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Post by wanderingmagus on May 2, 2014 20:39:04 GMT
The Princesses nodded. " A fair question. He has been questioned and confronted, but that information is... a matter of national security. Between heads of government and state..." Teal realized that all of the creatures, pony or not, aboard this ship were in some way, shape or form linked directly with high-ranking members of Homeworld defense or decision-making, even the so-called 'crew'. Every pony there looked grave. " ...it is distinctly possible, perhaps probable, that the threat we face has to do with an alien group of entities known only as 'Data Organisms'. Collectively, the Integrated Thought Data Entity, or the Data Overmind. They... have abilities that rival Ours. Individually. For the last few billion years, My Sister and I have had... peaceable relations with Them. However, relatively recent events, in the last few millenniums, have caused a split in opinions among Them. We are at an existential threat from a faction known as the Intervention. We have been monitoring this situation ever since 2500 years ago, when We first heard mention of the Dawn of Chaos protocol. We entrusted Dr. Tech's ancestors, and his entire family line until now, with monitoring the situation and researching ways to alleviate the problem, and that is why I recommended speaking directly with him. We, My Sisters and I, know the grand scheme of things, but Dr. Tech is a more useful source of information regarding precise and current events." " As for how We knew the vessel was controlled by another will, We felt its unnatural eldritch magic within Our minds. There was confusion among the ruffians and pirates, and some anger, but there was some form of Mind Magic which caused them to accept this new authority, something which would not be difficult for Our current ally, the Lord Discordance. It was not the Time Magic that is typical of the Clockwork Empire either." At that moment, on the secure channel, a sound comes over the intercom. " Homeworld council, this is Blitz calling. I am calling to request restricted clearance access for the following location. Something has come up and it is time for me to deal with a matter I couldn't deal with before." There was stunned silence among the rest of the diplomats, the Celestia spoke, as calmly as ever. " By the agreement of the Homeworld Council and the Sisters of Sol," She began, looking at the rest of the creatures present, who nodded, " I, Princess Celestia Amaterasu Solaris Equestria, do grant Cosmic Starrunner restricted clearance to Above-Top-Secret Area 101. Cosmic Starrunner will be placed under the Oath of Damocles for the duration of his visit to aforementioned location. Thus Sayeth Homeworld." ***** Tech smiled grimly at the Princess's proclamation. " It seems you've got quite a burden on your shoulders, my grandson. I wish you all the luck that our world, our universe, has to offer. And yes, Ruby and Sapphire are already ready for you. You know what to do from here." ***** The commander tapped a hoof in midair as a hologram appeared. " Looks like just a few hundred metric tons, all sealed and lead-bound. Don't know what's inside, and hey, it's a free nation, right? Already did an inspection of the place last time. Looks like mostly just crystal memory cells. Route takes you along this path," he continued, a three-dimensional map of the route popping up, " and the Casino wants everything as safe and hassle-free as possible. Oh, and on time. That's a must, according to them. I was surprised they didn't just hire a merc group or something, but I guess I should be thankful I'm not babysitting a bunch of whiny Lone Ranger wannabes with no formal military training. Whole thing should take about a day at most, though I put in three just in case something came up. You've got until the day after tomorrow to get started. Need anything else?" |
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Post by Midnight_Aurora on May 3, 2014 15:59:51 GMT
[...] There was stunned silence among the rest of the diplomats, then Celestia spoke, as calmly as ever. " By the agreement of the Homeworld Council and the Sisters of Sol," She began, looking at the rest of the creatures present, who nodded, " I, Princess Celestia Amaterasu Solaris Equestria, do grant Cosmic Starrunner restricted clearance to Above-Top-Secret Area 101. Cosmic Starrunner will be placed under the Oath of Damocles for the duration of his visit to aforementioned location. Thus Sayeth Homeworld." [...]
Cosmic, upon receiving the reply, says, "Acknoledged, Homeworld. also I am sending something for Lady Twilight to look at. I remember she is the expert on encrypted messages and riddles. May we all fair well in our given tasks. One other thing, I hope I didn't interrupt your meeting with Harmonia. If I did, I am sincerely sorry for doing so. If it helps the meeting I can speak to the representative myself, if they wish it. My ships and I wil be leaving for the area within the hour. Concept's speed to us all and may Lady Luck favor the foolish."
He sends a copy of the message from Cosmic Silver star over the secure channel so that twilight can analyze it.
[...] Tech smiled grimly at the Princess's proclamation. " It seems you've got quite a burden on your shoulders, my grandson. I wish you all the luck that our world, our universe, has to offer. And yes, Ruby and Sapphire are already ready for you. You know what to do from here." [...] Cosmic looks to grandpa tech and says, " I know grandpa. We who have been chosen all do. It will soon be time for me to face the one thing I couldn't face before. I know now I am ready. Here I don't need this anymore." Cosmic unfurls a wing and removes the inhibiter ring that was on it. When the ring is removed lines form like runic symbols all over him. They go from Calm Teal to Loss Black and then back again, as if Cosmic is adjusting to haveing it active again. He tosses the ring to his grandfather. He looks at himself for a moment before saying, " I never thoguht I would be using my active pegasus magic ever again. I feel I can now control it without it ruleing over me ever again." |
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Post by Bane Emural on May 3, 2014 16:38:40 GMT
"As long as I get to do something instead of standing around in my ship, I'm fine with it. One more thing, is the contents volatile or fragile in anyway? I don't want my cargo hold exploding or the contents to be destroyed in case of battle." Buckeye sends a signal command to the fleet to start the preparations.
Stone starts the personal timer on each one of the recruits and begins the course. He watches as the recruits go through each course, finding that each is harder than the next. "A soldier, even a pilot, must learn to adapt. Each course in this place will be harder than the next. Some of you may even have to work together to get through an obstacle. You may use your wings and magic to get through an obstacle, but you will receive a plus 10 seconds into your time. The computer will tell me who is using it so you can't try sneaking your advantages in this one. Once you finish this course, you will run through it again and try to beat your previous time. If you all don't do it, you will do 100 laps around the camp. And if you fail a second time, its 200 laps. Do I make myself clear?"
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Post by Teal Turken on May 8, 2014 18:54:16 GMT
Worriedly, the Herdfather ponders over what the princesses told him while they address the incoming transmission.
He turns his gaze back up to them once communications had closed.
This is an alien force that has existed billions of years? And they possess the ability to control others' minds? What if they have sleeper agents implanted in every faction, in every system, on every world? If they were to come here to invade all of us, we could do nothing to stop them or prepare for it! Existing for this long, they must have a force of billions! Or more! he says, his trademark childish paranoia taking the lead of his thoughts.
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Post by wanderingmagus on May 9, 2014 16:32:01 GMT
Tech held the ring reverently as he smiled. "Be safe, my grandson. All Creation is counting on you."
*****
The commander shook his head. "Nope, shouldn't be volatile or anything. You'll probably not want to shoot at it, of course, but short of that, the casino said nothing about fragile contents, which they would've if it were an issue. Anything else?"
*****
Comforting rays of moonlight and sunlight seemed to embrace him gently, though the Princesses did not move, but merely stood a respectful distance.
"My Little Pony, do not be afraid. There is danger, yes, but there is also hope. There is always hope."
"We have observed the Data Entities ever since Our first encounter. While They are powerful, They can only manipulate existing information, and cannot create nor destroy as We do. But time is of the essence. Herdfather Teal, We understand that centuries of grievances cannot be glossed over in a matter of days, regardless of speeches and treaties and explanations. But life as We know it needs a united front right now. Can Harmonia, the Free Systems, Nexus, Bitopia, the Ancient Empire, Homeworld, and the Clockwork Empire set aside their differences in the face of this existential threat, so long as it exists? We will not ask anything of you that the others would not also agree with. It will be... difficult, to say the least, to convince the Clockwork Empire to cooperate. Our Brother is... stubborn and rebellious on the best of days, but He, too, has an interest in this Reality. Will you help Us?"
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Post by Teal Turken on May 9, 2014 18:01:44 GMT
Taking a relaxing sigh, Teal shuts his eyes and clears his mind of his paranoid thoughts. Once he opens them he realizes the princesses were calming his mind for him.
Staring at the Homeworld council and the princesses, Teal thinks over their proposition silently, taking relaxing breathes.
...I'll need to first bring this information to light with the rest of Harmonia. We'll likely need to have another meeting with my advisors and Elders along side me, so that we may all discuss treaties. As much as I'd love to say yes right now, the majority of Harmonia will resent me if I ally with Homeworld without consulting anyone else about it.
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Post by Bane Emural on May 13, 2014 2:23:51 GMT
A large fleet of ships mysteriously appears at the edge of Homeworld's territory. They appear to belong to no known faction or nation, and have no knowledge of any border laws. The leading ship, much different from the others, seems to be leading the massive fleet towards Homeworld. From within the ship's bridge, the Ancient Emperor, Bane Emural, is sitting down on his chair, watching everything happening from within his own bridge and in front of his flagship, Veria. Bane turns on the coms into a public channel for every pony in his fleet to hear. "We are nearly home my people, a home of which we, Ancients, have lived before the great Space Migration. Before we roamed the stars for a new home and life. Now we are back, to live among our friends once more. Prepare yourselves, for much has changed since we have left. We don't know what might happen or how they may react to our return. All we can do is hope they meet us on such friendly terms."
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Post by Midnight_Aurora on May 13, 2014 5:38:41 GMT
Cosmic nods to Tech as the twins come rushing in. They say in unison, "Papa, Bother, it is good to see you both. How have you two been?" They seam really happy right now. Cosmic says with a genuine smile, the runes covering him turning green, "I am well. Are you two finally ready to begin working with phoenix team?" Ruby and Sapphire nod to Cosmic and Ruby says, "We sure are. When do we leave?"
Cosmic says, "We leave in about an hour. I would like those retiring to have a chance to get their things and depart. Grand pa, Have we found a new helmspony for the galactic phoenix yet?"
((OK I think sense that is over I can reclaim my control on Tech.))
Tech looks to the little Alicorn TC units and says, "I hope you two know what is at stake here. Cosmic is going to face his past and he needs your support right now. The intervention moves again. You two are his only protectors till he can reclaim his lost power. I trust you will keep him safe and he you for that matter."
Sapphire is the one to speak this time, "Don't worry Papa. We will take good care of him. We also know about their movements. We can sense several disturbances near the location in question. We feel that they will try to intervene. We wont let them hurt brother. I will be his shield and Ruby will be his sword till he is ready."
Cosmic says, "That is very nice of you two. I am glad to see your new found gifts haven't gone to waste with only your training. Lets get ready and then return to the Galactic Phoenix. Grandpa, is it ok if I get that new flight aid system you have been working on? I am still having trouble with my super sonic space flight protocols."
Tech goes over to a work desk and retrieves the aid pack. He says to Cosmic, "As to your question about the replacement helmspony, No we have not found one willing to take the spot. for now have your navigator act as temporary helmspony and Nick act as navigator. The twins can be your first and second for the time being. Nick knows of their coming and has offered the spot to them. As for the flight aid pack, it was designed for those with your type space flight ability in mind. I was wondering when you were going to ask about it." Tech hooves over the device to Cosmic, who puts it on and adjusts it to make sure it is a comfortable fit.
Tech says, "Alright you three I have to get my rainbow Fortress out of the mothballs and make her ready for use again. I am not going to be sitting on the sidelines while you have all the fun. Homeworld is counting on you to complete your given tasks. Now you have work to do. I suggest you get to it, Captain Cosmic. Concept's speed to you." Cosmic smiles even more and says, "Yes sir. Concept's speed to you as well."
Cosmic, Ruby and Sapphire head out to make their final preparations before returning to the Galactic Phoenix.
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Post by Wavelength on May 13, 2014 16:36:37 GMT
Stone starts the personal timer on each one of the recruits and begins the course. He watches as the recruits go through each course, finding that each is harder than the next. " A soldier, even a pilot, must learn to adapt. Each course in this place will be harder than the next. Some of you may even have to work together to get through an obstacle. You may use your wings and magic to get through an obstacle, but you will receive a plus 10 seconds into your time. The computer will tell me who is using it so you can't try sneaking your advantages in this one. Once you finish this course, you will run through it again and try to beat your previous time. If you all don't do it, you will do 100 laps around the camp. And if you fail a second time, its 200 laps. Do I make myself clear?" Yellow shouted before diving--figuratively, obviously--into the obstacle course. As she passed over the various parts of the test, her attributes became clear. Her running speed was just above average, her balance was excellent, she was a little slow at first but adapted quickly to crawling prone through the pipes, and she didn't show any hesitation to get her coat muddy during the wetter portions of the course. Her wings remained at her sides the whole time, though she had to stretch them straight out behind her to keep them from catching in some of the smaller obstacles. When she came out the other end of the course, she headed back to the start to get in line for another go, as she'd continue to do until her stamina ran out or Stone sent them off to the next course. |
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Post by wanderingmagus on May 13, 2014 18:23:36 GMT
Princess Twilight Sparkle nodded understandingly. "Of course. We're not asking for a treaty immediately, and we haven't even spoken to the other factions about this yet, but the time is coming soon. It would be... best if the common pony doesn't know about this, of course. We would like for there not to be riots and panic and general anarchy in the streets, which have happened in the past after... disturbing announcements."
*****
Many swarms of vehicles came flying out of various border installations as the Ancient fleet approached, and multiple batteries of assorted nova cannons and quasar launchers readied to defend Homeworld should these strangers prove hostile.
A large hologram of what was evidently the leader of this particular outpost appeared in space, while a transmission came to the lead ship in the fleet.
Greetings in the name of Homeworld, and Harmony be upon you. We have you on our sights; please identify yourselves and your purpose here.
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Post by Teal Turken on May 13, 2014 18:33:09 GMT
Of course, I'll be sure to keep things tight lipped on my end as well. Though I don't expect I'll be leaving yet. After all, I have no need to return to Harmonian space.
The Herdfather puts a hoof to his chin to think and paces left to right as before, but calmly this time. I'm going to need to persuade my Elders to side with me on the proposition of alignment with Homeworld. That might take a few days, perhaps a week. Should we plan for another meeting next week? he suggests, stopping his pacing and looking towards the princesses.
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Post by Bane Emural on May 13, 2014 19:28:26 GMT
Bane looks upon the line of weapons and defenses pointed towards his fleet. His communications officer opens up the coms for Bane and the outpost commander to speak. "Greetings commander. I am the Emperor of the Ancient Empire, Bane Emural. We are here to meet with your leaders of Homeworld, the Princesses. I assume that they are still in control?" Bane looks to his communications officer. "Tell the others to stand down. But also tell them to prepare the shields for any unexpected attacks. We don't exactly know the area as much as we used to." He looks towards the hologram. "We are a peaceful faction and will only fight if necessary. Our weapons are disabled at the moment."
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Post by wanderingmagus on May 13, 2014 21:17:08 GMT
Princess Twilight flipped a page in Her notebook and nodded. "One week from now would be fine. Preferably between 08:00 and 16:00 hours Standard, but that is up to you."
*****
The commander nodded. "Aye, sir. Homeworld is ruled by Princesses Twilight Sparkle, Celestia, Luna and Mi Amore Cadenza, as well as Lord Discordance, the Homeworld Council, and delegations from Equinox and other planets in the federation. The leaders are currently in a meeting with Herdfather Teal of Harmonia, but the meeting should be completed in short time. If you wish, I can put you next in line for a meeting. Do you have teleportation capability, or would you prefer to communicate by hologram?"
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Post by Bane Emural on May 13, 2014 22:05:34 GMT
Bane smiles happily on meeting his old friends once again, after the long years away. "I would be happy if you would put me in line. I will use the teleporter on the ship to meet them in person. Just notify me of when the meeting between me and the Princesses will be ready and I'll teleport to them." He looks towards the one of the ship officers. "Prepare the teleporter for my departure. Ready the coordinates." He looks at one of his military officers. "Make sure the colony ships are safe. I don't want to come back with half the Armada gone because we were unprepared from an unexpected attack."
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Post by Bane Emural on May 14, 2014 21:33:18 GMT
After a few runs in the training course, Stone gathers the recruits after they have finished their last run. "That will be it for now, head into the barracks and have a nice rest. Tomorrow, you are come back here where we will do the course again, but with something much different. One of the soldiers posted here will escort you to the barracks in case you don't know where it is. Once there, you can either rest or wander around for a bit. But its lights out once you hear the horn." The soldier stands in the doorway, awaiting for the recruits. "Oh and don't forget to wash up." And with that, Stone leaves for the day.
Buckeye shakes his head. "Nah, nothing else I have in mind. Just send in the coordinates when its time and I'll have the fleet move out as soon as possible. Now, for this officer from Ranger Station 4. Will it take just within a day just to transport him planetside?"
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"Homeworld council, this is Blitz calling. I am calling to request restricted clearance access for the following location. Something has come up and it is time for me to deal with a matter I couldn't deal with before."
