Twilight Sparkle

We came back to Equestria to repair our ships on the now sprawling and retro-futuristic Canterlot. Our whole fleet was escorted back by the UPF and Task Force Frostbite. It was a good thing to know that our home planet was well behind the front lines of this space conflict. We gathered in the meeting room of the Two Sisters as we awaited the UPF leaders to step in to start the diplomatic relations. We were all there: myself and my five friends, AnY, Antony, Kim, Ink, and the rest of the original colonists. Rolo and Dawn Shy have also been appointed to be our personal guards thanks to their heroic actions in saving our lives many times over. It was fair of me to knight them both.

“All rise for the United Pokemorph Federation delegates: President Buster Ricardo Rivers and his three children Major Micheal Scott Rivers and Captain Tanya Rubi Rivers of Task Force Frostbite as well as the head UPF researcher and scientist Dr. David Maxwell Rivers. With them are their two guards requested to be formally introduced: Captain Zakary Halker Sintari and Captain Ghost Robert Lee of Task Force Frostbite. Please take your places,” Rolo introduced all six of the strange aliens. They all looked of different species and this confused me.

“Thank you,” the President collates a few stacks of paper and calmly takes his place he was like a red and white otter with two tails that spun around. He also wore a military uniform and a signature blue beret that matched, “Now that we've been properly introduced let's start.”

He cupped his paws together and rested his chin on them, “Tell us what exactly was your race doing in Coalition controlled space?”

Princess Celestia looked to me and nodded her head.

“Mr. President I am Princess Twilight Sparkle of the United Equus Space Colonies. I was given this mission for our race to expand into the stars as a relief effort for our previous war with the Florans. Said war almost caused our extinction,” I explained with a level head. My friends applauded.

“Fair enough. My nation extends its sympathy. We too have experienced such a war in our past, but not with Florans though,” he smiles calmly and flicks his pen to his side, “However, I feel as though I should explain a few things to all of you. My glorious nation of the United Pokemorph Federation, as it is known here, is not native to this one universe. We are among the most advanced space faring nations in this existence as we not only travel faster than light but we leap between the boundaries of space and time itself. The reason why I am telling you this is because your universe has caused quite a stir in my native realm as well as other realms beyond this one that we have spied on. David, would you please elaborate.”

“Yes father,” the yellow and white spiky cat like scientist got up and presented a large hologram that bloomed from his phone, “What my father would like me to explain is the fact that your universe is simply a cartoon television program that exists in our parallel dimension. It is called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and with it has spawned a pop culture among not only the targeted demographic of little girls but the show itself is so well written and deeply awesome that teenagers and young adults, mostly intellectuals like myself included, find themselves fixated on this wonderful and epic cartoon. However this timeline has split after Princess Twilights encounter with Tirek to the events we now see today. Sorry to break the forth wall as you may call it but we had to get some things off our chests. Father if you please.”

“Going back to that point. I hold no hatred to any one of you. But what I do mind is the fact that some individuals take things a little too far,” he glared at one of his guards. The dark fox like one with a sky blue Vinyl Scratch shirt with a design I've never seen before.

“Really dude? You had to come into this meeting with that shirt on?” Zak, the hybrid cat/dragon looking Pokemorph stared at his friend.

Ghost looked back and forth. One of his eyes was replaced with a synthetic one, “Yes, sorry to be so informal.”

I rolled my eyes and half expected a backlash from Princess Celestia. To my surprise she gave a firm chuckle.

“Oh yes, I have known about this little predicament since yesterday. I find it quite amusing that our two universes are connected in such a way. And to humor you,” she cleared her throat, “SO I HEARD YOU LIKE BANANAS!”

Three of the delegates started cheering at each other back and forth like they were nerdgasming. It was Tanya, David, and Ghost. Zak, Micheal, and the President facepalmed.

“I am surrounded by idiots...” President Rivers was rather embarrassed, “Arceus strike me down right now.”

“Not yet Uncle, let's see how this pans out,” Zak patted the President in the back.

“I'd like to add something as well Princess,” Digi raised his hoof.

“Please, do go on,” Celestia admired the informality of the three stooges.

“I too have known about this break in the dimensions all my life, but I never had the chance to prove that I wasn't crazy. We're basically being all controlled by a twenty year old gamer writing this on his computer right now,” Digi smirked.

“I second that statement! Woo!” Pinkie raised her hoof as well. Things were getting out of control and I sat there unamused.

“That's riight!” David cocked his head back and composed himself, “BUT! Let me make this clear, this universe still exists and the consequences of our actions will have lasting effects on this timeline. We cannot go back and for all intents and purposes we must treat this reality as being perspectively real and physical. With no doubts whatsoever to its existence. Are we clear?”

We all nodded as the meeting continued.

“Please pardon my sister. She can be somewhat of an airhead. Let us continue,” Princess Luna had her say.

“Thank you,” the President adjusted his tie, “But say no more, the United Pokemorph Federation will support you as allies. You mean well and it is my duty to safeguard any innocent races expanding peacefully into the stars. Unlike the Apex regime of the Miniknog which seeks only to control, enslave, and pillage those otherwise innocent of any crimes against sentient life forms. I am a President of the people and you have my word. Meeting dismissed!”

“Just like that huh?” I turned to AnY.

“Just like that. What other strange and wonderful things should we expect in this crazy world we now live in?” he twirled his hoof around one side of his head.

“Probably another war. I hate to admit it but we're not out of the fire just yet. So long as the Miniknog Regime exist our world is still in danger.”

“That is correct Twilight,” Celestia trotted over to me, “We must prepare to defend ourselves once again. No longer do we live in a time of peace. It saddens me greatly that we must do this again.”

“Princess,” I bowed to her and closed my eyes, “Let me lead in the war effort. So you can stay here and focus on keeping our homeworld safe.”

“So be it,” she touched a hoof to my horn, “I now place full authority of the United Equus Space Forces in your control. Please Twilight, bring an end to this war!”

“Yes Princess. I will not fail you,” I got up and saluted. It was all in my hooves now, but I am not alone.

Everypony else went back to the ship. Meanwhile I took some time to wander Canterlot again and set my hooves down at my old stalking grounds: Doughnut Joe's. I felt at home again and waved him down.

“One of everything please!” I just let myself go. My husband rolled his eyes and joined in.

“Don't mind me, I'll have whatever she doesn't finish,” he smiled to Joe and the shop keep gave a quick nod.

“One of everything for the Princess and her Chancellor! Coming right up,” he receded into the kitchen and I noticed a few familiar voices to my left. It was Rolo with two other mares. One a unicorn and the other an earth pony.

“Rolo! Hey Rolo it's me Twilight!” I waved to him.

“Shalom Princess! Come come! Join us,” he smiled back as my husband and I switched seats. As I got closer I noticed the familiar reddish brown braided mane and tail of the white unicorn mare. It was “Cakey” Crowne Heart, one of the most famous actors in all of Equestria! I wonder what she was doing here?

“You glad to be back on Equestria again Sir Coltberg?”

“Yes my Princess. I'd like you to meet my wife Astrid Heart and her sister Crowne. I'm sure you've seen her on the big screen.”

“Oh yes! I especially loved your portrayal of Clover the Clever in the Starswirl Trilogy!”

Crowne squeed in delight, “Oh thank you thank you thank you Princess Twilight! It's really an honor to meet you!”

“Likewi-whoa!” she started to shake my hoof rigorously. She was really delighted to see me. She put me down and I was shaken by her spasm.

“Please excuse my sister. She is easily excited,” the brownish blonde Astrid stroked her pregnant belly as her husband held her close, “I missed you Itzchak.”

“I missed you too my sweetheart. I'm so sorry I had to leave for so long,” he pecked her on the muzzle and she returned the favor.

I was now starting to notice a recent baby boom in Equestria. To be honest it was to be expected after so many long wars. Ponies everywhere were finally settling down to have families and Rolo was no exception. This made me think about having a foal of my own with AnY.

“One jelly-custard filled chocolate dipped sprinkled doughnut covered doughnut, glazed for the lovely blonde pregnant mare and two sufganiyot for the newly knighted soldier. Thank you for your duty sir! And I will have the doughnuts you ordered in a moment Princess.”

“Thank you Joe,” I smiled to him as he went back to check on my order.

“Thank you as well friend!” Rolo waved to him and Joe raised his hoof in acknowledgment. I saw Astrid turn to me.

“Princess,” she spoke in a soft tone, “Is my husband coming with you again out into space?”

“Well, yes. He's been a valuable asset and an extremely dependable guard who has saved many lives including mine and my husband. Is something on your mind?”

“Yes, please allow me to come with you into the stars. It's been so long since we've been together and it would be a shame if he left again. Please Princess, I don't want our son to grow up without his father,” her last words brought about thoughts of Sky Buster. At the same time I was reluctant to say yes due to our situation with a new war on the horizon.

“I'm not sure. One of my best friends died up there. Not to mention that we lost a few ships in our flight back home. Are you sure you want to go? It's a dangerous universe and you'd be much safer in Equestria.”

“Please Princess,” she giggled as she presented me her military ID, “Royal Equestrian Special Forces. I met my husband during the last war.”

“She's currently on maternity leave. May I please request that she come along as well?” Rolo smiled and bowed his head.

“Okay,” I nodded slowly, “We'll let you come along. AnY your thoughts?”

“I agree as well but all civilians should report to the colony ships for the safest possible transit into space. We'll keep them at the back of the fleet while our military vessels guard their perimeter. Oh goody! The doughnuts are here!” my husband rubbed his hooves and started to dig into the massive pile of pastries. There was another ring from the door that signaled more customers.

“Welcome to! Whoa, are these your alien friends Princess Twilight?” Doughnut Joe looked to them and back to me. It was Task Force Frostbite that just came in.

“I can't believe we're in Canterlot ordering doughnuts from Doughnut Joe's!” the one girl in the group who I could best describe as a mermaid cat with shark gills and a scar on the right side of her neck squeed in delight.

“Tanya, come on. The more we stick around the more we stand out. Plus the roof is a little low for bipeds like us-OW!” the ice colored fox-cat hit one of his ears on the ceiling fan, “Son of a bitch!”

“I dunno about you, but I am loving this place,” the dark gray fox one with the cybernetic eye and left arm was as excited as Tanya to be here, “Can I get two apple tarts and a coffee for here?”

“Ghost, we don't have time,” the ice cat told his friend.

“Oh come on Mikey we're not leaving until tomorrow! Why not mingle with the locals? That's what we did in Lylat! Do you guys accept Pixels?”

“Sorry bud, only Equestrian grade Gold Bits accepted here,” Joe told them with a straight face.

“Crap! You'd think these things would be accepted everywhere now. Guess this species really is new to space travel,” Ghost placed the square coins back into his pocket.

“Excuse me!” I waved to them and two of their members, Ghost and Tanya approached, “Task Force Frostbite was it? I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle. I want to thank you personally for saving us.”

I saw Tanya blush and turn away shyly all the while squealing softly with glee. Ghost cleared his throat.

“Well good afternoon Princess Twilight!” he bowed and I saw some odd triple barreled weapon and a rocket launcher on his back, “I am Captain Ghost Robert Lee of the United Pokemorph Federation's elite Task Force Frostbite! May we sit here in the booth next to you?”

“Yes you may, please! Come sit and talk,” I was curious to know more about them. Two of them didn't want to.

“Mikey! Zak! Come sit down!” Tanya waved them to come over, “It's rude to ignore the Princess!”

“Okay okay, we'll bite,” they seemed annoyed. Mikey sat down next to Tanya and I could make out the similarities in their faces.

“So, Tanya was it? Are you and Mikey related?”

“Yes Princess! We're twins!” she was awfully bubbly and grasped her brother's face to bring it next to hers, “See?”

“Uh huh,” I looked to the hybrid cat/dragon looking one in the corner, “And what is your name?”

“Captain Zakary Halker Sintari. UPF Navy: Task Force Frostbite. Support gunner and ace fighter pilot ma'am,” he puffed out a bit of flame, “Sorry for my lack of excitement but this is rather odd for me.”

“I see, you and Mikey both. Why are you two so dismissive?”

“It's because they're anti-bronies. And Tanya is sort of to blame for that,” Ghost explained.

“Hey! I only tried to cram Mikey to like the show about fourteen times okay? It's a little sibling prank you know. Zak just doesn't like the show and I respect that. I just like to annoy my brother from time to time,” Tanya smirked to her brother as he gave a long sigh.

“I will get you back one of these days, you and David both,” he rolled his eyes and gave her a hug, “But you're still my sister and squadmate. I never hated any of you for doing so.”

“So my universe is a TV show in yours? How much do you know?” I eyed them strangely as their antics continued.

“Okay, it started off when you were a unicorn who found the magic of friendship and returned Nightmare Moon into Princess Luna with the help of the Elements of Harmony. Then a couple months later Discord broke from his stone prison, tried to fuck up Equestria, then you stoned him again,” Ghost trailed off.

“Then you saved Equestria from the Changelings, saved the Crystal Empire from Sombra, turned into an Alicorn Princess, jumped through another multi-dimensional portal into a human only world, Discord tries to fuck Equestria again with some popcorn seeds, then you defeated Tirek with Rainbow Power. Did we get it right?” Tanya smiled. She was completely correct! Even down to my venture into the human world! Only Spike and I know about that!

“You know too much,” I recoiled back in surprise, “Let's keep all of that a secret unless we start to upset some of the populous.”

“Yes Princess Twilight!” Tanya saluted with Ghost.

“Since you know so much about us can you tell me more about your nation?”

“Ooo! This should be fun,” AnY listened closely as Tanya and Ghost prepared some holograms from their astonishingly advanced phones.

Tanya started to read out loud, “The United Pokemorph Federation is a vast galactic and interdimensional democratic socialist limited monarchy, renowned for its complete lack of prisons. It is located in the Blue Spiral Galaxy and controls a healthy sum of 50 planets and the compassionate, intelligent population of 272 billion love a good election with the government giving them plenty. Universities tend to be full of students debating the merits of various civil and political rights, while businesses are regulated and the wealthy viewed with slight suspicion. The enormous, socially-minded government is mainly concerned with Social Welfare, although Education and Defense are on the agenda. A healthy private sector is led by the Electronic Technology industry, followed by Automobile and Aerospace Manufacturing and Resource Mining. Citizens select which government department gets their income tax Credits each year, voting is earned by serving at least one full standard year (365, 24 hour days) of federal service (for example; serving in the military) and tariffs protect local industry. Crime, especially youth-related, is totally unknown. The United Planetary Federation's national animal is the Pikachu, and its currency is the Credit. The current date is AD 2525.”

“We are very reliant on out technology, but not as much as the Avali. Our technology is more external devices rather than internal augments. Unless of course you're like me. I need these cybernetics to stay alive,” Ghost detached his arm and gave it to me, “Take a good look. It interfaces with my neurons and the whole prosthetic feels natural.”

“That is quite something,” Rolo eyed the arm as well, “Look how many electronics are integrated into it.”

“Exactly,” Ghost reattached his arm and ate one of this tarts, “We only use internal augments for medical emergencies. Most of our technology revolves around gadgets like heads up displays, smartphones, and that sort of thing. What really stands us apart from the chaff is our tried and true military!”

“You mentioned something about earning the right to vote. Why do you do that?” AnY asked.

“It's to make sure we are dedicated to our nation. When we reach the legal adult age we can choose to apply for Citizenship. Citizens get the right to vote and have their say in political matters. It keeps the rift raft from giving us convoluted mindless votes based on politically uneducated masses. It's a genius system that works well for our race. But here's the thing: you have to either serve in the military or become a resource miner to apply for Citizenship. It teaches discipline and it's a nice system,” Ghost finished the rest of his tarts and took a sip of coffee.

“Which is why our military is one of the best in this universe. We've got more than a hundred billion troops stationed on twenty two major military planets under our control. The only race that can potentially give us trouble are the Apex since they make widespread use of cloning technology. In terms of military flavor we prefer adaptive tactics with a hard hitting mix of bullets, missiles, gauss guns, and specialized energy weapons. You see that my squad is all fully armed and I want to show you my sniper rifle,” Tanya placed the large weapon onto the table and the barrel telescoped outwards, “This is the R-20 Rainbow anti-materiel laser rifle. And yes, it's named after one of your friends. This fires a solid beam of charged hologram light that impacts with simulated mass on target with enough force to cut through the most advanced tank armor. It has two fire modes: a focused piercing shot and a slicing sweep to cut down multiple hostiles.”

“My my my!” Astrid started to pet it, “If what you say is true then this rifle is one of the best long range precision arms I've ever seen. And I too am a sniper and weapons specialist.”

“To be honest with you I prefer bullets,” Tanya shrugged with a smile, “I like a little bit of challenge with my old SVX Nova Dragon.”

“Does your brother have an assault rifle?” Rolo eyed the familiar looking rifle on the back of Mikey. It looked the same as the plastic looking rifle that one of those humans Troy was part of.

“Well, guess I can talk about this thing,” Mikey started to open up, “Assault Rifle-Pulse model five. The ARP-5 Pinprick is an old rifle that the UPF uses. It was designed by my brother as a compromise to supersonic bullets and subsonic flat trajectory plasma bolts. There's a firing pin in the weapon that zaps an antimatter cell to discharge a supersonic micro bolt of plasma. More direct damage than a bullet but the wound is immediately cauterized. Which is why some troops prefer bullets like my sister. Dual feed, thirty five rounds in the mag, and can use two at once for seventy rounds. Also passively recharges one shot for every second the weapon isn't fired. I tell you, my younger brother is a genius.”

“I'm saddened to see that this puts my Galil to shame. It's so light as well!” Rolo was really fascinated with the rifle. I paid not heed to Astrid and Tanya continuing to talk in the corner.

“Any good panzers? I hope you have some really fun tanks in your nation,” my husband joined in. I might as well jot down any good notes as I teleported my quill and notepad to the table.

“Tanks huh? We got several, all powered by antigravity. They're hovertanks that can cross any surface,” Ghost finished his coffee and tossed the cup to the garbage can in the corner, “Yeah! Got it!”

“Oh please share your most advanced design! Within declassified reason of course.”

“Sure,” Ghost flicked his phone and touched the screen. The phone gave the sound of a confirmation and something rumbled outside. We stopped eating and all trotted out to see four hovering armored vehicles roaring loudly with their whining engines. They fell silent as they stood still, “Type 37A2 Zorua Main Battle Tanks! These ones are custom built for Task Force Frostbite and operate with only a single crew member. They have a built in AI that can autonomously operate the vehicle and also help the driver with any tasks he or she may need. Fully loaded with a 135mm gauss cannon, two coaxial 23mm autocannons, and a set of twelve air defense/antitank missiles for use against all manners of foes! The armor itself is a second generation regenerative resin that also acts as a non-newtonian fluid, basically making sabot rounds useless against this thing. Couple that with some mid grade plasma shielding and this tank is almost unkillable. Almost though special energy weapons can cut right through if we're not careful.”

They all got in their tanks and waved us goodbye.

“Well! We gotta go Princess! It was nice talking to you!” Tanya shouted as the roar of the tanks engine echoed in the streets. They drove off back to their own ships in the distance and we stood there for a few minutes.

I had to wonder what else was out there. If the UPF was so advanced then there is no telling what the Apex could do if they were to discover the location of our home planet. If we are to colonize the stars again we would need all the help we can get from the Coalition.