>Be Anonymous; Sergeant of Iota Squad.
>You hope, at least.
>That was a pretty bad crash you just had.
>Or had a while ago.
>There was no light shining into the desolate cargo bay. You could have crashed hours ago, or days ago.
>When you had finally regained consciousness, you were still strapped into your seat of the Lambda Shuttle.
>Upside-down.
>Lovely.
>Realizing that you can't see anything in the darkness, you bring a hand up to toggle the low-light filter for your visor.
>Looking around, you saw your four other squad-mates, still strapped into their own seats via mechanical harnesses.
>None of them were moving.
>Even better.
>You reach across the metal guard holding you in place, when a sudden movement in front of you catches you off guard.
>One of your squad-mates directs his upside-down attention towards you, helmet still on his head.
>"Good to see you're alive, sir," he said.
"Likewise," you replied. "How long have you been awake?"
>"Long enough to realize that the safety guard is jammed," he said, tapping the metal harness that held him to his seat and kept him from plummeting ten feet to the ground. "How are yours?"
>You take a deep breath.
>Lets find out.
>You hit the release on your harness, and immediately fall to the roof of the shuttle, head-first.
>Well, at least your suit was still functional; your helmet reacted to the trauma and locked your head in place, keeping your neck from breaking on impact.
>You quickly get to your feet and look up at the conscious Stormtrooper.
>If he was any bit amused by your tumble, his helmet kept it secret.
 
>Speaking of which, it would probably be a good idea to check the life signs of the other three squad-mates still unconscious.
>Once more raising your hand to the side of your helmet, you cycle through visor filters, before reaching the squad vitals info.
>Jhorn -the one currently conscious- was showing good vitals.
>The technical specialist of the group.
>As were Double and Burnout.
>The clone commando and crowd control, respectively.
>Self-nicknamed, much to your chagrin.
>Vex was... not doing well.
>His visor read that Vex was still alive, but currently losing blood, though looking at his limp form above, you can't tell from where.
>Probably under his helmet.
>You're not sure if he could drown in his own helmet, but you didn't want to take the chance.
>You feel your right thigh for your blaster, pulling it up and aiming at the harness.
>"Uh, is that a good idea, sir?" Jhorn questions.
"It's small-arms fire, his suit can take it," you say assuringly.
>Take aim...
>BAM!
>The harness falls away, and Vex comes falling down.
>His body managed to fall onto his back, and you quickly get to work taking his helmet off.
 
>With the helmet off, you get a good look at Vex's face.
>His skin was tan -a recruit from Tatooine- and his head shaven. His face -fairly young, he was only 36- was covered in blood, and blood was gushing from his nose.
>The biggest source of blood, however, was the large gash on the back of his head.
>Had to have hit his head pretty hard for his helmets' anti-trauma measures to fail.
"Jhorn, do you see any medkits anywhere?"
>"There's one right above -or, below- Double's head," he replied.
>Good. Then Vex can still be treated.
>You stand up and scan the walls, finding the medkit attached to the wall next to Double's head.
>Opening up the kit, a round cylinder full of blue liquid falls out and onto the floor, rolling down into a corner; the floor being off-axis contributing.
>Bingo.
>You quickly bring the container to Vex -a small pool of blood forming under his head- and open the container.
>Scooping out a small amount of the gelatinous bacta from the container, you smear it directly onto the gash.
>After you get done doing the same for his nose, you notice that blood had already stopped pouring from the gash.
>Excellent.
>You stand up, hoisting Vex's body up and leaning him against the shuttle wall, before looking back up at Jhorn.
"He should be good to go, but he won't regain consciousness for a while."
>"That's great," replied Jhorn, "but do you think you can help me get down now? The blood rushing to my head is starting to get to me."
>You pick the blaster back up off of the ground, take aim, and blast open Jhorn's harness.
>Jhorn -unlike you- flipped around and landed on his hands and knees, before quickly standing up and rolling his shoulders.
>"Good to finally stretch out," he comments, raising a hand up to Double's helmet.
>"Hey, wake up," he said, tapping the visor. "Wakey wakey, Bantha steakey."
"Jhorn, I don't think he'll-"
>Just then, Double groaned. "Ugh... I could really go for some Bantha steak right about now."
>You stand corrected.
 
"Good to have you with us, Double."
>The aforementioned Stormtrooper mutters something incoherently, before detaching the harness.
>The ship was skewed enough that he was able to just slide down the wall, flipping himself around and getting to his feet.
>He scans the room, before looking at Vex's limp form. "Any casualties?"
"None that I know of. Vex took a bit of a beating and'll be out of it for a while, but he's stabilized."
>A loud thump could be heard on the opposite side of the room, and everyone turned to see Burnout laying on the floor, front-side up and groaning.
>"And the gang's all here," commented Jhorn, walking over to help Burnout to his feet. "Well, minus Vex. How're ya feelin', hothead?"
>"Irritated," came the curt reply, before looking at you. "Sir," he said, nodding his head once.
"Burnout."
>"Y'know," began Jhorn once more, "we should probably check on the cockpit, see if the pilot is still alive."
>"Judging by the orientation of the ship," said Double, "I'm not too sure there's much of a cockpit still attached to the ship."
>He was right. The ship was upside down, skewed down towards the cockpit and to the side.
"Well we'd better hope it's intact. Without it, we're gonna have a hard time getting out of this shuttle."
>You point towards the door.
"Jhorn, see if the doors still have power."
>"Aye aye, captain."
"Double, Burnout, get our gear from the lockers."
>"Uh, I have good news and bad news," called Jhorn, following several short grinding sounds.
>You approach the Stormtrooper, looking up at the panel he was currently inspecting.
>"The good news is that we still have power," he began.
"And the bad news?"
>"The bad news is that the doors are jammed. Something's keeping them from opening, probably the collapsed hull. They aren't opening."
"Well can we cut them open?"
>"More than likely, but it'll take some time. Which leads us to issue number two; this cargo bay is airtight, and ventilation is unresponsive."
 
>Great.
>As though the situation wasn't bad enough.
>First the shuttle gets blasted out of space and is forced to crash land on the surface of an unclaimed planet.
>But now it's a race against time to get out of the cargo bay of a crippled ship.
>"Anon, fusioncutter," called Double from behind you.
>You turned around just in time to catch an F-187 fusioncutter in your hands.
>Turning around, Jhorn snatches the tool from your hand and immediately begins to cut around the edge of the door.
>He immediately stops, however, covering his visor with his arm. "Ah, forgot to turn off the low-light," he mumbled, before tapping the side of his helmet and continuing his work.
>You do the same, disabling the low-light filter in favor of your helmet-mounted flashlight.
"Alright boys, give me a list of what works and what doesn't."
>Your light shines on the two commandos as they sift through a locker built into the wall of the shuttle.
>Everyone had the same armor set; standard duraplast Stormtrooper armor, with minor modifications; torso pieces were modified to allow packs to be mounted directly onto the armor, helmets had a plethora of vision filters for various situations, and several aesthetic details.
>Double's armor remained the form factor of the old Republic commando, with several scuff marks and defects; no doubt the same armor set he used during the last era. His helmet, however, was a standard Stormtrooper commando helmet, almost completely clean and free of any deformities; clear contrast in age between it and the rest of his suit.
>Burnout kept his armor fairly clean, though there was soot clearly visible around many creases and corners.
>Vex's suit was the cleanest of everyone, and a red stripe wrapped from the back of his helmet, over the top and down the front, joining a large red asterisk on his breastplate; the mark of an imperial field medic.
>Jhorn's armor was nothing special, save for a vibro-shiv sheath over his left collarbone. He also wore a Scout variant of the Stormtrooper helmet.
>You were adorned in standard Stormtrooper Commando armor, decorated with a blue tooth painted over one eye and stripes running down your arms, legs and torso. You also wore an orange pauldron on your left shoulder.
 
>Be Burnout.
>Be mildly cheerful.
>Searching through the weapons locker in the wall, you found the vast majority of your own equipment was undamaged.
>In fact, the only damage you could find was a crushed activator for remote detpack detonation.
>Was definitely fixable.
>However, there was plenty of damage that Double was discovering.
>A bunch of spare E-11 blasters had come loose during the crash, and it looked like one was stuck continuously firing until it depleted its battery while you were out of it.
>Plasma damage on a lot of equipment, including but not limited to:
>Rebreathers
>Other blasters
>Various tools
>You're lucky none of the explosives had gotten hit.
>You probably wouldn't even be here counting broken E-11s if they had.
>"Not a whole lot of blasters look operational," Double said, holding one that currently had a stock attached. "This and two others are the only ones."
"Check the damaged ones. We can probably salvage the batteries."
>"Already took inventory. Only one battery is unusable, and only because its empty."
>Well that was good news. Ammunition wasn't going to be an issue.
>"A few DH-17s are still good," Double commented, holding one such blaster pistol in his hand. "That looks like the majority of it though."
>On an uncharted planet on the edge of the galaxy, with minimal firepower and no knowledge of whatever shot your shuttle down.
>Oh, and Jhorn is your only hope for not suffocating in said shuttle, trying to cut his way into a cockpit that might not even be there.
>Perfect.
 
>Be Anon
>You never thought you'd have to do this for the entirety of your military career.
>"Hold me steady," Jhorn called down, almost falling.
>He was currently standing on your shoulders as he cut his way up along the floor of the shuttle.
"Just hurry up already. The air is getting thinner; we don't have a lot of time left."
>Your current visor setting was reading environmental statistics.
>Temperature was 296 Kelvin
>Humidity was 3%
>Oxygen-Nitrogen to Carbon Dioxide ratio: 3:1
>Not looking good.
"Someone get Vex's helmet on his head, and turn on the rebreather."
>"Got it covered," said Double, stepping away from the weapons locker and approaching Vex's still-limp form.
>You look up at the Stormtrooper currently cutting through the doorway.
"Jhorn, how much longer?"
>"Almost... got it... Done!" He proceeds to step backwards off of your shoulders and falls onto the floor feet-first. "Door is cut, now we need to breach."
"Good."
>You look over to Burnout.
"Any handmags Burnout? I don't wanna risk pushing the door through and crushing potential survivors."
>He doesn't even look up at you, tossing you what looked like a bacta shock paddle.
>You caught it, flipping around and pressing it lightly against the door center. Once the button is pushed, you feel it hum under your hand. It's stuck.
>Always good to have a handheld magnet nearby for situations like this.
 
>You give the door a strong pull, and it slides out of its frame and falls to the floor with a loud metallic THUD.
>Looking inside, you can see that the cockpit is indeed still there.
>The viewport, however, was covered by the blast shield.
>You swap back to your low-light filter, disabling the flashlight.
>The pilots are still strapped into their seats, limp.
>One was bleeding
>Damnit.
>You climb up onto the roof of the cockpit and look over the pilots.
>The bleeding pilot had significant tearing around his neck, still bleeding profusely.
>The other pilot just hung limp, but you could see his spine under the bump in his neck.
"Pilots are dead."
>"I figured as much," Jhorn chipped in. "Any way we can get the cargo bay door to open?"
>You begin scanning the dash, reading every label until you finally found what you were looking for.
>The cargo door lever. And the light was still on.
>Bingo.
"I found the hatch lever and it still has power."
>You could hear Jhorn breathe a sigh of relief. "Now lets just hope that nothing's jamming the-"
>Suddenly, everyone goes silent as a light CLANG came from the cargo bay door.
>Or rather, from outside.
>"...Anon, did you hear that?" Burnout called quietly.
"I most certainly did."
 
"Double, do we have weapons?"
>"Affirmative. Three E-11s, five DH-17s, a Golan PTL, several thrown ord-"
>"Wait," interrupted Burnout, "did you just say 'Golan PTL?'"
>"Yes, Burnout," Double said exasperatedly. "Your precious MiniMag is a-okay."
>You rolled your eyes.
>Double was referring to Burnout's custom-detailed MiniMag PTL Missile Launcher, manufactured by Golan Arms.
>"And ammo?"
>"There's a couple munitions boxes with charges."
>Burnout was probably grinning sadistically under that helmet. "Maybe this isn't so bad after all."
>"Hey, lets bring our attention back to the fact that something is outside this ship," Jhorn called out. "Possibly armed. With guns. Or teeth."
"He makes a good point. Iota, arm yourselves and take position. I'm opening the hatch."
>You pull the lever, and Iota squad is currently taking position on either side of the ship.
>Burnout is currently in front of a still-unconscious Vex, aiming his gargantuan anti-tank ordinance at the door.
>Double was currently crouching in front of Jhorn, both equipped with E-11s, stocks extended, and aimed at the door.
>You stepped down just as the door began to open, swinging from the bottom out at a sluggish pace.
>You forgot that the ship was upside down, therefore the door that WOULD have been a ramp would instead act as a sort of awning.
>You take position crouching in front of Burnout, holding your own DH-17.
>Now, you waited.
>Anything could be on the other side of that door.
>You could be meeting an entire insurgent platoon, or even a battle-group.
>Or hell, there might even be a Rancor outside.
>But you were ready.
>You were Iota squad.
 
>Be Anon still.
>You get a good look at the ground as the door continues to slowly open.
>The ground is brown, and torn.
>No doubt a mark left on the land by the shuttle.
>There are also several small puddles dotting the land, with more being revealed as the hatch swings out.
>The liquid was clear, so you hoped that it was only water, and not fuel. It probably rained not too long ago.
>Speaking of which, what does your visor say about the air composition now that it's been exposed to the outside?
>Visor read an Oxygen-Nitrogen to Carbon Dioxide ratio of 46:1 and rising.
>So the air is breathable, at least.
>When next you got a chance, you would have to disable Vex's rebreather.
>But that's only if you got the chance.
>There was still the possible threat that lurked outside.
>As the door continued to open, you took notice that the mouth of the cargo bay was actually a good thirteen feet above the ground.
>There was also debris from the shuttle all over the place.
>The door was now open parallel to the shuttle floor, revealing a long, horrid mar in the ground, surrounded by exotic trees and plant-life.
>Standing in the long crater, close to the ship, was a single yellow quadruped with red hair, staring up at the four of you.
>An odd-looking thing, no taller than your knee.
>"Note the yellow indigenous lifeform," Double said quietly.
"Noted."
>"Is that... someone's pet?" Jhorn chimed in. "It's wearing a bow on its head, and saddlebags."
>Indeed, it was adorned with saddlebags and a bow.
>How peculiar.
 
>"That would mean civilization," Burnout commented.
>"I don't see anything else," Double says. "Unsure about aerial threats."
>"Anon," Jhorn started, "I recommend grabbing an E-11 before we head out."
>That was a good point.
"It looks clear. Iota, gear up and get ready to move."
>The formation broke, and the squad began collecting supplies and packing them into their individual packs.
>You kept staring at the yellow equine-like creature, however.
>And it kept staring at you, eyes wide and mouth agape.
>It made you uncomfortable, staring into such large eyes.
>They looked like they belong on an intelligent species.
>Eventually, you turned around to pack your own things.
>Burnout had his Golan PTL mounted to his pack, and two DH-17s on either hip.
>Double carried an E-11, and was packing Vex's pack with medical supplies from the locker and first-aid kit.
>His own pack carried as many explosive ordinance as he could carry, as well as a DH-17 and E-11.
>Jhorn carried several fusioncutters and other tools, including a surface-to-space commpack. He carried only a DH-17.
>You yourself decided to pack the ammunition, as well as the last E-11. You already carried your own DH-17, and the lack of munition boxes told you that Burnout had already packed his Golan charges.
>Once everything was packed, you helped each Iota member mount his pack onto his back.
"Jhorn, Burnout, carry Vex."
>They nodded an affirmative, and you turned back towards the mouth of the ship.
>The lifeform was gone, however.
>Unimportant.
 
>You were the first to drop down, followed by Double.
>Burnout and Jhorn slowly lowered Vex down, into your care, before dropping down themselves.
>"Hey, where'd the little mynock go?" Jhorn questioned, looking around and taking your place in carrying Vex.
"It ran away."
>"If it was a pet," Double began, "then it probably went back to its master. Tracking it down might lead us to its home."
"Sounds like a good plan. Would you like to do the honors?"
>"With pleasure, sir."
>Double then approached the spot where the creature was standing, scanning the ground for a moment before pointing in a random direction.
>"Tracks move west," he said. "I recommend treading slowly. If we catch up with it before it makes it back, we'll compromise our guide."
>"Well it's not like we're going anywhere fast anyway," chimed in Jhorn, "carrying Vex's lazy ass."
"Double, take point. I'll guard the rear. Iota, out."
>And with that, you began trudging your way out of the dugout and into the forest.
>At least a half an hour go by, and the plant-life only gets more vibrant, more... eerie.
>Only made worse with the lack of any background noise you'd normally hear in a forest.
>"This place gives me the creeps," Jhorn says ahead of you.
>"Scared of monsters?" Burnout teases.
>"Monsters, I can handle," Jhorn counters. "But... it's too quiet. No animals, no wind; raising a little red flag for me."
"Keep it together, Jhorn. The quiet only means it'll be harder for anything to sneak up on us."
>"Understood, Anon."
>In truth, the lack of noise was incredibly unnerving for you. You felt goosebumps all over.
>Something was telling you to run, but you didn't know why.
>And it scared you.
 
>Be Double.
>And the tracks are... peculiar.
>They've become more spaced out, and more violently dug.
>It looks like the lifeform started running away, with desperation.
>You feel the same way. You feel like you're not welcome here, and you want out.
>The interesting bit, however, was the lack of any other tracks.
>Makes you wonder why the creature went into a full-on sprint.
>Aerial predator? Maybe. Unlikely.
>If it was an aerial predator, there's no doubt that the creature would be dead by now.
>And you wouldn't still be following its tracks.
>No, it just decided to run.
>...What if it was running from you?
>It's not an unreasonable thought. It could've seen you as a threat, and decided to run away.
>But then why didn't any of the tracks before now show signs of running? It looked like it started walking, but then-
>"AAAYEEEEEEE!"
>"What the hell was that?" Jhorn said urgently, everyone stopping suddenly.
>"That was a cry of fear," replied Anon. "Jhorn, Double, guard Vex."
"Roger."
>"Burnout, double-time!"
>"Aye!"
>You took hold of Vex for Burnout, setting him down against a tree while the two commandos sprinted towards the source of the cry.
>Drawing your E-11, you scanned the treeline for threats.
>"What do you think's going on?" inquired Jhorn, having drawn his own E-11.
"I have no idea."
 
>Be Anon.
>You've already got your E-11 drawn, and you're nearing the source of the cry.
>Burnout is hot on your tail, showing no signs of encumbrance having to carry his Golan PTL.
>He already has a DH-17 drawn as well.
>You break into a small clearing, only thirty or so meters in diameter and oval-shaped.
>There was a cliff wall along the far back, surrounded by eight or nine wolf-like creatures.
>Only, they were covered in a wood-like carapace.
>Weird.
 
>"HELP! SOMEPONY!"
>There was the voice again. From the center of the ring of wolves.
"Burnout, there," you quietly say, pointing towards the group.
>"Weapons are hot. On your mark."
"Weapons free, take 'em down!"
>The wolves never knew what hit them.
>Not a single bolt missed its mark. The barrage of blaster fire set several wolves ablaze on the spot, who began running every which way in a panic.
>It was surprising, to say the least. Never have you seen a blaster set something on fire instead of cauterizing or scoring.
>The ones that did not spontaneously combust were simply blown away, dying before they hit the ground.
>The entire ordeal lasted maybe six seconds.
>"Hostiles down."
"Scan the treeline for more."
>"Aye."
>You look to where the wolves had been circling, only to find...
>...the little yellow creature with the red bow.
 
>"The master must've run off," Burnout said after his search. "Can't find a trace of him, or any other hostiles."
>You don't reply.
>You're too busy staring back at the creature that stared back at you, back against the cliff face.
>Same expression as before. Surprised. Cautious.
>Afraid.
"...I'm not sure that the master ran away, Burnout."
>"Hmm? What do you mean?" He follows your gaze, looking at the creature before looking back at you. "What, you think it's the one that cried for help?"
"Only one way to find out, commando."
>You re-holster your blaster onto your pack, slowly approaching the timid lifeform.
>It reared back against the cliff face, and you stopped. You were only ten meters away.
"...Are you the one that cried for help?"
>You were calm and slow with your words.
>And it responded to that. "Y-yes," she mumbled.
>Definitely a female. Possibly juvenile.
>"Well I'll be damned..." you heard Burnout behind you.
"We're not here to hurt you. What's your name?"
>"...Applebloom." She had ceased her shaking, and took a few steps towards you.
"My name is Anon. That's Burnout."
>You point back at the aforementioned Stormtrooper.
"Can you take us to your home?"
>She nods, seemingly over her fear as she steps even closer.
>You get down on one knee, and she closes the distance, looking you up and down in awe.
>"Thanks fer yer help, mister!" she exclaims, a big grin on her face.
>For whatever reason, you smile.
 
>Be Jhorn.
>Be antsy.
>You can hear the blaster fire in the distance.
>And it's KILLING you that you can't be a part of it.
>But you're instead stuck guarding Vex's body.
>Selfish of him, milking his unconsciousness this long.
>Suddenly, the radio crackles to life.
>"Iota, we're clear," Anon said. "Bring Vex, we're moving out."
"Copy that, Anon."
>Finally!
>"And be on your best behavior," he added. "We're escorting a civilian."
>...Great.
 
>"So... are y'all robots?"
>Be Burnout.
>Be annoyed.
>You've been walking through the forest for an hour now, and not once has the pony stopped talking.
>That's what it said, anyway; a pony.
>"Nah," replied Jhorn. "It's just a suit. For protection."
>"Protection? From what?"
>"Anything you can throw at us," Anon said.
>The pony was currently leading your squad through the forest, to her home.
>"So, y'all are like soldiers then?"
"I wonder what gave it away?" you mumble sarcastically.
>"Oh, be nice killjoy," chided Jhorn. Then, to Applebloom, "Not just any soldiers; we're COMMANDOS; special ops, behind-enemy-lines type soldiers."
>"That's so cool!" she exclaimed, leaping up in the air for a brief moment. "Ever go on any exciting missions?"
>"Jhorn, why don't you tell her about the Felucia incident?" Anon questioned.
>"Heh, she doesn't wanna hear about that..."
>You begin to perk up.
"C'mon, don't be such a KILLJOY."
>"Guys, please... Double's got much better stories than I do anyway. He fought in the Clone Wars!"
>At this, Applebloom flipped around to look back at the squad. "Clone Wars?"
>You and Anon both stared at Jhorn. "Let's not broach that topic, Jhorn," Anon said morbidly.
>Double just carried on holding Vex with you, as though he hadn't heard Jhorn.
>Even you knew not to poke a sleeping Krayt Dragon with a stick.
>"Right... sorry Anon," said Jhorn apologetically.
>"Why, what happened in th' Clone Wars?" Applebloom inquired.
>"It was a dark time," Anon replied. "Some of us would rather not unearth buried memories."
>"Oh, ah'm sorry..."
>"It's alright. Now, Jhorn, either you start talking about Felucia, or Burnout will."
>You grin.
"And you know damn well how I like to tell it."
>Jhorn sighed.
>"Alright, so I wanna start off by saying that I was NOT having a good day to begin with..."
 
>"...Now, keep in mind that I THOUGHT it was domesticated."
>Be Anon.
>Be shaking your head.
"You can't domesticate an Acklay, Jhorn."
>"And I didn't know that!" he said defensively. "I see an Acklay in a pen next to-"
>"Not a pen, a CAGE," chimed in Burnout.
>Jhorn looked back over to Burnout, before continuing his story. "...Next to someone's home, so it's a perfectly REASONABLE assumption to make that it's domesticated."
"Had you actually READ the briefing on Felucian fauna, you would have known better."
>"Hell, our CO even warned us about Acklay before we touched down," said Burnout.
>"Look, long story short, I won't try to ride an Acklay bareback ever again."
>Applebloom started giggling, and Jhorn got indignant.
>"It's not funny! I almost died on that planet!"
"But you didn't. Three days in a bacta tank and several scoldings later, Jhorn is assigned to Iota."
>"And I joined up soon after," added Burnout.
"Mhm. Burnout took Dravis' place as the demolitions expert of the team."
>"I also specialize in crowd control," Burnout said sinisterly.
>"Hey Anon," said Jhorn, "where did Dravis get shipped off to anyway?"
"I believe he was assigned to an Imperial space station being built over Despayre."
>Jhorn shook his head. "Go from elite commando squad to guard duty. Go figure."
>You look back at Double, who has been silent since his first introduction to the tiny pony.
"You've been awfully quiet, Double. Everything alright?"
>"Affirmative. Just lost in thought is all."
>You look at him for a moment more, before turning back to Applebloom.
"Say, how much longer until we get there?"
>"Shouldn't be much farther," she replied. "Ah recognize these trees."
>"They all look alike to me," Double finally chimed in.
>"Y' spend enough time out in these woods, y' start noticin' lil differences," Applebloom explained.
>"Hmm."
 
>Be Anon still.
"How often do you come out here? This place doesn't seem very safe for a youngling."
 
>"Oh, all the time!" she replied. "Ah come out here t' help Zecora collect mushrooms an' stuff for her potions."
>Suddenly, she stopped. "Um, don't tell mah sister what ah just said. She doesn't like me comin' out here."
 
>You smirk under your helmet.
"Our lips are sealed."
 
>"That reminds me," Applebloom began, walking once more, "if y'all are wearin' armor, what do y'all look like without yer helmets on?"
 
>You exchange looks with each conscious member of your team, before turning back to Applebloom.
"Well I suppose there's no harm in showing you."
>You bring your hands up to unlock your helmet from its clasp, before slowly lifting it up to reveal your face to the cool air.
>It was brisk, but manageable.
 
>Applebloom's eyes widened. "Oh, you're a human too?!"
 
>That threw everyone for a loop, and the procession stopped moving.
>What?
"There are other people here?"
 
>"Yeah! A lil' while ago, a few other humans came out of the forest just like y'all! Their spaceship crashed too!"
 
>You turn back towards your team.
>You don't even need to see their faces to know they have the same look you do.
>Turning back, you place the helmet back on your head.
"If it's alright with you, I think I'd very much like to meet them."
 
>"Sure! Ah think they'd be real happy t' know that not all y'all are evil meanies."
 
>Once more, you're caught off guard.
"What do you mean? They know us?"
 
>"They were talkin' 'bout scary soldiers in white armor like y'all, burnin' down towns an' bein' supervillains. It's also why ah was so afraid of y'all in the first place."
>She turned back towards you. "But y'all aren't bad at all!"
 
>You turned back towards your squad once more.
>You didn't have to say anything.
 
>"Read you loud and clear, sir," Burnout said coldly.
 
>Things just got interesting.
 
 
>Eventually, you were able to break out of the forest, only to find yourself approaching even more trees.
>Fruit trees, to be precise. It looked like an Orchard of sorts. And in the distance, a barn could be seen.
 
>Be Jhorn.
>Be tired of having to haul Vex around.
>Seriously, when was he going to wake up?
>He couldn't have lost THAT much blood.
>It wasn't even that big of a pool at the shuttle.
>Only maybe two, three feet in diameter.
>Bah.
 
>"We're here!" Applebloom shouted as you broke the treeline. "Sweet Apple Acres!"
 
>"An impressive orchard," Anon said.
 
"Hey, anywhere we can drop Vex off? I'm getting tired of having to carry him."
 
>"Y'all can put him in the barn 'til he wakes up," Applebloom replied.
 
>"Sounds like a good idea," Anon said, turning back to you and Double. "You two, take Vex to the barn and wait with him until he wakes up."
>Then, to Applebloom, "Now, do you mind taking us to the other humans?"
 
>"Sure thing!" she said happily. "They're just right this-"
 
>"APPLEBLOOM!"
 
 
>Be Anon.
>You see an orange pony with a blonde mane and wearing a hat charge from the orchard towards your group.
>Your immediate instinct is to draw your weapon, but you decide against it.
 
>"Applejack," began Applebloom, "Ah can ex-"
 
>The orange pony immediately took an aggressive stance between the child and your squad.
>Probably her mother.
 
>"Who are y'all, and why're ya followin' mah sister?" she said through gritted teeth.
 
>Sister then.
>Very protective. Makes you wonder if the mother is around.
 
"Applejack, it's okay!" the child shouted. "They saved mah life! They're good guys!"
 
>Applejack turned back to look at the filly briefly, before turning back to you.
 
>"They saved me from a pack o' Timberwolves!"
 
>You saw Applejack's eyes soften slightly, though she never took them off of you.
 
"Ma'am, we're not here to hurt anyone."
 
>"Then why ARE ya here?"
 
 
>It was a good question to ask.
 
"Our ship crashed. Your sister agreed to take us to shelter for our injured friend."
>You gestured to the still-unconscious Vex.
>It wasn't a COMPLETE lie. Technically, he WAS injured.
>But the bacta did its job. It's only a matter of waiting for him to wake up.
 
>Applejack sighed. "Fine. Y'all can keep 'im in our barn fer th' time bein'."
 
>You nod, before turning back towards the squad.
"Proceed."
 
>"Affirmative," said Double, before the two carried Vex through the orchard.
 
>"As fer th' rest of you," Applejack began, "Ah ain't takin' mah eye off you."
 
"Understandable."
 
>She turned back to Applebloom. "Now as fer YOU, lil' missy..."
 
 
>Be Jhorn.
>Be happy.
 
>You've finally unloaded Vex onto a bale of hay.
>He didn't react.
>Shocker.
 
"So, we're stuck here until the princess rises from her beauty sleep."
>Double didn't respond, instead staring at his E-11, flipping the stun/fatal mechanism on and off.
 
>You shrug, taking a seat on a nearby stool.
>It collapses under your weight, and you fall onto your back with a yelp.
 
>You can hear Double chuckling.
 
"That's right, laugh it up."
>You sit up, backing into a bale of hay for support and grabbing a piece of wood from the crushed seat.
>You draw your vibro-shiv, and to pass the time, you begin whittling with it.
 
>Anyone else would've butchered the hell out of that piece of wood, not expecting the vibro-shiv to cut through it like butter.
>But you had been doing this for a while.
>And like a master, you made several etches and cuts into the wood without jeopardizing its integrity.
>You didn't know what you were making. You were just doing whatever came to mind.
>It was relaxing.
 
 
>Be Burnout.
>Be in a staring contest with a little red pony in front of his home.
>Granted, he was bigger than the others, but he only came up to your abdomen in height.
>And we was glaring at you.
>Hard.
 
>You contemplated taking your helmet off so he could see you glaring right back at him.
>Before you even got the chance, though, Anon shut you down.
>"Don't pick a fight with the locals," he ordered.
 
>You sighed.
"Yes sir."
>You shifted your head in another direction to make the red pony think you were looking elsewhere.
>But you kept staring at him in your peripheral vision.
 
>"Big Mac, that's enough," said Applejack.
>Eventually, the red pony turned his gaze back towards the conversation.
>Burnout, 1. Big Mac, 0.
 
>"...But, yeah, they came a month ago," Applejack said. "Were nice enough. Willin' t' help 'round th' town, doin' odd jobs t' earn a livin'."
 
>"Did they come wearing armor like ours?" Anon questioned. "Or any sort of uniform?"
 
>Applejack shook her head. "One came wearin' an orange jumpsuit, an the others just wore simple clothes."
 
>That resonated with you.
"Did they happen to have insignias that looked like red round tridents?"
 
>Anon looks back to you -probably to scold you- when Applejack says, "Actually, yes. How did y'all know?"
 
>You scowl under your helmet.
>Terrorists.
>And not just any terrorists, either.
>The Alliance.
>A group that's become a real pain in the ass for the Empire.
 
>Anon looked back at you, before turning back to Applejack. "We're familiar with their company."
>Nice word choice, Anon.
 
Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Any chance y'all might know 'em?"
 
>"Unlikely," said Anon. "But our groups tend to interact on numerous occasions."
 
Applejack shrugged. "Well if y'all wanna meet 'em, they're probably in town. Ah'll take y'all to 'em."
 
>"Ah wanna come too!" said Applebloom.
 
>"Uh-uh, y'all 're gonnna stay here as punishment fer wanderin' into th' Everfree."
 
>"Awww!"
 
 
>Be Anon.
>You and Burnout were closely following the orange pony as she led you along a dirt path walled by trees.
>Though not nearly as sinister-looking as the trees from the forest prior.
 
>In the distance, you notice a large castle looking over the horizon.
"Is that it?"
>You point up to the castle in the distance.
 
>Applejack nods. "That's Twilight's castle. Just on the outskirts of town."
 
"Is Twilight the name of your leader?"
 
>"Well, technically," she replied. "But we've always been friends first."
 
>Another question formed in your mind.
"What kind of welcome should be expect once we get there?"
 
>"More welcomin' than ah was," Applejack said curtly. "Ah apologize fer that, by the way. Ah'm very protective of mah lil' sis."
 
"No hard feelings."
 
>It took you a little while to get to town, but once you arrive, you are... surprised.
>Very bright, vibrant colors everywhere. Structures are simple cottages, with a few ornately-decorated buildings.
>Ponies were all over, and all gave you peculiar stares.
>Many fearful gazes. A few even ducked between houses or ran away.
>You can only imagine what the rebels had been telling them about you.
 
>You pass by a burnt-out carcass of a tree. In neighboring houses, there was signs of scorching, and a few winows were boarded up. A ring of dead grass surrounded the dead plant.
>"What happened there?" Burnout inquired. "Fire?"
 
>"It's a long story," Applejack says, before pointing a hoof at a tall, ornate building. The sign said 'Sugarcube Corner.'
>"Ah know one of 'em likes t' spend their time there, at Sugarcube Corner. Name's Jax. He's a real nice fella."
 
>You look back at your squadmate, who nods in affirmative. You see him casually bring his hands down over the blasters on his hips.
 
 
>You follow Applejack into the building, where a human wearing a white suit with red accents and the Alliance insignia on his back was telling a story to a group of ponies.
 
>"So he's waist-deep in a sarlacc pit, when all of a sudden..." He notices the looks his audience was now giving you, before following their gaze. "What's wrong with-"
 
>He froze, staring at you, eyes wide and not moving a muscle. Genuine fear was in his eyes.
 
>Neither of you made a move for several seconds, when a pink pony carrying a tray of food steps through the kitchen door.
>"Cupcakes for everypony!" she cheerfully exclaims.
 
>Jax took that moment to flee, jumping over the counter and pushing past the pink pony.
 
>"Hey, that was rude!" she called as he dodged into the kitchen.
 
>Not on your watch.
 
>You do the same, barreling over the counter and through the door.
"Burnout, cover the other side!"
 
>You were hot on his tail, chasing a mere twelve feet behind him and gaining.
>He slipped through the open door and closed it on you.
>But you didn't care.
>Bracing yourself, you slammed straight into the door and broke it down, falling down onto it.
>And Jax as well, evidenced by his cries of pain.
 
>You quickly step away, kicking the door back and hoisting Jax up by the collar.
>You slam him against the wall of the building, holding him up on his toes.
>He was shorter than you, but older. Perhaps in his fifties.
 
"What's the matter, Jax? Off in such a hurry that you can't say hello?"
 
 
>Burnout quickly came around the other side, both DH-17s drawn and aimed at the traitor.
>He was followed by a crowd of ponies that only seemed to grow, with looks of fear and outrage in their eyes.
>Applejack came through the door you broke down, and looked appalled.
 
>"Put Jax down this instant!" she shouted.
 
>"Not a chance," Burnout replied. "Your friend's a wanted war criminal."
 
>Applejack shook her head. "That ain't true! He's been nothin' but kind t' us!"
 
"I'm sorry to break it to you, but this man is a traitor to the Empire. A terrorist."
 
>"Who knows how many innocent people this son of a bitch killed before he got here," Burnout hissed.
 
>"I'M the terrorist?!" Jax spat, seething with anger. "The Emperor is a tyrant! The Empire makes examples of innocents to enforce its regime!"
 
>You make it a point to slam him against the wall once more.
>You're much stronger than he is.
"Where is the rest of your squad?"
 
>Jax is silent.
 
>"Answer the question," Burnout said slowly, pressing a blaster to the side of his head.
 
>"Imperial drones using fear to control others?" Jax countered. "I can't say I'm sup-PRUH!"
>A fist to his gut shut him right up.
 
"I'm not going to ask you again."
 
>"Don't hurt him!"
>"Leave him alone!"
>Pick on someone your own size!"
>The crowd was becoming outraged, and some were taking steps towards the altercation.
>Burnout turned back towards the crowd, blasters aimed up.
 
>"Disperse, all of you! This is Imperial business!"
 
>A flying rock to the head was all it took to get Burnout mad.
>He fired several blasts into the sky, walking towards the crowd. "BEAT IT!"
 
>Several ponies ran away, but the angriest stayed.
 
>"Anon?"
 
>You turned your head towards the crowd, to see a small filly with a bow in her hair.
>Crying.
 
 
>Be Anon.
>Be conflicted.
 
>"Applebloom, ah told you t' stay at th' farm!" Applejack shouted.
 
>The traitor in your grasp turned his head towards the distressed child.
>"Applebloom, go back to the farm. I'll be fine."
>Then, to you. "Look at yourself. Look at all the trouble you've caused. All under the guise of patriotism."
 
>Burnout wasn't having any of it. "Sir, I recommend termination. He's not outing his squad-mates, but we'll find them eventually."
 
>"Yes, kill me," groaned Jax. "Make an example out of me. Let my death inspire fear all throughout the town, so that no one will oppose you."
>"Or... if you truly believe yourself to be a keeper of the peace, don't execute me in front of these people. Take me somewhere where no one has to watch."
 
>You sigh, before shoving Jax away from the wall. Drawing your E-11, you switch it to 'stun' and aim it at the rebel.
"March."
 
-----
 
>Be Vex.
>Have a severe headache.
>You slowly regained consciousness, waking to the feeling of a Bantha stomping on your skull.
>You try to look out your visor, but it is obstructed.
>You smell blood.
 
>As you stir, you feel a hand help you sit up. "Jhorn, he's awake," Double said.
 
>"Finally!" Jhorn exclaimed. "Have a nice nap?"
 
>You roll your eyes, bringing your hands up to remove your helmet.
>Once its off your head, you look inside, much to your own horror.
>The interior is covered in blood, including the visor.
 
"What happened?" you inquired, looking up at Double. "I remember us crashing, and that's it."
 
>"You suffered head trauma and severe bleeding," Double replied. "Anon got bacta on you just in time."
 
"How long have I been out?"
>You wipe your face with your hand in exhaustion.
 
>"A few hours," Double replied as you inspected your hand.
>It was covered in dried blood.
 
>You look up to Double.
"How do I look?"
 
>"Like you picked a fight with a Wookee and lost."
 
>You chuckle.
 
 
>Be Vex still.
>You look over at Jhorn, who has his vibro-shiv drawn and is carving a stick of wood.
>You get to your feet, before taking a few steps closer.
"What're you making this time?"
 
>He shrugs. "It's starting to look like a blaster."
>Indeed, it did vaguely resemble an E-11 blaster, shrunk down to 1/6th scale.
 
>You look around the structure, before looking back at Double.
"Where are we?"
 
"Unclaimed planet," Double explains. "On the edge of the known galaxy. Civilized life is apparently abundant."
>Interesting.
 
"Do we know the species?"
 
>Jhorn shook his head. "Not catalogued. They call themselves ponies."
 
>"Equine, small, varying colors," Double added.
>Equine?
 
"And they built this?"
>You gestured all around the barn.
 
>"Yeah, I've been wondering too," Jhorn told you. "They don't look like they're able to so much as hold a tool, let alone use it."
 
>"They could've gotten help," Double said. "We don't know that they're the only sapient species around here."
 
"That's a good point... say, where are Burnout and Anon?"
 
>Jhorn scoffs. "Playing ambassador while they track down the Alliance members in town."
 
>You raise an eyebrow.
"The Alliance is here?"
 
>"That's what Applejack said," Double replied. "Overhead 'em describing the insignia, and the pilot's uniform."
 
"Well I'll be damned."
 
>"If I were you, I'd get your helmet washed out," Double said, holding it and looking inside. "At least so that you can see past the visor."
 
>You nod, taking the helmet and using the back of your hand to break away the blood.
 
 
>Suddenly, you heard several shots go off in the distance.
>Everyone stood up, looking out the open barn doors.
 
>"Blaster fire," Double stated.
 
>"You think it's Alliance?" Jhorn inquires.
 
>"Only one way to find out. Let's go Iota."
 
-----
 
>Be anon.
>No one followed you. Burnout made sure of it.
 
>You decided that the best place to do this was back at the shuttle.
>You knew the way. All you had to do was follow the child's tracks backwards.
>Once you made it to the clearing, Jax spoke.
 
>"Is this YOUR handiwork?" he inquired, referencing the many dead timberwolves.
 
>"Take a good look, traitor," Burnout said maliciously. "That's about to be you soon."
 
"The child was under attack. We handled the situation as needed."
 
>Jax perked up. "Applebloom was in danger? And you saved her?"
>You nodded.
>"Hmph... At least you're not completely heartless."
>That was met with a hard jab from the barrel of your weapon.
 
>"Before you become another statistic," Burnout began, "I'm curious. Why fight against an Empire that kept you safe? Why bite the hand that fed you?"
 
>"Safety at what cost?" Jax countered. "To live constantly in fear of Imperial drones bursting through your doors? Taking everything you worked so hard for in the name of 'peace and justice'?"
>He then looked back at you. "Do you even know of the atrocities the Empire has committed?"
 
"I have a feeling you're going to tell us."
 
>Jax shook his head. "I've seen towns being leveled. Innocent civilians die, to prove a point. You preach justice like crusaders, and trample over anyone that disagrees."
 
>"And you're supposed to be the heroes that save the galaxy from the big, bad government?" Burnout countered.
 
>"We're the ones that have had ENOUGH!" Jax stops moving, turning around and crossing his arms.
 
>You aim your blaster up at him.
"Keep moving, traitor."
 
-----
 
>Be Vex.
>Be running down the dirt path.
>The red pony was kind enough to tell you how to get to town.
>Going on a full sprint, you reach the town in minutes.
 
>To an angry riot.
 
>Immediately, a crowd had formed around you three the moment you entered the town.
>A few rocks were thrown, and there were many angry shouts.
 
>"A hundred credits says this is Burnout's fault," Jhorn says casually.
 
>Double takes a step forward, hands empty and blaster mounted on his pack.
>"Does anyone know where our squad-mates have gone?" he shouts to the crowd. "They look just like us."
 
>"Get back in your ship and buzz off!" came an angry female voice.
 
>You shake your head.
>What the hell even happened?
>What did Burnout do?
 
"We're not here to hurt anyone!" you call out. "I don't know what happened, but we need to find them!"
>A particularly large rock is tossed at your head. You dodge it, only to hear a cry of anguish from behind you.
>You quickly turn around, to see a cyan mare with a chromatic mane and wings-
 
>Wings. Huh.
 
>-holding up her left foreleg against her chest. It was hanging limply slightly below the elbow joint, probably broken.
 
>You try to approach, but the pony becomes standoffish. "Back off!" she shouted.
 
>"Vex, leave it be," Jhorn told you. "We don't have time. People could be dead right now."
 
>You didn't listen, instead crouching down onto one knee and removing your helmet to look her in the eye.
>She looks absolutely disgusted.
 
"...Oh, my face still has blood on it, doesn't it?"
>You shake your head.
"I promise you, it's my blood. Not anyone elses."
 
>Several ponies looked at you in fear.
>"He's got a blood lust!"
>"He hungers for pony flesh!"
 
>"Goddamnit, Vex," mumbled Jhorn from behind you.
 
 
>"You think I'm afraid of you?" Jax inquired. "I'm a dead man anyway. And, oddly enough, I'm not afraid anymore."
>He takes a step towards you. "Do you not find anything WRONG with that?! That I would choose death over living under your regime?!"
 
"Back off, Jax."
 
>"Do you even know HOW the Empire rose to power? Do you?!"
 
'I'm warning you! Back away."
 
>"They, SLAUGHTERED the jedi! The clones turned on their commanders and killed them! The TRUE keepers of the peace!"
 
>"Next you're going to tell me that you're the true king of the galaxy." Burnout scoffed.
 
>Jax looked appalled. "You... don't know?"
 
"The jedi were mad with power. They were the tyrants, and Palpatine liberated the galaxy from them."
 
>Jax's face drooped, and he slowly started shaking his head. "Of course they wouldn't tell you the truth. How could you live with the things you've done if you knew the truth?"
 
>"I've heard about enough of this," Burnout finally said, drawing a DH-17 and aiming it at Jax. "Let's just end this now. I'm tired of hearing him talk."
 
>You shake your head.
"I'm sorry, Jax, but it's the end of the line for you."
 
>He sighed. "I was afraid it might come to this."
 
>Something hissed behind you, growing in volume too fast for you to react before you felt yourself lose control of your limbs, and you collapsed to the ground.
>"ANON!"
>Another hiss, and you could hear Burnout groaning, before falling to the ground next to you.
 
>You could feel yourself slipping into unconsciousness.
 
>But not before hearing the thudding of footsteps approach you from behind.
 
>"I thought they would listen," you heard Jax say. "But they're just Imperial drones."
 
>And with that, everything faded to black.
 
-----
 
>Be Vex.
>And ponies are all looking at you in horror.
>You must look like a crazed animal with all the blood on your face.
 
"I'm not a monster!"
>You look up to your squad-mates.
"Someone get the bacta from my pack so I can heal her broken leg."
 
>"I don't want you anywhere NEAR me!" cried the polychromatic mare.
 
>It took only a second for Double to hand you a container full of bacta. You open the top and scoop out a small amount with your fingers, before holding it out to the mare.
"Please, let me put this on your leg. It will heal your leg, I promise."
 
>"Why should I trust you?" the pony growled.
 
"I'm a doctor. Trust me."
 
>You see a hand extend past your head, and you see Jhorn holding his vibro-shiv by the blade, handle towards the pony.
>"If he does something you don't like, cut him with this. It'll tear right through his armor."
 
>Your eyes widen, and you look back at Jhorn.
"Are you out of your mind?"
 
>"Be careful of the sharp edge," he said, ignoring you. "It'll do more damage than you think."
 
>You look back to the pony, who slowly reached out and held the knife by the handle with her hooves. As she made contact, Jhorn quickly let go as the blade activated, humming quietly.
 
>She seemed to panic when it began vibrating, and Jhorn quickly added, "It vibrates, that's all. Nothing to worry about."
 
>She stared at Jhorn for the longest time, before re-adjusting the knife so that she held it length-wise. In doing so, however, she almost lost control, and in fumbling, the blade swung down and sliced open your palm, causing you to flinch and grab your wrist.
 
"Damnit, Jhorn."
>You examine the wound. It cut right through the glove, and was beginning to bleed profusely.
 
>The pony seemed to look at you apologetically for a quick moment, having learned that Jhorn wasn't lying when he said she could cut him to ribbons.
 
 
>You spend a quick second smearing some of the bacta down onto the wound, before an idea pops into your head.
"Look at my hand. See the bacta healing it?"
 
>You hold either flap of your glove open to reveal your bare flesh, and the pony looked in awe as the cut slowly receded, until nothing was left.
"It will work on your leg too. I promise."
 
>You failed to notice before that the crowd had gone completely silent. Both Double and Jhorn were looking as the pony tentatively extended her broken leg.
 
>You extended your free hand to take her hoof, and she flinches from the contact, seething through the knife in her teeth.
"I know it hurts, just give me a moment..."
 
>Gently, you smear the bacta on the affected area, trying to cover as wide an area as possible, before looking back up at her.
"Now this next part is going to hurt, but I need to set the bone so it heals right. Do you trust me?"
 
>She takes a deep breath, before nodding.
>You try to keep your knee steady as you slowly stretch the injured leg out, laying it flat against your thigh.
>You needed a flat surface to align the bone, and that was the best you were going to get.
 
>Her groans of pain quickly turned to squeals of agony, and tears were streaming own her face as you held her leg straight.
"Just a little longer, stay strong..."
>And please don't cut me with the vibro-shiv.
 
>A long minute had passed before the pony stopped making noises. She looked at her leg in awe as the pain seemed to all but completely disappear.
>Eventually, you permitted her to move her leg, and she slowly retracted it to her chest, extending it slowly and testing articulation.
 
"Go ahead and walk on it."
 
>The pony gently places her hoof on the ground, gradually adding weight, until she was practically punching the earth with it.
 
>"...Fank you," she said, still holding the knife in her teeth.
 
 
>Be Jhorn.
>Want your knife back.
>Right now.
 
>Here are all of these ponies looking on in awe and wonder at the miracle that just happened.
>But miracles aside, you want your vibro-shiv back.
 
"Hey, uh, pony... Mind if I get that back?"
>The pony raised an eyebrow, before realizing that she still had the knife in her mouth. She nodded, dropping it down on the ground blade-first.
 
>It sank all the way to the hilt with ease.
>That was quality right there.
 
>You pulled the knife back out of the ground, sheathing it.
>Now you're happy.
>And apparently, so is the pony.
 
>"I'm sorry for not trusting you sooner," the pony began.
 
>"But you have to understand," Applejack continued, "yer comrades went berserk on one o' our friends!"
 
>You and your squad-mates look at one another in understanding.
>Anon and Burnout must've found the rebels.
 
>"An' ah don't really care what they mighta done before comin' here," she continued. "They've been nothin' but kind an' helpful t' ev'ryony here, and they don't deserve what yer friends are 'bout t' do."
 
>"Wait, ABOUT to do?" Double interjected. "What are they about to do?"
 
>"Your crazy friends are taking our friend Jax out to their ship to kill him!" the blue pony shouted.
 
>You and Double exchange looks.
 
>"We need to find them, first things first," Vex said, standing up and putting his helmet back on. "I don't much like the idea of needless execution."
 
>Double nodded. "Then lets get back to the ship. Maybe we can stop them."
 
>"I'm coming with you," said the cyan pony.
 
>"Negative," Double replied with a shake of his head. "That forest is hostile territory."
 
>"I know," Rainbow Dash countered. "I LIVE here. And besides, we can probably find them faster if I fly overhead."
 
"So you CAN fly. I was wondering about the wings."
 
>She smirked. "Not only that, but I just so happen to be the fastest flier in all of Equestria!"
 
>You saw several ponies roll their eyes.
 
-----
 
>Be Anon.
>Finally wake up.
>Have your back hurt, from being propped up against something for so long.
>You open your eyes to see Jax sitting on a log in front of you. There's a blaster resting next to him on the log.
>It's an E-11.
>Shit.
 
>You try to move your arms, but they're bound behind you.
>Only now do you notice that your helmet has been removed, as well as your pack.
 
>Jax looks up at you, frowning. "Good. You're awake."
 
>Suddenly, two other men in similar outfits step forward from behind you. One takes a seat next to Jax, and the other just stands there.
>One carried an E-11, and the other carried an outdated DC-15 blaster rifle. Clone Wars era.
>Neither one of them was older than thirty.
 
"You ambushed us."
>Jax nodded.
"But you didn't kill us."
 
>"That's because we hold ourselves to a higher moral standard than you imperial dogs," commented the standing rebel.
 
>"Calm down, Kade," said the other, who sat on the log.
 
"Where's Burnout?"
 
>Jax rolls his eyes. "What a fitting nickname. He's next to you."
 
>You look over to find Burnout in the same situation as you, stripped of his weapons, helmet and pack. Bound the same way you are as well.
>He also has his mouth gagged with a strip of orange fabric. Staring angrily at the rebels.
 
"What are you waiting for now? Are you going to execute us?"
 
>Jax released a deep sigh. "I was. But that was before I removed your masks. Saw your faces... It's much easier to kill a clone than it is to kill another human being."
 
>There was a sadness in his eyes.
 
"If you're not going to kill us, then what happens now?"
 
>Jax shrugged. "I'm not sure. Being perfectly honest, it would be so much easier on me to just kill you both, and go back to my life here in Equestria."
 
"Then why don't you?"
 
>He leaned forward. "Because I'm not like you. I can't just kill without thinking about it. I can't live with knowing that I took a man's life unjustly."
 
 
>"All's fair in love and war, Jax."
 
>"Between soldiers," he countered, "on a battlefield. That's not what this is. No... what this is, is a matter of who can move their arms. Of who has the blaster. It's a one-sided conflict, Anon."
 
>Be Double.
>Be silently observing from just behind the treeline of the clearing.
>Vex and Jhorn both have E-11 blasters drawn and trained, while you sported a DH-17.
>It was only a matter of retracing the footsteps in the ground to find them.
>The cyan pony was nowhere to be found, however.
 
>"As a soldier, you're taught to use every advantage you can," said Anon.
 
>"Oh, I'm well aware of how the Empire has taught you," Jax countered.
 
>Anon and burnout were leaned against a log.
>The three insurgents had their backs to you.
>Vex had the left.
>Jhorn had the right, standing.
>You had the middle.
>They were only waiting for your signal.
 
>"Well then, it seems like we're at an impasse," Anon stated.
 
>Jax shook his head. "It's not as though it matters in the first place. Whether either of us dies or lives, we can't get off this planet."
 
>"What do you mean?"
 
>Jax stood up. "Your ship is beyond repair. Our ship is nowhere to be found. And there isn't any help coming for either of us."
 
>"That's where you're wrong, Jax," Anon said confidently. "As we speak, the flagship Destiny is flying over our heads. We don't respond for long enough, and they'll send a search party."
 
>Jax was silent for a moment. "...Do you know how we got here?" he asked, gesturing to his allies. When Anon didn't respond, he continued. "Our ship was mysteriously blown out of the sky, and we crashed to the surface, like you."
 
>Anon looked away from Jax, only to chance upon seeing you. His eyes widened slightly, before looking back up to Jax. "Coincidence."
 
>"NOT coincidence, Anon," Jax said. "It wasn't coincidence for you, or for me, or the last ship, or who knows how many others before us."
 
>"...Others?"
 
 
>Be Anon.
>Be intrigued.
 
"What others?"
 
>"We've found traces of many other ships having crashed here before ours," said Kade. "The ships themselves are gone, but debris and damage to the land evidenced that at least six others have crashed in this forest alone."
 
>"And we're the only ones to have survived," commented the unnamed rebel.
 
>"That is," began Jax, "before you and your comrade chased me through a restaurant for no reason."
 
"You ran before I even so much as took a step towards you."
 
>"And why do you think I ran?" Jax countered. "I am left on a planet that has changed my life, and a month later I'm given a cold, white, armored reminder of what I had finally managed to escape!"
 
>In your peripheral vision, you saw Double bring his blaster up to aim at Jax.
 
>"I'm getting sidetracked." He took a seat back down onto the log. "Yes, we believe many have crashed here before. And like those before us, our ship has completely disappeared."
 
>Before you even open your mouth, Jax cuts you off. "I'm not lying to you. I have no reason to lie. Something is shooting ships down and stealing them."
 
>Then, he stood back up, only to crouch down in front of you. "We've been here for over a month. Olsen, bring the commbox."
 
>The newly-identifiable Olsen runs behind you, only to bring a portable communications radio back with him.
>A semi-bulky device, with antennas and a console.
 
>"It's not damaged," he said. "We tried tirelessly to reach the fleet that hovered just overhead. But there was no response. Not even so much as a search party."
 
"Traitors betraying traitors."
 
>"That's where you're wrong," Jax said coldly. "We look out for eachother in the Alliance. Because we care about the people we try to protect. We ARE the people we try to protect. All volunteers, ready to be rid of the wrongfully-established Empire."
 
>He stands up. "And yet, the transmissions went through, every one of them. But there was never a response."
 
 
>After a moment, he slides the box closer to Anon. "Let's try and contact your flagship," he said. "I'll patch you through if you give me the channel. If they respond, then I will accept that I was betrayed."
 
>Be Double. And be ready.
"Set blasters to stun," you say quietly. "Take your targets down, leave Jax for interrogation."
>"Aye, captain." Jhorn nodded.
>"Copy that," said Vex.
 
"...Now."
 
 
>Be Anon.
>You see two blue bolts of energy fly out of the treeline, striking the two armed rebels in the back and causing them to collapse.
>Jax jumps up in surprise, turning around as three more stormtroopers stepped into the clearing.
 
>"I assumed you two were the only ones," Jax said angrily, before looking over his fallen comrades. "Are they dead?"
 
>"Stunned," replied Double, aiming his blaster pistol at him.
 
"Jhorn, come inspect this Imperial commbox."
>You tapped your foot against the radio.
"See if it still functions."
 
>"It does," Jax said bitterly as he was forced onto his knees by Double.
 
"It never hurts to get a second opinion."
 
>As Jhorn approached the box, he noticed Burnout's gag. "Looking good, hothead."
>Burnout scowled hard at him.
 
>You look up at Vex, who gets to work untying you.
"Nice to see you back in action, Vex."
 
>"Glad to be back, sir." You were then untied and were quick to get to your feet. "You caused quite the scene in town."
 
>"He chased me through a restaurant and tackled me," Jax spat out.
 
"I take it the locals aren't too thrilled?"
 
>Vex shook his head. "They especially aren't happy that you sentenced this man to death for no reason."
 
"I was under the impression that they had shot us down. Jax here seems to plead otherwise."
 
>"We know," Vex replied, removing Burnout's restraints and gag. "We overheard most of what you were talking about."
 
>"Speaking of which," Jhorn finally said, "this thing's fully functional. Wanna contact the Destiny?"
 
"I thought you'd never ask."
 
 
>Be Double.
>Be keeping an eye on the current prisoner.
>You had a DH-17 aimed at his back from a couple meters away. He was still kneeling on the ground.
>Burnout was helping Anon with his pack, having donned his helmet once more.
>You do a quick inventory check of all the weapons you see.
>The rebels had their own E-11 blasters. You counted five total -two of theirs, and your three- plus the seven DH-17s belonging to your squad, and-
 
>Is that a DC-15?
 
>Wow, did that bring back memories.
>You remember being outfitted for your first mission under the newly-formed Empire.
>They gave you the more advanced E-11 instead.
>E-11s were good blasters. But nothing quite beat the kick that the DC-15 had.
 
>You remember it feeling so satisfying, blasting open droids with that weapon.
>It had taken you some getting used to to wield an E-11.
>For the first week of training with it, you instinctively compensated for nonexistent kick, and your accuracy suffered for it.
>The E-11 had next to no kick to it.
>As advanced as it was, you'd take the DC-15 any day.
>In fact, you think you're just gonna go ahead and-
 
>"GET AWAY FROM HIM!"
 
>What?
>What's that in the sky, all the way out there?
>Getting closer.
>Very, very-
 
"HRRG!"
>You are immediately tackled to the ground with the force of a bantha stampede. A cyan blur was currently ferociously beating on your helmet, making it very difficult to identify the target.
>Until she spoke again, that is.
 
>"You said you weren't gonna hurt him!" the pony shouted, still pounding against your face.
>It did nothing but annoy you a bit. She was never getting through your armor like that.
 
>She was very quickly pulled away by Vex, kicking and trying to wrench herself out of his grasp.
 
>"You lied to me!" she shouted.
 
>"He wasn't in any danger," Vex tries to say calmly. The pony was fierce though, almost getting out of his grapple.
 
>"You were about to shoot him!"
 
 
>You get back up to your feet.
"It was insurance that he wouldn't run away."
 
>"Where would I run anyway?" Jax commented. "This forest is dangerous. If you didn't catch me, a Manticore would."
 
>"Star Destroyer Destiny," Anon said curtly into the radio, "this is EC-1/269 of Iota Squad, do you copy? ...I repeat, this is EC-1/269 of Iota Squad. Do you copy?" He looked up at Jhorn. "Are you sure it works?"
 
>"Diagnostic came back as clean," Jhorn replied. "It says you're patched to their signal, no interference. Or at least none by normal standards."
 
>"Could it be atmospheric?" Burnout inquired, dragging one of the unconscious rebels to lean against the log.
 
>"Unlikely," Anon replied. "Pre-requisite environmental scans showed no unusual compounds in the atmosphere before we embarked. Unless the atmosphere is subject to violent and frequent change, we can rule that out."
 
>You walk over to the DC-15a and lift it up, inspecting it.
>Immediately, however, you begin to feel incredible guilt, and you don't know why.
>The feelings only got worse, forming a knot in your chest, until you finally dropped the blaster back down.
>The pain slowly ebbed, but you still felt an overwhelming sense of despair and guilt.
>Why?
 
 
>Be Vex.
>You finally managed to calm the pony down, setting her down on the log and crouching down in front of her.
>"Your friends aren't in danger so long as they cooperate," you tell her.
 
>She doesn't seem convinced. "I thought you were going out there to STOP your friends, not join them."
 
>You raise an eyebrow under your helmet. "Did you not see that my teammates were taken hostage?"
 
>Her brow furrowed, and she looked away from you, into the forest. "Well, I might have gone looking for your ship instead of helping you find him."
>Then, looking back at you, "You know, to try and find a weapon I could use if your friends got too aggressive."
 
 
>You raise an eyebrow. That wasn't a bad plan.
"Did you find any?"
 
>She scoffed. "I couldn't even find the ship! I thought I might have found it when I found a big stretch of torn-up dirt, but there was nothing!"
 
>That made you think.
 
>"They've taken it then," Jax spoke up. "Just like with our ship."
 
>You look back at the pony, taking your helmet off and giving her a very serious expression.
"Are you one hundred percent certain that the ship was nowhere to be found?"
 
>She nodded. "And I searched everywhere, too! Unless you guys came in, like, the tiniest spaceship ever, then I would've found it."
 
>You sigh.
"Anon, you hear that?"
 
>"I sure did," Anon said, turning towards Jax.
 
>"Do you believe me now?" Jax questioned. "The radio, the disappearances; it's all true!"
 
>Anon shook his head. "Double, Burnout, go back to the ship." Then, to Jax, "If they come back and tell me that our ship is gone, then we'll talk."
 
>"Affirmative," was Double's reply. He picked up one of the rebel's E-11s and gestured for Burnout to follow, before heading back through the forest.
 
>Then, Anon puts a hand to the side of his radio. "Double, Burnout, meet us back in the town." Then, to you, "Let's pack everything up and head back. Having Jax and his comrades alive might diffuse an already-bad situation."
>To Jhorn, "Pack up that commbox. We'll be needing that later."
 
>"Aye aye, sir."
 
-----
 
>Be Burnout.
>Be worried about Double.
 
>You had been watching him when he was inspecting the dated DC blaster.
>He was visibly shaking when he held it.
>You wondered what was going through his mind.
>What unpleasant memories that blaster may have brought back.
 
>Everyone on Iota knew Double's story. It was on his file.
>Serious psychological trauma after Order 66.
>Spent months in lock-up after seriously wounding his last CO, seemingly unprovoked.
>Spent time in a psych ward. No one knows what transpired there, but he came out an efficient weapon against the Empire's enemies.
>That's when he was assigned to Iota, shortly after you.
>Most commando squads were limited to four; a CO, field doctor, demo expert and technician.
>Iota was the only official commando squad to have five acting members.
 
>To say Double was efficient was an understatement.
>Every order he followed down to the letter.
>He never hesitated to do what needed to be done.
>He had a cold air about him that took some getting used to when he first joined.
>He never reacted like a normal man.
>His behavior was a constant reminder that he was a clone bred as a soldier.
 
>A clone soldier with issues.
 
>Terrifying.
 
 
>Be Double.
>Be hiding behind a tree, blaster drawn.
>Burnout was crouched down next to you, DH-17s held at the ready.
>You both looked into the clearing, surprised by what you see.
 
>The ship is gone. And the clearing is filled with ponies.
>All identical-looking, with wings and golden armor.
>Like clones.
 
>"You think they're hostile?" Burnout asked quietly.
 
"More than likely. It looks like they're scanning for debris. Whoever they are, they don't want anyone to find our ship here."
 
>Burnout brings a hand up to his helmet. "Anon, the shuttle is gone and the clearing is full of locals, possibly hostile."
 
 
>Be Burnout.
>You press another button on the side of your helmet.
"I'm patching you a visual. Stand by."
 
>You can hear Anon over the radio, the sound of rustling bushes in the background.
"Do not engage. I repeat, do not engage. They might be soldiers, but they could just be a clean-up crew."
 
"What are your orders?"
 
>"Stand by and observe. Try not to be seen, and when they leave, follow them. They might lead us to the shuttle. And more importantly-"
 
"Who shot it down in the first place. Copy that, Anon, we'll keep you posted."
 
>The transmission is broken, and you look up at Double.
>"Affirmative," he replied. "Observe and follow."
 
 
>Be Anon.
>Be stopped just on the edge of the forest.
>The town isn't far away; you can see ponies looking at you.
>Jax as well.
 
>"Well? Did they find it?" he inquired.
 
>You shake your head, and he breathes a sigh of relief.
"Your story checks out, at least for now."
 
>Jhorn and Vex are both behind you, carrying the unconscious rebels.
>Jax looks back at them, then to you. "Do you finally trust us?"
 
>You shake your head.
"Not in the slightest. But I don't think that you were the ones who shot us down."
 
>"Then, at least for the time being," Jax began, "I propose a truce. A cease-fire, if you will. For all we know, we're stranded here indefinitely, and I'd rather not spend my time fighting a pointless fight."
>He extends a hand outward towards you.
 
>You look back at your squad-mates, before sighing yourself.
>You take Jax's hand and firmly shake it, solidifying the newly-formed cease-fire.
 
 
>Be Anon still.
>Now to deal with the townspeople.
 
>As you approached the town, a crowd of ponies had formed once more.
>They see Jax, and murmurs of relief rush through the congregation.
 
>"Jax, yer alive!"
>The child Applebloom ran up through the crowd, and Jax crouched down to embrace her.
>"Ah thought you were a goner!"
>Jax pats the child once on the head, before breaking the hug.
>"Yer stories were true, they ARE evil!"
 
>"They're not evil, Applebloom," Jax said to her, "they're soldiers following orders. All it took was a little explaining, and they won't be any more trouble."
 
>"But then what happened t' Olsen an' Kade?" she inquired, gesturing towards the two unconscious rebels.
 
>"They're just unconscious," Jax assured. "They were knocked out BEFORE the truce."
 
>"Excuse me, pardom me please, sorry..."
>From the crowd, you see a purple pony make her way through the crowd. She had wings and a horn; everyone else either had one or the other, or neither.
>"Jax, who are they?" she inquired. "And what happened to the others? Are they hurt?"
 
>"Not at all, Twilight." Jax stood back up and pointed at you with a hand. "This is Anon, and his squad. They crashed here, much like we did."
 
>"Are they the ones that randomly attacked you?"
 
>Jax scratched the back of his head nervously. "That's been settled. But, yes."
 
>Twilight then shifted her attention to you, brow furrowed. "You've caused a lot of trouble here. Damaged property, harassing a citizen, almost inciting a riot."
 
"Your name is Twilight, yes?"
 
>She's caught off guard by the sudden question. "Yes, that is me. Princess Twilight Sparkle, at your service."
 
"Are those your soldiers that removed the wreckage of our ship?"
 
>"What? What are you talking about? I don't have military control. That's Princess Celestia."
 
"Celestia? Who is that?"
 
 
>Twilight frowns. "You can meet her soon. I've sent a letter to her about this whole situation. She should be here shortly."
 
>Jax seems to perk up. "So I finally get to meet the fabled monarch herself. This should be interesting."
 
>You hear rustling behind you, and you turn to see Jhorn and Vex dropping the now-conscious rebel soldiers onto their feet.
>Neither of them look happy.
 
>"Stand down, men," Jax ordered. "There's a cease-fire in effect. No hostilities until further notice."
 
>You turned back to Twilight, who gave you a cautious stare.
 
"What's her ETA?"
 
>"She should be here any minute. I sent the letter less than half an hour ago and Canterlot isn't that far."
>She took a step closer. "But what were you talking about earlier? What soldiers?"
 
"According to... information gathered..."
>You decided against revealing Double and Burnout to the princess for the time being.
"...our ship has vanished, and there are several white ponies in golden plate armor picking up debris."
 
>Twilight shakes her head. "Jax said the same thing about his ship," she began. "I have no idea where they would be, but if Celestia's royal guard are there, then she might know."
 
>"Speak of the devil," you heard Olsen say, "and she shall appear."
 
>You look back to see him pointing towards the sky, where a congregation of ponies similar to those in the clearing were carrying a golden chariot, flying it through the sky towards the town.
 
>And on that chariot stood a pony much taller than the others, with a longer horn and larger wings. There was an air of regality about her, even from this distance.
 
>"I've got a bad feeling about this," said Jhorn.
 
>You felt the same way.
 
-----
 
>Be Double.
>Be observing.
>The ponies seem to be done searching.
>But unfortunately for you, they decided to take flight.
 
>Damnit.
 
>"Damnit," Burnout said, mirroring your thoughts.
 
"We need to get back to town. Tell Anon that we're on our way back."
 
>"Got it." Putting his hand up to his helmet once more, "Anon, can you hear me?"
>You heard the reply over your own comm system as well.
 
>"It's very... splendiferous, making your acquaintance, ma'am. Indubitably."
 
>You and burnout look back at eachother, no doubt with the same look of surprise.
>'Splendiferous' and 'Indubitably' were code-words. Two of many that Jhorn thought to implement for communication.
>The first was one of the many that meant "minimal comm chatter."
>The second meant "keep comms open, listen."
 
>"Acknowledged," Burnout replied, before looking back up at you. "Lets head back to town."
 
"Affirmative."
 
 
>Be Anon.
>Be very suspicious.
 
>This pony was slightly taller than even you, not counting the horn.
>She smiled, but it didn't settle right with you.
 
>"I'm actually quite surprised that my newly-appointed colleague had not told me of your arrival," Celestia said, looking back at Twilight.
 
>Twilight donned a sheepish grin. "I'm sorry princess, it just slipped my mind."
 
>"It's quite alright, Twilight," Celestia said warmly. "I forget sometimes that you too are a princess, and need not report to me anymore."
>Twilight chuckled nervously, and Celestia continued. "Though I understand why you might be hesitant to report this particular incident."
 
>Twilight gulped. "Do you?"
 
>Celestia nodded. "Of course you would want to study them first. You would be worried that you'd never get to see them once in my custody."
 
>That caught your attention.
"Your custody?"
 
>Celestia turned back towards you. "Well of course. At least at first, that is. Once I've deemed you as not a threat, you're more than welcome to come back and live as you please."
 
 
>Be Burnout.
>You're making your way through the forest with Double, all the while listening to the discussion being had.
>You could barely hear the other pony in the background. Celestia.
 
>"And what happens if we're deemed as 'threats'?" Jhorn inquired over the comm.
 
>"Then you'll simply remain with me until we have a means of taking you back to your home planet," Celestia replied.
 
>"...reminds me, princess," came a new voice, faded, "what ever... -penned to Kina?"
 
>"Kina was picked up by her own people," Celestia replied. "Very shortly after she was deemed not a threat."
 
>Kina. Why did that name sound so familiar to you?
>Kina... Kina, Kina, Kina...
 
>"Anon, was it?" Celestia continued. "If you and your companions would humour me, there should be plenty of room on the chariot to carry you to the capital. Jax, you and your friends would board a second chariot on its way."
 
>"Actually," Anon replied, "I have a question about our ship."
 
>"I can answer all of your questions when we get there," Celestia replied. "So, will you come with me?"
 
>You take the silence to say something to Anon.
"How far is the capital?"
 
>"How far is the capital?" Anon inquires.
 
>"See the mountain? ...Canterlot is just on the mountainside. See?"
 
>"...I see it. Just a long-jump away."
>Long-jump was code for at least ten miles.
 
>"Exactly," said Celestia.
 
>"...Alright, we'll go with you."
 
>"Excellent! This way, if you would."
 
>"Indubitably."
 
"Affirmative."
 
-----
 
>Be Anon.
>Be in a grand, luxurious throne room.
>The palace you had been taken to was very spaceous, very ornately designed and decorated.
>Before you, Celestia sat in her elegant throne, adorned in gold and red velvet.
 
>Earlier, you had relinquished your weapons to her guards, as per her request.
>The only weapons anyone had was Jhorn's vibro-shiv, which they had neglected to notice.
 
>The three of you stood there before the princess as she sipped from a silver teacup that floated before her face.
>It surprised you, to say the least. You knew only one other man alive that could do that.
>And he was not a fun man to meet in person.
 
>"Now, let us begin," Celestia finally said, setting the glass aside.
 
-----
 
>Be Double.
>You and Burnout made it back to town.
>Jax was currently talking to a purple pony with wings and a horn.
>He turns toward you, a worried expression on his face.
 
"We have a problem."
 
>"Indeed we do," Jax replied. "It appears that there's something that Twilight failed to mention to me."
 
>You raise an eyebrow.
"The purple pony?"
>He nodded.
 
>"Equestria is not new to foreign visitors," the pony explains. "We've had visitors from the stars many times before. Although, only one other instance before I was born. And Celestia has a way of... dealing with extraterrestrials."
 
>You didn't like the way she said that.
 
-----
 
>"So, your Empire spans many planets then?"
 
>Be Anon.
"Most of the known galaxy."
 
>"I see..." Celestia is silent for a moment, before speaking again. "And what brought you here?"
 
"A reconnaissance mission. This planet is as-of-yet unmapped, and my squad was assigned to scout an area to establish a military base."
 
>"Of course, we're not just gonna waltz on up," interjected Jhorn, "and kick you guys out."
 
>Celestia did not look convinced. "You are soldiers, in active duty. Are you engaged in conflict?"
 
>"That's the price you pay for as large an Empire as ours," Vex comments. "A few insurrectionists pop up all over, but they're always dealt with swiftly and efficiently."
 
>Suddenly, an E-11 floats its way over to Celestia for her to inspect.
>"This is one of your weapons. How does it work?"
 
"It fires a bolt of superheated plasma, and can fire many in quick succession. Standard military-issue, with a setting for stun."
 
>She raises an eyebrow. "Stun?"
 
-----
 
>Be Burnout.
>Be listening to the entire conversation taking place miles away.
>So far, everything sounds passive enough.
 
>"You see," Twilight began, "the first time otherworlders came to Equestria... bad things happened. They came as conquerors, and tried to take over. Many cities were leveled before Celestia had to banish them from Equestria. From then on, she told me she could never trust offworlders, and enacted certain measures to keep them at bay."
 
>"Such as?" Jax inquired.
 
>"...A Dissuasion Field."
 
-----
 
"A dissuasion field?"
 
>Be Double.
>Be confused.
 
>"It's essentially a large pseudo-forcefield that dissuades anyone from crossing it. Whenever Celestia senses an offworld threat, she brings up the barrier to ward them away. But sometimes, like in your cases, you get through before the barrier is placed. And she has to revert to her secondary plan."
 
"Which is..?"
 
-----
 
>Be Anon again.
>And you've about had it with explaining.
>You wanted answers.
 
"With all due respect, we've answered many of your questions. Now, I would like to ask some questions of my own."
 
>Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Very well then. What do you wish to know?"
 
>"For starters, where's our ship?" Jhorn inquired.
 
>"Ah, we've removed it from the forest," Celestia explained. "It is in our care, being examined by our top scientists."
 
>Huh.
>You weren't expecting such an honest answer.
 
"So you know that we crashed. Do you know how we crashed?"
 
>She shook her head. "Your ship was damaged mid-flight and you were forced to perform a crash landing.
 
"Do you know who is responsible?"
 
>Celestia nodded.
 
>"Me."
 
-----
 
>Be Burnout.
>Be angry.
 
"She's the one who blew us out of the sky?"
 
>Twilight nodded solemnly. "She creates a field of energy around the vessels to cripple them. Another dissuasion field is put around the crash site, to keep wandering ponies away... and any survivors inside."
 
>Your eyes widened.
"THAT'S why the forest felt so unwelcoming."
 
>Twilight looked back at you, wide-eyed. "You passed the dissuasion field?"
 
>Double nodded. "We were following Applebloom. I had noticed from her tracks that she began sprinting away, right around the time we hit the barrier."
 
>Twilight was taken aback. "Celestia herself formed the field, you should have been running back to your ship! You'd need unprecedented levels of discipline to be able to pass through!"
 
"If that were true, then how did the child make it through as well?"
 
>"Probably fear," Double replied. "Her fear of us probably allowed her to pass."
 
>"But there was no such resistance for my squad," Jax commented. "We made our way out of the forest feeling no such compulsion."
 
>Twilight looked back at Jax. "It's entirely possible that you made it far enough away before she put her dissuasion field up."
 
"So then what happens next is Celestia sends a clean-up crew."
 
>Twilight nods. "The ship is found, they send a letter to Celestia as to the location, and she teleports it back to Canterlot. Any survivors found..."
 
-----
 
>Be Anon.
>Be taken aback.
 
>"You must understand," Celestia began, "it's in the best interest for my people. These measures are only so that they need not fear the threats from beyond our skies, and is nothing personal."
 
"Personal or not, you've allegedly killed many innocent people."
 
>"In order to protect the innocent people of this world," Celestia countered. "As soldiers, surely you can understand my perspective."
 
>This left you without words. Your mind raced for an answer, but you simply did not have one.
>You understood very well.
>It was why you joined the military in the first place.
 
>"I have a question," Vex finally says. "Does your dissuasion field block radio signals?"
 
>Celestia looks at him, confused. "I'm not familiar with the term. Its sole purpose is to prevent contact between one side and the other. Nothing more, nothing less."
 
>You turn back to Vex.
"Do you think the field blocked the communications unintentionally?"
 
>"That's what I'm beginning to believe," Vex replied. "Interference caused by the field could have garbled transmissions."
 
>"What I wanna know," interjected Jhorn, "is how you can control these fields in the first place."
 
>Celestia smiles. "With my alicorn magic, the feat is difficult on larger scales, but possible.
 
>Magic?
>Vader knew magic. Called it the Force.
>It makes you wonder if Vader uses dissuasion fields himself. It would explain why you are always so uncomfortable being near him.
 
>Finally, you ask the most important question you can think of.
"Then what happens now? We've made it this far, have made contact with your people; what's next?"
 
>Once more, Celestia took a sip from her tea. "Well, I've answered many of your own questions. So if it would be alright with you, I would like to continue the interview."
 
-----