluck ponies and other races too so, shouldn't be too surprised.

“Ironic you're here considering your name.” I chuckled. “Junior Researcher and Field Technician Plory.”

"Ah. Surprised you're here. Guess you got swooped up by accident." He said with a shrug. "Well Plory, care to take a guess where we are?"

“Not really, I know I’m in a dream world at least.” I answered.

"Bingo." He said. "This is the realm of Dreams for all the planet Equis."

“Huh.” I said in surprise. “No wonder why I saw that…nightmare creature…” I shuddered in fear.

"Yup. Each planet has their own Realm of Dreams, and as you can see this one is still basically post-apocalyptic, monsters and shit all over the place." He said.

“And Luna had to fight all this every day? Man that had to have been terrible.”

"Psst. No, this is all basically akin to mutations. Bombs didn't just destroy the physical world, the warped minds and mass death turned this place into what it is now. It used to be more pleasant, but without Luna to keep it stable and two hundred years of insanity, well it's basically ruins. More or less. A twisted dark reflection of the world that died." Sleep explained.

“That’s horrible.” I shook my head. “So…better question is, why am I here?”

"There's a ritual that sends us here. Rather than keeping us isolated to a single dream like normal, it let's explore the realm as a whole. Unfortunately the one Equis uses brings all within a certain radius who are falling asleep into it with the caster. You just got roped in. Sorry about that."

“I’m not surprised I got roped into some nonsense.” I sighed. “But at least it’s good nonsense that I won’t get told ‘no’ to.’

"Just try not to die here. You won't die in real life but while the spell is active you'll feel everything as if It was happening physically." Sleep warned.

The bus soon came to a stop and we both got off. The darkness around us was still pitch black and I couldn't see anything… but I could hear… and smell.

Moans, groans and gurgles like the tired or dead and the smell of rot… Ghouls? Fuck!

“Oh come on, Ghouls? Here?” I complained.

"And worse." Sleep shrugged as he walked forwards.

I followed. Despite my fears… like hell I'm staying here alone!

The light above us let me see hooves, wings, talons, all kinds of limbs and silhouettes of the radiated corpses around us but thankfully not attacking.

"So…why aren't they attacking us?" I inquired.

"Look at their eyes." Sleep said.

I really didn't want too… With a gulp I slipped up and over to one of them. The rotting skin and black and yellow teeth… the smell… stars above why did I romanticize this kind of crap all my life.

I looked into it's eyes. Stories and a few still same ghouls had them all looking a white or pale grey… these ones were pitch black.

"They're Nightmares. Not actually ghouls or independent entities. Remnants of creatures who dreamed them out of fear. With no more barriers here they wander around freely. Hopping from dream to dream looking for fear."

"So…they just feed off of fear and nothing else?" I inquired. "They won't…physically harm us?"

"They will if we touch them." He warned, making me back up from it immediately as I followed Sleep closely. "Right now they're docile and dormant. Beneficial of the spell is that until we actually interact with the world we're invisible to all of them."

Sure as hell wasn't invisible to that one earlier…

"Well…there was one that literally looked right at me and then fucked off…so that's just probably random happenstance."

"Then it's likely a native. They can see us but can't touch us unless, again, we act and break the spell's protective cover."

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “So just don’t touch anything and everything will be alright.”

"Yup. Course that can't last long. My mission here is gonna have me touch stuff and if you wanna survive then you're gonna have to do the same."

“Alright, so what’s the mission?” I inquired.

"Gotta restore the dream realm to at least a semi-stable reality. That's gonna involve a lot of fighting."

“Is there anyone else here?” I inquired. “Also…restoring an entire realm seems a tad…difficult don’t you think?”

"The rest of my team is all over the place. Probably already started on their ends of the mission. Besides, if we don't stabilize it some.crap.from this place might get strong enough to escape into the physical world."

“Yeah that would not be good in the slightest.” I shook my head. “So we better hurry, don’t want to fuck up a Ritual like with Jupiter…still find that whole thing…weird.”

"First we gotta find weapons."

“Yeah…” I said, putting a talon over my stomach as I feared that if I got hurt here, my eggs would get hurt. “Let’s get some weapons…”

We walked through the hoard of ghouls thankfully without touching a single one. We managed to find the entrance to a building and the reak of rotting meat and bile was ripe and thick in the air.

As we walked I heard… cackling. A mad mindless laughter seeping violent intent as we walked through what I think is a store.

“Well that’s not terrifying at all.” I rolled my eyes.

"You sure change your tune fast." Sleep said as we reached a door. He opened it and we walked through. "Getting used to it all or?"

“Hearing some jackass laugh like a mad man is a lot better than having all five of my senses assaulted like those Nightmare Ghouls back there.” I brought up. “But part of me is also wanting to…keep myself safe for my eggs if they don’t magically get out of me during my sleep.”

"You mean you don't want to be stuck here long enough to lay them in your sleep?" He asked.

“I don’t want my eggs to get hurt if you’re right on me being physically injured.” I answered. “I…I want my chick’s to be safe…”

"Fair." He nodded. "If that's the case, stay afraid. Cause once we get some weapons and the safety cloak goes down you'll need it to avoid dying."

“That’s…fair…” I said worriedly.

Eventually we finally found something. A worn but usable sawed off double-barrelled shotgun, and a semi auto nine millimeter pistol. He gave me the shotgun. "Just remember that just because this is a dream doesn't mean we aren't bound by rules. We can be hurt, we can die, and sadly weapons can run out of ammo or break." He said, levitating me sixteen shells for the shotgun as he had another magazine for his gun and spare loose bullets.

“Cause of course…” I muttered, grabbing the shells and putting two in the double barrel.

"Believe it or not, dreams do have laws like nature and magic. The biggest thing though you'll notice is the time dilation."

“I assumed that, cause there’s always been cases of dreams feeling like someone’s been doing a thing for days or months when it’s only been eight hours.” I shrugged.

"Yeah. When the spell wears off naturally it will have only been an hour, but for us it will have been six days."

Six days?! That's a day every ten minutes in the real world!

“Oh that’s…that’s some big time dilation.” I frowned.

"Get cozy cause it will feel like we've been here a while." He said, making sure his gun was loaded and ready before we headed out. After a bit we found the next nightmare. The one making that cackling. They were dirty, covered in mange, scars, makeshift armor made of hide, rubber or whatever scrap metal was around.

A Nightmare Raider.

"Ready?" Sleep asked me, lifting his gun to the back of the Nightmare Raider's head.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I nodded.

With a nod, he pulled the trigger, and fired.

What happened next I can only describe as a reverse Flash Grenade. All the darkness that had been around vanished, going up into that ball of light that had been around and once it absorbed it all, was gone.

I could see the environment around us now properly. No darkness blocking the way and… sweet stars.

We were in a ruined grocery store turned into a raider den. Corpses and dry blood was everywhere. A nearby standing freezer was on and displayed various organs raw or rotting on the shelves as a shelf of skulls sood near us.

Two more Nightmare Raider's appeared and Sleep got to shooting at them.

I froze, dropping for cover and clutching the shotgun tight. I dealt with some training courses and shooting range in the ship armory, why can't I get up?!

“Come on…” I growled. “I’m literally a researcher for horror’s beyond my imagination…how does shooting at dumbass raider scare me this badly?”

It's not even a real raider either!

I tried to lift the gun, push myself up and… it's over…

When I got up Sleep shot the two Nightmare Raider's dead already. "You alright?" He asked me.

“I…I’m sorry…” I said, not sure why I’m so shaken. “I…I shouldn’t be scared…but I’m alright.”

"It's alright." He shrugged.

No it's not… I thought to myself, picking up the shotgun and following. Looting the bodies got Sleep a .32 rifle with a makeshift scope of what looked like binoculars, a broken and taped glass bottle and scrap metal for frame. I got some saddle bags. Holding some healing potions, ammo, and some small things Sleep said we'd need.

“I…really need to get my act together…” I took a deep breath. “I’m a Griffon for crying out loud.”

"Have you ever shot anything before?" Sleep asked me as we walked through a backroom this store had.

“N-no…I normally use my talons but…never really used a gun.” I said carefully.

"Well, what have you killed with your talons before?"

“Well…some wild animals, then…my teacher when he was possessed by War…”

Actually… no, no Storm did that I just… ended up present for it…

“Wait…no…it was Storm that did the murder…I…just stood there like an idiot…”

"Then you've never killed or even been in a fight." Sleep nodded. "Makes sense."

“I…guess you're right…” I sighed. “So many things have been going on…”

"Well, let's keep going. We need to find the Collective of Nightmares to get this place at least somewhat stable."

“Alright.” I nodded. “Let’s hope for the best…” I said, trying to keep myself calm and wanting to actually help out with this nonsense instead of running away scared.

As we walked through I might as well ask questions. Gonna be here a week for an hour… not gonna think about that weirdness.

“So, how long have you been apart of…all this?” I inquired.

"I got out of the Academy around the same time as everyone else so… roughly two, going on three weeks."

Right. Same time as Grunk…

“Right…that’s…the same time Grunk came out…” I said carefully.

"Majority of staff all came out of the Academy that first day." He informed, opening a nearby door and inside was an upside down take on the store.

"Oh goodie…" I grumbled. "Everything's going to be all fucked orientation wise…"

"Get used to it." He informed. We walked around, finding some more ammo and some food stuff. As we walked I heard something… crying? Sleep and I slowly walked towards it. I spotted a metal door, an old rusty shack kind that seemed to shimmer. "Looks like we found a sleeping person's dream."

"And…should we go in and try to help them?"

"That is part of my unit's job, yeah. Since this world no longer has a dream realm guardian Unit 9 is to take over as the guardians."

"That's good." I nodded. "Glad to know there's a chance to help those in need."

"You wanna join in?" He asked. "You are stuck here with me."

“Sure.” I nodded. “Let’s help someone out.”

“Alright. Follow me.” He said, opening the door as we went inside.

It was… disgusting. Rows and rows of cages left out in the open, faceless ponies and creatures chained, coats dirty covered in grime and filth. The stench of months of unclean bodies all cramped into metal cages was only off set by what Sleep and I saw before us. A lone foal, barely five, in a cage. Alone, her mane and tail were cut off and she cried.

Atop her cage was a sign.

Fifty caps a ride.

Three hundred buys, as is…

I felt sick. So, so sick…

"This…this is fucking awful…" I muttered.

“This appears to be a memory.” Sleep noted as he looked around, all the ponies in cages were faceless, and the few I saw with guns around were also faceless. “Must be an old timer from back when Slavers were still very prominent.”

"How can we help them?"

“We need to find the root of this Memory, then kill the fucker.”

“That’s something I can agree with.” I nodded.

“Now, where to start- That works.” He spoke, right as an all black, almost silhouette version of a stallion walked into the scene. It hoofed over a bag of caps to the faceless slaver, who nodded and opened the cage door.

The filly backed up and cried harder.

Before it got to touch her, Sleep shot it point blank.

Everything changed and suddenly we were in a rusted old shack made from scrap metal. Two old mattresses, old and stained, were on the ground and the filly sat playing with an old toy doll that was almost falling apart in the middle of this basically empty shack.

“Hello?” I asked softly to the little filly playing with her toy doll.

She looked up at me. “Hi. Who are you?” She asked.

“My names Plory, what’s your name?” I asked softly, gently laying down for the filly.

“I’m Plush.” She said. “Why are you here? Did mom send you to check on me?”

“Yes.” I smiled softly. “It’s nice to meet you Plush.”

“Do you work with Mom?”

“Yep.” I smiled softly. “And I’m here to make sure you’re doing okay.”

“I’m alright. Kinda bored though.” She frowned. “Mom spends hours looking for stuff to sell. And dad hasn’t been around for a while.”

“I understand.” I said softly. “But…I’ll be here to help make you not bored.”

Just then the shack door walked in, a mare with the same mane and coat colors as Plush walked in. “I’m back honey.” She said sweetly. On her sides hung old but still sturdy saddle bags that seemed to have little in them.

Plush ran up and hugged her mother. “Mom you’re back!” She stated happily. “Find good things?”

Plush’s mother didn’t lose her smile but I could tell, looking at her eyes said otherwise. “I did alright. Got us dinner.” She said, reaching into her saddle bags and bringing out two boxes of Crunchy Carrots Carrot Cake.

“Awe, that again?”

“I thought you liked them?”

“I do but it’s been a while since we’ve had anything else…”

“I know, but the store doesn’t sell anything cheaper.” Her mother said, opening the box and handing the plastic wrapped 200+ year old cake snack to Plush. “Now eat up, otherwise you’ll be small forever.”

“Okay…” Plush frowned, but ate her meal.

This… was what I romanticized? I spent my whole life thinking the pre-Gardens era was fascinating and… That past memory, and this…

This isn’t what I thought… The Book of Little Pip had some bad stuff, especially the unedited version they released, and the Security Mare’s story is bad but…

I forgot… they weren’t just a book and a story… it was history… I fell in love with the stories…

“You alright?” Sleep asked.

“No…” I shook my head. “No…I’m not okay at all…”

I sat down. I spent my whole life learning about the Pre-Gardens world and loving each and every story… I never really realized it happened… It was horrible, and now, heh… I can’t shoot a gun at some dream world monster, I accidentally helped awaken the Captains and… unleashed War on the universe…

I chuckled. I got my wish. I got to start my adventure… And I don’t want it… I don’t want to continue it, I don’t want to be some grand hero, I don’t… I don’t want to come so close to dying over, and over…

How stupid am I?

The door burst open, several faceless ponies came in, and then that stallion silhouette walked in.

Before Plush’s mother got to say or do anything, he shot her point blank.

Plush screamed.

Sleep shot the stallion silhouette again.

This time it looked like we were in some… better shack. Bigger, two floors.

In a foals crib was a younger, maybe two or three year old Plush pulling against the bars.

“How could you be so heartless!” I turned to see Plush’s mom yelling at a stallion with a dark green coat and brown mane.

“This was the plan from the beginning Cotton! You know they pay big caps for foals.” The stallion replied.

“I know how this started but I’ve changed my mind!”

“Damn it Cotton they’ve already invested caps into her. The diapers, the medicine when you gave birth, food you and I have been eating! If we don’t hand her over we’re in debt and I’m not ending up in one of those cages! And I know you sure as hell don’t wanna go back!”

“I don’t but she’s our daughter!”

“She’s stock and merchandise!”

Plush’s mother slapped him.

He slapped back harder, knocking her to the ground. “I’m going for a smoke. When I get back you better have your head out your ass and get back to the reason you aren’t some other slave doing worse labor.”

As he said that, his body began to change, his features leaving and becoming… the all black silhouette…

He left the room, the shack and Plush’s mom was crying.

I tried not to… throw up.

“What…all of this is…” I coughed, trying my best not to throw up at this horror show.

“This was life, back then…” I looked up, seeing a much older mare. So many wrinkles and mane long since gray. But her eyes, the coat… Plush…

“I’m so sorry Plush…” I teared up.

"Hey, why are you crying? I'm the one who lived it." She chuckled. Her smile falling to a frown as she sighed. "It was a long time ago sweetie. At least it ended well."

“I’m…glad it ended well at least.” I sniffed. “I’m just…sad…about your situation and so many other things…”

"It was so long ago." She waved off. "That bastard got what he deserved." The scene changed into the cages again. Plush in the cage looked a bit older. Suddenly there was gunfire and the slavers were being sniped. Then a mare with a gray coat and brown mane was taking shots from cover elsewhere… holy crap… is that… "She saved me. I got out. Got to grow up. Live. Find love. Had foals of my own. These memories will always haunt me, but when I wake up I know I'm not in those cages anymore."

“That…that can’t be…” I muttered in wonder. “Is…that who I think it is?”

"Lightbringer. That's what ponies called her." Plush chuckled as Littlepip came face to face with the silhouette stallion… Plush's dad, and shot him point blank. "It was terrifying, but also, so happy."

“It’s…Littlepip…” I said in awe. “That’s…wow…”

"I got to be a pony again thanks to her. For a Stable mare she sure could be a real Wasteland Pony when she needed. Heh, you youngbloods have it so good these days. I envy that, but it also makes me happy."

Right… I might have had my egg found in the Hoof wastes, but I'm not a Wasteland Griffin.

“I…I know…” I sighed. “It’s…part of why I’m sad…because I…stupidly romanticised the adventure…the many people Littlepip helped…but…seeing this…” I shook my head. “I just hate myself for thinking it was…better than it truly is…”

"I guess the blame is on my generation too. We didn't want you all to know how bad it really was. We wanted to make sure you all got to keep that innocence that we never really got to have." Plush said.

“Yeah…” I sighed. “I…used to be a historian, and I never really found anything besides the positives, how people were trying to make good on a bad situation…I just…never realized how bad the situation was.”

"I guess that was the point. Sorry to break your expectations."

“It’s…well, it’s not fine…but it’s a good reality check…” I shook my head. “Just…wish my adventure wasn’t going to be…so much worse…”

"Well, then all that means is ya gotta see it through. Whatever you are going to go though, you don't want others to end up going through the same thing do ya?"

“Yeah…” I nodded. “I…really don’t want others to go through the nonsense I’m going through at the moment.” I chuckled.

"Well, then keep that feeling close. Let it motivate ya to keep on when things get hard. And remember why, who or what you'll be fighting for." She said.

Right…

I touched my belly… I got two little ones on the way… and I'll be damned if they grow up in a world, In a universe tormented by War.

“Yeah…I’ll make sure to do the right thing…especially for my kids…”

The six dream realm days passed fairly quick. I spent it helping Sleep dealing with dream monsters and Nightmares.

It was a little disorienting being, from my perception, awake and doing stuff for six days just to wake up and see an hour from when I first entered the dream realm.

I sat up and- Shiiiiiiiit! Okay, eggs are coming out now!

It was painful but thankfully quick and after just twenty minutes of pushing my eggs are wrapped in sheets on my bed. Wow I am so glad I'm not a pony. They hold them for like, what a year then push out for hours up to a day or more? Thank stars I'm a griffin…

My eggs were large, about three pounds each and an off white color.

Okay, now to… take them to Hex.

“Ugh…can I get some help…” I panted, fearful of moving my eggs without some assistance even if my instincts didn’t want me to move them at all.

"Contacting Hex and Medbay staff." Amanda informed.

In less than ten minutes another Griffin, dressed in a white lab coat with a red cross on it came in. "Plory?" He asked.

“Yeah, that’s me.” I nodded. “Two healthy, three pound eggs…”

"Great. I'll just perform a physical for you to ensure your health and check on the eggs in a minute." He performed the physical and then checked on my eggs. He then brought out a strange metal and class floating case that he gently placed my eggs into. Once he sealed it my eggs floated in a faint white light and the glass displayed a timer, two, and some other data. "This incubator is specially built to care for and hold any egg laying members eggs and keep them in perfect conditions and calculate the expected hatch time."

“That’s good.” I nodded, glad to know they’ll be in a safe spot.

"Yes and in case you're concerned the incubator is waterproof, fireproof, the floating gives gyroscopic stability so no concern for falls or an external impact causing harm. Can handle the vacuum and cold of space and is sturdy enough to survive the impact of a gauss rifle on full auto."

So basically, my eggs are in the safest thing on Equis and this ship. Good.

“That makes me feel even better.” I sighed happily. “They’re in the safest place possible here.”

"Precisely." He nodded. "It also comes with an alert that in case something does happen the Medbay is informed immediately." He stated. He then handed me a cup of two pills. "Take these and in two hours your body will be back in top form."

“Thank you.” I nodded, taking the pills immediately.

With my eggs safe and secure and I still had a lot of maternity leave.

I ended up laying in bed more and watching TV.

“What am I going to do?” I muttered to myself, even though I had six days to process Plush’s life…it still felt so horrible that I even tried to romanticize it…even if Plush admitted that her and everyone else wanted the stories to be seen more for ‘doing good even in a terrible situation’...reality is a lot harsher than I thought it would be.

I know I need to do… something. I basically started this ball rolling and I need to do… something. Maybe I can talk with Tony and try out some shooting range stuff…

"Well…best to at least know how to use a gun better…" I muttered, getting up and heading off to the shooting range.

I grabbed my revolver and went to the Armory.

Tony set up a basic shooting range for me to experiment with and test out.

My aim is horrible.

Out of fifty targets I hit three and not even a bull's-eye, just on the corners.

Still, unlimited ammo for this and any wear my gun got, Tony repaired immediately.

I was here for hours making little progress.

"Hey, there you are." I turned to see Grunk walk up next to me. "Saw our eggs are in an incubator."

“Yeah, and I’m happy to know they are super safe.” I nodded.

"So, having fun?"

“Not really…I’m barely making any progress.” I huffed.

"Heh, guns do take time to master. Maybe your skills could also lie with a different kind of weapon?"

Never really used weapons before. A BB gun mom got me when I was twelve. A cheap .22 I got when I moved for self defense I never used save one sneaky radroach coming home from shopping some time ago.

Maybe I would be better with a different weapon?

“Hmm…you might be right.” I nodded. “Might as well try as many as I can…”

"What do you want to try?"

That is a thought. Most of the guns I know are from seeing them on local guards or seeing pictures of them and reading about them in pre-war books and The Book of Littlepip and similar pre-gardens era stories.

Pistols. Shotguns. Rifles. Heavy arms. Explosives. Magical every weapons… magic too given that inplant of mine gives me access to spells.

“Let’s start with Rifles.” I said simply.

Tony made me a few rifles. A .22, a .308, and a semi auto 5.56.

The .22 was really easy to handle, but had little in terms of power or range. Despite being a rifle it didn't go far. The .308 was more powerful, had good range but accuracy wise I still wasn't the best. Better than with my revolver but not hitting bullseye.

The 5.56 was interesting. It didn't have the power the .308 had but wasn't lacking either, fired long and being semi auto because I missed a shot I could try and quickly adjust and hit it quick the second shot.

“Well…this feels a bit more comfortable…” I hummed.

"Makes sense. This model of gun was actually built by a Griffin arms company." Tony said as he appeared in a flash of blue pixels next to me.

“Really? That’s pretty cool.” I said. “At least got some better accuracy than my revolver…”

"It also comes with some modifications if you'd like plus I can add and make more to it if you want."

“Really? What can you add if I may ask?”

"Well it comes with a drum mag giving it over sixty rounds, a holographic sight with a targeting assist enchantment to make you more likely to aim properly and hit your mark and lastly a recoil compressor stock to absorb more of the recoil for you."

“That’s pretty cool.” I nodded. “Might as well get it decked out to see how it works.”

Tony took the gun. His advanced technology, like magic, put all the mods onto it.

The gun now had a large round magazine sticking out under it, the stock looked like a mix of springs and air pumps that seemed to be the means of recoil absorption. The sight was amazing. Looking down it, it would zoom in, give a percentage chance of my hit and calculate where to move or when to shoot all in my hud.

“Now this is cool.” I said with an eager smile.

"Heh. Looks like you found your weapon." Grunk said with a smirk.

“Yes, yes I did.” I smiled. “And this gun is great.”

"Let's go home then. I brought pizza for dinner."

Oh, I've heard of Pizza but never had it!

Grunk and I went home, ate. I enjoyed an intimate night again. With protection this time.

The next morning Grunk went to work and I checked on the eggs. They were fine, and I began some personal interest. Ship has a whole history of Equestria on record. Time to see how things really went down.

I went to my office, floated the incubator with my eggs next to my desk, sat in my chair and opened up Equestria's file. Let's see. First, the beginning.

“Alright, let’s see the real history of Equestria, that isn’t filtered with a bunch of noble cheating crap…” I muttered.

Starting from records and analysis from before The Eternity arrived. Everything was… fascinating. Seeing live video and photos of the evolution of species and culture in these records was like what I imagine being a God watching over the planet is like. I read and watched and examined it all, stopping around the Rise of Discord and stretching while also getting something to eat.

“Who knew reading about the beginning of everything would make me so hungry.” I chuckled to myself.

The kitchen had it's own food fabrication machine. I ordered a hamburger and a large soda called a Coke. It's tasty.

Once I ate I went back to my studies.

As I was reading through these I checked foot-notes and…

Oh… my… stars!

I got up and rushed back to the Zoo immediately. Okay, section ten, section ten! Yes!

I sat and before me I saw them…

Alicorns!

Not like the mutated ones down below, real, actual Alicorns. Mindless yes but Alicorns!

And this one! Draconici! All kinds, mindless and magically suppressed but they're here! Holy crap! This is amazing!

“Holy hell in a handbasket…” I muttered in awe. “This…this is incredible…”

"Greetings Plory." The Zoo AI, Noah, greeted me as he appeared in a flash of white pixels. "I wasn't expecting visitors today."

“Sorry about that Noah.” I said sheepishly. “But…I had to see for my own eyes what Draconici and Alicorn’s looked like…”

"Ah yes, the classic, non mutation based ones. Yes. Quite the unique species biologically. Long lives and gifted with extreme magical powers."

“I can imagine given what I just read up.” I said honestly. “But…an entire race of them? Wow.”

"It's what we do here in the Eternity Zoo. Keep the races alive and healthy in the event of mass extinction. That includes the modern day mutant versions."

“Neat.” I nodded. “So…will these people ever be brought out or will they be stuck here?”

"Given the modern mutant Alicorns upon the planet it doesn't seem relevant to place any."

“Fair enough.” I nodded.

"They will all be safe here and should a Planet Maker be appointed they might get a planet of their own."

I looked up and over at Noah.

“Planet Maker?” I inquired.

"Basically, the Planet Maker has the third highest authority on the ship. Only under First Mate Vision and the Captains. The Planet Maker has full access to the Garden, the Zoo, the historical archives and records and gets special access to use the Celestial Maker. An extremely powerful tool that can literally make planets, suns, solar systems and galaxies. A process that takes nature and the universe millions and billions of years, the Celestial Maker can accomplish in hours. It is this tool that makes The Eternity far more than just an archiving and preservation ship. It makes this ship Hope for a future no matter the catastrophe."

I blinked. “Wow…”

"Yes. To be titled the ships Planet Maker is the highest honor any of the staff could hope to achieve."

“I can imagine.” I said honestly. “Being able to just…create planets and stars?”

"Yes. It's a position rarely filled as they are appointed by the Captains and they are very critical of who they appoint to it. Last Planet Maker was appointed three hundred thousand years ago."

“And…I presume they’re long dead?” I inquired. “Cause three hundred thousand years is…a very long time even by this place's standards.”

"Yes. The Last Planet Maker passed two hundred and twenty years ago."

“Sounds about right.” I nodded.

"While you are here is there anything else you'd like to see here within the Zoo?"

“I’d…like to see some of the other races of Equis please.” I said, knowing there’s a lot on this big planet but wanting to know all of them before I have to go back and forth in my studies.

"If you wish." He said, a wave of his hand and the walls moved before me. The next window I saw was filled with barren rock and hot magma as dragons flew around or dug into the molten slag. "First up are the dragons. Evolved as a perfect immunity to the heat of even magma they thrive and seek to sustain themselves purely off raw minerals from rocks, the magic native in your planets gemstones, and while meat is applicable it is not necessary for them."

“They’re fucking huge!” I said in shock, some of those dragon’s damn near the size of literal mountains.

"Yes. They actually have a very unique life-death cycle. See, most don't actually die from old age. Rather when the dragon gets tired of living they simply sleep and never wake up, fossilizing alive and forming ore deposits of titanium and platinum and gold and silver."

“That’s…terrifying.” I blinked. “Like…Dragon’s just become so done that…they literally fall asleep and change the topography of the planet?”

"Well biologically they are basically immortal so death can only come by sleeping through fossilization. There are actually many similar species across the stars that do the same."

“Huh…that’s rather interesting.” I nodded.

Noah waved his hand again and this time I saw what looked like… centaurs?!

"This is a rare species upon Equis. Centaurs are a mixed breed made from multiple generations of pony, goat, and certain primate cross breeding to create the post-war Centaur. They were a small numbers species and sadly it seems according to scans all on the surface are dead, ghouls or mutated into monsters save one."

“And…who’s this one still living Centaur?” I inquired.

"You'd have to contact the Equis Census AI for that." Noah informed.

I'll pocket that info for now cause… a Census AI? And for Equis specifically?

“Alright…another time for that, let’s see the next race.”

Noah waved his hand. The next window showed a whole lot of darkness. "This habitat holds the Umbrum race. They're long since Extinct on Equis."

“I…think I heard something about them in my historian job…something about the Crystal Empire and someone named ‘Sombra’?” I brought up.

"They are a unique race born from wild magic. They primarily are bodiless, but are capable of obtaining physical bodies through rituals. They are of course attuned to dark magic and are immune to the side effects such magic typically has on any other who casts it. They are weak to natural light or magic rich in positive emotions. Either can be lethal to them."

“Well then.” I frowned. “That…sucks hard core.”

"That doesn't mean they are incapable of love, compassion or empathy, but such emotions can easily be weaponized on them."

Noah waved his hand again, this time showing me some kind of weird… monkey… cat… thing.

"We've called this Auize. They're native to jungles and thick forests, but are also very small in numbers. They went extinct when the bombs fell."

“A lot of thing’s went extinct when the bombs fell…” I sighed.

The next window showed me… Sphinxes! "These actually still exist but are endangered on the Planet's surface. They're a rather seclusive and isolated race."

“Holy hell I never thought I’d see actual Sphinxes!” I said in glee.

The next few hours were filled with all kinds of species I knew, heard of and didn't think were real.

When it was done I decided to go see this Census AI. After asking Amanda I learned they're in a special room in the Storage Bay.

It took a while and after some time I found the one where the Equis Sensus AI was.

Entering the room it was all… blank. The same general look and such as the armory without Tony doing anything really.

"Greetings." In a flash of yellow pixels appeared before me a book with a face on the cover. A generic smiley face with two dots for eyes and a line mouth. "I am Equis Census AI Notebook. How may I be of service?"

“Yes, I’d like to know about the last living Centaur on Equis please.” I said.

"Alright." They said, the book opening and revealing the image of a young and old red, black and grey centaur. "Name, Tirek. Location, Tartarus Prison. Crimes, magic theft, regicide, mass destruction, and mass murder. Oh my. It seems many still reside within the Tartarus Prison and all guilty of crimes. Please inform ship Security AI of this and file request to detain aboard the Eternity."

"Hear that Amanda?" I inquired.

"Understood. Submitting report." My AI replied.

Well, while I'm here might as well see just how far this Census AI bot goes in terms of what it does.

"So…what do you do here?" I asked the AI simply.

"As one of the many capable and responsible Census AI it is my job specifically to look over the population of Equis and archive every individual who has lived upon it's soil. From birth til death I scan, record and analyze them all in their daily lives. Physiology, mental scanning and even brain scans to properly archive them as living beings. I can then use that data to create a perfect replica of them as an AI or if allowed, use the genes of them stored in the Gene Banks of the Equis Census to clone and place them into a body all of their own."

… He can practically bring back the dead?!

"Hold up…you can just…bring back the dead!?" I squawked incredulously.

"Don't be silly. My process has nothing to do with necromancy or spiritual Spellcraft. I merely replicate the original biological body and use the data I obtain to craft an exact copy of a being. The soul, if they receive one and 99.9% of the time they do, is typically not the original. Can copy the mind, rebuild the body but can't clone a soul or copy that. Yet."

Just when I thought this ship couldn't be crazier…

"The fact you say 'yet' concerns me…'

"Don't fret about it. But is there anyone from the past you'd like to speak with?"

I… I literally have access to… everyone who has ever lived on Equis to talk to…wait- Professor!

Hex already is fixing his body in Medbay, if Notebook has his mind and memories on file…

"Can…can you bring back my Professor?"

"Your professor? Clockwork? Easily. I see his body is almost repaired. He seems to have suffered from War's cognitive override but I can re-imprint his memories from just before that happened and that's it."

"Thank you." I nodded. "Cause I…really need to talk to him."

"Alright. I'll send notice to Medbay to inform them of the mental imprinting. Anyone else you'd like to speak to? I could generate their AI form quickly."

"Hmm…" I hummed, trying to think of who I might want to talk to.

I could… talk to anyone really. The princesses. The ministry mares… even ponies from way before the war! Like the founders of Equestria or, or…

My… birth mom… parent…

Oh wow this feels… weird. Speaking of, I need to visit Mom-Mom…

Okay, talk to birth mom then visit mom.

"Can you bring up my…birth mother?" I asked.

"Can do. One moment please."

Notebook swirled into a vortex of pixels and then began reforming from the floor. Soon, a Griffoness… hermaphrodite… person just a bit taller than I am was standing before me.

They opened their eyes, and squacked. "Wha-how? What?!" She then looked at me, then herself. "What the? I… I was being chased by dogs… wild ones and… did I die? What kind of afterlife is this? Why do you look like me?"

"Because I'm…your daughter…so…hi mom…" I said slowly.

"You… what? But my egg still…" She moved a claw towards me, only for it to phase through me. "What? I… am I dead? What? But… You… you look… so much like me. I mean, I figured that would be the case… are you also… like me? Down there?"

“No.” I shook my head. “Full female griffon…and uh…well, it’s a long story mom.”

"How are we even talking? How old are you? Who raised you?"

“Well…I was going to be seeing my…mom-mom after this…I don’t know if you can come with me to meet her.” I said honestly.

"I… can you tell me what's going on… Gella?"

Gella?

“Gella?” I asked. “Is…that the name you had for me?”

"Well, one of them. I figured if you were born like me or female only Gella would be a good name. If you were a boy or a… more masculine looking version of me, Gallow." She said. "What… do you go by?"

“Mom named me Plory.” I answered.

"Plory? Sounds nice. So… an explanation?" I nodded, starting from when mom found my egg til, well, now. After some time mom… birth mom, seemed to be processing it all. "That's all… wow. I mean… I'm still not to sure how much I believe but…" She phased her talons back through me. "Can't argue against that either… a historian turn alien space crew technician… you way surpassed what I hoped you'd do with your life."

“Well…I mean, it sucks that I accidentally caused War itself to wake up…” I said sheepishly.

"Still, you've done a lot with your life, and, hey, you're gonna be a mom… I'm gonna be a grandma… kinda surreal when I'm basically a computer ghost." She chuckled.

“I mean, we’re going to be fixing that real soon.” I answered. “Cause we can make you a new body…and I want my kids to know both their grandmothers.” I said with a smile…which then turned into a grimace. “Seriously, how the hell are you that flexible?”

"Oh sweetie I'm sure you don't want answers to questions you lack the equipment to understand." She chuckled. "So… how long until I can basically come back from the dead?"

“Uh…” I hummed. “How long will it take?” I inquired the AI of Wonders.

"Full body cloning takes three days. Mental imprinting takes one hour." Amanda informed.

“So about three days.” I shrugged.

"Well, apparently I've been dead for over twenty years so, what's three days." Mom said. "Can't wait to meet the mare who raised you."

“She’s super nice, and sweet.” I said happily. “I just know you’ll enjoy meeting her.”

"Her and your baby daddy Grunk. He sounds sexy~"

“Oi! He’s mine.” I growled. “You can have mom…wait…” I blinked at what the hell I’m saying. “Uh…”

"Well if she's into that I'd be happy to make us an official family~"

I facepalmed…

Mom laughed.

Three days later, Mom got her new body, and Professor Clockwork was back.

He was… well, first, happy to be alive again, had a minor identity crisis before then getting detracted by all the historical knowledge and was assigned to Physical Archives.

Mom was happy to have her body back. She apparently really enjoyed her post-Killing Joke two gendered Griffin body and was happy to be in it again.

Now we were flying in an auto-pilot pod ship to the Hoof.

"Feels… different." Mom said as she rubbed her feathers and fur.

"How so?" I inquired.

"I don't know. Before I still kinda felt like, well, me. Even as a new species and with extra parts I felt… normal, but I guess it's just the whole, been dead, mental copy and replicated body thing." Mom shrugged.

"It's probably something that you'll get used to soon…" I sighed. "I still don't really know this stuff but I'm getting there…"

"Hey, the fact I'm even here at all is amazing. It will take some getting used to the whole twenty years dead thing… and missing out on your life but I am able to tag along on the ship. I asked and even got a job."

"Which is good." I nodded. "What job did you get?"

"I'm officially the Residential Quarters first brothel." I choked on air. "What? You think having my egg and twenty years dead would stop me shaking what killing joke gave me."

And I thought I was a pervert… well at least I know where I get in from…

"Well…at least you'll be doing what you like…" I said sheepishly.

"I was always told to trust and follow my guts. They just didn't specify which." Mom said with a Chuckle.

"Yeah…that's one way to look at it." I chuckled.

The ride was quick and landing I took a deep breath as I took in the sight and look of my hometown.

"Well…home sweet home…" I said simply.

The town of Chapel was where I called home and seeing it again was… nice. It was here where I grew up listening to the story of Security, then The Lightbringer. I mean, this place is home to Security's Tomb so, yeah.

Another thing is that the residents here are used to weird or odd things. So I was happy few if any batted an eye when we showed up here in a mini spaceship.

"Hopefully mom is okay…" I muttered, having been gone for a while I was worried something happened.

"This place looks nice." Mom said as she looked around.

“Yeah, it’s really nice.” I said with a smile. “Everyone’s used to nonsense, so don’t expect to truly surprise anyone.”

I walked with her through town until we came across a brick and wood house. There in the yard I saw Mom. A white unicorn mare with an orange mane, bright yellow eyes and a Target Mark for a cutie mark. My adoptive mother, Spring Flower.

She turned over to me, smiled big and rushed in and gave me a hug. "Plory! Sweetie, I wasn't expecting you home! How have you been? I heard some wild things happened around where you live. How was the expedition?"

I gave my unicorn mother a hug as well. “Mom…there is so much I have to talk to you about.” I said. “But…first thing’s first…mom, I want you to meet…my birth mother.”

Mom looked over at her, gently let go of me, walked up to my birth mom… and socked her right across the beak.

I held mom back.

"You abandon your egg in the Hoof waste and expect to jump back into her life like a-"

My adoptive mom is very, very, very protective of me. And prone to violence. Often. My bullies feared her… and I do as well.

Time To Work

View Online

"I think you cracked my beak…" Mom said.

"Sorry." Mom replied, wrapping some healing bandages around moms beak.

Well that sentence made little sense…

“So anyways…” I sighed. “We got the violence out of your system mom?”

"Yes." Mom said, turning over to me now. "Now… start from the beginning Plory sweetie, because While you were prying me off her neck I remember you saying something about her having been dead?"

“She’s been dead for twenty years.” I said. “She died protecting my egg and…you thankfully found me…and how she’s alive is…a whole other can of worms…” I said sheepishly.

"I see. Now, onto the more important topic." Mom said, pulling me right against her muzzle with her magic. "When were you gonna tell me you had eggs?!"

Wait what?! How did she? I didn't say anything yet?!

“Uh…how and why do you know that?” I asked in shock. “I didn’t say anything about it!”

"Sweetie when I found your egg I read up all about Griffin biology and health. I am a nurse. I can tell you've had eggs, and recently too because similar to pony births the Griffoness hips widen by a few millimeters and the plumage around your neck has grown larger and fluffier to help keep the eggs warm."

I gently brushed down my plumage in embarrassment…cause yes, it’s larger and fluffier. “W-well…” I said, also looking back at my hips and worried it would get bigger.

"So, who took my babies flower? Was it a one night stand or did some low life get to you at a bar?"

“This is where…the complications get it.” I said sheepishly. “Let’s go inside cause…you’re gonna need to sit down for this.”

"Sweetie, your birth mother has supposedly been dead the last twenty years and here she is, not to mention, I'm a nurse in the Hoof, I've seen and heard it all."

“So…” I trailed off, trying to figure out where to start…before just throwing caution to the wind and telling her everything that I needed to, especially Grunk and all that.

After that, she seemed to be processing that info. "Hmm… Aliens. Welp odds are it was gonna happen sooner or later." Mom shrugged.

"Wait, you mean you just accept that right off the bat? I've come back from the dead and I still don't know how much of it I believe." Birth Mom said.

"It's the Hoof, what other ponies largely consider weird or out of the ordinary we just consider it as another Tuesday." Mom replied, looking back at me. "So, Grunk. This ship built them to be your perfect partner?"

“Well…originally he was just a feral griffon that uh…took a mighty fancy to me…” I blushed brightly. “Then they decided to…make him perfect for me when they were giving him intelligence and the like…”

"I see. Well, perfectly made for you or not I want to have words with the Griffin who deflowered my Baby Bird and fathered her eggs."

I blushed at hearing mom's nickname for me.

“Mo~m!” I whined.

"Oh hush, you loved that nickname as a chick. Especially when I'd sing you that song and you'd coo along in tune." Mom said, making me blush harder.

"I missed so much being dead." Birth mom sighed.

"I have lots of photos and home movies." Mom said.

"I need to see them." Birth mom said with a smile.

I facepalmed.

Several hours of embarrassing photo and video memories later, Mom joined me and Birth Mom in the ship heading back to the Eternity.

"So you used to be a unicorn but Poison Joke made you a Griffoness with a dick?" Mom asked.

"Yes. I worked at a brothel/strip club and, well, that's how Plory came along. I was always known for my flexibility~" Birth Mom replied.

"Explains why she looks exactly like you. And why her DNA tests always came back with errors. I guess it's lucky she wasn't born with genetic illnesses."

“Yes, it was very confusing and concerning when I originally found that out.” I said honestly. “But thankfully, the system’s here told me that there was absolutely no genetic problems.”

"Useful. So, what do you do on this ship Plory?"

“I’m a researcher.” I said honestly. “Doing tests, documenting things, and just all around trying to learn stuff from horror’s beyond comprehension, even to being’s that are well over a few billion years old.”

"Ah, so does that mean you aren't a historian anymore?"

“Well, technically I’m still a historian, just for…a lot of other races.” I said sheepishly. “I’ve learned…a whole lot…and I also learned that…Pre-Garden times are fucking awful.”

"Well, no offense sweetie but that was rather obvious." Mom said.

“Well, I was told from someone that the survivor’s didn’t want people to see how…extra terrible it was, and just focus on the kinda good bits.” I frowned. “Cause when you go into a dream world and talk to a mare named Plush that…went through it all…”

"The more I hear about these aliens and what they're doing the more I get confused."

"Ditto." Birth Mom said in agreement.

Eventually, we arrived at the ship and after parking this thing I brought them to my quarters. My eggs still floating in the incubator where I left them.

"Oh my gosh, Twins!" Mom cheered, looking at my eggs through the glass.

"Wow Plory, you must have been really flexible to pull that off. It's not often a Griffin lays more than one." Birth Mom said. "Only reason I know that is because some of my old coworkers were Griffins."

"She's right. Twins are often a one in five hundred chance." Mom added.

“Well…I’m a lucky griffon that’s for sure.” I said with some pride even with the embarrassment of both moms talking about how ‘flexible’ I am.

"You laid them recently?" Mom asked.

“Yeah, just shy of a week ago.” I said honestly.

"Well they're in good shape and this… incubator seems to be keeping them at proper temperature and humidity levels. Oh I can't wait til they hatch. So, where is your baby daddy?"

“These two are in the safest place in the universe from what I’m told.” I said, gently patting the incubator. “And Grunk? Um…Amanda? Where’s Grunk?” I asked my AI real quick.

"Grunk is on Security Detail for Level 3 Prisoners." Amanda stated.

“Right then, so Grunk is on security detail at the moment.” I said honestly.

"So, should we wait around here til he gets back then?" Birth Mom asked. Really need to figure out better names to refer to them by.

“Might as well, and while we’re at it I can give you a tour.” I said honestly.

"I already got a job as the ship's first brothel." Birth Mom said.

"So, will Plory be expecting siblings?" Mom asked.

"Maybe. If it happens it happens." Birth Mom shrugged.

“Considering how horny mom is…I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens soon…”

"How does being a brothel help this advanced alien ship and its crew at all?" Mom asked.

"It helps morale." Birth Mom said.

"Sadly I can't really argue with that."

I gave them both a tour, the ship, the storage bay, the cafeteria, all that.

At the end of the tour Mom ended up getting her own job. Also, a nurse for the med bay.

"Say Spring, care to be my first customer~" Birth mom asked mom.

"Despite the fact you have the equipment down there I'll have to decline. No offense but learning you and Plory are basically genetically identical sits wrong with me when that is a factor." Mom replied.

"Awh."

"Speaking of, keeping that in mind wouldn't any siblings Plory has that you don't fertilize yourself be considered her kids also given you're genetically identical?"

"I dunno. Maybe? They'd be her sibling-children… okay yeah that sounds wrong." Birth Mom admitted. "Hm. Finding out Plory is basically my twin/clone despite me having given birth to her is… weird, family tree wise."

"Yeah…"

“It is very weird.” I nodded.

"Well, guess we should head back to Plory's quarters and wait for this Grunk to show up." Mom shrugged.

“Alright, and my room isn’t really anything special.” I shrugged, leading both my mom’s down to my room.

"It's a place to wait."

Getting back to my Quarters, Mom and Birth Mom sat on the couch and talked while I went to my office and looked through some more files.

“Alright…” I muttered, going through my current work load here and wondering what was special.

Let's see… hmm…let's see here… deadly, deadly, deadly, can be deadly, deadly if used wrong. Nothing too unique or sticking out here.

Oh, here's something.

Prisoner 004321343213.
Species: N/A.
Prisoner 004321343213 is not in nature organic. Prisoner appeared as a Terran Mask most often associated with classical plays for comedy or tragedy. Prisoner naturally through willful mental manipulation. The prisoner will force anyone weak-willed to want to put them on, and if success is achieved the victim is mentally killed, allowing the prisoner full control.
Bodies, organic or not, are degraded over time through a naturally produced corrosive substance the prisoner secrets, this will decay any host they acquire until nothing remains.
Prisoner in question when worn by a host body is described as a deranged, charismatic figure whose actions and goals appear to soly be a bringer of chaos and anarchy, leading all who he engages with dead.
Prisoner is kept in an anti-telepathic cell where his corrosive secretions are dropped into a contained tank where a solution is mixed in that nullifies the corrosive substance and renders it safe for disposal.
Interviews and visitations must be approved by level 4 Security and all in attendance are required to wear special helmets to render the prisoners mental abilities null.

“Well…that’s surprising…” I muttered to myself, surprised that they haven’t either figured out how to shatter the thing or to make the mask brain dead.

I decided to look into this mask some more.

Prisoner 004321343213 Logs.
File 1: Prisoner arrived after reports of a small Terran Colony Ship initiated it's self-destruct protocol. Prisoner was found wearing a host missing half their body mass, still 'alive', through perhaps animate would be a better term, under Prisoners controle.
Prisoner quickly tried to force Security Captain Ego Kither into wearing them.
Upon success late Captain Ego proceeded to draw weapons on fellow Eternity Guards.
First Mate Vision arrived shortly after confrontation started, their Mind Stone helping them resist Prisoners influence.
File 2: Prisoner interview as follows. Prisoner host is a mannequin made from corrosive resistant materials. Mannequin was reduced to nothing after four days.
Prisoner: I say what an amazing ship! The technology, the knowledge! Oh it's so wonderful.
Interviewer: Focus Prisoner. First things first, do you have a name?
Prisoner: Oh box I go by many names and titles depending on where I go and who I possess, but I have no name of my own. Never needed one. Don't care for one.
Interviewer: Alright then. So, what are you and where did you come from?
Prisoner: Well, I'm a mask, obviously, I just have more of a personality than most. As for where I come from, Earth, however, not this one in particular. I'm not to sure how I got here but I must say I am not disappointed. Aliens, space travel, all so much more entertaining than back home.
Interviewer: I see. Well, given your initial capture and the displayed abilities, you will be placed in a cell which will collect your corrosive secretions and block your telepathic influences
Prisoner: Well, you're no fun. No fun at all.
End Logs.

That's it? Rather short…

"Well…best that thing stay locked up…" I frowned.

I browsed through more files, coming across another interesting Prisoner.

Prisoner: 1129731
Race: N/A
Prisoner 1129731, commonly referred to as Plague Doctor, or just Doctor, by faculty is a bipedal humanoid creature resembling a Terren dressed in what is known as a Plague Doctors attire.
Despite appearances, the Plague Doctors attire is not separate from their body. It's akin to a type of exoskeleton from beak to books, even the hood.
The Doctors touch is lethal, one touch and victims hearts stop immediately and no amount of resuscitation will start it beating again.
Despite this the Plague Doctor is rather cordial, kind and genuinely seems to desire aiding others regardless of species. They consider themselves a man of medicine, despite the heavily outdated medical practices, the Plague Doctor does have a hefty understanding of Human Medicine and anatomy.
The Doctor is contained in a Level 2 cell of which is outfitted with a laboratory of which he is given feral cloned human subjects to experiment with.
The subjects, after experimentation, revive in what is commonly referred to as Zombies. Biologically the subjects are dead despite the Doctors Insistence they are cured of an unknown disease he refers to as The Pestilence.
All subjects of his treatment are stored in Biological Hazards Specimens Lab 3.
All personal wishing to communicate with the Doctor must do so via the designated speaking chamber adjacent to their cell.

“Well…that kinda sucks.” I frowned. “But good to know.”

I made a mental note to visit this Plague Doctor later.

"Plory, I'm back!" I heard Grunk call out as I got out the chair and headed to the door. He was looking as mom and mom on the couch. "And… who are they?"

“Hey Grunk.” I smiled, walking over and nuzzling my mate. “I’d like you to meet my adoptive mom Spring Flower,” I motioned to the mare. “And this is my birth mother and…technically father, Melody Coos…she turned into a griffon due to Poison Joke.”

"Hello handsome~" Ma Melody… yeah that works, said at seeing Grunk.

"Pleasure. So, you're the father of my soon to be grand chicks." Mom said.

"Uh, yes ma'am." Grunk said with a gulp.

“Don’t worry, she won’t try to assault you.” I said to Grunk, giving mom a quick little glare to make sure she wouldn’t. “And Ma is…horny yes, but you’re mine.”

"Ma? Huh. I actually like that." Ma said with a smirk.

"In any case we both will be working and living aboard this ship as well so, treat our daughter well." Mom said.

"Yes Ma'am. I wouldn't be here if not for her so, I'll give her my everything." Grunk said.

Mom, seeming satisfied with that answer, got up. "Come on Melody, we best start our jobs."

"Alright." Ma said. "We'll visit often." She added before following mom out.

Once they left and the door closed Grunk exhaled. "Well, your Mom is terrifying… and your Ma… also scares me but in a different way."

“Mom can be very scary yes and…I believe you were worried about her jumping your bones or something?”

"That or trying something sneaky. You two look scary alike." Grunk said. "So, aside from your parents living and working here now, I miss anything else?"

“Well, why I look scarily like Ma is…because the Poison Joke and her being…stupidly flexible…” I shook my head. “Things happened when she was drunk and said ‘check this shit’...but besides that, nothing much.”

"Okay… how are the eggs?" Grunk asked, looking like he wanted a subject change.

“The eggs are doing good.” I said with a smile. “That incubator is a god send for us.”

"Great. So, want anything for dinner?"

“Sure.” I said with a smile. “I am getting kinda hungry.”

"Alright, let's go eat then, maybe spend some alone time together?"

“I would love some alone time.” I said, nuzzling Grunk happily as we headed off to the dining hall.

We ate our meals, chatting a little before heading back to our quarters, locking the door and enjoying some time as a couple.

I woke up how I've come to enjoy waking up. Grunk wrapped around me, a little sore and sticky down there, and feeling a mix of relaxed and tired that somehow complemented each other nicely.

I stayed there, enjoying the embrace for a while longer.

Eventually Grunk woke up, giving me a kiss before we both got up with a yawn and stretch.

I took my shower first, then once I dried off I checked on the eggs. The two little things looked just as they did last night. Good.

I pat the incubator and quickly left for the cafeteria and got breakfast. It was here I saw Ma, looking tired but drinking a large pot of coffee. And yes, I mean a whole pot.

"Morning Plory." Ma said.

“Morning Ma. How you doing this fine morning?”

"Sleepy." She replied.

“I can see that.” I chuckled. “Did you start working or did you need to go through orientation first?”

"Oh I started working. Lots of fun. Thought about going to sleep and suddenly a sense of dread hit me as I imagined going to sleep and not waking up again… so I spent the night with whoever kept their door open that late. Surprisingly, was a lot, and here I am now. Washed, sore, but here."

I moved over and hugged my Ma. “I’m sorry to hear you went through that…I would have offered at least emotional support so you wouldn’t have…gone through that.”

"I guess I'm still in shock. Or denial." Ma said with a sigh. "I… remember dying Plory. I remember feeling as my body was ripped apart. Getting tired despite all the pain. The cold creeping in as my eyes went dark… then, poof. I'm seeing you in that room where I was a digital ghost thing… and then I'm flesh and blood again, meeting the mare who raised you it… I haven't fully processed it all yet. Honestly I doubt I ever will."

“I understand ma.” I said softly. “It’s…it’s a lot to take in…I’m just happy you're here.”

"Thanks Plory." She sighed. "I guess I should get therapy or something huh?"

“Most likely yes.” I nodded. “Cause this…is still a lot to take in…”

"I guess if I can't sleep tonight I'll see that med bay, maybe take a sedative induced nap then get proper therapy when I don't feel like dropping head first to the ground."

“That’s fair.” I nodded. “Just take your time Ma…nobody’s expecting you to do a lot of thing’s day one.”

"Oh I dunno. Some of those storage room staff sure saw me do a lot of things. And that was just in an hour~"

My ears!!

“Lalalalalalala I can’t hear shit!” I whined, covering my ears as I pretended not to hear such horrid things.

"Oh please, with that stud in your bed I imagine you've done a fair amount yourself~" Ma teased, poking at my side.

I slapped her talon away with my wing, my face burning red as I pouted. “Ma~.” I whined.

"What? I've missed out on twenty years of your life. I have a lot of teasing to do, among other things, to make up for the lost time."

“I know but still…” I huffed. “I don’t need to hear how horny you are…which explains a little bit as to why I’m that horny…’

"Like mother like daughter." Ma said with a laugh.

I ate my meal, gave Ma another hug and left to meet this Plague Doctor I read about yesterday.

Finding his cell was easy, and entering the adjacent chapter to speak to them was also easy. Here, a large wall of easily six inch thick glass separated me and the cell/lab where the Doctor was. He was exactly like the file photo showed. Tall, maybe… five eight, a long bird like beak face mask all covered in black leather like cloak that was apparently part of his skin or exoskeleton.

He looked up from his book at me. His eyes two small orbs of faint light. "Ah, a visitor! It has been many, many years since I last had the pleasure of speaking to anyone." He said, standing and walking up to the glass. He gave me a polite bow. "I am honored to meet you miss?"

“Plory.” I nodded. “It’s nice to meet you Doctor.”

"The pleasure is all mine miss Plory. Tell me, are you in need of medical treatment? Or has something else brought you to my laboratory?"

“I’d like to talk to you since you seem to be one of the more…pleasant to be around out of the many being’s held here.” I said honestly.

"Ah yes. Many of the old scientists here told me of my fellow imprisoned. While I wish I could enjoy a less confining arrangement, I get to experiment freely and all my test subjects are safely placed in their own storage for recovery. I can not complain much. Definitely an improvement over my old captors."

“Old captors?” I inquired.

"It was many years ago. I was held captive by these… ah, it's been so long I forgot their name. I believe it started with an S… or was it an F? Regardless, they kept me prisoner as well but I was not allowed proper test subjects or patients to treat. Maybe an animal to experiment with but that was rare. Still, they gave me food, shelter and occasionally had me interact with my fellow… how did they call us? Anomalies? Yes, that is the word. Some I recognize as my fellow imprisoned."

“Well…that’s good to know.” I nodded. “So…mind if I ask what this ‘Pestilence’ is?”

"The Pestilence is my life long adversary. An enigma I have dedicated my life to eradicating. Some people are more affected by it than others, but it's a slow and patient illness. A person can go their whole life never showing symptoms but still spread it like wildfire to others. All in all, it is the thing that haunts me each day, and the reason I get up in the mornings."

“I don’t think turning people into Undead is…really solving anything.” I brought up nervously.

"Ah, but it is how they are cured." He replied.

Huh. File was right. He seems to mean no harm in his actions genuinely believing he is doing good.

Probably shouldn't poke the bear further.

“Right…” I muttered. “So, do you have any hobbies besides…well, being a doctor?”

"Reading, some light writing, a few times I picked up some instruments out of curiosity. I'll write out chemical equations and fiddle with my equipment from time to time or review older data."

“That’s understandable.” I nodded. “Hmm…what do you remember in your long life?”

"Sadly, not as much as I'd like. Medical knowledge is always present but experiences and such have become fuzzy. Perhaps I am simply growing old." He chuckled. "I'd have to browse through my journals to remember finer details."

“I understand.” I nodded. “From what I have learned…it’s been a very long time for you and many others.”

"Yes. I guess in all these years I actually started to get old. Funny. Centuries pass in the blink of an eye and I've always stood watching over others, working to cure whatever illness rises time and time again. The idea I'm growing old is… welcoming."

“Why is it welcoming if I may ask?” I inquired.

"Because age, my young Plory, is a right of passage. In all my years, to grow old… I've nearly died many a time in my long life, but as they say, time catches us all eventually. Many people have treated aging as an illness, but that is not the case. It is just… part of living."

“So…you’re happy to still be a part of life?” I inquired.

"Of course. The duty of every physician is to heal and make better all around them, and ensure they live a long life. I took an oath to do no harm, and heal everyone who needs medical attention."

“Probably doesn’t realize that his touch actually kills people but…eh.” I thought to myself carefully. “I understand Doctor, you have your Oath and…it’s very admirable to see you still following it even after all this time.”

"Until I die, I shall obey it." He said with a nod. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss miss Plory?"

“Um…” I hummed, thinking about if there was any questions. “Did you…have any friends? Even among these…’Anomalies’ you said are your fellow…’passengers’?”

"Hmm… a few. There was an orange living ball of slime. I remember one day, he gave me ice cream when I was feeling sad. Such a kind creature. Other than him… there was the Giant, Ferdinand, and a unique small sea slug that seemed to be telepathic and have the memories of an old English adventurer. Or maybe he was the adventure. Whichever the case, he is unaware he is a sea slug, and bringing it up annoys him. He is completely ignorant to that major fact. Heh. Can you imagine being ignorant of such a critical fact of yourself."

I just… grinned and said nothing.

“Well, this was a rather nice talk Doctor.” I said warmly.

"Thank you for the conversation miss Plory. I look forward to another should you visit again." He said, giving me another polite bow.

I left, having that encounter be… really positive. All in all.

“That was nice…” I muttered with a smile, glad to have possibly made a friend here.

I was walking down the hall when-

"Meow." I looked down, seeing half a cat- Half a cat?!

The cat in question seemed to be the upper torsos legs and head, and the rear legs, lower torso, and tail just… not there. Like just missing.

How are they standing?

"Meow." The cat meowed again, looking at me curiously.

“Uh…” I blinked, super confused as to what I’m seeing. “Uh…Amanda?” I asked nervously. “Who did this to the poor cat?”

"The cat in Question is Josie, Josie the Half Cat. Her lower torso down is completely absent from this dimension due to an unknown reason. Despite this she acts and moves around as if the lower half is still present and has no pain or negative side effects due to her condition. She is freely allowed to wander Eternity Levels, and enjoys cheese."

“Huh…okay.” I said honestly, carefully bringing up a talon for the cat to sniff so they get to know me.

She sniffed my talon and then licked them, and put her head into my palm demanding pets.

I smiled, gently petting the half cat. “Friendly aren’t ya?”

She meows, purring as she enjoys the attention.

Once she was satisfied she gave my talons another lick before walking off down the hall.

Well, that was adorable.

"Plory, Captain Death wishes to speak with you." Amanda informed.

I gulped.

“But I didn’t do anything…” I whined, fearing that I was in trouble for something I didn’t do.

I walked to the Captains quarters. I remember coming here. Back when I first helped wake them all up.

The door slid open. The room was largely the same, save screens on the walls and the dust that was here was now gone.

Captain Death sat at a table, the pale unicorn flipping through an old book. "Glad you made it here quickly, Plory." Captain Death said.

“Did I do something wrong Captain?” I inquired, wanting to know if I was in trouble out of nowhere.

"Nothing of the sort." He informed, flipping a page. "Just figured, given you set the ball in motion, if you were willing to assist in a few tasks?"

"What do you have in mind sir?" I inquired.

"As you know, my brother War is not an easily defeated person. Our last war lasted a few centuries and we imprisoned him after it ended. None of my siblings or I can die unless we all choose to die, but, there might be a means of bypassing that little issue."

“Like what?” I inquired. “Is there some secret super weapon in this place that can help us?”

"Not a weapon per say." Captain stated. "For eons my siblings and I have questioned how exactly we came into existence. We know what made us but the how is still a mystery. We are not like the Demons War uses, but not Gods. Well, not exactly. The point is we have tried and failed to recreate our own creation and failed each time. But perhaps the answer lies not in recreating what we are but passing it along."

“And…how do you plan to do that sir?”

"There are many rituals and artifacts that can transfer a god of divine beings power from one to another. None work on us but if we can craft our own artifact then maybe we can accomplish the task."

I blinked. “You’re…literally going to try and pass on your powers and abilities to someone else?”

"Yes. If successful my siblings and I can all die, ending War and hopefully whoever takes his place is not a psychopath."

“That is fair.” I nodded. “And good to know.”

"In order to craft such an artifact we'll need a few special materials and to locate one of a group of specific beings."

“And…who would those specific beings be?” I inquired.

"They refer to themselves as The Family. We don't know all that much about them but past interactions have always been short and interesting."

“Interesting how?” I inquired. “Also…The Family? That name sounds…vaguely familiar…” I frowned, trying to think of why that name gave me some small sense of deja vu, like one of those boring data slates I went through before all this shit happened.

"Well they reset a star, closed a tear in space time by pinching it shut, saw one eat a black hole on a dare, and they're one of the few beings I've ever met that can actually cause my siblings and I genuine pain aside from each other."

“Oh…” I muttered in horror. “That’s…uh…that’s not good…”

"For our purposes, it is. It means if anyone can craft such an artifact it's them." Captain Death said. "Problem is finding them."

“Ever tried calling them?” I asked. “Cause if they’re being’s that can just…do whatever the fuck they want, I don’t see how hard it is to go ‘hey, beings of unknown power, want to grab a bite to eat and talk?’.”

"It doesn't work like that. Well, unless you can catch their attention. People rarely just stumble upon the The Family, rather they are found by them and become part of their self entertainment."

“I mean…that’s fair.” I shrugged.

"So, the hard part is figuring out where they are and or how to get them interested in us to aid our purposes."

“Hmm…” I hummed. “Well…if a simple griffoness somehow finding and unleashing War itself in some accidental Daring Doo nonsense isn’t enough…” I frowned, thinking more about this. “Then what about something that, technically, shouldn’t be possible? At least with what we have at the moment?”

"Like?"

“That’s…going to be a bit rough…” I said carefully. “Cause I have absolutely no idea who or what these people are or what they can do besides the vague thing you said…maybe…” I frowned, trying to think of what could be possible. “Again, The Family still sounds vaguely familiar…it should be from my work going through all those…oh so boring documents of Pre-War times…” I said, pacing back and forth as I tried to remember something so specific after all this nonsense. “Like…there was this…one patient at a Psych ward I had to read about…” I said carefully.

"Really? Have a name?"

I frowned, trying to think of a name. “Ugh, everything that’s been going on it’s kind of hard to remember something this specific, especially when it was just a one off thing I saw…”

"Hm. Well in any case odds are the pony is long dead. So, time to explore Plan B."

“Well, I was going to bring up how they were dreaming about a Door, and talking about The Family in some way that was stopping him, but what’s this Plan B?”

"Hunt for them both the hard and easy way." He said simply. "Plory, you will have two goals, locate a member of The Family, and document the various dimensions you'll be exploring as well."

“Wait wait hold up…you want me to go dimension hopping?”

"Yes. Will that be an issue?"

“I mean…probably not but aren’t there many dangers to that?”

"No more than space travel really."

“Alright…” I sighed. “So, when do I start my traveling and…will this take much longer that I might miss my children hatching?”

"Shouldn't be an issue. Go to Laboratory 3 and speak to the head researcher, I'll send word of what you are to be given."

“Alright.” I nodded. “Anything else you want to talk about sir?”

"That will be all miss Plory."

I nodded. “Have a nice day sir.” I said, turning around and heading off to Lab 3 to get this whole…dimension traveling started.

Lab 3? Huh. Not sure if that makes it important being close to one or just another lab.

Either way I arrived at Lab 3 quickly, the door opening to reveal to me various objects and gadgets all around me. Woah. Neat.

"Hello there." Approaching me was a human, lab coat worn, tired eyes and smelling of burnt metal and oil. "You must be Plory, Correct?"

“Yes I am.” I nodded. “It’s nice to meet you and…you should get some sleep.” I said, seeing the tired eyes of the human and didn’t want them to do something silly while looking like they haven’t slept in a while.

"Heh. Later. Right now you need the Dimensional Wayfinder." He said, walking over to a table and picking up something small. He then handed me the small device.

It was barely the size of my palm and talons, looking like some kind of keychain rather than a device to travel dimensions. I could tell it was technology but nothing else. It did have a small loop on one of the points, five in total like a star. The metal casing it was a shiny silver color.

“So uh…what’s this thing?” I inquired.

"Well, as I said it is called a Dimensional Wayfinder. How it works is that it locks onto a dimension similar enough to our own. Breathable oxygen, ECT, and teleports you there. Then after twenty four to forty eight hours it teleports you back here, the dimension location is logged in your suit AI so if you wish to revisit that dimension you can easily with but a word."

“That’s fair.” I nodded. “Just have to wonder why it’s…shaped like a…keychain?” I asked, remembering seeing some of these in some shops that just sold some minor nicknacks.

"Making it small and easily carried on your person is better than lugging around a clunky machine. Plus it blends in. After all, who'd suspect a Keychain is a means of multiverse travel?"

“Eh, fair.” I shrugged. “So…just gonna hop from reality to reality huh?”

"Yes. I'd recommend gathering supplies and putting that on either a belt or string to act as a necklace or something."

I nodded, rushing back to my room and grabbed my guns, ammo, some bottled water and these special Survival MRE's. I still have those healing potions and… guess that's everything.

I looked over at my eggs, still floating in the incubator.

“Don’t worry you two…mommy will be back soon.” I said, gently putting a claw on the incubator as I didn’t want to leave them, but knowing this nest was the safest place they could be.

With a sigh, I quickly wrote down a note for Grunk, and thankfully Amanda had the suit, being made of technically I still don't understand, able to latch onto the Dimensional Wayfinder and dangle it down from my shoulder on my left arm.

Okay now how does this work?

"Operation of the Dimensional Wayfinder is as simple as holding the center button down until each point of the star shape is lit up fully, then release and transportation will be instantaneous."

With a nod I did just that, each point of the star like shape lit up brighter and once all were lit I let go of the center button.

Ouch, shit that flash is bright as hell.

I blinked, rubbing my eyes as that flash was way brighter than I expected.

Once my vision returned I looked around… this is the… White tale Woods. Right, must have dropped me in the same location as where I was.

Looking around I immediately noticed the place didn't seem… mutated. Or dug up. It was just… a forest.

“Uh…huh…” I muttered. “What world am I in?” I wondered, carefully walking around the forest to see where I was.

"This dimension has been labeled A44. Scans detect no radiation of isotopic or necromantic nature anywhere on the planet." Amanda informed.

I stopped at that…a world…without the bombs going off? "Wow…" I muttered…but I could tell, the air was so much…cleaner here.

It reminded me a lot of The Garden.

I spread my wings and took to the air, breaking up above the tree line, and saw it all.

Canterlot stood tall atop the mountain. In the distance a train was moving along the tracks, and I could make out a town nearby here.

"It's…it's beautiful…" I muttered in awe, tears forming in the corners of my eyes at the sight of everything.

I wanted to explore it all, see things. Maybe grab some souvenirs.

With a smile I flew over to a nearby town, the place was well off, ponies, a few zebra's, griffins, all walking around the down.

"Not…a single ghoul…no radiation…" I muttered with a giant smile.

I walked around. The sun seemed brighter, the energy in the air felt… so good.

"Excuse me!" A mare called out, bumping into and passed me. "Sorry!" They yelped back as she kept running.

“What’s the rush?” I called out, running after the mare as I was now interested in what the hell is going on.

I followed her to a store where there was a huge crowd gathered. Squinting ahead I saw the source of the commotion on a poster in the window.

One Day Only! Author Meet and Greet!
Writer of the hit series Fallout Equestria now signing autographs and answering questions!

I blinked. “Uh…excuse me…” I muttered, trying to see

"It would appear that in this reality, certain events from your home are considered works of fiction. This is actually a common occurrence across the multiverse. A phenomenon referred to as The Bleeding Data Principal. The concept that data and events from one reality can bleed through into other realities into the minds of those able to perceive and receive/interpret the data, often times in moments of dreams, inspiration, or sudden ideas."

“Oh…” I muttered. “That’s…something…”

"It is a very common occurrence. Expect this to happen every so often when dimension traveling."

“Alright…” I said carefully. “This…is kind of uncomfortable…” I muttered.

I walked passed the store. That's definitely a thing. I kept looking around, wishing I had some pre-war bits. Doubt this place takes NCR or Caps as currency.

“Really should have thought about this more…” I thought to myself bitterly, just moving along as I had a day or two to travel around and see these…marvelous sights.

As I walked along through town, I spotted a large building that looked like it was made from baked goods. As I was walking over to it, suddenly all my vision became pink.

"Hi there!"

I squacked, jumping back in surprise. The mare was all pink, from mane to hoof, large blue eyes and had a few bits of white in her poofy pink mane. Holy crap! That's Pinkie Pie?!

Her posters still terrify people to this day back home.

"Uh…hi there." I said nervously, backing away slightly from Pinkie. "Who are you?" I asked, not wanting to look weird and knowing who she was immediately.

"I'm Pinkie Pie, are you new in town? I don't think I've seen you around town before, let alone wearing a suit that that." She pointed a hoof at my suit. "Looks fancy. My friend Rarity will definitely want to meet you."

"Well…the suit is fancy, yes." I said sheepishly. "And…yes, I am new in town, my name's Plory."

"Ooh, well welcome to Ponyville Plory!" Pinkie said, reaching into her mane and pulling out a pink box, the lid opening up and revealing six cupcakes. "Here ya go." She said, giving me the box.

"Uh…thank you." I said sheepishly. "And…how much does this cost?"

"Oh nothing silly, it's your welcome to Ponyville gift!"

I blinked. "R-really?" I asked, seeing such generosity out of nowhere to a complete stranger felt…strange to me considering all the crap I've been through.

"Yes! Everyone gets one welcome to Ponyville gift. With all the constant newcomers to town I can't really throw them parties like I used to, especially with my foal, speaking of, I should get back in. Later!" And with a blur of pink she was gone.

Pinkie Pie… is a mom in this dimension?! Well, that's…a thing.

"Well…that happened…" I said, taking one of the cupcakes and eating it.

It. Was. Amazing. And I thought the Cafeteria food printers were a gift from the gods.

"Oh~ my Celestia…" I moaned happily. "This…so good…"

Before I knew it I had finished the whole box, blushing in embarrassment at my own gluttony before throwing the now empty box into a trash can.

With that pleasant event done I headed off, looking around more.

"Alright, so that was great…" I muttered, feeling so…welcome here, it felt so warm and friendly. "This…is so nice…"

I took a seat at a park bench and relaxed in the sunlight. This dimension is nice. Still, I can't just hang around and have fun. I need to try and find evidence one of these members of The Family is here.

"Now…how the hell am I supposed to bring up those people?" I frowned, thinking I can't just ask 'hey,do you know anything about this extra dimensional family?'.

"Scans indicate no beings of abnormal powers or extra Dimensional origin within the immediate area."

"Shit…" I muttered. "Well, that's gonna make things more complicated…"

"Our current odds of locating a member of The Family are .5%. Odds of this dimension having been contacted by a member of The Family might increase if we can research the planets history."

"Alright, time too look for a library…" I said, judging on distance it would be impossible to get to Canterlot in the time I have so…"Excuse me." I said to a passing couple, a Kirin and a Griffon. "Do you know where the library is? I'm kinda new here, so I don't know the layout." I said sheepishly.

"Huh? Oh, there's a library in Princess Twilight's old castle." The griffin said.

Princess Twilight. Wow. Definitely a different universe…

“Thank you…and uh…where would that be?” I asked, not sure if I saw anything ‘castle-like’ around here.

"There." The Kirin said, she and the Griffin pointing behind me.

Turning I saw it. A giant castle made entirely of crystal in a Tree Like shape, standing with the sun behind it shimmering bright.

How the Fuck did I miss that?!

“Uh…” I blinked. “Thank you…seriously, how did I miss that?”

"I know, I swear that thing should not blend into the background but, it does."

With that I rushed to the giant crystal tree. Entering I followed signs and headed to the library. It. Was. Massive. The NCR national Library has nothing on this.

“Wow…” I muttered in awe, starting to vibrate slightly as I was so excited to just…learn all this ancient history! Even if some of it is Fiction but still!

"Would you like to utilize the Archive Data Scan?"

“Yes please.” I muttered, walking into the library as I was super excited to learn.

"Activating Archive Data Scan… Scan Complete. Six thousand, five hundred and thirteen books archived to Suits internal Hard Drive. Will sync to Eternity Servers upon return to home dimension."

“Awesome.” I muttered happily.

I looked through the shelves, figuring that I can revew-

"Data analyzed. No references to entities matching potential members of The Family."

Damn it! I wanted to read… eh, I can still read them all later.

“I feel blue balled right now…” I pouted. “Should we head out now?”

"Who are you talking to?" I squawked, jumping and turning to see a blue coated, silver-gray maned mare who wore a suit vest that matched her coat. "Oh, sorry for startling you."

“I-it’s alright…” I said carefully. “Sorry, just uh…” I tried to figure out what to say. “What’s your name?” I asked, immediately trying to dodge the question.

"Oh, my name is Trixie. I'm the Guidance Councilor at the school and what's with that look?"

I shook my head. Trixie… the same mare who became the Goddess and made all those Alicorns is standing in front of me?!

“Oh my god…I can’t believe I’m meeting Trixie herself…this must be…wait, no this timeline is way different given no bombs and Twilight being a Princess.” I thought to myself. “It’s nice to meet you Ms. Trixie, my names Plory.”

"Nice to meet you as well. Are you looking to enroll in the school?"

“No thank you, I’m actually doing a…pit stop during my explorations.” I said carefully. “Being a historian and all, a lot of traveling ya know?”

"Oh, yes I used to be a traveling show mare in my youth, I know when it comes to travel time is always a worry. Are you looking for something specific?"

“I suppose some light reading, maybe seeing if there’s anything about old Pony history in this giant library here.” I explained simply.

"Oh there is lots here, are you looking for a specific era or topic?"

“Hmm…” I hummed. “Got any recommendations?” I inquired.

"Well, I've always enjoyed Saddle Arabian and Geese Myths. But there aren't many here. The School's student library has more though."

“Sure, let’s start there and…where would the School be?” I inquired.

"Behind the Castle." Trixie said. I followed her and behind and to the side of the castle built partly into a hill was a large crystal building, waterfall and all kinds of amazing features decorating the outside.

How the FUCK did I miss that?!?

I blinked, rubbing my eyes as I looked again. “Okay, how the fuck did I miss that!?!”

"I know. It's weird how the school and castle just blend into the background unless you're looking for them. Something like these should be more of an eyesore than they are." Trixie said as I followed her into the school, through some halls and past some students and into the school Library. It was about as big as the one in the castle. Lighting her horn she levitated a few books down from the shelves over to me. "These are my personal favorites. Geese God's, the Myths and Legends, and The Legends From the Saddle Arabian Desert."

“Can’t believe Geese of all creatures have their own myth’s and legends.” I said honestly.

"Well the region was named Geese because of the large population of them that lived there, historically it was largely Griffin's and some split offs of the Pegasi Tribe." Trixie said.

“Oh~.” I nodded. “Thank you…cause for some reason my first thought was indeed that there was a pantheon of actual Geese…or at least a God of Geese that stared at you and honked menacingly.”

"Heh. Well, good luck." With that, Trixie left and I got to reading.

I nodded, grabbing the books and walking over to a chair with a table next to it and put them down. “Scan the library…” I muttered as I pulled up the Legends of Geese.

"Library Archiving… Library scanned. Data archived. Cross examining new data. Finalized. One potential match was detected."

“Where?” I asked, putting the book down and waiting to hear where to find the possible match.

"In Legends of Geese, Chapter 7, tale of a Centaur like creature, upper half similar to a female minotaur, but furless save for a long brown mane, and lower half all brown and akin to a dairy cow. Eternity Data records indicates a similar description fits a lesser known member of The Family called Lilly, the Life Bringer.

"She is known to appear in times of great famine and hunger, giving the people she encounters her own milk to drink and produce cheese from. Samples analyzed by past Eternity scientists discovered her milk never expires and contains a full nutrition table and is suitable for any and all species.

"Last confirmed sighting of Lilly the Life Bringer was on Salvara, where she saved the last bastion of the residents from starvation after a climate crisis rendered all agriculture impossible for fifty years."

“Shit.” I thought to myself, cause while that is very amazing and I’m glad to hear it, that was fifty years ago in a place I’ve never heard of. “Fifty years ago…where’s Salvara?”

"Salvara is the former capital of the Geese Empire that lasted a hundred and ninety years. The event in question took place four thousand years ago on this dimension's recorded history."

Oh… double crap!

“OH COME ON!” I mentally shouted, rubbing my temples. “Ugh…that bites…” I muttered.

"This could, however, prove useful in our search."

“How so?” I whispered.

"Lilly the Life Bringer shows up to small, isolated populations when they are faced with starvation. This can play a possible factor in choosing potential locations to explore and dimensions where she or others might appear."

“Well that would have been fantastic back home.” I thought, rolling my eyes. “So…got a place in mind?”

"Not in this dimension. Scans and data indicates this dimension is in an era of prosperity with minimal risks to catastrophe. Best course of action is to wait til the Wayfinder recharges and return home to try again."

“That’s fair…” I mentally agreed. “So…got a day or two of some good old fashion reading and wandering.”

"Recharge time estimated at 19 hours remaining."

Cool. Got time to explore a bit. Hmm… wonder if I can reach Canterlot in that time frame and archive their royal library?

Fallout Equestria: Apocalypse

by BioQuillFiction

The Find

The Discovery

The Eternity

The Everyday Work-Life

Parents

Time To Work

Displaced