open Faster Than Light (Check OOC before joining)

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

OOC Thread: https://mlpforums.com/topic/192214-anyone-want-to-rp/page/4/#comments

 

It started out as a rather ordinary night. The sun had just set and Princess Luna was out preparing the night sky for another beautiful starscape. The full moon was just a few nights away, and she wanted the sky to be just perfect when it happened.

It was then that she noticed a star out of place in the sky. It hadn't been there the previous night she was sure of it. As she looked closer she could swear she saw it... moving?

Quickly she retrieved her telescope to examine the strange star, which she discovered was far closer than she thought. It was not a star, but some sort of object, too angular to be an asteroid, but moving too fast and with too much heat to see it well enough to tell. What she could tell was that it was falling rather quickly, too fast to be fully deflected, and too curious to want to do so regardless. With a few careful nudges she changed it's course to fall in the San Palomino desert, just past Dodge Junction, where it would hopefully not hit anyone or anything.

That done, she sent a quick letter to the new captain of the guard, instructing them to investigate the crashed object ASAP.

 

In Dodge Junction, the CMC were laid over on a trip to visit Braeburn in Appaloosa. They were, of course, restless from the journey, and as such noticed immediately when the space object passed overhead. "What was that?"

"It looked like a big ball of fire."

"You think it was a dragon?"

"There aren't any dragons around here. Maybe it was a meteor?"

"Like a space rock?"

"Yeah! What if we got our cutie marks in meteor finding?"

They briefly argued the pros and cons of leaving immediately to find the meteor, but decided to leave early in the morning so they could still catch the afternoon train to Appaloosa, presumably with their newly acquired meteorologist marks.

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Once the site entered visual range it became clear that they weren't dealing with the typical meteorite. The object had carved a deep trench into the ground where it initially crashed down, which made finding it trivially easy. The object itself was large, angular, and all around made of metal. It was obviously artificial, and clearly alien in design. There were a few obvious holes in the exterior, as well as a few areas that were actively on fire, but there was no indication at the moment of any activity or movement, though the sunrise would make it difficult to tell for sure on one side.

The sand dunes would also go a long way to conceal anything that had left the object. Some parts of the ship had fallen out or been scrapped off in the fall and were visible in the trench it had carved.

The pegasi pulling the carts would ask the captain where they should set down.

 

(CMC)

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were surprised to find Sweetie Belle had beat them awake, being Rarity's sister she was usually the last of them to get up. "You're really excited for this one aint'cha?"

"Let's get going! We've got to be the first ones there!"

They were able to leave town without any incident, and thanks to the trench it was easy enough for them to make their way over to where the object had crashed. They would also notice the guard carriages circling above, though with the guards focused on the object it would be reasonable that they would escape notice so far. Stopping in the shadow of a sand dune not far from the object they decided to regroup, "There's a lot of guards over there, do ya think it might be dangerous?"

"I say we go for it! Maybe there's alien ponies in there! We could get Alien cutie marks!"

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

The CMC, having been so focused on the object, didn't notice that they were being followed by a desert chimera until it was already on top of them. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were able to dodge away just barely quick enough, screaming of course, leaving Sweetie Belle to get struck by the snake end, poisoned she would instantly feel weak, then collapse. She'd be able to keep conscious long enough to witness what happened next.

The chimera would turn it's attention to the other two foals, torn between running for their lives and not wanting to leave Sweetie belle behind. They only hoped their screams had alerted the guards to their plight.

While the guards would definitely have heard the scream, so too did another creature, which ran towards the sound at full speed. It crested the sand dune from the direction of the object, looking like a massive praying mantis, it spit a large glob of a viscous green substance at the chimera, on contact it was clearly some sort of acid as the chimera turned it's attention towards the attacker. The mantis descended the sand with remarkable speed, its sharp limbs swinging almost invisibly fast to stab and slice the chimera until it lay dead in the sand.

The mantis only paused a moment before it turned it's attention to the collapsed Sweetie Belle, it clicked sympathetically as it caressed her with the surprisingly soft inside edge of the same limbs that eviscerated the chimera.

The other CMCs tried to stop the mantis as it gingerly lifted Sweetie onto it's back. It revealed itself to be intelligent as it pantomimed going to the object, and some sort of action, then indicated that Sweetie Belle would be okay.

Sweetie Belle would lose consciousness as the mantis sped across the sand back to the object, the other two CMC following as close behind as they could.

 

The guards would not have much time to reach to the screams before they would spot the giant mantis creature, covered in blood and carrying a filly on it's back, running towards the object.

If any guard tried to intercept the mantis before it got beck inside the ship, they'd be met by what looked like magic bolts fired from the ship in front of them, either they were poor shots, or were warnings. In all likelihood, the guards would not be able to catch up before the ponies and mantis close enough to the ship, and the shield came online, separating the two groups. The mantis didn't stop until they were all inside, the doors closing behind them.

 

(Sweetie Belle will regain consciousness in my next post. Here's the inciting action that gives conflict to the motivations)

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

-Inside-

Sweetie Belle would, groggily, wake up laying on her side on some sort of medical table. Were it not for the large, bipedal, green glowing faceless creature standing over her. It produced a humming sound that was oddly melodic, clearly some sort of vocalization.

If Sweetie looked around, she'd find that she was wearing some sort of coat-tight suit that reached from the base of her neck to just below the first joints of her legs. She also was wearing something on her forehoof, some sort of bracelet. The room looked like a fire had been through recently, though it didn't smell like it. Most apparent, likely, would be the fact that her friends were nowhere to be seen.

The green creature reached gently out and adjusted her bracelet, it tingled when he touched her. He turned the bracelet and it started glowing with a faint blue light.

"There, can you understand me now? [Vrmmmm] did their best learning your language, it might not have all the words, so I'll try to speak simply. Are you alright?"

 

-Outside-

Investigating the shield they'd find that they couldn't push through it, and most all magical attacks would be deflected or absorbed by it. If they struck it hard enough they'd find it would dim slightly, but a few seconds later it would return to full brightness.

After some time, if they were adventurous enough, they'd find that while they couldn't teleport other objects inside the shield, they could teleport themselves past the shield (So a unicorn could jump past it, bout couldn't carry much with them or bring someone else along).

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

The creature put it's hands up and backed away, "Apologies. I'm not going to hurt you. Your friends, the other two like you, are safe. I will have them brought here."

The creature spoke into a bracelet it wore that looked like the one Sweetie had. "Bring the other two to the [vMMvMM] bay." (Any words that Equestrian wouldn't feasibly include, or that Sweetie wouldn't know the meaning of, are replaced with brackets until she comes up with a word to represent them. In a sense she gets to name things.)

A few minutes later one of the doors opened, revealing the mantis from earlier followed by the two other CMC who rapidly approached once they saw Sweetie.

"Thank Celestia you're all right!"

"That chimera was going to eat us all. Bit you real bad... We thought you were going to die."

"You look healthier than ever though. They must have some real powerful healing magics."

The mantis spoke softly to the green creature, "Should we tell them?"

The green one shook its head, "They wouldn't understand."

The mantis continued, "What about the corpse?"

 

Outside

Once inside the shield they'd be able to examine the ship closer. The ship had clearly been painted at one point, some parts still visible, though most of it had been removed, likely from the heat of entering the atmosphere. A pair of small robotic creatures were walking along the exterior of the ship, closing up holes in the hull. The doors were all sealed shut, and they couldn't get a good view to try and teleport inside.

One of them got the feeling they were being watched, like something slimy was probing their mind. 

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

The mantis and the green creature shared a look before returning their attention back to the fillies, the green one spoke, "Maybe it would be better if we let the captain do the introductions." The two aliens led the way into the next room, which was a bit larger than the room they were in given it had less furniture. "The captain will be here shortly. Maybe he can finally explain to the rest of us what we're doing here too."

"We crashed didn't we? You survived to see it." The mantis turned to look at the fillies, abruptly asking "What do your kind do with dead bodies?"

 

Outside

Solar Spark would find their fear amplified the longer they spent in the area, the slimy feeling would lessen, but they'd still feel a bit unclean.

Another of the group would find their mind prodded in a similar manner, their fear, if any existed, being ramped up by whatever was prodding before moving on, eventually getting to everyone inside the shield before moving on to those outside the shield, though to a lesser extent. Apparently the strength of the prodding reduced as the distance grew.

Something on the ship was telepathic, and it wanted them to stay away.

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

On 2021-05-13 at 9:16 PM, Starforce Glimmer said:

"We bury the bodies...and mark their graves with a tombstone. Like a date when they were born and the date of their death...why? Did some others on this...vessel die in the crash?"

The mantis replied almost nonchalantly, "Oh yeah, most of us died in the crash, but we have our own customs about that." She turned to leave when another creature, looking something like a mostly hairless minotaur, only far less buff in the upper body, entered the room (A human), the mantis and the tan creature shared what looked like an affectionate nuzzle before the mantis left the room. The tan creature waved to the fillies before crouching down to be closer to their level. "Hello small ones, you certainly look curious."

On 2021-05-13 at 9:16 PM, Starforce Glimmer said:

"Why did you crash? Did you...hit a meteor or were you attacked? Where do you come from? I have so many questions..."

The human chuckled, "Those are some questions. We were attacked yes, very far away from here. It caused us to go here and crash. We need to get back to where we came from, very far from here, but you don't need to worry about that. Please, ask your questions."

 

Outside

Once the guards had exited the shield one of the doors opened and the mantis exited the ship carrying a bag. It looked around for a moment before moving a short distance away from the ship and digging in the sand, intending to bury the bag.

If the guards entered the shield again the mantis would drop the bag and run back into the ship.

If the guards investigated the bag, either by recovering it after it had been dropped, or digging it back up, they'd find the dead body of Sweetie Belle bearing a few different surgical marks.

 

On 2021-05-13 at 9:16 PM, Starforce Glimmer said:

Not concepts or thoughts like we were having.

(Unfortunately the only thing that transcends a language barrier)

Preston Star got back the idea of confusion, indicating that the one on the other side was confused. It then pressed a feeling of danger/confusion, likely asking if the guards posed a danger, though if the guards rad recovered the body, it may have also been construed as 'Do you know you're in danger?'

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

3 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"S-so most of you dying doesn't...phase you somehow?"

The human looked a bit confused for a moment then nodded, "Ah, yes. We've mostly gotten used to it by now. Each of us have died at least a few times. The [-] bay and backup DNA banks have proven to be an invaluable investment."

The missing word from the translator had the same tone as when the green guy had talked about a bay, indicating that it was the same room. 

3 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"W-well no doubt others have seen this crash site...we saw guards circling ahead over the crash site. W-we call our planet Equis (I'd say its named Equis since Equestria is a country). I hope you aren't here to h-harm us, you know? The guards are the...enforcers of law across the land and work under the rule of the two sisters."

The human and the green man listened as Sweetie Belle explained things, "Interesting, I didn't catch the name of the planet, the translator is fairly rudimentary at the moment, which reminds me, there might be some words we say or have said that didn't get translated for you. Do speak up when that happens and we'll try to explain what it is so you can associate a word with it. To answer your questions, we're not here to harm you, we wouldn't have saved your life if we were. We weren't even supposed to be here, we crashed here by accident."

About then a giant slug like creature scooted into the room, "Sir, the creatures outside are panicked, they seem to have hostile intentions."

The human nodded as he stood up, "[--] get to shields, [+] get on scanners." The first blank was towards the green man, the second was to the slug, He spoke into his wrist, "[++] get on the guns. [-+], [+-] the hull better be solid."

He started to walk away, but turned back to the fillies, "Come with me, you three might be able to help."

He'd lead them through the ship, passing the mantis from before as well as a grey creature that looked like it was made of shiny clay as well as a creature that appeared to be made of several sharp metal plates.

They went up some stairs to a room, the human pressed a button and some screens came to life, showing a view like windows to the area around them. He'd point at the images of the guards, "Those are the guards you mentioned right? Do you know why they might be mad?"

 

Outside

From a chute on the side of the ship a ball rolled out until it met the shield, then it started to roll along the perimeter of the shield. Once it completed a lap of the shield it paused, with a pulse the shield gained a slight green hue, the unicorns would find that they could no longer teleport through the shield. Attacking the shield could remove the green layer easily enough, but it would come back every time the ball completed a lap, and get stronger each time it completed without it having been removed. 

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

The human watched as the two guards broke through the shield and left with the bag, then turned his attention back to Sweetie Belle and her questions,

21 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"All of this is just...I don't understand it. All these different...creatures in here together, crash landing here...where are you from? What happened?"

He sighed, "I'll do my best to explain, but I'm sure a number of the words and concepts will go over your head, and thus evade the translator..."

He looked like an idea struck him, speaking into his wrist, "[+], you can't see through the shield anyway, can you come up and help translate?"

A few moments later the slug from before entered the room, or rather stood in the stairway with the door open given the number of creatures already in the room. "I'll do my best." It turned to face the fillies, "You may feel something... strange, in your head. That's me trying to find equivalent words in your language to update the translator. Let me know if it gets to be too much and I'll stop."

The captain nodded and then began, "We are from the [-+=]"

The slug signaled that the translator had failed and the captain paused, the fillies felt something in their minds, like a wet sponge being gently rubbed on their face, "Like a group of countries bound by a defensive agreement."

The captain continued, "If you give a word back, then the translator will use that word in the future. That's how it handles names anyway since they can't really be translated. You give each of us a name, and we hear our own names on the other side. Anyway, we were tasked with eliminating some [+=]"

"Those who oppose the government, often violent"

"Who had recently tried to destroy the [group of countries]. Soon after we started our mission our [+++--]"

"A... well, tool, that guides the ship when traveling faster than light"

"Was [xX-]"

"made to work improperly"

"So we couldn't stop the ship until we ran into your [The air that surrounds the planet] and by then it was too late to avoid a crash. I was the only one who survived the crash, as this room is [armored], the rest of the crew are here thanks to the [the process by which an exact duplicate of a creature is made, complete with their memories and abilities] bay, which also saved your life when [the mantis] found you."

21 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"T-those are the guards...the Lunar Guard. They um, protect Princess Luna and keep peace across the land...I don't know why they are mad though..."

He turned his gaze back outward, "We did our best to avoid the [town], maybe we accidentally hit some[pony?] on the way down?"

 

Outside

The repair bots having finished their job sealing up the hull would simply turn off and fall off the ship rather than re-enter it. With a loud hum the ship seemed to come move alive, lights turning on all around the ship.

If they were watching for radiation they'd see a spike when the ship came on, a new repair bot exited the ship to make repairs to the cylinder at the back of the ship, which reduced the radiation as it worked until the radiation was back to normal levels. 

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

On 2021-05-16 at 8:36 PM, Starforce Glimmer said:

"First things first...I can feel something strange, much like a sponge or something? On my face? I guess that's what your talking about?"

The slug nodded, "That's me, I hope it isn't too unpleasant?"

On 2021-05-16 at 8:36 PM, Starforce Glimmer said:

"But as for what you say, at least from my understanding...you were fighting against violent people who opposed your...countries and they sabotaged your engine and before you know it, you entered the atmosphere and then crashed...then everyone died more or less and you used your gear to get...your bodies back?" she would ask, trying to piece together what was being told here. It was hard for her small mind to wrap her head around.

The human nodded, "That's a good summary or it at least."

On 2021-05-16 at 8:36 PM, Starforce Glimmer said:

"Ya think you should go out and talk to them? Tell them whats goin' on?" 

The human sighed, "Well, I'm the [captain] of this ship. I should be the one to go out there. But talking to them will be nearly impossible. You three can only understand because we gave you those translators. I don't think they'd be willing to put on a translator themselves..."

He though for a few minutes, watching as the two unicorns ran in to collect the disabled repair drones, "Maybe we could give them a written message?" He looked over at the slug, who shrugged,

"Couldn't hurt, but that would take someone going out there to write it, and enough time to figure out their written language. If these [fillies?] are cooperative maybe not so long to learn how to write words."

 

Outside

They were able to recover the drones without incident. They looked almost like very large metal viruses, with spindly legs and a central cylinder that housed most of the components. A very simple design all things considered, which was likely why they had allowed them to be taken.

A letter arrived for Afterglow, sealed with the lunar emblem: We see that thou has summoned more guards. We trust that this task is not beyond thy ability to complete, else we may need send the Solar Captain to assist thee.

 

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

The human looked thoughtful as Sweetie Belle spoke, but before he could respond Scootaloo interjected, "Hold up, why do we have to wait for them to fix the ship before we can leave? In fact, why can't we talk to the guards? They can understand us just fine, and we can understand you well enough, we could be the translators for you!"

The human looked like he wanted to object, but found reasons lacking. The slug however did have a reason, "We've no reason to believe that they wouldn't attack the moment you three aren't on board."

The human sighed, "That's true. Plus, we can't get back into [a circle around the planet] by ourselves. This ship wasn't built to leave [the air that surrounds the planet]. It was built in space, and meant to always be in space. So we need either some way to lift this ship back into space, or a [---] crystal to establish communication, maybe."

The slug was stumped on how to translate that last word, but eventually settled on, "It's a type of crystal that resonates at the right frequency to allow communications to travel faster than light. Ours was lost, most likely destroyed, in the crash."

The captain nodded, "I'm sure your nation is as kind as you believe it to be, but we need every weight on our side we can get if we're going to guarantee the help we need."

 

Outside

A response letter arrived soon after the one he had sent: These accusations are severely grave. We trust thou hast proof that these creatures are to blame for the filly's death? Wert thou able to identify the body? The filly's kin ought to know the circumstances of her untimely demise. we hath dispatched more guards to assist thee.

The new guards, (as many as you think prudent) would arrive in a few hours.

(Aside)

Princess Luna was struck with strong guilt at the news of the filly's death. She had brought the object down instead of pushing it away or destroying it, and now a citizen, one of her little ponies, was dead. In her mind, she bore some if not all of the responsibility for the filly's death. 

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

The human looked to the slug for explanation when Sweetie said magic. The sponge feeling increased in intensity for a moment before it stopped, and the slug shrugged, "They don't know too much about it either. It's like an energy that can be shaped to purposes. not wholly unlike the [green guy's species]."

The human nodded, "That could be a possibility. Still, nothing will get done sitting here, they're waiting for something, likely more troops to try and break in. We should try and communicate before they get strong enough to pose a real threat."

21 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"Well, I reckon that maybe we just build giant wings of wood on this craft with big fans, and maybe that will get us high enough to where the ship would work?" Applebloom would state. "My family has built entire barns before, whats so hard about building wooden wings?"

The human looked confused at Apple Bloom's idea, then chuckled, "You know, you'd probably like [the shiny clay one] and [the sharp metal one], they are in charge of fixing the ship and keeping things running. Why don't you go with them, maybe you'll learn something."

With that he stood up, "Alright, [Scootaloo?] and I will go out there and try to resolve this situation amicably. [Sweetie?] and [the slug] you two stay here and keep watch. [Apple Bloom?] I'll take you to engineering on our way outside."

(Aside, you can respond to this if you like)

At the base of the stairs there was a door that opened to a large room with a number of complicated machines, the sharp metal creature and the shiny clay creature were working on the machines. The human spoke up, "This is [Apple Bloom], she'll be watching you guys for a bit while I try and resolve this issue."

The two creatures nodded as the human turned to leave, leaving Apple Bloom to remain with the creatures. Both of them looked at Apple Bloom for a moment before shifting their forms to be similar to hers, although bigger. The clay one waved, "Greetings. You understand machinery?" It spoke almost haltingly, like each word were separate from the rest.

 

Outside

There was motion from the ship as the doors at the very front of the object opened, allowing the human and Scootaloo to exit before closing behind them. The human held his hands up, showing that he wasn't holding anything. (Italics can only be understood by the CMC) "Tell them we want to talk, and they should keep their distance."

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

(I always pegged Apple Bloom as mechanically inclined, she has built some rather impressive things for her age in the show after all.)

The clay one motioned for her to come closer as it removed a panel to reveal the inner workings of the machine, "Look, see this." It reached in to adjust a part that was misaligned, "This gives power to ship, powers everything on the ship."

It would go on to teach Apple Bloom about all the things in the room at a basic level as well as how to do some basic repairs and operate the basic repair tools, so longs as Apple Bloom was willing and interested.

 

Outside

The human looked slightly confused and slightly irritated at the accusation. "Tell them we don't know anything about any dead filly."

A new letter would arrive from the Princess: "We pray that thou art mistaken in thy description, for it matches that of the sister of one of the Elements of Harmony. The fact that she would have been in the area further complicates matters."

 

(Aside)

Princess Luna was distraught, not only was she responsible for the death of an innocent filly, it were a rather important filly whose family would no doubt demand the heads of whoever was responsible. If it were between her and these aliens, the aliens were a far better option.

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

She would be allowed to practice just about everything the clay one taught her, it gradually moved from demonstrating for her to simply instructing her and allowing her to do the repairs herself under it's supervision. "You have much talent for repair. Are all of your kind so skilled?"

 

Outside

The human didn't react to the dead body being so callously displayed, if anything his expression grew somewhat more stern. "They won't understand, even if we show them that your friend is alive. They'll think it's a trick or a copy or something." He turned to Scootaloo, "What do you think we should say? You're reacting surprisingly well for seeing your friend's dead body."

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

The clay one thought on that for a moment, "Our kind have something similar, not outward. When a [one of my kind] is formed, they are formed for a purpose, but often that purpose is scrambled until they discover it for themselves. Then they come into full alignment and understanding. We are purposed for repairing, perhaps you are as well."

They would then go over to the sharp metal one, "[The sharp metal one] will teach you more." Apple Bloom would find it harder to breath right next to the sharp metal one, like she was suddenly on a high mountain, there just seemed to be less air in the metal one's vicinity.

The metal one waved when she approached, gently nudging her back a pace so she could breath normally. Despite the sharpness of its form, it was cool and smooth, almost soft when it touched her, and it moves with surprising fluidity and grace, unlike the almost mechanical manner the clay one did. "Hello, I am called Translator, my body consumes oxygen, which I'm informed you need to live. Stand back please." Nonetheless he would bring her attention over to the parts of the ship he was working on, his tool set appeared wholly unused, the reason why became apparent when he simply morphed his limbs into the tools he needed. He also didn't produce any scrap metal or electronics, simply consuming any parts they replaced.

Outside

The human sighed, "If you think it best, hopefully they won't attack us for their misunderstanding." He thought a moment, seemingly unperturbed by the guards, "Tell them that the filly was already dead when we found her, and if you think they'll accept it, tell them we brought her back to life as well."

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

23 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"So those of yer kind are made for a purpose, but you don't know what that purpose is until you find it? Are you...not alive, but like some sort of machine? I've read several books about machines becoming alive. Is that...what you are?"

The clay one tipped its head to one side. "We are ordered, respond to the environment, reproduce, grow, self-regulate, have homeostasis, and process energy. By most definitions we are alive."

23 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"Why does yer body consume the air 'round it?"

Translator shrugged, "That is simply how [my kind] are. You also consume the air around you, just far less quickly and efficiently as me." Translator noticed how Apple Bloom was fascinated by its morphing abilities, and passed its tools over to her. "Everyone on the ship was given a set, and I have no need of mine. You are free to keep and use them, so long as you are on the ship."

 

Outside

The human shook his head, "This is getting us nowhere. They're stalling until they have more troops, then they'll simply attack and 'liberate' you three by force." He snorted, "I bet, if I turn my back on them and try and go back into the ship they'll come through and attack me. Barbarians."

He would then do just that, turn on his heel and start walking back to the ship, outwardly offering no indication that he felt threatened by their presence.

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

In response to her question the sharp metal one's body rippled, the translator making the sound of a snort, indicating it was sort of the equivalent. "There is much that can be taught, but most of it comes from experience. I think you know enough now to see when something is broken and how it might be fixed. This ship is mostly held together with repairs anyway, given how long and fast we've been running so far. As to how fast, the Captain would be better able to tell you, given he flies the ship, but most ships travel faster than light, several times that if we spend enough fuel. On the back of the ship are several large thrusters that propel the ship forward, as well as the light engine here that allows us to go faster than light when we're far enough away from a gravity well. So we can't use that here. There are also directional thrusters at the front that steer, but we don't have thrusters on the bottom to lift us off the ground. If we somehow stood the ship up on the thrusters we could maybe launch off the planet, but that's a big maybe."

The Captain came back inside, looking perturbed, and made his way back up to the bridge where Sweetie Belle and the slug were. "That could have gone better, they're bringing in more troops, I think they intend to fight us."

 

Outside

A pair of hatches opened on the sides of the ship, some strange objects extending out glowing ominously. They looked similar to canons, but refined.

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

20 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

Why is this all based on light and not like something else?

The sharp metal one shrugged, "Light is the fastest thing that occurs naturally, so it seemed like a good thing to measure against."

20 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"Perhaps you could build or add on some thrusters on to the bottom, so you can lift off?"

It looked about to deny the possibility, but stopped to think about it, turning to the grey clay one who shrugged, "With enough material we could potentially build a thruster set. Maybe if we moved the directional thrusters to the bottom, then put them back once we were in orbit..."

 

21 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"I-If that is the case, then why haven't they fired yet? You didn't talk with them enough it seemed...where is Scootaloo?

The captain shook his head, "They're waiting for their reinforcements," He pointed out the approaching carriages, "There. They don't stand a chance with the forces they have at the moment, but maybe with more units they could potentially overwhelm us. [Scootaloo] decided to leave, she's with them now. Maybe she'll be able to convince them we're no threat, though I doubt it, they didn't seem to pay her much mind when she translated for me."

There was chatter from the captain's wrist and he spoke into it, "Hold."

He sighed, "Normally we'd shoot first, but that was when we could run if they proved too strong, and we didn't have time to negotiate with the rebels on our tail."

 

Outside

(No issue with them arriving, Now would be the perfect time for some insubordination to make a mess of things if you like.) 

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

The clay one responded quickly to the question on speed, "This ship can travel between 8 and 24 times the speed of light, depending on the amount of fuel spent. In simple terms, very quickly."

On 2021-05-27 at 8:21 PM, Starforce Glimmer said:

"But puttin' thrusters on the bottom sounds like a good place to start. Maybe yer crew can work on that?"

The two exchanged a look and nodded, "As soon as it's safe to go out there, we can get to work doing just that." They started to head out of the room, and motioned for Apple Bloom to follow as they made their way to the front of the ship, passing the Green one in shields and the Mantis in weapons. If Apple Bloom looked at the monitors in either room she'd see the guards attacking the shield outside.

Provided Apple Bloom didn't stop, they'd arrive at the front of the ship and start removing panels, pointing out to her what cables to disconnect, "We'll disconnect the cables now, so we can easily move the thrusters once we can get outside."

 

On the bridge, an alert went off what the rogue guards started attacking the shield, turning everyone's attention that way. The captain snorted, "What did I tell you? As soon as reinforcements arrive they start attacking."

He spoke into his wrist, "Hold your fire, I want to see what they'll try to do once they're inside."

 

Outside

It may have come as a surprise to the guards, but the coordinated strikes by the rogue guards were enough to take down the shield, apparently, and they were able to approach the ship. If they were around when the mantis first took the CMC aboard, they'd know about the doors on the back of the ship by the large thrusters. As the weapons appeared to mostly point forward, the back should be a safe enough place to board the ship from.

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

22 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

 "Ah' hope we can get those thrusters on and you can go back to where yah need tah go but, with what ya'll have here you would provide a lot of help in this world." 

The clay one nodded, "Hopefully we can come back one day, better equipped and on better terms."

23 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"It looks like some of those guards are getting in, just so you know."

The metal one turned it's attention to the monitor, "Noted"

It turned to go back they way they had come, "I'll deal with them." It went back to it's bipedal form, the forelimbs becoming exceptionally sharp, and walked out of the room.

 

The captain sighed as the guards started trying to get into the ship, "Let's see how this plays out. [Slug] get on the door controls, I don't want them getting out once they're inside."

The slug left without a word. The captain took his seat and turned his attention to Sweetie Belle, "Don't worry, you'll be safe here."

 

Boarding

They must have cut something important, because the door opened after only a short while, revealing a small empty room with another door on the far side. That one would also not take long to cut open, revealing a similarly sized room with a number of strange consoles and readouts in an alien language.

Once all, or as many as seemed intent on boarding, had entered the ship, the doors would suddenly close behind them, a second layer of shielding closing over them. In short, they were trapped.

 

Outside

The guards outside would witness the doors closing behind the rouge guards, trapping those who entered inside.

 

Inside

The captain nodded, then spoke into a microphone over the ship's PA to the closed off rooms, the ship providing the translation. "Now that you're trapped, what was your plan exactly? Or did you intend to improve our bargaining position? Surrender your weapons to the crewmate, or else."

 

Boarding

The exit door to the second room opened, revealing the sharp metal one.

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

The captain saw that the captives were talking amongst themselves, but they didn't have microphones throughout the ship to listen in on what they were saying. He rolled his eyes at that, "We should have gotten that sensor suite upgrade. No matter. They seem to be cooperating." He spoke into his wrist, "[The clay one], what resources do we need? We've got captives and can likely use them for leverage to get the materials we need."

There was a bit of a delay before words started appearing on the screen in a list. If Sweetie were looking she'd see the strange alien symbols, but somewhere deep in her mind she somehow understood the meaning of at least some of them, like refined iron and glass. Maybe something to do with the translator.

Once the list finished the Captain started speaking into his wrist again.

 

Boarding

The sharp metal creature hummed? Vibrated was more accurate, strange undulations seemed to be it's mode of communication. It collected the weapons without incident, absorbing any metal portions into itself, leaving behind any wooden or non-metallic portions of the weapons. Once the weapons were thus disarmed it retreated backward out of the room, taking with it the remainder of the weapons, the door closing and sealing as soon as it was clear of the doorframe.

 

Outside

Scootaloo would hear a voice in her ear, provided she hadn't taken off the translator she had been given in the ship, anyone wearing the translator would be able to understand if she had taken it off. "This is the captain, tell them we have four captives, any further aggression will be met with overwhelming force. In exchange for the four captives safe return we demand the following resources:" The captain listed off several materials and quantities, some of which failed to be translated. "If any of those did not translate, we will require [one knowledgeable in metals and rocks] to provide a translation. We will trade one captive for this translation aid."

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

The captain smirked as he set the mic down, "They are much more amicable now that we have some of their guards captive. They seem wholly unconcerned with your apparent death now. Speaking of, I should probably explain some things to you while we wait."

He turned his chair away from the monitors to face Sweetie Belle directly, "You were poisoned, on the brink of death when [the mantis] brought you in. We couldn't do anything about the poison, so before you died [the slug] took a scan of your mind and [the green one] took a sample of your DNA, and you were officially added to the crew. Once your body died we did some analysis to calibrate the [unknown] pod along with scans of your friends and the ones outside so we could clone you a new body, uploading the scan of your mind. As such your body is a bit more developed than it was before, I don't know what effect that will have on you, your friends didn't seem to notice much. I'm sure that's quite a bit for you to take in right now, and I'm sure you have some questions."

 

Outside

"I appreciate your newfound cooperation."

 

(Aside)

Princess Luna read through the updates that she was receiving with ever growing anxiety. Not only did they fail to eliminate the threat, now some of the guards are captive. The rest seemingly held hostage by the threat of force. More decisive action is needed.

She wrote back to the guard captain: "These developments are most unacceptable, we had expected better of thee and thine. See to it that this matter is resolved in a timely manner, or thou wilt have our sister to deal with."

She could only keep this excursion under wraps for so long, thusfar claiming a training exercise and drill had been sufficient to keep her sister satisfied, but if it stretched out too long, or if reports came back that things were not so then Celestia would get involved.

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

The captain shrugged, "Maybe a side effect of the process. You are the first one of your kind to have this done, so it's not unlikely there'd be abnormalities. With enough tests we could maybe perfect the process, but who knows if we'd be able to do that. Strict regulations require that we can only [unknown] dead crewmates."

He leaned back in his seat, "Anyway, the point is that, officially, you are a member of this crew. I'm responsible for your well-being so long as that is true, and you have the option, or rather the right, to leave with us. I wouldn't be opposed to allowing your friends to come as well, the yellow one seems to get along well with [The clay one] and [The sharp metal one]. You don't need to choose right now of course, we can't leave yet, but I thought it'd be best to let you think it over before you need to make that choice."

 

Outside

The voice responded, "You already know why. Rather, you've already decided why, us telling you wouldn't change your perception of events. We'll speak again when the expert is in our power."

 

He received a response a short time later: They understood the risks when they enlisted. Thou hast until sunset to eliminate the threat that these creatures pose.

 

(You may notice that the Captain is apparently talking to the guard and Sweetie Belle at the same time, or is he?)

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

23 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"I see. I know for sure...this sort of ability you possess would go along well with this world. I know that my friend's parents died a few years back. She would love to see them again."

The captain looked a bit confused, then shook his head, "I should clarify, we can't bring back just anyone. They'd have to have been scanned while they were still alive, and there's still the rules that they have to be part of the crew of the ship."

23 hours ago, Starforce Glimmer said:

"I-I am not too sure about leaving with you. My place is here but...given the circumstances of your arrival here I am...interested in a lot of what you have to offer. My friends and I call ourselves the Cutie Mark crusaders. We have a thing, a special thing to us. We are wanting to find our cutie marks, a mark that appears on our flank when we find our destiny."

The captain seemed puzzled by it, "Not unlike the [those like the clay one], perhaps the reason why you haven't found it yet is because it isn't here to be found? Who's to say it isn't out there? Still, you have time to decide for yourself."

On 2021-06-02 at 8:13 PM, Starforce Glimmer said:

"What is your name?" 

The captain snorted at that, "We told you, the translator doesn't work like that. If I said it to you, [the captain], all you'll here is whatever words you've associated in your head with me. In a sense, you get to name me whatever you like, and I'll just hear my name."

 

Outside

"You best hurry then. It sounds like you're in far more danger than we are should things sour."

[Illiad Easle 3,218]

@Starforce Glimmer

Inside

The captain looked over at the screen that showed the captive guards milling about, then shrugged, "There aren't microphones there, so we don't know what they're saying. They're captive, and that's all that matters, if they break out they'll be dealt with, though as long as we have them we can get all the resources we need to try and get off this planet."

He looked back at Sweetie Belle, "If you want to go down and talk to them you should be able to talk through the door, just don't let them out."

 

Outside

The voice paused a bit before answering, seemingly deciding whether a response was warranted, "We're an expeditionary force for the Federation, our mission is classified. Usually one does not crash intentionally. We wouldn't have crashed had we the choice." There was a hint of annoyance in the voice.

Edited June 5, 2021 by Illiad Easle