Author's Notes:

Edited:
Aug 31, 2019

Firebrand was sitting not so comfortably in his office as he was waiting for the Princess to show. He didn't want to put her on the spot in front of the crew. She might be an informal Princess but she was still an Alicorn rather she liked it or not. He couldn't afford to be seen yelling at her in public, if she chose to make a scene that is. Morale was low enough as it is.

"Come in," he called, hearing a knock at the door.

The door opened to reveal the Princess of Friendship. She quickly closed the door behind her and trotted in. She looked a little out of it herself, "You wanted to see me Captain,"

"Yes," Firebrand sat tall and tried to project a confident appearance, "I thought it only right that I inform you before the rest of the crew. Our long range sensors have picked up a habitable planet in the Star system we are approaching. I've decided we will be stopping there for a couple weeks to give the crew some much needed shore leave,"

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Twilight argued, "Things tend to be pretty urgent when the map summons you somewhere,"

"It will still be another month before we reach the Mass Relay at the center of it," Firebrand reminded, "Then it's an additional month and a half before we reach Ferenginar. We can't keep going like this. Tension among the crew just keeps building. If anything the crew is more anxious after getting the letters as it reminded them they won't see their families in person for another 5 years. They need to relieve stress. With respect, this is a courtesy notification. We will be entering the solar system within the hour and entertaining the planet's orbit shortly after,"

Twilight sighed, "I really don't think this is a good idea, Captain,"

"You entrusted me with the well being of this crew," Firebrand reminded, "Please believe me when I say that if we continue at this pace they will snap long before we reach Ferenginar,"

Twilight sighed again, "Alright Captain. Honestly I could use some rest myself... What does Solopax have to say about this planet?"

"I was waiting to get you to sign off before seeking his advice," Firebrand tapped on his phone and sent a text to the Ferengi ordering him to come to the Captain's office immediately.

Solopax was all smiles when he entered, the black not appearing to effect him as much as the rest of the crew, "Captain? Don't see you in here often. Was beginning to think the rumors were true and the big boy chair intimidated you,"

"In-intimidated!" Firebrand roared before choking back his irritation, "Whatever, just hurry up and close the door." he ordered and Solopax gave a shrugged before obeying. Once he was seated Firebrand asked, "Take a seat and tell us about the planet we are approaching."

"Which one, there are several habitable planets in the system we're aimed at,"

"How about one with ponies?" Firebrand insisted.

Solopax grinned, showing off his sharp teeth, "Well none have ponies, at least not of the Sentient variety, but one does have people,"

Firebrand rolled his eyes, "You're as bad as the Doctor when it comes to semantics,"

"It's not a semantic, Cap," Insisted Solopax, "It's actually something I've been meaning to talk to you about. A lot of races would take offense at being lumped together like that. People is a broad, inclusive, term which doesn't specify race. Most races are more accepting of that,"

Firebrand huffed, "Do you know anything about the planet or not?"

Solopax rolled his eyes at the dismissal of such an important topic, "My ship did a scan of the entire star cluster when we arrived, looking for worlds worth trading with. Shinobi World... wasn't one of them. They have very limited technology; basic computers but no wifi, short range radio but nothing better then a few miles. Evidence of more sophisticated tech in ruins which indicates they were more advanced at one point but lost it, likely from some kind of apocalypse. However they have recovered enough to have a functioning civilization. They are a rare breed of magical humanoid,"

"Humanoids?" Twilight blinked.

"The galaxy isn't as different as you imagine. A few billion years ago a race fondly remembered as the Engineers, seeing the end of their species for whatever reason, seeded the galaxy with their DNA. This caused all planets to go down a similar evolutionary track. That means all the basic animal kingdoms exist on almost every planet. They might look a little, or even vastly, different sometimes but their core traits can be linked with other lifeforms across the galaxy. Most races are indirectly related to each other because of these. Even we are distant evolutionary cousins,"

"REALLY!?" Twilight awed, "That's amazing! See Firebrand! I told you having a Ferengi aboard would help. We have so much to learn from them," she clapped her hooves.

Firebrand just gave another huffed, "I don't really see what that has to do with anything,"

Solopax rolled his eyes, "I was getting to that. See Humanoids are the most common intelligent lifeform to evolve, but usually they don't have magic so they aren't truly sentient and often driven by their base instincts. Even Ferengi have basic magic. Maybe not to the degree of you ponies but we do have a 6th sense when it comes to magic which allows use to create runes and potions to channel our internal energies. It is an extremely expensive field of study in my culture though. Usually only bankers can afford it,"

Twilight's eyes snapped open, "You have to PAY for an education!" In Equestria your skills and knowledge determined how far you could go.

You worked at you own pass in enchanted text books Doctor Whooves created. The books contained Equestria's entire understanding of the univers. Kids learned everything they could at their own pace. The books were even self grading for the homework and test in them. Teachers were mostly there to help kids when they got stuck but they also taught the kids through labs and other class participation activities to work on social skills and creative thinking.

True you had to pay for many kinds of apprenticeships but that was to apply knowledge you already knew in the real world. Even then it was only when learning under a single master of a trade that they sometimes asked for compensation. In those situations the master teaches on a one on one basis and usually mentors learned just as much from their apprentices. Even then there were many companies, and even universities of higher learning, which offered free apprenticeships, provided your grades were good enough. The very idea that you had to pay to learn the basics was insane.

Solopax just shrugged off this horrible offense against learning, "That was one of the things Grand Nagus Rom changed. He used taxes to fund a free university in every city on the planet, even had them built in small towns,"

"I think I'm going to like this Nagus," Twilight insisted.

Solopax rolled his eyes, "Grand Nagus is a title, not a name,"

Firebrand soft growled, "You two must be the most easily detracted ponies in the galaxy," well rubbing his temple with his hoof, "Seriously, Smart Mouth thinks less abstract then you, and he's Autistic!"

Solopax blushed and defended, "I'm only answering the questions I'm asked! That's my job! Blame the princess,"

Twilight was an even deeper shade of crimson in her purple fur. Her fur literally changing color as it tends to do. A Pony's facial fur were like mood rings, "Sorry, my fault. There is just so much to learn... so Humanoids?"

"Right, Humanoids," Solopax nodded, "They are like ants, culturally anyway as they are more closely related to apes genetically. They are amazing builders that can shape their landscape and think very inventively but still just animals at their core as they lack the magical sixth sense that defines sentience. Magical humans are very rare but even when they evolve they still have that primitive mindset despite meeting the galactic definition of sentience.

"You have to take extra care well trading with them to make sure they don't destroy themselves with what you give them. A responsible trader has to guide any primitive civilization they trade with so they are ready for the technology they buy. All citizens, not just humanoids, have a chance of killing themselves with science they aren't ready for so you have to make them ready by training them and guiding them. It can take decades to fully integrate a culture,"

Twilight nodded, "Flurry told me she was able to convince your former crew to work with the fleet she's building. A ferengi advisor will be on board every ship in the fleet to guide us as we form friendships with all planets of this Sector,"

Solopax smiled, "I know. I recieved quite a few eager letters from my crew, former crew. They are thrilled to be part of this new era of trade for your planet... They... have also made a request... I didn't know how to bring it up to you,"

Firebrand groaned, "Maybe bring it up later," he didn't really ask.

"No," Twilight disregarded Firebrand, "It's important to insure our newest citizens are adjusting well. I take it this is something your crew can't ask Flurry Heart?"

Solopax shook his head, "She doesn't have the means to deliver on this request. My crew was hoping, since we are headed to Ferengiar, that we might collect their families... not just their immediate families either. Since we are making Equestria our home and you don't really have the means for us to visit regularly-"

"I understand," Twilight nodded, "I'll tell Flurry to set up a new Ferengi distract for all of your families and future generations. We should probably extend the invitation to the friends of your crew, and their families,"

Solopax gaped, "Seriously?"

Twilight shrugged, "It's only practical. You're crew was only a few dozen. If Equestria is truly going to accommodate a new species we have to make sure your numbers are large enough to sustain a healthy population,"

Firebrand grinned, "She means she doesn't want to risk you guys inbreeding due to limited options,"

Solopax blushed, "I suppose that is... practical," still a bit insane though. Maybe she didn't realize how many people that was, "But Princess, our families would already be putting a few hundred Ferengi on your planet, add their friends and that's easily a few thousand,"

"Good," was Twilight's response.

Solopax gaped, "This ship can't possibly hold that many!"

"You're homes are completely self contained right?" Twilight asked, seemingly randomly. She really was very easily distracted. At least it seemed that way, "No pipes under the building thanks to everything being recycled through the Replicator?"

"...yes,"

"Good, then with the proper runes I should have no problem teleporting their homes to Ponyville. They will never need to get on the ship,"

"Seriously!?" Solopax gaped.

Firebrand waved off, "It shouldn't be that hard really. As long as there is somepony to lay down the runes where we want them in Ponyville the distance of transport doesn't matter. You just need two physical links. That is enough to bend space to the point a few months of traveling, by warp, becomes instantaneous,"

Solopax just awed. These creatures magical knowledge put them just short of gods and they treated it like it was no big deal.

Firebrand looked over at the princess with a bored expression, "The Doctor taught all of us rune crafting, so the apprentices you didn't want will easily be able to help you transport all the buildings in a day instead of a week,"

Twilight rolled her eyes, "I'll take your smugness to mean you are confident in their abilities,"

"I went to school with all these kids. The lowest educated amongst us still has an Expert level degree in runes," assured Firebrand, "You can leave it to them as you handle the diplomatic stuff,"

Twilight nodded and looked over at Solopax, "I'll write Flurry now and have her get us a list of Ferengi we need to extend the invitation to from your crew,"

###

A Few Hours Later

Twilight stood on the deck and looked up at the blue sky. A sky, a real sky, complete with the scent of salt in the ocean breeze, the sight of the sea. She had almost forgotten how beautiful it was outside the black.

They had just broken into the Planet's atmosphere and were flying a good 20 miles above the sea, slowly easing themselves down before they reach a nearby port. This entire world looked so beautiful with tall Ivory towers surrounded by green trees and little shops. She could see the inhabitants crowding around on the distant land looking up at them. It really was amazing to be outside the black.

"The longer you travel," Solopax explained as he stood by her, "The easier it gets. If you do this long enough there will come a day where you dread to leave the stars. Where your ship becomes home and the crew your family. Only coming planet side to trade and resupply,"

"The romantic in me wants to say that sounds wonderful," Twilight smiled but flushed a bit as she admitted, "But after spending over a month on this boat the realist in me thinks that sounds like Tartarus,"

Solopax chuckled, "There's a adjustment period but you get used to it. Then you'll start to love it,"

"Stockholm Syndrome at it's finest," Twilight joked.

Solopax chuckled, "You have a good sense of humor, for a female,"

The Princess rolled her eyes, then looked around as the left the ocean and began sailing over land. They sailed over the port and headed further inland.

"PRINCESS!!!" Firebrand screamed, running out of the observation lounge, "We're being hailed!"

Twilight blinked and looked at Solopax, "I thought you said they didn't have the means to contact us?"

"They don't," Solopax looked equally puzzled.

Firebrand explained, "It's not from the planet. We traced the signal to a ship hiding in the upper atmosphere,"

"A ship?" Twilight blinked but hurried to the observation lounge. Solopax was right behind her as she ordered, "Patch it through,"

A weird looking furless monkey appeared in the large crystal ball. Well almost furless, it had random patches of fur on the top of it's head and face.

Solopax violently snarled seeing it, "Hoo'mon!" he exclaimed.

The Hoo'mon glared back, "I should have know you lot would be behind this. Corrupting the horses already,"

"Who the buck you calling horses!?" Firebrand snapped, temporarily forgetting himself.

Twilight managed to keep a calmer head, "Gentlecolts please, there is no need to stoop to such language," She looked at the ugly creature and did her best not to let it's appearance get to her. It had such mundane coloring and a flat face, "I am Princess Twilight Sparkle of the planet Equestria. This is our Captain Firebrand, and our Advisor of Galactic Affairs Solopax. Would you kindly identify yourself?"

"Captain Indiana Jackson, representing The Untied Federation of Planets. State your reasoning behind making such a spectacle of yourselves," It ordered.

Twilight blinked, "Spectacle? We are simply looking for a place to land for shore leave,"

"Unacceptable," The Hoo'mon glared, "This is a prewarp civilization if I ever saw one. It goes against our highest laws to interfere with them,"

Twilight blinked again and looked at Solopax, "Is there some kind of charter of Galactic law we are unaware of?"

"No," Solopax continued glaring at the Hoo'mon, "The Federation just likes lording it's holier then thou morals over everyone they meet," Then he began yelling well pointing a finger at the screen, "We aren't even in Federation space and you're still trying to boss around hard working people! You're guest of this Sector and as the first Species to discover Warp drive within these boarders the ponies have far more right to dictate the rules here. You're in their territory, stop trying to assert your will on them,"

"There is a reason we don't interfere with prewarp civilizations. Your presence has already caused a panic on the surface!"

"Shut up!" Solopax snapped in a juvenile manner, "You're just mad we actually want to form relations with these creatures for trade,"

"THE HELL YOU ARE," The Hoo'mon roared, "I can't believe Picard actually decided to leave the horses to you Ferengi shites. You really are corrupting them. You can't trade with such a primitive culture! They'll destroy themselves with whatever you give them!"

"You just never bothered to put any effort into trading with 'inferior' lifeforms," Solopax did weird little air quotes with his fingers instead of his whole hand as ponies do... probably the weirdest thing to focus on during this conversation, "You have to guide them and prepare them for the technology you give them. It's called responsible trading,"

"It's called forcing your morals on primitive worlds," The Hoo'mon barked, "You're destroying their culture,"

"Oh yes because letting them die from disease and famine is so necessary to a culture!"

"Gentlecolts," Twilight tried again, "I'm afraid I'm at a lose here," she tried to be diplomatic, "I don't see the problem of touching down and mingling with these creatures. We ponies have found a healthy exposure to diversity is good for development. Sharing ideas is only-"

"Stop!" The Hoo'mon snapped, "Stop right there, 'sharing ideas' is exactly what we want to avoid," that sounded rather archaic, "These lifeforms aren't ready to know about the greater galaxy. They've barely discovered working plumbing!"

Twilight blinked, "If your not here to contact the inhabitants then why are you here?"

Solopax scoffed, "Isn't it obvious. They detected the Dilithium and are likely mining it without offering the rightful owners anything in return,"

Twilight gaped before looking back at the orb, practically begging the Hoo'mon to deny it with her eyes. The Hoo'mon just scoffed, offering no denial or defense.

There was a knock from no where, getting Twilight to look all around. Then a flash of white light and the crystal ball suddenly turned to static. After a moment Discord appeared in the ball, "Welcome to the second test of the semester," he declared.

"Test?" Twilight blinked.

"Your crew is in horrible danger," Explained Discord, "They will destroy your ship to uphold their values,"

"Back up!" Twilight demanded, "What did you mean by 'test'?"

"Yeah," Firebrand eyed, "What happens if we fail,"

"Then Everyone dies," Discord looked mournful, almost like the concept was too painful for him to think about. This... was serious.

"Errrrr..." Solopax stared, "Who is this?" He almost said, "What is that?" But he'd been in space too long to get away with such rudeness over an unfamiliar species, "Weren't we talking to the Hoo'mon a moment ago,"

"Sorry Discord, Solopax, Solopax, Discord," Firebrand suddenly seemed freakishly polite and cheerful, "Now that we have the pleasantries out of the way how about WE TALK ABOUT THE FACT HOSTILE ALIENS ARE PLANNING TO FIRE ON US!"

Discord waved off, "Oh relax, Time is frozen outside this little bubble, gives you a bit to decide what to do,"

Since they weren't on a time limit, Twilight went into further detail, "Discord is the spirit of Chaos. He got a little too wild with his games a long time ago and endangered our world. He's the reason we have to directly control all of nature, but we stopped him and reformed him,"

"You... tamed... a god," Solopax gaped.

Discord explained, "The ponies have the means to destroy even an elder god, thanks to some powerful magical artifacts. Instead they chose to imprison me. Then offered me compassion and understanding when my sentence was up, much like they did with you. They do have a very personalized justice system if you have noticed,"

Solopax had noticed, he actually thought it was a flaw on their part. They prefered to teach criminals to be better rather then punish them, giving a wrist slap at worse. They even made sure the wrong doers gained a career they would actually enjoy. Solopax took all this as another sign of their naive nature, but if it worked for even the gods that challenged their world...

"Discord," Firebrand got the god's attention, "You said they were getting ready to fire on us?"

"If that is what you heard," Answered the trickster.

"He said we're in danger," Twilight reminded, "Not that they would fire, or even who 'they' are. The danger could come from the ship, the planet's inheritance, or perhaps an unknown third party. You have to listen carefully when talking to Discord and not jump to any conclusions," Discord smiled fondly at her for that.

Although Discord could aggravate her, Twilight still tried her best to understand his perspective. He was a god. He didn't think or even feel the way mortals do but that does not mean he was without morals or emotions. Twilight understood that and respected it. She was what Picard should have been. Unfortunately, Twilight them looked at Discord expectantly.

Discord sighed, "Sorry Princess, no more clues, it's against the rules,"

Firebrand rolled his eyes, "Since when is the god of Chaos bound by rules?"

Discord huffed but Twilight beat him to it, "Since always," Said Twilight, "First time I met Discord he tricked me into playing a game with him that involved rules, very few but straight forward rules. After all what is choas without a hint of order,"

Discord gaped staring at her... this dimension's Twilight really was something. He should see if she would allow him to keep her soul after she died.

"So Discord," Twilight looked at the god, "Are these your own, spirit of the moment, rules or is it something else,"

"Both are equally important," Discord insisted with a huff.

Twilight rolled her eyes, getting a tad annoyed by the answer.

Discord sighed, "You are a space fairing Civilization now. The rules say I can only help you to a certain degree from this moment on,"

Twilight sighed back, "As if you weren't vague enough... your still going to have tea with Fluttershy though, right?"

"Of course. Social visits don't count as helping," Discord waved off, then got hard, "And don't think you can weasel information out of me through a technicality. Unlike with mortals, we gods could care less about the words of the law. It's spirit means everything,"

Twilight pouted, "Guess we should be grateful for the time freeze, gives us time to formulate a plan," She looked over at her captain, "So, my master tactician, how do we stop a hostile alien ship from stealing another world's resources without starting an interstellar war?"

Everypony in the room suddenly looked at Firebrand with less then confident expressions.

Firebrand coughed into his hoof and gathered himself, "Well diplomacy is the best option but if that fails we need to forcibly take back what they stole, without them being able to prove it was us,"

Discord raised an eyebrow.

Solopax scoffed, "How do you propose we do that?"

"The rogues," Firebrand insisted, "Rather the apprentices onboard with a Rogue class. We send them to sabotage their ship,"

Twilight frowned, "That seems a little harsh,"

"We just disable them," Firebrand insisted, "No ponies will get hurt on either side. Afterwards they will be more willing to hear us out,"

Twilight shock her head then looked over at Solopax, "How effectively are our shields if they choose to attack?"

Solopax shrugged, "Honestly? With your understanding of magical wards you have the most impressive shields in the galaxy. So long as you keep your runes charged with dilithium they would be incapable of damaging your vessel "

Twilight nodded, "And we have enough crystals on board to stay charged for years,"

Solopax shrugged, "Well more like hours from continuous blast. Their weapons are very advanced,"

Twilight nodded again and looked over at Firebrand, "I appreciate your suggestion captain but these aren't monsters we are facing. No matter how different they look they are ponies like us. We can't afford to think like Soldiers right now. Can you come up with a less hostile plan?"

Firebrand sighed, "The only other option to reclaim the crystals they stole would be..." Thinking hard on it because snapping his hoof. The magical static controlled by it crashing against each other to make the sound, "Tractor beam," formulated Firebrand, "The Doctor was able to reverse engineer a magical equivalent based on science recovered from the Ferengi vessel.

"We just need to get close to them and force their ship down to the planet's surface. Then, once they have been exposed to the natives we can act as Arbiters to discuss reimbursement for what was stolen. The thieves will likely be hostile and the natives will be understandably upset, possibly wanting vengeance if they are anything like most races we have dealt with. We will need to take steps to insure both sides are safe,"

Twilight smiled, "Now you are thinking like a diplomat. I have handled worse negotiation sessions. With a well versed song they would be more willing to listen,"

Solopax smacked his large forehead with his hand, "A song? really?"

Twilight grinned, "Ponies are distant cousins to sirens. We might not have mind altering voices but we can channel our internal magics through singing. It makes us more persuasive. You still have to give a good agreement and it is perfectly possible to shake off the suggestion. It just makes others more willing to listen to our opinions,"

All Solopax heard was "Sirens", ponies were bloody sirens! Mind you to a much lesser degree but with their 500+ year lifespans, and their shere variety of magical powers, they had to be bloody sirens on top of it!

Firebrand looked at Twilight, "Are we ready to implement the plain princess?"

Twilight smiled at the orb, "Thanks for the assistance, Discord, but we'll take it from here,"