"Space is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the drug store, but that's just peanuts to space." - Douglas Adams.

4 months before the return NightMare Moon.

"See, I told you this would be a great place to go stargazing." gloated the unicorn stallion Shining Armor.

"Well I guess I owe you 20 bits.'" laughed the alicorn princess Cadance.

"Hey it was just a joke, this outing is all I need." playfully shrugged the white stallion.

The couple was perched on a picnic blanket on a hill that had the best view of the city of Canterlot. Anypony could observe every little detail from where they were sitting. From ponies going on night outs, to musicians performing in the streets and guards marching on their day to day business.

The couple however, had no interest in the city. Instead they were turned the other way, gazing at the beautiful night sky. Celestia, the ruler of Equestria, had no doubt been making sure the marvelous night wouldn't be smothered by such trivial distractions. Especially for her niece to enjoy.

The equine couple clutched each other close, feeling the warmth of their bodies melt away all their troubles and worries. Their eyes were fixed on the sky, the large number of bright stars filling them with passion.

"The stars sure are shining bright tonight." whispered Cadance.

"Yeah but you have the most lovely stars right in your eyes." complimented Shining Armor.

"You're such a gentlecolt Shining." said Cadance to the sound of crickets.

"That's Captain Shining Armor of the royal guard to you." reminded the white unicorn. His coat glowed in the moonlight.

Cadance nuzzled her lover's neck. "Hard to believe you got promoted so far in such a short time." Before Shining was relived of the day's duty he had been approached by Starscream, the previous captain of the royal guard to be informed that Shining was going to succeed him.

"Well I'm pretty sure you had something to do with it. With you being Celestia's niece and all. I haven't even fought any battles to deserve such accommodations." noted Shining Armor.

"Shining, you got your position because you deserve it you know that. Besides, you should be glad that Equestria has never entered a war. Otherwise, merit would be based on vile things like murder and ruthlessness."

"I would never kill." shook Shining Armor. "Peace can be enforced in many ways. We shouldn't have to resort to such acts."

Cadance kissed Shining on the cheek, causing the stallion to blush. Unknown to Cadance however, Shining Armor was planning on proposing to her on her next birthday.

"You know we're going to throw you a celebration tomorrow." stated Cadance. "You, me, your friends in the guard, your parents and Twilight."

Shining chuckled. "You know Twilight's going to be busy studying with the princess or reading some book."

Cadance had a glum expression. "Ever since I stopped being Twilight's foal sitter when she turned 11, it seems like she got less and less interested in company as time went on."

"Hey I'm sure she'll lighten up." assured Shining Armor. "Let's just enjoy the night."

The couple spent another few minutes before Cadance broke the silence.

"You know," said the Alicorn as she looked at the moon. "In a few months we're going to celebrate the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration."

"Yeah, hard to believe the tradition's up for so long." nodded Shining as he gazed at the moon as well.

"They say on that night, NightMare Moon will return to wreck havoc on Equestria." remembered the Alicorn.

"You know that's just a fairy tale right?" pointed the white stallion. The cries of the crickets grew louder.

Cadance shifted her attention to the stars again. Shining Armor followed.

"There are just so many stars out there huh?" sighed Shining Armor as laid on his back.

"And those are just the stars we can observe." added the princess. "Princess Celestia told me there are billions more in the galaxy."

After a moment's pause, Shining turned to his marefriend. "Hey Cadance?"

"Yes dear?"

"You ever wonder what's up there?"

"Like what?"

"Maybe someone up there is wondering what it's like here."

"I guess. Do you think we'll ever meet them?"

"I hope so. Don't you?"

"That depends on what they'd be like." noted Cadance.

"The galaxy is full of possibilities. Maybe out there there's an Alien race made up transforming robots or intergalactic musicians." chuckled the blue maned Stallion.

"Or a group of evil conquerers bent on galactic conquest." shivered the Alicorn.

"Nah, I'm sure any aliens out there wouldn't be like that. After all, harmony and love is universal right?"

Cadance looked in the eyes of her lover. "Right." she whispered.

"And besides, you know I'd protect you to the end if such a scenario would occur."

"But why would they care about us?" muttered the Princess.

"What do you mean?" asked Shining Armor.

"I mean, ponies must be awfully small and pathetic if there are aliens out there that can travel through the stars."

"Ponies are a unique race, just like whatever might be out there in the galaxy. If aliens don't want to visit us, it's their loss they're not going to meet such a beautiful mare." Cadance smiled at that remark.

The two kissed and looked at the brightest star in the sky, known to a certain species as Gliese 667 C, admiring its glow.

_________________

To the couple's petty ignorance, orbiting that star was a planet, Miridem (Gliese 667 Cc in 21st century). On that planet laid a Mega Corp base on fire.

The installation had nearly completed its goal in capturing a city, had it not been for 4 unorthodox counter terrorists.

A Mega Corp mercenary was trying to limp away from the destruction. His left leg nearly blown off by a carbine bullet. His blue armor complimented the orange sky emitted by the red dwarf star.

The mercenary wasn't caring for his life so much that he cared for loosing a pay check. Suddenly, the insurrectionist's HUD started to scramble and his vision began to blur.

Right when the terrorist began to stumble, a figure uncloaked. It's body was entirely covered in black.

Before the Mega Corp mercenary could react, the figure drew his sidearm, and pulled the trigger.

The mercenary fell, dead. The black clad soldier that ambushed him was unmoved. His mechanical voice filled the air.

"Command, this is Overwatch. All 800 plus hostiles are KIA."

Author's Notes:

Before I continue the story, I thought about adding a small flashback.

BTW, this intro is referencing a trailer for a certain video game at one point. I hope you can guess it.