As the ponies watched, Ellis and Twilight talked events such as humanity's space age, the beginning of the Colony Age, and the rise of the IMC and the response of the Frontier Militia.

"So, this...IMC...is basically a business conglomerate with military powers?" Twilight asked.

"Yes. The IMC consists of nearly every large company in the systems. What they don't own, they mercilessly exclude till they go bankrupt, and then, the IMC buys them. There's over 70 companies under the IMC flag." Ellis said.

Why?" Twilight asked. "I mean, why do they have military powers like a government?"

"Because it was given to them." Ellis said. "The old colonial governments were desperate to control their populace, and such, called in the IMC to "enforce" colonial law. Most of these governments were soon dissolved and the IMC ushered in martial law, under total IMC government. Most dissenters were silenced."

"I see. How'd the Militia respond, then?" Twilight asked, flinching at the term "silenced."

"The Militia was formed as a result of a takeover on the world of Harmony. When a coup sponsored by the IMC was attempted, the populace there defended the capitol building from IMC ground forces. The IMC brought in Titans to wipe the demonstrators out. As a result of the massacre that happened, the people there rose up and formed the Militia. We threw the IMC off Harmony, and at that, some IMC commanders defected to us. They trained us, supplied us, and taught us how to fight. We became an effective fighting force. We've been fighting the IMC since then." Ellis said.

"Do you know how many have died?" Twilight asked.

"No." Ellis said. "I haven't checked the most recent casualty counts. Not that they don't matter, but I believe focusing on death dulls your experience in life." Ellis said.

"Okay, then. How did you come here?" Twilight asked.

"The IMC recently attempted to build a weapon using the Space-Time fold that could destroy entire planets. We destroyed it, but the operation cost us one of our few remaining capital ships. The IMC wanted to reuse the tech from the weapon to build a Warp Core, one that could outpace our current cores by a long shot. We retrieved Professor Kowalski there…" Ellis said, motioning to him. "...and his data on the core. We were en route to Harmony to regroup with the 6-4 and the Marauder corps when our core malfunctioned and we crashed here."

"So, do you think the IMC is coming here?" Twilight asked.

"I do not know, Princess." Ellis said. "The IMC certainly has the capabilities to find this planet, but seeing as our last recorded location was unknown space, for the moment, the residents of this world are safe."

"That's a relief." Twilight said. "Judging from what you've told us, I don't think we'd be able to resist them for very long."

"Indeed." Ellis said. "Well, I have a ship to attend to, so move along. Tell whoever leads this country we come in peace, and are open to full diplomatic negotiations." Ellis said. Twilight bowed, and the rest of the elements did so. Even Rainbow bowed, though she still looked disgruntled.

"McKenna, take them to the hangar." Ellis said. Daniel nodded and escorted the ponies to the elevator. Ellis smiled and looked back out the Bridge window to the forest below.

"Think we'll be safe?" Kowalski asked.

"Not for long, if the IMC finds us."Ellis replied.

"If they do?" Kowalski asked again.

"Then god help us all." Ellis said.

=========================

As the ponies stepped off the elevator, Twilight and McKenna shook hands before the Elements said their goodbyes and left, followed by the Guardsponies. Daniel watched them leave, and he crossed his arms and sighed.

"You okay, Daniel?" Kelly asked, walking over.

"Yeah. Just thinking." Daniel said. As the two pilots headed back to the elevator, Twilight and the elements arrived back at Ponyville in a flash of light. As they walked into town, the guards asked what they should do.

"Make sure nopony attempts to get near that crash site. I've got to send a letter." Twilight said, and the guards departed. Twilight walked into town hall, and the various citizens of the town looked back at them expectantly.

"We're safe." Twilight said. "They come in peace."

There was an audible release of tension from each pony in the room.

"For now, return to your homes and let us do our work. I've set up a guard perimeter to make sure nopony moves towards the ship unallowed. Get moving."

As the ponies walked out, Mayor Mare approached.

"You sure they can be trusted, Princess?" she asked.

"Yes. I met with the ship's captain. The meeting was very pleasant. I for one, have no reason to fear them." Twilight replied.

"I've take your word for it." Mare said.

"Let's go, girls."

Twilight and the others walked out and back to the castle, where they sat down, and promptly slouched out of exhaustion. Twilight got some writing materials out, and woke a grumpy Spike.

Dear Celestia,

All is well here. The humans aboard the ship (Yes, there are humans in the universe, I didn't believe it myself.) represent a faction of their species known as the Frontier Militia. They've been fighting a war to free their planets from a business conglomerate with military powers, called the IMC. From what I've heard or can reason, it's been a costly fight. Otherwise, the negotiations went smoothly, and they are open to official diplomatic talks with the Diarchy. They also have technology that far outpaces ours. Their "Warp Cores" can allow ships to travels between planets in fairly short times. They, most impressive of all, have in their ranks machine known as "Titans." They're like golems from ancient times , but they're entirely made of metal. They can even speak to their "pilots"! Though I was not able to find out specific details about them, their presence was enough to rally the soldiers that accompanied the team that met us to a very impressive point. I think that a formal meeting of the Species on the Equus landmass with the Militia leaders would be mutually beneficial.

Anyway, we're all safe and sound, though Rainbow was a bit of a pain at times. She wasn't very...trusting...of the humans, and was almost restrained before things calmed down. I've already spoken with her about it.

So, as I said, all clear.

Twilight.

Twilight sent the letter, and a few minutes later, received a reply.

Dearest Twilight,

I'm relieved to hear of your success. This "Frontier Militia" could prove to be a valuable ally to our world. However, I wish to meet with the Militia captain in person. Before we can arrange a Council, there will be more things that need done. If you can contact the Militia with these news, I would be grateful.

Celestia.

Twilight wrote her reply, and sent it. As she walked downstairs, she relayed the news from Celestia to her friends, who were pleased to hear it, apart from Rainbow, who merely nodded. As they waited, Twilight glanced over at the clock.

"Sweet Celestia, it's late. Everypony head home. Let's get some sleep."

"Ah second that." Applejack said.

As the elements departed, Twilight and Spike headed back upstairs.

=============================

Ellis and Daniel looked out the bridge viewport to the forest below, as the sun slowly rose over the land.

"How long has it been since you've seen a sunrise, pilot?" Ellis asked.

"A while." Daniel replied. "I can't say."

"I'll say this, McKenna." Ellis said. "It's one of the most beautiful sights you'll ever see."

"True." Kelly said, walking in.

"Anderson, good to see you." Ellis said. "What's the status of the ship?"

"No dead, 32 wounded, none critical. We made it out alright. However, engineering reports that unless we get enough reserve power to use our lift engines, we're not going anywhere."

"Good." Ellis said. "Can we be tracked, Professor?"

"Most likely, no." Kowalski said. "So far, the odds of the IMC finding us here is very slim to none. Even if their core malfunctioned, it would take a miracle to land here."

Ellis nodded.

"Pilot, I'm sending you to the village the ponies came from. Take a squad and your Titan with you. If you need me, radio."

"Yessir." McKenna said. As he walked out, Ellis smiled at the rising sun.

"Let's get to work." He said quietly.