Arc takes the key from Stellar Flare’s hoof and looks it over soberly before speaking.
“I knew he wasn’t happy with the direction we were going, but this… Tight Ship, he… he actively tried to stop us.”
Hammer clenches a fist angrily. “He’s a traitor then!”
Sereb growls. “Indeed.”
Arc sighs. “Is he?”
Applejack sighs. “It kinda sounds like it, Arc. This would thing have been over before it got started had Spitfire been successful.”
Arc shakes his head. “No. He was only protecting his friends… Celestia and Decimus.”
Lemon Heart’s voice rings out over his earring.
“Sir, we’re approaching Canterlot.”
“Good. I’m on my way.”
Turning to the others, he motions to the stairs sadly.
“Let’s get this over with.”
Making his way to the Bridge, Arc enters with the key in hand. Soarin turns to him.
“Hero of Light on the Bridge.”
Wrangler appears hopeful. “Did you take care of that saboteur, sir?!”
“Yeah. She’s gone.”
Moon Dancer frowns. “How did she get in here?!”
“With this.”
Arc holds up the master key. Everyone gasps as he does so Lemon Hearts is the first to speak.
“ Sir! Is… is that…?”
“It’s Tight Ship’s, yes.”
Turning, he gives it to Soarin.
“I believe this is yours now.”
Nodding, Soarin accepts it
“Yes sir. I’ll do my best.”
Arc looks to the rest of the crew.
“Anything on the radar?”
Moon Dancer shakes her head. “Clear, sir.”
Thunderlane frowns. “There’s no movement from what I can see, sir.”
Arc raises an eyebrow. “None?”
“Right, sir.”
“Is that… normal?”
Wrangler sighs. “Not really, sir. At this time of day there should be innumerable Pegasi flying around.”
Cherry calls out. “But it’s nighttime.”
Arc shakes his head. “No, Cherry. Remember, no one raised the sun.”
“Oh… right.”
“Getting back to the matter at hand, do you suppose everyone is just scared to go out?”
Soarin puts a hoof to his chin. “It is possible, yes. However, I believe that Princess Celestia knows we’re coming and ordered the capital locked down.”
Moon Dancer nods. “During such a time everypony would be ordered to shelter in place. But I am rather surprised that nopony has yet hailed us.”
Thunderlane frowns. “Or physically challenged the ship.”
Wrangler looks to Arc. “We should go to high alert, sir.”
“Agreed. Make it so.”
Lemon Hearts gives the order on the intercom as Arc steps forward to the helm and stands next to Thunderlane. Looking out over the city before them, he frowns.
“That’s a lot of fog.”
Thunderlane nods soberly. “The weather’s perfect for it right now, sir.”
Moon Dancer grimaces. “Yes. A bit of luck for the princess.”
Arc turns his head. “Moon Dancer, are you sure there’s nothing down there?”
“Radar is clear, sir.”
“Radio chatter, Lemon Hearts?”
“Everything’s silent, sir. Has been for some time now.”
Soarin frowns. “That isn’t normal.”
Thunderlane looks over to the captain. “Think it’s a trap, sir?”
“Most likely. We should be ready for anything though.”
Arc grimaces as he heads for Wrangler’s station.
“Well, I’m going to charge up the O.R.B. then.”
Putting his hands on the spheres, Arc channels his magic into the console for a solid minute. Stepping back, he breathes heavily and looks to Wrangler.
“How’s… that?”
“Twenty-five percent, sir.”
“Enough. Activate the shields.”
“Aye sir.”
Pressing a few buttons, a barrier forms around The Equinox. She turns to Arc.
“Barrier up and stabilized, sir.”
Moon Dancer frowns. “A very defensive move, sir. But one that also doesn’t let us fight back.”
“We don’t need to fire a single shot.”
Soarin nods approvingly. “Right. Remember, our fight is against Princess Celestia and Decimus. Not the military or anypony else right now.”
Thunderlane squints and leans forward.
“Sir, I think I just saw something move down there.”
Arc looks over. “Moon Dancer?”
“Still nothing on screen.”
Lemon Hearts frowns. “No radio chatter either.”
Wrangler turns to him. “Sir, we could see for sure if you would raise the sun though.”
“Agreed. But that would let Celestia know for sure that I’m still alive.”
Cherry calls out to him. “Considering Decimus and his troops saw you, she probably already knows.”
Arc sighs and nods. “Maybe. Well, it’s worth the risk I suppose. One sunrise coming up.”
Concentrating, Arc holds out his hand. Slowly the sun begins to rise to the noonday position. It’s warm rays cut through the fog in moments revealing the terrain around the city. Thunderlane gasps.
“Armada dead ahead!”
Soarin cries out. “Take evasive action!”
Thunderlane turns the ship as hard as he can. The ships take off and train their weapons on The Equinox. Arc turns to the comms.
“Hail them!”
Lemon Hearts does so. A moment later she turns to Arc.>
“No response!”
Wrangler calls out. “They’re preparing to fire!”
Soarin looks to Arc. “Sir, your orders?!”
“Put some distance between us!”
Thunderlane appears surprised. “Retreat?!”
“Yes! Now!”
Thunderlane accelerates as the ship curves away from the city and its defenders as they open fire on their craft. Arc turns to the tactical station as their shots hit their target.
“Wrangler?!”
“Shields are holding, sir! We’re in no danger!”
Lemon Hearts turns to Arc.
“Incoming transmission, sir.”
Wrangler scoffs. “Now they want to talk?! Ignore it and let’s turn about and blast these punks!”
Soarin shakes his head. “Sir, we should hear them out.”
“Agreed, Soarin. Lemon Hearts, patch it through.”
Doing so, she turns to the captain and nods.
“This is Commander… Captain Soarin of The Equinox. We have urgent business with Princess Celestia that…”
A voice from the other end cuts him off.
“We already know whom you are and what you’re doing here, captain.”
Arc clenches a fist as he mutters under his breath. “Him?!”
“This is Admiral Gaston. Commander of the Griffon Kingdom’s Equestrian Defense Force. We have orders to fire on any vessel whom attempts to enter Canterlot’s airspace.”
Soarin grits his teeth. “Fire upon?!”
“That is correct. We were also told your ship would be arriving soon by Hero of Light Decimus himself.”
“I have vital information on Hero of Light Arc that must be delivered to Princess Celestia at once though!”
Gaston chuckles. “Don’t you mean Hero of Light Arc himself?”
“What are you…?”
“He was seen attacking Ponyville less than two hours ago before boarding your vessel. You seek to sneak past us to allow him access to the city! We won’t let that happen! Gunners, fire at will!”
Lemon Hearts looks up. “Transmission has ceased.”
Wrangler points a hoof. “Incoming salvo!”
Moon Dancer gasps. “Confirmed. All ships firing!”
Thunderlane calls out from the helm. “Orders?!”
Arc clenches a fist. “Take us east!”
Soarin nods. “Make it so!”
Moon Dancer grimaces. “They are pursuing!”
Thunderlane grins. “We’re faster though!”
A short time later the shots lessen as the griffon ships turn back toward Canterlot. Arc grits his teeth.
“Evaluation.”
Wrangler steps forward soberly. “We could break through their lines with a fully charged O.R.B. system.”
Thunderlane frowns. “Assuming they don’t have ground defenses in place, yes.”
Soarin sighs. “And if they did we might not be able to escape before our barrier fell.”
Moon Dancer looks over her console. “That is entirely possible. Even after they took off I was unable to detect the griffon ships.”
Arc gasps. “They have some kind of dampeners, huh?”
“It would appear so, sir.”
Lemon Hearts sighs. “They can sneak up on us, but we stand out like a sore hoof. Clever.”
Wrangler bows her head. “I don’t think we can take them on as it stands, sir.”
Soarin looks to Arc. “What shall we do now, sir?”
“We need more information. Thunderlane, set a course for the Dragon Lands.”
“Sir?”
“The Dragon Lord, or some of their subjects, had to have seen the griffon airships crossing the Celestial Sea. We could also potentially use their assistance with another attack on the capital.”
Wrangler grimaces. “Asking the dragons for help now, sir? That sounds akin to playing with fire.”
Moon Dancer shudders. “We might get burned.”
“True. But at the very least I want to set down outside of the country. As long as we’re in Equestria all of us are in danger from attack.”
Lemon Hearts appears nervous. “Begging your pardon, sir. But what’s to stop the dragons from doing the same? Or the military for that matter.”
Soarin chuckles. “The military wouldn’t dare enter the Dragon Lands and start a battle.
Arc nods. “Right. The Dragon Lord would almost certainly retaliate against them AND their nation. So we’d be relatively safe there.”
Wrangler sighs. “From the military, yes. But there’s always the locals.”
Arc smiles as he walks over to Lemon Heart’s station. “I suppose so. But I think they know where I stand with the Dragon Lord. Well… both of them, that is.”
Looking down at the mare, he motions to the microphone.
“Right now, I need to address the crew and citizens of Ponyville though.”
Lemon Hearts pushes a few buttons and nods to him. Arc begins to speak.
“Attention everyone. This is Hero of Light Arc. My apologies for the rough flying a few minutes ago. When we approached Canterlot the ship was attacked by airships sent by the Griffon Kingdom. We’re now on our way to the Dragon Lands to try and come up with a better plan. If anyone wants to get off before we leave Equestria please come to the Bridge and let us know to drop you off at Baltimare. Again, sorry for all of this everyone.”
He looks to Lemon Hearts and gives back the microphone as she presses a button. Sighing, he turns to Thunderlane.
“When do you think we’ll make it to the Dragon Lands?”
“By tomorrow morning, sir.”
“Good. Keep a look out for reinforcements from either the Griffon Kingdom or Equestria. I’m going to head to the Cafeteria and see how everyone’s doing.”
He leaves the Bridge as Sorin sits back down in the captain’s chair.
“We’re on our way again.”
Thunderlane nods soberly. “Aye, sir.”
Moon Dancer sighs. “Leaving Equestria again though.”
Wrangler shrugs. “It’s not like this is the first time though.”
Lemon Hearts looks out the window. “Yes. But we’re not leaving on good terms this time.”
Soarin sighs as he turns to the now closed Bridge door. “And if we fail, Equestria’s last hope fails with us.”
Meanwhile, Arc makes his way to the Cafeteria. Everyone sits around the large room nervously munching on soups and salads. Auriel spots him and waves. Walking over, Arc sits down with her, Dinky, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie. The party pony is the first to speak.
“Hey, Arc! How’s it going?!”
Arc sighs. “Not the greatest.”
Applejack nods soberly. “We all figured we’d fly to Canterlot and you’d set everything right with the princess.”
Fluttershy shudders. “One way or another, that is.”
“What happened, dad?”
Auriel looks toward the corridor windows nearby. “Yes. We saw the sun rising so quickly.”
“I used it to cut through some dense fog. A bunch of Griffon Kingdom airships were lying in wait for us.”
Pinkie gasps. “What do you suppose they wanted?!”
“Our hides. Fortunately I had ordered our shield’s raised, so there was no damage to the ship.”
“So we’re going to get Ember, dad?”
“Something like that.”
Applejack grins. “That should even the odds.”
“Hopefully. Say, is Derpy in the kitchen still?”
Dinky nods. “Yup. She told all of us to eat something real quick though.”
Auriel sighs. “Right. Feeding this many ponies isn’t exactly an easy job.”
Arc stands up. “She’s not in there alone though, is she?”
Applejack shakes her head. “Nah. Hammer’s helping out too.”
Arc sighs as he sits back down. “That’s… good.”
Pinkie raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong, Arc?!”
“Yeah. If I had been able to…”
His earring chirps as Lemon Heart’s voice fills his ear.
“Sir, there’s a transmission coming in from Canterlot.”
“Oh? Who’s it from?”
“Princess Celestia herself is about to address the nation.”
Arc raises an eyebrow. “The nation?”
“Yes sir. It’s very rare indeed, but she’ll be using the same broad range signal you did when you were Lord Regent. Shall I put it on the intercom or keep it to just your office?”
“Put it on the intercom. I believe everyone has the right to hear what’s she has to say.”
“Yes sir. She’ll be going live in just a few minutes.”
“I’ll announce it here. Arc out.”
He touches his earring, severing the connection as he stands and clears his throat before speaking.
“Attention everyone. I have an announcement to make.”
Everyone stops talking and looks to him as he continues.
“I’ve just been notified that Princess Celestia will be addressing the nation in just a few minutes. My Communication’s Officer will be airing it live over the intercom for everyone to hear.”
He sits back down as Dinky leans in close to her father and lowers her voice.
“Do you really think it will be anything good, dad?”
Arc sighs. “I doubt it.”
A short time later the sound of hooves clopping together rings out over the intercom system. Everyone stops eating and look to the speaker nearest them. Derpy and Hammer along with Coco Pommel, Natalya, and Gallus all step out of the kitchen to listen with the others as a spokespony’s voice rings out.
“Good evening, everypony. Today I have the distinct honor of announcing that for the first time since her return, Princess Celestia is now strong enough to stand before you all and speak. So without further ado, please help me in welcoming our fair ruler, Princess Celestia.”
Cheers ring out as the stallionpresumably steps back to allow Celestia to take her place at the microphone. As the applause dies down she begins to speak.
“My fellow Equestrians… today has been a hard day for all of us. I’m sure everyone was understandably unnerved this morning when the sun did not rise as it has every day prior without fail. Rumors began to circulate that I was not well or had again been kidnapped. My presence before you all today is to help alleviate such baseless claims.”
The sound of hooves clapping again rings out. Auriel turns to Arc.
“At least she sounds okay.”
“That’s not much consolation.”
Dinky grits her teeth. “Yeah. Remember, she’s the one who blasted my dad not that long ago.”
Celestia continues. “A short time ago, many here in Canterlot heard the roar of engines and explosions. Those were airships from the Griffon Kingdom whom came here at my request as part of a new treaty. They came to uphold their part of our agreement to defend Canterlot from any and all threats.”
<he sound of uneasy murmuring can be heard as those assemble turn to one another. Eventually Celestia speaks again.
“It was very fortunate that they were here, as Canterlot was beset upon by a substantial threat. Much to our surprise, the former Hero of Light stole our nation’s most powerful airship The Equinox from its place in the Crystal Kingdom. He immediately forced its crew to fly him to Ponyville where he wasted no time burning and laying waste to the peaceful town he once called home. Hero of Light Decimus tried his best to stop him but was overwhelmed by the traitor’s standing forces and a group of soldiers whom defected. If everypony will turn and look to the horizon, even now you can see the smoke rising from the burning buildings of the town.”
Cries erupt from the audience as they look in the direction Celestia is assumedly pointing. Dinky grits her teeth.
“WHAT?! That was Decimus!”
Fluttershy gasps. “He… burned Ponyville down?!”
Applejack sighs. “Sure sounds like it.”
Pinkie mane deflates. “It’s a good thing the whole place was empty!”
Rose nods. “Indeed. Had the population been there the loss of life would have been substantial.”
Auriel cries out. “This is monstrous!”
Hammer frowns. “I’ll say!”
Celestia continues her speech. “Sadly, all ground forces save for a few along with Decimus himself were slaughtered as the traitors torched the defenseless town. However, that was not enough for the former Hero of Light, as he then boarded his stolen ship along with a number of kidnapped orphans, taken as hostages. He flew to Canterlot in an effort to do the same to our city. Our griffon allies, led by the valiant Admiral Gaston, fired several warning shots to drive the coward away. I refused to order any more, as the lives of the hostages may yet be saved in future encounters.”
The townsponies in the Cafeteria look around, clearly aghast at what they have just heard from their revered leader.
“Even now the coward flies his vessel along with its captured crew and hostages east. I’ve sent orders to both Fillydelphia and Baltimare to be evacuated at once in case he plans to carry out more terrorist attacks against them and their citizens. Even now more air and naval ships from the Griffon Kingdom are headed toward our shores in an effort to take down this vile criminal. Rest assured that he will not find safe harbor anywhere in our lands. Our own standing forces, along with reinforcements from the Griffon Kingdom across the sea, will not rest until this threat of our land is utterly destroyed. Have no fear, my little ponies, for I along with our warriors both domestic and international will not allow this menace free reign of the skies. He will FALL as every other would-be tyrant has in the past! This I swear to all of you!”
The cries of joy from the crowd in Canterlot rings out. As Lemon Hearts cuts the feed the sounds of cheers is replaced by the angry shouts and pounding hooves of the citizens of Ponyville. Applejack cries out.
“All of that was a dang blasted LIE!”
Pinkie nods fervently. “Darn right!”
Fluttershy’s lower lip trembles. “But… but why would Princess Celestia have said all those terrible things?”
Hammer clenches a fist. “She’s either being manipulated or is just willfully ignorant!”
Dinky grits her teeth. “Maybe both!”
Natalya hurries over to Arc. “Sir, I… I just want you to know that I… I didn’t have anything to do with…”
Arc nods soberly as he puts a hand on the griffon’s shoulder.
“I know, Natalya. You’re with us for a reason.”
He turns to see Coco Pommel, Derpy, and Gallus approach. Coco Pommel is the first to speak.
“This is terrible!”
Derpy bows her head. “Right. Now the entire country thinks you’re a monster, Arc.”
Gallus seethes. “Leave it to the Griffon Kingdom to screw this up!”
Hammer draws her gun. “Let’s go back there and wipe the floor with those varmints!”
Arc shakes his head. “Now isn’t the right time.”
Sereb growls. “If we wait, they will be reinforced.”
Natalya nods. “But if we don’t cross the Celestial Sea before the navy arrives we’ll be stuck in Equestria!”
Arc sighs. “Right. We need to leave the country, and now.”
He turns to the angry townsponies and motions for silence. Eventually they quiet down and look to him.
“Everyone… we’ll be flying over Baltimare soon. Anyone whom wants to get off there can do so. But I strongly suggest you stay aboard The Equinox.”
Mister Cake appears confused. “Why’s that, Arc?”
Misses Cake nods. “Yes, wouldn’t we be safer here then the Dragon Lands?”
“Normally, yes. However it stands to reason that Decimus would be checking the towns along our route for residents of Ponyville. Remember, all of you know the truth of what really happened earlier today. It’d be bad for him if you started talking to others about how he lied about pretty much everything.”
Sereb nods. “If caught, your lives would be forfeit.”
Hammer sighs. “Yeah. And the truth would die with you.”
“Anyone whom wants off is still free to do so. Just remember that once we leave the coast, there’s no turning back.”
Nopony says a word. Eventually Applejack steps forward and speaks.
“I’m staying. After all, there’s no place safer right now than The Equinox.”
Pinkie looks around. “Yeah! And we have so many friends here!”
Fluttershy smiles nervously. “If we left now, where would we even go?”
The ponies nod and murmur to each other softly as Hammer steps forward.
“My place is with you right now, Arc. Lead on and I’ll follow.”
Auriel smiles. “Me too.”
Rose clenches a fist. “This fight will not be yours alone.”
“Thanks. Now then, anyone whom wants to leave please head to the Bridge now.”
Nopony moves. After a few moments Arc nods and smiles.
“I’ll do my best to protect everyone while we sort this out. We should be in the Dragon Lands early tomorrow morning.”
Nodding, the others smile at him and sit back down to continue eating. Hammer turns to Arc.
“How’s… your friend doing?”
“Which one?”
“Rarity.”
“She still kinda out of it right now. Sweetie Belle and Rainbow Dash are looking after her. Well, it’s mostly just Sweetie Belle as she’s the only one not hurt. But they’ll recover in due time.”
Auriel puts a claw on his shoulder. “Would you like to spend the afternoon with them?”
“Yes indeed. But there’s a lot to do here, what with all the extra mouths to feed.”
Coco Pommel smiles at him. “We’ll handle that part, Arc.”
“Well, there’s also the foals and younglings. I was going to…”
Derpy interrupts him. “They’re doing just fine in the Rec Room, Arc.”
“Yeah dad. Everypony ate really fast and ran back there and to the Library.”
Natalya nods. “Miss Cheerilee and Miss Peachbottom are tutoring some of younglings that are having trouble keeping up with their studies as well.”
Gallus grins. “We were planning to go help them out for a bit after lunch.”
Natalya shrugs. “It wouldn’t be for very long, as supper preparations would need to start an hour or so later.”
Coco Pommel smiles up at Arc. “Take some time to do what you want to, Arc. We’ll take care of things here.”
“Um… okay. Thanks. I’ll see everyone at supper. Come along, Dinky.”
“Dad?”
“I think Sweetie Belle needs some cheering up.”
“Okay. Let’s go.”
Dinky and Arc leave the Cafeteria together. Derpy looks to the room full of ponies and smiles.
“It’s just like at the orphanage, Miss Pommel.”
Coco Pommel nods happily. “Yes. The only difference is that our charges are a bit more numerous and larger.”
Natalya giggles. “And eat more.”
Gallus looks back toward the kitchen. “We’re lucky this ship was set up for mass food production.”
Hammer grins. “Darn right.”
Auriel nods. “I think it may be better equipped in that regard, yes.”
Rose sighs. “Arc once told me this ship was set up to be a military vessel. But it could also be used for relief efforts after natural disasters. I didn’t understand what that meant up until now though, as Equestria doesn’t usually have such things.”
Gallus raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“Arc enjoys helping others. Protecting them and providing for them. That’s why Princess Luna designed ordered his flagship this way. To allow him, and others, the ability to serve the public in their hour of need.”
Meanwhile, Arc and Dinky walk into the Infirmary. They see Rainbow Dash sleeping on her hospital bed as Sweetie Belle lays next to Rarity. Approaching the filly they see her eyes closed and tear stains on her cheeks. Dinky puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder as Arc pats her head. Opening her eyes she looks up at them sadly. Dinky is the first to speak to her friend.
“You’re not alone in this.”
Arc nods. “Right. We’re right here, Sweetie Belle.”
Holding out her hooves, the filly looks to Arc pleadingly. Reaching out he picks her up and sits down in a chair next to the bed. Sweetie Belle wraps her hooves around his neck as Arc pulls her close. She buries her head in Arc’s shoulder as he gently pets her mane.
“It’s okay, Sweetie Belle. Just let it all out.”
Dinky hops up into his lap a puts her own hooves around both Arc and Sweetie Belle in a three way hug. The filly unicorn stays there unmoving as Arc and Dinky do their best to comfort her.