Title: Captain Anonymous - Chapter 12 - The Plan Author: somewritefag Pastebin link: http://pastebin.com/EEydy71b First Edit: Sunday 9th of August 2015 10:22:13 AM CDT Last Edit: Last edit on: Sunday 9th of August 2015 12:18:52 PM CDT                                          Captain Anonymous - Chapter 12 - The Plan -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   >As soon as you're well enough, you and the three princesses continue to discuss the options available to you. Twilight absolutely refuses to let you leave by yourself. The suggestion of re-entering the dream world to try to make contact again is immediately shot down by both Twilight and Celestia. In the middle of your discussion, Cadance and Shining Armor finally arrive. Once they're brought up to speed the discussion continues. Hours pass and all you seem to be doing is talking in circles, no decisions being made yet at all, causing everyone present to become increasingly agitated.   >Your mind wanders off as everyone else continues to debate over what should be done   >Wait a minute...   >Debate....bate....   BAIT!" you shout out of nowhere, startling the others who then stare at you in silence waiting for an explanation.   "What we need is bait. We need to lure a patrol ship here and trap it somehow."   >"And how exactly do you propose we do that?" Shining Armor asks.   >"Magic," you reply with a smile.   >They simply stare at you and wait for you to elaborate.   "I propose something of a hybrid of the plans we've already discussed. We'll build my ship, follow the schematics just as planned. Simultaneously, we'll begin constructing defense platforms, but we won't need many, and they won't need weapons or armor, so that part should be fairly easy. Once princesses Celestia and Luna place them in orbit, we'll begin preparations for launching my ship, with one slight modification; I'll program the ship's navigational system to run on auto pilot until it reaches a specific set of coordinates while I remain on the surface. These coordinates will be right in the middle of the defense platforms. The platforms will be small enough that any patrol ship that moves to intercept my ship won't detect them until it's too late. I've seen Twilight create magical force-fields, so I know it can be done. The defense platforms should be magically charged somehow to form a network of force-fields around the ship, trapping it."   >They continue to stare at you wordlessly. Your smile starts to fade as they all trade glances.   "What?"   >You look at Twilight.   "Twi... can it be done?"   >"Yes... but..."   "But what?"   >"What if your people see that as an act of war? Do we really want to risk provoking them? What would we even do with the ship once we've caught it? Surely those on board would attempt to call for help."   "They could try, but long range communications are still being jammed in this sector. They wouldn't be able to get through to anyone."   >Shining Armor speaks up, seeming a bit skeptical, but curious about your plan.   "Okay, so what's the next move after we trap it?"   "We take it. By force if necessary."   >It takes under a minute for all of the ponies present to object to your plan, deeming it too risky, not wanting to provoke the Confederacy into considering Equestria a threat. You slam your fist on the table and stand up, raising your voice to a shout as you continue to speak.   "Damn it, we’re wasting time here, they already see you as a threat! There wouldn't be a goddamned quarantine in the first place if they didn't. We need to be proactive, and find some way of gathering intelligence on what exactly is going on. This is our only chance to obtain critical information about any potential threat to Equestria, information that will be vital to implement a successful defense. The alternative is to sit here and wait, with no intelligence to go by, and half-assedly try to prepare for a possible attack that may or may not come on any given day, by a potential enemy that is, on the other hand, not standing idly by, but growing in power and technology as they fight amongst themselves. Every day that goes by, my usefulness to you dwindles a bit more as their technological capabilities advance, spurred on by their infighting.   >You hesitate briefly, making sure to look each of them directly in the eye as you speak, your gaze finally coming to rest on Shining Armor.   "I know you would all rather avoid conflict, but frankly, that line was already crossed long ago when the Crystal Empire attacked my ship. Shining Armor, Cadance, I like you both, but the Crystal Empire made a grave error that day, and now we must ALL deal with the consequences and do whatever is necessary to defend this world.”   >They all remain silent, Shining looking more than a little ashamed after your comment.   "Now, Shining, I know you're an accomplished military stallion. I don't know what battles you've won or wars you've fought. Let me be blunt though: whatever "rule book" you abide by, whatever tactics you use when you plan your battles, however you’ve achieved your past victories, it's time to throw it all out the window. All of your experience won’t help you if the Confederacy comes. I'm afraid the same can be said for all the rest of you as well. You may all be accomplished diplomats, and are clearly successful leaders. I mean no disrespect when I say this, but when my people come - and make no mistake my dear pony friends, they WILL come - you will not be prepared, and they WON’T be interested in talking. I don’t want to see the innocent ponies of Equestria massacred or enslaved, or suffer any other such cruel fate, and I’m sure none of you do either. So I’m asking you – no, begging you – to let me help you before it’s too late."   >You straighten your shirt and calm yourself as you sit back down. As you look around the room you see that you’ve clearly shaken everyone up, just as you intended, and you now appear to have their undivided attention. Celestia is the first to respond.   >”Captain Anonymous, throughout all of our many discussions it’s been abundantly clear that you know your people and their capabilities intimately. If you tell us that an attack will come, what choice do we have but to believe you? If you recommend this course of action so very passionately how can I object? Though I am reluctant to take the offensive in any conflict, it would seem I have no alternative but to defer to your judgement in this matter.”   >Gradually, the rest of the ponies in the room all reach the same conclusion, though none of them seem pleased by the consensus.   “I know this isn’t what you were hoping for, but I promise you Equestria will benefit greatly if we’re successful, and I firmly believe it’s our best shot at either preventing war from coming to us or having any chance of mounting a successful defense when it does.”   >The next several hours are spent discussing the logistics of implementing your plan. Shining Armor and Celestia have both agreed to devote the full resources of both of their kingdoms to the effort. Once the discussion is finished and everyone knows their part, you provide Celestia, Luna, Shining Armor, and Cadance with a list of raw materials you’re going to need, asking them to procure them as quickly and efficiently as possible, as well as to recruit ponies with any expertise in construction, ore processing, smelting, welding, or any other similar skill that might be of assistance.   >While they are away, you and Twilight return to her castle in Ponyville, spending a great deal of time collaborating in designing the orbital arrays that will ensnare your prey. Absolute attention to detail is critical here, as these are the most crucial element of your plan. If you screw this up, everything falls apart. It takes you two full days to finalize the design, at which point the resources you requested are gradually flowing in. It takes a few more days for everything to come together – to collect the remaining resources and to gather together the ponies with the skills you need to help you pull this off, but finally, after what feels like an eternity, you’re ready to begin construction. You personally oversee the construction of your ship, while Twilight and Celestia oversee the construction of the orbital platforms.   >After nearly three weeks of sleepless nights and working around the clock, the construction phase of the plan is finally completed. You make sure to thank all of the ponies that participated and aided in the construction effort profusely for their hard work and assistance as they begin to part ways one by one. You’ve gone over every millimeter of your ship making sure it’s immaculate and that all systems are functional several times. Twilight has also been conducting extensive inspections of each of the six orbital platforms that were built. When you both are fully satisfied with the final results, you take some time for some much-needed rest. It will be at least a few more days before Shining Armor arrives with a contingent of his best unicorn soldiers to charge the platforms, and for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to then coordinate with each other in sending them into orbit and positioning them properly.   >You gladly use this break in activity to try and spend some personal time with Twilight. You’ve both been so busy that you haven’t had any real time alone together in almost a month. When you go to find her, she’s nowhere in the castle. When you search for her, it takes a little while to find her, and when you finally do, she’s fast asleep next to one of the platforms, the schematics you and she developed together clutched tightly to her chest, various measuring devices and scrolls scattered about nearby.   >You gently pick her up, trying not to wake her, though she stirs slightly in her sleep as you lift her off the ground. The walk back to the castle is more difficult than you remember it ever being, Twilight feeling much heavier as a result of your exhaustion. Every step is exponentially more difficult than the last, but you finally make it inside, collapsing on your bed with your dear princess resting on top of you. With your last bit of strength you manage to give her a gentle kiss on her muzzle and run your fingers through her mane a few times, telling her you love her, and falling asleep immediately afterward.   >When you wake up she’s still sound asleep on top of you, your shirt damp with her drool. You lay there smiling at her lovingly, stroking her mane and her back as she sleeps, not getting up so you don’t disturb her. She’s a total mess – her mane and tail frazzled, tangled, and unkempt, her coat disheveled and matted with dried sweat and the smell that goes along with it, her wings are tattered and need a good preening. She’s in desperate need of a nice long bath and some thorough grooming. Regardless of the state of her hygiene and appearance, when you look at her right now, when you feel her body resting against yours, when you touch her, none of that matters or bothers you in the slightest. All you see is perfection, and all you care about is that she’s here with you.   >You can’t remember ever loving anyone this much in your entire life – nor can you recall anyone ever loving you as much as she does. You both worship each other. You’ve come to accept that you won’t be returning to Earth, and somehow that no longer bothers you in the slightest. Wherever your sweet Twily is, that is where home is now.   >When she finally begins to wake, she moans and stretches, muttering in her still half-asleep state. You gently brush a stray strand of mane from her face as you speak to her softly, her eyes barely open.   “Hey there sleepy head.”   >She seems confused for a moment, as though she doesn’t know where she’s at, but when she opens her eyes a bit more and sees you she smiles, snuggling into your chest and wrapping her wings around you as tightly as she can, closing her eyes with a blissful sigh.   “Somepony sure is affectionate this morning,” you laugh softly as you begin caressing her all over her body, drawing a variety of adorable pleasured noises from her lips with every touch.   “Mmmm… I’m never letting go,” she mumbles, squeezing you even harder and giggling, still not fully awake.   “Not even long enough for a nice long sloppy kiss with your big strong adoring stud?” you tease, tickling her, causing her to flinch and laugh immediately. She finally fully wakes up, though clearly still tired, struggling to hold her eyes open, resting her head against your chest once again after briefly looking into your eyes.   >”You don’t wanna kiss me, I’m gross right now,” she mutters, half-heartedly hiding her face behind a wing.   >You pull her up against you to where your lips can reach hers, gently pushing her wing out of the way before pulling her into a long, deep, passionate kiss that seems to go on forever, closing your eyes and savoring her taste as she moans softly, your tongues dancing in each other’s mouths. Whenever one of you starts to break the kiss, the other immediately forces your lips back together.   >After finishing what was likely the longest makeout session in the history of your relationship, you lay with her and continue cuddling.   “You’re never gross, Twily,” you say, kissing the top of her head as your hands roam around her body, hitting all her favorite spots with just the right amount of pressure.   “Mmmm… Anon…. why are you so good to me?” she coos.   “Sorry Twi, I can’t tell you that,” you say, continuing to stroke her.   “Hmm? Why not?” she asks somewhat insecurely.   “I don’t have time to write a book right now, that’s why,” you tease as you kiss her again, causing her to giggle and sigh, playfully punching your shoulder and rolling off of you, stretching once more as you also sit up in the bed, yawning and stretching.   “I’ll tell you what, Twi, how would my princess like a little pampering today, hmm? She certainly deserves it after how hard she’s worked.”   >She tilts her head at you and smiles.   >”What did you have in mind?”   >You place a hand behind her head and give her another kiss on the tip of her muzzle   “Oh, don’t you worry about the details, just let me take care of all of that. Now lay back down here, I’ll be back in a little bit, okay?”   >She gives another big yawn before nodding her head and laying back down. She’s nearly asleep again when you give her a gentle nudge to get her attention, when she rolls over you place a tray over her lap with an assortment of her favorite breakfast items.   >”Aww, Anon, you didn’t have to-“   “Shhh,” you interrupt, “that’s just the beginning,” you say to her with a smile before disappearing from the room again. You’re gone for quite some time, even after Twilight finishes her breakfast, reappearing just as she’s about to hop down from the bed and search for you.   “Did you enjoy your breakfast? I know I’m not the greatest cook, but still. Looks like you ate it all so it couldn’t have been too bad,” you smile.   >”It was delicious, Anon, thank you,” she replies, staring at you lovingly. You take the tray away and return a few moments later, scooping her up in your arms and carrying her out of your room. She rests her chin on your shoulder and sighs, closing her eyes and nuzzling your neck. As you arrive at your next destination you gently set her down next to a large bathtub filled with steamy hot water with a pleasant floral scent and some foamy bubbles floating on the surface. You begin to remove your clothes and she looks at you nervously, blushing as you stand naked in front of her, though she’s seen you this way before. You ease yourself into the soothing bath and motion for Twilight to join you, which she does with some slight hesitation.   >You have her sit on her haunches in front of you, scooting up against her so that you’re right against her rump and her tail. You reach for some nearby bottles and squirt their contents into her coat, and begin scrubbing and massaging it into a thick lathery foam all over her. You reach for another bottle, rubbing a handful of its contents into her mane, scrubbing it in a similar fashion, really digging deep with your fingers, massaging the base of her mane as you wash it. She shudders and sighs contentedly as you continue to bathe her. You pull both of her front legs out of the water one at a time enough to give them a thorough cleaning. Finally you delicately wash her horn, forehead and muzzle before rinsing her head, mane, back, and wings off.   >You then recline and pull her backwards on top of you so that her back is resting against your chest and her lower body is out of the water. You begin to wash her chest and her belly as she occasionally leans up and turns her head to give you little kisses here and there. When you reach the insides of her hind legs she shudders and gasps.   >You kiss her on the top of her head and stroke her chest and belly a few times.   “I’m going to wash your tail and underneath as well, if you’re okay with that. I know you’ve never been touched down there. If you don’t want me to, I won’t. If you get uncomfortable, you just tell me if you want me to stop, okay?”   >”Mmhmm…” she moans as her body begins to tremble.   “Are you sure you’re okay with me touching you down there, Twily?”   >”Y…yeah” she says, still quivering. You give her a peck on the cheek before continuing. You wash further down her belly, over her teats, then rub your hands over the insides of her thighs just millimeters away from her privates, moving closer and closer until you’re finally there. She arches her back and gives a moan as you begin to clean her delicately. Her breaths start to become ragged, closing her eyes as she gasps and moans, settling back down as you work your way back down her hind legs before washing her tail.   >After you finish bathing her you towel her off vigorously, eliciting a giggle or two here and there as you hit various ticklish spots on her body. As she dries off, her coat and mane are still a bit frazzled. You retrieve a soft bristled body brush and begin running it over her back and sides repeatedly, eventually reaching her chest and belly, the insides and outsides of her legs, until her entire body is slick and shiny. You then move on to her mane and tail, spritzing some detangler into both before taking a brush to them, thoroughly working out any kinks as she gradually starts to look more like herself, the frizzle and tangles now gone. She’s been putty in your hands this whole time. You then move your attention to her wings, preening them as best you can as she unfurls them completely, giving them a couple of flaps when you’re done. She inhales deeply and sighs.   >”Ahhh… I feel so much better now, Anon. That felt really, really nice… especially when…”   >She hesitates a moment, blushing   “Especially when what?”   >”N…nevermind,” she replies sheepishly.   >You then pick her up and carry her to an adjoining room, setting her on a massage table and telling her to lay face down and just relax.   >”Where did this thing come from?” she asks as you begin kneading the muscles of her neck and shoulders firmly, drawing long, deep moans from her as you thoroughly work over the tense, sore muscles all the way down her back.   “This old thing? I had Rarity borrow it from the spa for me. I just told her what I wanted it for and she got it for me, just haven’t had the chance to use it until now. Am I making you feel good?”   >”That’s an understatement,” she coos.   >After you finish her massage, you take a hoof rasp, gently filing away the cracks, chips, and rough spots on the outer, hard part of her hooves and the bottom edges, smoothing them over and polishing them until they shine, before slowly kneading your fingers into the soft underside of each hoof, causing Twilight to squirm and squeal with pleasure as you finish one hoof, planting a little kiss on it and moving to the next.   >Once you’re finished she’s picture-perfect, her coat pristine and shiny, mane and tail immaculate, hooves smooth and flawless.   >”Ahhh,” she sighs contentedly, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so refreshed and relaxed. Thanks, Anon,” she says, giving you a peck on the cheek, I’ll have to return the favor someday. Now that that’s done, I think it’s time to get back to inspecting the-”   “Relax, Twilight, you’ve gone over those things plenty, I’m sure they’re fine. There’s really nothing else to be done at the moment but wait. We’ve both been busting our asses making sure everything goes perfectly putting this thing together, we’ve earned a couple days of rest, don’t you think?”   >”That’s the problem, Anon, everything’s NOT perfect, there was a whole list of things that I didn’t catch the first few times around. For example the anterior lateral support beam for platform number two is misaligned by 1/128th of an inch. The secondary upper pylon of platform six has a curvature that diverges 0.05 degrees from specification. The arcane capacitance crystal in platform number three has a variance in its refraction index of .0001. The list goes on and on, Anon, we have to do something about these problems, everything has to be perfect, what if-”   “Twilight,” you interrupt her, “How many times did you inspect those defense platforms after their construction?”   >”Eighteen…” she replies sheepishly. “I was in the middle of my nineteenth when I kinda… fell asleep I guess.”   “Twi, if there were anything major wrong I know for a fact you would have caught it by now. The minor imperfections you’re stressing out over don’t matter. Besides, there’s nothing that can be done to change anything even if any of that were a problem. So forget about it all for a while. The next couple days are for me and you, and nothing else, got it?”   >She still looks worried and unsure, biting her bottom lip as she looks away from you.    “Look Twi, I know you’re apprehensive, I’m a little anxious myself, but it’s not going to do us any good. The whole point of today was to help take your mind off of things, didn’t it work for at least a little while?”   >”Well… yes. You made me feel so good that I didn’t really care about anything else until now…”   “Good, let’s try to keep it that way. No more worries about our work until the other ponies arrive, got it?”   >She gives a defeated sigh as she sits on her haunches next to you, leaning against you with most of her body weight.   >”I guess we really haven’t had much of a chance to spend time alone together lately, huh?” she concedes.   “Nope, not until now that is,” you say as you reach down and scratch behind her ears. “Now, go lay on your bed and relax. I’m going to have a quick shave and shower, as I’m still a bit of a mess myself. I’ll join you when I’m finished.”   >You place a couple fingers under her chin, tilting her head upward as you lean down just enough to plant your lips on hers for a few seconds. As she turns to leave the room she swats your rump with her tail, hard enough that it stings quite a bit, looking back over her shoulder at you with a mischievous smile as she walks out. That’s the first time she’s ever done anything like that.