The usual quiet and peaceful forest was suddenly interrupted by a loud crash. The nearby animals scattered away, leaving the large strange object by itself. A crashed ship winced as the door opened as a group of white and black soldiers stepped outside. "That was quite the amazing landing TN-0022." - complained one of them. A soldier wearing all black with a breathing tube got outside. "Another happy landing." - the pilot joked. Truth to be told, the AAL-1971, commonly known as the First Order transporter, had a lack of maneuverability, something that most pilots argued about. So despite the rough landing, it was a bit of luck being able to do that.
"Cut the chatter. I want a status on everyone now. TN-0022 give me a damage report on the ship and current location." A light grey soldier commanded. The red pauldron on his shoulder was a clear indication he was the highest ranking officer among them. The remaining stormtroopers saluted and began checking their equipment.
"I think my heavy blaster is broken." - he grunted. He aimed at a boulder and pulled the trigger, however the weapon didn't go off. "That's just great..."
"You can have my blaster pistol." - his companion offered. He nodded as he took the weapon. "What's the total head count?" - Captain Silver inquired.
"All fifteen troopers are accounted for. Just a couple of bruises, but no need for medical attention."
"Sir, there's a issue though. The second transport hasn't replied yet. Odd Ball is trying to reach them." Silver raised his eyebrow, this wasn't the first time his men have used nicknames before. He didn't mind too much as long they didn't use it on a daily basis or in front of Captain Phasma, especially around her.
He glanced at the two jet troopers and called for them. "You two, get up there and try to locate the second transport." The troopers nodded as their jetpacks ignited and lift off. "The rest of the troopers, I want a perimeter around the ship. Eyes and ears sharp."
|---- Meanwhile----|
"Are you sure it crashed around here?" - a white alicorn asked. A group of Royal guards was behind her, glancing all over the place, looking for signs of life or anything unusual. "I'm sure your Highness, it's this way." - replied Sargeant Stonewall. As they walked down a small dirt path, they noticed a smoke column and a dragon above it. "I got a bad feeling about this." - thought Princess Celestia.
As they got closer, the group saw what appeared to be red bolts, and judging by the look of things they're trying to hit the dragon. "Let's go." The princess and the guards rushed into the forest clearing where the fighting was being held. Celestia had to do a force stop as a white trooper went flying right by her. He groaned in pain as his body hit the floor rather harshly.
"Get out of the way!" - shouted one of them, barely avoiding another volley of fire. "We got a man down here."
"Take that thing down!"
"My gun is jammed." - yelled the pilot, unaware of the dragon going for him. "Watch out Hornet!" The pilot fell on his back as the dragon's tallons were getting closer. He was suddenly surrounded in a golden aura and moved out of harm's way as the talons touched the ground. "What?"
"Use your shields, provide them cover." - instruted the Solar Monarch, taking off to face the threat. The unicorns charged their horns, creating a magical shield big enough for everyone to get under. "What do we do?" - inquired a trooper, not sure what was going on. The one that fell on the ground was currently being helped by a earth pony, he gazed at them. Whoever these creatures were, they didn't attacked them which was a relief and were also helping them. "Regroup under the shield!" The other troopers nodded and made their way towards the large group. "Are you alright Hornet?" - asked a trooper with slightly burnt armor.
"Yeah, I'm fine, I thought I was a goner. How about you? I saw you flying."
"My back hurts a bit, but I'll live." Good for him that his armor was actually able to withstand that much punishment.
"This is so weird."
"FN-1874?"
"Yes?"
"Be quiet." As the main group was now save at the moment, Celestia took the job of distracting the beast and sending it away from there. The dragon lunged forward, opening his maws, however she teleported above him and fired a magical bolt into his back. The dragon roared having felt that, but he was determined. He quickly turned around and tried using his claws to grab her, only to find nothing. Celestia smiled as she shot smaller solar spheres, hitting everywhere on the dragon. The beast roared again and flew away, it was clear he was no match for her. "Finally he's gone."
The stormtroopers checked each other and whatever was still usable. "Such a fascinating species." - commented Stonewall. "Indeed." A buzzing noise caught their attention as two jet troopers approached them. "It appears they are resourceful as well."
The jet trooper tapped the device on his wrist, opening the comm channel. "Captain, we found the other transport and the squad," - he looked to the side, watching the ponies. "And we found something else here."
"Good, bring whatever you can and get back here." The princess trotted forward. "Is there more of you out there?" The burnt trooper nodded. "We would like to accompany you." The jet troopers went ahead first to scout out any danger. The Royal guards did what they could do to help out the bruised troopers. Celestia for the must part remained in silence, still quite unsure about their visitors.
After a few hours of walking, the group finally managed to reach the other crashed ship. The stormtroopers raised their blasters at the strange creatures. Celestia and her group stood her ground at the edge of the perimeter. Those that could, saluted their captain. The princess eyed the new trooper, he was clearly different from the rest. "How many did we lose?" Once more the burnt stormtrooper stepped forward. "We lost four sir." The captain grunted under his helmet. The feeling of losing men was never easy, even if they're expendables, such as himself. Such was the burden for a leader. "What else?"
"Well, we gather some leftover equipment."
"And these natives?" They shared a glanced at the ponies, who kept themselves a bit far from them. "If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be here captain."
"Is that so? Gather the injured and bring them inside the ship to be treated."
"Yes sir!" The silver trooper walked towards the ponies as he raised his arm. "Stand down." The stormtroopers lowered their blasters but stayed in place. "Is it true that you saved my men?"
"It is, they were fighting a dragon. I made him fly away." - answered Celestia.
"You have made a great service for the First Order, I'm Captain Silver, leader of this platoon."
While the white troopers kept dealing with the wounded and searching for what was still useful, Princess Celestia watched them from afar. "What do you think of this Stonewall?"
"At first glance they seem to be quite the organized group. Good communication between each other and they possess some weird technology."
"My thoughts exactly, though I feel there's more to them."
"How's the ship?" - inquired Silver.
"Well, it took some beating but it holds however the engines are busted." - informed the pilot.
"Can it be fix?" The other pilot approached them. "We can try by using parts of the other ship, since it's a complete wreck." - replied Hornet. Two ships, one broken and the other one that won't fly. Definitely not the most ideal situation. Still he had some numbers and equipment left, so it could be much worse. "Any idea where we are?"
"According to the onboard computer, we are in a new galaxy."
"A new galaxy? Can we at least contact the fleet?" Both pilots shook their heads.
"Negative sir, we can't trace a single sign." The captain sighed. That was just great. Not where they stuck in a strange planet, in a new galaxy, with both ships down, but also with no way to reach the fleet. This whole ordeal was becoming quite the headache. "Sir?" Captain Silver turned around to face the burnt trooper. "Yes, FN-275?"
"I'm sorry to inform we are running out of medical supplies, it's not enough for everyone."
"More bad news..." He looked at his men. The captain knew he couldn't afford to lose more troopers. "At least the treadspeeder still works." - informed 275, trying to light up the mood.
"Very well, see what you can do." - he nodded, meanwhile Silver glanced at the princess. Perhaps some assistence would be helpful. Celestia divert her attention to the grey trooper walking towards them. "Princess Celestia, I come to ask for help. My troopers are wounded and we don't have enough medical supplies. I would be grateful if you could provide some aid."
It was a risky proposal, she didn't know enough about them yet, they could be dangerous or not. But this was a chance to learn more about them. "Very well then, we shall escort you back to the castle, I will arrange transportation." Captain Silver did a low bow. "Thank you, your Highness. The First Order won't forget your help." He then turned to his men. "Alright, secure the wounded and bring only the essentials, leave the rest in the ship."
"And the speeder sir?"
"Bring it as well." The men nodded and went to work quickly as possible. Meanwhile Celestia had sent letters back to the castle, asking for chariots to escort their visitors and to prepare the infirmary. It took a few hours for the chariots to arrive, by then everyone was ready to leave. Fortunately the ship's doors were still functioning. "Ready to go captain." - said TN-0022, as he closed the ship.
"Good, let's go."
Princess Celestia led the way, with Sargeant Stonewall on her side while Captain Silver was a bit further back. "FN-275, can you come over here for a second?" The men in question stepped closer. "Since I'm a bit short on hands, I'm giving you the rank of squad leader for the moment."
"Thank you sir, I won't fail you." Celestia glanced back at the treadspeeder, whatever that was, it seemed to be carrying two soldiers, the one in the back was identical to the ones that she saw flying earlier, however his left arm was wrapped in bandages. "Same colours, but different armor types." - thought the princess. The helmet was interesting, it looked like a spider. Silver noticed this but decided not to comment. "275, did we bring the ball droid?"
"We did, it's still in the box."
"Good, once we reach the castle activate it and see if it can pick any signal. We still got a mission to do." The trooper nodded. At least this gave them something to work, instead of going to Batuu. Again. Once more there had been reports of resistence spies. If Silver had to admit, he didn't see why the First Order needed to hold a place like that.
The large group finally reached the castle, a few more exhausted than others, now they could breath easily. "Sargeant Stonewall, please escort the injured ones to the infirmary." The guard pony saluted, leading the way for the group. "Captain Silver follow me, we arrange some space for your troops."
The current place where they were seemed to be some sort of garrison, minus the troops. The princess opened the door, revealing their place for the time being. Captain Silver did a quick look around. Like expected nothing too fancy, just storage crates and bunk beds. Also a bathroom area next to it. "This will do fine princess." - Silver nodded. "Alright make yourselves comfortable, just not too much and try not to break anything," He turned his helmet to glanced at the heavy trooper. "Yes, I'm talking to you FN-2389."
"It's not my fault the equipment is heavy..."
"You're a heavy trooper for a reason." - commented FN-1874.
"Anyway, try leaving the lower beds for the others." Celestia approached him, earning his attention. "If you don't mind captain, I would like to speak with you."
"As you wish. Take care of this 275." They navigated the castle hallways towards a small meeting room. "I'm would feel safer if you could take those away." He followed her gaze towards his blaster. "Sorry your Highness, but it's protocol, however if I put mine away, will it suffice?"
"Very much so." He holstered his blaster on the hip. The two stormtroopers still carried theirs. Better not to do any wrong moves, things have been going well for them. Perhaps after their mission on Batuu, he could ask to stay here and form a local garrison.
The duo entered the room as the two troopers stayed outside guarding the door. "So, tell me captain, what is the First Order?" - asked the Solar Monarch, sitting down.
"We are a military regime, establising peace and order through out the galaxy."
"And how's it going?"
"It's going very well, unfortunately there are those who try to fight back, such as the Resistence, a bunch of liars and corrupt people."
"How certain are you of that trooper?" This wasn't the first time she had met these sort of regimes, claiming they wanted peace, but it was nothing but lies and power. "We have helped many planets and their people by giving them peace, supplies and security. Meanwhile the New Republic and the Resistence did nothing to help them, instead they decide to attack our troops, ours bases and steal supplies for themselves."
"And I assume the First Order have taken planets by force even if they don't want to?" - she raised an eyebrow. Silver looked down, their methods aren't perhaps in the best interest of the people. Still such thoughts could be treason. "Admittedly, we take the planet one way or another. We can't let them take it."
"Isn't there another way?"
"Perhaps, but good soldiers follow orders. Otherwise it's consider treason."
"However soldiers should listen to their hearts." A voice called out behind him. The grey trooper looked back and saw another pony, this one was blue along with a horn and wings like the princess.
"Captain Silver of the First Order, this is my sister, Princess Luna co-ruler of Equestria."
"Greetings your Highness." They both did a low bow, as Luna stood beside her sister. "Do you believe your cause is just?" - inquired the Moon princess.
"Yes, until the very end."
"Even if means giving your life for it?" The captain nodded. There was no greater honor than serving the First Order. "When and if the times comes, I will do what must be done." The sisters glanced at each other, they knew that mentality too well among their guards. They heard a noise coming from the trooper. Silver tapped the little button on the side of his helmet. "You may speak." He shook his head, clearly not happy with the recent news. "Wait for my arrival, I shall be there shortly." - he glanced at the rulers. "Sorry to cut this short, but my troopers need me right now."
The white alicorn waved a hoof. "No worries, go on then."
The trio walked down the hallway as one of them decided to break the silence. "What do we do now sir?"
"I don't know yet, I'll have to think more about this."
Meanwhile back at the meeting room, Celestia and Luna stayed back to share their opinions. They had much to discuss.
The group made his way back to the barracks, however they took the time to glance at the natives. They seemed to have different variants of the same species, some had horns while others had wings. There was only one type that didn't have any of those. Silver could see now why Celestia and Luna were the rulers, if he had to admit he was growing curious about this planet.
The captain opened the door and was immediately greeted by a series of beeps. "Captain in the area!" - announced 275. Every trooper stood at attention. "At ease everyone," - he glanced at the burnt trooper. "275, report."
"Well sir, we activated the droid as requested, however BB-6S isn't able to ping our current location. This planet is unknow in our database, we even checked the Imperial one, but nothing came up."
"Are we at least able to get any signal now?" The trooper shook his head. "Dank farrik." - Silver muttered. This whole thing was starting to be annoying. Batuu didn't seem too bad right now. "Very well, keep trying, we might get lucky."
The sun had gone down, now it was time for the moon to take it's place. The grey trooper had taken the liberty to step outside and catch some much needed fresh air, even if he was still wearing his helmet. He chose to stay at the edge of a stone wall, overlooking the town. The scenery had a certain beauty to it. Not many corners of the galaxy had a nice view such as this. Silver noticed movement from the corner of his visor, someone was approaching him. His blaster has currently holstered to his right leg, as his hand slowly moved towards it. "Amazing, is it not?" Silver recognized the voice as he looked at the Lunar princess. "I can't say I have seen anything like this."
"I can assure you I won't do any harm, unless you give us a reason." The captain chuckled. "Fair enough, it's just sometimes training likes to kick in."
"I know what you mean." The two remained in silence for several minutes, just watching the city. Luna was the first to speak. "What is it like? Being out there among the stars?" She saw the grey trooper glancing at the night sky. "It's a peaceful sight, assuming you don't get attacked." Traveling among the stars, exploring the galaxy always had been his biggest dream, one of the reasons as why he joined the Empire. "You get too see many planets and explore the universe." He sat on a wooden bench, still continuing his point of view. The princess soon joined him. "It's a little funny really. I've been out there for so long, yet there's still so much to see."
"And you enjoy being out there? Even if you don't know what can happen?" Luna was honestly growing more curious about him. "That's the best part," his hands grabbed the helmet and lifted it up. His hair was white slowly turning into grey, indicating his age. The soldier's green eyes gazed at Luna. "Traveling to parts unknow, with the risk of potencial danger right around the corner, to many it sounds crazy, but I love that feeling." She admired his commitment and will. There were few she knew that could carry themselves like that. "I think I understand." - she finally said it. "Well, if you don't mind I must resume to my royal duties." They rose from the bench, as Silver did a low bow. "Have a good night, Princess Luna." She responded with her own bow. "I bid you the same, Captain Silver."
Just because they were currently stranded in a different planet that didn't mean they had the right to slack off, as such Silver had them waking up early and proceeding with their morning training. The only lucky ones that avoided this, were those that still needed to recover, but even those had a task which was recheck the gear and fix what they could. From the battalion of stormtroopers that Phasma was proud to train was his. Silver had tried to follow her example, not an easy feat, if the rumors were true. While the trooper 275 aka Scorch, a new nickname given to him led the training, the captain decided to stay away and do his own. He reached behind his back and grabbed a small grey rod. He spun around his hand for bit, until he pressed a button on it. The small rod extented into a large spear. Each commander and captain had been given a choice of melee weapon. It was either the riot baton or the spear. Silver chose the spear for obvious reasons. Using a spear for combat proved more difficult than it seemed due to the armor and the limited movement it provided. Besides the spear was better than the baton because of the range, the baton was far smaller and most often it was better used with the riot shield. He pulled out his SE44C blaster pistol and fired at a couple of rocks while maneuvering his spear, another advantage.
The noise caught the attention of a few guards as they watched the grey trooper kept going. A certain solar monarch glanced at Silver. Celestia was quite impressed how well and fast he managed to move around while wielding two weapons at the same time. Usually unicorns were the only ones that could do that, if they had a really good magic control that is. "What's this noise?" - said a very sleepy looking princess.
"It's Captain Silver, he seems to be training," - her eyes wandered a bit off, seeing the rest of soldiers doing that same. "apparently he isn't the only one." Princess Luna let out a groan. "Does he really have to do that right now?" She glanced at him letting out a yawn.
Celestia simply giggled. "Well, he is a soldier, you know how they are."
"I guess, still I want peace and quiet for when I sleep."
"Don't worry dear sister, I'll go talk with him."
The captain glanced at the now broken remains of stone laying across the field. He wondered if he may overdone it a bit. "Impressive, most impressive," - stated Celestia. The guards bowed as she nodded. "I see you managed to gather some attention." The guards resume their prievous duties. "I did noticed that, hopefully I didn't disturbed anything."
"No, however my sister is going to sleep."
He put his blaster away. "I know how night watch can be at times, we talked earlier this night, she was interested how it was being out there, I'm sure she will tell you." The solar princess nodded. "Then my training ends here."
"May I see your staff?
"Uh, sure." He handed his staff to Celestia and instead of using her magic to take it, she decided used her hooves. "Seems very light."
"Indeed it is, but also quite durable."
"It's been a long while since the last time I wielded my own staff." She gave it back which Silver put it behind his back. "Fought in battles before?"
"Yes, you can't build a kingdom without attracting some attention."
"That's true."
"Well I was on my way to get my breakfast, would you like to join me? There's something I want to ask you." The trooper nodded, he didn't ate anything yet and the training served to open his appetite. Silver was also curious about the princess's question. As they made their way to the dining room, Celestia decided to break the silence and spoke up. "Have you made any progress contacting your superiors?" Silver looked at the princess. "I know how this sort of things work." - Celestia smiled.
"As far I would know, that would be a negative."
"And what will you do if you can't?" That was a good question. If they couldn't contact the First Order or fix their ship, they are basically trapped in a complete alien world. Not that this place seemed that bad, it was definitely more pleasant than others. But that question had been the back of his head for some time now. "I don't know, I'm not sure how to proceed." - he finally said.
"What if I could give you the option to be part of Equestria's Royal Army?"
He pondered about it. That would give him and his men purpose. However he still wanted to try and reach his superiors. "I think... I'll wait a bit more. Thank you for the offer though, your Majesty."
"Very well, just know that the offer still stands. When you're ready we can discuss it."
Two days have passed since Celestia have giving him that offer and two days have passed without being able to contact them. The situation could be much worse. The ponies seemed to be a very friendly species for the most part. There had been times Silver noticed some troopers interacting with the local guards. At first he wanted prevent further contact, but decided against it. No harm was done so far.
Silver was sitting down under a tree, looking through his datapad. Not being able to do anything was starting to get on his nerves, he hated not doing his duty, however it wasn't only him. Some of his troopers had the same issue. It was a rather weird change of pace, from fighting in any planet to suddenly doing nothing. The captain sighed, as the thought of the previous offer popped out his mind. It wasn't a bad offer, it gave them a duty to uphold, but at the same time many would consider that to be treason. They would be turning their backs on the First Order. What would his own men think? "Lost in thought?" Silver looked to his side, finally noticing the Lunar Princess. "Yes, I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
Luna waved a hoof. "You don't need to say sorry. I saw you and decided to come and check on you."
"Could be better, but all things considered this isn't half bad." True, it was better than being stuck in out there in the middle of space.
"That's good to hear, however I have a patrol to attend, goodnight captain." Before Luna could leave, he called for her. "Sorry for the question princess, but don't you have guards to carry out that task?"
"I do, but once in a while I prefer to do it by myself, of course I still take two guards with me." This patrol gave him an idea. "Would you mind if we accompany you for this patrol? It's just we are lacking tasks." Luna simply giggled. "You mean you're bored."
"Quite bored indeed." - he chuckled.
The Night Guard has always been more active than their counterpart, which made patrols a lot more easier to handle especially close to the Everfree Forest. The small group of ponies and humans which consisted of two batponies and four stormtroopers besides Silver, remained at the edge of the forest. Silver glanced at it with some uncertainty, something felt off about this place. Not too far from there he did saw a small village. Perhaps that was the whole reason for this patrol. "It's safe to assume that this place might be dangerous, correct?" The princess nodded confirming his suspicions. Maybe with some luck they would get the chance to shoot something. It had almost been three hours into their patrol and nothing happened, it was getting rather boring again, but that didn't meant that they could get careless. A patrol was still a patrol nonetheless. Also he didn't want to look bad infront of the princess. "Is it always this calm?" - Silver finally asked.
"Sometimes yes, sometimes no, I guess it depends on the timberwolves mood. Are you expecting a fight?"
"Some excitement would be nice. What is a timberwolf though?"
"To put it in a more simple way, it's a wolf made out of wood." He looked at her and she could tell he was somewhat surprised. "But how is a wolf-"
"Magic." - she quickly replied.
"Ah, that makes sense. I think" The scanner on his helmet had picked up something far from their point of view. The captain immediately rose his arm, signaling his troopers to stop and pointed at the bushes. The troopers stopped moving and took defensive positions while aiming at the bushes. "Turn your flashlights on, be on alert." While the troopers did what he ordered, Luna and her guards did the same thing. The big advantage for the batponies is that they were able to see in dark so they didn't required light, the moonlight was enough to help. "What did you see?" Luna inquired.
"I didn't see anything yet, but scanners did."
"The what now?" He glanced her way before focusing back on the forest. "I'll tell you on the way back." A few minutes went by as everyone was quiet trying to listen to any possible threat. Silver kept an eye on his scanner but nothing showed up. Maybe it was a malfunction, he had to check later. Just as he was about to relax, his scanner beeped. And then again. And again. Apparently his scanner was working. He could see four life signals heading towards them. It could be those timberwolves Luna had mentioned earlier. "Hold your fire squad." Two wolves leaped from the bushes into the group. "Fire!" The troopers let out a volley of red blaster shots. At first glance, he thought he missed his shots. It took a moment to realize the shots went right through them. 'It's a wolf made out of wood. She really wasn't lying.' He put his blaster away and went for his staff. If the blaster wouldn't do the trick, then staff would. Meanwhile the other two wolves had also joined the fight as they went straight for Luna and Silver. The princess charged her horn, firing a few magical shots. Silver ran towards the wolf and quickly got down as the wolf jumped with his maw wide open. He hit the underside sending the creature flying away into a rock, the impact was so strong that the timberwolf broke into serveral pieces. Luna dodged out of the way and summoned a sword, slicing the wolf in half. The duo glanced at the rest of the group seeing they had mananged to defeated them, however Luna and her guards didn't seem to back down. He was going to ask her what was going on when suddenly the wolf that had been sliced in half rose and quickly dodged Luna's shot and moved towards him. 'Crap! That thing isn't dead!'
The wolf tackled him to the ground as Silver used his staff to block his mouth. Being someone's food wasn't really of his plans for excitement. A blue aura surrounded the wolf and it got tossed away into his companions. "I suggest you leave. Now!" - said Luna in manner that sent chills down Silver's back. The wolves seemed to understand as they growled but retreated back into the forest. The troopers had their captain get back on his feet again. "Are you alright sir."
"Yea, I'll live." The princess approached them and with a sad smile said: "I'm sorry, I forgot to say they can do that."
"It's okay Princess Luna, next time however I'll bring a flamethrower."
"Please call me Luna and I think a flamethrower might be a good idea, just don't tell my sister I said that. " They shared a quick laugh and left back towards the chariots. "Had enought excitement for tonight?"
"I sure did." - responded the captain.
Upon their arrival Silver glanced at the Lunar Princess lowering the moon. At first he thought she was simply messing with him, but after actually seeing such a thing, he wasn't sure anymore. He even removed his helmet just to make sure his eyes were fine. 'Probably magic again.'
"So? What do you think?" - she asked with a knowing grin and by the look on his face he was quite surprised.
"You know what? From now on, I'll start believing in whatever you say. Though I will admit that was most impressive." They later joined Celestia at breakfast and told her of their shared patrol. Meanwhile the Solar Princess was reading a letter informing that six guards had to be put off duty due to being sick. "I guess we are going to call some guards from their day off to fill the gaps."
"Well I have an idea." - stated Silver. Celestia glanced at him, putting the letter away. "I can task six of my troopers to do that. What's the job anyway?"
"They will have to guard some hallways and entrances. You think they won't mind doing that? It takes a few hours."
"Don't worry, they're already familiar with that routine, they will require some basic information though."
"Good, then I'll inform Sargeant Stonewall of this. He should be at his barracks preparing." Silver got up from his seat and placed his helmet back on. "I'll tell my men to meet him there. Thanks for the breakfast princess," he then glanced at Luna, "and goodnight Luna."
"Sleep well Silver." As the grey trooper closed the door behind him, Celestia looked at her younger sister with a teasing smile. "Using first names now, are we?"
It had been a month but after some discussion on what to do, Captain Silver informed Celestia he would take on the offer. The stormtroopers and princesses stood outside of the Friendship Castle waiting for the door to be opened. The Solar Monarch had sent a letter ahead, informing Twilight of what was going on. "How is this princess different than the usual?" - inquired Silver.
"Oh, you will see." The smile she gave him made him somewhat nervous. The doors opened, revealing a purple alicorn and by her side, a strange small creature. "Welcome Princess Celestia and Princess Luna." Even though she tried to hide her excitement, her voice was a clear indication. Her eyes looked up and down towards the grey trooper. 'What did I got myself into...'
Silver sat on his private office dealing with some paperwork. Who know that working with Princess Twilight would giving him this much work. He's wasn't complaining either, he enjoyed it. At first he had some doubts, of course the princess had a thousand questions for him, but that was a bit normal giving they didn't know much about the galaxy. Twilight also shown to possess a lot knowledge over several subjects. What he really enjoyed doing in their spare time was trading informations with each other. Afterall, it wasn't every day you got the chance to do such a thing. A knock on the door got his attention. "Come in." Scorch got inside and saluted him. "Sir."
"Scorch, how's the forest perimeter?"
"The perimeter is secure. No signs of anymore timberwolves." Not much happened in Ponyville, minus some timberwolves attacks or even bigger beasts, something that the princess and her friends could deal with. For the most part they would secure the citizens into a safe spot and provide some protection. After a while, Twilight suggested expanding the ranks, add ponies. Silver wasn't sure that would be a good idea, but those ponies managed to prove him wrong. If he had to admit, they were quite good. Needless to say with the growing platoon, they had to ask Mayor Mare permission to build a local garrison and a training area. They even got to carry the crashed ships back to the castle where the pilots did their best to fix them. The jet troopers were very happy to have some competition against the pegasi. Meanwhile the earth ponies had become somewhat a support for the heavy troopers being able to carry heavy equipment without breaking a sweat.
Their armor had also received some changes. In order to show their loyalty to the princess, the gloves, knee-caps and shoulder plates were painted in purple with Twilight's cutie mark on the chestplate. The ponies had the same paint job as well, with slight armor changes. Silver's armor was same as well, however he had one purple stripe across his helmet and a black cape with one border being purple, it was similar to Captain Phasma in a way. "What about the new recruits? Are they doing well?"
"Well as they can be." - a new voice joined them. The unicorn guard saluted as Silver nodded. "Lieutenant Shield, having fun pushing them around?"
"Not quite yet, maybe soon." - the older stallion smiled. "By the way captain, Princess Twilight wants to see you, she's in her office. She seemed...worried."
"Did she tell you why?" Shield shook his head. "Very well, keep up the training and stay sharp troopers."
"Sir, yes sir!" - they saluted and went back to their affairs. Silver placed his helmet back on and made his way. Silver reached her room where one human and one pony stood guard. The duo saluted him as he knocked on the door. "Come in please." Silver closed the door as he got inside and noticed Twilight sitting on the balcony. "You called princess?"
"You know you don't need to be formal when it's just us right?" - Twilight smiled as she levitated a spare pillow for him.
"Old habits die hard I guess." He took a seat and removed his helmet. "Lieutenant Shield said you seemed worried. What's wrong?"
"I had this question for quite some time now," the princess gazed at the small village. "but if your superiors one day show up or you find them, will you return to them?" - she inquired looking back at him.
"Honestly..." Silver let the pause sink in. Things had been going well so far. This place was peaceful, no Resistence, no battles and everyone was very friendly. "Probably not. I doubt my men would like to go back."
"E-even if?"
"Yes, even if." He didn't let her finish, but he knew exactly what she meant. "I like this place too much to let it go, but don't tell the others." They shared a quick laugh. "Wanna come with me and grab something to eat?"
"Of course Twilight."
The ball droid rolled at the speed of light through the castle hallways looking for the captain. After a few quick hints and directions, it knew where Silver was. BB-6S had picked a some faint signals coming from deep space. The most interesting part it seemed to be First Order signals. The droid finally reached his objective and with many loud beeps trying to explain what it found. "Slow down, I can't understand." - said Silver. The ball relayed his information, leaving Twilight and Silver looking at each other. "That's a bit unusual. From the looks of it, it seems like the First Order is retreating and lost, I wonder why though."
"Maybe the Resistence won?" - Twilight inquired. He tilted his head in thought. "It's hard to tell...Maybe we should contact them?"
"You know them, I trust in you to make the right call." - she said with a smile and a nod of approval. After many seconds in silence and thinking to himself, the captain gazed at the ball droid and spoke. "BB-6S, send the coordinates."
It had been a couple of hours since the droid sent the message back, and yet nothing so far. The troopers stood guard, mostly watching the skies, waiting for any indication for ships or even starfighters. "You sure they received it?" BB-6S beeped confirming the message was indeed sent however the signal was still very faint to fully confirm that. "I guess all we can do is wait." That was the least of his concerns, how would he address about their situation? By all accounts they were traitors, and there's only one price for that. "Sir, we are picking up two signals!" - stated one of the pilots. The droid confirmed it as well, further stating they were about to jump from outer space. True to his beeps, two large triangular shapes appeared out of nowhere. "I can't believe it." - Scorch said out loud. "It's a stardestroyer."
"I see four tie fighters and two transport ships heading this way in the scanners."
"Scorch, have the troopers ready." The man in question saluted and followed the orders. "I just realized something Twilight."
"What is it?" - she gazed at him.
"We forgot to inform to the princesses about this." The look on Twilight's said everything he needed to know. "Yeah..."
"Spike can you..."
"Already there." - the small drake replied, quickly writing down a letter and sending it to Celestia. The platoon of troopers stood outside the castle, even Silver had to admit the numbers went up quite a bit. Still he was very nervous about this and a quick glance at Twilight showed the same. The group could see the transports starting their descent while the tie fighters flew overhead, their loud engines proclaiming their arrival. "Those things are loud." - observed Twilight. "It's a lovely sound." The captain placed his helmet back on and nodded at the princess. "We got this."
As soon they landed, the doors of the transports ships opened and more troopers clad in white and black showed themselves. An aged officer stepped forward. "Are you Captain Silver?"
"Yes sir."
"I'm officer Sheron from what remains of the First Order." They shook their hands. "Officer Sheron, this is Princess Twilight of Equestria." Sheron did a low bow. "Your Majesty."
"Pleasure to meet you officer Sheron."
"Tell me, what was happened to the First Order? We haven't received any news since we got stuck on this planet."
"It would appear the Resistence won. Most higher ranking officers are either dead or missing during a battle on Exegol."
"But what about the Supreme Leader and Captain Phasma?" Sheron shook his head. So the Resistence did win, who could've guess this was going to happen. "Even the emperor."
"The...emperor? Do you mean-?"
"Yes, somehow...Palpatine returned." Now that was unexpected, the emperor was alive until now? They certainly missed a lot. "Please, let's talk inside, there's a lot to be discussed." The officer nodded as the group returned to the castle. They had been talking for quite a bit until Celestia and Luna showed up. "Got any plans for the future?" - asked Celestia. The grey trooper stole a quick glance at the solar monarch, wondering what she was thinking. Sheron placed his hat on the table, looking somewhat conflicted. "I don't really know what to do now. Our purpose is gone. What can we do now?" Celestia looked back at Silver and nodded. Was she trying to offer the same proposal to them? Well, it wasn't a bad idea overall but... It was still worth a shot anyway.
