> Star Trek: I'm Coming Home
>  by Aceman67
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 - Wide-Eyed Wonder
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Six Years Later...
Equus Orbit

"...It is with fervent hope and optimism as well in the spirit of friendship that we dedicate this Space Station." Princess Twilight Sparkle continued. "Long may it serve as a place of commerce and meeting place between the citizens of Equus and those that extend the offer of friendship and harmony. Thank you." 

With the Princess' closing words, those gathered erupted into applause. Representatives of every nation on Equus as well as diplomatic envoys from nearly every Alpha and Beta quadrant power. Klingons stood with Romulans, Humans with Gorn, even Tholians were present. A noticeable exception to this was the absence of the Tzenkethi, who had broken ties with their Typhon Pact allies and enacted policies of extreme isolationism. The galaxy hadn't seen or heard from them in almost six months. Even though relations with most of these powers were strained, things would be a lot different if not for the events a year ago. 

Unknown to anyone, when Starfleet revealed to the galaxy its Slipstream technology almost a decade prior, an enterprising Ferengi engineer staked a claim on a small moon because of the benamite crystals in its crust. She then set out to duplicate the technology on her own, and at great cost to her personal wealth.  Because of the frivolous nature of the way she spent her money (and the fact that she was a female), her work went largely unnoticed. While the members of the Typhon Pact played their spy games with Starfleet, Nell toiled in obscurity.

She had even had some modicum of success, and successfully tested her variant of Slipstream which proved to be capable of faster travel than even the most advanced Starfleet models equipped on their Vesta-class starships, but it came at a cost, as it caused the benamite crystals to degrade at a faster rate. Lacking the recrystallization technology that Starfleet possessed, Nell was about to throw in the towel until word spread that a new source of benamite with a stable crystalline matrix had recently been discovered. 

Being a civilian and not bound by the Khitomer Accords like the Ferengi Alliance was, Nell entered into negotiations with the Equus government for a sample of the mineral. Trading her knowledge of warp technology, something that other government powers had been unwilling to trade opting to let Equus develop the technology on their own, she was able to obtain the sample she needed. 

After months of testing, her designs bore fruit. While the Starfleet design that used the same stable benamite still required recrystallization after extended periods of use, Nell's design could be used for years before recrystallization would be needed. Nell's life work was complete.

To say what happened next shocked the galaxy would be an understatement. Using what was left of her fortune, Nell was able to broadcast a message to the galaxy on every frequency.



My name is Nell,

I won't be surprised if those in the engineering field don't know who I am, or that most Ferengi males are likely reaching to their consoles to turn this broadcast off. That would be a mistake.

On Ferenginar, we have a saying: "War is good for business". You know what's better for business? Peace. So it should be no shock that we have the saying "Peace is good for business" as well. You can't buy anything when you're dead. The last decade has been plagued with skirmishes and pointless conflict that profits no one. Dozens were killed at Utopia Planitia when Starfleet's Slipstream tech was stolen, many of whom I studied with at University, including my husband, and it's unknown how many died in Breen space when a Federation Special Ops team went to retrieve what was taken. 

For the better part of the past decade, I've been independently developing a Slipstream Drive of my own and I managed to make it work. 

No longer will Starfleet have a monopoly on Slipstream Technology. It's time to level the playing field, maybe then you'll all learn to get along and stop acting like children. Embedded in this message are the complete plans for my design as well as instructions on how to integrate it into common Klingon, Gorn, and Romulan engine systems.

Unlike the Starfleet design, however, my drive utilizes the stable benamite crystals that can be found in only one place in the galaxy, on Equus. 

I had originally planned on licensing out the plans for a standard fee, but last week I was diagnosed with Dorek Syndrome, so I don't have much time left. 

I am well aware of how unscrupulous most of the species in our galaxy can be, most of you are worse than Ferengi, so it is with that in mind that I have included a prototype for a method that can stabilize common benamite during standard recrystallization. So leave that peaceful world alone.

Sadly, it's not finished, however.

So let this be my legacy, and hopefully leveling the playing field will keep you all from killing each other for no better reason then who's ship can go faster.

 

Within a month, the political climate changed. What was once cold hostility and suspicion with fingers on the trigger shifted to begrudging tolerance. No longer did the threat of war loom overhead should cooler heads not prevail.

But all of this meant nothing to a young unicorn filly sticking to her father's side surrounded by so many that were different from her.

"Dad, is it done yet?" I asked my father, who lowered his head and smiled at me.

"Almost, Zoe," he told me. "I have to go talk with a few people then we can go."

"Do you have too? I want to go see the arb-- arbor-- the garden again." I said, using my magic to tug on the sleeve of his suit jacket.

"You mean the arboretum?" He said, taking note that I had trouble saying the word.

"Yeah, that."

"Don't worry, we will," He promised. "In fact, your mom is waiting there with a picnic lunch for us. But I really do have to talk with a few people, its part of my job."

"Ok..." I said, gazing at my hooves. When I noticed that Dad had started off towards a group by a window, I started after him, weaving in and out between people. Eventually, I found him standing with some men fancy white uniforms with red and gold trim.  

"This is quite the facility, Minister Scott, I look forward to a tour later." One of the men said. He had grey hair and a beard, and like my cousins spots going up the side of his neck.

"It is, isn't it?" My dad said. "Every time I'm up here, I'm amazed by the fact that the entire crystal structure was grown," He explained as I stepped up beside him and gave his leg a nudge with my shoulder. "As for the tour, Admiral, I'm afraid it'll have to wait till after lunch, as I am otherwise occupied." He finished while looking down at me with a wink. I just giggled.

"And who is this?" The 'Admiral' asked, What ever that is... I thought.

"My daughter Zoe." Dad introduced. "Zoe, this is Admiral Jorel Quinn."

"Hello," I said with a smile, which faded into an inquisitive expression. "Whats an Admiral?" I asked. Dad and Admiral Quinn both laughed at the same time. Staring back up at them, I blinked twice. "What?" I asked.

"Remember when I told you I was in Starfleet before you were born?" Dad told me, and I nodded. "Well, I was an Ensign, an Admiral is a few ranks higher."

Even though he tried to explain it, I still didn't know what he meant and I looked at him like he had two heads. Next to him Quinn was hiding his growing smile with his hand. Facehoofing, dad let out a sigh.

"You know how at the Canterlot Castle, there're the castle guards, right?" Dad asked.

"Yeah, we just studied them in school, Mrs. Cheerilee said we're going to have a test on it next week," I answered.

"Well, what are their ranks?"

"Umm... Munifex or Guard, Evocati or Veterans, Centurion, Legate and Imperator." I rattled off in quick succession.

"The Imperator is in charge of everything, right?"

"Well, yeah..." I responded. "But didn't you say he was also in charge of hot-air production?"

Quinn nearly spit out his drink with a sputter while he turned beet red trying not to laugh. As for Dad, his coat appeared to turn a shade whiter.

"Zoe!" He said, quickly covering my mouth with his hoof. "Remember when I said that what I say at home stays at home?" Still keeping his hoof on my mouth, I looked up at him and nodded. He didn't remove it until he located Imperator Nimble Justice in the crowd and was certain he was out of earshot. "Anyways, if you know that, then you know what an Admiral is." 

"So, you're in charge of Starfleet?" I asked Quinn.

"Well, I'm only a Vice Admiral, so it's a little more complicated than that," Quinn responded. "But I've been in charge of the Twelfth-Fleet for almost five years now."

"Here's to five more safe and quiet years," Dad said, offering his glass for a toast, which was met in kind.

"I sure hope so," Quinn said just as a human in a regular grey and black Starfleet uniform came up and whispered in Quinn's ear. "Is this accurate?"

"Yes, sir," He said.

"Seems we spoke too soon, James," Quinn said in a grim voice. "Nothing of immediate concern, but Command will be sending your office a brief on the situation within the hour," He told my dad, who mirrored his concern. "I'm afraid I must go," He explained. "Minister Scott, Miss Zoe," Quinn said with a nod.

I watched quietly as Dad slowly walked to the window, which showed a stunning view of Equus' deep blue oceans circling below. Stepping up alongside him, I put my forelegs on the edge and looked up at my father, who seemed to not be looking at anything at all.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Oh, nothing sweetheart," He lied. I may be Six, but I'm not stupid. I thought. "I won't be able to join you and mom for lunch, though, so we're going to see her right now, Ok?"

"James, what's going on?" Twilight asked as she walked up. "All the guests from Starfleet just left and the others are starting to look like they're about to as well." She continued, then she saw me and smiled. "Oh, hello Zoe,"

"Hi, Auntie Twily," I said with the best smile I could muster, trying to hide my disappointment.

"I don't know, Princess. Admiral Quinn said they'll be forwarding a brief on the situation within the hour. You'll know more shortly after." Dad explained.

"Oh, no, you had plans for a picnic after this didn't you?" Twilight asked my dad. "I'm sorry. Tell you what, I'll break the news to Fluttershy and keep her company. It's been a while since I've spent time my favorite munchkin." The Alicorn said, lowering her head to my level and smiled.

"Thanks, Twilight," Dad said. "I owe you," 

"Nonsense," She said, picking me up with her magic and putting me on her back before setting off for the exit. "Come on, Zoe, let's go find your mom, your dad has to get to work." 





The Station's arboretum had trees and flowers from all over Equus. From a prize sapling from Sweet Apple Acres to a towering Palm tree from Saddle Arabia, it all came together into a beautiful display of the flora Equus had to offer. 

Fluttershy found it all peaceful, even with the sporadic visitors touring it. Most left her be, but some said hi, and one human couple with a young toddler who got away from his parents and ran up to her. They apologised for bothering her, but Fluttershy assured them it was no bother, even reminded them that they should cherish this time with their son as he'll never be this small again.

Despite the interruptions, she found herself with enough time while the dedication ceremony was taking place to get quite a ways through the latest 'romance' novel by Sultry Quill, "A Mare Less Ordinary". Riveted by the twisting tale of the wealthy heiress and her bodyguard that she was forbidden to love.

...Precious Treasure inhaled sharply as Midnight Star nipped gently at her ears as he wrapped his massive wings around her. Involuntarily she shook as the sensation sent shivers down her spine.

"Midnight, we can't, my father would never approve..." Precious attempted to say as her legs buckled under her as kissed the base of her Horn.

"Your father doesn't understand," He said, holding her tighter. "How can he? He still sees you as a filly, not the beautiful, intelligent mare who's stolen my heart."

In that instant, Precious pulled away from him only to kiss him deeply.

"Oh, Midnight," She said, tracing a pink scar that marred his face that stood in stark contrast to his pitch black coat. Smiling and looking right into his eyes, she turned and flicked his muzzle with her tail before heading to her chambers.

Transfixed by the visage that was walking away from him, Midnight stood still, until a sultry voice calling out for him...

"Mom!" Was not what Fluttershy expected to hear, as she snapped her book shut, wishing she could hide her face which was now a similar shade as her mane.

Quickly jumping off Twilights back, I started to run towards my Mother. Picking a spot just in front of her, I focused my magic and in an instant I had closed the distance in a flash of fuchsia light. Because I was running when I teleported, I skidded to a halt right in front of her with a wide smile and letting out a playful giggle.

"Hi, mommy," I said as she pulled me into a hug.

"Hello Zoe," Fluttershy said with a warm smile of her own. "You're getting quite good at that," she remarked.

"She's a good student," Twilight said. "Probably one of my better students."

"I bet she is," Fluttershy responded, feeling pride from her daughters accomplishments. "Where's James?"

"He had to work," I said, pouting while I started to dig through the picnic basket. I carefully pulled out a nice slice of apple pie, being mindful that mom wasn't looking and moved to take a bite...

"Eat your sandwiches first, Zoe," Mom said, without even turning around. How does she do that? I thought. "Mothers have eyes in the back of their heads. I keep telling you this." Can they read minds too?

"Something came up and James will be home sometime tonight. You two can take the shuttle home with me if you like." Twilight explained.

"That would be nice. Ice tea?" Fluttershy said, offering her a glass. 

"Thank you. So, when are you going to tell her that you watch her in reflections," Twilight whispered. "Like in my glasses." She continued, taking them off with her magic and cleaned them with a napkin she grabbed from the picnic basket.

"When she figures it out; until then I'm going to keep it to myself for as long as possible," Fluttershy said, just as the deck beneath them shuttered for a second.

Out of the viewport, a massive starship glided past in silence. Unknown to the hundreds of souls on board, two young eyes filled with awe and wonder looked on. 
> Chapter 2 - Nothing is Ever Truly Lost
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Outside the frost covered windows, cold winter winds blew. The small creek that flowed beneath the foot bridge in front of the cabin had long since frozen over. Under the tree near the building stood a snowpony and a snowman, the latter having lost is carrot nose, no doubt taken by a mischevious Skittles.

Everything held a soft blue glow common to dawn in the winter. I loved this time in the morning, with the sun just behind the Everfree forest, brilliant shafts of sunlight just now beginning to show through the tops of the trees. With a flash of fuchsia coloured magic, I protected my eyes using a spell Aunt Twilight had taught me so we could watch a solar eclipse. Wearing a smile, I watched as the sun rose above the forest, illuminating everything.

"Beautiful," I said softly to myself.

With the sun above the trees, my heart jumped in my chest from excitement. It was time. I had been waiting all year for this, and Dad had made me a promise. As quickly as my heart began to race, I galloped out the door, down the short hall, burst into my parents bedroom, and jumped onto their bed. Bouncing on the foot of the bed, I waited until they started to stir. 

"Your daughter is bouncing on the bed again," Dad mumbled.

"She's your daughter too..." Mom groggily replied.

"It's your turn..." Dad mentioned, rolling over so they were face to face.

"No, it's not, you promised to take her to Vanhoover on a ski trip for her birthday..."

As soon as the last word left Fluttershy's lips, both their eyes shot open.

"Happy birthday, sweetie," They said in unison.

I just sat on my haunches at the foot of the bed and stared at them. They were a sorry lot, with their manes going every which way, their eyes bleary with sleep.

"You two are useless in the morning," I said with the straightest face I could muster and left the room. Before descending the stairs, I waited till I heard laughter, then started down towards the kitchen with a warm smile.

Along the walls of the stairs, nearly every inch was adorned with photos. Dad is quite the shutterbug. Doesn't matter where we were, what we were doing, he always managed to take some kind of picture. And I was his favorite subject after mom. So it was no wonder that's what he had for his cutie-mark. 

Dad, I knew, was a special case. Not born a pony, but a human, he didn't have a cutie-mark when Discord turned him into the pegasus he is now. From what mom told me, it turned some heads for some years, as he didn't get his till after I was born.

I couldn't have been more than three, we were on vacation just outside Banff on Earth. One early morning, I heard dad outside the tent, so I got out to see what he was doing. There he was, setting up a tripod for his camera to take a picture of Lake Moraine. The sun wasn't up, so I just went and sat next to him, snuggling up to his leg. I remember asking him what he was doing, and he told me he was waiting for the sun to come up. 

Right at that moment, it rose just over the mountain's peak, and he snapped the picture. All of a sudden, his leg felt warm and I looked back, and where it was once blank, now there was a mountain with a sun rising above it and a small camera on a tripod. I looked up at him as he realized what had just happened, letting out one of his trademarked 'Huh...', pulled me into a hug with a smile, and we watched the sunrise.

That picture hung above the mantle in the living room. It always held a great memory that I shared with my dad, but lately, it's been making me look at my own lack of a cutie-mark. I hadn't told my parents what the other kids at school were saying. The jeering calls of 'blank flank'. The hushed gossip about how dad wasn't really a pony so I wasn't either, some kind of freak. Miss Apple Bloom at school would normally be quick to put a stop to it. She told me that it'll come when I find my special talent. Principal Cheerilee said the same and asked I just be patient. Being patient is one thing, but not constantly thinking about it is another thing entirely.

Walking into the kitchen, I sat down in a huff at the table. Without moving, I grabbed a glass from the cupboard, a pitcher of orange juice from the fridge, and poured myself a glass, all with my magic. Telekinesis was one form of magic I was really good at. While other unicorns my age were struggling to keep more than two or three things aloft, it just came naturally. I had trouble lifting large objects, or holding up more than 5 things, but doing complex things, like putting a kettle on to boil for my Mom's tea, and measuring out the coffee grounds, putting them in the filter and starting up Dad's coffee maker, all without looking. That was easy.

"Show off," Dad said as he walked into the room and directly towards the coffee maker. I didn't have to look to know that he was now looking around for his battered Acadamy Class of '79 mug. 

"It's in the sink," I told him as I took another sip of my juice. 

As if on queue, just as the kettle on the stove started to whistle, in walked Mom, looking like a thousand bits, a sharp contrast to the abysmal bed head she had earlier. How she did it, I had yet to figure out.

"Morning, Zoe." Mom said as she passed, giving me a quick kiss on the top of the head. With the kettle still whistling, I turned to see that she too was looking around.

"Thumper is in the cupboard, second shelf," I told her, referring to the ceramic bunny mug she got at Disney World two years ago. Its a miracle that these two who couldn't find their favorite mugs in the morning managed to raise me. I thought. With the horrible din of the kettle silenced, the kitchen started to fill the smell of bananas and pancakes. My favorite.

"So, just how old are you?" Dad said, sitting down across from me. He thought he was just being clever, but he did this every year.

"Dad, don't you think I'm just a little too old for that?" I said, giving him a sideways look. "And you know exactly how old I am."

"Too old huh?" He said, turning to Mom. "Hear that, hon, too old."

"That so?" She said, flipping a pancake.

"Yep," Dad responded. "I guess I can give these Coloratura Farewell tour tickets for the show in Vanhoover two nights from now to some other birthday girl that's not... too old," He said, holding three tickets up. My jaw hit the floor. 

"How'd you get those?!" I asked, grabbing the tickets out of his hooves with my magic. "That show's been sold out for months!"

"I thought you were too old..." Dad said, grabbing the tickets out of the air and looking at me with a wry smile. I looked back at Mom, who was just whistling to herself cooking breakfast, bobbing her head back and forth. She was obviously complicit in this scheme. Et tu, Mother? 

"I'm ten, I'm ten!" I said louder than I had intended. With a smile, he handed me the tickets and hugged me tightly.

"Happy birthday, angel," He whispered in my ear.

"Front ROW?!" I screamed with glee.





Cold brisk air blew through my mane as I weaved down the slopes. The snow pack was perfect. Without a cloud in the sky, it was idyllic. Then Dad passed me. This will not stand. Getting low on my skis to reduce drag, I made a beeline for my Dad who was now looking back at me sticking his tongue out.

Trees and other skiers on the slopes seemed to zip by as I picked up speed. Just as I caught up to Dad, we sped past a pony in a bright red jacket with fluorescent yellow stripes.

"Dad!" I yelled up to him. "Ski Patrol!"

"I saw 'em!" He answered back. "Double Diamond trail coming up on our left!"

This not being our first time 'bending the rules' at this ski resort, we knew the trails pretty well. 'Folly's Curve' as this trail was called, while not as difficult as the other double diamond trails, it was labeled as such because of the curve along the edge of a cliff with a vertigo-inducing eighty-two-foot drop. Everything was clearly marked, but if you were not paying attention, the cliff could very easily come out of nowhere for a less experienced skier. But Dad and I knew this trail pretty well, having used it in the past to evade the ski patrol trying to bust us for going too fast. It's not our fault that we're better than them.

Or so we thought.

Up ahead, just before the turn that would lead us to the cliff-side curve, stood three Ponies from the Ski Patrol, and they didn't look happy. Careful to not spray snow into their faces, we skidded to a stop just in time for the two ponies chasing us to come up behind us.

"Mr. Scott, we've had this discussion before on several occasions, including when you were human, and this is the second time you brought your daughter along for your antics." An irate Pegasus mare scolded my dad. "I don't care if you're some big-wig in the government, you can't ski that fast on the hills! You're going to hurt somepony!"

"Where's the fun in that, Coldsnap?" Dad asked with a sarcastic smile. Coldsnap literally growled.

"Safety is everypony's responsibility!" Coldsnap, well, snapped back at him. "This is your final warning, I catch you ignoring the slope rules, I'm banning you from the resort!"

Stepping up between them, I stood in front of my Dad.

"Miss Coldsnap, we're sorry that we've caused you grief. We won't do it again. Dad only wanted to have fun with me on my birthday" I explained, emphasizing the last word.

Coldsnap looked down at me, then up at Dad, finally letting out a sigh and putting a hoof on her forehead.

"Fine," She said. "Go," 

As soon as she said that, Dad and I were already on our way around the curve and could see the Ski Lodge at the bottom of the slope.

"I was serious about banning you!" She called after us.

"You really serious, boss?" One of the other patrollers asked.

"By Tartarus, no!" Coldsnap laughed. "The amount they pay for their passes could make my mortgage payment," She explained. "That and the Manager would have my head on a ski-pole."





"You two have fun?" Mom asked as we walked in through the door of our suite at the chateau. She was sitting on a blanket by the fire with another one of her novels. How she can read those things is beyond me, no adventure at all. Bleh.

"Tons!" I said enthusiastically. "I beat Dad down the hill!" I continued, walking towards the kitchenette for a drink. Holding the cup aloft, I walked to the sliding glass doors that led out onto the balcony to look at the scenery.

"You two aren't given that nice Miss Coldsnap any trouble are you?" She asked. I cringed slightly while Dad scratched the back of his neck. C'mon Dad, that's your tell! I thought to myself wishing he had a better poker face.

"You did, didn't you," She asked rhetorically. She already knew the answer.

"Well... I..." He stammered.

"He started it," I chimed in before hiding my face behind my glass of water.

"Traitor." Dad quipped at me.

"James Matthew Scott." Mom said in a stern voice, making his head whip around to face her only to be greeted by one of Mother's patented stares. His ears splayed back and he lowered his head. "What am I going to do with you?" She asked after letting out a sigh. 

"Smile and tell me you forgive me?" Dad said with the cheesiest of grins, waggling his eyebrows a couple of times. Mom's eyes narrowed and her lips pursed tightly. While she knew pretty much all of his tells, he knew exactly how to get out of trouble with her.

And it's embarrassing at just how often it works.

"Don't do it again," She told him before turning back to her book.

Sauntering over to me with a smug smile on his face, Dad gave me a light shoulder check, which I returned with one of my own, adding a small push of magic.

"You could have helped me out there, you know," He told me.

"Dad, I love you, but you have a pretty obvious tell."

"What are you talking about? I don't have a tell."

"Yeah, you do dad."

"No, I don't."

I laughed, Even when he knew he was wrong, this was a little game we would play, longest we've gone in this circular argument was about twenty minutes before mom put a stop to it. The look on her face was priceless.

"You scratch the back of you neck when you're hiding something."

"I do, don't I, huh?"

I nodded yes as sarcastically as I could, then I paused.

"Dad," I started, looking up at the tall stallion next to me.

"Yeah, munchkin?"

I started to speak, but nothing came out; I had totally lost my train of thought. "Nothing; nevermind."

Unexpectedly, he pulled me under his wing and held me close.

"Happy Birthday sweetheart."

"Thanks, Dad," I said, wearing a genuine smile when something on the ground below the balcony caught my attention.

A large group of ski-patrol ponies gathered at the entrance to the ski lodge. Out in front of them all was Coldsnap, who appeared to address them all.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"I don't know. I think they're organizing a search party." Dad told me.

"Search party? Oh dear. Is somepony lost?" Mom asked, joining us at the balcony.

"Looks like it. I'm going to go see if I can help." Dad said, giving his huge wings several strong flaps that easily sent him airborne.

"Please be careful." Mom yelled, calling after him.

"I'm always careful," He told us, before nosediving towards the ground.

Mom and I continued to watch as the search party grouped around who I would guess was the family of the missing pony. Something familiar about the way she wore her mane. The curls, the silver hair with brilliant crimson highlights, I knew I knew it from somewhere, but I just couldn't place it.

Then it hit me.

"Mom..." I said, turning to her with concern on my face. "That's Ruby Star, I go to school with her daughter." I said, neglecting to mention that her daughter, Sapphire Moon, was one of a group of fillies who spared no effort making my life miserable at school. "I'm going to help." I decided, not knowing what came over me.

She started to protest, but I had already teleported down to the ground, tossing up a flurry of snow from the ground. Thankfully I was still wearing the scarf that Miss Rarity had knitted for me, its warmth already making itself known as it kept the snow I sent aloft off my neck. I galloped towards Ruby just as the search team, my Dad included, were walking away, leaving the distraught mother alone in the snow clutching a scarf in her magic with Sapphire's cutie-mark embroidered on its ends.

"Mrs. Star, are you ok?" I asked quickly. "Is Sapphire ok?" I continued, almost as quickly as the first question.

"Wha-?" Ruby said, having startled her out of her haze. "Zoe, what are you doing here?" She asked, then appeared to realize the question was redundant, as the older mare would have seen my father in the search party. "I let Sapph go up the hill by herself." She explained. "She did such wonderful job at ski school last year that I thought she was ready." Ruby continued, a new round of tears welling up in her already worry filled eyes. "She went up the slope two hours ago and hasn't come down."

"Zoe, you shouldn't pop off like that," Mom scolded as she gracefully glided down from the balcony, landing next to Ruby who she immediately pulled into a hug, causing her to drop her daughters scarf. "Don't worry, they'll find her." 

Picking up the scarf in my own magic, an idea popped into my mind. Earlier that week, Aunt Twilight had taught me one of the spells she uses to send books she had finished using back to its place in the vast library she keeps in her castle. It was a simple enchantment spell that had the book float back to its place. If something like that could work for a book, maybe it could work in reverse for an object like this scarf and have it return to its owner.

I knew Mom would not let me go off on my own, I waited until she wasn't looking to make my attempt. Not knowing how far away Sapphire was, I cast the enchantment on the scarf with as much magic as I could.

Shaking off the lightheadedness from overexerting myself, I opened my eyes to see that it worked! Floating off into the woods up the mountain slope, I followed the scarf. I noticed that there were hoofprints in the snow, no doubt from the ski patrol, so I started to get some inkling of hope that maybe she had already been found; but that quickly faded as the scarf started to lead me into fresh powder. 

I followed the scarf for what seemed like an hour before the enchantment wore off and fell limp onto the snow. I steeled myself to cast the enchantment again, not sure I would be able to do that with the same potency when I heard faint sobbing.

Tossing the scarf around my neck, I walked in the direction of the sound, I soon found myself in the middle of a small clearing. On the other side, sitting on her haunches, was Sapphire Moon. The blue-coated unicorn was beneath a tree, the sound of her own crying let me get close enough without her noticing to see that she was shivering from the cold. Lying next to her were her skis, one of them broken in half. She had obviously gone off the posted trails and probably hit a rock or a log.

"Sapphire?" I asked as gently as I could as to startle her.

"What?" -sniff- "Zoe? What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised at my presence.

"I came looking for you," I told her. "In fact, half the mountain is looking for you," I explained further. "Are you ok?"

"No... I'm cold." She told me with some pain showing through her voice. "I think I hurt my knee when I fell."

"I can't help with the knee, but I do have this," I said, using my magic to wrap her scarf around her neck.

"Why are you helping me?" She asked.

"It's the right thing to do?" I stated. "Look, I know we have a history. You and your friends haven't been the most friendly lot towards me." I continued. "And none of that matters when somepony needs help."

Sapphire gave a small chuckle, followed by a sharp inhale caused by pain from the sudden movement, but she managed a weak smile even as she avoided looking into my eyes.

"Anyways, you're hurt, so walking out of this is not going to happen," I said, changing the subject. "And leaving you here alone while I go and get help is out of the question," I stated. "So I'm going to go... look for... firewood... What is it?" I asked as I noticed that Sapphire had the cold look of fear on her face, her ears splayed back and her eyes wide as saucers.

I slowly turned my head to see what had frightened her to see a gigantic brown bear. A low growl filled the otherwise quiet clearing.

"Uhh... Hi there, buddy..." I said nervously as I stood frozen in place.

The large animal slowly walked towards us until there was but a scant few feet between us. Then he let out an ear shattering, blood-curdling roar.

Afterward, the clearing was deathly silent save for the fluttering of wings from a small flock of birds. The bear then looked in the direction of the summit and began to run in the opposite direction.

That was when we felt it, and I mean we felt it. The ground beneath us began to rumble as I watched in horror as a massive wall of white was leveling everything in its path, and it was heading directly at us.

Without hesitation, I did the only thing I could do: I began to cast a shield spell around the two of us, putting as much magic as I possibly could into it just as the avalanche passed over, throwing us into darkness as the snow blocked out all light.

A faint white glow then illuminated the small hemisphere lined with ice caused by the flash melted/frozen snow that had come in contact with my shield. My knees buckled under me, sending me to the ground.

"Zoe!" Sapphire yelled, but it seemed so far away. I was just so tired. My head ached and all I wanted to do was sleep. "Zoe! Stay awake!" she called out to me from what seemed like a mile away, but I didn't care, I just closed my eyes.





At the foot of the mountain, two mares watched in horror as what seemed to be the side of the mountain break free and come tumbling down at terrifying speed.

"Zoe!" Fluttershy screamed.
> Chapter 3 - Friendship in all the Wrong Places
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------




USS - Kapyong
Equus Orbit

The start of Gamma-Shift began just like every other time Lydia had pulled this duty. Quiet. Uneventful. At least, that's what it was like in her head as she tried to block out the incessant yammering coming from Ensign Jackson at the little-used science station to the left of the center chair that she occupied. Why the captain insisted that the bridge be fully staffed for all shifts was beyond her, But mine is not to question why and all that.  She thought.

Leaning back in the center chair, Lydia stretched her arms out and rolled her neck a few times. Inwardly, she smiled. Today marked her twelfth year in Starfleet, and her third week with that third half pip on her chest. With it came not only still being Chief of Flight Operations of the Kapyong, but being Second Officer as well, third in line on the chain of command. Who would have thought that little Lydia Johnson would get this far... She thought to herself.

"...then she said 'Daddy, why is his face like that?'" Jackson said before letting out a hearty laugh that quickly disappeared. "You're not listening to me are you?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, what?" Lydia said, admitting in an offhand manner that she was ignoring him.

"I talk too much about my kid, don't I?"

"Yes!" The whole bridge said in unison.

"Fine, none of you are invited to her birthday party next week." He said in a sarcastic tone.  This sent everyone into a chuckle that was short lived.

A steady beep, repeating itself, was emanating from the Conn station. 

"Ahem," Lydia said, getting the attention of Lieutenant Tevrell, the Kapyong's saurian gamma shift Conn officer.

"Oh, that's me huh." She said, quickly turning around and activating her console. "We're receiving a hail... this can't be right... It's on a civilian federation frequency."

"Didn't the last freighter leave the system a couple hours ago?" Lydia asked.

"Yes, ma'am." Ensign Harris said from the tactical station.

"Seems to be coming from the planet, but it's too weak to make a connection, must be coming from just over the horizon," Tavrell explained after analyzing her readings.

"Ok, Tavrell, increase orbital speed then put us in geostationary orbit over the source."

The bridge fell into a relative level of quiet for the next few minutes, with everyone doing their jobs with nothing else to do but wait till we were in range. 

"We're receiving it loud and clear now, Ma'am, audio only," Tavrell announced.

"On speaker," Lydia ordered.

"This is a general distress call to any Vessel in orbit. There's been an avalanche at my location, requesting search and rescue assistance. I repeat, this is a general distress call..."

"Open a channel," Lydia told Tavrell, who hit a button on his console then nodded back. For a brief second, she thought she recognized the voice, but put it out of her mind and focused on the job. "This is Commander Johnson of the Kapyong responding to your distress call, who am I speaking with?" she asked.

"I knew you guys were still in orbit, This is Minister Scott from the Foreign Affairs office. There's been an avalanche at my location, we have multiple casualties and an unknown number still missing."

James?! she thought, the name suddenly coming to her. Lydia shook off her shock and went back to work, there were people in danger. "Copy that, Minister Scott, we'll have medics and S&R personnel at your location forthwith."

"Thank you Kapyong,  but please hurry, my daughter is still on the mountain, Scott out."

"Alright people, you heard the man, let's get to work," Lydia said, addressing the bridge. "Yellow Alert," she ordered, sending the ship into a heightened alert status before pressing the ship-wide intercom to address the crew. "This is the bridge, all medical and security personnel prep for cold weather search and rescue operations. This is not a drill. Senior staff to the bridge."





The first thing Lydia noticed when she beamed down was the biting cold. Despite the sun being out, which was in the process of setting, and the sky being clear, the temperature was falling at a steady pace.  Been a while since I've been somewhere cold. Lydia thought as she walked up to a group of three pegasi who seemed to be in charge of directing the search effort.

"I'm Lieutenant Commander Lydia Johnson, where's Minister Scott?" Lydia asked.

The blue coat covered pegasus with a bleach white mane glanced at Lydia then at the one with a yellow coat and pink hair, who despite having a worried expression let out a brief giggle then motioned to the third pegasus in the group the one with a brown coat.

"You're speaking with him." he said.

"Wait, what?" Lydia asked, obviously confused.

"I know, it's a long story that I don't mind explaining once we're finished here, but we have ponies missing on that mountain," James explained. "I'm the ranking government official here and I'm former Starfleet, so I've taken charge. That ok with you?" He asked.

"No issues here,"

"Ok, have your men pair off with a member of the ski patrol then start a standard search pattern up the mountain. I assume we're going to have shuttle support?" 

"Affirmative," She answered, and as if on queue, one of the Kapyong's Type-10 shuttles roared into view above us then began a holding pattern above us.

"This is Shuttlecraft  Gamow, tell us where to go."

"Fluttershy!" Another voice called out in the distance. 

Turning to face it, she saw a Unicorn with a white coat and a pink and purple mane come running up to us.

"Sweetie Belle, what are you doing here?" The pink haired pegasus asked.

"I was attending a pediatrics conference in Vanhoover, when I heard what happened here, the Hospital sent me along with the medics." The unicorn explained. Must be a Doctor I guess. "Wait, where's Zoe?" She asked, which elicited a worried look on Fluttershy. "She's on the mountain?!" She asked, quickly turning her head towards the peak now wearing her own worried expression.

"Don't worry about that now, Doctor Belle," James said, using her title to get her attention. It obviously worked because her worried look faded in an instant. "The Ski Patrol's set up a triage area in the lodge and Starfleet has sent medics to assist." He explained further.

"Yes, and our surgical team is standing by for any critical cases," Lydia added.

"Alright, I'll go see to my Patients," She said after pulling Fluttershy into an embrace. "And James? Find Zoe." She ordered. 

"Will do, Doc." He answered as he pulled Fluttershy into an embrace of his own.

"I'm going to join the search party, I'm sure Sweetie Belle could use your help." He told her. "Don't worry, I'll find her." He said, then headed off towards the mountain. Picking up her pace, she quickly caught up with him.

"So, this is what you've been up too." Lydia stated when she caught up and walked along his side. Pulling out her tricorder, she gave the area a quick scan. "There are some life signs three hundred meters ahead," She said, pointing off to their eleven o'clock.

"I could say the same about you." He countered. "Thought I didn't recognize you, huh? XO?" He asked.

"Not yet, Second Officer," she explained. After a short pause, she brought up the purple elephant between them. "Who's Zoe?"

"My daughter. She went looking for a missing classmate before the avalanche hit." He said sullenly, his ears splayed back, but they perked up when Lydia's tricorder gave off a positive sounding series of beeps. 

Using the shovel she grabbed from her pack, she uncovered a unicorn that was wearing the same jacket as the ski patrol, no doubt caught in the avalanche. He was still breathing, thankfully, but a quick medical scan made her hit her comm-badge quickly.

"Kapyong, one critical case to beam directly to sickbay, severe hypothermia, and blunt force trauma."





Sapphire quietly wept in the darkness. Lying next to Zoe in an attempt to keep them both warm, despite the two youths being soaked and shivering. At least she's still shivering... she thought, remembering the safety lesson the ski patrol gave the first time that Ponyville Elementry took a ski trip here two years ago. If she's still shivering, then she's still alive.

"Stupid..." Sapphire spat out into the darkness. This had the effect of rousing Zoe from unconsciousness. 

"Ow..." Zoe moaned as she slowly lifted her head. 

"You're awake!" Sapphire said with obvious relief in her voice. "I was so scared."

"Why is it so dark?" Zoe asked.

"Oh," Sapphire responded. "I can fix that." With a grunt of concentration, Sapphire focused magic into her horn and a small ball of golden light formed on its tip, illuminating the hemispherical cave they were in. "That was quite the show you put on," She said, watching as the pony next to her struggled to get onto her hooves again.

Gingerly, Zoe walked into the center of the hemisphere and looked up, but her attention was drawn back to Sapphire by a quiet gasp.

"What?" Zoe asked.

"Look," She said with a smile, gesturing towards her flank.





Zoe let a smirk cross her face before descending into a fit of laughter that caused her to sit back on her haunches.

"What's so funny?" Sapphire asked, obviously confused.

Wiping a tear from her eye, Zoe turned to her. "It figures that I get my cutie-mark saving the life of somepony who only last week was calling me blank-flank, only to suffocate alongside her," Zoe said with deadpan seriousness.

"What?!" Sapphire asked, a little too loud, as her voice echoed inside the small ice structure.

"Not so loud," Zoe said taking her hooves off her ears. "We're slowly suffocating. Have been since the avalanche." She explained. "There's no air vent," Zoe said, gesturing her hoof towards the ceiling. 

"What do we do?"

"It's not what we're going to do," Zoe started, "It's what you're going to do." She continued. "You're going to use your magic to melt a small hole in the roof of this thing."

"I can't do that!" Sapphire said in doubt.

"Sure you can," Zoe responded, "I've seen you heat up your lunch at school; same principle only amped up and focused at one point for longer." She explained.

"I'm not sure, can't you do it?"

"My head's killing me, that magic overload took a lot out of me, I couldn't levitate a pebble, let alone doing this. You're our only hope."

Letting out a deep breath, Sapphire struggled to get to her hooves. With Zoe letting her lean against her, she limped to the center of the hemisphere.

"Remember what Twilight taught us about casting spells we're unsure of," Zoe said, "Don't picture yourself doing it, but having already done it."

The light dimmed into nothing before brief golden flashes filled the cavern as magic swirled around Sapphire's horn before a beam of white hot light shot to the ceiling.



 

In the night sky on the mountain, a white light shined in the distance, but only briefly. This attracted the attention of two searchers, who started to quickly make their way to its source.





"Now what?" Sapphire asked.

"Now we wait," Zoe said, looking up through the hole, catching a glimpse of the moon, it's light just enough to let them see in the darkness. "And hope we don't freeze to death," Zoe said grimly. Sitting down next to Sapphire for warmth, they both settled into silence for several minutes until soft crying broke the silence. Looking to her left, Zoe could see the moonlight reflecting off Sapphire's tears.

"What's the matter?"

"I'm..." Sapphire responded between sobs, "I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what? Getting us into this? That's not your fault, that bear set the avalanche off."

"No, that's not it!" Sapphire said, wiping tears away. "The way I treated you, it was horrible."

"Oh," Zoe said, taking aback, not expecting that at all. The two fillies couldn't meet each other's gaze and silence settled in for a brief moment again, this time, it was Zoe that broke it. "Why?" She asked as softly and honestly as she could.

"We were jealous."

"Jealous?"

"Yeah, you're a pretty intimidating pony, Zoe," Sapphire explained. "You're always so sure of yourself, and magic came so easily to you. The fact that your mom's an Element and your dad was human just made you stick out that much more."

"What do my parents have to do with this?"

"It just gave us something to latch onto," Sapphire admitted. "It was cruel, we knew how much it would push your buttons, and we did it anyways." She continued. "I can't speak for the others, but I'm sorry, I really am."

Zoe thought about what she had just heard. She got the feeling that Sapphire was being genuine. 

"I know you are," Zoe finally said after a while. 

"I know I can't ask you to forgive me right away, but let me make it up to you."

"I'll hold you to that, but first, let's make it through this," Zoe said, trying to be reassuring.

"Oh, happy birthday," Sapphire told her. Zoe attempted to respond but quickly turned he head upwards towards the soft muffled sounds of crunching snow.





"There's two life signs below us in a dome of ice,"

"You sure?"

"Positive,"





"Hey! We're down here!" Zoe shouted.

"We know, stand off to the side!" An indistinct muffled voice responded.

"What did they say?" Sapphire asked

"They asked us to stand off to the side,"

A high pitch whine filled the air, followed by a flash of heat as the top of their ice dome evaporated in a brilliant orange light. Standing at the edge of the new hole was a human Starfleet officer, who disappeared from view, but quickly returned, tossing a rope down the hole and repelled down. Right after him was Coldsnap, who glided down on her wings.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite trouble maker, and I see you found your friend." She said as she watched the human pulled two blankets out of his pack and wrap the two fillies.

"You two have mild to severe hypothermia, I'm going to transport you to the Kapyong for treatment. They'll also look at that leg." The Human said, consulting his medical tricorder, then tapped his comm-badge. "Rogers to Kapyong, two to transport to sickbay, mild to severe hypothermia, with one minor leg injury."

"Transport where?" Sapphire asked, confused. Zoe just smiled, knowing what was coming.

"Copy that, locking on... Energising." A disembodied voice said.

"What the heck!" Sapphire exclaimed as the transporter took hold.

"You should contact your boss, she'll want to let Minister Scott know you just rescued his daughter," Coldsnap said with a wink before jumping into the air with a powerful flap of her wings.





"I want to thank you for the help your medical staff gave us," Sweetie Belle said to the Captain of the Kapyong, a short Tellarite named Khashlinn Vonkal. 

"You are most welcome, Doctor Belle," Vonkal said, giving a nod to the pony next to him.

"They're ready for transport," A female Starfleet officer said from the Transporter Room controls.

"Energise," Vonkal ordered.

On the small transporter pad before them, three forms began to shimmer into being, one of whom was screaming her head off.

"Mrs. Star, calm down, I told you it's just like teleporting. You're just fine" James told her, which seemed to have the desired effect.  

"I know, but how do they do it without magic?" She asked

James thought about telling her that it involved being scanned down to the sub-atomic level by a molecular imaging scanner, disassembled and converted to a matter stream by the primary energising coils, transmitted and stored in a pattern buffer, kept in check by the Heisenberg compensator, then reassembled by the phase transition coil at the destination, but he thought better of it. Thankfully he didn't have to explain it anyways.

"Doctor Belle! Where's my daughter? Is she ok?" Ruby Star asked once she noticed the unicorn doctor.

"Mrs Star, your daughter is just fine. I just examined her, the Starfleet doctors took good care of her, she's just a little tired." Sweetie Belle explained.

"And Zoe?" Fluttershy asked, her look of worry mirrored on James' face as well.

"She's just fine, she won't stop asking any passing crewmember incessant questions." Captain Vonkal quipped with trademarked Tellarite rudeness.

"Yep, she's just fine," James said with a sarcastic tone, only to get thwapped upside the head with one of Fluttershy's wings.

"They're in the mess hall, along with the others that have been medically cleared. If you'll follow me." The Captain said, gesturing for his ships guests to exit the transporter room.

The Kapyong being a Defiant-Class vessel, the mess hall was a short walk away, and the worried parents soon found themselves in the crowded mess hall.

"You used to be a higher rank than my dad?" Zoe asked.

"Yep. But his experience helped me a lot. His advice and a little favour here and there got me to where I am today." Lydia explained to the young pony who hung onto her every word with rapt attention.

"Zoe/Sapphire!" Both mother's immediately said in unison, getting both fillies to turn and run.

"Mom!" They both exclaimed.

"I'm so happy you're safe, you scared me," Fluttershy told her daughter while pulling her into a hug.

"Are you ok?" Ruby asked, hugging her own daughter as well.

"I'm fine, mom, we both are," Sapphire said, looking at Zoe who returned a smile. "Mom! You have to see this!" Sapphire said, escaping her mother's embrace and making a beeline for the observation window.

Following her daughter, Ruby slowed her steps till she just stopped. To say she was speechless was an understatement.

"Quite a view, isn't it?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah..." Ruby said monosyllabically.

"Hehe... I was like that too when James showed me our planet from orbit the first time. Puts everything in perspective doesn't it?"

"Aren't you going to tell them?" Sapphire asked in a hushed tone.

"Quit pestering me, I will," Zoe responded.

"Tell us what?" James asked.

"Well..." Zoe started but fell silent before looking down to her right a couple times and waggling her eyebrows with a huge smile on her face.

"Wha... Holy... WOW! Fluttershy, look!" James exclaimed with excitement.

"Oh, sweetie! You got your cutie-mark!" Fluttershy said equally excited, trying to hold back tears of happiness. All around them, the ponies who were looking through the observation windows turned their gaze and began to congratulate the young filly, save one.

"What's a cutie-mark?" Rogers asked Coldsnap beside him.

"It's the mark on our flanks. It's generally accepted that it represents our inherent talent in some way, it's a big event in our lives, but some think it gives us clues to our destiny." She explained to the human medic.

"You sound like one of those," He stated.

She didn't respond but thought of her own cutie-mark, that of a set of skis sticking out of a pile of snow, and how she got it, helping a search party find missing ponies after an avalanche when she was a filly herself. At least she didn't lose someone she loved getting hers. She thought, trying to keep the memories of her brother at bay.

"Dad! I got a request." Zoe stated.

"What's that sweetheart?"

"We're still going to the concert tomorrow right?"

James looked over at Sweetie Belle who gave an affirmative nod. "Well, Doc says its ok, so yeah, we are."

"Well, do you mind giving up your ticket?" Zoe asked. "I... I wanted to ask Sapphire if she wanted to come."
> Chapter 4 - Just When Things Couldn't Get Any Better...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This is so exciting!" Sapphire said, walking alongside Zoe through the crowded gymnasium of the newly built Thunder Head Memorial Consolidated Education Center.

The large school building was originally being built to replace the ageing Ponyville High School, but during a flood the year before, the Elementry school had to be demolished, so the new school was expanded to accommodate students from elementary to high-school, and not just those from Ponyville, but the surrounding towns and villages. When it was completed, the town unanimously decided to name it after Guard Captain Thunder Head, who had lost his life rescuing ponies during the same flood that destroyed the old schoolhouse.

All throughout the gym were stands in neat rows, each with representatives of the many clubs, all vying to get the attention of the first year students, Zoe and Sapphire among them.

"Which club are you going to join?" Zoe asked. 

"I think I'll join the student council," Sapphire said without hesitation. When she didn't immediately  get a sarcastic quip from her friend at her choice, she turned her head to look in her direction, who only smiled back. "What are you smiling about?"

"That's just, so... you," Zoe said, which got her a warm smile back.

"I'm also going to help out with the Peer Tutoring club as well." 

"Egghead."

"Ignoramus."

The two young mares burst into laughter as they continued through the crowds.

"You haven't told me which one you're going to join." Sapphire pointed out.

"Well..." Zoe began, levitating a piece of paper from her bag, and showed it to her friend.

"J.R.G.C?"

"Junior Royal Guard Corps," Zoe explained. 

"You want to be a Guard?" Sapphire asked, a little dumbfounded.

"I think so, but I don't know for sure," Zoe responded, sounding apprehensive. "If I do want to be a guard, joining the JRGC can help me be an officer if I wanted to, and you know me, I like a challenge, and that's just what this brochure says the programme provides."

"Yeah, I do know you, but this is a little out of pasture for you," Sapphire responded. "I would have expected you to go into the Telekinetics club, to be honest."

"They're my second choice."

"Thought so."

The two made their way to one of the largest stalls, staffed with an intimidating earth pony stallion and a pegasus mare wearing a smug smile, both seniors, donned in lighter versions, but no less imposing, of the current Royal Guard parade armour.

"Two prospective candidates?" The earth pony said, addressing Zoe and Sapphire both.

"Uh, no, my friend here is interested, though," Sapphire said before Zoe could respond.

"Yeah, I read your brochure, but it doesn't explain much." Zoe continued.

"First, we need to make it clear that the JRGC is not a recruitment tool for the Royal Guard," The stallion started.

"That being said, we don't discourage joining the guard," The pegasus quipped.

"The JRGC was formed to help instil in youth a sense of citizenship and patriotism," The stallion continued.

"You don't seem to be lacking that,"

"It'll help you with improving your written and verbal communication skills,"

"Your friend here might need help with that,"

"Self-reliance and responsiveness to authority are also key things taught in the programme, as well as physical fitness,"

"You could use some meat on your bones,"

"We'll also teach you team building skills and the basic skills needed to be a Guard,"

"You sure you're still interested?"

Through all that, Zoe shifted her attention between the two, cycling between hanging on to every word the stallion said and holding a tinge of annoyance at the pegasus.

"Yes, if signing up means I get to prove her wrong." Zoe told the stallion.

The earth pony went into a deep belly laugh while the pegasus just smirked. The next few minutes involved filling out a small stack of paperwork.

"That all but finishes it, there is one last thing," the stallion explained.

"What's that?" Zoe asked.

"Parental permission form." The pegasus responded.

"Yeah, thought that might be a thing," Zoe said, taking the form from the two ponies.

"You have until the end of the week to turn the form in, we start activities after school the following week." 

"I'll have it back before then," Zoe said, turning to Sapphire and giving her a weak worried smile.





"You want to join what?" Fluttershy asked, exhibiting a rare show of anger. Zoe knew her mother wasn't really angry at her, nor was she against the idea of the Royal Guard, she knew that it had its place in society, protecting and serving the Princesses and their citizens. She just didn't like the idea of her daughter among them.

"The Junior Royal Guard Corps." 

"I know what you said, I'm just confused as to why you want to join them."  Zoe's mother responded.

"I don't know why" Zoe started to explain. "I mean... It just seems like the right thing for me. I got my cutie-mark protecting Sapph, maybe that's what I'm meant to do."

"Honey, I've read through the handouts she brought home," James stated. "Yeah, they're run like the Royal Guard, but the programme is geared towards youth. In fact, it sounds pretty much like Scouts my grandmothers put me in when I was a kid."

"Why is this bothering you?" Zoe said with an inquisitive gaze. "I've never met a bad Guard in my life, and I'm sure you haven't either." 

"I know, I know," Fluttershy said. "It's just... you're my little girl, and here you are making a choice that might change the course of your life." She continued, a smile creeping onto her face. "Part of me, I guess, still sees you as the little filly who, only yesterday it seems, was only concerned with where her stuffed bear was before bed."

"I can't stay that little filly forever, Mom," Zoe stated. "And Brutus is next to my pillow." 

That put a smile on Fluttershy's face, who then pulled Zoe into a tight hug.

"Alright, give me the pen..."





Standing the hallway, Zoe looked up at the wall in front of her and the poster on it. 


Enchantment Under The Sea
|
Come Join Us at T.H. Memorial's 
First Fall Formal Dance
|
18th Day of Fall - 7pm-1am
T.H. Memorial Gymnasium
Entry Fee 10 Bits
|
Themed Costumes Optional but Encouraged
Formal Attire a Must



"I did a good job, didn't I?" Sapphire said, startling Zoe for a brief moment.

"You made that?"  Zoe asked.

"My idea too," She answered. "The dance I mean. Brought it up at the last student council meeting. Didn't think they would go for it, it is a pretty cliched theme..."

"Yeah, it is, but it sounds like fun." Zoe said, looking back at the poster. "You think anypony is going ask us out?" She said after a brief pause, turning to her friend.

"Uh..." Sapphire stammered for a moment, acutely aware of the new heat in her cheeks and glad that her blue coat is keeping it hidden. "I don't know. You, though, I'm sure some colt will try his luck and ask."

"Hey, don't sell yourself short," Zoe said almost immediately. "A few of the other Junior Guards asked me about you the other day." She continued with a wink. "Speaking of the Guards, I gotta get going. See ya at Sugarcube Corner later?"

"Yeah, sure." Sapphire answered, watching her friend turn and head down the hall then around a corner. At that exact moment, her heart felt heavy in her chest.





"Come on out, dear, and take a spin so we can get a look at you," Rarity said, adjusting her glasses.

Zoe stepped out from behind the changing room curtain and up onto the pedestal and took a slow turn. Wearing a simple yet elegant dark purple gown with pink accents that matched her mane's natural highlights, Zoe looked at Rarity and Sapphire for a response but didn't get one right away.

"So?" Zoe asked, grabbing their attention.

"Wow," Sapphire said, but otherwise remained silent.

"Well, I think we have it." Rarity said with a nod, which Sapphire mimicked

"You think so?" Zoe asked with a smile then turned look in the mirror and let out a squeal of glee.

"Sorry to interrupt," Sassy Saddles said, poking her head through the curtain divide separating the dressing room and the store front. "But there is a rather dashing young colt inquiring after you, Miss Zoe." She explained with an ear to ear smile.

"Who could it be?" Zoe asked, lifting up her gown slightly with her magic so she could step off the pedestal and headed out to the front of the store.

"Well, isn't that nice," Rarity said. "Oh, I almost forgot, I finished the alterations to the gown your mother picked out for you, I'll be right back and you can try it on!" Rarity explained as she walked into her back room workshop.

Alone in the dressing room, Sapphire pulled the curtain divider slightly so she could see who it was, and there talking with Zoe was Rocky Charge, the Junior Guard's top-ranked member and a senior at school.

Sapphire's heart sank in her chest as she let the curtain close and stared at the floor. Without noticing that she was crying, the appearance of a wet spot on the floor surprised her.

"Alright, let's get you in this dress," Rarity said walking into the room. "Sapphire, what's wrong?" 

"Rarity," Sapphire said, her voice downtrodden while walking towards Rarity. "How do you tell someone you like them?" She asked, briefly casting a glance back towards the curtain leading to the front of the store.

Before Rarity could formulate a response, Zoe came bursting into the room with a gleeful smile on her face. At that same moment, the look of shock and discomfort on Sapphire's face was all it took for Rarity to put two and two together.

"He asked me out!" Zoe exclaimed. "Rocky asked me to the dance!"

"I need to use the washroom, excuse me," Sapphire said, and quickly left the room.

"What?" Zoe asked.

For the first time in a long time, Rarity didn't know how to answer.





The music was loud and incessant, and the cheesy mirror ball casting light everywhere was slightly nauseating. At least that's what it was like to Sapphire as she sat along the wall, watching the rest of the school dance the night away.

A few colts had asked her to dance, but she politely refused. She did not want to be here, but her mother had already paid the entry fee and for the alterations for her dress, that she picked out, Sapphire had no choice, the fact she had no date didn't even occur to her mother.

Zoe had come and spent some time with her between songs, but never for long, and all they talked about was how nice Rocky was being. 

Every now and then she would hear word circulating about a party going on somewhere else. This piqued her interest the first time she heard it but thought better when she realised that her mother would kill her if she found out.

Getting up, Sapphire walked over to the punch table to refill her drink when she overheard something that she couldn't ignore.

"You going to that party?" One colt said.

"Nah, too much trouble for me. Just saw Rocky leaving with that Zoe girl, almost feel sorry for her. First years are so easy." His friend responded.

"Rocky's been pulling that stunt even at the old school, maybe he'll get caught this time."

"I doubt it, Dad's got too much money."





The world seemed to spin around Zoe ever so slightly. Even the crisp night-fall air wasn't enough to snap her out of it. Missing a step, she almost tumbled but Rocky extended a wing and steadied her.

"Wher're we goin' 'gain?" Zoe asked, her voice slightly slurred.

"The party, remember? We're going to have some fun." Rocky said with a smile.
> Chapter 5 - ...Life Pushes You A Little Harder
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Griffon Confederacy – Orbital Command – Control Room Two

Blunt Beak walked over to his station and sat down. His feathers were thoroughly ruffled and looked like he hadn’t slept in ages, a fact that couldn’t be closer to the truth.

Two days ago he had found a terrifying note that was left on his dresser. His wife and daughter had been taken, and that he would receive instructions the following day. It also read that if he contacted the authorities he would find their heads hanging from his front porch.

Terrified and unsure why somegriffon would take his family, he wasn’t rich, wasn’t important, he just monitored satellite trajectories. So he just did as the note said.

The following day he got his instructions in the form of a small box on his doorstep. Inside was the promise anklet he had given his wife on their wedding day, and it was covered in dried blood. Under it was a simple note with trajectory changes for one of the larger communication satellite at a scheduled time.

Sitting at his station, he entered in the commands, set it on a timer, and tried to execute it, but was stopped by an alarm that sent shivers down his spine.





Two days ago... 

Things had been great this evening. It had been quiet, and with the exception of the dance at the new school, nothing of note was going on in Ponyville. 

And that was how Guard Sergeant Scootaloo liked it. 

It was the primary motivation she had for requesting her current assignment. She was close to her friends and she liked being where she grew up.

Walking along the main street through the hamlet town on night patrol, Scootaloo turned to her partner, a green recruit fresh from the academy in Canterlot. “I’m sorry, I missed what you said.”

“I asked what made you become a guard.” Verdant Green stated. The dark green coated unicorn stallion stood a head taller than Scootaloo.

Scootaloo just smiled, she never got tired of telling that story. “It’s actually kinda silly, really. I was a late comer, so-to-speak. I didn’t get my Cutie-Mark till I was in middle school.” She explained, glancing down at her flank which sported a purple shield wrapped in ivory wings. “Long after my friends had theirs.” 

“I heard about the little group you and your friends started, my niece is in the Appaloosa chapter of the Cutie-Mark Crusaders,” Verdant said with a smile that just dripped pride.

“They opened one up there? Cool.” Scootaloo responded enthusiastically. “Anyways, one day in middle school, two of my classmates had an epic falling out,” She continued, leaving out Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon’s names. “And by epic, I mean epic, they were kicking the crap out of each other,” Scootaloo explained, brushing with the tip of her wing the soft pink scar on her cheek that she got from Diamond’s tiara when she headbutted her. “I jumped into the fight to break them up, got this scar from it, and I managed to calm them both down. The guard the school called in to deal with the situation said that I handled it pretty well. Flash forward to now, and here I am.”

“What happened to them?”

“Who?”

“You’re classmates.”

“Oh, one of the families left town, moved to Canterlot, the other owns the local grocery chain.”

“Wait, owns? That’s the largest chain of grocery stores in Equestria! She must be...”

“Filthy Rich?” Scootaloo said, inwardly smiling at the little in-joke.

“Scootaloo!” somepony cried out, causing both guards to turn towards its source.

“Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo replied. “What’s wrong?” She asked, looking past her at the filly who had run up with her friend but couldn’t place her name.

“Zoe’s gone missing,” Apple Bloom reported, sounding out of breath.

“Whoa, whoa, take a deep breath and tell me what happened,” Scootaloo said in a firm but calming tone.

“Sapphire came up to me and said she hadn’t seen her friend in a few hours,” Apple Bloom started again, turning to the blue unicorn beside her when she mentioned her name.

“You’re Sapphire, Zoe’s friend?” Verdant asked, jotting everything down on a notepad held aloft in neon green magic, he got a nod from the worried filly.

“Tell them what you overheard, Sapphire.” Apple Bloom told her.

“Before I told Ms. Blossom, I overheard a few colts talking about a party at Rocky’s parent’s place,” Sapphire explained, her voice shaky, close to cracking. “The way they talked, it sounded like Rocky was up to no good, they said he took her to his place, then I ran to tell Ms Blossom.” Sapphire finished, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Where does this Rocky live?” Verdant asked, getting a nod of approval from his superior at how he was handling the situation.

“The Charge estate,” Scootaloo interjected with a unamused tone before Sapphire or Apple Bloom could respond. “Ok, we’ll look into this, in the meantime, Apple Bloom, make sure Sapphire gets home, then head over to the Guard office and wait there until we get back.”

The two guards waited a few moments as the two mares walked away and were just out of earshot.

“Why do I get the feeling that you know what’s going on?” Verdant asked.

“The Charge family’s reputation precedes them,” Scootaloo answered before using the tip of her wing to activate the communication crystal embedded in her armour’s chest plate. “Squad One to Squad Two and Four, proceed to the Charge Estate forthwith. Squad One out.”

”Four, copy,”

”Two, copy,”

“Ok, let's get going, double time,” Scootaloo ordered just as she started galloping down the street, her partner following close behind.

It took several minutes to get to the estate that was on the more affluent side of Ponyville. The sprawling property seemed huge from the front gate, but Scootaloo knew that, while wealthy, they weren’t that rich.

Meeting up with the other squads, two earth-ponies, a unicorn and a pegasus, all six of them proceeded up to the front door of the estate. Taking the lead, Scootaloo loudly banged on the door with her hoof, not caring that she was leaving marks in the expensive looking wood.

”Who is it at this time of night?” A voice asked from behind the door.

“Ponyville Town Guard, open in the name of Princess Sparkle!” Scootaloo commanded.

”What do you want?” The voice asked. 

“He’s stalling, Two, Four, circle the building, detain any pony you find, keep an eye out for Zoe Scott,” Scootaloo said, issuing orders to her guards in a hushed tone. “I will not ask again, open up or I’ll buck the door down!”

“What is the meaning of this?” Brutal Charge, a Pegasus stallion with a grey coat who was the same height as Scootaloo demanded after opening the door only to be brushed out of the way by Scootaloo’s wing as she walked right past him like she owned the place. “You can’t just barge in here!” He continued to protest.

“Under Public Safety Statute #12, the guard is empowered to search any premises in the search of a missing pony.” Verdant quoted verbatim. Scootaloo was impressed with her newbie, but she knew they were stretching that statute a little thin. If they don’t find what they’re looking for, she would be deep trouble.

“Yes, there is a missing pony, last seen with your son heading towards this residence,” Scootaloo explained in a commanding tone, looking around the spacious entrance, having not met his gaze yet. “On top of that, we’ve received tips that your son is holding an after party of sorts.” She continued. “Considering that the missing pony is a minor, by Tartarus, I hope this party doesn’t involve alcohol.” She finished, levelling an icy gaze at Brutal. 

”Sergeant, we’ve broken up a party in the pool house out back, eight ponies detained.”

“Copy that, have you located the missing pony?” Scootaloo inquired while using her wing to activate her comms crystal, keeping her gaze levelled at Brutal. 

”You better get back here, Sergeant.”

“On my way,” Scootaloo answered then turned to Verdant. “Detain him.” She ordered then headed towards the back of the house.

Walking out the back door and around the figure-eight shaped pool, she found a sorry scene. Eight high school aged ponies, a few of them crying, one of them was being assisted by a guard as she wretched into a bush, all of them reeked of booze. 

“Report,”

“Eight ponies detained, I’ve taken their names, three of them are minors-” One of the earth-pony guards reported, but Scootaloo raised a hoof and interrupted him then activated her comms crystal.

“Verdant, arrest Brutal Charge, supplying alcohol to minors.” She ordered.

”Copy that, Brutal Charge, you are bound by law...” Verdant responded, but the newbie didn’t deactivate his comms crystal fast enough. Just hearing those words, though, put a smile on Scootaloos face.

“You enjoyed that,” The other guard pointed out.

“You’re damn right I did.” She responded. “Have you found Zoe?”

“No, ma’am, and no sign of Rocky either.”

“Buck,” Scootaloo exclaimed, then turned towards the ex-party ponies. “Where’s Zoe Scott and Rocky Charge?” She demanded from them, but they all remained silent.

“Sergeant!” The unicorn guard called out from the bushes behind the pool house. “We’ve found them!”

Racing behind the pool house, Scootaloo quickly came upon what she was looking for. Laying on the ground unconscious was Rocky Charge, the hair around his muzzle was singed away, and a few feet away was Zoe lying on her side surrounded by a fuchsia shield through which she could her muffled whimpers.

“Call in for healers and back up to get those ponies to their parents,” Scootaloo ordered before getting down on the ground to talk to Zoe. “Zoe, it’s Scootaloo. Are you okay?” She asked.

Zoe opened her eyes briefly, her blue and green pupils were glossy. Scootaloo had seen this before, she was drugged. Then in an instant, the shield came down and Scootaloo took Zoe in her wings and forelegs. The smaller unicorn began crying in her embrace, so Scootaloo held her tighter. 





“I hate doing this,” Sweetie Belle muttered under her breath. 

“If you want, I can get Dr Horse...” Nurse Tenderheart offered.

“No, I’ve been her Doctor since she was a foal.” Sweetie Belle said after taking a deep breath. “Come on, Scootaloo,” She said to one of her oldest friends. Walking down the short hall, Sweetie Belle opened the door with her magic. Laying on a bed was Zoe wearing a hospital gown. “Hi Zoe,” Sweetie Belle said with the best forced smile she could muster.

“Hi,” Zoe responded, her voice barely above a whisper.

“How are you feeling?” Sweetie asked.

“Much better. My head still hurts but I’m not as groggy.”

“That’s great,” Sweetie said, as she took her stethoscope and placed it on her chest, listened, then did the same on her back. Putting a pressure cuff on Zoe’s foreleg, Sweetie took her blood pressure, smiled at the results and jotted it down on Zoe’s chart. “Ok, Scootaloo is here to ask you some questions. They’re difficult to answer and it's very important you tell her everything you can remember.” Sweetie explained, getting a nod from her patient.

“Zoe, what happened at the dance?” Scootaloo asked.

“That’s still a bit hazy. I remember getting to the school and dancing a few times with Rocky.” Zoe began to explain. “He got me a drink, and he said that a few of them were going to his house. I don’t know why but I went with him.” She continued. “After we got to his house, he offered me another drink, but I couldn’t hold it up with my magic and dropped it on the ground.”

The three ponies all turned to the door as Nurse Redheart walked in and gave a clipboard to  Sweetie Belle.

“This accurate?” She asked.

“Lab staff ran it twice,” the nurse answered.

“Thank you, Redheart,” Sweetie Belle said with a nod as the nurse left the room. “I’m afraid this just confirms what we already suspected. Your drink was most likely spiked with a drug at the dance.” She explained, handing the clipboard to Scootaloo who looked over it with a concerned expression on her face.

“I’ll add this to the list of charges,” Scootaloo said, “What do you remember happened next?”

“Next thing I know, he’s bringing me behind the pool house.”

“Did he touch you?” Scootaloo asked.

“He never got the chance,” Zoe answered. “I panicked and somehow got a shield up, I don’t remember anything after that until you showed up.”

“Zoe!” Fluttershy cried out as she entered the room. “Oh, baby, are you okay?” 

“I’m a little groggy, but Dr Belle says I’m going to be ok,” Zoe said, giving her mother a tight hug as she wrapped her wings around her daughter.

“What happened?” James asked Scootaloo while giving his daughter a reassuring smile.

“Can we step outside?” Scootaloo asked, getting a nod from James after he knelt in to kiss his daughter on the top of the head.

“I’ll be right back, munchkin,” James promised then followed Scootaloo out of the room.

“Mr Scott, your daughter was drugged at the dance by her date, Rocky Charge, was brought to a private party off school grounds at the Charge estate,” Scootaloo explained, a little shocked but not surprised as anger flashed in James’ eyes. “We were alerted to this and broke up the party and arrested the ponies responsible. Dr Belle assures me that Zoe is ok.”

“Was she..?” James began to ask before looking back towards the door to his daughter’s room. 

“No,” She answered. “Her initial examination when she was admitted confirmed that, and her statement corroborated that.” Scootaloo continued.

Before James could respond to what he had been told, the loud clack of hooves coming down the hall drew his and Scootaloo’s attention.

“Jim-bo, I came as soon as I heard!” Rainbow Dash said with a relieved smile on her face. “Guard Sergeant Scootaloo, what happened?” She asked with a commanding tone.

James watched as Scootaloo explained the situation to Rainbow Dash, who stood there nodding.

“Thank you, Sergeant, you’re dismissed,” Rainbow told her with a smile.

“Yes, Commander,” Scootaloo responded with a smart salute which Rainbow returned and then walked down the hall.

“You enjoyed that a little too much,” James said, forcing some levity into his voice.

“Being an officer in the Equestrian Military has some perks,” Rainbow explained.

“That it does,” James said. “I’m just happy she’s ok.” He continued. “Listen, what do you know about the Charges?” He asked.

Rainbow Dash looked uncertain for a moment before taking in a deep breath. “Brutal charge is a chemist, I went to high school with him before I moved to Ponyville.” She explained before looking away from James. “Let’s just say, like father like son,” Rainbow said finally with a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“Did he?” James asked, but thought better of it, “Say no more.” he said before pulling her into a short hug. “Let’s go see Zoe and Fluttershy, they’ll happy to see you,” James said as he opened the door to his daughter's room.

“Hey, kiddo!” Rainbow said with a warm smile.





After an hour at the hospital, Rainbow Dash accompanied the Scott family home. She smiled  at the adorable site of James carrying his sleeping daughter on his back.

“I told you he’d be a good Dad,” Rainbow Dash said quietly to her closest childhood friend. 

“I know how to pick them, I guess,” Fluttershy said with an ear to ear smile. 

“That you do, that you do,” 

Walking over the small bridge that led to their home, Zoe began to stir. 

“We’re home already?” She asked.

“Yeah, want me to carry you to your room?” James asked.

“No, I’ll be ok,” Zoe answered as she climbed down off his back. 

“Ok, but go right to bed,” Fluttershy told her.

“I will, mom,”

“I’ll tuck her in,” Rainbow Dash told Zoe’s parents as she followed her into the house and up to Zoe’s room.

“What is it?” Zoe asked, getting up onto her bed.

“I just wanted to talk with you,” Rainbow explained, pulling her blankets over Zoe with her wings. Sitting down next to her, she just stared at the wall in front of her. “Scootaloo told me what happened.”

“Oh,” Zoe responded.

“Are you okay?” Rainbow asked.

“Dr Belle says I’m fine,” 

“That’s not what I meant, Zoe. Are you okay?” Rainbow asked again.

“I don’t know,” Zoe said after a thinking about it.

“That’s normal, I guess. I was the same way.” 

“What?”

“I went to school with Rocky’s father,” Rainbow admitted. “He... He did the same to me.” She continued, letting her shoulders relax as if a weight had been taken off her. 

“Didn’t the guard arrest him?”

“No, couldn’t prove anything. I waited to long to report it.” Rainbow answered, meeting Zoe’s gaze. “I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone in this. You did nothing wrong. Rocky and his father are at fault here, not you. Don’t be afraid of them, and don’t blame yourself, no matter what anypony says.” she continued, taking in a deep breath. “Don’t let what that bucking bastard did rule over your life. Do what you want to do, don’t let anything stop you.” 

“I will.” 

“Good,” Rainbow responded with a smile breaking through her tears. “If you ever need anypony to talk too, I’m here for you.” 

In response, Zoe grabbed Rainbow in her magic and pulled her into a tight hug. 

“Ok, kiddo, time for bed,” Rainbow said, tucking her back in. Walking towards the door, she looked back and smiled. “Good night,” She said as she shut off the light and exited the room.

Fluttershy was waiting for her in the hall.

“You never told me,” She told her.

“I know,” Rainbow admitted. “I should have. I was scared at the time.”

“I understand,” Fluttershy told her with a smile.

“Let's go downstairs, I have some news to tell you guys.” Rainbow Dash told her friend, changing the subject. 

Fluttershy followed her friend down the stairs after cracking open her daughter's room to have a peek. Sitting down next to her husband, she cuddled up to him.

“What’s the news?” James asked.

“I just got my new assignment,” Rainbow said with a wicked smile. “You’re looking a the new Station Commander. How awesome is that?”

“Whoa,” James said with some excitement. “First to step on the moon, now you’re the first Female station commander. You don’t do anything small, do you?”

“Well, duh. Anything worth doing is hard.” Rainbow responded.

“Congratulations, Dashie,” Fluttershy said, hardly able to contain her smile, letting out a small ‘squee’.

“Congrats, Lieutenant Commander.” 

“Oh, how's this for another first, they finished her.”

“Really?” James said with a smile.

“Finished what?” Fluttershy asked.

“The new transport shuttle, totally designed and built on Equus,” James explained. “They said it wouldn’t be ready for months.”

“Apparently not, I’m flying it up there the day after tomorrow.”

“How’s Big Mac taking the news?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh, he’s excited, couldn’t ask for a better hubby.” Rainbow Dash said with pride. “I’m a little worried for Apple Fritter, she’s so young, she’ll miss her mom.” She admitted, worry flashing over her face as she thought about her little filly. “You know, you could have told me Military life would have times like this.”

“If she’s anything like her mom, she’ll be just fine,” James reassured her. “Macintosh will take care of her, you don’t have to worry.”





Present Day...

“Commander on deck!” A minotaur bull shouted, calling all those who gathered in the landing bay to attention. 

Stepping off the shuttle’s aft gangway, she looked out over the station’s crew, a mixture of ponies from every tribe, griffons, minotaurs, even a solitary zebra. Her crew. She thought. “At ease,”

“Welcome aboard ma’am.” The minotaur greeted. “I’m Lieutenant Hunrak Swiftwalker, your second in command.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Rainbow Dash said, then turned to her crew. “Thank you all. I’m looking forward to serving with all of you. Now, back to work!” she ordered, calling the gathering to a close.

“Should we get started on your tour, ma’am?” Hunrak asked.

“Lead the way, L-T.”





“Down this cross-over bridge is the station’s arboretum, it gives the crew and visitors a relaxing area to rest and one hell of a vista of Equus,” Hunrak explained. 

Up until now, despite the station being almost ten years old, Rainbow had not had the chance to visit. Something had always come up, so she took in the view through the bridge’s viewports.

A brief glint of light caught her eye, but it was gone in an instant, disappearing against the backdrop of stars.

Until something large sped towards the station at unfathomable speed.

It all happened too quickly. The wall of the bridge gave way as if something had struck it. The rush of air pulling them towards the breach was too much. Both Hunrak and Rainbow grabbed onto whatever they could.

“Hold on!” Rainbow screamed, but she watched in horror as Hunrak’s grip gave out and he tumbled out the breach into the vacuum of space. Fear filled her mind as her own grip started to give. This is it... She thought right before she couldn’t hold on anymore. Closing her eyes, she accepted her fate.

Before she went through the breach, a loud bang sounded out as the emergency doors shut just as Rainbow Dash slammed into it.

Then all she knew was darkness.
> Chapter 6 - Aeternum Vale
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gore tag added for very minor gore.

”Warning – Emergency power active -- high levels of radiation, evacuate to designated safe area.”

Rainbow Dash lay prone in front of the emergency bulkhead, unmoving. All around her emergency chemical lights were active, throwing the corridor of the crossover bridge into a dull shade of orange light.

”Warning – Emergency power active -- high levels of radiation, evacuate to designated safe area.”

Rainbow's ear twitched as she let out a low groan. “I heard you the first time...” She said, struggling to her hooves. As she took in her surroundings, she flexed her wings.

“AHHHHrgh!” She cried out in pain while her knees buckled as her body was racked with blinding, white-hot pain.

Gritting her teeth, she opened her tear soaked eyes to look at the wing that had caused her such pain. She felt the blood drain from her face as she saw her left wing limp at her side, its feathers soaked in blood, with a small glint of dull white sticking out of the source of the bleeding.

”Warning – Emergency power active -- high levels of radiation, evacuate to designated safe area.”

Hearing the announcement again jerked her out of the shock of seeing her broken wing. She held up her left foreleg and activated the crystal embedded in her uniforms cloth with her right hoof. Before her appeared an image with basic environmental information about her surroundings, and what she saw shocked her more than seeing her wing.

The walkway was being continuously flooded with enough radiation to dose her with over two thousand rems.

“No...” She cried. “No, no no no...” 

Her training was telling her that she was already dead, but she wasn't ready to accept it yet.

Trotting as fast as the pain from her wing would allow her, she headed down the corridor away from the bulkhead towards the arboretum where there would be an emergency medical kit as well as a communication console.

As she walked into the arboretum, she quickly took note that the view of Equus was far closer than it should be. Stepping up to a wall panel that was painted red and pushed it in with her hoof, causing it to slide out. Taking a med kit in her hooves she sat on her haunches and opened it. 

The med kit was Starfleet issue, their latest design meant for anyone to administer first aid, even to themselves. She took the single apparatus in the kit and pressed it onto her chest, wincing as she felt injectors latched on, then activated it.

”Self-treatment detected, commencing medical scan, stand by. Lethal radiation dose detected, administering maximum dose of hyronalin.” The kits computer said. ”Compound fracture of the left humerus, fracture of left ulna, fracture of left radius. Treatment of bicaridine recommended for pain, state level of consciousness required.”

“Give me enough to keep me lucid,” Rainbow told the computer.

”Administering dosage now, keep device affixed to monitor vitals. Take device marked 'Clotting Agent' from medical kit and spray over any bleeding wounds. Remain stationary as much as possible, await the arrival of medical personnel.”

Rainbow relaxed as soon as the medication coursed through her, dulling the pain but not taking it away entirely. Following the kit's instructions, she sprayed the clotting agent over the fracture site on her wing, which covered it in a white foam that solidified, stopping the bleeding.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the flashing light on the commutations console. She slowly walked to it, her head spinning a little. As she walked, she kept seeing something float down across her field a vision. Stopping, she looked down and saw strands of hair from her mane on the floor. Giving a grim chuckle, she continued on.

Pressing the flashing button the console, she was quickly assaulted by a frantic radio broadcast.

”EASA Mission Control to Arboretum module, come in!” A familiar voice called out. A weak smile crossed Rainbow's face as she pressed the button that opened a channel.

“This is Commander Dash,” Rainbow responded. “Good to hear your voice, Twi.”

The sound of cheering could be heard in the background. “Thank the sun,” Twilight said, the sound of relief filling her voice. “What's your status?”

“Not good. Whatever hit the station must have had a nuclear component...” Rainbow reported, hesitating a little. “I got a lethal dose.”

Rainbow waited for a response that didn't come right away.

”We were afraid of that,” Twilight explained, her tone of voice completely changed, sounding almost clinical. ”An old Griffon communications sat., the ones that were nuclear powered, was what hit the station. Part of its reactor must have lodged itself in the station.”

“What's the status of my station?” Rainbow asked.

”It was briefly sent into a slow spin, but they were able to correct it. No fatalities, although Lieutenant Swiftwalker is reported missing.”

“Hunrak was with me. He's dead.” Rainbow reported, wincing as the image of his death flashed through her mind. She shook her head to pushed it out of her head.

”Copy that,” Twilight replied. ”Listen, we're forming a rescue plan as we speak. The section you're in is in a degrading orbit, we have about two hours till it enters the atmosphere...”

“Negative, mission control.” 

”Come again?”

“I'm already dead, radiation saw to that. You rescue me now, I'm going to waste away in a hospital bed in a couple days while my family, my daughter! Watches. I won't have that.” Rainbow told them, taking notice of another tuft of hair falling away from her mane. “On top of that, it's too dangerous. Radiation levels here are through the roof.”

”Are you sure?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah,” Rainbow said, entering commands into the communication console to link it with the comms crystal she had on her uniform. “Is my husband there?”

”He arrived as soon as news broke,”

“Give me a couple minutes, then let me talk with him,” Rainbow said, wiping tears from her face.

”Copy that.”

Rainbow walked through the arboretum, taking in smells of the plants. Walking into the clearing, she went up to the large tree in the centre and laid herself down. 

What she would say rushed through her mind. There were so many things she wanted to say, so much she had to tell him to do. 

”Darlin'?” The voice she fell in love with sounded out, bringing her train of thought to a screeching halt.

“Hey big guy,” Rainbow said. “I don't know how much they've told you, so I'll just come out and say it.” She continued, not bothering to wipe the tears away. “I'm not coming home.”

She waited a couple seconds but didn't get a response.

“Mac?” Rainbow cried out.

“I'm here...” He responded, the pain clearly evident in his voice.

“You take care of our daughter, you hear me?” Rainbow told him. “I need you to be stronger than you've ever been for her. She's not going to understand, and you need to be there for her.”

”I promise.”

“And Mac, if...” Rainbow started. “If you find somepony... don't... don't let me keep you from being happy.” She told him. “Now this is going to be the hardest thing I'm ever going to ask of you... I need you to go be with Apple Fritter. I need you to say goodbye.” Rainbow cried out.

”I will, I love you, Rainbow Dash.” Big Mac said, now crying himself. “I always will.”

“I love you, Macintosh Apple. Goodbye...” Rainbow said as she cut the channel.

She quietly wept among the trees and flowers for several minutes before her comms crystal began to buzz.

”Rainbow, this is a private channel, I thought you should know, he's left, your Dad is taking him back to the hotel.” Twilight told him. 

“Thanks, Twi.”

”I've sent a call out for the other girls to come, Fluttershy and Pinkie are already on their way, they'll be here in a half hour, I haven't heard back from Applejack or Rarity.”

“Thank you,” Rainbow responded. “Let me know when they get there.” 

”Rainbow?” Twilight asked, trying to fight her tears back.

“I know Twilight, It's OK,” Rainbow said. “You've been a good friend all these years, Twi.”

”So have you, Dashie,”

“Twilight, I need some time to myself. Contact me when they get here.”

”I will,”





“Is everypony there?” Rainbow asked.

”Not everypony, Commander. Applejack couldn't make it, and Rarity is in Manehatten. Fluttershy and Pinkie are here, though.” Twilight told her.

“That's OK, mission control, I know you tried. Fluttershy?”

”Yes? I'm here.” Fluttershy answered, choking back sobs. 

“Take care of Macintosh for me. He didn't show it when I talked with him, but he's not going to take this well.” Rainbow told her with a calming serenity in her voice.

“You know I will” She sobbed, falling apart.

”Rainbow?” Pinkie asked, not able to hold back her tears. “I'm going to miss you,”

“I know, Pinkie. I know. But it won't be all bad. You'll still have the memories of all the awesome parties we had.” Rainbow told her friend but was interrupted by the sound of an alarm sounding on the other side of the radio. “I guess I don't have much time left huh. Goodbye Mission Control, I know you did your best.” She told them. “Oh, Celestia, it's getting hot in here...” Rainbow remarked, but the sound of the radio cutting out half way through what she said concerned her. 

It was getting hot, though. The leaves of the trees were beginning to dry out, and the faint smell of smoke was beginning to make itself known.

“So, this is it,” Rainbow said, then made up her mind. She activated the controls on the med kit still attached to her chest. “Increase bicaridine dose,”

”Specify amount,”

“Enough to knock me out and keep me out.”

”Administering dose.”

All the pain her body slowly faded away, and the world began to get blurry. Pulling out a photo from her uniform pocket, Rainbow looked at her family. Big, tall, strong Macintosh. Rainbow stood next to him, and in the crook of her foreleg was little Apple Fritter with her golden coat and rainbow coloured mane.

Soon it became too much to keep her eyes open. 

Giving up, she let them close, the picture being the last thing she ever saw.





Ponyville

A crowd had gathered on the outskirts of town, something that was being repeated all across the planet where it was able to be scene. 

Looking to the east, they watched as the fireball streaked across the sky. 

Scootaloo collapsed to the ground, her grief overcoming her as she began to weep. Next to her, Diamond Tiara held a hoof to her wife's cheek and gazed into her eyes wearing a grief-stricken but sympathetic expression before pulling her into a tight embrace.

Sweetie Belle stood with Apple Blossom and Applejack. Neither of them said anything and watched.

Across town, Zoe sat with her father in front of the fireplace as James did his best to console his daughter.





Manehatten

Rarity stood on the roof of her boutique, as was thousands of other ponies in the city were doing. She knew there were thousands more on the waterfront of the Hoofson River, but elected to stay since she got the call from Twilight. 

Tears streamed down her face as the fireball went across the sky, getting smaller as it went until it disappeared.

“Are you OK?” Coco Pommel asked, walking up to her employer and friend.

Turning to her, Rarity spoke.

“No,”





Three Years Later...

Zoe sat in the kitchen of her family home, eating her breakfast while watching the news report on the small screen on the wall.

”Three years to the day, the Station Commission has finally released its findings, having found that the incident that damaged the International Space Station, taking the lives of Station Commander Rainbow Dash and Lieutenant Hunrak Swiftwalker, was an accident. The report states that a guidance malfunction on a then Griffon Confederacy communications satellite caused it to change orbit where it collided with the station. We now take you live to the Griffon Empire, where Empress Crimson is about to make a statement...”

The screen winked out as a coffee mug shattered against it, having been thrown in anger by the room's lone occupant.

“Bullshit.” Zoe, wearing the uniform of the Canterlot Royal Guard Academy, exclaimed.

“What was that?” James asked as he walked into the kitchen.

“That was me...” Zoe said, picking up the broken ceramic with her magic, placing it in the trash, then wiping up the coffee off the floor and wall. “I'll replace the screen too.”

“Don't worry about it, what's got you so riled up?” James asked his daughter.

“The damn news! They released the Station Commission report and they white washed the whole thing!” Zoe responded, her voice getting higher as she continued on. Taking in a deep breath, she tried to calm herself down. “You and I both know that the so-called 'Griffon Empire' used the whole incident as a distraction to stage a coup.”

“That is true, and you best keep that to yourself, you weren't supposed to have read that report.” He told her, referring to the report she read on his desk right after the disaster. Zoe and her father had had the first real argument they ever had that night. It infuriated her that the Equestrian government knew what happened but were doing nothing about it. It took a week before she spoke to him again.

“I know, but why are we still placating those beak-heads?”

“You know the answer to that Zoe, it's the same answer I told you three years ago: to prevent war.” James held a hoof to his forehead and sighed. “You think I like it? Hell no. You should know that I advised the Princess' that we should take military action, and I wasn't alone in that stance. Celestia overruled us all.”

Zoe and James sat in the kitchen in silence for several minutes.

“Your train leaves soon,” James stated.

“I know, Dad.” 

“Anything I can say to talk you out of going into the guard?” James said, a little worry coming through in his voice?

“No,” Zoe said with a smile, getting up and pulling him into a tight hug.

“Listen to your instructors,” James told his daughter, wrapping his wings around her. “And say hi to your mother when she picks you up at the station.”

“I will Dad,” Zoe told him pulling away from him. Walking out of the kitchen, she levitated her bags and opened the front door to the house. Taking a look back, her father stood in the kitchen doorway with nothing but pride in his eyes, and then she closed the door.

Zoe walked along the path that led into town in relative silence. It was shortly after dawn and there was a brisk wind bringing a chill along with it. Fall was upon Ponyville again, the trees were in varying shades of golds, browns and reds.

“Zoe!” A voice called out. 

Turning around, she smiled as Sapphire approached. “Hey Sapphire, what are you doing up this early?”

“Walking you to the station, you dolt.” She told her as she matched her pace. “You excited?”

“More nervous than anything,” Zoe admitted. “But I'll be OK.”

“I know you will be,” Sapphire said forcing a smile. 

The two walked in silence, simply enjoying each other’s company as they had always done for years. Eventually, they got to the train station.

“0630 to Canterlot leaves in twenty minutes!” The station conductor called out.

“Just in time I see,” Sapphire stated. “Listen, I looked it up, the Academy Hearths Warming Dance is during my college break.” She told her, nervousness coming through her voice and blush taking over her face. 

Zoe looked at her friend in confusion. “What are you asking?” Zoe asked, a blush of her own showing itself.

“I want you to take me,” Sapphire told her, a look of determination in her eyes.

“Wha--” Zoe started to say, but was interrupted by Sapphire suddenly kissing her.

Zoe's world came to a screeching halt. 

Surprised by the kiss, for an instant she didn't know what to do or how to react. But then it became clear, and she did the only thing that seemed right. 

She returned the kiss.

“I'd love too,” Zoe told her as soon as they parted.

“All aboard! 0630 to Canterlot now departing!”

As Zoe got on the train, she smiled, and as it started to pull away, she watched Sapphire wave.

The only thing going through Zoe's mind was the pleasant thoughts of what had just started.
> Chapter 7 - Meminī
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“What makes you think you can make it as a guard, Cadet Scott!?” Zoe's drill instructor yelled into her ear as he ran beside her around the PT track that encircled the academy grounds. “You're slow! You're Sweating! Look at your coat, it's soaked!”

Sergeant Dark Heart, a massive, imposing, black coated pegasus pony with a white mane had singled her out this morning during Physical Training. Things wouldn't be so bad had said Sergeant hadn't grabbed her right before sack time the night before to do patrol duty until midnight, ensuring that Zoe only got at least four fitful hours of sleep.

The cold winter air was burning Zoe's lungs as she ran, feeling the start of a muscle cramp in her right flank.

“Sir! The Cadet will persevere through all adversity and succeed, Sir!” Zoe called out through her panting breath before picking up her pace.

“Out bucking standing, Cadet. One more lap then hit the showers.” Dark Heart told her before slowing his pace to pick on the next cadet who was lagging behind.

“Sir, yes sir!” Zoe responded automatically.

It didn't take long till the last lap was completed and Zoe started her slow cool down walk towards the mare's shower room. As she walked, she started to shiver, her sweat soaked coat betraying her as her body began to cool down after a long stretch of physical exertion.

Sending magic through her horn, Zoe began to vibrate the air around her, not enough to generate any noise, but just enough to warm the air through pure friction. It was a little trick she figured out when she was in middle school after a science lesson on how the molecules of objects moved at different speeds based on their temperature. It did take some concentration, and didn't always yield the same results, but it was enough to take the bite out of the cold morning air.

“I wish I could do that,” Fair Winds, a cream coloured Pegasus said as she trotted up alongside Zoe.

“Pegasi are supposed to be able to handle the cold,” Zoe countered.

“Yeah, the ones that grew up in Cloudsdale or one of the other cloud cities, maybe, I'm from Los Pegasus, this is the first time I've seen snow...”

“Ah, you'll get used to it,” Zoe said, moving closer to her fellow cadet to share the warmth from her little magic trick.

Entering into the main entrance of the training gymnasium, Zoe stopped her display of magic and stood under one of the roof vents that was pumping out hot air. Giving her body a shake to rid herself of some of the cold, she headed to the locker room.

Peeling the PT sweater off herself and tossing it in her laundry bag, and turned to Fair Winds.

“What in Tartarus is with Dark Heart today?” Zoe asked.

“Buck if I know,” She responded. “No offence, and please don't take this the wrong way, I'm just glad he picked on you and not me.” Fair Winds said as she walked past Zoe into the shower room.

Following her in, Zoe lit up her horn and turned the shower on and stood under the steady stream of hot water for several seconds, relishing the feeling of her body temperature increasing.

“None taken,” she said after a bit. “But seriously, he pulls me aside right before bed, puts me on patrol till midnight so I only got less than four hours sleep, then runs me ragged during morning PT,” Zoe explained. “Wonder who put the stick up his plot.” Zoe finished, sporting a wicked smile.

“Don't put too much into it,” A third voice said, this one belonging to the only other mare currently enrolled in the academy. Snowy Spice, a year ahead of them, was a large earth pony, easily a head taller than Zoe or Fair Winds. 

When Zoe first met her, she found Snowy to be a little unsettling, her bright red eyes and pure white mane and coat, indicative of albinism, put her on edge. It was a little awkward at first when Snowy called her on it, but she put Zoe's mind at ease when she told her that Zoe's heterochromatic eyes were a little hard to look at. 

“He likes to single out a few ponies at a time, starting with the ones that he thinks will drop out, then works his way up to the one's he thinks have potential,” Snowy explained. “He started with me right out of the gate last year. He didn't like it when I tackled him to the ground during training.” She continued. “Also, it's common knowledge that the stick is standard issue and surgically implanted upon attaining the rank of Sergeant,” Snowy said with a straight face that lasted all of three seconds before all three mares burst into laughter.

A short double ring of the academy bell cut their conversation short, though, signalling that they had twenty minutes before classes were to begin.

Thankfully today was a theory day, with no physical training scheduled. A day in classrooms Zoe could handle, she wasn't sure she could take any more exercise.





Walking out of class, Zoe let out a big yawn, twisting her neck as she did so until she felt a pleasurable, and audible, pop.

“Oh-ho-ho, that felt good...” Zoe moaned to herself as she lazily walked down the hall, getting passed on all sides by other cadets. The only thing on her mind was the two hours of personal time that she fully intended to spend writing Sapphire.

“Cadet Scott!” A dreaded voice called out. Now what? She thought. Turning towards the direction of the voice, she snapped to attention as she saw Commandant Spitfire walking lock-step alongside Sergeant Dark Heart.

“At ease, Cadet,” Spitfire told Zoe. “You've received a request from Mayor Davenport in Ponyville that you give a speech at the Rainbow Dash memorial dedication.”

“A speech?” Zoe asked. “Why me?” 

“They didn't say, but the request still stands,” Spitfire explained. “I'm inclined to make it an order, though. Commander Dash was one of this academy's most distinguished graduates after she transferred from the Wonderbolts with me to the Royal Guard. She was a close friend, and it's fitting that a Cadet from this Academy speaks at the dedication.” Spitfire continued. “The fact that she was a close family friend of yours makes it all the more fitting.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Get some rest, Cadet,” Sergeant Black Heart told her. “You're scheduled to be on the 0900 train to Ponyville tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Excellent, you're dismissed,” Spitfire said. “Oh, and Zoe, the Dedication is being broadcast planet-wide, no pressure.” She added with a  wicked smile.

No pressure... Zoe thought. What the hell am I going to say?





Walking through the Canterlot streets at this time of day always put a smile on Zoe's face. The hustle and bustle of all the ponies going about their business, the smell of freshly baked bread from the bakeries, the chatter of those lining up to get their morning coffee from the many cafes. 

Zoe had always liked observing ponies, and over the years, she began noticing more and more about behaviours and mannerisms that they had, especially since she joined the JRGC and further refined now that she entered the academy.

After stopping to purchase a coffee of her own, she stepped out of a Ponybucks to the pleasant sight of a light flurry begin to fall. The moment the snow began to fall, the sounds of the city street seemed to quiet as everypony stopped to look up. But it was short lived as they all went about their days once the novelty of the falling snow wore off.

It was a short walk from the coffee shop to the train terminal. She was an hour early, and while she was by far not the only pony there in the waiting area, it was relatively quiet. After getting her ticket they had on hold for her, she sat down on one of the benches.

Taking out a pad of paper and a self-inking quill, she started to write her speech, at least she tried.

“Why did I have to have writers block now all times,” Zoe hissed at herself. 

It wasn’t that she didn’t know what she was going say about Rainbow, explaining what she remembered of her, it was starting the speech off that was the difficult part. She had spent most of the night before she went to sleep trying to remember things about her life before she came to Ponyville, and the more she thought about it, the more she realised that she knew next to nothing. 

“Some niece I am,” Zoe said, feeling guilt about never taking the time to learn about one of her surrogate aunts. Making a mental note, she planned on spending time with the rest of them while she was in Ponyville. Life’s too short, she thought.

“Two tickets to Ponyville on the Nine AM train,” a pony asked the ticket-master. Looking in that direction, Zoe saw two ponies, a mare and stallion. They both had blue coats, but the mare’s was slightly darker. She had a two-tone fuchsia mane, the stallion’s had all the colours of the rainbow.

“Names?” The stallion behind the ticket kiosk asked, not even bothering to make eye contact. Customer service these days, Zoe remarked in her mind.

“Rainbowshine and Rainbow Blaze,” The mare told him.

“Oh,” The ticket master said, quickly rifling through some papers. “Here are your tickets.”

“How much?” Rainbowshine asked.

“The Crown as already paid for your passage, ma’am.” He continued. That was when Zoe realised, they were Rainbow’s parents. 

Putting her pad of paper and quill down, Zoe walked over to the couple. “Mr and Mrs Blaze?” Zoe said in greeting.

“Oh, hello,” Rainbowshine responded.

“I don’t know if you remember me, I was a filly when we met, I’m Zoe Scott.”

“No, you can’t be little Zoe.” Rainbow Blaze remarked in disbelief. “Well, you’ve gotten big, and in the Academy too.”

“How have you been, dear?” Rainbowshine asked.

“I’m doing OK, the Academy has been good so far, nothing to complain about.”

“That’s good to hear, let's go sit and talk,” Rainbowshine told her.

Zoe motioned over to where her bags were.

“Are you going to Ponyville too?” Rainbow Blaze asked.

“Yes, sir,” Zoe said, scratching the back of her head. “I’ve been asked to speak at the dedication.”

“That’s lovely dear, thank you,” Rainbowshine told her.

“You’re welcome, ma’am.”

“Oh, psh… call me Shiny,” The mare told her. 

“You can keep calling me sir, I like the sound of it,” Rainbow Blaze said, getting a smack upside the head from his wife’s wing.

“Blaze is fine, Zoe,” The stallion said in surrender.

Eyeing the pad of paper next to Zoe, Rainbowshine gave her a quizzical look. “Having trouble?” She asked.

“A little,” Zoe admitted. “It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I know next to nothing about Aunt Dashie from before she came to Ponyville.”

“Nothing to be embarrassed about, Zoe,” Rainbow Blaze told her.

“As outspoken and brash as our daughter was, she did like to keep some things to herself,” Rainbowshine continued. “Like how she started a thunderstorm in the living room,”

“Or how when she was learning to fly she got so excited that she just jumped off the cloud she was on, forgetting to flap her wings.” Rainbow Blaze added with a forlorn smile.

“Do you mind if I ask some questions?” Zoe asked.

“Not at all, dear.” 





The three of them talked for almost the entire journey, and Zoe dutifully took plenty of notes. 

Zoe watched on the train platform as the two parents were greeted by their son-in-law.

“GRANDMA!” A little golden filly yelled out and literally flew into the older mare.

“Hello little one,” Rainbowshine greeted Apple Fritter. 

“What, no hugs for me?” Rainbow Blaze said, mock disappointment in his voice.

Apple Fritter smiled a toothy smile, then jumped from her Grandmother’s forelegs to her Grandfather’s, giving him an equally big hug.

“Already flying I see?” Rainbowshine asked Big Mac.

“Eeyup.” The proud father said with pride. “Just like her mama.”

“Ahem,” A voice said from behind Zoe. Turning around, there was Sapphire with a nervous smile.

“Sapphire!” Zoe said joyfully, pulling her in for a hug, but nothing more, far too nervous herself, not knowing what to do next.

“You can kiss me, you know. It’s alright.” Sapphire said with a grin. “You did ‘officially’ ask me to be your marefriend in the last letter you wrote.”

“Hehe, I did, didn’t I?” Zoe responded, scratching the back of her head, but then bent forward and gave her a soft kiss. “I didn’t know you were going to be here,” Zoe stated when they parted.

“Mom sent me a letter last week telling me that you were going to be speaking at the dedication, but I didn’t get the damn thing until yesterday, so I jumped on the red-eye from Manehatten, I only got here an hour ago.”

“How’d your Mom know a week ago that I was coming? I only found out about it yesterday.”

“She was on the planning committee,” Sapphire said with a smile, but that quickly changed to laughter when Zoe’s belly made a large gurgle. “Come on, you’re Dad asked me to pick you up, your Mom has got breakfast ready for you, said it was your favourite.”

“Banana chocolate-chip pancakes?” Zoe asked rhetorically with a little too much excitement, quickly turning towards the path that would take them to her home.

“Hey, slow down,” Sapphire said as she picked up her pace to catch up with Zoe. “Not all of us have PT every morning you know.”

“Sorry,” Zoe apologised. “It’s been months since I’ve had mom’s cooking,” Zoe continued as she slowed her pace down to match Sapphire’s. She walked so close alongside her that Zoe could feel her warmth on her coat. 

“How’s your studies going?” Zoe asked.

“Well, although my history teacher is a pain in the plot,” Sapphire explained. 

Out of the two of them, Sapphire had always been the diligent student, always remembering to study, first to get her assignments done, and so on. So it was no surprise that she was accepted to ManeU Bachelor of Education program so that she could become a teacher. The fact that she was having troubles though worried Zoe.

“What’s wrong?” She asked.

“Nothing major, he’s just an ass. Literally.” Sapphire responded. “Cantankerous, crotchety old donkey...” Sapphire hissed under her breath.

“That’s quite the description,” 

“Describing him is one thing, meeting him is another,” Sapphire said with a chuckle. “Enough about me, do you have anything for your speech ready?”

“Yeah, I rode down here with Aunt Dashie’s parents, I should have the speech ready in time,” Zoe said as they walked up the steps to her house and opened the door. “Mom! I’m home!”

“Zoe!” Fluttershy cried out with glee as she floated over from the kitchen and latched onto her daughter with a tight hug, giving her kisses all over her face. “I’ve missed you so much! How are they treating you? Are you eating well? You listening to your instructors?” She asked in quick succession.

“I’m fine, Mom, I’m fine,” Zoe told her. 

“Oh, Sapphire, I didn’t see you there, how are you?”

“I’m doing well, Mrs Scott,” Sapphire said with a smile.

“You’re welcome to stay for breakfast, Sapphire.”

“I’d love to,”

“Oh, Mom...” Zoe began to say but hesitated. “I’ve got something to tell you.”

“Oh, what is it, Zoe?” Fluttershy asked with a smile.

“Sapphire and I are dating...” Zoe told her.





Fluttershy stood there for a moment with a  confused look her face, like she was trying to figure something out in her head. It was obvious when it finally clicked.





“Eeeeeeeee!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she grabbed both Zoe and Sapphire into a hug, wrapping her wings around both of them.

Just as quickly as she did that, she raced off into the dining room.

“James! Honey! Did you hear!?”

“Sapphire and Zoe? Yeah, I know. Rarity told me she saw them kissing at the train station when Zoe left for Canterlot.”

Despite being on opposite sides of the house, the following happened at the same time in unison.

“You didn’t tell her/me?!” Sapphire/Fluttershy asked Zoe/James in annoyance. Sapphire kicked Zoe in the shin and at the same time, a loud thwap could be heard coming from the dining room as Fluttershy smacked James upside the head.

“Ow! That hurts you know,” Zoe/James said. “Sorry,”

“Geez...” Sapphire/Fluttershy said.





The Following day

Zoe sat on the stage beside a large cloth-covered statue in the center of Ponyville. Beside her was Ponyville’s new Mayor, Davenport, and Princess Twilight, who got up to speak to the gathered crowd.

And it was a large one, the entire street was filled with ponies, at least a hundred, with even more pegasi sitting atop clouds above the crowd. But that wasn’t what had Zoe’s attention, though. What had her attention were the news camera’s covering the event. 

Focus, Zoe told herself, so instead of looking at the cameras, she looked at her family sitting in the front row, and then to Rainbow’s parents.

“Thank you all for coming. Today we’re gathered to dedicate a memorial to one of Ponyville’s own.” Twilight started off. “Three years ago, our friend Rainbow Dash was taken from us in a terrible accident,” Twilight continued. A flash of annoyance crossed Zoe’s mind, but she quickly pushed that aside. “As a close friend, I know that she’s touched so many of us in different ways. One of those ponies is with us today, and we’ve asked her to share her experience. Cadet Scott?”

Getting up and crossing the stage, Zoe gave Twilight a hug and then approached the podium.

“Thank you, Princess,” Zoe said, giving her a nod, then turned towards the crowd. “Rainbow Dash was known by many things. Daughter, mother, Wonderbolt, Commander, friend. To me, though, she was just Aunt Dashie.

“Rainbow Dash was my mother’s closest friend. Growing up in the Cloudsdale Home for Children, my mother didn’t have many friends. The coming and going of other children as they aged out of the home or through adoption, along with her shy nature didn’t afford her many opportunities. 

“One morning at summer flight camp, Fluttershy found herself at the mercies of several bullies. Rainbow Dash, the brash filly that she was, intervened. The two became inseparable, except when Rainbow would fly off, ever trying to go faster.” Zoe said, getting a laugh out of the crowd.

“That was the start of what would be a lifelong friendship. Through the years, she would constantly have Fluttershy over for slumber parties, study groups for schools. The Blaze family practically adopted her in every way but in name. Rainbow Dash considered her a sister. 

“She was my mother’s Maid of Honour at my parent's wedding, and my mom was at her’s several years later. After I was born, she was the first pony after my father to hold me. She told my mom that I was the most awesome thing she had ever seen, then promptly asked where she could get one of her own. Those of you who know my mother, you can guess how deep a shade of pink her face turned at that question.” Zoe continued with a chuckle, getting another laugh from the crowd, the biggest coming from her mother.

“Rainbow Dash was a constant fixture in my life. Always filling in to foalsit when my parents needed a break, taking me for flights on her back when I was a filly, always there to help pick me up if I fell at the park. She was my Aunt.”

Looking down at what she had written, Zoe’s smile faded. Remembering what Rainbow told her helped her carry on, so she took a deep breath.

“The largest impact she had on my life was only a few days before the events that took her from us. I was attending the Fall Formal dance where a pony spiked my drink and I was nearly assaulted. Arriving shortly after my parents did at the hospital, she told me she flew here from Canterlot as soon as she heard. That was just how she was.

“After I was released and went home, Rainbow Dash spoke to me before I went to sleep. She confided in me that the same had happened to her.” Zoe told the crowd, who was now silent and hanging on to her every word. “She told me that I wasn’t alone. That I shouldn’t let it let what happened to me rule over my life. That I should do whatever I wanted to do, no matter what anypony said, let nothing stop me.

“At the time, I had just joined the Junior Royal Guard Corps at school, and I wasn’t sure that I wanted to do that as a career. But after what happened, her words continued to echo in my head. I didn’t let anything get in my way, stepped on a few hooves along the way,” Zoe said, pausing for a second. “Something I’m sure Rainbow Dash wouldn’t have any other way.” She continued with a smile which spread to the crowd. “I entered the Royal Guard Academy in the hopes that I would be able to prevent what happened to either of us wouldn’t befall somepony else.”

“That’s all that I have to say,” Zoe said, finishing her speech. Turning to Twilight, who was wiping a tear from her face. She just motioned for Zoe to carry on with the dedication. “So, with that, we dedicate this memorial to Rainbow Dash.”

Soon as that was said, several pegasi flew down from the clouds and lifted the cloth off the statue.

Immediately, the entire center of town was bathed in a brilliant rainbow of colours as the sun shone through the magnificent crystal statue of Rainbow Dash. This being the first time she had the chance to see it, it took Zoe’s breath away.

But it also brought on tears and pain. Unable to continue, Zoe quickly left the stage with Sapphire chasing after her. Fluttershy made to get up and follow, but James held her back.

Ducking into the alley behind Sugarcube Corner, Zoe sat on her haunches and wept.

“Zoe?” Sapphire cried out as she walked past the alley, only to double back. “There you are,” She said as she sat down next to her. “Are you ok?”

“No, no I’m not. It’s just too much right now.” Zoe told her. “I… I just can’t be there right now.”

“No one’s expecting you too, they understand,” Sapphire said in a soothing tone. With those words, Zoe leaned on her and cried into her shoulder.

“I miss her so much,”





A Day Later

“I don’t want you to leave,” Sapphire said, holding Zoe close.

“Neither do I, but I’ve got to get back to the Academy, and you’ve got college.” 

“This sucks.”

“Yep. But it’s not that long till Hearths Warming.” Zoe said with a smile.

“There is that,”

"1600 Train to Manehatten is now departing, All aboard!"

"See you in a few weeks," Zoe said, giving Sapphire a kiss before she got on the train.

“Zoe!” Her father called out as he walked up along with a Starfleet Officer. “I want to introduce Commander Madison, he’s a training officer from Starfleet Academy,” James explained, motioning to the five foot eight tall human with bright red hair.

“Sir,” Zoe said, snapping to attention.

“I’m not in your chain of command cadet, Commander will be just fine.”

“He’ll be observing the training at the Royal Guard Academy this semester,” James explained.

“Looks like I’ll be taking the train with you,” Madison said.
> Chapter 8 - Duty & Choice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Second part has not had an editing pass, please forgive any errors. 

Winter - 2410

“The weather here is always pleasant,” Commander Aamed Madison said as he looked out the window of the train call. “Your weather teams seem to be on their game.”

“You’re not going to ask how they do it, are you?” Zoe asked, hoping he would let it slide.

“No, I know that it's done through what your species call ‘magic’, something that we’ve yet to explain scientifically,” Madison said with a slight smile. 

Commander Madison seemed like a decent enough person, friendly, congenial, but his eyes,  pitch black circles, set her on edge. Remembering the lessons her father gave her, Zoe kept her thoughts and feelings level, just in case she was right.

“Although, there are some theories that are interesting,”

“Oh?” Zoe said, her ears flipping towards the Commander, the lifelong student of magic in her showing keen interest.

“None of our instruments can even detect anything from the magic that you Unicorns are capable of doing, so they’re just theories, two of them in fact,” Madison explained. “The first being that every species on this planet that shows anything akin to ‘magic’ are mortal offshoots of the Q.”

“The Queue?” Zoe asked, sounding totally confused.

“The ‘Q’,” Madison answered. “Just the letter. They’re a race of omnipotent immortal beings with ego’s to match. Several Starfleet crews have had run-ins with them in the past.” He continued. “That theory hasn’t been looked on as having much merit. The second one is the most plausible.

“The current explanation about the universe, how it formed, what its made up of etc. only accounts for roughly five percent of its total makeup. The various forces in the universe, gravity, time and so on, all of it shouldn't be possible with everything that we can see and detect being the sole makeup of the universe, so its postulated that about twenty-seven percent is dark matter, something that we’ve been able to prove the existence of.” 

“Yeah, that’s what happened to my father when he crashed here. It also had a hand in creating his quantum duplicate.” Zoe added.

“Exactly, but what about the other sixty-eight percent? The only explanation we have is that its dark energy. We’ve never been able to detect it by directly observing it or by observing its absence.” Madison continued. “Dark-energy manipulation, that is what is thought to be the explanation for your species’ abilities. But I’m no scientist, so I can’t go into detail.”

“It certainly is a solid theory,” Zoe said thinking on the matter, only to be interrupted by a stewardess passing by and offering the two of them tea. Taking the cup in her magic, Zoe turned back to the Commander. “Why is Starfleet sending an observer to the academy?”

“Equus is applying for affiliate status with the Federation, one of the many steps to eventually joining the Federation as a member world. It’s a long process that takes years, sometimes decades. I’m being sent to observe your planets various militaries and their training methods.”

“That only half answers my question,” Zoe said, taking a sip from her cup.

“When a society joins the federation, its standing military is absorbed into Starfleet, by observing their training methods, we can formulate what kind of additional training would be needed to facilitate that transition.”

“My father didn’t tell me about that,” Zoe said.

“The World Parliament made the application shortly after the Station incident,” Madison told her. “It’s taken until now to start the formal application review process.”

Zoe nodded in response but didn’t say anything as she looked out the window.

“Sorry,” Madison said.

“What?” 

“For bringing it up.” He explained. “Commander Dash sounded like the kind of person I would have liked to serve with.”

“Same here,” Zoe said with sorrow in her voice.





“I would like to introduce Commander Aamed Madison of Starfleet,” Spitfire said addressing every cadet inside the Academy’s main auditorium. “He’ll be here for the rest of the semester to observe our training practices. You are now not only Equestria’s best and brightest, but it’s representatives as well. I fully expect all of you to put forth your best while you train here, which means business as usual” She finished, then turned to the Commander. “Commander Madison,”

“Thank you, Commandant,” He said. “I’m Commander Aamed Madison. I’m a training officer from Starfleet Academy where I teach command duty and ethics as well as hand-to-hand combat.” He continued, walking over to the stage’s edge and sitting down with his legs dangling over the edge. “The reason I’m here is that your world’s government has applied for affiliate status with the United Federation of Planets,” Madison explained, pausing to address a raised hoof. “Ah, good, questions, go ahead.”

“Cadet Strong Back, sir.” The large earth pony said introducing himself. “I’ve only ever heard of the federation in passing on the news, what is it?”

“Good question,” Madison said. “The United Federation of Planets is a political, economic and military alliance consisting of one hundred and sixty-eight member states with a population of nine point nine trillion sentient lifeforms.” He explained, pausing to gauging his audience’s reaction. “You’re world-view just got a whole lot bigger, didn’t it?” he said, remarking on the silence that took over the room. “Totally understandable given your planet’s unique location. Next question,”

“Cadet Fleet Feather, sir. Why do you need to observe the training here?” A pegasus in the back asked

“The application is a long process and is a necessary step required for eventual membership within the Federation. Part of that process is the observation of the prospective applicant’s military’s training practices and how they function.” Madison continued. “When a society is admitted into the Federation, its standing military is absorbed into Starfleet, the observation that is done beforehand allows us to prepare for any supplementary training that would be required when that happens.

“Why are we only hearing about this now?” Fleet Feather asked.

“It’s my understanding that your government is making an announcement about it as we speak, and since affiliate status is only equivalent to formal diplomatic relations and doesn’t require a referendum under your constitution, which is why it hasn’t been announced before now.”  

“Unlike actually joining the Federation, which would require a vote” 

“Exactly, joining the Federation does require the populace as a whole to vote on the matter. In fact, a three-fourths majority vote in favour is required for admittance under the Articles of the Federation.”

“Cadet Scott, sir. Considering the Federation’s policy and Starfleet’s Prime Directive regarding making contact with pre-warp civilisations, why is the Federation even considering affiliate status given that we haven’t even constructed a starship capable of interstellar travel?”

Madison smiled at the question. James did warn me, he thought. “Excellent question, it is true that the Federation, and by extension, Starfleet, by policy does not make contact with civilisations that have not attained the ability to travel faster than the speed of light.” He explained. This revelation elicited a few gasps. “But Equus is a special case, given the unintentional nature of the first contact made by your Father, Cadet.”

“But why don’t you make contact with pre-warp civilisations?” Cadet Strong Back asked.

“To prevent interfering with the natural progression of a planet’s culture. Premature contact is generally disastrous. The knowledge that they’re not alone in the universe before they’re ready to take part in it can have negative effects on their culture. Obtaining advanced technology that they didn’t develop themselves can lead to its use for war.

“But as I said, Equus is a special case. Knowledge of not being alone in the cosmos had a unifying effect on your world. In the space of two decades your world united and then developed space travel, and with the help of the Ferengi scientist Dr Nell, you’re well on your way to developing a warp-drive of your own.”  

“You said that advanced technology could be used for war, but what if it’s not, wouldn’t that be ok?” Strong Back asked.

“In an ideal world, yes, but that’s a kind of world that doesn’t exist, I’m afraid. Let me give you an example.” Madison answered. “Three hundred and forty-three years ago, twenty sixty-seven by Earth’s calendar, a hundred years before the birth of the Federation, United Earth sent out a deep space probe called Friendship One with warp technology and all the knowledge on how to make such a device. It travelled through the galaxy undisturbed for over three hundred years. 

“Unknown to its creators, it wound up in the Delta Quadrant, some sixty thousand light years away from Earth, where it landed on a planet called Uxal. The Uxali people learned about antimatter, essential to warp technology, and applied it to their planet's power grid. But they lacked the technological expertise to utilise it safely, and accidental release of antimatter caused a planet-wide nuclear winter and contaminated the surface with antimatter radiation. A probe, sent out with the best of intentions, lead to the near destruction of an entire people.” 

“OK, makes sense.” Strong Back said in response.

“Cadet North Wind, sir. Silly question, but are you, Human? I’ve never met one before.”

“Cadet, one piece of advice: There are no silly questions, only silly answers. The pursuit of knowledge is never ‘silly’ and should be commended. To answer your question, yes and no.”

“Yes and no?” North Wind said in confusion. “What do you mean by that?”

“Cadet Scott, I know you noticed on our train ride to Canterlot, care to explain?”

“I wasn’t entirely sure then, but judging by your black pupils, I’d say you’re Betazoid, but your answer gives me a reason to think that you’re only half Betazoid and that you’re part human.”

“Correct. My mother was Betazoid, my father was from Earth. While my species does closely resemble Humans save for our black eyes, we are quite different.”

“How so?” North Wind asked.

“Betazoids are naturally telepathic. The strongest of my species can read the thoughts of others, but most are empathic, being able to sense the emotional state of others.” He answered. A low murmur of concern flittered through the crowd. “Being half human, I’m somewhere in the middle of being empathic. If someone is close enough to me, I can gauge their emotional state and tell if they’re lying.” He explained, putting most of them at ease. “Next question,”

“I have one, Commander,” Spitfire asked. “Since this is taking up the ethics class this morning, I thought you could explain how Starfleet teaches duty and ethics to its prospective officers.”

“Certainly, Commandant,” Madison said. “Cadet North Wind, hypothetical question for you. You’re a city guard here in Canterlot, what would you say is your first duty?”

“That’s easy, public safety and rule of law, sir.”

“Good, Cadet Strong Back, you're a Captain of an Equestrian Navel Vessel, aside from your ship’s mission, what is your first duty as Captain of that ship?”

“Uhh, my crew I guess.” The earth pony answered, unsure of himself.

“Incorrect, Cadet,” Spitfire said.

“I concur with your Commandant,” Madison said. “A captain's first duty, mission permitting, is to the safety of the ship he or she commands. All of you here are training to be officers in the Royal Guard, which means when you graduate you will be given the command of others. You will be responsible for leading them, for their safety.

“But as an officer, some of you will be faced with a situation where you have to take into consideration the greater good. You might even have to give an order that will lead to the death of one of those under your command.” 

The silence in the auditorium was so profound that you could hear a pin drop.

“I’m going to share a personal story,” Madison continued. “Twelve years ago, I was a Lieutenant Commander and Chief Engineer on a Galaxy-Class starship. I was responsible for the maintenance and repair of a starship that housed one thousand and eighteen officers and crew, and eighty-two civilians, including children. 

“We were on patrol in an area that piracy had been reported, and we were tasked with hunting them down. They found us first and launched a surprise attack. Our shields were failing due to damage to an electro plasma conduit near a breach in the hull. I sent a damage control team to fix it, and they reported back to me that the area was flooded with radiation that came from the attackers torpedoes.

“I had to make a split-second decision. That conduit had to be repaired or the ship would be destroyed. So I ordered one of the engineers to repair the conduit.”

“But that would have killed the engineer,” a cadet said, not bothering to introduce herself.

“It did kill him. His name was Sokek. He was a fifty-four-year-old Vulcan, his wife’s name is S’pel, their daughter’s name is T’vo. I won’t ever forget their names because my order sent him to his death. But he saved the ship and we were able to complete our mission.”

“I… I don’t know if I could do that.” The cadet said.

“I can tell from here that you’re troubled, what’s your name, Cadet?”

“Fair Winds, sir.”

“Well, it’s something that you’ll have to come to terms with if you’re going to be an officer. I can tell you that right up until that moment, I wasn’t sure if I could give an order like that until I was faced with having to do it. The only thing I can say is to trust in your training. Do that, and everything else should fall into place.”

Turning to her friend, Zoe looked at Fair Wind’s expression of uncertainty and wondered if she could do it too.





One week later...

“Alright, foals, fall in!” Black Heart ordered as he stepped up to the edge of the sparring mat. “We have a special guest today to our dance studio. Commander Madison has graciously offered to spar with us. Let's show him how we fight hoof-to-hoof in the Royal Guard.”

“Thank you, Sergeant,” Madison said straightening the wrist strap on his sparring gloves.

“Cadet Scott, you’re up first.” Dark Heart ordered.

Zoe stepped up to the center of the mat, with Madison doing the same. He made a show to bow, so Zoe gave him a nod then took a ready stance, lowering her head and tensing her legs, ready to charge at him.

Madison simply took a loose stance that looked a lot like one of the ones from the old martial arts movies Zoe used to watch with her father. He smiled at her and gestured that he was ready.

Zoe made the first move and started to charge, and so did Madison. When she got a couple steps away from him, she stopped on her forelegs, throwing her momentum into a spin so she could buck him in the chest, but he was nowhere to be found.

Unseen by Zoe, Madison had dropped to his knees and slid in between her legs and landed a jab to her gut, knocking the air out of her.

Falling to the ground, she gasped for breath for a few moments.

“Get up Cadet!” Black Heart ordered.

Getting up, Zoe seethed. She wouldn’t be knocked down again.

Stepping up to the middle of the mat again, this time, Zoe waited for Madison to charge at her.

He made a move to throw himself into a spin kick, but Zoe dodged to the side and reared up on her hind legs and brought her forelegs to bear on his shoulders, forcefully pushing him to the mat with her greater weight.

Keeping one hoof on his shoulder, she raised the other, poised to land a strike to his throat.

“Nice,” Madison groaned as Zoe stepped off of him, using her magic to help him to his feet. 





Hearths Warming Eve

“How are things going at the Academy?” Sapphire asked as she leant against Zoe, feeling her warmth through her dress’ overcoat.

The two ponies sat outside the Royal Guard Veterans hall, quietly enjoying the soft falling snow and brilliant full moon above them illuminating everything. The sound’s of the dance inside continued to echo through the night.

“Good, I think I’m passing my classes, Dark Heart is still being Dark Heart,” Zoe told her. “We have a Starfleet officer observing things as part of the affiliate evaluation.”

“What’s he like?” 

“He’s alright. Knows his stuff.” Zoe said, shifting her jaw, the stinging pain from the jab he landed in sparring the other day still present. 

“That’s the second time you’ve done that, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. Madison, the Starfleet officer, landed a good punch during sparring practice the other day.

A look of concern came over Sapphire’s face as she placed a hoof gently against Zoe’s cheek.

“That’s quite the bruise!” Sapphire exclaimed.

“It’s nothing,” Zoe reassured her.

“Nothing my plot.” She huffed.

Taking a small bit of snow in her magic, she placed it against Zoe’s cheek, the soothing cold helping to alleviate the pain.

Sapphire watched as the snow slowly melted against Zoe’s coat, careful to use her magic to keep the dripping water from falling on her dress uniform. Zoe just looked into her eyes and smiled. 

It was Sapphire that moved in for a kiss first which wasn’t refused. When they parted, both unicorns were content to sit in the silence of the winter night with nothing but the moon for company.





Spring 2412
Manehatten

“Seriously, who’s plot did you have to kiss to get assigned to me?” Scootaloo griped as Zoe and her walked down the sidewalk of one of the Manehatten’s residential districts.

“What?” Zoe said in surprise at the question. “You and I both know the assignment process is totally random.”

“I know, I know,” Scootaloo said as she stopped at a corner and placed a hoof on her forehead. “OK, let's get a few things out of the way here, so listen carefully.

“I’m your evaluator, you may outrank me when you graduate later this year, but right now, I’m your sergeant, you’re my officer candidate. Your job right now is to follow me, do what I say and keep your eyes open and observe. No amount of academy training can prepare you for what this job can throw at you. You’re here to learn exactly how to do your job.

“That being said, Manehatten isn’t the friendliest of cities, this isn’t Ponyville. This isn’t Canterlot. There are twelve point six million ponies, griffons, diamond dogs, and zebras living here. Not all of them get along. My precinct just this last week had to deal with a double homicide and a foalnapping.

“My job is to teach you, and above all, make sure you have the skills to keep you alive when you actually put on a guard’s uniform. Got it?”

Zoe had never seen this side of Scootaloo before. The serious look on her face, the tall proud way she carried herself, and the fire in her eyes when she was lecturing her.

“Yes, ma’am,” Zoe said snapping to attention.

“Don’t ‘ma’am’ me, Cadet, I work for a living,” Scootaloo said sharply.

“Yes, Sergeant.” Zoe said with a  smile, getting a grin from the older mare.

“Come on, I need some coffee,” Scootaloo said as she started to cross the street with Zoe following close behind. “I know a good place couple blocks from here.”

“How’s Diamond doing?” Zoe asked when she caught up with the pegasus.

“Could be better, to be honest.” Scootaloo said flatly. “Lots of stress at work. Her board of directors is giving her a hard time about her decision to expand the company overseas to Zebraca,”

“Can they do anything to stop her?” Zoe asked.

“Not really, they don’t have enough control in the company. She has her father’s twenty-six percent share, her mother has her twenty-five percent, and is contractually obligated to back up her daughter.” Scootaloo explained. “Filthy stipulated that in his will when he left control of the company to Diamond.”

“Sounds like they’re just a bunch of blow-hards.” Zoe remarked, getting a chuckle out of her partner.

“That’s what I told her!” Scootaloo said with a genuine smile. “If everything goes our way, though, her mood should improve by the end of next week.”

“What’s going on?”

“We’re nearing the end of a long adoption process.” She answered with an ear to ear grin.

“What!” Zoe exclaimed. “That’s great!”

Scootaloo just beamed. There’s the Scootaloo I know, Zoe thought just as they walked up to the coffee shop Scootaloo had mentioned where she took a seat at one of the tables out front.

“Dispatch, S84, we’re code 7 at 6482 Trotway,“ Scootaloo said into her comm crystal, reporting that they were on a meal break. “Yeah, we’re adopting a little pegasus colt.” Scootaloo told her, taking a picture out of her uniform pocket.

In it was Diamond Tiara nose to nose with a blue colt, who couldn’t be any older than four, wrapped in a grey blanket. Both of them had smiles.

“His name is Stratos,” Scootaloo told her when she took the photo back, pausing for a moment to smile. 

“Hey, Scoots!” A gruff voice called out. Turning to its source, Zoe was greeted by a tall pegasus stallion with an alabaster coat. The most striking feature he had though was a nasty pink scar that marred his right eye which had long since scarred shut. He was also missing his right wing. “Training some more fresh meat for the grinder are ya?”

“Hey, show some respect, you’re talking about a future officer here,” Scootaloo said, not even bothering to hide her sarcasm.

“Oh, my apologies,” The stallion said with a wicked grin. “Let me go in the back and see if I have any bucks left to give.” He continued before breaking out into a hearty belly laugh. “Coffee, two sugars for you Scoots?” He asked, getting a nod. “And you, Ma’am?”

“Herbal tea?” Zoe requested.

“Ooo… Officer and a miss fancy pants.” He mocked. “Coming right up. Name’s Steel Feather, by the way.” He told Zoe as he walked inside the shop.

“What’s his story?” Zoe asked.

“About nine years before you were born, he was a guard at the Equestrian Embassy in Zebraca. A tribe of diamond dogs attacked in the middle of the night.” Scootaloo explained. “It was a bloodbath, the ambassador was killed, along with some of the embassy staff. Steel got the survivors out to a safe house while they burned the embassy to the ground.”

“Buckers took my eye and my wing, but we gave just as good as we took.” Steel Feather said as he returned with their drinks.

“That you did,” Scootaloo said as she took a sip of her coffee. “Excellent as always, you old coot.”

“The tea is delicious,” Zoe told him. 

“Ah, shucks, you’re almost making me regret being rude to ya.” He said, scratching the back of his head with his left wing. “Almost. Enjoy your drinks, ladies.” Steel Feather said as he walked back inside, but stopped at the door. “Oh, Zoe? You are Zoe, right? Tell that daughter of mine, Fleet Feather, to write her Dad once and while, ya?” He asked, then walked inside.

“How’d he know my name?” 

“She used to write him regularly when she first went into the academy, but suddenly stopped right around the time he had a big fight with his ex-wife.” Scootaloo said.

“He just tells you these things?”

“He makes good coffee, and he’s a retired guard. If he wants to vent, I’m going to lend an ear.” Scootaloo said as she finished her cup right when Zoe finished hers. “Come on, we’re burning daylight.”

“OK, I got this.” Zoe said, pulling out her coin purse from her uniform pocket and started for the shop doors. Scootaloo started to say something to stop her, but stopped and just smiled.

“She’ll find out, I guess.”

Zoe walked into the coffee shop and took a quick look around. The place was immaculate. Everything from the tables to the floor had a shine to it, clean as a whistle. Most of the tables inside were empty, but there were a few patrons.

“Something else I can get you?” Steel Feather called out from behind the counter that he was wiping down with a cloth.

“Just paying for the drinks.” Zoe said, placing several bits on the counter.

“No thanks.”

“Pardon?”

“Ya deaf? I said no thanks.” Steel Feather reiterated. “Your bits aren’t good here.” He told her, making a move to push them  back, but was unable too because Zoe held them in place with her magic.

“Oh, Steely, give the mare a break, she’s obviously new.” One of the customers called out from her table, an elderly unicorn mare.

“Fine,” Steel Feather sighed, then pointed up to the sign that hung below the menu board with his left wing.




Guards, Firefighters, Medics do not pay for the following: Drinks, Bagels, Muffins & After-Shift Meals.
~Thank You For Your Service~




After reading the sign, Zoe still pushed the bits forward.

“What, the sign doesn’t say anything about tipping.” She said, giving a wink. “Thank you for your service.” Zoe said, then walked out the door, leaving Steel Feather speechless.

“Would you look at that, she made him cry.” The same old unicorn said in jest.

“Shut it, hag.”

“Yeah, yeah. Can I get a refill?” She asked.

“Coming right up.” Steel Feather said with a smile.





The next few hours had been uneventful apart from the rescue of a filly’s kitten that had gotten itself stuck on a fire escape. Zoe got her nose clawed for her trouble.

“No good deed goes unpunished,” Scootaloo had said.

To pass the time, and mostly just to prevent Scootaloo from asking her any questions, Zoe kept her talking about Stratos, a subject that she was all too happy to talk about.

The little guy was taken into the city’s Foal Family Services after he was found during a drug raid that Scootaloo had taken part in. He was found hiding under the stairs, malnourished and dirty.

It took Scootaloo almost a half hour to coax him out, and when she did, he latched onto her and wouldn’t let go. 

What worried her the most though was that he wouldn’t say a word. The guards couldn’t get his name from him, and none of those arrested in the raid even knew he was in the house, much less had any info on the colt. For several days after he was dropped off at the orphanage, Scootaloo had to be called in to calm him down at night.

One night a month ago, just as she was leaving after getting him into bed, the little guy called out her name. After that, they couldn’t shut him up. He told them his name, where he lived, everything.

When Scootaloo checked up on where he said he lived, she was shocked to see that it was in one of the city’s slum districts. To say it was a shanty town would be putting it lightly. Showing his picture around the neighbourhood, she was able to find where his mother lived but found it empty. Shocking more still, the pony that lived next door said that medics had taken a corpse out of there a couple weeks ago. Stratos was never reported missing, no paperwork was filed. Textbook case of falling through the cracks.

Even though it was highly unorthodox, Scootaloo and Diamond applied to adopt him, with the final court date to finalise the whole thing being scheduled next week.

“Seriously, can’t wait.” Scootaloo said with a smile but had it cut short.

”S84, Dispatch, what’s your 20?” A mare's voice called out from their comm crystals.

Zoe looked at Scootaloo for direction, but she glared back.

“Don’t look at me, tell the mare our location.”

“Dispatch, S84, we’re on,” Zoe started after activating her comm crystal, then looked for the street sign. “Trotway and 76th,”

“S84, we have multiple 10-66 on Trotway and 84th, possible code purple, respond forthwith.”

“10-4, Dispatch, S84 responding.” Zoe said, closing the channel, then started down the street.

“So, what are we responding too?” Scootaloo asked.

“A 10-66 means suspicious subjects, code purple is gang activity.”

“Very good. Now, follow my lead, let me do the talking, don’t do anything stupid.” Scootaloo instructed.

The two of them quickly headed down the sidewalk then slowed as they reached their destination. Sitting on the stoop of an apartment complex about forty feet away were several ponies and two diamond dogs, all wearing something coloured red.

“Hows everything going this afternoon,” Scootaloo asked, fearlessly. 

“It’s the guard!” One of them called out, and they scattered, one pegasus flew off while the rest fled on foot except a large earth pony and one of the diamond dogs, who pulled something from behind his back.

“Crossbow!” Scootaloo yelled, pushing Zoe out of the way and behind a parked carriage as a bolt zipped past them and embedded itself in a tree. “S84, 10-71, shots fired, shots fired!” 

Peaking out from behind the carriage, Scootaloo quickly dove back in place as a bolt zipped past where her head had just been, but she smiled when she heard an audible twang.

“His string snapped, you take the diamond dog, I got the big one.” Scootaloo told her, then took to the air.

Diving out from behind the carriage, Zoe started galloping down the sidewalk towards her mark who now wore a look of surprise as she popped out of existence then reappeared above him, hoof directed squarely at his head.

He dove out of the way then ran down the street. Zoe looked over at Scootaloo who was now on the earth pony’s back with his neck in a stranglehold as he tried to buck the pegasus off his back.

“I’m fine, go!”

Following her instructions, Zoe took off after the diamond dog. Teleporting ahead of him, she skidded to a stop and glared at him as he yelped then headed down an alleyway. Turning the corner after him Zoe stopped cold when she saw the dog was now standing twenty feet away with a knife in his hand. Then the ‘click-clack’ of hoofs hitting pavement filled her with fear.

A quick glance back and there was the pegasus that had flown off, with two blades of his own strapped to the center joints of his wings.

“He he he he, lookie what we got here, seems we caught ourselves a guard.” The dog cackled. “Should learn to look up horn head, ‘cause now you’re dead.”

She didn’t wait for them to make the first move, forming a solid wall of magic in front of her, she charged at the dog and collided with him, sending him to the ground. Hearing the flap of wings, Zoe instinctively kicked her back legs, smiling when they made contact but cried out in pain when one of the wing blades slashed her left flank.

Turning towards the pegasus, she picked him up in her magic and threw him hard against a brick wall. He didn’t get up. When she turned back towards the dog, she was greeted by a face of fur as he tackled her to the ground.

Knife in hand, he struggled against Zoe’s magic to drive it into her throat. The look of pure hatred in his eyes filled her with fear as the knife inched ever closer to her neck.

But with the whistle of metal flying through the air, it was all over. Lying next to Zoe was the unmoving body of the diamond dog, now with an extendable pole-arm impaling him in the back. 

Letting out a sigh of relief, Zoe looked to the alleyway to see Scootaloo and two other unicorn guards. Trying to get up, she cried out in pain as her left hind leg gave out.

“Secure that pegasus, and call it in, we got an injured guard.” Scootaloo ordered. Kneeling down next to Zoe, she gave her a half smile. “Taking on two yourself; thought I told you not to do anything stupid.” She told her. “Welcome to the suck, kid.” Scootaloo said as she pulled Zoe into a hug after helping her to her hooves.





“You’re lucky, Cadet,” The doctor said as he used his magic to suture the wound on her left flank closed with a Starfleet-issued dermal regenerator. “An inch higher and he would have severed the tendon. No lasting damage thankfully, but it’ll be sore for a few days. Keep your weight off of it as much as you can.” He ordered, then floated two pieces of paper towards her. “That’s a scrip for some painkillers, you can get them from the pharmacist, the other is to restrict you to desk duty for the rest of the week, now get out of here. NEXT!” 

Getting down off of the bed, Zoe limped out from behind the curtain and into the emergency room towards the triage area. There waiting for her was Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara.

“So, what’s the damage?” Scootaloo asked.

“Nothing lasting, just desk duty, and some mild painkillers,” Zoe told her, holding the paper aloft in the air. 

“Sounds like fun,” Diamond remarked.

“Thank you, Cadet, I wanted to get off the street for a week,” Scootaloo growled, her annoyance loud and clear in her voice.

“Scootaloo!” Diamond admonished.

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” She said, smiling at her wife. “I’m glad you’re OK, Cadidiot.”

“For what it’s worth, so am I,” Diamond said with a smile while giving Scootaloo a sideways glance of annoyance. “So, who’s hungry.” She asked rhetorically, then turned for the door. Zoe looked at Scootaloo, who gave a shrug, and they both followed her out.





Zoe followed Diamond and Scootaloo out of the elevator in one of the tallest buildings in Manehatten. She wasn’t sure what floor she was on, but the view out of the floor to ceiling windows that encircled the open floor-plan restaurant was spectacular. 

“Ah, Madam Tiara, table for three?” The hostess asked.

“Yes, thank you,” Diamond responded with grace in her voice.

The unicorn mare in a smart, professional working dress lead them through the restaurant to a table located in the corner, affording them a breathtaking view of the city below. After handing out menus, she turned to them. “Tonight’s special is Aubergine Cordon Bleu; we have also acquired a case of white wine from The White Hills vineyards in San Palomino, vintage 923.”

“Thank you, we’ll take one bottle, and please have a second added to the bill for me to take home.” Diamond said with a smile. 

“Is there any other beverage that any of you would like?” She asked and got polite ‘no thank you’s’ from the three of them, so the hostess nodded, and left the three ponies to decide on their orders.   

"This place..." Zoe started, expressing some hesitation while perusing the menu. "It's a little expensive, isn't it?"

"Of course, I'm not going to take a friend of the family to some greasy spoon after a day like today, am I?” Diamond said as she continued to look over her menu.

“Don’t fight her on it, just let her do her thing,” Scootaloo said, leaning in close. “This place serves a really good hayburger, get it if you want to watch her squirm,” She continued in a hushed whisper and a wicked smile. Zoe gave her a deadpan stare in return.

After several minutes, a smartly dressed unicorn waiter arrived with three wine glasses and proceeded to serve the wine.

“Are you ready to place your orders?” He asked.

“Yes, I’ll have tonight’s special, but please ask the chef not to use thyme as a seasoning, I have an allergy to it.”

“Certainly, ma’am, I’ll inform the chef personally.” He answered. “And for you miss?” He asked, turning to Zoe.

“I’ll have the same, hold the thyme as well, just in case.”

“And you?”

“I’ll take a hayb-” Scootaloo began to say but suddenly sat up straight with a shocked expression as the muffled sound of hoof meeting flesh could be heard under the table. “Same for me as well.” She said finally in a dejected tone.

“I will return with your meals when they are ready, until then, please enjoy the view.” The unicorn said as he gathered the menu’s in his magic and trotted off towards the kitchen, which was located in the center of the dining area in full view of the patrons.

“I’ve never seen a restaurant like this.” Zoe remarked as she took a sniff of her wine glass before taking a sip. Not really my thing, she thought, but it does have an interesting taste.

“It’s one of my favourite places to eat in the city.” Diamond said. “Just the right amount of class, but they’re not snooty about it.”

“I seem to remember a time that you would love to go a place that was ‘snooty’.” Scootaloo said in jest.

“That was my mother’s doing, and you know it.” She retorted. “Father hated indulging her stuffy nature, I only followed along because I was scared of her.”

“I know, hun, just teasing.”

After several minutes of polite conversation, the food arrived and the conversation turned towards Zoe.

“Are you going to be applying for a post here in Manehatten?” Diamond asked.

“So she could be my boss? I hope not,” Scootaloo said feigning seriousness but gave Zoe a wink.

“I haven’t decided, but I don’t think so.” Zoe said, taking another bite of her dinner. “Manehatten is great and all, but it’s too busy for my taste.”

“This dish is overcooked, I demand it be remade at once!” A loud voice called out from the other side of the restaurant.

Diamond Tiara froze in place at the sound, then slowly turned towards the source.

There, sitting alone at a corner table was a grey coated mare with a white and silver mane sporting horn-rimmed glasses.

Diamond slowly got to her hooves and began to slowly walk towards the other pony.

“Oh, buck, this isn’t going to be good.” Scootaloo remarked then followed her wife.

“Silver Spoon?” Diamond asked quietly.

“Yes, what do you want-- oh, it’s you.” Silver said with venom in her voice. “What are you doing in Manehatten?”

“I live here,” Diamond said, shocked at the treatment she was getting from her former childhood friend.

“Thankfully this city is big enough that I shouldn’t ever have to see you again.”

“After all these years, that’s what you have to say?”

“What more is there to say, after what your family did.”

Taken aback by what Silver just said, it took Diamond a moment to be able to speak again. “You’re still hung up on that?”

“Yes, that.” Silver spat back. “Your father cost my family a lot of bits by backing out of that business deal. Daddy felt so betrayed that we had to move away from Ponyville.”

“Silver, that was… was… almost fifteen years ago!” Diamond exclaimed, surprising herself at just how worked up she was getting. “We were fillies, we had nothing to do with what our parents did.”

“There you go again, shirking off any responsibility your family holds for what they did.” Silver Spoon continued. “Far as I know your father is still backstabbing his business deals and running his company into the ground.”

“Silver, my father died five years ago.” Diamond said, hurt coming out in her voice. “I run Wholesome Foods now.”

“Wait, what?” Silver said, her bravado instantly deflated.

“That business deal lost my family bits too, Silver, except we work for our money.” Diamond explained. “We weren’t born into wealth like your family was. Grandfather started with just a single store in Baltimare. Your family pulling all its bits out of our company nearly put us into bankruptcy. Dad put up his own bits to make up the shortfall and it almost wasn’t enough.” She continued. “It was the stress of it all that weakened his heart.”

“I had no idea,”

“You would if you picked up a financial magazine over the past few years.” Diamond told her. “But here you are, a grown mare, still holding childhood grudges and acting like a filly.”

“Diamond, Silver, please try and keep it down,” Scootaloo said, trying to calm the situation.

“What are you doing here?” Silver asked, sticking up her nose at Scootaloo. “I’m surprised they let poor ponies like you in, must be some charity case.”

“That’s enough Silver Spoon!” Diamond yelled. “Say what you want about me, my father, who ever, but you will not speak to my wife in that manner.” She commanded. “Grow up, Silver.” 

With that, Diamond stormed back to her table, grabbed her purse and made for the exit. Scootaloo and Zoe stood there stunned for a moment, then did the same.

When they caught up to Diamond, she was speaking to an earth pony in a chef’s uniform.

“I really can’t apologise enough Healthy Morsel,” Diamond said. “I’m so embarrassed, please, if anypony complains, charge their meal to my account.”

“Nonsense,” the chef said. “As generous as that is, I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“Just the same,” Diamond said, getting a nod from the friendly pony.

“Here’s the bottle that you requested,” Healthy Morsel said, giving a bottle wine to Diamond. “It’s on me this time.”

“I couldn’t,”

“Please, I insist. You could have raised the rent on us when you bought the building, but you didn’t, you even gave us a sizeable discount on purchasing ingredients through your company,” He explained. “And you look like you could use a good drink after what just happened.”

“Thank you,” Diamond said. “You know it was your first impression that got you all that, right?”

“I don’t like to brag, but I know,” He responded with a smile.

“Flirting with my wife again?” Scootaloo said as she walked up.

“Only as much as she flirts with me, Scootaloo.” He responded. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He finished, then headed back to the kitchen.

“I can go escort her out of the building for causing a disturbance.” Scootaloo told Diamond Tiara.

She thought on that for a moment, then shook her head. “No, that’s what she would do, lets go home.” She told her.

Just before the first floor, Diamond was mortified by the growl that came from her belly.

“Steel Feather’s first?” Scootaloo offered as all three ponies stepped on the elevator.

“Why not,” Diamond responded. “Zoe, are you coming with us?”

“No, I’m done for the night.” She answered.

“You’re not going to stay at the barracks are you?” Scootaloo asked.

“Your mother would have my head if she found out that you stayed there after what happened today.” Diamond added. “Please, come stay with us.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I’m fine.” Zoe said with a smile and walked out the front door and hailed a taxi.





Zoe walked through the winding paths that connected all the student dormitories on the University Campus, taking in the beauty of the falling flower petals that rained down from the many cherry trees that lined the walkways.
Stopping at a bench located in front of the centrepiece of the campus residential block, a towering statue of the university’s founder, somepony Zoe couldn’t be bothered to remember, that stood in the center of a fountain. 

“Zoe?” Somepony called out from behind her.

Turning to face the source of the voice, there stood Sapphire along side… An Alicorn? she thought. Realizing that she was still in uniform, Zoe snapped to her hooves and saluted.

“Princess.” 

“Oh, for bucks sake, I get enough of that in the Empire,” Flurry Heart said rolling her eyes, but upon realizing that Zoe was still standing at attention, she returned the salute half-heartedly just to get Zoe to relax. “I’ll meet you back at the dorm, Sapphire, don’t have too much fun.” She said with a wink, then headed down the path.

“You didn’t tell me you went to school with the Princess,” Zoe said once Flurry Heart was out of ear shot.

“Yeah, her dad made that request, sorry.” Sapphire said, sitting down on the bench with Zoe sitting down next to her. “While not a state secret, they wanted to make sure she got a peaceful chance to go to school here.”

Zoe didn’t say anything right away, instead she just stared off towards the fountain.

“What’s wrong?” Sapphire asked.

“I had a close call today,” Zoe said, continuing to explain everything that happened.

“Are you OK?!” 

“Doctor says I’m fine, but they restricted me to desk duty for the week.”

“I can see that physically, you’re OK, but you still didn’t answer my question.”

“It shook me up a little,”

Sapphire continued to look at her with concern.

“OK, maybe not a little,” Zoe admitted. “He got this close,” Zoe said, holding her hooves barely apart.

“What matters is that you’re OK.” Sapphire said, pulling her close. “Have you told your parents?” 

“Scootaloo made sure I did as soon as all the paperwork was filled out,” Zoe answered. “Took me twenty minutes and Dad’s help to keep mom from jumping on the next train to Manehatten.”

“Is there anything I can do for you?” Sapphire asked.

Zoe turned and looked into her eyes. “Tell me I’m doing the right thing?” 

A look of confusion came over Sapphire’s face. “What do you mean?”

“Being a guard,”

“It’s what you’ve wanted to do since the start of high school,”

“Maybe it’s not for me,” Zoe started to explain her reasoning. “I like the job alright enough, but there’s something missing.” She continued. “I just feel like I could be doing something more.”

“Well, what ever it is, you’ll have me backing you up.” Sapphire said as she got up from sitting, flicking Zoe’s nose with her tail. “Enough of this moping, if we hurry I can sneak you into the dormitory.” She said then started quickly down the pathway.

Zoe sat there for a second, unsure as to what just happened, but then it clicked and she started after her.





Two Months Later

“Are you sure about this, Cadet?” The towering pegasus behind the desk asked. 

“I am Captain,” Zoe said. 

“You’re one of the Academy’s best cadets to come along in several years,” he said. “You’re leaving the Guard worse off by leaving it.”

“But if I feel I can’t give it my all, aren’t I doing it a disservice?”

“That is true,” The old pegasus said. “It’s been a pleasure, Cadet.” He said, this time saluting Zoe, which she returned with a smile.

“Here’s all the paper work you need to give to Commandant Spitfire,” He continued, handing over a folder. “All the best in your travels, Ms Scott.”

Zoe walked out of the Captain’s office and into the precinct work area where she got few farewells and a few snubs. Can’t win them all, I guess.

After clearing out her locker, she made her way for the front door, and there was Scootaloo.

“You actually did it?” She asked.

“Yeah. I’m going home.”

“For what it’s worth, you were an alright guard.” Scootaloo told her. 

“And you were a mediocre evaluator,” Zoe said with a wicked grin.

Scootaloo pulled her into a tight hug. “Give your parents my best,” She told her after they parted.

“Of course,” Zoe said heading for the door.

“And Zoe,” Scootaloo said, causing her to turn back. “Take care of yourself.”

“You too,”

Zoe stepped out of the Guard Precinct and took a deep breath. Choosing to go right, she thought about hailing a taxi, but instead walked up to a city bus stop where a group of Starfleet officers stood staring at a map. 

“Lost?” Zoe asked.

“Huh?” One of them asked, a Bolian lieutenant wearing sciences blue. “Yeah, we’re trying to get to the train station so we can get back to Canterlot.”

Zoe gave out a quick chuckle. “You’re on the wrong side of the street. You need to catch the 92 West,” She explained, pointing out the bus route on their map. “I’m going the same place, follow me.”

“Thank you,” the Lieutenant asked. “You’ve saved our skins, we weren’t sure if we’d make it back in time for the shuttle.”

“Couldn’t your ship have just transported you?” Zoe asked, getting a surprised look from the Bolian.

“I’m surprised you know so much,” He said. “We’re assigned to the Equus Station as part of an officer exchange, there’s no ship in orbit to beam us anywhere.”

“So, missing the shuttle would be bad.” Zoe said with a chuckle.

“Wouldn’t have happened if L-T hadn’t gotten us lost,” A human male ensign in red remarked. The other officer, a bajoran female lieutenant junior grade gave a snort in a failed attempt to not laugh.

“Laugh it up, Ensign.” The Bolian said. “I’m Manda, the mouthy ensign is Henry, and that’s Li Essa.”

“Zoe,” She said, introducing herself. “Zoe Scott.”

It didn’t take long for the next bus to arrive after they got on the right side of the street. The three of them made small talk. They were initially surprised at who Zoe’s father was, but were friendly anyway.

“Hey, I’ve got a question,” Zoe told them.

“Shoot,” Manda said.

“What does somepony who’s from a non-federation world have to do to apply to Starfleet?”

Manda looked surprised for a moment, but was all to happy to explain it all.  
> Chapter 9 - Where You Go, I'll Follow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fall 2412

Zoe sat alone in the Ponyville Town Hall atrium patiently waiting.  

It had been a quiet few months since she resigned from the guard. While her mother understood, her father was disappointed in her. He told her that once you start something, you should finish it. 

His reaction was understandable, especially since she hadn’t told him the real reasons why. She was pretty sure that he would swallow his words since he essentially left Starfleet shortly before she was born for almost the same reasons.

So here she was, starting something else, something she fully intended to finish.

Provided she passed the hyper-space physics portion of the exam. An exam that she had spent three months studying for.

“Why did I have to be so shit at math?” She muttered to herself. “And how long does it take to mark an exam?”

“As long as it takes,” A voice answered. Zoe turned around and let a smile cross her face.

“Aunt Twilight,” Zoe said. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“What exam is being marked?” Twilight asked as she took a seat next to Zoe.

“I… I can’t tell you…” Zoe said, scratching the back of her head.

“Really?” Twilight responded with a raised eyebrow. “Why’s that?”

Taken aback by the pressure Twilight was giving her, she finally caved. “Promise not to tell my parents? I want to tell them if I pass it.”

“Of course.”

“It’s the Starfleet Academy screening exam.”

“You’re thinking about going to the academy?” Twilight said sounding a little impressed at the idea. “Is that why you resigned from the guard?”

“It wasn’t at first,” Zoe told her, then explained what happened in detail on her first day in Manehatten. She told her about how during the months that followed that she didn’t get any satisfaction in it. That there was something missing. “Then on the way back to Canterlot, I sat with a  group of Starfleet officers, I asked what it took to get into Starfleet, then I told them what I told you.” Zoe continued. “I explained that I still wanted to serve, that hadn’t changed. They told me that maybe Starfleet might be a good fit for me.”

“Well, you are your father’s daughter after all,” Twilight told her. “You’re more like him than you realise.”

“Except he’s better at math than I am,”

“Yeah, that’s true,” Twilight said with a laugh.

“Hey!” Zoe said in protest. 

“Zoe, sweetie, you graduated High School with the bare minimum grade in math,” Twilight said, trying to console her by extending a wing over her shoulder and pulling her in. “Although you did get better at the Academy, though.”

“How do you know that?” Zoe asked, genuinely surprised.

“Your Dad asked me to keep an eye on you when you were at the Academy.” She answered sheepishly.

“I’m going to kill him,” Zoe said flatly but didn’t really mean it. But she wasn’t happy with him.

“I know you don’t mean that,” Twilight said almost immediately. She knows me too well. Zoe thought. “You have to understand your father only has your well-being in mind.” She  continued. “You are his little girl after all.”

Zoe pursed her lips and scowled. “You know, I hate it when you’re right.”

“Now if only I was actually right most of the time,” Twilight admitted, getting both mares to laugh.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Lieutenant Manda said as he walked out of one of conference rooms Mayor Davenport had let them use to administer the exam. “Oh, Princess,”

“Hello,” Twilight said in greeting, then pulled her glasses out from under one of her wings with her magic and put them on. “I don’t think we’ve been introduced, Lieutenant, I try and meet any visitors to our world on official matters at least once.”

“Lieutenant Manda of Bolarus,” He said in introduction. “I’m part of the officer exchange program to the Equus station.” 

“And proctoring exams?” Twilight asked.

“Not part of my regular duties, but I made an exception in this case,” Manda explained.

“So, how’d my former student do?” Twilight asked. Are you trying to embarrass me?! Zoe seethed inwardly, drilling her gaze into Twilight’s back.

“Is it OK if I share your results?” Manda asked, turning to me. “They are private,”

“No, go ahead,” Zoe said letting out a sigh.

“Your results for the Dynamic Relationships test are some of the highest I’ve ever heard an applicant achieving; your results for the Carlundrum IQ test are OK... you’ll need to work on that if you ever want to graduate from Starfleet Academy,” He explained, but then his expression changed. “Unfortunately, you didn’t pass the Hyperspace Physics portion.” He finished, handing a PADD to Zoe that contained her results, which she read over.

“That bad, huh?” Zoe asked.

“Work at it, and you can retake the test in three months,” Manda explained.

“Three months?!” Zoe asked.

“Only reason I proctored the exam was because I thought you showed promise, and you still do, also it was during the application window, which closes in eight days,” Manda explained. “The next window is in three months on your calendar.” He continued. “You only get one shot at the exam per window.”

“I was kinda expecting this,” Zoe said, dejectedly.

“Don’t feel too bad,” Manda told her. “I failed my first application.” He explained. “You’re going to be applying for the Security Services right?”

“That’s what I was planning on,” Zoe responded.

“Well, you only failed the physics portion by twelve points then,” Manda continued to explain. “That branch of the service doesn’t have high requirements in that area.”

“Zoe, maybe you should talk to your father about this,” Twilight counselled. “I know he’ll help.” 

“I’ll talk with him,” Zoe promised. 

“I won’t be here when the next application window opens, we’ll be rotated out by then,” Manda explained. “I’m not sure if there will be any Starfleet personnel to administer the exam, you may have to travel to the nearest Starfleet installation.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant Manda,” Zoe said, giving him a nod.

“If I don’t see you again, it was nice to meeting you, Zoe, and good luck,” He told her. “Princess,” He said with a nod, then left the Town Hall.

Zoe continued to look over her exam, studying where she went wrong. This went on for several minutes until she realised that Twilight was still sitting next to her looking off into space with a smile on her face.

“Uhh…” Zoe said, giving her aunt a quizzical look. “There a reason you’re still here?”

“What?” Twilight said sounding startled. “Oh, that’s right. I was walking past Kaboom on my way here and Button Mash asked that if I saw you, I was to remind you that ‘tonight is O&O night and you should bring your A-Game’.” Twilight told her, quoting Button Mash verbatim.

Hitting a few commands on the PADD she was holding, Zoe brought up the time.

“Oh, crap, I’m late!” Zoe exclaimed as she dashed out the door.

“Well, she was in a hurry,” Mayor Davenport remarked as he poked his head out of his office.

“I did forget for a moment that I was supposed to remind her,” Twilight said with a smile. “Now, mayor, about that new community centre…” She continued, getting up from her seat and walking towards the Mayor’s office.





“As you enter the next room, the smell of rotting flesh pervades your surroundings. The stench is all you can sense as the entire area is also shrouded in darkness,” Button Mash narrated from behind his Oubliettes & Ogres Dungeon Master screen. “Korrah, give me a fortitude save.” He said, referring to Zoe’s character Korrah, an eighth level Alicorn Paladin.

“Why am I the only one that has too?” Zoe asked, the annoyance in her voice coming through loud and clear.

“You were late to the start of the campaign,” Button Mash told her. “You missed the Guild Cleric’s blessing,” He continued with a smug look on his face.

Glaring at the brown earth pony, Zoe rolled her d20 die that represented her character’s ability to withstand harmful effects. It came up eighteen. “Twenty,” Zoe told him, having added her constitution modifier.

“The stench doesn’t make you throw up, but you look pale.” Button told her.

The other ponies gathered at the table located in the gaming area of Kaboom, Games and Sundry chuckled at Zoe’s misfortune. 

“Come on, Button, give her a break, she was doing something important,” Snips told his boss from behind the shop counter just outside of the gaming area.  

“Fine,” Button said, rolling his eyes.

“I cast light on the darkness,” Twist said, using one of Zora's, a ninth level Magus, cantrips.

“Roll percentile dice,” Button responded with a wicked grin.

“The darkness is magical?!” Twist said with surprise but she rolled the dice. “Nuts, thirty-five,”

“The party can see ten feet into the darkness,” Button narrated. “Everypony give me a perception roll,” He continued, which precipitated the sound of rolling dice.

“Thirteen,” Zoe reported.

“Eight,” Snails said. “Even with my plus four wisdom bonus!” He continued, referring to his character Vennor, an eighth level Druid.

“Fourteen,” Twist said with some enthusiasm, as it was higher than the rest of her party.

“None of your characters notice that the darkness is slowly devouring the light,” Button told them, trusting that the three players gathered would separate player and character knowledge.

“So what were you doing at the Town Hall?” Snails asked after taking a drink from his soda.

“I was writing an exam,” Zoe said. “I draw my sword, Preserver's Light,” Zoe told Button.

“Crap, I forgot you bought that,” Button snapped. “Roll a percentile dice.”

“What does that do again?” Twist asked Zoe.

“Eighty-seven,” Zoe said with a smile. “It’s a plus one longsword that emits light like a torch when drawn, any healing spells or abilities used on the wielder are increased by one point, and the wielder can use Preserver's Smite once per day,” Zoe explained, reading the description off of her character sheet. “Six thousand gold well spent.”

“So, that’s what you were saving for,” Twist said, pushing her glasses up.

“Korrah’s sword illuminates the room, revealing a black Draconequus surrounded by the bloody skeletons of the adventurers you were sent to find. It’s red eyes glow as it hisses, at Korrah specifically.” Button described. “Roll initiative,” Button continued, rolling a dice of his own behind his screen.

“Eighteen,” Zoe told him, with Snails and Twist rolling a sixteen and fifteen respectively. “So, when you said last week that you were working on a new campaign and that you hoped we’d enjoy,” Zoe said. “What you really meant, was that you were coming up with new and creative ways to kill us, but not before you broke our spirits.”

“Did I?” Button asked with a mischievous grin as he wrote down the order of initiative on a marker board then placed it in front of his DM screen, with the Draconequus at the top, giving it first move.

“What was the exam for?” Twist asked.

“Why is everypony suddenly interested in my life?” Zoe asked.

“Because we’re your friends,” Button said. “And until Lyra gets back from Baltimare so she can play her Priest, you’re the only healer in the group.” He continued, then smiled. “The Draconequus bull-rushes and swipes at you with his talon hand, does a twenty-three hit?”

Zoe didn’t react right away, a little surprised at what Button told her, but that only lasted a second as she glanced down at her armour value. “No, you’ll have to beat a twenty-four,” Zoe told him. “And thanks,”

“No problem,” Button said with a smile.

“Listen, if we beat this encounter, I’ll tell you,” Zoe told them. “It’s my turn now, isn’t it?” Zoe  said with a smile. “I cast Smite Evil as a swift action on the Draconequus and swing with Preserver’s Light,” Zoe said. In her mind’s eye, a mighty Alicorn clad in plate mail, glowing sword held aloft in golden magic, charges at the black beast.





After a battle that took almost an hour, with Button holding true to his plan and the encounter testing the player’s to their limits, they emerged victorious, with only Snails’ druid falling in battle. Thankfully he had enough Guild Boons to resurrect his character. 

Once Button finished handing out everypony’s reward sheets, he had Snips close and lock the door and bring some hard cider from the mini-fridge behind the shop counter for everypony.

Over the cold beverages, Zoe explained everything.

“Maybe I can help you study?” Snips offered, to which Zoe raised an eyebrow.

“If a starship’s antimatter tanks are depleted by nine-tenths, what’s the intermix ratio required to achieve warp factor eight?” Zoe asked.

“OK, maybe not,” Snips answered, finishing off his cider. “Alright, I’m out, see you tomorrow Button.” He told his boss, then waved to the rest of the group and headed for the door, leaving it unlocked so the others could leave when they were ready.

“What is the answer, though,” Twist asked.

“It’s actually a trick question,” Zoe explained. “A warp core works by colliding matter with antimatter, which annihilates both and releases massive amounts of energy.” She continued. “The ratio is always one to one.”

“What’ll happen when you get in?” Button asked.

“I’d attend Starfleet Academy for four years,” Zoe answered. “Once I graduate, I’ll probably be assigned to a Starship,”

“So you won’t be coming back,” Snails said.

“I would get leave,” Zoe said. “Anyway, it's too early to be talking about whether I’ll be coming back or not, I can’t take the exam again for another three months, and even then it’ll be a few more weeks before I go off for the actual entrance exam program, which takes another six weeks.”

That statement seemed to put everypony at ease. The other three descended into conversations of their own while Zoe looked out the window and up at the full moon that was just coming out from behind a cloud.

“I think I’m done too, I’m going to go home,” Zoe said after downing the rest of her cider. “Next week, Button?” She asked.

“You know it,” He responded.

Zoe waved goodbye and exited the store. Slowly walking down the street and through the center of town, she paused to look at the statue, letting a small smile cross her face, then continued on her way.

Enjoying the buzz she had from their post-campaign drinks, Zoe took her time as she walked home along the path she practically knew by memory. Coming to a fork in the path, she started to go left but stopped herself. Ahead of her was her parent’s cottage.

“Whoops,” Zoe said aloud and took the path to the right that led towards a sprawling meadow. 

As she got closer, she could see her destination. In the middle of the meadow stood an unassuming cottage that her father had built when he crashed here over twenty-five years ago. It hadn’t changed much over the years, having had a number of tenants over the years, but it always remained in the family. Right now, it was where Zoe called home. 

Next to the cottage was a small hill. To call it a hill was being generous, as all it amounted to was a small mound of dirt. It marked where Dad had crashed. During the spring, it was covered in wildflowers of every colour you could think of and it made for a good place to lay down in the warm sun.

But right now, after nightfall and with a slight brisk autumn wind, it would be a nice place to star gaze, provided you had somepony to sit next too.

The closer Zoe got, she noticed that somepony was sitting there, staring up at the moon. Picking up her pace, she planned to ask why someone was waiting outside her house, but decided against it with a smile when she saw a familiar white mane and blue coat. Instead, she walked up next to the pony and sat down next to them.

“When did you get to Ponyville?” Zoe asked as she snuggled up to her.

“About an hour ago, the train was late,” Sapphire answered. “You’re not going to ask why I’m here unannounced?”

“Nope,” Zoe answered, nuzzling Sapphire’s neck. “You’re here, that makes me happy, that’s all I need to know.”

“You really are simple, you know that,” Sapphire told her with a chuckle.

“Did you get your final exam results?” Zoe asked, changing the subject.

“I did,” She answered with a warm smile that Zoe could swear she felt. “I’m graduating with honours.”

“Really?” Zoe asked, pulling away from her so she could look at Sapphire directly. “That’s awesome!”

“Yeah, soon as I found out I got on the next train so I could tell you,” Sapphire continued. “How’d your exam go?”

“Bombed the physics section,” Zoe admitted.

“Well, you were never that good at math,” Sapphire stated.

“Hey, you’re the second pony to say that today!” Zoe huffed. 

“Twilight only says it because she thinks you can do better,” Sapphire responded. “I say it because I know you can do better.”

“Yeah,” Zoe admitted, her cheeks flushing a little with embarrassment. 

“Have you asked your father for help?” Sapphire asked.

“I was going to ask him in the morning,”

“Good, if you weren’t, I was going to ask him for you,” Sapphire told her with a sly grin.

“Et tu, Sapphire?” Zoe said with a laugh. Sapphire just smiled back.

“How was O&O?” Sapphire asked. “Did Button use the Draconequus encounter I devised?”

“That was your doing?!” Zoe exclaimed, then regained her composure. “Korrah, Champion of the Preserver’s Light was victorious again,” Zoe tutted. 

“Enjoy it for now, once I start DMing again, that ego of yours will be put to the test.”

The two ponies laughed as they snuggled up to each other and looked up at the moon and the stars together, idly talking about things the other had missed when they were apart. 

It didn’t matter how long they had been apart, when they got back together, it was as if they had only seen each other that morning.

“Where do you see us in the future?” Sapphire asked out of the blue.

“What do you mean?”

“Us,” Sapphire responded. “I love you, you know that, and I know you love me too,” Sapphire continued. “We’ve been together since you left for the academy a little over two years ago, but we’ve spent so much time apart.

“But when we’re together, its like no time has passed.” Sapphire continued. “So, I’ve decided, I don’t want to be apart from you again. Where you go, I’ll follow.”

Zoe looked into her marefriend’s eyes and her look of determination that told her so much with no words having to be spoken.

“Wait here, I’ll be right back,” Zoe told her, having decided what she wanted to do. Before Sapphire could say anything, Zoe blinked out of existence with a flash of fuchsia.

One of the windows on the cottage illuminated, then a shadow crossed from one side of the window to the other. Zoe was obviously looking for something.

Several minutes later, she exited the cottage with a small box held aloft in the air beside her. 

“Listen, I was going to give this to you for hearths warming, but I think I have a better reason to give it to you,” Zoe explained. “Ponies don’t really exchange things in situations like this, but humans do, and at least part of me is human, right?” She asked rhetorically but waited for a response anyway, filling the air with awkwardness. “Hehe, look at me, getting all flustered,” Zoe said, scratching the back of her head and avoiding Sapphire’s eyes.

“What are you...” Sapphire started to ask, but her voice got caught in her throat.

Zoe opened the box, and inside was a necklace and pendant, both made of platinum. The pendant depicted three intertwined shields with a simple snowflake in front.

Our cutie-marks, Sapphire thought to herself as she covered her mouth with her fore hooves in a vain attempt to hide her flushed cheeks.

“Sapphire Star, will you marry me?” 
> Chapter 10 - Fear
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sapphire was speechless. Physically and emotionally speechless. With her mind a total blank, all she could do was stare back at Zoe and that cocky self-assured smile that she had fallen for so many years ago.

That’s right, I love her, She thought, and once where there was nothing, all the memories came flooding back.

The look of concern and determination shown that day on the mountain.

The laughter that came with years of friendship.

The ear always there to listen.

The vulnerability that was freely entrusted.

The warmth of not waking up alone.

“Yes,” Sapphire squeaked, her heart threatening to burst from her chest.

Zoe’s expression slowly changed from a smile to that of pure elation, tears of joy forming in her eyes as she wrapped her forelegs around her beloved.

They remained that way for several minutes, not wanting to part, simply enjoying the moment.

But it didn’t last. Both looked at each other, neither ready to speak at that moment.

“So...” Zoe began, wiping a tear from her eye. “What now?” She asked.

“What now?” Sapphire responded, bursting into laughter.

“Hey!” Zoe exclaimed. “You’re the smart one,” She told her. “I thought you’d...”

“Just shut up and kiss me you dolt.”

“Yes, ma’am.”





“That should do it...” James said after spitting out the tool he was holding in his muzzle that he just used to secure a small power conduit.

Taking a step back, he smiled. It had taken some asking. Some haggling. Some wheel’n and deal’n. 

Eventually, all it took was a few slips of gold-pressed latinum to a freighter captain. But it was here, and it was hooked up.

Taking the place of his once beloved coffee maker on the counter, which he would take care of later, was one Starfleet-issue replicator, circa twenty-three sixty-five. Yeah, it's old, but it’ll do. He thought.

“Coffee, black, one cream, two sugars,” James ordered, and the contraption lit up and in its alcove appeared a steaming cup filled with golden nectar from the gods. Taking the cup in his hooves, he winced in pain its heat, but he suffered through it as he took a sip. “Perfection,” he said to nopony in particular.

“What is?” Fluttershy asked as she wandered into the kitchen. “What’s that?” She asked, staring at the new appliance sitting on her countertop.

“It’s a replicator,” He answered as he put his coffee down and reached into the cupboard and grabbed his wife’s favourite mug, the one in the shape of Thumper she got when he took her and Zoe to Disneyland, and placed it in the center of the replicator. “Tea, English Breakfast, medium hot, one milk, one sugar, using provided cup.”

Fluttershy watched, a little concerned at first, but smiled as the aroma of her favourite tea from Earth filled the air. Taking the cup in her hooves, she savoured the smell then quietly drank her tea at her own slow, deliberate pace with a smile.

“You likey?”

“Me likey.” She answered. “Didn’t you have one of those on the Scott Free? Why didn’t you have it taken out when you gave it back to your sister?” 

“Didn’t occur to me at the time,” James replied after a brief moment to think. “I also doubt she would have let me do that anyways.” He explained as he took another drink of his coffee. “Oh, there’s more.” He said, raising a hoof. “I was also able to get a small industrial replicator that was refitted to recycle garbage, waste water and bio-matter.” He continued. “With the rain collector you already had, the high-efficiency solar panels and batteries I got last year from that Bolian trader, and with the house’s waste water and sewage systems hooked into the recycler, we’re one hundred percent self-sufficient. Totally green.” He finished with a smile. “Also going to save a ton on bills too...” He added for good measure, while neither of them seemed to notice the front door of the house opening.

“You didn’t totally take us off the town system did you?” Fluttershy asked.

“No, if there’s ever an issue, we can switch over to the town services.”

“This is what you’ve been working on during your vacation?” She asked.

“In my spare time yes,” Stepping alongside his wife, leaning in to whisper into her ear. “When I’m not focusing my attentions on you,” He continued in a hushed tone, getting the giggle he was looking for.

“If you’re going to do that, at least make sure the front of the house is locked,” Zoe said bluntly as she walked up to the dining table and sat down. “Oh, cool, you got a replicator,”

James and Fluttershy stared at their daughter in embarrassment for a couple seconds. It was James who first regained his composure.

“You could have knocked,” He stated.

“She did, nopony answered,” Sapphire said making her presence known. Her cheeks, also a darker shade from interrupting them. “Good morning, Mr and Mrs Scott.

“Good morning Sapphire,” Fluttershy said as she took her seat and returned to her tea. “When did you return from Manehatten?”

“Last night,” Sapphire answered with a blushing smile. “I found out that I’m graduating with honours,”

“That’s great!” James said at the news.

“Congratulations, your mom must be very proud,” Fluttershy told her.

“I haven’t told her yet, I wanted to see Zoe first,” Sapphire told them. “I’m going to see mom next.”

The older ponies in the room looked at each other and smiled.

“And Zoe wanted breakfast,” Sapphire added.

“What’s wrong with the food at your place?” James asked, teasing his daughter.

“Still in the fridge,” Zoe said as she got up to walk to the replicator. “And uncooked,”

“So you thought you’d burden your mother and I?” He continued.

“It’s really not a problem,” Fluttershy said.

“I think there’s something more to this,” James continued, watching his daughter retrieve two cups of tea from the replicator, levitating one over to Sapphire. “What do you want?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I didn’t want to tell you till I knew I was going to actually take the entrance exam.” Zoe began. “I’m applying to Starfleet Academy.”

James’ face went from inquisitive to a neutral expression while Fluttershy took on a worried look.

“I need help with the hyperspace physics portion of the screening exam,” Zoe told them. “And even though I have dual-citizenship, a sponsorship from you couldn’t hurt either.”

“Come on, let's go for a walk,” James said, getting up from the table and headed for the front door.

Zoe looked over at her mother and Sapphire who both motioned for her to follow him. After going through the front door, Zoe found James sitting on a bench that they had on the front lawn.

Figuring out that the ‘walk’ they were going to take was actually a talk, she sat down next to him.

“My parents were totally against me joining Starfleet,” James told her as soon as she sat down. “I mean that literally, it was the biggest fight we ever had. The Dominion war had ended only months before, and as freighter captains, my parents had seen the horrors of the war first hand. 

“It got so bad that my sister actually called up grandma Zoe to see if she could calm them down.” James continued. “She was a career Starfleet officer, retired when I was a kid, she, somehow, got them to agree to send me on a transport to visit her, promising that she’d talk with me.

“They couldn’t stop me from joining even if they wanted too, I was of age and didn’t need their permission, but I said I would talk with grandma, and I did.” He said. “So I’m going to have the same conversation with you that she had with me.”

“Ok,” Zoe said, giving her father her complete attention.

“Why do you want to join Starfleet?” James asked.

“Probably your fault really,” Zoe said, getting a look from her father. “You took me to so many places, Earth, Vulcan, Trill, Bajor. Other than mom, I’m the most travelled pony on this planet.” She explained. “I’ve seen so much, and I want to see more.”

“I thought that joining the guard would be the best thing for me, fitting my talent, but something was missing.” She told him. “Remember the very first time you took me to ski at Vanhoover? How I got lost?”

“Yeah, you worried us sick,” James told her.

“I wasn’t lost. Knew exactly where I was, I was exploring.” She admitted. “I never went so far as make you worry about me like that again after that, but I never stopped exploring. Think about it, all those times you lost track of me, only for me to turn up a few minutes later like I hadn’t gone anywhere.”

James looked at his daughter as she told him this. She was right, he hadn’t thought much of it at the time, but she was right.

“Like father, like daughter,” James said. “While not the same reason I wanted to join, I always wanted to explore, it’s why I applied for a deep space assignment when I graduated.” He explained with a smile, but it quickly faded as he took on a serious expression. “I know that, on some level, you accepted that you might have to kill somepony when you joined the Guard,” James told her. “But that’s one pony, would you be able to kill more if you were ordered too?”

“What are you talking about?” Zoe asked with a confused look on her face.

“I’m guessing, and I am assuming that I’m correct, that you’re going to join the security services if you get into the academy,” James said, getting a nod from Zoe. “Well, part of the responsibilities you’d have is manning a ship’s tactical station. You’d be in control of the full arsenal of a federation starship.

“Even the smallest starship has enough firepower on board to wipe out a planet, it’s a big responsibility.” He continued. “I’m not saying if, I’m saying when, because you will at some point in your career, be at tactical and be ordered to fire upon another ship.

“Could be for any number of reasons, self-defence, the federation could be at war, whatever,” James explained. “If that ship is destroyed, you could be killing hundreds in an instant.”

What her father was telling her was sobering. She hadn’t thought of that.

“I was a Starfleet officer for eleven years before I resigned, in that time, how many do you think I’ve killed?” James asked flatly.

“I don’t know,” Zoe answered.

“I don’t know either, and I hope I never find out, but I do know it’s in the hundreds,” James told her with obvious shame in his voice. “Several months before I met your mother, I was at the helm of the Juno Beach. We were part of a joint Starfleet/Klingon patrol along their border with the Kinshaya. 

“We were accosted by a Kinshayan cruiser, claiming that we were in their territory, which wasn’t the case. They fired first, we fired back. I did my best at the helm to give the tactical officer the best shots, and in the end, we destroyed them.

“We recovered their log recorder, turns out the captain had ignored his engineers continued requests to have the navigational sensors replaced, which explained why they were in Klingon territory. That captain’s negligence got his crew killed and almost sparked a war between the Typhon Pact and the Khitomer Accord Signatories.

“I may not have pulled the trigger, but I sure as hell aimed the gun.”

“Why did you tell me that?” Zoe asked.

“Because I’d be negligent, both as a father and as somepony giving you a sponsorship if I didn’t,” James explained. “Starfleet is a dangerous job, especially for security personnel, you should have all the information you can before you make your choice.” He continued. “Your grandmother told me something similar,”

“Do you want me to go into Starfleet?” Zoe asked.

“Yes, and no,” James answered. “Part of me wants you to experience the things I did when I was exploring the beta quadrant, the other part of me wants you to still be the little filly that hid under my wing during thunderstorms.”

“I have to grow up some time, dad,”

“I know that,” James told her. “Doesn’t stop me from wanting to protect you.”

“You think mom will approve?”

“She’ll come around, leave her to me.” He answered as he got up to go back inside. “So, trouble with math, ‘eh?”

Zoe rolled her eyes and followed him in.

Sitting down at the table, Zoe smiled at the plate of pancakes her mother had made for her, from scratch if the dishes in the sink were any indication.

All four ponies around the table sat in a pleasant silence for several minutes before Sapphire raised her eyebrows as if she was expecting me to say something.

Waiting for the most opportune time, her father sitting with his side to the table reading his paper and taking a drink from his coffee, Zoe smiled.

“Sapphire and I are engaged,” 

Cleaning the coffee off the wall was annoying, but seeing the spit-take made it all worth it.





January 2413 – Deep Space Nine





“I am Commander Jefferson Blackmer, executive officer of DS9, I will be administering this entrance exam.” Commander Blackmer told the those gathered in the exam room. “There are twelve applicants, but only five of you will be able to enter the academy.

“During that time, we will be testing each of you. We’ll be looking for integrity, intelligence, courage, imagination, and leadership.” He continued. “And you as candidates should expect the unexpected, any questions?” He asked, then pointed to the hulking Bajoran, easily over seven feet tall.

“By unexpected, you mean the psych test?” He asked.

“Ah, the ‘dreaded psych test’,” Blackmer answered. “That is part of it, yes, but you could be tested on any number of things, at any time.”

“What is the psych test?” Zoe asked.

“It’s a psychological evaluation based on reaction to individual problems,” Blackmer explained. “Tailored to each candidate, you’ll be faced with a situation that will force you to confront your greatest fear, and the test is how you react to it.”

“Oh,” Zoe said in response but remained silent.

“What’s wrong? Scared?” Another candidate asked, a human.

“That’ll be enough of that, Candidate Striemer,” Blackmer said. “Now, if you’ll all take your seats, we’ll begin the hyperspace physics exam.”

With surprise that this was the first test, Zoe took her seat and activated her terminal, causing a holographic interface to appear before her, specially customised so it could be used with her hooves.

“Question one: If the matter and antimatter tanks on a Galaxy-Class starship are nine-tenths depleted, calculate the intermix ratio necessary to reach a starbase one hundred light years away at warp factor eight.” A male computer voice sounded out.

Seriously? Zoe thought as she punched in the answer: 1:1

She smiled when the word ’Correct’ appeared on the screen. 

Now for the hard ones...





“Man, my neck is stiff...” Carlyle Striemer said, twisting his neck as he walked out of the examination room. “Why’d the test have to be three hours long?”

“To determine who is best suited for entrance into the Academy.” A Vulcan male stated. 

“Least I did well on the exam, especially since I had to retake the screening exam a second time just to get here,” Zoe said, joining in the conversation.

“I have not had the opportunity to properly greet one another,” The Vulcan said, turning to Zoe. “I am Sovek of Vulcan.”

“Carlyle Striemer,”

“Zoe Scott,” She answered.

“I am unfamiliar with your species, of which planet do you come from?”

“I’m a Unicorn from the Equestrian continent of Equus,” Zoe explained.

“Wait, a unicorn, like the magical creatures in myths?” Carlyle said as he placed a PADD on the deck so he could adjust his shoes.

Zoe smiled then levitated the PADD in the air as he got back up to his feet. “We’re magical, yes, but I assure you that I’m no myth,” Zoe said.

“Fascinating,” Sovek said, raising an eyebrow.

“How’d you do that?” Carlyle asked, taking the PADD out of the air.

“Short answer, magic,” Zoe explained, getting a doubtful eye from Carlyle. “Seriously, it's what our culture calls it. The long answer is Federation science hasn’t been able to explain it, but the prevailing theory is that its localised manipulation of dark energy.” Zoe continued. “But I’m no expert on that,”

“Which branch of Starfleet do you wish to enter?” Sovek asked.

“I was about to become an officer in my country’s Royal Guard, but I resigned before I graduated to try and get into Starfleet, like my father,” Zoe answered. “As for what branch, Security.”

“Equus isn’t a federation world, but you said that your father was in Starfleet,” Carlyle started. “How does that work?”

“My dad was Human,” Zoe stated, putting emphasis on ‘was’.

“There’s a story behind that,” Carlyle responded. “Listen, several of the candidates are going to Quark’s for some drinks, do you two want to join us?”

“I must decline the offer, as I am retiring to my quarters,” Sovek said with a nod then headed down the corridor.

“I’m already going to be meeting my fiancée there for dinner,” Zoe told him. “Maybe after,”





“Welcome to Quark’s Public House, Cafe, Gaming Emporium, Holosuite Arcade, and Ferengi Embassy to Bajor,” A toothy Ferengi said. “I’m Quark, Proprietor and Ambassador of this establishment,”

“That’s quite a mouthful,” Zoe said with a smile. “Do you often serve new customers?”

“Rule of Acquisition number one hundred and ninety-four: ‘It’s always good business to know about new customers before they walk in your door.’”He quoted. “It’s not every day that the daughter of a prominent government official from a planet that has lucrative business ties with the Ferengi Alliance comes into my bar,” Quark said with a smirk.

“Thank you for taking the time and effort to greet us, Mr Quark,” Sapphire said with a smile.

“You’re most welcome, Miss?”

“Sapphire,”

“Miss Sapphire, and call me Quark,” He asked genially. “Is there anything I can procure for you two this evening?”

“Is there anything on special?” Zoe asked.

“Glad you asked, tonight we’re having a breakfast for dinner event,” Quark explained, handing over two menus. “While you two are deciding, I’ll have Frool take your drink order,” he continued with a smile that disappeared as he turned towards a hapless waiter that was busy washing an empty table. “Frool!” He called out then gestured towards Zoe and Sapphire.

“I can see why your father said to be wary of Ferengi...” Sapphire quipped quietly to Zoe, who smiled knowingly.

“What would you two like to dr--” Frool started to say until he was interrupted by a large leather clad hand dropped down on his shoulder, causing his eyes to bulge in panic.

“Ferengi! Where’s my blood wine!” A large Klingon demanded.

“I’m sor-r-ry,” Frool stammered out. “I didn’t take your order, I’m sure Grimp will be along shortly--”

“Not good enough, Ferengi,” The Klingon said with a snarl. “You’ll get it now!” He demanded.

“Excuse me, but he was serving us first,” Zoe said, getting up onto her hooves and staring up at the Klingon, who easily stood a good two feet taller than her. “And you shouldn’t be telling him how to do his job, you do him a dishonour.”

“Ha! Why should I be concerned with a Ferengi’s honour!?” He countered.

“You perform your duties to bring honour to your house and the Empire? Your duties may be different, but he performs his duties just the same, albeit for different reasons.” Zoe explained.

Glancing between Zoe and the Klingon, Sapphire noticed Zoe’s brow furrow with exertion as her mane around her horn began to look soaked with sweat. Could she? She asked herself as she glanced over back at the Klingon to see a large knife, most likely belonging to him, surrounded by fuchsia magic rise unseen above his shoulder, yet Zoe’s horn showed no sign of magic.

“You’d kill me where I stood if I dared to step onto the bridge of your Bird-of-Prey and tell you how to do your job,” Zoe said, her voice sounding slightly strained. “So what gives you the right to dishonour this man,” She continued as the magic around the knife flexed, causing two blades to spring out with an audible click.

The Klingon looked towards the source of the sound and smiled. Then let out a hearty belly laugh.

“What’s going on here?” Commander Blackmer asked as he and two security officers approached the scene.

“Nothing of concern, Blackmer.” The Klingon told the commander.

“I think I’ll be the judge of that, Captain Kerg,”

“What’s your name?” Kerg asked, turning back towards Zoe.

“Zoe Scott,”

“Either you’re incredibly stupid, or you have more courage than some of my crew,” Kerg told her with a smile, baring his teeth. “Now, Zoe Scott, my D’k tahg,” he demanded with an outstretched hand, his smile now faded and his voice a low growl.

Zoe flexed her magic to close the knife’s blades, twirled it around in the air and offered it handle first to the Captain. When he took it and the magic holding it faded, a flash of relief fell across Zoe's face.

“I hear you’re supervising an entrance exam for Starfleet, she one of your candidates?” Kerg asked Blackmer. 

“She is,”

“Thought so,” Kerg told him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “If she were Klingon, I’d want her on my crew,” He stated with a laugh, then returned to his table.

“Zoe, what happened here?” Blackmer asked after dismissing the two guards.

“He was abusing that poor waiter,” Zoe explained, falling into her chair, looking spent. “I wasn’t going to just sit there and let him do it,” She continued. “That and we were in the middle of our drink order, I was thirsty.” She finished with a coy smile.

“And pulling the Captain’s blade on him?” He asked with a raised eyebrow. “Not too smart a move, he could have killed you,”

“He would have tried,” Zoe said with an edge to her voice, eyes narrowed. “As you saw, I’m not completely helpless, I’m more than capable of defending myself and others.”

“That being said,” Blackmer started to explain. “Being a Starfleet officer does entail risk, but at the same time, you shouldn’t be taking unnecessary ones, you should be trying to minimise them.”

“Yes, sir,” Zoe said in response.

“I thought your horns glowed when you used your magic?” Blackmer asked.

“Normally they do,” Sapphire started to explain. “With incredible effort and training, you can suppress the visible magic around your horn, it’s just very taxing.”

“Anyways, Zoe, you handled yourself well, I think you passed this unscheduled ‘test’,” Blackmer told her.

“This was a test?!” Zoe asked.

“That? No, but it might as well be,” Blackmer said. “We like to see how prospective officers handle dealing with those from foreign cultures,” He continued. “To be honest, with your planet having multiple species, each with their own cultures, and your unique heritage, we were at a loss at how to go about testing you, but you seemed to take care of that yourself.” He finished explaining. “Enjoy the rest of your night, ladies.” He said with a nod then headed to the bar, flagging down Quark.





Sapphire rolled in bed, reaching out for something, but her eyes shot open when she couldn’t find it. 

Zoe wasn’t next to her. 

Sitting up, she found Zoe sitting in a chair in the dark, facing the window of their quarters with a slowly rotating field of stars outside.

“What are you doing up?” Sapphire asked. “You don’t have to be up for another hour and a half,” She stated, looking over to the clock on her nightstand.

“Couldn’t sleep,” Zoe answered.

“This about the psych test?”

“Yeah,”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing really, I just don’t know what they’re going to throw at me,” Zoe explained. “Dad said his scared him stiff, and that I should be ready for anything.”

“You told me that the test was to see how you would react to something that you feared,” Sapphire said as she walked over next to her.

“That’s the thing, I don’t really fear anything, by Tartarus, I pulled a Klingon’s blade on him without thinking,”

“You’re one of the bravest ponies I know,” Sapphire told her. “Just... do what you do, everything will work itself out after that.”

“Thanks,” Zoe said, sneaking a peck on Sapphire’s cheek before getting up. “I’m going down to the gym for a run,”

“OK, I’ll see you after your test,” Sapphire said with a smile as she watched Zoe leave out the door.

Curling up in the seat where Zoe had using, she enjoyed the warmth it still had for several minutes. Deciding to have some breakfast, she walked over to the replicator and started to speak her order just as the door chime rang.

“Who could that be?” Sapphire asked nopony as she walked to the door and activated the door’s controls with a hoof to find Commander Blackmer and a tall Bajoran woman with black hair and an earring wearing a similar uniform.

“Are you Sapphire Star?” The woman asked, getting a nod in response. “Good morning, I’m Captain Ro Laren, the station commander, do you have a moment to speak?”

“I guess, come in,” Sapphire answered then stepped aside to let them in.

Captain Ro and Sapphire took seats at the dining table with Blackmer standing off to the side. Not knowing what was going on, Sapphire just looked at the two Starfleet officers.

“Where is Miss Scott now?” Ro asked.

“She just left to go to the gym,” 

Ro turned to Blackmer and nodded.

“I’ll arrange a ‘power short’ when she’s in the shower, she won’t notice.” He said with a nod, then left out the door.

“What’s going on?” Sapphire asked.

“I came here to talk to you about Zoe’s psychological test today, and to ask for your help,” Ro explained.

“What kind of help do you need?”

“I’ll get to that in a moment,” Ro told her. “According to her profile, Zoe is a remarkable individual. Brave, dedicated, able to make split second choices, willing to put others before herself, and remains calm under pressure. She’s everything Starfleet looks for in their security officers.” She continued. “But it's exactly those things that make it difficult to do these kinds of tests.

“Starfleet’s psychologists have determined that she won’t hesitate when faced with life or death situations like most, especially if it means protecting others,” Ro explained. “That kind of thing doesn’t scare her. What we think she fears is how far she’ll go when faced with someone who had done something truly terrible, something she couldn’t do anything to prevent, and that she won't be able to stop herself.”

Captain Ro continued explained what Zoe’s test was going to entail, and Sapphire could only listen. 

What she was told shocked her.





“Hey! Who turned out the lights?” Zoe called out from her shower stall.

“It’s just a power short, lights will be back in a couple seconds,” Another voice called from an adjacent stall, and as soon as that was said, the lights came back on. “See, told ya,”

“Thanks,” Zoe called out as she dryed herself with a towl. When she was done, she walked to the exit, levitating the towel into the gym’s laundry receptacle as she did so.

Stepping out onto the station’s Plaza, she quickly noticed a crowd forming around an information kiosk. Her interest piqued, she made her way through the crowd to see what was going on.

”For those of you tuning in now, this is the Federation News Service with breaking news about this morning’s bombing of the USS Cairo that took the lives of all those on board, we’ve just learned that the Cairo had recently departed the planet Equus where it had picked up a diplomatic delegation for a trade symposium on Ferenginar later this week,”

Zoe listened in abject horror as she stood frozen in place. Thoughts raced through her mind as she tried to comprehend what she had just heard. 

”Hold on, we’re getting new information now, FNS has just learned that the bomber that perpetrated this morning's attack has been identified as a Starfleet engineering officer stationed at Deep Space Nine and that Starfleet Security has the individual in custody, we now go live to Jansa Suarez, on Deep Space Nine in the Bajor Sector, Jansa,”

“Thank you, I’m Jansa Suarez coming to you live from the Stockade Section of DS9 where this reporter has learned that the bomber is being brought now after being arrested a short while ago--- Commander Blackmer! Commander! Can you tell us the name of the bomber, sir?”

“Not at this time, we’ll forward that information when it is time to do so, now step aside,”

“That was Commander Blackmer, DS9’s executive officer, who at this time does not wish to disclose the name of the bomber, but we have just now received the names of those in the diplomatic delegation from Equus, Foreign Affairs Minister James Matthew Scott, and his wife Fluttershy Flutters Scott, Trade Minister Precise Ledger--”

“Are you insane!? We haven’t notified next of kin! Minister Scott’s daughter is on this station!”

Zoe made an audible gasp at her mention, taking a half step back, getting the attention of those around her.

“Commander Blackmer!”

“This broadcast is over, shut that camera of--!”

“It seems our feed has been cut, we’ll continue to bring you more news on this situation as it develops,”

The crowd around Zoe grew quiet as realization spread that she was the daughter that was mentioned on the news broadcast. They slowly began to give her space as Zoe, now seething in anger, stared at the deck before turning towards the nearest turbolift.

“There she is!” Someone in a Starfleet uniform called out as they ran towards Zoe.

Not wanting to be stopped, she teleported the rest of the distance and boarded the lift.

“Stockade.” She ordered just in time to see the officer catch up to her as the doors closed.

Stepping out of the lift, she was immediately blinded by the bright light of a news camera.

“Excuse me, are you related to Minister Scott?” The reporter asked, but took a step back as Zoe glared at them.

Her horn flared to life as she tore the camera from the hands of the camera crew and sent it flying hard against the bulkhead, shattering it.

“Zoe!” Commander Blackmer called out. “You can’t be here,”

“Really?” She asked, her voice seething. “And just who is going to stop me?”

“I will, if I have too,”

“What makes you think you can?”

Everyone near the entrance to the Stockade covered their eyes as a bright light blinded them. When their vision cleared, Zoe was gone.

“She’s in the Stockade!”





Zoe focused her rage through her horn at the mechanism that kept the door to this section of the prison closed. She smiled when a shower of sparks came from the computer panel beside the door as it overloaded.

Now sure that she wouldn’t be stopped anytime soon, she stalked the corridor past the empty cells till she found the one she was looking for.

Inside was a Bajoran woman who momentarily looked shocked to see he Zoe, but soon stared back in anger. Zoe instantly knew who it was, having only met Li Essa months before.

“Li?” Zoe asked, addressing the woman she had met in Manehatten. “It was you!” Zoe raged.

“Didn’t expect you’d show up,” She said. “What are you doing here?”

“What am I doing here!?” Zoe screamed. “My parents were on the Cairo!”

“Oh, I knew that,” Li told her with a smug grin. “Planned for it, I’m just glad it’s done.”

“Why!?” Zoe raged.

“Why? You of all people ask me why!” Li raged back. “You’re stupid father got mine killed! That’s why!

“At first I was happy that James died with him in that crash, that negligent bastard got what he deserved, but when I found out that he was alive and well, living a happy life all these years later,” Li continued, her face contorted with rage of her own. “Why should he be happy while I grew up without a father!”

Zoe screamed at her, her eyes turning white as her body surrounded itself with ethereal fuchsia energy while she slowly stalked forward towards the force field of the cell. 

The moment her horn made contact with the energy field, she felt white hot pain as it tried to keep her out, but her crackling magical aura let her pass through it. When she was half way through, it fizzled out, sparks flying from the emitters.

The uniform around Li’s neck bunched itself up in a ball of fuchsia, and Li began to rise off the floor.

“Put me down...” Li cried out. “I… can’t breath...”

“Why should I?” The pony with glowing white eyes asked as it watched Li’s eyes roll into the back of her skull and her body fall limp.

In an instant, the magical surge abated and for a brief moment, Zoe could see clearly what she was doing. She dropped Li to the ground, unconscious or dead, she didn’t know, and backed away.

“Oh no, what have I done?” Zoe cried.

“Computer, end program,” A voice from behind Zoe called out, and room, along with the body in the cell, faded away.  "It’s OK, Zoe, it's over.”

Zoe stood there in the middle of the holodeck, shaking until the familiar, gentle, almost warm caress of magic across her cheek brought her back to reality.

Standing behind her was Sapphire wearing a worried look of concern. Zoe crossed the distance between them in an instant and embraced her. For several minutes, it was all she knew, all she cared about. When they parted, she noticed two others in the room.

“What the BUCK was that?!” Zoe screamed, incensed at the very idea that Starfleet would go that far for just a test.

“That,” Captain Ro started. “Is what you’re capable of.”

“Why?”

“The psychological portion of the entrance exam is designed to show candidates how they would react under the most extreme circumstances. To force them to confront the unthinkable, to react to the unimaginable. Above all, to show them what they’re capable of doing, so that when the time comes and they are faced with the unthinkable again, they can do what needs to be done.” Ro explained.

“I killed her though,”

“You did, and you didn’t,” Blackmer told her. “She’s just a hologram, the real Li Essa is assigned to the USS Luxenbourg, her father runs the candy shop here on DS9, and your parents are safe aboard the Cairo on their way to that Trade Symposium on Ferenginar.”

“I failed the exam, didn’t I?” Zoe asked. “I mean, how can you even let me be a Starfleet Officer if I’m capable of murdering someone.”

“Zoe, for all you knew, your parents were killed and you were given a chance to get revenge immediately after finding out, if I was in your position, I would have done the same thing.” Blackmer told her. “I don’t know too many people who wouldn’t.”

“As for whether this disqualifies you from going to the academy, that’s not what this portion of the exam is about.” Ro continued. “I’m not saying that it hasn’t disqualified a candidate before, it’s just not its intended function.

“You now know how far you’d go when pushed over the edge, so in the future, if pushed that far again, you might act differently.” Ro explained. “That’s what you should take away from this experience.” She continued. “Yours was the last exam, we’re going to announce the results tomorrow morning, take the rest of the day.” Ro said finally as she walked out of the holodeck with Blackmer behind her.

Zoe and Sapphire stood there in the empty room looking at each other, both speechless.

“Let’s go to Bacco Park,” Sapphire finally suggested, breaking the silence. “Then lets get something to eat.”

Zoe wiped a tear from her cheek that she hadn’t noticed was there till now away, then nodded in agreement. 





“Before I announce the results, I just want to say that all of you did extremely well. Everyone of you would make fine officers, but only five of you from the Bajor Sector will be going to the academy.” Blackmer told everyone gathered. “Those of you who will not be selected, know that I expect to see you next year to try again.”

“Thank you, Commander,” Ro said, stepping up beside him. “The finalists who will be attending Starfleet Academy as part of its class of 2417 are as follows:” Ro continued, reading from a PADD. “Carlyle Striemer, Nota zh’Ven, Sovek of Vulcan, Karolyna Escobar, and Zoe Scott, congratulations!” She finished, getting mixed reactions from those gathered, some even began to leave the room.

“Before anyone leaves, I have two more things to say,” Blackmer said raising his voice to get everyone’s attention. “First, the new class will be starting in three months, occasionally, but not often, vacancies do happen, so be prepared in case Academy admissions contacts you...” He said with a smile. “It’s how I got in… Second, I would like to offer a special congratulations to Zoe Scott; she will be the first from her world to enter Starfleet.” He continued, getting a round of applause from everyone . “Zoe, you’re making history, so remember that you have much to offer Starfleet, and I’m sure you’ve already made your family proud.”

Zoe stood silent, the center of attention, and smiled. With few exceptions, this was the happiest moment in her life.

“Thank you, Commander,” Zoe responded, bowing her head in thanks.





Equus – Ponyville
Just After Sunset...

“How long will you be gone?” Rarity asked her sister as they trudged through the snow on their way to Fluttershy’s house.

“I don’t know, and this is if I get selected,” Sweetie Belle answered, adding emphasis to the last part. “It would be an open ended program.”

“It’s just that I’ve gotten used to you being here in Ponyville since you took over as Chief of Medicine when Dr Horses retired.” Rarity told her. “Are you really ready to give that up?”

“It’s nice that you’re still worrying about me, but I’m a grown Mare, Rarity, I think I know what I’m doing,” Sweetie replied. “Hay, I’ll be forty in two years,”

The mention of her sister’s age made Rarity think of her own. Damn, I’m going to be FIFTY soon... She worried to herself as a shudder crept down her spine.

“You’re only as young as you feel, Rarity,” Pinkie Pie said out of nowhere as she stotted past them through the snow until she disappeared into a particularly deep snow bank.

Sweetie and Rarity watched for a few seconds, wondering when she’d reappear, only to see the top of her pink mane, covered in snow, pop up a few feet away and start making its way towards Fluttershy’s. 

“Come on, you slow pokey-okies.” She told them when she popped her head out of the snow only long enough to say that, then proceeded to tunnel through the snow.

Soon the three Mares found themselves at their destination, where Fluttershy answered their knocks.

“Oh, wonderful, you’re all here,” Fluttershy said. “So sorry about the path not being cleared, James hurt his back trying to do it this morning.”

“Is he OK?” 

“I’m just fine!” A voice called from the living room.

“Dad, no you’re not, you’ve been whining about it for hours,” Another voice said.

Rolling her eyes, Sweetie walked into the living room to find James layed up on the couch with a  strained smile on his face.

Lighting up her horn, she ‘felt’ the muscles in his back until she heard him take a sharp intake of breath.

“Yep, there’s the problem,” Sweetie said. “You pulled your back alright,” She explained further, then turned to Fluttershy. “Do you still have some of the prescription I gave you for when you strained you wing last month?”

“I think so, will that help?” She asked with a  worried voice.

“It’s just a mild pain killer, but the primary ingredient is a muscle relaxant.” 

“I’ll go get it,” Zoe said, then jogged up the stairs to the bathroom medicine cabinet.

“When she gets back here, take two, then go see the nurse at the morning clinic tomorrow,” Sweetie ordered. “Which is what you should have done when you pulled it in the first place, you stubborn mule.”

“Here you go,” Zoe said, levitating the pill bottle over to Sweetie Belle. “Dad, your computer was going nuts in your office, looks like you’re getting a call, I forwarded it to this PADD,” Zoe told him as she levitated it to him.

Answering the call, James was greeted by a human woman with greying red hair in an Admirals uniform.

“Admiral Crusher, what can I do for you?” James asked.

Rarity looked in confusion at her sister as her head snapped towards James at the mention of the Admiral’s name.

“Sorry to bother you at this late hour, Minister Scott,” Crusher said.

“No worries, Admiral, and James is fine.” James told her. “We were just about to have dinner with friends to celebrate my daughter getting into the Academy.”

“That’s wonderful news, congratulations.” She told him. “I was wondering if you could forward a message to Dr Belle for her to get in contact with my office,”

“If you want, you can tell her yourself,” James said, entering a command into the PADD, making the picture above the mantle switch to the video feed he had on the PADD.

“Hello?” Sweetie said sheepishly.

“Ah, Dr Belle, pleasure to meet you, I’m Dr Beverly Crusher, Starfleet Surgeon General,” She introduced. ”The Equestrian Board of Medicine forwarded me a list of doctors that were interested in the Starfleet Medical Exchange Program, we’ve selected you.”

“Me? There were plenty of other Doctors that were more qualified,”

”But none that had your experience in treating patients not from your world,” She told her. ”You were head of emergency medicine at Vanhoover general when several Starfleet officers on shore leave injured themselves skiing, and I was quite impressed with the level of care they received, and before that, you received quite a glowing review from the Kapyong’s CMO when that ship assisted with that avalanche, don’t sell yourself short Doctor.

“If you accept, the program will be challenging, as you’ll be assigned as the Chief Medical Officer on a Starfleet vessel,” Crusher continued. ”You’ll first need to come to Starfleet Medical for three years for additional training, then Starfleet Academy for another year to be trained in basic self defence, starship operations and protocol, and emergency engineering training, all requirements for a Civilian to hold a senior staff position.”

“It’s a big decision, can I have the night to think on it?” Sweetie asked.

“Certainly, Doctor, my office will be expecting your call, and congratulations, both of you, enjoy the rest of your evening, Starfleet Medical out.”

Everypony in the room, which included Zoe, Sapphire, Fluttershy, Twilight, Pinkie, Apple Jack and Apple Bloom, all looked at James, Rarity and Sweetie Belle with questioning looks.

“I guess that explains why the Hospital Board of directors told me you insisted on having an early exit clause on your contract,” Twilight said, breaking the silence.

“Who cares!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Lets get this party STARTED!” She yelled, setting off her party cannon that nopony had seen her bring in.