"Captain's Log Stardate 51890.2

"We have just arrived in Sector 21-8B, locally known as the Equus System, for the purpose of making first contact. The planet of Equestria is a large M class world still in its Pangaea phase of development. There are a few large islands but only one continent. The world is at the edge of the solar system of 24 Celestial bodies. Luckily the planet has a small dwarf star orbiting it as well as a small moon, both are about 1000 miles in diameter.

"There are several species on the planet but I intended to focus my attention on the ones who actually achieved FTL. They are a race of Equines that's name roughly translates to 'ponies'.

"They are a race of quadrupes that resemble Earth's horses. It is not uncommon for lifeforms to evolve down a similar evolutionary track but this planet is the first we have discovered where creatures out of Earth mythology evolved as senient beings, such as Unicorns and Pegasus.

"They are not exactly like horses as they have a much smaller muzzle and far larger eyes, taking up most of their head and giving them a far greater field of vision then a horse. They are also very small lifeforms with the average height generally being about 4 foot tall. That's only if you measure generously from hoof to head instead of shoulder like your supposed to with horses.

"They have a bright colorful coat of fur with their genitalia located inside their bodies like a reptile's. As such they do not have a concept of 'shame' regarding nudity and only wear clothing on special occasions.

"They have a sixth sense which allows them to interact with subatomic particles and internal energies. How this Energy comes out is different between species. 'Earth Ponies' have enhanced physical abilities and a deep connect to nature. Pegasus can manipulate weather patterns and use their energies to fly at great speeds despite their wings being to small to logically lift their bodies. Well Unicorns can use their horn to bend the laws of physics or out right break them in some cases.

"Even though they understand the science behind these abilities they still insist calling it 'magic', revealing a primitive mindset. I suppose I should be grateful they at least attempt to understand the science even if they cling to archaic words for it.

"I have just spent the last 6 hours listening to the research team charged with observing the inhabitants of Equestria and I need to say I wish the situation was more promising.

"They seem a very superstitious civilization, clinging to the idea of magic governing their world, yet they have somehow outfitted a ship with a working warp drive engine... a wooden ship... the truly bizarre thing is they actually got it working through creating an artificial environment generator combined with some of the most impressive Deflector shields the Federation has ever seen. All created through some kind of complex energy manipulation instead of traditional technology.

"They successfully tested a... sail boat, some months ago and since then have been modifying a large galley for the purpose of using it as an exploratory vessel. They have been meticulously preparing not only their technology but training a crew.

"Speaking of their technology it is a mishmash of medieval contraptions and advanced energy manipulations not even the Federation is capable of.

"They have a complex network of light speed trains but don't have cars. They have Dilithium based power but never experimented with fossil fuels or simpler methods of electricity. They use primitive film based cameras yet for entertainment they use home projectors capable of sound and complex colors and effects, much closer to 21st century technology yet still using film. Although they watch Home movies through these projectors they don't have traditional television shows. Instead they listen to audio Dramas over the radio and listen to music. They have a style of music very similar to dubstep using the same electricity based instruments but powered directly by a small Dilithium battery. They have wireless earphones with built in compact radios but they still use record players.

"There technology is so inconsistent it's like they just skipped over 3000 years of technological growth well never experiencing half of it, imply their development wasn't natural. At some point in their history someone likely exposed them to remnants of the greater galaxy,"

Picard sighed. The old Starship Captain feeling his age in that moment, "It's a miracle they haven't killed themselves," he muttered before moving on.

"They have a strong matriarchy with the females of the species being in charge, much like Earth Equines. However in recent centuries males have been allowed more freedoms and obtained completely equal rights.

"Although they are allowed in the military a male's duty in these positions is often informing a female in authority of an issue and then letting them handle it. They are only allowed in combat through extra training in specialized branches.

"With how few males there are females tend to shelter and coddle them and have a strong instinct to look out for them well still romanticizing about a strong male capable of defending them, based on their literature.

"Speaking of literature their written language seems like nothing more then scribbles at first glance but is actually a complex alphabet similar to cursive. It likely evolved as such because they have to hold their writing utensils in their mouth.

"Their government seems to be made up of a stable Alliance of City States ruled over by a joint Senate. Where the Senators double as mayors of their city state. However they only meet for one week out of the month to discuss national policy and budget.

"Although they have a Senate the government is largely ruled by a matriarch, who does not have absolute power but near enough. The Senate must vote with a 70% majority to contradict her rulings. Their purpose is largely to rule over the City States as elected officials and to keep the matriarch from doing anything too extreme. The Senators don't even have absolute power in their city either, as they must answer to a council of nobles, called Governesses, for their city.

"In addition to a Mayor some City States have a matriarch of there own who is above them but lower then the ruler of Equestria. On rare occasion the Equines will go through a metamorphosis where they gain both wings and a horn, becoming an 'Alicorn'. The Equines believe these individuals have achieved 'enlightenment' and therefore put them in positions of authority as both ruler and religious figure head. When someone 'ascends' into an Alicorn they are crowned 'Princess' with their descendants being held as nobility, often becoming Governesses of a city state. Although it is rare there are males in government positions.

"At least they appear to be a peaceful race. If anything they are overly forgiving, meaning it might be easy for the less savory types to take advantage of them. Although they are capable of defending themselves through their unique abilities,"

Picard sighed, "That is all relevant data that has been collected. As I said this race is far from promising but, due to our war with the Borg, Starfleet is desperate to open up negotiations with as many planets as possible. They are hoping this race's unique abilities will allow us an advantage in the fight. Regrettably that means the Federation may intend to turn their race into cannon fodder-"

"Will you allow that Jean-Luc?"

Picard groaned turning around to see Q sitting on his coach.

"These ponies are such a peaceful lot," Said Q, oddly serious, "And you're Federation claims to be so enlightened,"

"What's this Q?" the human Captain glared, "I'm in no mood for more of your games,"

"No..." Q voice remained disturbing calm, "No games Captain, just a courtesy. If even one pony dies as a result of your war I will not be giving you a second chance. I will exterminate every last man, woman, and child, every weeping bab. I will wipe humanity from the face of the Galaxy. I will irradiate your entire species from time itself so you never even existed at all,"

Picard stared at Q a moment. He wasn't acting at all as he knew him. There wasn't a trace of smugness or his juvenile nature. He wasn't shouting nonsense or trying to teach an unwanted lesson through underhanded and unethical means. He was legitimately threatening all of mankind with extinction. Something that contradicted everything they new about the Continuum's interest in humanity.

"Why?" Picard asked.

Q just raised an eyebrow.

"Obviously you aren't acting on the Continuum's interest, and you yourself have spent a good deal of time molding humanity. So I can't help but wonder, what makes these Equines so special. If they were just another of the races you were tormenting you wouldn't be threatening humanities extension for disturbing them,"

Q... smiled. It wasn't like his normal mocking smile but was almost... nostalgic?

"I had forgotten how inquisitive humanity is. That was one of my favorite attributes of your species. And let's not forget you, particularly, are a clever one. I now remember why I enjoyed my role as your guide so much,"

"Guide? You tormented us, constantly pulling us into your vicious games,"

"Which you always came out the better for," Q dismissed, "I might have had some fun along the way but I always had humanities best interest at heart. At least until you creatures proved how little you changed. Everything you claimed humanity had left behind, all those principles you were so proud of. The Federation abandoned them the second they were backed into a corner.

"You're race returned to doing ever underhanded and immoral thing it was famous for the moment you got in a war with a civilian superior to your own. Just how many compromises did Starfleet force you to make to save themselves from the Dominion?"

"Too many," Picard admitted.

"But you beat your enemy and realized those tactics worked. So now you're doing it all again against the Borg,"

"Would you rather we join the collective?" Picard glared, "These ponies of yours are in just as much danger from the Borg as ourselves. They will have to protect themselves. The Federation could help,"

"Really? You'd help them," Q eyed doubtfully, "Would you give them Technology? Medicines?... Weapons? Would you break your precious Prime Directive for them?"

"You know I can't,"

"No, you are one of the few humans who still clings to your morals but they didn't save you did they?" Picard first expected that comment to be mocking but on closer inspection of Q he realized the entity was actually showing sympathy, "I admire your values, even the ones I don't agree with, but that isn't what the ponies need to survive out here. They have their own values. Ones they won't abandon, ones they don't lord over others. They are the ideal your Federation pretends at... would you willingly destroy that?"

Picard didn't answer, he didn't know if he could.

"Look at their world, really look at it. Don't focus on their terminology which offends your human sensibilities. They have dozens of races living on one planet. Entire species that couldn't be more different, and yet they are living in peace with all them. They won over all of them with hardly a conflict between the nations.

"They never had slaves or race riots, poverty and hunger were ended centuries ago. Even the males, who were kept subservient for Millenniums, wasn't out of a sense of superiority but practically. With so few males being born the species would have died out if they hadn't sheltered them. Even then, when they developed potions, fine 'Formulas' if it insults your sensibilities..." Q sighed seeing Picard's outraged face at the term 'potion'.

"The point is when they found a way for a female to impregnate another female using a drop of blood in a 'formula', do you know how long it took them to give males completely equal rights? One year. Once they found a way to preserve the species without oppressing males they were rather quick to correct themselves.

"They are not perfect but they do not claim to be. What they are is able to admit when they are wrong and quick to forgive the flaws in others,"

"You..." Picard stared at Q for a moment but couldn't keep his shock to himself, "You care about them,"

"Not at first, at first they were play things like the rest of you but... they showed me acceptance, understanding, even... kindness. I do more then care for them Jean Luc. I would say I treasure them, might even go so far to say I love many of them... So imagine what I'll do if you allow your Federation to get them mixed up in your war,"

Picard eyed for a moment, "I'll make it clear to Starfleet, the Equines are under your protection,"

"I'd appreciate that," Q stood up, "And don't misunderstand me. I have no issue with the Federation building a relationship with my little ponies. Just don't drag them down to your level,"

Picard eyed, "I take it that means you expect us to protect them from the Borg well not involving them in the war,"

"Clever Clever," Q grinned, "There are certain things, key moments, I am forbidden to involve myself in. I can't protect them from the dangers they would face in the greater galaxy. It would stunt their growth, make them dependent on me. It would become obvious they are unworthy of continuing... that's the last thing I want,"

"Unworthy," Picard rolled the word over his tongue with disgust, "You admit you actually care, no in your own words 'love', these lifeforms and yet you still intend to test their worthiness as you did humanity,"

"It's not just me," Q explained, "If it was I'd likely just rid the galaxy of every threat to them and let them spend eternity in happy peace. Unfortunately I can't. There is an entire Continuum out there and even more beings you don't understand,"

Q eyed the Captain a moment and decided to say, "Humanity may very well be part of this some day so I should explain, for old time's sake. We test you, because we have to. Pocket Dimensions like this one grow on the universe like moles. Too many threaten it's health. Big ones like this must be observed carefully for fear it turn cancerous. Some times they even bump into each other, destroying each other and leaving open wounds on the main body of the universe. Too many of those could very well kill the universe itself.

"That is the purpose of higher beings such as the Q. We repair the damage and try to prevent the wounds from occurring in the first place. We do this... by cutting off the more cancerous moles. Universes we find as unworthy of surviving we destroy. I know what you will say Jean Luc. You think that makes us monsters but in truth we are more like antibodies. If we didn't do our job the universe itself, and all the pocket dimensions growing on it, world die.

"I exist in Multiple dimensions at once, testing them all well having a bit of fun... I showed you what it was like once. I let you experience time as if you were a being in Multiple moments happening all at once. This universe was judged unworthy and I gave you the chance to save it, and you did, even if you didn't fully understand what you were doing. You think me cruel but I convinced the Continuum to give you one last chance. If it wasn't for me your entire dimension would have been cast into the void. You've been given a second chance but it's been agreed that humanity will no longer be the race that decides if this dimension lives. Now it is the ponies turn. What they do and how they evolve will determine if you are truly worthy of survival,"

"... Why them?"

"Because they are the best of you. The Continuum thought it was you at first but humanity let us down with how you behaved during the Dominion war. True you acted in the same way as your counterparts in the main universe but I'm sad to say in order to be judged worthy you actually have to be better then them. The beings in the main universe can do whatever they want. They are the control group that you are judged by and you fell short.

"These ponies proved their goodness though as they usually do in most universes. Then they went beyond by discovering warp before their counterparts. They've done everything right and I hope will continue to do so. They are not the only ponies out there in the multiverse but they are extraordinary. How they handled me was proof of that... You're no longer the focus, and you should be thankful to be rid of that burden. But now these ponies are. What they do as they sail the stars will prove if your universe is truly worthy of surviving,"

"And the Borg is there test?" Picard speculated.

"Borg? No... not yet. Not all test are found in battle. I thought you understood that?" Q looked disappointed, "The Borg are just something I personally don't want the ponies involved in at this moment. The Continuum couldn't care less if you dragged the ponies into your war. We know they would win it for you, but I am not willing to let millions of them die for the glory of serving your name. Not when they are so much better then the lot of you. A war between the ponies and Borg would prove nothing to the Continuum as they would not be making any real mortally questionable decisions during it. They'd just be battling monsters.

"No the Continuum has a different test in mind to truly judge their character. To see if they are capable of shaping this entire dimension into something worthy of the space it takes up. These test will likely last for hundreds if not thousands of years, but the first test. That is always the most important. It will determine if the Continuum even bothers with future endeavors. If they fail we will not be cruel and end this dimension's existence as painlessly as possible,"

Picard glared, "Including the ponies you love,"

"You misunderstand," Q shrugged, "As I said before I exist in multi dimensions simultaneously. I am surrounded by billions of various pony civilizations. I care for all of them and well losing one will be painful it will not be as great a loss as you imagine,"

Picard growled, "Just when I was beginning to think there was something redeemable about you,"

Q glared, "That's your problem Jean-Luc. Where you, as a species, fail. You think that because I experience emotion differently then you that I am somehow inferior to you. You're entire race is remarkably judgment of things with a different concept of mortality then yourselves. I am an immortal being, charged with measuring the worthiness of entire dimensions. That's billions of trillions of lives. Yes there are individuals here I truly dread to lose but I know they will die. If not now then centuries down the line.

"Yes it will be painful to lose them but life goes on. I will grieve and move on just like everyone else when they lose someone. The only difference is where you grieve over a single friend I often find myself weeping over the lose of entire dimensions, but still I except that is part of my life because it is better then losing them all,"

Picard eyed him, "You're trying very hard to make me understand you. Explaining the very secrets of life in a hope I will give you absolution,"

Q smiled sadly, "You might not believe this, and most likely don't feel the same way, but I always considered you a friend,"

"... you think the Equines will fail their test..."

"... I think... you will get in the way. That your Federation, in it's oh so superior enlightenment, will try to meddle. You can't help it. It's how you are. I think, now that you know all this, you will feel obligated to insert yourselves in the ponies lives and try to guide them through their test as if you hadn't failed your own,"

"You're counting on it," Picard realized, "Humanity getting in the way is part of their test. You're not just warning me through your own self interest but trying to get the Federation as an obstacle in whatever you have planned for the Equines. You're trying to see if we would doom the universe by trying to save it,"

Q smiled, an oddly satisfied smile, "It seems I said too much. Yes Jean-Luc, you're an obstacle... but not the test. That involves another culture. A familiar face though you don't realize the ponies have met,"

Picard sighed, "More riddles and secrets, I thought you were being frank with me for once,"

"I can't tell you everything. If you ever sit on my throne you'll understand why but for now it's too much for you to grasp. You may think highly of yourself but you aren't a god, not yet,"

"You may claim to be omnipotent but you are not God," Picard was adamant.

Q smiled, that mocking grin was back and any hope of getting any more answers was gone, "Lower case 'g' Moi Captain, and although it offends your sensibilities it doesn't change what I am..." Then he sighed, "The pieces are on the board. It's time for the test to begin... pencils ready Captain. Let's see how well you lot do on the final," and with that he was gone in a white flash.

Picard stood in his ready room, trying to process what he just learned. Unfortunately he didn't have the time. The door opened and several security officers ran in with phasers armed.

"What is the meaning of this?" Picard asked.

The chief of security, a Klingon named Worf, spoke up, "We have been trying to contact you for several minutes but the door to your room was locked,"

Picard groaned, "Q," pinching the bridge of his nose.

Worf nodded and signaled to the others to leave, "It's likely he wanted to stall us,"

Picard blinked, "Too what end?"

"A ship just landed on Equestria. It's been identified as a Ferengi vessel,"

###

"Captain Solopax," Filthy Rich grinned as the ugly creature walked towards him.

It was only about as tall as a pony but walking upright on two legs like a Minotaur. It had orange wrinkly skin despite being a young adult, a skinny body, a large head, and larger ears. As well as the sharp teeth of a predator. Of course it was always better to be friends with a predator then risk ending up their lunch. It wasn't like Filthy didn't do business with other predators.

"Mister Rich," The creature gave a toothy grin as he walked over to the counter. "It's good to see you again. Were you able to collect more of those crystals for me?"

"Of course," Filthy smiled, "The Pies have been working hard on their rock farm, mining out the material. They are quite happy to have a steady income of bits. Usually they just get a small check from the government for creating erosion,"

Solopax nodded, "Yes I am amazed by how this world seems frozen in space. You have to manually control natural itself,"

"Most ponies have gotten so used to it to the point they find the notion of nature acting like, well nature, frightening," Filthy decided to make small talk as he began walking towards the back.

He found it helped business practices if he treated his clients like friends. Not to mention that this was a special case. Filthy was acting as an ambassador of his world for all intensive purposes. These creatures knew nothing of ponies and he knew nothing of them. To help future relations between their cultures he had to be a good host. Thankfully these creatures had a strong respect for male merchants.

"That seems a strange mindset to have" said the wrinkly orange bipedal.

"Well, it's been this way for a thousand years," Filthy explained, "Discord, the spirit of chaos, spend a long time toying with the laws of nature. Even after he was defeated the world was filled with such scars from his magic it kinda just... stopped. Luckily all the various pony tribes came together and began using their unique types of magics to get the world going again. It takes a lot of work but we've gotten used to it as a matter of course,"

Finally reaching the door to the storage, Filthy quickly lead the creature inside but groaned seeing his wife, Spoiled Rich, talking down to the staff as was usual for her. This certainly wouldn't look good to his new client.

"Sweet Heart?" Filthy tried.

"Not now Filthy," She huffed, "I'm getting this incompetent buffoons to reorganize the shelves. They got them in the most obscure order you could ever imagine,"

Filthy sighed, whenever his wife came into the store she always messed everything up. He felt doubly bad for the employees because they would just have to move everything back to the system they were supposed to be using as soon as she left otherwise they would be confused for months. He'd better close the shop early and give them a hoof. A whole day wasted, at least he was about to get a nice paycheck today as the go between for the Pies and Ferengi Captain.

"O-okay dear but... do you mind if I get two or three of them? I need help moving the Crystals into Captain Solopax's ship,"

Spoiled huffed again, "Just take a unicorn. That should be more then enough,"

"Actually," said the only Unicorn in his employ, "I can't really lift any more with telekinesis then I could physically,"

"Then what good are you?" Spoiled scuffed.

The Unicorn got a little defensive, "Hey I got my cutie mark in retail, not magic,"

"ARE YOU TALKING BACK TO ME!?" Spoiled screamed.

"No I-" The Unicorn tried to take it back but Spoiled won't hear of it.

"You're fired! Get out of my shop!"

The Unicorn glared and walked away from.

When he reached the door of the Storage room Filthy quickly got his attention, well Spoiled attention had already moved to chastising the others, "Just come back tomorrow, she won't remember you,"

The Unicorn glared at Spoiled a moment, who already forgot he existed, "No... thanks for the offer Mister Rich but it's not worth it,"

"I'll... I'll raise your pay, 3 extra bit an hour," Filthy promised.

"No offense Mister Rich, I think the world of you but no job is worth this,"

Filthy's ears pinned back, "I... I'm sorry you feel that way. Best of luck in your endeavors and feel free to accurately mark down on your resume that you quit here. I'll verify that if any of your future employers contact me,"

"Thanks," The Stallion smiled and walked away.

The Ferengi looked confused, "Why did you offer him so much to stay?"

Filthy sighed, "It's hard to find a pony with a cutie mark in sales. He was one of my best employees,"

The Ferengi looked even more confused, "How could you let a female sabotage your business like this?"

"Well... this may be my family's company but Spoiled is the head of my household, thank Celestia not the family. She married me centuries ago and I was really pleased when she took my name instead of insisting I take hers but... honestly I just think she did that for the recognition of being a Rich.

"Our marriage was arranged by the head of my Family, my mother Insanely Rich, for business and political reasons... Mom was mad grandfather didn't leave the company to her when he stepped down but was proud of me for inheriting the business side of things. I've always had a good head for business. However mom thought I needed a strong mare by my side to help me so she married me off to Spoiled for her connections in high society,"

"You... were married off... to her..." The Ferengi seemed baffled by this.

"I know arrange marriages aren't as common as they used to be but they still happen, especially when old money is involved. Thankfully Diamond is starting to take my lessons with her on business and mutual respect more seriously. Mom is getting up in years and thinking of stepping down in a century or so. Then She'll hoof over the family duties and control of the family vault to Diamond... I think she'll do a good job. Ever since she became friends with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, they're a little club of fillies, she's really turned over a new leaf,"

The Ferengi was just starting at him, "You mean to tell me... the females are in charge of this world?"

Filthy blinked confused, "Well Stallions have gotten more positions in government in recent centuries but yes politics remains a largely mare dominant position. My grandfather actually received a hard time being a working Stallion 500 years ago but things have gotten much better,"

Solopax looked utterly offended for some reason, "How could you let females boss you around. How could you let your wife interfere with your business when she clearly doesn't understand anything about it,"

Even though Filthy realized Solopax wasn't really asking he felt compelled to answer, "I imagine it's different where you come from but here there are far more mares then there are stallions. Mares had to micromanage us and even control our breeding habits at one point or our species would have suffered from inbreeding at best and extinction at worst. Those aren't really issues anymore but-"

"So for your species MALES are the weaker of the sexes?" The Ferengi gaped.

"Errrr... yes?" Filthy admitted. In a literal sense mares were physically stronger, "But between you and me I like to think Stallions are smarter,"

Solopax groaned, rubbing his head, still clearly confused and agitated by this news.

"It isn't really so complex. Although we have a strong matriarchy Stallions have all the same right as Mares. We can even serve in the military now... Although only specialized factions allow us in actual combat... that's not helping is it?"

Solopax glared, "No,"

"Well all species are bound to experience culture shock at times when developing relations. From what you're implying you have a male dominant society and in all honestly I don't really get how that could work. It wouldn't for ponies anyway but I'm sure it works brilliantly for you,"

Solopax sighed, rubbing the wrinkles on his forehead. He suddenly grew cold, "All I say is if your wife dares speak to me like that our business is through,"

"I'll make sure we stay out of her way but... maybe it be best if you waited in you ship? I'll start bringing in your order right away,"

Solopax sighed, "Very well," and went back to his ship.

As the Ferengi left Filthy sighed and went back to his wife to try, again, to get some of his employees away from her so they could actually do their jobs.

After 20 minutes of shameless pleading Filthy managed to get his wife to leave and his employees finally got around to moving the crates of crystals onto the Ferengi ship just outside.

Filthy wasn't sure why the Ferengi wanted so many crystals. Sure they were a good magical conductors but all you needed was one to power a city for a few years. However the Captain Ferengi was buying hundreds of crates full. Still he was being quite generous with the amount of gold he was paying for them.

Filthy grinned gleefully as he watched the Ferengi move large chest after large chest of gold into his store vault.

"STOP!"

Filthy gave a yelp of surprise as he turned to see Princess Twilight running over to the ship. She was accompanied by the new Ponyville Royal guard. Even though Ponyville had turned into an official City State some years ago their Princess was rarely seen being escorted by the guard. She was known for being a Princess of the ponies and not willing to give in to many formalities. She didn't even like for her subjects to call her "Princess" and was on a first name basis with everypony.

"Twilight?" Filthy blinked.

"Sorry Filthy," The Princess stood as tall as her little body could, "But I've just received word that these Ferengi are cheating you and the Pie family,"

Filthy blinked, "I had the gold tested. It's perfectly authentic,"

"Except for the fact it's worthless to them!" Twilight exclaimed, "We were looking over the blue prints to the Alchemy Machine they sold us and it turns out gold is one of the easiest metals to create with it! Discord says it's just a common building material to the rest of the Galaxy! They've been cheating us for months,"

Solopax looked nervous, "Now you're highness-"

"Arrest these ponies!" Twilight demanded her guards.

The Ferengi crew quickly pulled out their phasers and pointed them at the guards.

Solopax grinned, "Now you're highness think this through. Our weapons are far more advanced then your Spears,"

The Alicorn's horn began to glow and all the Ferengi weapons turned into a swarm of butterflies and flew away.

The Ferengi stared at the Alicorn in horror.

"I suggest you come peacefully," Twilight warned.

"N-now Princess," Solopax stuttered, "No need for that. All we did was trade your species something valuable too you. What does it matter what it's value to us is?"

"You tricked hundreds of my citizens by trading them something that they can't even USE in the galaxy! You lead us to believe we could continue to do business with other races with our currency. We've been stuck piling gold for moons for the purpose of trading with other cultures who would have just laughed in our faces! You've held our space program back by months, MONTHS, and stunted the growth of our civilizations because of this prank!"

Solopax gulped as the guards began to escort them to the Castle.

###

Twilight sighed, sitting on her throne at the Cutie Map. Ever since she first conceived of the Warp Enchantment the Map had shown an image of the entire galaxy. It hadn't called them anywhere yet but it was clear it wanted to. It was just waiting for them to leave.

She still didn't fully understand the map but she knew it had purpose. It wanted them to help Equestria become a better place, and it had. All species were united under a single rule and all were treated equally.

When the Ferengi first appeared she thought the galaxy would be much the same. They seemed so nice and were eager to be friends.

"So what's the plan?" Discord suddenly appeared in a white flash and sat next to her in a throne of his own, "Keep them locked up in the Dungeon for all eternity?"

"Of course not,"

"Right of course, they need a trial first," Discord nodded.

Twilight sighed, "I thought things were going so well. The greater galaxy was welcoming us to the stars and we hadn't even finished our first Warp capable ship,"

"It's sad isn't it?" Discord gave a mocking grin, "Maybe friendship isn't as valuable as you think it is?"

"Valuable," Twilight rolled the word over her tongue as it clicked, "The Ferengi talked a lot about things being valuable or profitable. They seemed obsessed with it,"

"All the more reason not to trust them,"

"No, we've been treating them like ponies but they're not. They don't think like us. So we have to try to think like them,"

Discord raised an eyebrow, "Really? That's your big plan for them? Pat them on the back and say 'don't do it again',"

"No they would see us as weak then. We need to explain things to them in ways they would understand,"

Discord scuffed and Twilight glared, "I'd think you would be all in favor of giving somepony a second chance. If we weren't willing to you would still be a statue," she scolded.

"You forget Celestia had me imprisoned in that stone shell for a thousand years. Perhaps these aliens require similar treatment?"

"I'm not turning anypony to stone!"

"You turned me to stone,"

"You were trying to destroy the PLANET!"

"Just having a bit of fun," Discord pouted, "And I never actually meant any of you any harm. These creatures willfully tried to trick you. They robbed you of thousands of pounds worth of Latinum,"

"Latinum?" Twilight blinked

"It's what the galaxy use as currency as it can't be replicated," Discord yawned, "Froggy Bottom Bog is actually rich in it,"

Twilight sighed, "I guess that's good. We'll at least be able to convert our currency easily enough... I don't know how the Dragons will feel about gold being proven worthless.... DRAGONS!" Twilight suddenly yelled.

Discord smiled but said nothing.

Twilight continued anyway, talking herself through it, "The Ferengi are obviously obsessed with riches but it's more then that. It's almost like they NEED to collect wealth. Both Dragons and Griffins have a strong hoarding instinct which they express through collecting wealth or items of sentimental value. The Ferengi seem to behave in a similar manner, likely due to having a strong hoarding instinct!" She realized, "We can't treat them as ponies because they don't think like ponies. We need to treat them like Dragons! I know just what to do!" she got up and ran from the room.

After a moment Discord spoke to the now empty room, "It seems things are going well,"

There was another flash of white light and a gray pony appeared seated at the table, "You made things far too easy for them," the Stallion accused, "If the Federation had gotten involved this would have been a much greater test. But you went and scared them off!"

"It's not my fault Picard saw through me," Discord faked innocence, "Besides the test isn't over," Discord informed, "They have the entire Ferengi civilization to deal with. All they did was what they always do, try to understand those that did them wrong. They took the first step on that path, but will it be enough to persuade an an entire people with that mindset? They have a good track record so odds are good,"

"I still say letting them discover the secrets of the Borg would be a much better test,"

"We'll get to that, eventually, but now it's best if they keep their distance,"

"Take off the kid glove Q or we will replace you with someone actually willing to truly test these creatures," the pony disappeared in a flash of light.

"Try it and you'll burn long before this world does," Discord calmly informed but truthfully he knew his words were hallow. He couldn't take on the whole of the continuum. With a sigh he vanished in a flash of white light.

###

Twilight forced herself to walk calmly as she entered the Dungeon. She approached the bars of the cell and looked deeply at Solopax.

"I truly didn't mean anything by it," the Ferengi tried, "Gold really is valuable to you. All we did was give you what you wanted. Is it OUR fault what you wanted wasn't worth it's weight in paperclips!"

"How would you like to work for me?" Twilight smiled.

The Ferengi blinked.

"We obviously know nothing about the worlds beyond our own and your knowledge would be incredibly helpful to make sure we don't get conned by somepony else. We also need a spokespony for when we officially make contact with your world,"

"So I am to be an indentured servant?" Solopax drooped, "You want me to work off my debt,"

"No, you'll be paid, in crystals and precious gems. I looked at the blueprints of the Alchemy Machine and that can't seem to replicate anything magical. Besides we know the value of those so you won't be able to cheat us again,"

The Ferengi just kept staring at her, completely baffled.

"Everypony is entitled to a second chance. I'm giving you the opportunity to redeem yourself,"

"Why?" Solopax stared.

"It's what we do," Twilight shrugged, "Call it a flaw," she started to walk away, "You'll be spending your time down here til the next full moon but when you get out there will be a job waiting for you... if you want it... oh but as compensation for the trick we'll also be taking your ship. Allowing us to reverse engine your technology will be more then enough to cover your debts to us,"

Solopax actually smiled, "You're rather shrewd. I can respect that, even in a Female,"

Twilight tried not to be offended and just walked out. She could here the other Ferengi laughing at Solopax in what appeared to be camaraderie.

Twilight couldn't help but smile, that went well.