"Before we go anywhere and begin our mission," Spike spoke "I'd like to meet the important crew members here."

"Of course," Diamond spoke with a nod "There are Five levels on this ship. We are currently on the second level, the Combat Information Center, or C.I.C. for short."

"You can meet me in the armory here," Big Mac added "I'm always open. The three below us are the Crew's Quarters, Engineering, and the Hangar."

"Though the hanger is unavailable for only engineering purposes."

"What about the one above us?" Spike asked

"The Captain's Cabin." Diamond answered "More specifically, your room."

"My room?"

"It's best if you see for yourself." Diamond walked past the Draco and headed towards the elevator "If you want to talk to me, please, feel free to do so. I'll be in my office on the third level." She pressed the simple down button, as the elevator opened up and she entered, the doors quickly shutting and going down a level. Big Mac placed his right hand on Spike's shoulder.

"It's great to have you back." He responded, walking and entering a room that was on the right, next to the elevator. Spike looked around the place, becoming very curious.

I wonder what Spitfire thinks about this? He thought to himself. Spike walked to the cockpit, seeing the familiar angel sitting down & the hologram of WOONA standing next to her seat. Spitfire turned around in her seat.

"CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS!?!?!?" She screamed with excitement "Look at how advanced these controls are!!! It fits me like a glove! And leather seats! Military may set the hardware standard, but on a first-gen frigate, they could care less if the seats breathed. Civilian sector comfort by design."

"This vessel is not intended to be perfect, Ms. Spitfire." WOONA spoke "Seamless improvements were made."

"And there's the downside. I would prefer a ships that are both beautiful and quiet. Now this has this thing that I don't want to talk to. It's like a cancer of some sort."

"Relax Spitfire," Spike spoke to her "this is a FIST ship and, if it crashes, consider it a blessing."

"I know that, but I just want her to be gone. Look, even if an A.I. is spying on us, there's no way Mr. Rich will invest this much to screw us over. It's going to be a wild ride!"

"I hope not. I died."

"Jeez... such a debby downer all of a sudden?" Her seat turned around and she returned to pilot the ship. Spike turned to WOONA.

"Yes, Spike?" WOONA asked

"I would like to know more about you." Spike replied

"Do you have a specific inquiry?"

For the time, both Spike and WOONA spoke with each other. Spike learned multiple things from their discussion: WOONA was short for "World Online Orale Navigation Application", and that she can't do many things as a means of protection, in case she were ever corrupt or turned 'evil'.  

Spike exited the cockpit and walked to the room Big Mac was in. Hanging on the walls & on display were many guns. Big Mac himself was cleaning out a pistol with what looked liked a paper towel. Spiked walked behind Big Mac and, in return, Big Mac turned around and saluted to Spike.

"Commander." Big Mac spoke "There hasn't been time to really settle in and take stock. Ah want to say that working with you is a great opportunity to do something that matters and for us to reconnect. It's a privilege to be serving with you on the Celestia, Commander Spike."

"And it'll be great to be working with you." Spike spoke.

"Ah hope so. As long as Mr. Rich walks his talk and you do the same, I'll do my best to make sure we succeed. That's been the condition of mah service so far. Ah have certain issues that FIST has taken part of."

"What did they do that makes you nervous?"

"A lot. They've been called terrorists for good reasons. Ah doubt you can find a more checkered past. But if Sombra's still out there, and we do something about it, we'll be remembered differently."

"Maybe. Just Maybe."

" ... Or we'll be tried & executed. Can't count on people thinking about it as hard as I have."

"Well with me around, I'll be sure that you are unharmed when it goes to that."

"Likewise, Commander. Let me know if you need anything."

"I'm fine right now." Big Mac turned around and continued to clean his gun. Spike exited the room and looked at the elevator next to him.

Might as well start from the bottom. Spike thought to himself. He walked into the elevator and pressed the 4th button near the bottom button.

"Engineering floor." WOONA's voice spoke as he descended to the bottom. "Please, feel free to ask me any part of the ship anytime you want, Commander." In a few seconds, the door opened to what was the engineering level. Spike looked outside the window, seeing what was the hangar in front of him with what was vehicles inside, each prepared to drop Spike & a squad down with him. The Hologram that was WOONA appeared to his right side.

"What's that area of the ship?"

"That's the Celestia's cargo bay. It has facilities that include re-arming & repairing the Celestia's vehicles & shuttles."

"Who does the repairing?"

"Our Top engineers in the room right behind the elevator, with the conjoining hallways, leading to  the Ship's main battery.."

"I take it that's another part of this ship?"

"Correct." WOONA disappeared, leaving Spike alone. He turned to the left hallway and entered a relatively short walkway to where these engineers were at. A flight of stairs was on his left, leading to a room below that may or may not be important. He entered the room, seeing a hallway entering another room, at least four consoles near the hallway with two on either side, and a familiar set of twins to his right: The FlimFlam Brothers!

Profiles:

The Flimflam brothers are a famous twin duo as they both think alike, act alike, and can never go a few feet, let alone, seconds without each other. The main difference between the two is their facial features: Flim has a clean shaven face with a more natural looking hair while Flam has a stylized, waxed mustache with his hair matching the same curves of his facial hair. Another difference between the two is their voices: Flim has a higher pitch in his voice while Flam has a lower pitch. Despite these two noticeable differences, not a lot of people can tell the difference when they both place their minds together on any task placed ahead of them. Now working with F.I.S.T., history will say if these two brother have redeemed themselves or die as cheapskates.

The two brother manned the controls together. Not a lot has changed about the two since he was only a child: Both were about a foot taller & much leaner than most of the citizens of Equestria, both had hair that one could say looked similar to bacon, ant they both used their mind to carry some tools over, having their green aura around said objects & their hands. The difference, however, is that they're not in their barbershop looking outfits, but in dark, matching uniforms with their sleeves rolled up & wearing baggy shorts. Flim turned his head and saw Spike.

"Brother!" He spoke "The Commander is here!"

"Here!?" Flam replied, turning towards Spike "He came down here to see us!?"

"Hold on! We're speaking to a commanding officer!"

"Relax," Spike replied, walking to them then leaning on some bars "I'm touring the ship, getting to know my crew."

"In that case," Flim spoke "Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are-"

"The FlimFlam brothers." The brothers gave Spike a weird look, turned to each other, then back to Spike. "I remember how you both tried to get rid of Applejack & her barn, how you made that cider for everyone, and, probably the most annoying out of all of them, your catchy as hell song. Still faintly remember that... Opportunity in this very community."

"Oh... that." Flam spoke, rubbing the back of his head in a guilt driven way.

"Well... we changed from that." Flim spoke, trying to sound as innocent as possible.

"It's alright," Spike replied "Just don't sing while I'm down here."

"Yes sir!" The brothers replied with a salute

"So what do you do down here?"

"I handle the power control systems." Flim replied

"And I with the propulsion systems." Flam added

"What might be of your service, commander?"

"Just a couple of questions." Spike replied "I see that you're both the engineers of this vessel. Tell me, how did you both join F.I.S.T.?"

"Simple as this," Flim replied

"Our talents were taken noticed by Mr. Filthy Rich himself!" Flam added

"Plus, even as children, we loved engines!"

"And the Celestia is state if the art!"

"...Not a lot has changed you both." Spike commented "And I take it the hallway here leads to the main engine?"

"Very much indeed!" Flim replied happily

"It's the very thing that powers this ship." Flam added

"We really have no idea they made this-"

"But we know how to work it!"

"I'm glad to see both of you are excited." Spike commented "Carry on." He left the room through the other hallway and back into the elevator. He pressed the third button.

"Going to Crew's Quarters." WOONA's voice spoke Another few moments, and Spike exited to what was another hallway. To his left were three doors: one locked, one a women's restroom as he heard a flush & seeing a lone woman exit, and an open room. Curiously, he walked to the open room, only to see what was clearly a room for all of these people to enter & sleep in.  

I could go for some shut eye now. He thought to himself. He turned back, looking to his left, hearing another flush & seeing a man exit. Men's restroom. He walked ahead, seeing that he was what was probably a dining room and a familiar woman in the kitchen: Mrs. Cake!  

Profiles:

Mrs. cake, along with her husband, Mr. Cake, is the proud owner of Ponyville's "Sugarcube corner". In her time running the store, she was the front woman, doing the sales, chatting with the customers, and, though with her husband, baking sweets, while her husband was buying supplies and running errands along with baking the goods. She is also the mother of twins; A Female mage named "Pumpkin cake" and a male Angel named "Pound cake", both of them considered mischievous together. Now working with F.I.S.T., history will decide if she was an asset or a burden on this mission.

Spike recognized Mrs. Cake well: she was shorter than most humans, plump, but not overweight, and her hair that one could say was made from a violet-pink frosting of a cupcake. She was busy making something at the moment, and Spike thought of surprising her. He walked over to what was the kitchen counter, seeing her back at him.

"Whatcha' making?" Spike asked to Mrs. Cake, lowering his voice to sound like a tough guy.

"My special recipe." She replied, not turning around

"And what's that? Some cookies?"

"You wish, but I'm married! And no, it isn't cookies, it's actually something else that I'm sure you will love! Now please, leave! I don't want you to spoil the surprise."

"Not even to your commander?" His voice went back to it's normal state. She froze, then slowly turned around, followed by a gasp.

"C-Commander Spike!" she quickly saluted to him "I-I-I didn't think you'd come down here! I was busy.. um... busy making-"

"It's alright, Mrs. Cake. I'm touring this ship and meeting it's important people. So you're the chef here?" She nodded

"Yes. It's pretty much like my old bakery, but with more ingredients...  and there are hungry people here, working for their next meal."

"And I'll be adding more to the list." He chuckled.

"Oh you will." She giggled with him.

"Tell me, why are you here and not, say, your husband?"

"My husband? Well... it was a strange thing that happened. We both wanted to join F.I.S.T., and believe me, we both did our best, but my husband was considered 'too fragile' for space. I really think they want me for that motherly feeling whenever I cook, since Mr. Cake has gone to Canterlot multiple times on the trains."

"Have you filed any complaints to them?"

"Multiple times. Now, I just gave up and do what I need to do. It's not too bad though:you're here to keep my company, there's plenty of interesting peopole here I can meet, and my husband is running Sugar-cube corner."

"Think ha can handle being alone?"

"I'm certain he's hired a couple of people to help him out, but yes, he should be fine."

"How are your kids doing? You never mentioned them."

"Oh... that. I won't say it's your fault, we saw what you were doing, and both of my kids wanted to be as great as you! Pound cake is currently in the "Junior Speedster's flight camp", and Pumpin cake is actually enrolled in "Celestia's school for gifted Mages"."

Organizations

:

-The Junior Speedster's Flight Camp is located in a part of Cloudsdale in which it acts as the first flight classes for young Angels & others who just learned the concept of flying. Here, children are tested as a means to find ways to increase an Angel's health & stamina, but in ways that are safe and fun for the children. It's funded by Celestia herself and encourages a more fun, open feeling rather than a strict & militaristic feeling.

-Celestia's School for gifted Mages is what is sounds: Young mages who are considered to be smarter &/or more powerful than their peers are brought in to train under the watchful eye of Celestia herself. Here, they are able to study anything they want, anytime they want, with little to no restrictions except to listen to Celestia any time she speaks. This was the place where Twilight began her studies and is also the same place where Spike was born.

"Both of them?" Spike asked "You must really proud of them."

"I am, Commander," Mrs. Cake replied "though I'm still going to miss them."

"Don't worry; when this is over, I'll personally make sure you get to see your kids ASAP." She smiled and looked up to him.

"Thank you, Spike. When the T.V. showed you died, I thought there was no chance for you to come back... but now I can say otherwise."

"I should thank Diamond Tiara for that, actually. Do you know where she's at?"

"She directly right behind my kitchen, and in front of me is the medical bay. You may want to the medical bay first, there's someone inside that you may know." Spike turned to the room in front of them, noticing only a familiar pink hair in a bun.

"Thank you, Mrs. Cake."

"Your welcome. Oh! Spike!"

"Yes?"

"This was actually from Pinkie." She pulled out a CD from below, giving it to Spike. He took the CD and examined it. "It was actually suppose to be a gift for you after the wedding. Pinkie made it for you for the birthdays you misses. I held onto it because... well.. I have no idea really."

"Don't think about it too much. I am grateful that you are here."

"Same thing here."

Spike walked to the door of the Medical bay, as the doors opened for him. He stepped inside and, sitting on the chair, was Nurse Redheart herself! Time barely seemed to touch her: she wore the same nurse outfit as before, her hair was still it's familiar pink with it's bun hairstyle, and she didn't gain any weight. She turned to him and stood up, quickly giving him a tight hug with tears coming down her face.

"Commander Spike." She said, sniffling a bit "We saw you die during the wedding at the hands of Sombra and those Doppelgangers. It's so good to see you alive!" Spike carefully hugged her back, caressing her hair to see her eyes.

"It's good to see you too." He replied. She looked up to him and smiled

"When I heard you're the leading commander, I thought they were just teasing us. Now... you're here and alive! I have no idea how they did it, but I'm forever grateful. That kind of trauma would've changed most people, but you seem to be the same."

"Almost. They put some stuff in me that's suppose to make me better in many ways."

"I hope it doesn't make you a machine."

"I doubt they would want that." Redheart releases Spike and took a seat. She gestured to him and he took a seat. "So tell me: you've been working under Celestia for years, right? Why leave them?"

"After you died in front of everyone, many of us just... died with you. I worked in Canterlot's medical center for a few months. A very respectful position, but there was a lack of... excitement."

"So you're a bit of an adrenaline junkie?"

"Not exactly. I wish I can go out and help you battle the Doppelgangers, but I am assigned here as a way to make sure all injured personnel get up and get back to work. Let's just say Canterlot was too static and too boring."

"...Never thought you were like that. But you don't seem like the F.I.S.T. type, Doc."

"I don't work for F.I.S.T., I work for you! This is  a crucial mission for not just our freedom, but Equestria's survival! I have faith that your deals with F.I.S.T. will be ethical. I trust you with my life, Commander."

"And I with yous." Both got up and gave each other a hug.

"Before you go, I have a surprise for you."

"What is it? Alcohol?"

"Even better." She came in close and kissed Spike on his right cheek. He blushed at what she did, as his eyes widened and he felt stiff. "A kiss for good luck. You're going to need it."

"... Noted." He exited the bay, shaking himself to snap out of what just happened.

It's just a kiss, He thought to himself It's not like she loves you... or does she? Ugh! Snap out of it! Let's just thank Diamond Tiara.

Spike walked past the kitchen, seeing Mrs. Cake struggling to suppress herself from laughing at what just happened. He walked into the room that was behind the kitchen, as the door opened for him, seeing Diamond Tiara in what looked liked a mix between both an office and a bedroom. She sat in the office looking area, typing down something that'd be boring for Spike.  

"Commander." Diamond simply spoke, looking up to him and stopped typing. "What can I do for you?"

"Do you have a minute, Diamond Tiara?" He asked

"No doubt you have a lot of questions. F.I.S.T. isn't as evil as most people believe; if I can help allay any of your concerns, I'd be happy to do so. So, what would you like to know?"

"Alright then. First thing's first: I know what we're doing here, but what's FIST's long term goal?"

"The advancement of all humans, mages, and angels. Nothing more, nothing less. All organizations out there are ran by Celestia or Luna & Cadence."

"But those organizations are regulated. Who keeps FIST in check?"

"Nobody. We're privately funded and our backers trust Mr. Rich to make the right decisions. But he's clear about our goals: protect Equestria and serve it's advancements."

"If that's the case, is FIST military, political, or both?"

"FIST has several divisions: political, military, and scientific. But we're working for the same goal. We keep our ranks & structure similar to the Immortals; a lot of recruits started there. But not all of FIST's operations use the same protocols; we try not to get blocked by bureaucracy or formality."

"Trying to be simple, eh? Well what kind of resources does FIST have?"

"We're very well funded. I doubt anyone but my father knows how well. But nothing we do is unlimited: reviving you and building the Celestia required great investments... and greater risks. We're hoping you can do the impossible, Spike. No pressure." She smiled a mischievous smile that would make Discord proud.

"Right... thanks for that encouragement. But what can you tell me about Filthy Rich?"

"Not much that you don't already know. Hell, even I don't have access to most of his background. You've seen more of him than most ever do... except for me and the Apples those years ago. It's actually rare for him to become directly involved in missions. Obviously, you're something special. Whatever people might say about him, I can assure you that he has Equestria's best interests at heart. That includes you and me."

"How can you be sure if you know so little of him?"

"Easy: he raised me. He's no saint, and he will admit it, but he's committed.  Equestria couldn't have a better advocate."

"If you say so. Now, please, tell me about yourself. A lot has changed about you since we were kids."

"I guess that's fair; I spent the last two years learning about you. You should know that I've had extensive genetic modification. Not my choice, but I make the best of it. It's one of the reasons my father sent me to aid you. I'm very good at just about anything that I choose to do."

"You certainly don't lack confidence."

"It's just a fact: my strength, reflexes, and even looks are all designed to give me an edge. No point in hiding it. It's the reason I've been trusted to oversee the most dangerous, risky, & technological demanding operations FIST undertakes. And it's why I'm assigned to you: It's my job to make sure you succeed, Spike."

"i guess that's good. And what level of genetic modification are we talking about?"

"It's very thorough. As mentioned, I'm better in many ways, but I also heal faster & I'll likely live half again as the average human. Add to that, some of the best training & education money can buy and, well, it's impressive, really."

"It sounds like you're made to be perfect."

It does, but I'm not. I'm still human, Spike, and you saw what I was like back then. Plus, the consequences can be severe. Everyone expects a lot with my... abilities."

"...I see. Well, thanks for the information, Diamond Tiara. Talk to you later."

"Of course, Commander. Whatever you need." And just like that, Diamond returned to her work, not even acknowledging Spike standing there. He turned and left, going to the elevator. Spike pressed the top button.

"Heading to the Captain's Cabin." WOONA spoke again. Spike entered what was actually a homey feeling room, having a large aquarium with many fishes in it, a desk with a laptop, a medal case, & a picture frame that automatically changed into various pictures, showing his childhood to today, and a large bed at the very end with what looked liked his comic book collection.

"What's this area of the ship?" He asked aloud. WOONA appeared next to him.

"This is the Commanding Officer's quarters." She answered

"This is larger than most quarters of most warships."

"This is a FIST vessel, not any of the Royal warships. Accommodations have been made for personal taste. An example is selected photos that would make you happy, your comic book collection that we bought from local stores, and an aquarium to help you feel cool. Please, no need to wear armor here. Change into some casual wear." She disappeared again. The wall near his bed opened up with a hiss, showing what was a holding area. Spike walked to it and stood inside, putting his back near the containment unit to look outside. Some robotic arms went around him and started to take the armor off, leaving him in his underwear. He walked out and opened some drawers next to his bed. A classic green shirt, a purple hoodie, and a darker shade of purple pants & shoes.

PERFECT!!! He yelled to himself. He put on his clothing like most people with, again, his clothes designed for his tail to stick out. He felt a little more relaxed in his clothing, then remembered the CD. He pulled the CD out of his armor before it went away to who knows where, and looked at what was an alarm clock mixed with a music player. Luckily, it accepted his CD. Music began to play.

"Ah Pinkie," He said to himself, jamming to the music "you seem to know the best music."

After listening to the music before it went to the next song, Spike went back to the C.I.C. and looked at the giant hologram of the universe.

"Who shall we get first?" Spitfire asked in the Intercom.

I. We need to build our team.

A. The Scientist (Who?)

-Doctor Whooves/Time Turner

-Doctor Stable.

-Other

-An O.C.

B. The Archangel (Who?)

-Sunset Shimmer

-Applejack

-Other

-An O.C.

-The Convict (Who?)

-Garbel

-Adiago, Aria, or Sonata

-Other

-An O.C.

-The Warmaster (Who?)

-Strongheart

-Bulk Biceps

-Other

-An. O.C.

II. I have to go and tell Twilight I'm fine.