In the year 2157, a group of Earth ponies discovered something on Mares that would forever change the direction of pony history.
This discovery, was that of an ancient race, with amazingly advanced technologies. With these new technologies, travel to the most distant stars was now available.
The races of the galaxy call it…
Mass Effect.
Chapter One
Beep.
I glanced down, my eyes widening in shock at the sight of the small cylindrical object laying at my hooves.
Beep.
“Grenade!” I screamed, dashing from behind cover. Bullets zipped around my head, passing close enough to singe the hair on my mane.
“I’ve got it!”
Beep.
I turned in horror as a young unicorn buck, his coat a forest green with a light brown mane, attempted to pick up the grenade with his telekinesis.
Beep. Beep.
I woke up with a start, my heart thudding in my breast. Next to me, on my nightstand, my alarm clock was giving off a steady beep, indicating I had 30 minutes before I was on duty. I reached over and swiped my hoof through the blue holographic display, shutting it off.
I shook my head, trying to shake the images from my dream from my head. I reached over and slipped my Omni-tool on, pressing a button on the top to brighten the lights. Squinting as the bright light stung my eyes, I stumbled my way into the bathroom and stuck my muzzle under the sink, letting the cold water erase any traces of my hellish sleep. I stared at myself in the mirror, not recognizing the pony that stared back. The streak of gray that ran through my mane was matted down and stuck to my coat, while other parts of the dark blue hair was sticking up at odd angles. I ran my hoof through my mane, putting it in some semblance of order. Sweat beaded on my coat, reminding me that a shower was in order before I started my work day. I stopped for a moment as I stepped into the cramped stall that consisted of my shower and considered my cutie mark. Nopony had ever been able to figure out what exactly it was, or what it meant my ‘talent’ was. It was a simple golden tiara, with a large, star-shaped sapphire affixed to the top. It wasn’t a ship, it wasn’t a rank insignia (though it was exactly where my rank insignia went on my barding) and it wasn’t a rifle, the only three things I had been relatively proficient at in my entire life.
“Commander, you’re needed on the bridge.”
I stopped with my hoof halfway to the shower knob, and let out a small knicker. “On my way Joker.” I pulled my M7 barding out of the drawer set into the wall, and quickly started pulling it on. I gave a short whinny as I struggled to clasp the breast piece shut.
“Why can’t supply ponies ever get my size right? I know it’s supposed to be form fitting, but I’m not supposed to suffocate in this thing.”
“Commander, that would be because your size is directly between two Equestrian Navy sizes, making it difficult to find one that matches.”
I facehooved as the shipboard VI chirped. “It was a rhetorical question.”
Shifting in my barding, I made my way out of the door and up the stairs through the Combat Information Center, and up to the bridge.
I glanced around at the dark blue of the ship interior. Despite the fact that it was standard Equestrian Navy colors, I still felt that the color made the ship feel dank and gloomy, oppressive even. The only thing combating the darkness was the bank of holo-terminals lining the corridor that led to the bridge, and even then, it was a losing battle. Shrugging off my feelings, I walked into the cockpit and placed a hoof on the back of the pilot’s chair, watching as he expertly maneuvered his hooves over the holographic display.
“What’s our status, Joker?”
The light red stallion glanced back at me. “We’re just nearing the Arcturus relay ma’am. 30 seconds to transit.” “Good,” came a voice from behind me, causing me to nearly jump out of my barding. “We’re ahead of schedule, your captain will be pleased.”
I turned and came face to face with Servius. He was a griffin Spectre, the slang term for the covert ops Special Tactics and Recon group. He stood a full hoof taller than me, with most of his body covered in his own, Spectre-only armor. The only body parts visible were his tail and his head, the latter of which was covered with an intricate pattern of dyes, which he had explained to me was an ancient war paint, which he and his fellow griffin soldiers wore as tribute to their ancestors. I opened my mouth to ask him what he meant by schedule, when a strong tingle started in the base of my hooves. As it made its way up my legs, I heard the distinct hum of the warp engines spooling up, signaling our immediate jump on the mass relay. Before I could react, a strong surge sent me staggering into one of the bulkheads, one of my ears being painfully crushed between my unyielding skull and equally unyielding steel.
“Commander, are you alright?” Servius stepped forward, extending a talon to help me up. I waved him off and stood up, checking myself for any further damage.
“I’m fine. What the hell was that?”
“What was what?” Joker turned around, both him and Servius giving me perplexed looks.
I frowned. “None of you felt that?”
“Felt what? Commander, are you feeling alright?”
“I’m fine,” I said, shooting Servius a glare. I turned back to Joker, who had returned his attention to the controls. “What’s our ETA?”
“About 10 minutes to New Appleloosa Commander, we’ll be there in no time.”
I blinked. “New Appleloosa? Why are we going there?”
Servius stepped forward. “Spectre business, Commander. I’m going to go speak with your captain. In the meantime, I’d suggest visiting the med-bay before we go planetside.” He gave a slight smirk as he turned and walked out of the cockpit, while I glowered at his backside.
“Pompous, stuck-up, Spectre sonuva-,”
“What was that Commander?” Joker asked, a small smirk on his face.
“Nothing, Lieutenant.” Just then, the speaker embedded above the pilot’s chair crackled to life. The deep, rumbling voice of Captain Star Runner burst out of the speaker.
“Joker! Status report.”
“Just transited to warp sir. We should be at New Appleloosa within 7 minutes.”
“Good. Send Commander Streak to the comm room for briefing.”
“Roger sir.” With that, the speaker went dead. Joker turned his head at me, “You heard the man Commander. Good luck.”
Nodding, I turned and trotted back down the corridor, skirting around the elevator to enter the communications room located directly behind it. Inside was Servius, staring intently at a map of the New Appleloosa colony.
“Servius,” I said, announcing my presence.
“Ah, Commander,” He said, turning away from the map, “How is your head feeling?”
“Fine,” I responded tersely. “Now what’s all this about?”
“I’m glad you showed up before your captain did. I was hoping to have a moment to speak with you alone.”
I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Several things ran through my head about the implications of what he had just said. “Why? What about?”
“New Appleloosa was one of the first few colonies ponies ever settled, correct?”
I nodded, still unsure as to what he was getting at.
“And, after the disaster that was Manednoir, it’s the only true pony colony other than Equestria in the galaxy, right?” I felt my body tense and I fought down the urge to buck this smug griffin into the nearest bulkhead. To talk about Manednoir, my home, like that i-
“Ah, Captain, you’re here.”
I turned around and nodded my greeting to Captain Runner. Like most of the older ponies in the Navy, his mane and coat were gray, mixing with the light brown of his coat and the black of his mane giving him a sort of salt-and-pepper look.
“Sir, what’s going on?”
“A few things are in motion right now Commander. Firstly, this mission to New Appleloosa, our real goal is something top secret. Officially, we’re just doing a shakedown run to test the Normanedy’s stealth drives. But the truth of the matter is that we’re on our way to pick up an ancient device. One left by the Alicorns.”
I felt my eyes widen, “What kind of device sir?”
“We’re not sure. A mining team stumbled on it a few days ago. So far it seems like nothing active, but the science teams on New Appleloosa don’t have the resources or equipment to run any real tests.”
I nodded, “What else was there sir?”
Captain Runner nodded his head towards Servius, “Servius isn’t just here for the Alicorn device. He’s here to evaluate you.”
My hind legs gave way, and I found myself sitting down with an unceremonious “clank” from my barding. Me? A Spectre? The first pony Spectre? “Sir.. I’m not sure what to say.”
“I read your file Commander. You did an exceptional job repelling the Diamond Dog attack on Elysium. You’re one of the Equestrian Navy’s most decorated officers. So I put your name forward as a Spectre candidate.”
I blinked. Servius put me as the candidate? Is that why the bastard was always acting so smug around me? Before I could respond, the comm speaker crackled to life.
“Captain! We’ve got trouble.”
“What’s going on Joker?”
“We received a transmission from New Appleloosa. You better see it.”
The screen behind us crackled, and the image shifted from the New Appleloosa map to a grainy image depicting several pony soldiers firing rapidly at an unseen enemy.
“Geff down!” One of the ponies, a mare with distinctive red and white armor, yelled at the camera man through the rifle bit in her mouth.
“We need evac!” Another shouted, this one grabbing the camera and centering himself in the image. “They came out of nowhere! We were… prepared. Sustaining heavy losses. We can’t…. evac!” The trio of us in the comm room winced as a stray round passed through the ponies skull, spattering the camera with blood. As the pony fell, the camera rolled until it was pointing at the sky, where through the haze of red and smoke, I could barely make out a large, black… claw. Shortly after, the image froze, indicating the end of the message.
“What the hell is that thing?” I asked, trying to discern any significant markings.
“I don’t know Commander, but your team and Servius had better get down there. We need that device.”
*** *** ***
“This looks like a good spot,” Servius said as we flew over the lush green landscape. Just a few miles away, a giant column of smoke rose into the sky, signaling the location of the colony. I looked at him questioningly, then I realized he couldn’t see my eyes through the mirrored visor of my helmet.
“Good spot for what?” I asked, yelling over the sound of wind rushing past the open cargo ramp.
“I’m going to scout ahead. I can move faster than you Earth Ponies, so I’m going to see if I can’t figure out what’s going on. I’ll radio you if I find something.” I nodded and watched as Servius jumped out of the shuttle, diving for a few moments before spreading his wings and banking around to head towards the colony. I made my way over to the cockpit and peered out of the window.
“There,” I said, pointing at a nearby cliff. “That looks like a good place to land.”
“Aye Commander,” the pilot said, expertly strafing his hoof across the controls, cutting us into a sharp bank that nearly dropped us out of the sky. Just before I started to worry that we were going to crash, the pilot pressed a button, igniting the vertical thrusters, and the craft gently settled down with a light thump.
“Good job,” I said, “I’ll radio you when we’re ready for pick-up.” I didn’t wait for a reply as I made my way from the cockpit to the cargo bay, where my team, sat waiting. I looked the two of them over, mentally judging their strengths and weaknesses. There was Corporal Red Oak, a young, cherry red stallion with a white mane, and Lieutenant White Cloud, a soft spoken unicorn with a forest green coat and a dark red mane. Red Oak was brash, but energetic, and had never backed down from a fight. White Cloud was more reserved, preferring to think situations over before going in guns blazing. Between the two of them and myself, I felt confident I had a team that I could pull through this, whatever it was.
“Alright boys,” I said, picking up my rifle and throwing the sling over my neck, “lets go.”
I winced as the bit of the rifle ground against my teeth. The navy preferred mass production over comfort, and the E-8 Avenger was no exception. The rifle’s only claim to fame above any other was the recoil dampers which, (when they worked) significantly reduced recoil, increasing accuracy and lowering the odds of knocking half of your teeth out. Next to me, White Cloud floated his rifle in front of him, the barrel swiveling this way and that, searching for any hostile targets. With a wave of my hoof, we cautiously trotted out onto the soft grass. I did a quick scan of the surrounding area, and aside from a pair of floating… sacs, there was nothing around us. I jerked my head to the left, indicating the path we should take and that Red Oak take point.
I paused as we crested a short hill, something just didn’t feel right. For an attack on a pony colony, there sure was a lack of enemy troops. I glanced down at Red Oak, who was at the base of the hill, maybe 50 yards in front of us. He had just turned his head to look back at us, when a pair of drones flew out from behind a rock, and peppered him with a barrage of fully automatic gunfire. His shields failed in moments, and I heard him grunt in pain as several bullets pierced his armor, spattering the ground behind him with blood.
Beep.
I shut my eyes, willing the images from my nightmare away. When I reopened them, Red Oak was on the ground, his coat mixing with his blood seeping from his wounds, and the two drones that had ambushed him were now floating toward us. With my tongue, I reached up the bit of the rifle and flicked the safety off, then quickly pulled the trigger, firing a short burst at the leftmost drone. I grimaced as I watched the rounds deflect harmlessly off the drone’s shield.
“Theff goff feelds!” I yelled through the bit in my mouth.
“No worries Commander,” the Lieutenant yelled back through the roar of their gunfire. I watched as he poked his head up, the tip of his horn flaring as he launched what looked like a translucent hoof-sized blob at the drones. The blob arced around, crashing into the side of one of the drones and sending it spiraling into the other. The drones exploded on impact, forcing us to duck as flaming shrapnel littered the area.
“Oak!” White Cloud yelled, dashing from cover to his fallen comrade. I trotted up behind him, my eyes darting left and right as I searched for more signs of an enemy ambush.
“He’s gone,” Cloud murmured, his rifle falling to the ground as his telekinesis spell failed.
“Soldiers die,” I said softly as I reached down with one hoof and closed Red Oak’s eyes. “We can grieve for him later lieutenant. Right now, there are colonists depending on us.”
White Cloud nodded and floated his rifle next to him. “Go in peace, Oak.”
No further than 10 yards away from Red Oak’s body was another pair of drones waiting. I dove behind cover as they opened fire, giving a grimace as a few rounds impacted my shield, draining it to half. I glanced at my radar, and watched the two red dots move apart, each circling around, trying to flank myself and White Cloud. I reached up with my tongue to one of the knobs set into the side of the bit, and flicked it from “semi” to “auto”. Adjusting my bite to something far less comfortable, but more stable, I leaned out from cover, swinging the rifle around and leveling the sights on the center of the drone. I depressed the trigger, sending a long burst of fire towards the drone until the recoil dampers had nearly overheated. I noted with some satisfaction that the shields of the drone had failed, and several small holes dotted its plating. It wavered slightly in the air, and I leveled the rifle again, firing a short burst. I winced as the dampers overheated and the rifle bucked in my mouth, causing my whole head to jerk back. My pain was short lived however, as the drone dropped out of the air, crashing into the ground before exploding.
Behind me, I heard a crackling sound, followed by a short burst of gunfire. I spun around, searching for a target, but the only thing there was a smoking heap of twisted metal, and White Cloud, looking more than a little triumphant.
“That’s three for me, Commander.”
I rolled my eyes and opened my mouth to retort, but was cut off by a scream piercing the air. White Cloud and I shared a look of alarm before running up the hill. Rounding a corner, we arrived to see a young pony in standard Equestrian armor being chased by… something. It looked like a pony, in that it had four legs, a head and a tail, but that’s where the similarities ended. Instead of a mane, it had a cluster of short antennae sticking straight out of its head and neck. Instead of a head, its neck curved down, bluntly ending in a single glowing light that darted back and forth before focusing on me. I froze, unsure of what, or who, this was. A hatch opened on its back, and from the hatch emerged a long, triangular shaft, with three tubes running down the middle of it. I stared at the thing while it let out what I can only describe as a gurgle, before the shaft started spinning, starting slowly at first but picking up speed.
Oh, that’s what that is.
“Get down!” I yelled, diving to the side as a stream of bullets shredded the space I had been occupying a moment ago. I scrabbled to get behind a rock as the thing started shifting its aim, slowly moving the stream towards me. I managed to get behind the rock just as its aim centered on me, managing only to get in a few hits. A beeping in my helmet told me that the four hits I had taken had completely drained my shields, leaving me completely vulnerable. Meanwhile, the thing kept firing, keeping me pinned behind the rock.
“Shoot the damn thing!” I yelled into my helmet mic, ducking as I felt a round pass dangerously close to my neck.
“Commander, there are more of them!”
I leaned and took a quick peek around the rock. I felt my blood run cold as I saw there were two more things accompanying the first. I ducked back around the rock as the thing shifted its aim towards my face. A burst of fire from my left halted the stream of bullets, and I risked another glance to see all three heads of the pony-things had turned towards where White Cloud had levitated his rifle above cover and was blind-firing at them. I reached behind me and pulled a grenade out of a slot in my armor. It was a simple design, just a round cylinder with a pin and a handle. A pony would grab it in their mouth, pull the pin with their tongue, and jerk their head, letting the grenade fly. Pulling the pin, I did just that, ducking behind the rock as I counted the seconds off in my head.
3…
2…
1…
KRA-KOOM!
I blinked as for the second time in 10 minutes, fiery shrapnel rained down around me, scorching small patches of the earth. I took another peek over the rock and saw a small crater where the pony thing had stood. The other two things, I noticed, were much smaller. The first was huge, standing at nearly twice my height. These two were a bit taller than I was, with no obvious Gatling guns mounted on their backs. Instead, they had smaller, single barreled rifles, which were now swiveling around, searching for targets.
Kicking my rifle up, I grabbed the bit and swung the barrel towards the nearest one, firing a three round burst at it. To my surprise, instead of the rounds deflecting off of a shield, they penetrated the things “head”, dropping it. With another short burst of fire, the other collapsed, a grey-green ooze seeping out of the holes that peppered it’s body.
“You alright?” I asked White Cloud, who was now checking the young mare for any wounds.
“I’m fine Commander,” he said, concentrating on his Omni-tool.
“So am I,” the mare said, standing up. “Gunnery Sergeant Sweet Breeze. Thank you for helping me.”
I nodded. “What’s the situation here? What are those things?”
Sweet Breeze shook her head. “Nopony knows, they just came out of nowhere. As for the situation, all of my squad… they’re dead. I only just barely made it out, and that was only thanks to you.”
“What about the colonists?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. My squad was never in the colony when it got hit.”
“Alright, let’s get going. You able to fight Gunny?”
“Yes ma’am!”
*** *** ***
“How far to the colony?” I asked as we cantered forward.
“Not far. Just around thi-“ Sweet Breeze stopped dead. In front of us stood a cluster of several long spires. Atop each of them-
“By the Gods,” Cloud murmured.
I swallowed. Atop each spire was a pony, or, what was left of them. All of their coats and manes had fallen out, leaving behind grey, mottled skin. I took an involuntary step back, fighting the urge to vomit.
“Are… Are those.. the colonists?”
I never got an answer, as one by one, the ponies opened their eyes. The spires slowly retracted, depositing them on the ground. They stumbled around, seemingly unused to their bodies, before simultaneously turning towards us, and charging. I whipped my rifle up and aimed at the nearest “ponies” head and fired. Three rounds pierced the things head, blowing chunks of flesh and brain matter out the back. To my horror, the thing still kept coming. I flicked the fire selector back to auto, and opened fire, spraying bullets at the small horde of zombie-ponies. The pony nearest me flinched and fell, the rounds passing through its body and impacting the pony behind it. On either side of me, White Cloud and Sweet Breeze opened fire, mowing down two more, and the two behind them.
“Behind you Commander!” Sweet Breeze yelled. I leaned forward reflexively, shifting my weight onto my forehooves. I cocked my rear legs forward, and bucked backwards as hard as I could. I fell backwards as my legs met no resistance, and at first, I thought I had missed. But a sickening crunch emanated from my rear, and I realized my hooves had passed through the dead pony. Revulsion swept through me like a tidal wave, and I thrashed about, trying to free my legs. Naturally, that didn’t work. I shuddered as I felt a cold liquid seep into the joint between my fetlock and hoof. Hopefully, it wasn’t some weird acid blood.
With a mighty yank, I managed to pull one hoof out of the thing, regaining my balance as I set it on the ground with a disgusting splotch. Picking up my rifle, I leveled it at the final zombie-pony and opened fire, obliterating its head.
With the immediate threat gone, I turned my attention to the thing still skewered on my hoof. I noticed with a certain amount of horror that what my leg was entangled in was not entrails, but wires. I paused, attempting to comprehend the implications of what I was seeing, when White Cloud came up with a knife in mouth and cut the wires away.
“What the hell are those things?” I asked, turning to Sweet Breeze.
“Don’t look at me!” She replied, waving a defensive hoof. “Those weren’t here before the Geth arrived.”
“Wait wait wait,” White Cloud interrupted, “The Geth? They haven’t been seen outside of the Everfree veil in nearly 200 years.”
“I know, I know. It’s completely insane. But it’s the only explanation that sounds even remotely plausible.”
Off in the distance, a single shot rang out, ceasing our argument.
“That wasn’t a Geth weapon,” Sweet Breeze said.
“Do you think it was Servius?”
“It’s possible. Only one way to find out though. Let’s go.”
*** *** ***
“What do you think happened?”
Cloud shrugged, “Judging by his wound, this was-“ Cloud was cut off by a shuffling noise behind a pile of crates. Automatically, the three of us swiveled our rifles in the direction of the noise, centering on a ponies head as it popped over the crates.
“Don’t shoot! Please! I’m a pony!”
I sighed and placed my rifle on my back, letting the magnetic clamps engage and secure it to my armor. All around us were shipping crates, which normally was a tactical nightmare, but I had since learned that those zombie ponies and the Geth weren't fans of agile tactics, if you were there, they'd shoot you.
“What are you doing back there?”
“I… I was hiding. These things just came out of nowhere and started killing everybody. Then that griffin killed that one there.”
“Griffin? What?”
“There was another griffin here, he showed up with those… things. The dead one called him Apache. I think they were friends.”
Cloud cut in, “how do you know that?”
“Well.. the dead one seemed to relax. Let his guard down. Then the other griffin shot him in the back of the head.”
I sighed, this whole mission was FUBAR, and I was going to be at the center of it. “Where did Apache go from there?”
The pony jerked a hoof to the side, where a cargo train was just returning. “He took that train to the docks. It’s where the beacon is.”
My eyes widened, “he must be after the beacon. Come on everypony, we need to move, and now.”
With that, we dashed onto the cargo train and I mashed the start button with my hoof. With a slight electrical buzz, the train started gliding down the rail, slowly picking up speed.
“So what are we going to do when we get there?” Sweet Breeze asked, taking the moments respite to sit down.
“Well, capturing Apache would be our best option, though I get the feeling he’s long gone, or he’s not going to let us capture him.” I reached up with my hoof and keyed my communicator. “Normanedy, this is Commander Streak.”
“Gotcha loud and clear Commander, what’s your situation?”
“We’re on a cargo train on our way to the docks. It’s where they’re had the beacon.”
“And Servius?”
“Dead. KIA. According to a civilian, another griffin named Apache shot him.”
“Apache Greybeak?”
“Could be, sir. I didn’t catch a last name. You know him?”
“Yeah. He was assigned to a mission I was on a few years ago. Be careful around him Commander, he’s dangerous.”
“Roger that. Streak out.”
I stood up as the air brakes slowly opened, slowing the train. Just up ahead, the platform came into few, upon which were several pony-like shapes. Only these shapes had no faces, just a glowing light.
“Geth!” I yelled, and ducked behind cover.
*** *** ***
I stumbled forward as my vision blurred. During the firefight a stray round had hit my helmet. Not enough to pierce it, but enough to momentarily knock me unconscious and give me a mild concussion.
“You alright ma’am?” Sweet Breeze asked, holding out a hoof to steady me.
“I’m fine, lets just get this beacon and get out of here.”
We turned and walked down a ramp, at the bottom of which was the dock, and a tall, thin metal spire. “That’s it Commander.”
I reached up and keyed my communicator again, “Normanedy, this is Streak. We’ve got the beacon, request evac.”
Behind me, I was vaguely aware of White Cloud marveling over the technology, while Joker responded with a short “Aye ma’am.”
“Weird. It wasn’t doing that earlier.” I glanced over to see Sweet Breeze standing in front of the beacon, which was now giving off a faint green glow. Suddenly, it gave off a strong pulse, radiating a bright light that seemed to envelope Sweet Breeze. The glow intensified, and Sweet Breeze dropped to her haunches, groaning as she pressed both hooves to her helmet. Alarmed, I ran forward and bucked her to the side, moving her out of harm’s way.
Vaguely, I was aware of the fact that I was being lifted off the ground, before a thousand images exploded in my mind, flooding every nerve ending, every synapse, filling my mind and body with an infinite amount of information. I knew I must have been screaming, I was in too much agony to not be, but I couldn’t feel any of it. The only thing I knew was what the beacon was telling me. It completely obliterated all sensory data, it completely obliterated me.
And then, it was over, and everything went black. --- Level up! Your shields have increased, so they can take more damage before failing. New Ability! Adrenaline Rush: Your armor injects a small, but potent dose of adrenaline into your bloodstream, giving you heightened senses and reaction time for a short period.
Unconsciousness. Quite possibly the most blissful sleep you ever receive.
Seriously, you feel like you’re floating on a cloud or something.
Beep.
That is, if you aren’t plagued with recurring nightmares.
Beep beep.
Kra-KOOM!
I curled up in a ball on the ground; crying out as white-hot shards of metal pierced my armor and embedded itself into my body. Vaguely, I was aware that I was also covered in pieces of the Buck Private. The one who had tried to throw the grenade.
“The Commander’s down! She’s hit!”
“N-no,” I croaked, finding it difficult to acquire the air needed to speak. Vaguely, I wondered if this was what dying felt like. “I’m f-“
“Doctor! Doctor Hooves? I think she’s waking up.”
Doctor Hooves? Why is she on the battlefield?
Suddenly, an explosion of pain burst inside my head, eradicating the images of the nightmare and replacing them with the information from the beacon. Slowly, I opened my eyes, and found that I was in the medical bay of the Normanedy. I glanced around, able to make out the slightly blurry shape of Doctor Hooves and Sweet Breeze in the corner. I laid my head back down as Doctor Hooves walked in my field of vision. Standing just a bit taller than I, Doctor Hooves had an interesting grey coat, with a bright yellow mane and yellow eyes.
“Ah, Commander, glad to see you’re still among us. Gave us quite a fright you know. How do you feel?”
I groaned and placed a hoof on my temple, attempting to hold my splitting brain in one piece. “Like a Mack Carriage just ran my head over. What happened?”
“It’s my fault Commander,” Sweet Breeze said stepping forward, “I must have triggered it somehow, and you had to save me.” I waved my hoof at her, “Don’t worry about it Gunny. You had no way of knowing what it would do.”
Doctor Hooves shrugged, “Actually, we don’t know what set if off. Likely never will, either.”
I shot a glance at her, “What do you mean?”
“The beacon exploded. Some kind of malfunction, or overload we think. The Lieutenant and I carried you back to the ship.”
“Thanks,” I said as I gingerly set my hooves on the floor. “Am I allowed to return to duty?”
“Physically, you’re fit as a filly. But I did detect some unusual brain activity, and an increase in rapid eye movement. Signs typically associated with intense dreams.”
“You could say that again,” I muttered, placing my full weight on my hooves.
“What was that?”
“I said it was intense. I don’t really know what it was, everything… whatever that beacon did, it did it so fast I couldn’t understand it. It was like… I don’t know what it was like.”
Behind me, I heard the hiss of the door opening, and felt Sweet Breeze shift as she snapped to attention.
“Captain Runner sir.”
“How’s the Commander holding up Doctor?”
“She’s fine. A few bumps and bruises, but nothing major.”
“Good. If you don’t mind, I’d like to speak to her alone.”
“Aye sir,” Sweet Breeze said, throwing him a salute. Together, her and Doctor Hooves left the med-bay, leaving me and the Captain alone.
“How are you feeling Streak?”
“Like a balefire bomb went off in my head.”
Runner chuckled, “What happened down there?”
I shrugged, which sent my head spinning. “I don’t know sir. The beacon just sort of… activated, next thing I know I’m seeing things, and then I passed out.”
“Seeing things?”
“Like… visions. Or… memories. A lot of pain and suffering.”
“Hmmm.”
“You think I’m crazy, don’t you.”
Runner chuckled again. “No, don’t worry. We’re en route to Canterdel right now, should be there within a half an hour. Plenty of time for you to rest up, you’re going to need it.”
I cocked an eyebrow at him, “Sir?”
“I won’t lie. Things are bad. The beacon is gone, Servius is dead, reports of the geth. The council is not going to be happy.”
I whinnied, “Are they ever? We haven’t done anything wrong captain.”
“I know. But that report about Apache… that’s going to be difficult.”
“Why?”
“Apache is a Spectre, the best, actually. Saying that he’s gone bad will be like convincing the Council the sky is green.” I nodded. The Council was notorious for being extremely closed minded and unwilling to listen to anyone but their own. It didn’t help that ponies didn’t have a spot on the council, so we had to bitch extra to get anything done.
“Anyway, I’ll let you rest up. Be ready for anything.”
I gingerly saluted him, “Aye sir.”
*** *** ***
“This is ridiculous! If any other species had been attacked, the Council would take action!”
“Other species don’t found colonies on the edge of Council space, Ambassador. Ponies knew the risks when they started New Appleloosa.”
From my spot on the balcony, I cringed. The Buffalo Councilor had a point. I risked a glance over my shoulder at the earth pony standing in front of a holographic representation of the three Councilors. With a dark brown coat, and a salt and pepper mane, Ambassador Autumn Rein seemed just at the perfect age for a politician. Not too old to be thought of as infirm, and not too young to be considered inexperienced. Not that I liked him, I didn’t like any politicians. Too mired in their feelings of self-importance and bureaucratic red tape to get anything done.
I turned my attention back in time to hear the Griffin Councilor finish saying “-we will discuss this at the hearing. Not before,” before ending the transmission. Shaking his head, the ambassador turned towards us, a very displeased expression on his face.
“Captain Runner, I assume this is the ground team?”
“Yes Ambassador. This is Commander Silver Streak, Lieutenant White Cloud, and Gunnery Sergeant Sweet Breeze.” Ambassador Rein ignored the other two ponies, and focused specifically on me. “Do you know just how much trouble you’ve put ponies in? You nearly caused an intergalactic war! Again! Now Servius is dead, the beacon is destroyed, and you’re pressing charges on Apache Greybeak?”
I shook my head, “What happened on New Appleloosa was out of my control. I followed my orders as the situation called. As for Apache, he killed Servius, and brought the attack on New Appleloosa.”
“The council doesn’t like this Commander. Apache is their top agent; they aren’t going to like his name being slandered.”
“That doesn’t matter sir, what matters is that we stop whatever Apache is planning. With, or without Council support.”
“I don’t think so Commander. Canterdel Security is investigating your accusations, you, are going to do nothing but pray that this doesn’t keep you out of the Spectres. Now, Captain, there are a few things we need to go over before the hearing. Commander, you and your team can meet us in the Council hall, top floor of the Presidium tower.” With that, he and the Captain took their leave, leaving White Cloud, Sweet Breeze and I alone on his office. I raised my leg and activated my omni-tool, tapping a button with my nose and bringing up the council itinerary.
“Looks like we’re up in two hours, you both have an hour of liberty, but I want you up at the top of that tower at exactly 1400. Understand?”
Both of the ponies smartly snapped to attention and gave a quick “aye ma’am” before trotting out the door. Now that I finally had a moment alone, I sat down, and with one hoof rubbing my temple, I closed my eyes.
In my head swam tons of indecipherable information. Flashes of images, a word here, a thought there, but what made the least sense were the emotions. I could feel the anger, the fear, and the sadness, of whatever this was. But the worst part, the biggest stake being driven into my mind, was the lack of understanding. Like something I should know and remember, but couldn’t. I gave my head a quick shake, attempting to unscramble the flashes of thought that permeated my brain.
“Feeling alright, Commander?”
I turned and saw Captain Runner standing in the doorway, looking slightly amused.
I blushed, “Yeah-er, yes sir.”
“Why don’t we take a walk?”
I nodded, and together we left Rein’s office and towards the elevator.
“Hell of a mission, huh?”
“You could say that again.”
We entered the elevator and rode it down to the Presidium. Stepping out, I took a moment to relish the simple beauty of Canterdel. Unlike the ambassador’s office, which was painted the standard equestrian blue, the Presidium was a soft white color, punctuated with patches of trees or bushes, and even a simulated sky. Overhead, pegasi and griffins flitted about, dodging the sleek autochariots that were used for species without wings.
The Captain and I walked in silence for a bit, leaving the Embassies behind and walking across the large bridge that spanned the river that cut through the center of the Presidium. In the center, sat a small bench, which the Captain promptly sat on, joining him, I sat back and watched intergalactic life occur around me, taking in the serenity of this place.
“Sir, may I ask something?” I asked, uncomfortably breaking the silence.
“Of course Commander, ask away.”
“What’s got you so upset over Apache?”
The Captain sighed and dropped his head. “Apache… is very dangerous. He’s volatile, unpredictable, and he absolutely hates ponies.”
“Why?”
“Have you ever heard of General Gilda?”
I nodded, “Yeah. She was the griffin navies most renowned general. Mostly known for shooting down a hundred civilian pony transports.”
“Do you know her last name?”
I frowned, getting a sinking feeling I knew where this was going. “No sir.”
“Greybeak.”
I paused, digesting the information. “Well… that explains a lot. But how do you know Apache?”
“We were on a mission together. He defied orders, broke off from the plan, and killed a city full of civilians.”
I sat and brooded in silence over this new information, tumbling the thoughts around, hoping a theory would roll out to explain Apache’s actions. Before anything could come forward, my omni-tool beeped, signaling I had a few minutes before I needed to be in the Council Chambers.
“We’d better get going.”
Captain Runner nodded, and stood up with a slight groan.
“Old age hits hard, doesn’t it sir?”
Runner rolled his eyes, “Careful Commander, I wouldn’t hesitate to bust you.”
I chuckled in response, “What, and lose your illustrious Executive Officer? I don’t think so.” Runner rolled his eyes again and gave a small grumble, expression his further distaste by jabbing the elevator call button roughly. It wasn’t until the elevator arrived and we stepped in that I started to feel the pangs of nervousness in my gut.
“So,” I said nonchalantly, “how do you think it will go?”
“Well, Commander, as Rein said, the Council isn’t happy. I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong, so they can’t really charge you, but I’m sure ponies aren’t high on their favorites list now.”
I felt a pang of guilt, and replayed the mission over in my head. Had I made any mistakes? Was there anything I could’ve done differently? Had a minor detail I’d overlooked cause ponies to fall out of favor with the Council? We were already on shaky ground. Ambassador Rein had been vying to get ponies a seat on the Council, but they felt that we were too new to the galaxy. We had, after all, only discovered these other races and technology a mere 30 years ago, other races had been around for thousands of years and never even been considered.
Captain Runner must have seen the look on my face, because he said, “Don’t worry about it Streak. You did everything you could. I couldn’t have asked for any better from a Marine.”
I gave a small smile that quickly vanished as the elevator dinged and the doors opened. Taking a deep breath, I strode forward to where Cloud and Breeze were standing. All around us, ponies, griffins, and buffalo milled about, all taking care of their political business. Just up ahead, in front of a large, plate glass window that overlooked the nebula that Canterdel was nestled in, stood the council. In front of them was a small raised dais, where Ambassador Rein was currently speaking to the council on. With a nod of Runner’s head, my team and I ascended the stairs to stand quietly next to Rein.
“The attack on New Appleloosa is of some concern, but there is no substantial evidence, to suggest that Apache was somehow involved.”
“An eyewitness saw him murder Servius in cold blood!” Rein retorted. To the left of us, a hologram flickered to life, and there stood a griffin, his face contorted into a sneer as he stared down at us. A mechanical leg had replaced his left bird-leg, and a host of wires crossed their way up his body, attaching at various nerve points, with a large one inserting into the base of his skull.
“Frankly, Ambassador, the testimonial of one traumatized dock worker is hardly substantial.” The donkey ambassador replied.
“Councilors, does it seem odd to you that every time ponies make an accusation against me, Captain Runner is involved?” Apache asked, his sneer turning into a disgusting grin, “Servius was a fellow Spectre, and a close friend of mine.”
“That just allowed you to catch him off guard!” I yelled, bristling at the griffin’s cocky attitude.
“And Commander Streak, the infamous pony who allowed the beacon to be destroyed. Glad to see ponies are still producing the same quality of officer.”
I resisted the urge to draw my pistol and shoot the projector, to sit there and openly insult me in a public hearing-!
“We are not here to instigate anything Servius.” The griffin councilor said placidly. Servius just rolled his eyes in response.
"Councilor this hearing is a waste of my time, and yours.”
“The Council can’t hide you forever Servius. When I find you, I’ll kill you.”
Servius chuckled, “You may try Commander, you may try.”
The buffalo councilor cleared her throat, bringing our attention back to her. “Given the lack of substantial evidence, we must declare that Servius had no involvement with the attack on New Appleloosa. Ambassador Rein, your request to have him disbarred from the Spectres is denied.”
“Thank you for your time, Councilors.” Rein said tactfully, shooting a dark look at Servius, who reached up and tapped an unseen button before the hologram flickered and died. “Let’s go.”
*** *** ***
“Argh!” A griffin cried as I put a three round burst in his chest. I ducked back behind cover, searching desperately for the zebra that had been ambushed in this dank alleyway.
“I thought this was supposed to be shore leave!” Yelled White Cloud as he blind fired at the remaining griffin, most of his shots going wild, or just bouncing off of its armor, but one managed to find a weak point and took out one of the griffin’s hind legs, dropping him. I dashed around the wall I was using for cover and fired another burst, killing the griffin. Distantly, I heard sirens of approaching C-sec autochariots.
“We need to get out of here,” I said grabbing the zebra’s hoof and dragging her along behind us.
Breathlessly, we burst into Ambassador Rein’s office, where he and Captain Runner were busy discussing something near the balcony.
“What is the meaning of this Commander!?” Rein demanded.
“W-“
“I just got a report that you were involved in a shootout in the lower wards! I thought we asked you to find evidence against Apache, not further destroy the galactic pony reputation! What happened?”
I sighed, walking over to the plush blue couch and enjoying the feeling of getting my weight off my hooves. “Well..”
Earlier that day..
“Commander, it looks like our only option is to get some serious evidence against Apache. See if you can’t find out who the C-sec officer was that investigated Apache.”
I nodded, “Yes sir, done in a jiffy.”
I turned and left with Cloud and Breeze following me.
As we walked along the presidium towards the C-sec office, I noticed Sweet Breeze doing a lot of staring.
“First time on Canterdel, Gunny?” White Cloud asked.
“Yes sir.”
“Nothing quite like it in the entire galaxy.” Indeed, there wasn’t. It wasn’t even made by any race that had an embassy here. It was guessed that it was built by the Alicorns, an unknown race of super-intelligent beings that existed thousands of years ago. They were the ones who built the mass relays, Canterdel; half of the technology in the galaxy was thanks to them. Then they mysteriously vanished without a trace, leaving this all behind for us to discover.
“This way,” I indicated with a wave of my hoof. A short set of stairs later, and we were at the C-sec office.
“How can I help you Commander?” A small pony behind a desk asked.
“I’m looking for the C-sec officer who was assigned to the Apache investigation.”
“Uh.. Hang on one second Commander.” A few keystrokes later, she turned back to me and said “My captain will be out here in a moment.”
I frowned, and was about to say something, but was interrupted by the gruff sound of a griffin behind me.
“Commander?”
I spun around and came face to face with a very large griffin. Easily twice my height and bulk, he towered over me.
“I’m Captain Fenix. I hear you’re looking for one of my griffins.”
I nodded, “Yes sir. The one who was in charge of the Apache investigation.”
Fenix frowned, “Unfortunately Commander, he has been reassigned.”
“To what?”
“A classified assignment.”
My eyes narrowed, “And if I told you I was here on orders from the Pony Ambassador to speak with this griffin?” Captain Fenix lazily inspected one of his talons, pretending to flick a piece of dirt off of it. “I would tell you that Pony matters do not supersede Council matters.”
I bristled with rage; the Council ordered his reassignment just to protect their prize griffin!? “Very well Captain,” I said acidly,
“Expect me back in a short time.”
Without waiting for a reply, I gestured to Cloud and Breeze and we left. Outside the door, I reached up and slammed my hoof against the wall, letting out a loud “Bucking hell!”
Turning to the two ponies near me, I jerked my head up the stairs. “Let’s go.”
“Where are we going Commander?”
“Where does anypony go when they want information? To get a drink.”
*** *** ***
Even from inside the elevator, I could feel the beat from the bar reverberating in my chest.
“Got earplugs, Commander?” Cloud quipped, throwing me a smirk. I rolled my eyes at him and jabbed the button to open the door. Immediately my ears were assaulted with an almost cripplingly loud blast of music.
“What in the hell!?” I yelled, “What is this?”
Cloud walked up next to me and yelled almost directly into my ear. “I think it’s uh… I think they call it dubstep!”
I stared at him, “It sounds like someone shot a monkey!” Cloud shrugged apologetically. I rolled my eyes and looked around. The bar, aptly named Chora’s Den was packed full of council races, all crammed onto tables around the circular bar. Above the bar, a pair of ponies spun around a pole, gyrating their hips in a suggestive fashion.
“I can see why the place is so popular! The view is uh… nice.”
I frowned at Cloud, who actually managed to look sheepish.
“I can’t believe it. Ponykind gets advanced by thousands of years, tens of thousands of years, in three decades, and every bar is still inhabited by stallions and colts drooling over mares dancing around a pole. I can’t decide if that’s funny or sad.”
I glanced up at the dancers just in time for one to turn and stick her flank out in my direction. I quickly averted my eyes, giving a snort of disgust. “Okay, it’s shore leave. You two go grab a drink. I’m going to mingle.”
Both marines stared at me incredulously. “Ma’am? You… what about Apache?”
“Don’t worry about it,” I said, “I’m being serious here. You both are on shore leave, enjoy it. Just be ready.” Still looking uncertain, they both slowly wandered off, shooting glances over their shoulders at me. I ignored them and wandered around, making my way halfway around the circuit before stopping one of the bartenders.
“What can I get for you, Commander?”
“Who’s the best person here to talk to for information?”
The pony frowned. “Ma’am, I can’t.. I just make drinks.”
I sighed and reached into one of my bags and pulled out a hoofful of bits. “There.”
The pony deflated and jerked her head to one of the dimmer booths in the bar. “A dragon, by the name of Gurgle.” I nodded my thanks and headed off toward the booth, which, as I got closer, saw that it was occupied by a short, fat dragon with yellow scales and a light orange belly.
“Ah, Commander Streak, please, have a seat.”
I frowned, slowly sitting down across from him. “How did you know my name?”
Gurgle snorted, sending out a small cloud of smoke. “It’s my job to know. Now, what can I help you with?”
“I’m looking for a griffin, the one wh-“
“The one who investigated Apache Greybeak. It was you who brought the charges against him, isn’t it?”
I nodded.
“Well Commander, as you know, the information business is a give and take. You give me something I want; I give you what you want.”
“I have plenty of bi-“
The dragon shook his head, “I don’t want bits. I’m 200 years old, I’ve hoarded enough riches to last anypony a few lifetimes worth of wealth. No, what I want is out.”
“Out?”
“Yes, out. I’ve been in this business for as long as I can remember, and I’m tired of it. Get me out, and the information is yours.”
“Give me the information now, and I’ll escort you out of here myself.”
The dragon eyed me curiously, slowly weighing his options. Finally, he settled down and nodded. “Alright Commander, the griffin you’re looking for i-“
A sharp crack filled the air, quickly followed by a spray of blood across my face as a bullet punctured the dragon’s head. I spun and dropped, crawling across the floor until I reached the bar. Around me, all manner of races were screaming and dashing for the door, trying to flee. I drew my pistol and peeked up, doing a quick sweep. There was another door, one that allowed a perfect shot into the booth I had just vacated. Hoping that Cloud and Breeze were covering me, I slowly stood up and made my way to the door, thanking the gods that everyone had fled, leaving just the three of us in the main bar. As I reached the door, I noticed Cloud and Breeze stacking up against it on the opposite end. After a quick nod from them, I nudged the open button and ducked inside with Cloud and Breeze right behind me, sweeping to the left and right while I took the center. All that was there was a short hallway with a door at the end, one with a hefty security lock. I let out a small groan. I hated these. The only way to get past them was to put your weapon away and use your omni-tool, leaving you wide open for an attack from the rear. I sighed and put my pistol away, gesturing with my hoof to signal my team to cover me. Raising my leg, I nudged a few buttons with my nose, connecting it to the lock, which it began decrypting. I just knew someone was on the other side of the door with a minigun, waiting to mow us down as soon as the door opened.
“Be ready,” I whispered as the progress bar on my omni-tool slowly filled. After a few agonizing moments, it was done, and the door gave a soft click. Drawing my pistol again, I jabbed the door open button, then ducked back, expecting a hail of gunfire.
Only, there was nothing.
Curious, I took a small peek around the doorframe, to find the room devoid of traps or death-dealing guns. Instead there was one griffin, his rifle balanced on a desk he was hiding behind, pointed directly at the door. I drew my head back, fully prepared to a round to whiz past my head. Again, I was disappointed, as all I received was dead air.
“Commander Streak?”
I frowned, he knew who I was? “Who are you?”
“Come in here and I’ll tell you. I’m not going to announce it to the entire world.”
I frowned and looked over at White Cloud, who shook his head. I risked another peek inside the room and noticed he was wearing a suit of heavy black armor, emblazoned with a large red hoof on the shoulder.
“You work for Hoof! How can I trust you?”
“Because I don’t work for Hoof. If you come in here, I can explain everything, but there are too many eyes and ears out there.”
“There are only three of us,” White Cloud retorted as he slowly inched his rifle towards the door.
“Three of you, and about ten different surveillance cameras and five listening devices.”
I sighed, we were wasting time here, and neither of us were going to budge. “I’m coming out,” I said, “But my friends are coming with me, and they’re keeping their weapons.”
“Fine Commander, just hurry up, will you? You’re rather exposed out there.”
Slowly and deliberately, I stepped out into the doorway and walked forward, being sure to make my hooves visible. Behind me, White Cloud and Breeze stepped in, both their rifles trained on the griffin. Just as they cleared the door and started to fan out, I heard the hiss of the door from the other end of the hall.
“Get down!” The griffin roared, and I instinctively dropped to the floor as he fired two rounds down the hallway, both impacting something that made a disgusting splurch when they did. I looked over my shoulder in time to see the body of a headless pony wearing black armor fall to the ground, blood seeping out of its neck.
“Get the door, quick. That was just recon, they’re going to come in force soon.”
White Cloud looked to me, and I nodded before standing back up to face the griffin.
“Okay, the door is shut, now who the hay are you?” --- Exp gained: 260. 20 until next level.
The old saying crossed my mind as I leaned around the door, spraying a short burst down the narrow hallway. Behind me, the griffin, Orion as I had come to learn, fired his rifle with pinpoint accuracy, taking down enemies almost as quickly as they showed up. I still didn’t know if I could trust him, but at the moment, he was killing the people trying to kill me, so he was a friend.
“We’d better move, before more show up.”
I nodded, “Let’s go.”
The four of us quickly dashed down the hallway, through the bar, and into the open streets of Canterdel. Far off in the distance, sirens wailed as somepony had undoubtedly reported it to C-sec. A few blocks from the bar we skidded around a corner and dashed down a dark alley, one that was thankfully not full of filth. Turning to Orion, I stomped my hoof in front of him, blocking any escape.
“Spill, now.” Orion held up his talons in defense. “Okay, okay, relax Commander. My name’s Orion Steelclaw. I’m with Canterdel Security.”
I frowned, “What?”
“I was the griffin assigned to the Apache investigation. Not that they gave me much time to investigate before the hearing.”
“What are you doing dressed as one of Hoof’s soldiers?”
“I’m undercover. During my investigation I learned that Apache had taken control of Hoof and his information network. I thought if I could infiltrate his organization I could either find some incriminating evidence, or figure out what Apache is up to.”
“So why did you shoot Gurgle?”
He frowned, “Gurgle? Oh the dragon you were speaking to. I didn’t want to, but he was about to blow my cover in a room full of Hoof’s men.”
“Wait wait,” Breeze interrupted, “Who’s Gurgle?”
“A dragon,” I said dismissively, “How can you be so cavalier about killing him?”
“A dragon!?” Breeze exclaimed, “How the buck was there a dragon on Canterdel?”
Orion frowned, “What? There are dragons all over the place.”
“She’s never been to Canterdel before,” I said, “Gunny, these aren’t dragons in the mythical sense. They aren’t 100 hooves long or anything like that. They’re about 4 hooves tall fully grown, and primarily work as information brokers.” She stared at me open-mouthed.
“I’ll introduce you to one sometime,” Cloud said, giving her a playful nudge.
“Okay, so, we’ll ignore the death of Gurgle for the moment. Did you find anything?”
Orion shook his head, “No, I did overhear about a trade that was going to occur today between some zebra and Hoof, supposedly she had some information that Apache would want destroyed.”
“Well, if it’s something Apache wants destroyed, it’s something I want. Let’s go.” I turned to Breeze and Cloud and jerked my head, getting ready to gallop out of the alley.
“Wait,” Orion put a talon on my shoulder. “Let me go with you.”
I frowned, “Why?”
Orion gave what amounted to a griffin shrug. “My cover’s blown, no thanks to you, so if I’m going to save myself from being busted down to a desk jockey, I had better come back with something good. So let’s go. We don’t have much time.”
We arrived in a dimly lit corridor near Chora’s Den, the only illumination came from a bank of red emergency lights near the ceiling, which cast eerie shadows across everything. Just ahead, we could hear a set of voices.
“Did you bring the data?”
“Where’s the Shadow Broker?” This had the unmistakable sound of a small mechanical speaker. Zebra had hereditarily weak immune systems, and were forced to live in sealed suits to protect them from bacteria. Rifles drawn, we slowly crept forward, coming around a bend to find the Zebra flanked by a pair of armored drones, with a griffin standing uncomfortably close to her.
“He’s here. Do you have it?”
A short pause. “No. The deal’s off.” As soon as these words left her helmet, the two drones activated and started walking towards her, guns drawn. I was about to cry out, but she seemed to sense the danger, and lobbed a grenade at the pair, blasting them to pieces.
As soon as the explosion cleared, Hoof’s men started pouring out from every shadow, weapons drawn and aimed at the zebra.
“That’s our cue,” I said, charging forward and centering my sights on the nearest pony.
*** *** ***
“Speaking of,” I said, turning to the zebra, who had so far sat very still in the ambassador’s office. “What’s your name?”
“Zenorra van Nistra. But… most people just call me Zen.”
“There aren’t many zebra here on Canterdel. What made you leave the flotilla?”
“I’m on my Pilgrimage, the Zebra rite of passage.”
“Hoof’s men attacked you because you had evidence against Apache. How did you get it?”
“During my travels, I heard news that the geth were moving. Since they drove my people into exile, they’ve never done anything. I was curious. I tracked a patrol to an uncharted world and waited until one was alone, deactivated it, and removed its memory core.”
“What did you find?” Ambassador Rein interrupted, already at his computer and delicately jabbing at the holo-keys with his hooves.
“Most of it was wiped. The geth have a self-defense mechanism that usually causes them to overload their circuits, wiping everything and effectively destroying them. But I was able to get this from its audio banks.” Zen reached up and tapped a couple of commands on her omni-tool with her snout. Holding her leg out so we could all hear, it began playing a recording:
“New Appleloosa was a major victory. The Alicorn beacon has brought us closer to finding the Conduit.”
“That’s Apache!” Runner cried, “This proves he was involved in the attack!”
“Wait, there’s more. He wasn’t alone.”
”-finding the Conduit."
“And one step closer to the return of Chaos.”
“I don’t recognize that other voice. The one talking about Chaos.”
I frowned. “Why does that sound familiar?” Again, I was plagued by that feeling of knowing I should know something, but being totally unable to recall it.
“Well, there were a few entries of Chaos in the memory core. Most of it was deleted, but I was able to glean that whatever it is, it was around almost 50,000 years ago.”
“Isn’t that around the same time that the Alicorns disappeared?”
Zen nodded, “Yes. This could be linked, but there’s no real evidence.”
“Regardless, we need to present this evidence to the Council; I’ll call for another hearing.”
*** *** ***
“New Appleloosa was a major victory. The Alicorn beacon has brought us closer to finding the Conduit.”
“And one step closer to the return of Chaos.”
“This is irrefutable evidence that Apache was involved in the attack, Commander, Ambassador, we will revoke Apache’s Spectre status immediately. We will make any and every effort available to track him down and bring him to justice.”
“What has me concerned,” the donkey councilor stated, adjusting the hood around his head, “is the second voices talk of the return of Chaos. What is it?”
“We don’t know,” I admitted, “All we were able to get from the geth data core was that chaos was something that occurred 50,000 years ago.”
“I recognize that second voice,” the buffalo councilor interrupted, “she’s a matriarch of my people, Seranine. She is a buffalo who has entered the last part of her lifespan, and was dedicated to passing on her knowledge to the youth. Obviously, she has strayed from her path.”
“Regardless,” Ambassador Rein stated, “We need to stop Apache at all costs. I demand you send your fleet after him!”
“One fleet can hardly track down one man. Besides, Apache is somewhere in the Terminus systems. Flying a council fleet in there could spark another intergalactic war.”
Ambassador Rein and I bristled at the griffin councilor’s words, but before we could retort, he continued.
“However, a single mare would have no trouble tracking down a rogue Spectre.” I blinked, did he just say mare?
“Commander Streak, step forward please.”
With my heart thudding in my breast, and a fair amount of nervousness welling up in my chest, I took a few steps forward, to the edge of the dais.
“It is the decision of this council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of Canterdel.”
The donkey councilor raised a hoof onto the railing, “Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle, whose actions elevate them above the rank and file.”
“Spectres are an ideal, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments to our will.”
“Spectres bear a great burden, Commander,” the griffin councilor finished, “They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defense. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold.”
“This is a great moment for your species Commander, you are the first pony Spectre, do not take it lightly.”
“I won’t councilor,” I said, dipping my head in thanks.
“We’re going to send you after Apache. As he is a fugitive from justice, you may use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him.”
“This meeting of the Council is adjourned.”
With that, the councilors turned and left, leaving Captain Runner, Ambassador Rein, and myself standing on the dais.
“You’re going to need a ship, a crew, supplies… We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us. I’m going to need your help setting this up Captain, come with me.”
“Congratulations Commander, we’re counting on you.” The captain briefly put a hoof on my shoulder before turning and following after the ambassador.
“Is the ambassador ever not pissed off at you Commander?” Sweet Breeze asked, walking up the steps to stand next to me.
“He’s a politician,” I explained, “I’m not sure he knows what the word ‘happy’ means. Now c’mon, I want to visit the Spectre armory and see if I can’t get some new gear.”
*** *** ***
“WHAT!?”
“Sorry ma’am, that’s the standard price, even with the Spectre discount.”
I slumped to my haunches, “two… two hundred and fifty… THOUSAND bits for a rifle!? Does the bullet make 90 degree turns or something!?”
“No ma’am, but it’s a top of the line rifle.”
I stared longingly at the rifle in the display case. ‘Custom molded bit for every user! Recoil dampers that cool so fast the barrel will melt before they do!’
Grumbling, I stood back up and turned to the other wares the Spectre requisitions office held. “with the discount, how much is this extended barrel?”
“About 1,500 bits.”
Still inwardly I cringed. That was two weeks pay!
“Fine fine,” I muttered, running my hoof over the scanner. “If the added recoil knocks a tooth out, maybe the navy will give me enough to where I can afford that other rifle.”
“Uh… try swiping your hoof again.”
Continuing to grumble, I ran my hoof over the scanner, trying desperately to remember where the chip that was tied to my bank account had been implanted.
“There we go, want me to install the upgrade for you?”
I shook my head, “No, I’ll do it myself.” Grabbing the barrel, I placed it in my saddlebag and headed back towards the elevator.
“Lieutenant, Gunny, I suppose now is when we get to move. I give you an hour and a half to pack your gear and meet me here. Got it?”
They both nodded, and I pressed the button to take us to where the Normanedy was docked.
“In other news, ExoGeni is still denying reports that one of their scientist teams is missing out in the Hades Gamma cluster.”
“Huh,” White Cloud said, “Weren’t they researching some huge project on Feros? Something to do with enhancing unicorn abilities?”
“Something like that,” I said, “Weird how they all went missing.”
The conversation was cut off as the elevator pinged and the door slid open, revealing Captain Runner and Ambassador Rein standing next to the entryway of the Normanedy.
“Gentlecolts,” I said, throwing a quick salute to Runner, “Come to see me off?”
“Actually, we’ve got some big news Commander.”
“Sir?” I asked, a small feeling of dread forming in the pit of my stomach. In my experience, big news from the navy is never good.
“Captain Runner has decided to step down as Captain. The ship is yours Commander.”
I blinked. “M.. Mine?”
Captain Runner smiled. “Absolutely Commander. Can’t have the first pony Spectre flying around the galaxy in some old Equestrian clunker. No. The Normanedy was built for this. It’s the pinnacle of pony and griffin engineering. Besides, you know the crew, and it’s designed for exactly what you need it to do.”
I smiled, “Thank you Captain. I really don’t know what to say.”
“Just make us proud Commander. And put a bullet in Apache’s head for me.”
I nodded. “Aye sir.”
Ambassador Rein cleared his throat and pulled a datapad out of his saddlebags and handed it to me. “Apache is gone Commander. I wouldn’t bother looking for him. What we do know is that he’s searching for something called the Conduit. On the datapad is a list of places where the geth have been sighted, as well as the location of Matriarch Benezia. Or her last known location.”
I nodded. “Thank you sir, I’ll put it to good use.”
I slipped the pad into my own saddlebag, and saluted Captain Runner one more time. “Sir, it’s been an honor serving under you.”
Runner chuckled, “The honor was mine Commander. Good luck.” With that, he and Rein turned and left. “Well, I guess we get settled in instead. Lieutenant, do me a favor and tell Joker to get the ship prepped. I want to be space-born in 30.”
Cloud nodded, then trotted into the ship with Sweet Breeze on his tail.
“Commander! Wait!” I turned back towards the elevator to see Orion running towards me.
“Orion?”
“Streak- er, Commander. With your permission, I’d like to go with you.”
I cocked an eyebrow, “Why? What about C-sec?”
Orion nervously scratched the back of his neck, “Well… it turns out my superiors weren’t a fan of me shooting my way out of Chora’s Den.”
“Ah, so they fired you.”
Orion gave what could only be described as a griffin blush. “Yeah..”
“So what makes you want to go with me? This could very well be a suicide mission.”
“I joined C-sec because I wanted to do something useful with my life. Stop criminals, save a few lives. But with everything that Apache has planned, I feel like I can do more with you than I could trying to navigate C-sec’s red tape.”
I chuckled, “Alright. Go head inside a pick a bunk.”
Walking aboard, I was met with a plethora of smiles and congratulations from my crew. Inwardly, I was as giddy as a school filly to know that the people that worked under me were so welcome to accept me as their captain, despite our short time together. Directing Orion to the set of stairs that would take him down to the crew quarters, I stepped into the elevator and rode it to the top floor, which was dominated by the Captain’s Cabin.
I allowed myself a small gasp as the doors slid open and revealed my new living quarters. Instead of just being a room to sleep in, this had nearly all of the fixings required for a full apartment! Nearly all of one wall was dominated by a gigantic fishtank, which sat opposite an office that was as big as my old quarters. Past the workspace was the bedroom, which housed a large, double-pony bed, (odd, considering the navy had very strict regulations on sharing beds.) a full couch and coffee table, with room to spare!
Shrugging my saddlebags onto the couch, I shucked my armor off and neatly stacked it before placing it in a drawer. Sitting on the couch, I pulled the datapad out and started scrolling through the files.
“Hmm, Neighvaria. Notable visitors… Matriarch Seranine? Isn’t that the Matriarch that the buffalo councilor recognized?” I activated my Omni-tool, punching in a few commands and putting me in communication with the cockpit. “Joker, get us on the fastest route to Neighvaria.”
“Aye Commander,” was the only reply I received before the ship gave a small rumble as the docking clamps disengaged and the small pull as the engines pushed us out of Canterdel’s gravity well.
“ETA 18 hours Commander.”
“Roger that. Alert me if anything comes up.” With that, I cut communications and slumped back onto the couch. After a full day of combat and politics, I was ready for a nice 18 hour nap before hi-
Thump thump thump.
-tting whoever was pounding on my door in the face with a well-aimed hoof. Grumbling, I got off of my bed and walked toward the door.
“What?” I said, trying not to snap despite my irritation. At the door was the new Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Thunder. He had served with Captain Runner for several years, before they both transferred aboard the Normanedy for its maiden voyage.
“Commander, my apologies, but.. are you aware that there is a griffin aboard the Normanedy?” I blinked, “Yes? I authorized him to come with us.”
Thunder scratched the back of his neck with a hoof, “Commander, I don’t mean to question your orders, but are you so sure it’s a good idea to bring a griffin aboard an Equestrian ship?”
“I trust him Thunder. He helped me out on Canterdel, and I thought he could be of use to us. Is that a problem?”
“No ma’am. I just wasn’t aware. I’ll notify the crew.”
I grimaced, in my excitement over the promotion, had I forgotten my duties as CO already? Telling my crew that I was letting an alien live on the ship should’ve been the top priority.
“Thunder, wait.” I sighed, “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you and the crew about Orion joining us. I guess I got a little carried away with the promotion.”
Thunder smiled, “No worries Commander. I’ll tell the crew it was my fault.”
I blinked. What?
“What?”
“Commander, your job as CO, especially now that you’re the first pony Spectre, is to be a hero to the crew. You make all the decisions, and I get to be the pony they hate. It’s how it works.” With that, he turned into the elevator and closed the doors, leaving me to ponder his words as I walked back towards my bed.
“If that’s the case,” I said quietly, “Then I’m never going to make a decision that would put him in that position.”
