"Greetings, Commander Spitfire." A familiar voice said, making Spitfire's eyes open to find herself in what looked to be a conference room. She was sitting at a large wooden table with empty seats all around it with the only exception being a chair with its back turned to her. Suddenly, torches with blue flames ignited all around, enveloping the room with bluish light.

"W-Where am I?" The lone mare asked as she looked around.

"Do you not recall our agreement for a meeting this night?" The voice coming from the chair facing away asked before it slowly turned to reveal the Princess of the Night, Princess Luna. "I believe it was you who originally came up with this idea so that you could speak with me directly."

"Oh!" Spitfire replied as the memory of what Luna was talking about flooded her mind. "Right. Yes. I'm sorry. I've just been through so much today that I completely forgot."

"I see." Luna said before raising an eyebrow. "Anyways. Let us get to the business at hoof. I was told by my sister that you were sent out this morning to find the Canterlot and to report back any activity. Any luck?"

"Oh yeah." Spitfire replied before sighing. "I found her alright."

The tone in her response caught the dark blue alicorn off guard as she tilted her head slightly to the side. Spitfire looked almost ashamed that she had found the warship that was causing both her and Celestia quite the headache.

"Why do you sound so sad? I'm sure that your friends threw you a wonderful celebration when you returned to the San Franciscolt."

"I'm sure they would have." Spitfire replied before sighing again. "But I'm not on the San Franciscolt right now."

"Oh?" Luna asked. "Then where are you currently at?"

"On the.... Canterlot. As a...." Spitfire sighed again as she swallowed her pride. "As a prisoner of war." Luna's pupils shrank as soon as she heard what the Wonderbolt Commander had said. The orange mare just tilted her head down, hiding her eyes from Luna's.

"This.... is news I wished never to hear." Luna said, prompting Spitfire to look up just enough to see her. She could see Luna's head tilted down with her eyes closed. "One of our subjects.... now a prisoner of our sworn enemy." A long silence soon followed before Spitfire heard Luna sigh heavily. "How did this happen?"

Spitfire could see that the news of her imprisonment was not sitting well with the Princess of the night. She had never seen Luna like this before.

"I... got hit by a flash grenade that was enchanted by Sombra's magic." She replied. "Once that happened, I became encased in a crystal shell and fell down to the ocean only to be picked up by Canterlot." Luna's head continued to be tilted down as she listened to what was being told. "But enough about how it happened. Nothing can be done about it now."

"That isn't true." Luna replied. "Once we're done here, I will alert every ship left in our Navy to your situation. We will free you from your captor before they can interrogate you."

"Don't worry about saving me." Spitfire replied. "I'd never talk. Even if they cut my wings off, they wouldn't get a peep from me." She then paused before looking up again. "Besides. I have information that you need to know."

Luna tilted her head slightly while looking at the mare in front of her.

"Oh? Like what?"

"We aren't fighting just the Crystal Empire." Spitfire replied. This sentence made Luna raise an eyebrow in response. "Sombra's created some kind of alliance with Chrysalis and her changeling hive."

Luna's eyes both shot wide open as soon as she heard that.

"Are... you sure?" She asked while only getting a silent nod from Spitfire in return for an answer. Luna then sighed before looking down at the table. "This is the first I've heard of any changeling activity in a few years." She said. "Not since my sister had provided assistance to a sailor who was trying to keep his ship from sinking after it was damaged by Chrysalis."

This statement made Spitfire raise one of her eyebrows as what the two changeling guards had said earlier surged back into her mind.

"Who was it?" She asked, prompting Luna to look up at her. "Who was it that she saved?"

Luna rubbed her muzzle in thought as she tried remembering.

"I can't recall his name right now." She replied before looking at pegasus. "Why do you ask?"

"If what I learned from today is true, then that ship that Celestia saved might be the target of Canterlot's guns." Luna's eyes just grew wide after hearing what Spitfire just said.

"What sort of satisfaction would Sombra get by sinking a ship that can't fight back?"

"Some twisted plot to finalize their alliance." Spitfire replied. "Apparently that sailor was previously approached by Chrysalis about joining her in marriage. But when he refused, that's when she attempted to sink his ship and him along with it." Luna just sat in her seat and stared at Spitfire as she continued. "But now, they're saying that they'll blow up his ship and take him prisoner too!"

Luna sighed softly before pulling up a notepad and jotting down some notes. Spitfire looked on silently, wondering what else was worth relaying to the Princess.

"This is most certainly a dark day for us, I'm afraid." She said as she wrote. "First Admiral Broadside's murder in Manehattan. And now this." This completely surprised the mare on the other side of the table as her jaw dropped instantly.

"Woah woah woah. Back up a second." Spitfire said. "Admiral Broadside.... is dead?" Luna silently nodded in confirmation. "How?!"

"The investigation is ongoing as we speak." She replied before putting the notepad away. "All we know from eyewitness accounts is that he was seen being hurled out of his office window at the naval base." She then turned to look at the clock on the wall before looking back at Spitfire. "I'm sorry, Commander. But I need to take care of other matters. I will make sure to relay this information you've given me to my sister. And we will find a way to rescue you. I promise."

"Don't worry about me." Spitfire said. "Worry about the ponies on this ocean liner that Sombra's going to destroy. They're the priority here."

"Agreed." Luna replied. "I will consult with my sister and see what the best course of action is in this situation." She then got out of her chair and walked around the table until she stopped next to Spitfire's chair before placing a hoof on her friend's back. "Stay strong, Commander. Don't let them get inside your head."

"Yes ma'am." She replied, earning a gentle smile from Luna before Spitfire closed her eyes. Once she opened them again, she found herself back in her cell aboard Canterlot. The sunlight of the coming day was just beginning to peak over the horizon, revealing a calm sea and clear sky. Spitfire rolled out of her bunk, stumbling slightly due to the weight of the chains around her body, before going over to the porthole and gazing out at the water. "I hope that Luna can warn that ship in time of what's coming." She thought as a tray of food was dropped on the floor and kicked under the bars by a guard. The restrained mare looked back at the fresh apple and glass of water before sighing.

---

The warm rays of sunshine filled Steel's room with light as he slowly awakened from his slumber. He yawned softly before sitting up in his bed and stretching out his forehooves. Looking over at his alarm clock, he saw that it was just after 6am.

"Get dressed, go get some breakfast, and then take control." He said to himself as he got out of bed and put on the body armor given to him. After securing it around his body, he threw on a clean uniform and decided to strap his sword around his body as well. Once he was finished, he walked in front of a mirror in the room before looking himself over. He then saluted his reflection before opening the door and stepping out onto the bridge.

"Morning, Captain Blade." The pony behind the helm said before saluting.

"Good morning, sailor." He replied before saluting back. "What heading are we on at the moment?"

"Our heading is 270 degrees due west, sir." The stallion replied. "I made sure not to deviate from the route through the night."

"Excellent work." He said before noticing how tired he looked. "If you need to rest, you are free to do so. I can take the helm until the morning helmspony gets here."

"Thank you, sir." He said before letting out a big yawn. "I will make sure to be ready in case you need me." He then saluted again before letting go of the wheel, prompting Steel to take hold of it with his magic. He then watched as the pony exited the bridge, leaving him alone for now.

"Alright, Mareitania." He said before looking over at the engine telegraphs. "Let's get you back up to speed." After saying that, he cut off his magic and stood up on his hind legs while placing his forehooves on the wheel. He then used his magic to push each telegraph lever back down into the 'Full Ahead' position. After doing that, the ship vibrated as the turbines started getting up to speed once again, turning the four huge propellers at a faster rate. Steel smiled with pride as he felt his ship's speed increase.

"Morning, Cap." Port said from the entrance to the bridge. "Sleep well?"

"Eh. It was alright, I suppose." Steel replied while looking at his friend. "How about you?"

"Not really." He replied. "I can't quite figure out why though. I usually sleep fine. But I didn't this time." Steel just looked at his friend while keeping hold of the wheel. "Probably just all of the stress of this crossing, I suppose." He continued.

"Probably." He replied. "But at least we'll be done in a few days or so. After a crossing like this, I could certainly go for a mug of cider."

"Forget the mug. Give me the barrel!" Port jokingly replied, making the two of them burst out with laughter. This continued for a minute or so before they both calmed down and looked out at the open ocean through the windows of the bridge. "So you think we'll be alright?"

"I'm sure we'll be fine, Port." Steel replied. "If we see Canterlot on the horizon, we can easily steer the ship away without ever getting close to her firing range."

"Yeah. I suppose so." The green unicorn replied. "I mean. How hard will it be to miss a battleship out here?"

"Exactly."

"So how's that suit of armor feel?"

"Eh. It's alright, I guess. Takes a bit to get used to moving around in." Port simply nodded as he listened. "You'll find out as soon as we get back to Manehattan."

Port just sighed in response and nodded. "I can't wait."

"Same here." Steel said before his stomach began to growl. Port looked over after hearing that and chuckled softly.

"Need me to bring you something to eat, Cap?"

"Well. I was going to go see what the cooks were making for breakfast. But I'll be here until the morning helmspony arrives."

"I could still get you something to snack on while you wait." Steel rubbed his muzzle in thought while looking between his friend and the waters in front of him.

"Maybe a blueberry muffin?" He asked. Port just nodded and saluted.

"I'll see what I can do, sir." He replied before leaving the bridge to go find what Steel had requested.

Once alone, Steel let out a calm sigh and looked out ahead at the ocean. By now, Mareitania was slicing through the waves at full speed. As he stood behind the wheel, he felt like nothing could harm this magnificent liner. But deep down, he knew that it wasn't true. He was lucky to still have this ship after what had transpired on the maiden voyage.

"If one blast from a changeling could nearly sink this ship..." He thought while keeping his eyes on the water. "Who knows what'll happen if we run into Canterlot." His hooves on the wheel began to shake as he imagined the horror of twelve fourteen-inch cannons firing on his ship. "No!" He said in his mind. "Get it together, Steel! If the crew sees that you're scared, they'll get scared too!"

"Good morning, Captain Blade." A voice from the other side of the bridge said, making him turn to find the morning helmspony standing in the doorway. "What happened to the pony I was supposed to relieve?"

"I let him off earlier. He looked tired." Steel replied before letting go of the wheel, allowing the other stallion to take hold of it. "Keep her on the course she's on unless told otherwise."

"Aye aye, Captain." He replied before saluting, earning one in return from him. With the other pony at the helm, Steel decided to go out onto the bridge wing and look out at the water. A gentle breeze made him breathe in the fresh air as he looked out ahead. Mareitania appeared to be the only ship in the general area. Seeing this made Steel sigh contently as he heard hoofsteps on the stairs behind him.

"Well. The cooks didn't have any muffins ready." Port said. "But they do have some pancakes if you want some."

"Better than nothing." Steel replied just as his stomach started to growl. "Want me to bring you anything?"

"Nah. I had a few apples after I woke up. I'm good."

"Alright then." He said before turning and going down the stairs. As he walked, he looked up in the sky at a few clouds overhead. As he did, something caught his eye. A little black dot between two of the clouds. But when he blinked and looked again, he couldn't see it anymore. He kept looking at that exact spot, but nothing was there other than the clouds. "I must be seeing things." He said before walking inside.

---

Spitfire laid on her bunk after having finished eating her apple. Her stomach growled for more, but she didn't have any more food to give it. As she laid there, she closed her eyes and tried to go back to sleep until the sound of something clanging against the bars of her cell startled her enough to make her roll off of the bunk and land on the metal floor.

"On your hooves, prisoner!" She heard a guard, most likely a changeling disguised as a guard, say. "Your presence is requested on the bridge by King Sombra!"

Spitfire grunted as she struggled to get back to a standing position. The heavy chains around her body made it difficult to move. As she turned to face the bars, she found a group of three guards on the other side staring directly at her.

"And what exactly does he want?" She asked in a defiant tone.

"You'll soon find out." One of them replied. "Now either you come with us on your own. Or we slap this collar around your neck and drag you out of there like a dog." To prove they weren't bluffing, one of them had produced a metal collar with a chain attached to it. Spitfire sighed as she saw that and reluctantly nodded to come on her own. "There's a good mare." The guard said while another unlocked her door and motioned for her to move.

"If these chains weren't around my body, I'd make you all regret taking me prisoner." She said in her mind as she walked out of her cell and started following the lead guard while the other two flanked her sides. As they walked, she couldn't help but wonder what it was that she was going to see.

Once out on the deck, Spitfire stopped and breathed in the fresh air. After being stuffed inside a cell for a while, the fresh air was a welcome change.

"Keep moving!" One of the guards behind her said before shoving hard against her flank, sending the pegasus mare forward. Spitfire instantly glared back at the guard, wanting to make him pay.

"Do... that.. again. I dare you." She said through gritted teeth, making the guards around laugh at her.

"Is that supposed to be a threat?" He asked. "You're hardly in a position to be doing that. Now unless you really want that collar on, I suggest you move your flank." Spitfire just kept glaring back at the guard until she started to walk again.

"If I find a way to get out of these chains, you'll be the first to get it." She said in her head as the group started walking up some stairs that led to the bridge. After several minutes, Spitfire found herself walking onto the bridge of the warship. Before Sombra took possession of this ship, she had been there many times prior. But now, she felt sick being there. Barely just a few feet away, King Sombra stood in front of one of the windows looking out ahead of the ship.

"Your Highness." The lead guard said. "We have brought the prisoner as you requested."

"Thank you." He replied. "Now leave us."

"Yes sir." The guard replied before he and the others quickly left, leaving Spitfire and Sombra alone with only the guards controlling the ship left.

"Now. My dear Commander." Sombra said as he turned to look at Spitfire. "You will remain here until our... guest of honor has arrived." After saying that, his horn glowed with magic. Soon, Spitfire felt her hooves start to tingle and looked down to find them encased in crystal. She struggled in several attempts to move them but found her efforts in vain as she was stuck to the floor.

"Why are you doing this?" Spitfire asked. "Innocent ponies will die! The rules of engagement clearly state that you can't fire on an unarmed ship!"

"That may be true." He replied as he started circling around her. "You ponies always seem to try and do things the right way. But I'll let you in on a little secret of mine." He then stopped and leaned in close to Spitfire's ear, his lips just inches away. "I don't care about your rules." He said in a calm tone. "What I'm doing is something I like to call... unrestricted warfare. Nothing you say is going to stop me from doing this." After hearing him say that, Spitfire's pupils shrank in horror.

"Sir!" A guard standing outside called out. "Our scout is coming back!" Moments after hearing that, Spitfire saw a changeling land on the bridge wing. This changeling was wearing a set of goggles that she had never seen before. Sombra just smirked at Spitfire before going over to the changeling.

"Report." He calmly ordered.

"Your Majesty." The changeling said before bowing. "The target is less than 30 miles away and closing rapidly on our position."

"Excellent." Sombra replied before turning to look at the guards on the bridge. "Reverse all engines and turn to heading 120. Bring all of our guns to face the port side and await orders. Once we're stopped, we'll wait for them to come to us."

These orders confused the restrained mare as she watched the guards do as they were ordered.

"You do realize the moment that ship spots us, they're going to turn away. Right?" She asked. "They aren't going to miss seeing a stopped battleship in the middle of the ocean."

"I'm well aware of that, Miss Spitfire." Sombra replied as he looked back at her. "Which is why I've prepared a little... surprise for Captain Blade and his crew."

Next Chapter: Chapter Eight Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 20 Minutes