Thirteen days passed like nothing. The eight of us were going to see Celestia the following day. I learned a lot from Twilight and my new friends in that amount of time, about magic, how to read ponyglyph — properly known as Equestrian — etc.

   I could flashport and wield an array of passive and aggressive elemental spells. Twilight was a good teacher. I have always been a fast learner, but even then she was very surprised towards my progress from novice to adept. She told me she would discuss that with the Princess later as well.

   I used as much magic as I could to go exploring and running around with the others. It was great practice, although at times painful and embarrassing by setting things on fire, or bumping and knocking into things. I got the hang of it after the first week thankfully.

   I got to know most of the residents in Ponyville and made a little name for myself helping around town. Out of the occasional hand given, the Cutie Mark Crusaders got themselves into trouble. From what I heard that happened all the time. Getting themselves lost in Rambling Rock Ridge for trying to get their geological surveying cutie marks, whatever that was, rouge dragons found and started picking on them.

   The Group and myself searched high then low and intervened in time to stop one from dropping Scootaloo off a cliff face. Rainbow caught her just in time. The Dragon that dropped scootaloo got the snot beaten out of him by Rainbow Dash, while the other dragons tried ganging up on her, I was having non of that. After the fight was over, the dragons went back home covered in welts and lumps.

   We got the Crusaders home safe and unharmed. That was my first time meeting and getting to know the Crusaders. They were nice kinds, although they were disappointed their legendary creature hunter cutie marks didn't work out. I was still a bit fuzzy on the whole cutie mark thing, but I got the basics of it down.

   Soon, almost everyone knew me or at least heard of me.

   Like the girl had warned, weird things started to happen around town, strange animal attacks from the Everfree, even other ponies started to go missing. The eight of us journeyed into the Everfree to visit Zacora after things were getting out of hand, or hoof. I found it strange that a zebra was staying in a temperate climate. She spoke in rhymes, which was cool and interesting. Zacora also lived in a hut, which reminded me of Yoda on Degobah. She told us something dark was looming over the forest and it was stirring up the wildlife, making them go more feral than normal.

  After calling it a day, we returned to the library. Twilight tried to find some information on how to break dimensional fabrics, but even her great collection was missing the book on that. What she did find was largely intangible, as the little information she had was mostly wild theories and speculation.

   We finished our studies for the day, then Twilight, Spike and myself went to bed, even though it was still an hour or two before midnight.

   I was laying on my bed, reading The Transitions of Elements. After I finished the passige on how air can turn into lightening, I put the tome down, then blew out the candle on my bed stand.

   It was hard falling asleep. Although I was starting to like staying with Twilight, I was very homesick. I missed my family, my friends at my community college and most of all, I missed my little sister. That little rascal always brightened up my day.

   I promised myself I would watch over her, always be there to make sure she forever had that smile of hers on. Every moment I spent in Equestria, I broke that promise. With a sigh, I painfully forced myself to sleep. After what felt like all night, I finally nodded off.

   It was early in the morning. The sun's light crept through cracks in the blue curtains blocking the window to the left of the room. The room was normal in size. Someone was sleeping in a bed settled sideways against a wall..

   A redheaded man, dressed in a full Navy uniform, walked in. "Hay, Champ, get up!"  The man had a light Irish accent.

   The person sleeping rolled over to his left, obviously ignoring the man.

   "Come on, Skipper, up and at them, or you're gonna miss Navy history!"

   The man in uniform opened the curtains keeping the sun's light out.  He walked to the left bed side, then knelt down looking saddened.

   "Hey, Bud. I know you're not feelin' good right now and your movement isn't so great either, but don't you want to ride a Destroyer?"

   The person's head shot up from the covers. He looked like teen boy hardly be over nineteen. His brown hair stuck up on one side and his soft brown eyes squinted from the sun's stinging light. He had almost no accent, speaking crisply.

   "Huh? There's no way they'll let me board your ship, Liam. Besides, even if I said yes, you'd lose your spot as Lieutenant if anyone found me aboard."

   Liam gave the boy a wink. "Let your big brother worry 'bout the Navy brass, you just make sure you're ready for somethin' special."

   Liam's brow furrowed with worry for his little brother.

   "How do you feel, Champ? Do you need help liftin' yourself up?"

   The boy waved a hand. "No, I'm fine for now, thanks."

   After raising from bed, Liam helped him make the covers neat.

   "Need me to help with your clothes?"

   "No, I think I'm good today."

   Liam gave him a thumbs up. "See? There's the Skipper I know, tough as nails! Now, do you want the usual  for breakfast? Eggs, bacon and coffee?"

   The boy nodded yes, while walking to his closet. Inside were an assortment of clothing, shirts, pants, and a very interesting coat was hanging to his right. Reaching for it, he ran his hand inside its left pocket. Bringing out a piece of folded paper, the boy opened it. Finely hand written words were inked on its inner surface. The boy sniffled and read it to himself, like he always did.

May 5, 1939.

      Alastar, my grandson, I hope this letter finds you in good health.

      By the time you read this, I will have lead my last charge. Don't let the end of this old man's story ruin yours, for all is not yet lost my boy. Even while I lay in this cursed hospital bed, there is still one last card this old General can play.

      First Alastar, I leave to you all my prize things:

      My 1911 pistol.

      My old Gewehr 1888/05 rifle. Be sure to clean her that way I showed you.

      My trench greatcoat.

      My old pipe. Don't smoke it, please. It's a nasty habit, take an old man's word for it.

      My medals, with my dog tags.

      And my old pocket watch, this old war horse has been passed down our family since the civil war. Now, this piece of legacy is yours to carry boy.

      Second, I will also leave to you the secret behind them.

      Now, that is not just a 1911 or an old German rifle. That is not just a trench coat and those are not just trinkets or an old watch. They were all my friends. They kept me safe through that hell in Europe and now they will keep you safe my boy.

      Old Owen won't be here much longer and cannot watch over the best grandson he could ask for, despite how much he begged God for the ability to, but he works in "mysterious ways", whatever that means. This old man now leaves you these things, so they can protect you instead.

      Third, be sure to live a long healthy life. It is part of my final grand strategy for you to become something truly great

      Fourth, if all else fails, no matter what, Faugh a Ballagh and always trust your gut. Hell, I remember when all I had on San Juan hill was fire and gut feelings. Staying behind with the Immunes was one gut choice I made that changed my life forever.

   And there was the battle of Tientsin in the Boxer Rebellion, I was just an Lt then, leading some of the Immunes I served with in Cuba in a small platoon of my own. The General I was working with fell that day. General Emerson H. Liscum was the meanest son of a bitch I ever fought with — pardon my French — besides my old friend Henry Johnson and wasn't as funny either.

   We were marching to rescue some foreign national troops at the city of Tientsin from the Boxers. Our Color Sargent, John I think his name was, or was it Tim? Anyway, he fell after a volley hit our flank. Chinese sharpshooters had us penned down, men fell like leaves.

   I remember Liscum grabbing the American colors from our late Sargent and holding it high with his .38 drawn on that hill top, standing fearlessly with accurate lead hissing over head. He held that flag all the way to the city wall yelling "Keep up the fire!" He got us out of that Quagmire. It was a real shame he didn't make it.

   Oh and the march from Tianjin to Beijing, that was hotter than hell. We lost a lot of men just to the heat.  

   I remember scaling the walls at Peking and all the horrible things I saw men do there, especially the Russians and Germans. Just, trust me Son, always trust your gut, to hell with what anyone else says.

      Finally, know that I love you more than you know. I really wish I could stay longer. Goodbye my boy, my Alastar.

      Your Grandfather, Owen.

   Alastar's eyes glistened. "I'm sorry Grandpa, I have failed to uphold my end."

   Liam noticed Alastar's hesitation to grasp Owen's greatcoat. "I miss him too, Bud."

   He thought for a moment, then smiled.

   "Hey, why don't you bring his stuff on board with ya? The whole get up! Who knows? Maybe it'll rub off a sense of fashion on some of my crew mates, but just be sure to leave the rifle. That would be a little too stylish."

   He laughed lightly. "Wouldn't want 'em getting jealous now, eh?"

   Alastar smiled. "Yeah, I think he would've liked that."

   Liam walked out of the room, while Alastar got dressed.

   Alastar walked out when Liam called that breakfast was ready. Liam eyed the handsome full battle dress his Grandfather wore during the Great War, when he lead the Harlem Hellfighters to flame and glory.

   "Whoa, looking dapper Skipper!" Liam stood at attention giving Alastar a crisp salute.

   "Now you're ready to command the allied forces right into the heart of the Reich, Sir! But, it's the advice of your Lieutenant to never start a campaign without breakfast, especially before ya go crushing the Nazi war machine."

   He laughed.

   Alastar just rolled his eyes. "At ease Lieutenant. If you let out anymore hot air, we'll end up invading Berlin in a flying house."

   Liam cracked up. "That's brilliant, Skipper! The Krauts 'll never suspect that!"

   Alastar just looked at him. "They're Germans, not food, Liam."

   Liam smiled. "You are what ya eat little bro."

   Liam sat down at the table, with Alastar shaking his head.

   After eating, they walked outside towards the left of what looked like a beach house. Parked near the road was a military issue GPW.

   "I sure don't remember Philadelphia bein' this cold, it's only Autumn." Liam rubbed his arms.

   Getting into the Jeep, while Liam started the engine.

   "We're on our way to Norfolk Virginia with three other ships, but the Admiral had to make a quick pit stop here."

   Liam backed out of the drive way, then drove down the street towards the docks.

   Alastar tilted his head. "Why? Were you low on fuel, ammo...or alcohol?"

   Liam cracked up. "A sailor running out of hard drink?! Why, that's unheard of!"

   He shook his head. "No, no, nothing like that. Navy men are not allowed to drink when on duty anyway. If you're ever on a ship in combat and ya make just one wrong step, you'd be gone faster then a shot of whisky durin' RNR."

   They stopped in front of a red light.

   Liam mischievously winked at Alastar. "Now, the real reason is a surprise. Sorry, Champ, but you'll just have to wait and see."

   After about twenty minutes of driving, they arrived at the docks. Liam helped Alastar out of the Jeep, then waved an arm at the mob of sailors near one of the massive Destroyers.

   "Ahoy there! Our Skipper has arrived boys!"

   USS Eldridge was painted in bold white near the bow. Strange large cables hung from the ship's sides. They looked like huge black christmas tree light cables, just without the light bulbs.

   Making their way over to the ship, a uniformed mob waited cheering and clapping.

   "Skipper, Skipper, Skipper!"

   The mob soon surrounded both brothers, as Liam introduced his brother to the whole crew.

   "Fellas, this is my little brother, Alastar. Alastar, this is the whole crew of the best vessel that ever sailed the seven seas, the USS Eldridge. Say hey, Fellas!"

   They all cheered out, "Welcome aboard, Alastar!"

   They boarded the ship, as the other crew members followed closely behind. Once on board, Liam faced Alastar.

   "We've a few hours before we get orders to ship off, so, we have plenty of time for a tour!"

   "You're leaving already? But, you just got here." Alastar was slightly irked by the news.

   "Oh, no, not for at least two more days. We're suppose to test out some new kind of ship upgrade later today!"

   Liam moved his head in closer to Alastar.

   "Word is little brother, it's some kind of Tesla or Einstein machine that makes ships invisible!"

   "What? Tesla and Einstein, really, no joke?!"

   Alastar had followed Tesla and Einstein closely. He always admired their work and was working on being a physicist one day, but Polio saw to that future. Tesla also had passed away last January, still, he might get to see Einstein if his luck held.

   Liam held his hand over his heart.

   "A Lieutenant never lies, but I don't want to get your hopes too high just yet, since, it's just a rumor after all ya know."

   He smiled slyly.

   "However, most of the crew and I saw a bunch of egg heads in white coats walking around the ship. An older man was with them, he looked like Einstein himself. He even had that crazy looking hair of his."

   "No way, Einstein was here?"

   "Pretty sure of it. Yesterday, the whole crew were at attention on the top deck, when we saw the egg heads talking to him, while walking down deck towards the stern. So that's why I was late getting home last night. The whole crew was gettin' briefed on the exercise for today."

   The other sailors all nodded their heads yes.

   Liam smirked. "Did you see those large cables, hanging from the sides of the ship while on dock?"

   "The big black ones? Yes, why?" Alastar raised an eye brow.

   "The egg heads put 'em there, two days after we docked."

   Alastar lowered his brow, then put his hand on his chin in thought. "That is interesting."

   Liam waved a hand. "Anyway, that's only half of the surprise! Your not only get to be on board to see it, but ya get to hit the switch that turns the sucker on!"

   "Whoa, that's so neat! Thanks-"

   Alastar's features soured to disappointment. He wondered why Liam was suddenly trying to be so immersed in his life. His answer finally hit him, hard.

   "Liam?"

   Liam looked at him. "Yeah, Champ? Ready to get started? This ship won't tour itself you know."

   He grinned wide.

   "What the doctors said before, is that the reason why you're being so nice?"

   Liam's smile slowly dropped away. "No, of course not-"

   Alastar cut him off.

   "I knew it. So, it took me only having a few years left to live for you to start acting like the brother I always needed? Pifff, typical."

   Most of the other sailors cleared their throats. Sensing where that was going they all scattered, walking about the ship in random directions.

   Liam sheepishly glared at the floor, while scratching the back of his head.

   "Alastar look, I know I've not been very good to you, but after Dad died at Pearl Harbor, I just-"

   "You just picked up, then joined the Navy. You left me with mom, here, alone, that's what you did. Now you want to just come back and act like it never happened?"

   Alastar could hardly believe Liam's nerve. He should have stayed on his ship, far away. He needed a brother, not a pity party. Alastar's anger could be felt even down the steel hallways.

   Liam knelt down and put his hands on Alastar's shoulders. It was time for him to face the music.

   "Listen, I just don't want my mistake being the last image you see of me. I don't want you to leave everything seeing me as the how-not-to-be-a-brother figure. I just want to give you something special to hold on to, that's all. I never meant you harm. I'm so sorry."

   Alastar put his hand on Liam's shoulder. That was all he wanted, an apology. Now he had the one thing he really needed, a real sibling.

   "You already gave me something special, you gave me my brother back."

   Liam sighed with a look of relief, then he hugged him.

   Alastar grimaced while his eyes watered. "Ow, ow, ow, ow! Easy there!"

   "Oh, damn! Sorry, Champ." Liam let Alastar go. "I forgot about your muscle pains."

   "It's alright." Alastar dusted himself off. "So, when does the tour start?"

   Liam smiled Sun rays. "Right now, Skipper!" Putting his fingers in his mouth, he whistled sharply. "Hands on deck!"

   All the other sailors from before popped their heads out of random corridors dotting down the long hallway through the ship.

   A thunderous cheer echoed. "Yeah!"

   "Yeah, let's tour the shit outta this boat!"

   All the other sailors shot spitefull looks back at the man standing in the middle of the hallway.

   A sailor with a scar over his eye sneered, "Chad, you just had to open your mouth, huh?"

   Chad yelled from down the hall, "Oh shit, sorry Alastar! Bad habbits die hard!"

   The sailor with a blue shirt just rolled his eyes. "You jackass, just shush already."

   Liam and the other sailors took Alastar on a tour around the whole ship. It was as huge. They spent hours walking down metal hallways and plate steel stairs. They got to see the engine room, the turrets both inside and out, then the bridge.

   A bell rang. Liam looked at Alastar.

   "Hear that? It's lunch time, so let's go tour the mess hall!"

   The other sailors cheered and chanted, "Grub, grub, grub," while following close behind Liam and Alastar to the mess hall.

   Steel doors, with port holes in the middle for windows, blocked their path though to the mess hall.

   A middle aged dark coloured man unlocked one of the doors, then peeked out and smiled.

   "There's the Skipper!"

   He whistled sharply.

   "Your look'n sharp boss and I bet your hungry, right?"

   Alastar nodded yes.

   "Well you came at the right time, lunch is ready, so come on in! I hope you brought your appetite, cause there's plenty for everyone."

   Liam shook his head at the man. "We heard the bell, Henry."

   Henry chuckled then opened the door, gesturing for everyone to come in.

   The mess hall was like a full cafeteria. It had a wide range of different soups, meats, breakfast stuffs and more. Henry seemed like a nice guy. He was funny too. He made sound effects when he would put food on your plate, while going down the serving line.

   "Bam! There you go Boss, enjoy." He smiled.

   Alastar smiled. "Thanks, Henry."

   Liam with Alastar and much of the other sailors nearby sat down at one of the big tables.

   After they ate, Alastar started shifting in his seat. He touched Liam's shoulder to get his attention.

   "Um, Liam, were are the bathrooms?"

   Liam pointed over to the steel doors they came from earlier.

   "Just go through those doors again an' take your first left. Ya can't miss it."

   Alastar thanked him then got up. Walking out of the mess hall then down the hallway to his left, he heard some voices as he walked onward. The voices grew louder.

   They came from a room to his right through an ajar door. Alastar's curiosity got the better of him. He peeked into the crack through the door. There were two men standing in the middle of a room. A big table was in the middle with a bunch of chairs around it.

   One man wore a full navy formal uniform, decorated in white and black, with gold braids that hung from his shoulders and a multitude of campaign ribbons across his left chest. He had black hair with streaks of white going though it. He also was disingenuously smiling towards the other man.

   He spoke in a mild gentleman like tone.

   "Now Captain, you know as well as I the importance of what we're doing here. Remember, the Minister of Defense himself ordered this done and he appointed me as the head of this project. Now make sure all records of the USS Eldridge having ever been docked here in Philadelphia are wiped off record and make sure there's no trace of this ship having even taken part in this project. Is that understood, Captain?"

   He spoke to the other man like he were addressing a child.

   The other man had blonde hair and freckles dotting his face. He wore a less attractive plain white uniform with guilt stricken look on his face.

   "Yes, Sir, but this can't be right. These men don't deserve this, Sir. They didn't sign up for this...and nether did I, Admiral."

   The Admiral put on a small frown.

   "Aw, but remember, Captain, this is the military life. We own you and we get to put you through whatever suits our fancy. These men know what signing up really means, that they are signing their lives away, for their country of course. Now, are your orders understood? Or will I just have to find someone...more capable of fulfilling this country's needs?"

   The Captain just hanged his head down. "Understood, Sir."

   The Admiral put his uniform cap on.

   "Glad you finally see reason. I expect to hear the full report tomorrow."

   He turned to leave, then froze, grinned and turned back around.

   "Oh yes and welcome to the real military life. I'm sure you will fit in perfectly, Captain."

   The Admiral turned back, stopping in mid stride while glaring right at the crack in the ajar door.

   "My, my, looks like someone can't keep his nose to his own business. That's very rude indeed."

   Gasping, Alastar took off, moving to his right down the hallway in as brisk a pace as his stiff muscles would allow. As he cleared the right corner, someone called his name.

   "Hey, Alastar, where's the fire? You need to take it easy."

   Looking to his right with relief, Alastar moved down the hallway to Liam.

   "Liam, quick, we need to get out of here! He's going to catch us!"

   The Irish sailor held his hands out, worried. "Whoa, slow down, Champ. Who's going to catch us?"

   Alastar pleaded desperately, "No time Liam! We have to-"

   Liam's face froze into a frightened expression. His irises narrowed on something in the hallway behind Alastar. Liam grabbed Alastar while dashing into a service room to their left.

   "I know you're here boy."

   The Admiral's tone was playful, yet his real intentions were obviously not so playful.

   "So, you like to play games, hmmm? Hide'n seek? I love that game, adults play it too you know, but the ending to our version isn't as well spirited....Well, that depends on what side of the game you're on, of course. Like the games we played at Peking?"

   The Admiral chuckled.

   Liam whispered. "What's the Admiral doing here? He's not supposed to be here for at least another hour."

   "What's wrong with that man, Liam?" Alastar looked at Liam, afraid.

   "I don't know, something's always been off about him. He's always given me the creeps."

   Liam silently locked the door. With his hand on Alastar's shoulder, he kept him to his right. They both stood inside that small storage room, waiting for the Admiral to move on.

   After a few minutes of waiting, Liam opened the storage room door, looking outside both ways.

   "Coast is clear, Skipper."

   Liam walked out into the hallway, then eyed his wristwatch.

   "Oh man, come on Alastar. It's almost time!"

   Alastar looked uneasy.

   "Wait, Liam, what about the Admiral? We can't just go walking around. He might find us."

   "Don't worry, we're going right to the engine room. That freak wont find us in there."

   Alastar nodded, but he held his legs together. "Alright, but I still need to go."

   He sheepishly smiled.

   Liam smirked. "Ha, alright. This way."

   After the bathroom break, they made their way to the engine room, then Liam showed his brother where they would be sitting.

   Two metal chairs sat next to a strange looking box shaped machine. It was huge, with welds and rivets dotting its black surface, it looked like something out of a sci-fi comic. It was connected to the huge black cables that ran throughout the room and hull in a grid. A single main switch was welded on the front of the metal behemoth.

   Liam gestured to it. "There she is, Champ!"

   A voice boomed on the megaphone.

   "Now hear this, time for departure in tee minus 30 minutes. All crews to their stations, engine crews final check before departure. That is all."

   "Hear that Skipper? It's almost time! You ready to make Navy history?"

   Alastar look excited. "Oh yeah!"

   Liam grinned. "Then take the left seat. We'll wait for now."

   Taking their seats, they waited.

   Engine crew members ran about the room, checking dials, gauges and oiling all the massive machines while giving anything they thought needed service attention.

   The megaphone boomed again.

   "Now hear this, all engine crews fire up boilers one through three. That is all."

   One of the engine crew motioned for Liam. He got and helped the engine crew start the engines. After they stuck a strange looking burning torch into each boiler, the ship's engines roared to life.

   Liam walked back and sat down next to Alastar while smiling. "Listen to her purr."

   After more waiting, the noise from the engine died down some once the ship sailed for a little.

   The megaphone boomed once again.

   "Now hear this. All crews prepare for the test, switch crew to your station."

   Liam looked at Alastar, gesturing to him. "That's us bro, get ready."

   Alastar hesitantly got himself ready for the command to pull the switch and let loose the metal monstrosity. He almost felt like Doctor Frankenstein giving life to his monster. That made him nervous, while butterflies fluttering his gut made him even more nervous.

   The megaphine boomed for the last time. "Green light switch crew, go ahead Skipper, pull the switch."

   "That's your cue, Champ! Go ahead."

   "Wait, Liam."

   Alastar looked worried, thinking about what he overheard from the Admiral and the feeling his gut was giving him, the run far away kind of feeling.

   "What is it bro?" Liam put his hand on Alastar's shoulder. "Second thoughts?"

   "Well, it's what the Admiral said." Alastar grimaced. "I think this might not be a good idea."

   "Hey, I'd never do anything unless I was sure you'd be safe."

   Liam smiled, while putting his hand on Alastar's shoulder reassuringly.

   "Don't worry, those egg heads know what their doing. It's Einstein, remember?"

   "Yeah."

   Alastar did trust Einstein, yet it was he who once said, It would not be called an Experiment if we knew what we where doing.

   Alastar's gut screamed jump off the boat.

   "Hey, tell you what, why don't we pull the switch?" Liam put his hand on the lever.

   Alastar slowly nodded, then shrugged. "Alright."

   He thought it would matter little, since he only had so long to live anyway. So what was a little extra risk to an already doomed life?

   Alastar and Liam both pulled the lever down, then the machine hummed to life. An electric arc jumped across the switch connector. Both of them jumped, then withdrew their hands.

   Liam laughed light heartedly. "Whoa, feisty one isn't she? Are ya alright?"

   "Damn thing nearly shocked me, but yeah I'm fine."

   A wave of static rushed over Alastar, making all his hairs stand up.

   He looked at Liam. "Hey, you feel that?"

   "Yeah, I do. Isn't that strange?" Liam rubbed both his arms.

   The ship started to shake without vibrating, like the matter holding the ship together was shifting. An engine crew member was standing next to one of the huge black cables, with a wrinch in his left hand. The wrench shot out of his hand, then stuck to the cable with a loud metallic clap. He tried to free his wrench to the best of his ability, but came to no avail.

   The man shrugged while shaking his head at Liam.

   Owen's dog tags shot out from under his greatcoat, then tungged at Alastar's neck towards the machine.

   "Very strong magnetic field? Interesting." He wondered if that was a good thing.

   The ocean began to become visible through the ships hull, as the machine started displacing the ship's matter. A slight green field was emanating from the creases in the huge black cabling.

   "Holy mother of God!"

   The engine crew members swore an yelled while running around.

   "What the devil is happening to the ship?!"

   Liam laughed and cheered. "Well I'll be, she actually works! Old Friz 'll shit a brick when he starts fighting our new fleet of ghost ships!"

   The ship shook and energy arced across the hull. Gauges and dials began exploding, sending hot steam jetting outwards.

   "What the hell?"

   One of the crew members dodged a steam jet, then checked the pipe gauges that still functioned.

    Another crew member shouted, "That thing's playing havoc with our gear!"

   The megaphone hissed with static as a muffled voice came through. Its clearity jumped over bouts of harsh static.

   "Red aler -...Switch cre -...turn of - ...machi -...Repeat, re - ert! Switch cr -...Tur - off -...machine!

   Liam cought just enough out of the megaphone. Shooting up form his chair, he grabbed ahold of the switch and pulled downward as hard as he could, but the switch was firmly locked into place.

   He yelled, "Come on everyone! Help me turn this beast off!"

   The other crew members ran towards Liam, with crowbars and other tools in hand.

   Alastar joined in with the other sailors, grabbing the left part of the lever as they all pulled at once.

   "Heave!"

   The switch remained content to stay stuck, defying the sailor's attempts to save the ship.

   Liam yelled, "Give her the ho boys!"

   Chanting at once they pulled again.

   "Ho!"

   The switch finally broke free with a metalic clang.

   The machine went from humming to a violent buzzing noise. Lightning began arcing across the metal behemoth, causing it to begin bulging like a balloon. The intense pressure caused rivets to shoot out from its structure at ballistic speeds.

   The crew scattered like ants, as rivets shot around the metal room, bouncing and sparking with each hit.

   Liam grabbed Alastar. "Quick everyone, to the emergency escape hatch!"

   One of the other sailors yelled, "Abandon ship!"

   They all ran for a big red door. The ocean was almost fully visible through the ship's hull and a green haze pulsed and flickered around them.

    Alastar heard something, like whispering.

   "Truth is like an explosion."

   He looked back at the machine. It was glowing red hot as though an inferno was building inside, like the metal behemoth was vying to soon consume them all in heated death.

   The nearly invisible megaphone screamed with static. What Alastar could make out sounded like screaming and frantic unintelligible yelling.

   Liam and the crowd of other sailors got the hatch open. He threw his hand out to Alastar.

   "Alastar, run to me-"

   "Boom."

   A deafening explosion threw Alastar off his feet. Waves of black washed over his vision, blinding him.

   Alastar felt like he was floating. Opening his eyes, he saw nothing but a black expanse, except the meany lights that were dancing across the void like background. It looked as if God was painting streaks of white over an eternal cimmerian canvas.

   While Alastar's eyes ajusted to the sudden darkness, his face froze in terror. He could just make out the shapes and outlines of the other sailors and the whole ship, floating in the expanse's endless background.

    As the lights arced across the expanse, they consumed some shapes, then just passed over others. He felt something pulling on him, while he floated towards a tear of light in the black background.

   Alastar watched on in horror, as people shapes gruesomely molded with other objects from the ship floating in the void. He felt something like a hand grab his left ankle. He screamed, but froze in shock as it made no sound. His heart pounded in his mouth. His body shook, confused and afraid.

   The pull became heavier. He loomed closer to the tear's burning light. The hand holding on tightened its grip, pulling on his ankle as if attempting to keep him from being engulfed by the light. The admirable attempt however, was in vain.

   As Alastar approached the light, he felt his whole being stretch out, like a liquid under pressure. Static arced harshly at his ravaged skin, as Alastar was being greedily consumed by the blinding maw. He tasted blood and began to painfully accelerate, like he was being shot out of a gun. He let out one last noiseless scream, before passing out into nothing.

   Alastar groaned. His senses returned while laying on his stomach. He felt the rough feeling of grass on his skin and face, with the wet cold of morning dew on the grass and moist ground chilling him. He heard birds singing and the babbling of a brook near by. The air was warm and crisp. Heat hit his skin, contrasting the wet cooling dew on his other side.

   He heard loud thumps over to his right growing louder, like they were getting closer. The thumps stopped just feet away in all directions. He heard voices.

   A voice elegantly asked, "Oh dear! What is it?"

   Another one admitted, "I have not the faintest idea...."

   A third voice jumped up in octave. "What the hay is that?!"

   The loud voice hurt his head, he felt like his skull was splitting open. While grasping his forehead, he rolled over onto his back with a grunt.

   "Holy buck, it's still alive?!" The same voice shouted in shock yet again, sending thunderbolts through Alastar's head.

  "Clover, stop swaring please. It's not befitting a lady."

   "I dare you to come over here and say that to my face!"

   "Ha, no thank you. I shall pass."

   A loud yell shouted from somewhere above.

   "Hark! Fear not young ones! My guard and I will purge the vile beast!"

   Something landed hard on the ground in the distance, followed by over a dozen more thuds.

   "Forwards, Guard! To glorious battle!"

   A loud unified grunt let out. The ground shook as if Custer himself was leading a charge over to Alastar. The charge stopped just feet away from him.

   Two sets of feet walked towards him.

   "Rise hideous beast and meet thy doom honorably!"

   Alastar had about enough of the noise. He addressed weakly to whomever was its source.

   "Would you please be quiet? My head's killing me."

   He heard a snort and a few gasps.

   A few more voices whispered harshly, one Alastar could hear.

   "It told the General to be quiet!"

   Something stepped closer to his lower right.

   "Thank you, Skycutter, but I do not believe your protection is required at this moment."

   Something snorted again.

   "If you want to get closer to that thing, then fine. One bit of advice though, do not make the mistake of letting it smell your fear."

   "I will be sure to keep that in mind, General."

   After something took a few steps forward, it stopped feet away. "Hello there?"

   Alastar still had his hands on his throbbing head. Then it hit him, all the memories of the Eldridge and the horrors that took place on it. He shot upright, his stinging blood shot eyes wide open.

   There, standing on four hooves in front of him, was a light blue pony. It had a mixed mane of light purple and pink stripes. It wore a strange kind of double saddlebag on its back filled with rolled up papers. It also had a horn on its head.

   It was shocked at first, but loosened up a little when it cleared its throat.

   "Um, can you speak my tongue?"

   Alastar's mouth was agape, his eyes as wide as humanly possible. He inhaled deeply and yelled.

   "Ahhhhhhh!"

   He shifted his sight to each pony that surrounded him, taking in too much at once. His yell was cut short by a sharp pain that shot through his head.

   "Oh, dear. Are you alright?" The pony took a few steps forward concerned for Alastar.

   Alastar winced.

   "Talking horses? Jimminy christmas, this can't be happening. I must be dreaming."

   "Oh no, this is no dream, I can assure you my fellow."

   "General! We found another one over here!"

   A white Pegasus in silver amour shouted over a nearby hill, while waving a hoof in the air.

   "It looks pretty banged up too! It also has a strange red mane, like that one over there with his brown one!"

   "What!?" Alastar shot to his feet, then ran over to the Pegasus. "Liam!"

   All the other ponies gasped, taking several steps back.

  Skycutter shook his head.

   "What did I say about the fear?" He sighed. "Thank the Sky King we are downwind."

   Alastar cleared over the meadow's hill top and saw Liam laying down on his back with a bloody forehead. He ran down hill almost tripping himself. The other ponies peered over the hill top, wanting to see what was going on.

   A white Unicorn with a dark blue mane, waring a very well made light blue scarf and a white hat, was standing next to a light green coloured Unicorn and carried a saddlebag full of cloth and sowing stuffs.

  The light green Unicorn had a mane of light purple mixed with stripes of pink and a darker purple. She wore only a brown cloth cloak.

   The white Unicorn asked, "Would somepony please tell me what ever is going on?"

   The light green Unicorn rolled her eyes at the white pony.

   "Come on, Gala, it's obvious the other one laying down there is important to him. He must be familiy, or his best friend."

   "Well, arn't you just the clever one, Clover?" Gala huffed, then looked away from Clover with her chin in the air.

   "Geez...." Clover sighed, then glanced at the light blue pony standing next to her.

   He nodded. "I was going down there anyway."

   The light blue Unicorn trotted down hill to see what was happening. He stopped just to peer over Alastar's shoulder.

   "Friend of yours?"

   Alastar checked Liam for a pulse, then sighed. "Liam's still alive, thank God."

   The blue Unicorn asked, "Ah, so his name is Liam?"

   Alastar looked at his hands. He felt good, wonderful even. Not the usual I-want-to-die feeling. He could run, like he did when he was a kid. He could trip and actually get back up by himself. He was no longer sick. He wondered how that was possible.

   Something cleared its throat behind Alastar, jolting him back to reality.

   He looked over his shoulder, seeing that blue horned horse again. He turned and sat down, facing it eye to eye.

   The Unicorn smiled then sat down as well, then pointed to himself.

   "I am Starswirl and my I dare as to ask for your name?"

   Alastar swallowed down the lump in his throat. "Alastar, Alastar Orion."

   Starswirl's smile grew. "Welcome to the Four Kingdoms, Alastar Orion."