Chapter One

Survivor and Lost Hero

When the Humans arrived on Equis, many of its native races were terrified by these hairless beings from beyond the stars, several wishing nothing but destruction for their visitors. However, despite what many believed, they had not come to do Equis any harm, and opened negotiations with the Royal Princess and other world leaders of Equis. They had learned that this "Concordance Extraction Cooperation", or "CEC" for short, had a single mission, to locate and excavate resources from uninhabited worlds across the stars. When they discovered Equis, and the strange energy readings coming from it, their scientists and researchers were intrigued and wished to gain more information about the world. Many becoming fascinated with the power that the inhabitants of Equis called "magic" and what new doors it could open for research and development. In vice versa, those of Equis were awe-struck with the technologies that the Humans had brought to them, which included space fairing vessels, atmospheric vessels, and massive "World Cracker" ships able to harvest untold resources from a single planet.

Through negotiations and talks with Human Leaders and the leaders of Equis, after the representatives were given enough time to arrive for these talks, a treaty was struck. The inhabitants of Equis agreed to assist the CEC with their mission to harvest resources and research, in exchange the CEC provided the Kingdoms of Equis with their own technology to help progress its industry and life. At request that came from one of Equestria's more research loving princesses, and Element of Harmony. The terms were found both agreeable and within legal bounds of both sides, the Treaty of Equis being signed by the CEC's President and Equestria's Solar Princess.

However, what the citizens of Equis did not know, is what dangers this alliance has in store for one of their more valued royals within the near future... Or the change in fate's own hand.

-USG Kellion-

The hull creaked, as it came to a slow halt, its thrusters going into full reverse to slow its hulking form down enough for a safe distance. The bridge's crew worked tirelessly, in order to make sure their Wai Lao Class ship did not collide with the massive World Cracker vessel. The commander smiled at their view, hands placed upon his back in a more parade rest form… A sense of pride filling his heart, as he looked upon this destressed ancient.

"Are we within hailing range?"
"Aye, sir." The Communication Officer answered, turning around to face their commander.

"Good, try and get in contact with them." The ordered, turning his gaze towards the Ishimura. "I would like to know why they had sent out that distress beacon."

"To be honest, I really do not like this, sir." A female voice called out, drawing the crew's attention towards the bridge's entrance… Seeing their only Equestrian Crew Member, a orange coated "Pegasus" Mare. She wore the uniform of CEC Security, but held more Equestrian Military badges instead of the Corporation's own. "There are no lights, and its engines are dead… That isn't a good sign, from what I managed to learn about these ships."

"Ah, Princess Starburst, glad of you to join us." The Commander smiled, but lost his nerve when said princess glared at him. "Ah, forgot, you do not like being called that…" He coughed into his hand, nodding. "Excuse me. 'Chief of Security Starburst. While, normally, I would agree… We still need to investigate, and see if there are any repairs needed."

"And why would did you call for me to be present for this?" Starburst asked, crossing both arms under her breast. "I think things would be better if I were in the training simulator, or learning more about your CEC's regulations."

"I wanted you here, because I had the same feeling as you, Chief Starburst." The Commander answered, turning his gaze back to the Ishimura again. "Any word yet?"

"Negative, sir… Their communication array must be offline, but I bet we can used the automatic docking procedures via grav-tether." The Communication Officer answered, looking towards his terminal. "Maybe then, we will get ourselves some answers once on board."

"Agreed… Navigation, get us on board the Ishimura."

"Aye, sir." The Navigation Officer announced, working at his own terminal. "Auto-Pilot activated… Auto-Docking Procedures activated. ETA to dock, five minutes."

"Sir… I still do not like this." Starburst repeated, feeling a chill run up her spine. "This is seriously creeping me out."

"I understand your concerns, Starburst… But, I assure you, everything will be alright." The Commander repeated his assurance, nodding to the Equestrian Princess. "Think of this as another training run and preparations for any real problems that may arise in Equestria's future with the Corporation. If you know how to handle these situations, now?" He turned towards the young Equestrian. "Then you can deal with them easily in the future."

"Still doesn't mean I like it…"

Slowly, the Repair Ship made its way towards the Ishimura's docking bay, lining itself up for the procedures. Navigation did its best to keep a close eye on their auto-pilot's approach, making sure no issues came up and were ready to correct mistakes that may appear. However, as they drew closer and closer towards the Ishimura… A section suddenly went up in flames! Debris scattered across the void between the Repair Ship and Ishimura, panic appeared within the bridge's crew as they tried to work their way around this sudden occurrence. Before anyone could react, a large piece of debris shot forward and slammed into the Repair Ship's starboard side! Creaks and heavy scraping wrecked the ship's inner hull, causing it to fly out of control and increase speed into the Ishimura's docking bay.

"Get control! Get control damnit!" The Commander yelled, as they watched the Ishimura's docking hanger get closer and closer at an alarming rate. "Close observation doors, now! CLOSE THEM!"

"Everyone, hang on to something!" Starburst ordered, as the blast shields closed, in a desperate attempt to protect the crew from harm.

In seconds, their ship crashed inside of the Ishimura's hanger, blast shields closer barely in time to protect them… However, glass and pipes broke free from their frames, one broken pipe snapping out and stabbing the Communication Officer straight through his heart.

"Travis!" The Commander yelled, regaining his footing in time to see his subordinate impaled by the broken pipe. "Damnit! What the hell happened out there!?"

"I-I do not know sir! We lost the auto-pilot, when the debris hit us." The Navigation Officer answered, trying to get his terminal back online. "Nothing is responding, damage reports are flying in all across the ship." He looked back towards the Commander, panic in his eyes. "We have to see what damage there is to the hull, before we can do anything."

"Damnit… Someone send word to maintenance, we need to get a team out there to fix this." The Commander looked towards Starburst. "Chief Starburst, get a squad together and escort the techincians."

"Y-Yes, sir…" Starburst replied, rubbing the side of her head and heading towards the bridge's exit. "Moon Fire, Xel, Conrad, Tempest Sky, and Zelium; meet me at port two and-?"

Sounds of clicking against the hull stopped those on board the bridge in their place, looking around. "What was that…" The Commander asked, more clicking sounds going across the bridge, followed by scratching and heavy banging. "Is there… Something trying to get into the ship?"
"Chief! Chief, come in!" A voice yelled over the comm-link.

"Tempest? What's going on?" Starburst asked, keeping a finger over her own comm-link. "Status report…"

"Trouble, ma'am! They're everywhere!" Tempest replied, panic in her voice. "W-We can't stop them! Nothing seems to work! They already got Conrad and Moon! We need back up! We need-AGGGH!"

"Tempest? Tempest answer me! TEMPEST!?" Starburst spun towards the Commander. "Sir, I need to go find my team, and-!"
A large talon-like blade ripped through the blast shield, effectively impaling their Navigation Officer! His blood gurgling screams called for help, begging for someone to save him. Starbust quickly drew her side arm, firing at the talon and tried to free their comrade from his attacker… Until another ripped through and stabbed his heart, before ripping said officer completely in half.

What came out of the forced open blast shield, terrified the remaining crew members.

It looked… Almost human, but flesh torn open, mutated, blood and guts pouring out on to the floor. Its arms and legs had been turned into twisted razor-sharp claws, head torn backwards and having a strange stem jutting out from the creature's throat. A smaller pair of arms jutted out from what remained of the human-like body's stomach, only two clawed fingers and thumbs used to rip what flesh it could grab. Its grotesque form made those who looked at it completely sick, one of the crewmen losing it and throwing up.

"W-What is that thing?" The Commander asked, backing away.

"I do not know…" Starburst replied, quickly pulling up her side arm, as the monstrosity screeched at them. "But I'm going to kill it!"

Round after round fired at the monstrosity, blood and flesh spattering everywhere, but nothing seemed to phase it. It slowly stepped forward, making the crew step further back when it approached. In seconds, the monster lunged forward, sprinting faster than Starburst could track and going straight for the closest crew member! Her screams echoed around the bridge, mixing in with every round Starburst fired, trying to save her… The monster tearing her flesh, biting into her and ripping off limbs with its talons and claws.

"W-Why won't it die!? Why won't it freaking die!" Starburst yelled, still firing at the monstrosity, as it finished off its latest victim. "I keep shooting at it, but it won't freaking die!"

"Who cares!" The Commander grabbed her shoulder, shoving Starburst towards the bridge's exit. "We need to get out of here, look!" He pointed towards the tear within the blast doors, more of the monsters trying to force their way in. "There's more of them, I think they're swarming the ship!"

"Everyone, run, now! We need to get out of here!" Starburst ordered, the remaining two crew members rushing out with her and the commander.

They rushed through the exit, one of their crew members keying in emergency seal codes on the outside terminal. However, when he turned to leave, one of the monstrosities grabbed hold of his ankle and forced the crewman to trip. "H-Help! Somebody, help me!" He pleaded, as the monster began to yank him back. "Please, I don't want to die!"

Starburst came to a sudden halt, turning around to help one of her fallen comrades… Only to be stopped by the commander. "No! It is too late for him, go!" He ordered, just as she turned back in time to see one of the monstrosities impale the man. His screams gurgled with blood, as more started to tear at him… Until the blast doors suddenly closed, splitting both him and one of the monsters completely in half. "We need to leave, now!"

The mare didn't like this, but he was right… Without wasting a second, the three quickly rushed down the corridor. They needed to find out what is going on here, and their ship was starting to be over taken by these monsters.

-Ishimura Cargo Hold-

Nothing remained within the Ishimura's cargo hold, only the pillar's red glow being what kept light within its darkened interior. Those that once worked on getting supplies or resources to different areas of the ship, were gone or slain. Their bodies mutated or laid broken upon its bloody floors. A sight that would be common all along the Ishimura's once populated corridors, reduced from a venerated World Cracker, to a floating ghost ship filled with creatures of nightmares.

However, something changed within the cargo hold, the pillar's light glowing brighter and brighter. Soon, the air around it became electrified, purplish-orange discharge arching off its slender form. Necromorphs around it looked towards the pillar, sensing something strange occurring around it, and started to back away from this strange burst of energy.

Soon enough, a flash of light burst from the pillar, sending a bolt of energy straight down and caused the Necromorphs to shield their eyes. When they were able to look upon this 'holy' relic again, the mutant undead began to hiss and back further away from what stood before it now.

An armored giant of white-gray armor, dull green trim, knelt before the pillar's form. He held a strange rifle-like weapon within its hands, a brass barrel extending further out from the normal one. There was a chainsaw-like weapon magnetized to his left hip, along with a long combat knife belted to the giant's right boot, pistol strapped to their right hip. His right shoulder bore the Roman Numerals "XIV" while the left held a white bursting skull, symbolizing the deathly aura that emanated from his armored form. The armor itself looked like plated steel of some kind, thick but flexible enough to allow heavy combat, almost like it was meant to endure the toughest of enemy fire from the front, allowing its wearer to not fear the battle to come… His face plate being a matching white-gray color, with a pair of blood red optics suddenly flashing to life.

Slowly, the giant stood up and took a slow glance around, seemingly curious about where he seemed to be… Confused. When he took notice of the mutated Necromorphs surrounding him, the giant became even more confused about the situation. Though, without much hesitation, he reached up on to the weapon, and pulled the charging handle back.

Then, all hell broke loose within the Cargo Hold.

-Somewhere in the Ishimura-

Starburst sprinted fast as she could, tears of terror pouring from her eyes, side arm long go out of fear for her own life. Not long after she and the crew escaped their besieged ship, did they come under attack by a horde of those monsters. They came from every direction, crawling out of air ducks and the very ventilation shafts. Before she even knew it, both the remaining crewman and the commander were being torn apart. Terror had gripped her heart, and the instinct to flee quickly overtook her.

She hated it, she hated the fact that she actually ran from this… But, the mare was absolutely terrified. These things were like nothing they have ever encountered before, on Equis or the galaxy at large. No matter how many rounds she put into them, those things would not die or stop their advance. They wouldn't give up, tearing away at anything and brutally killing those they managed to capture within their twisted claws.

Even now, five of them were chasing after Starburst, their wailing screeches howling behind her, letting the mare know that she was doomed to the same fate. Her heart was beating nonstop, allowing her to keep running, despite how tired her body became or how much her lungs burned. Fear of being torn apart, like her comrades, raced through the mare's mind, not wanting to suffer the same fate… Or to be turned into one of those things either, noticing that one of them looked like a twisted form of her unicorn sergeant, Tempest Sky.

"N-Need to find some-somewhere to hide!" She breathed, eyes scanning everything around her… Only seeing the bloody bulkheads, floors, and ceilings all around the corridor. "Need to hide! N-Need to g-get away-away from them!" Her eyes were wide, pupils shrunk to mere pin-points.

Using her wings, Starburst made a quick right turn, finding herself within a maintenance corridor… A nearby storage compartment being opened. Without hesitation, she quickly dove into the storage compartment, slamming her hand on to the terminal to shut its blast door, effectively locking it. She sighed with relief placing a hand over her rapidly beating heart, a smile creeping upon her muzzle.

A sudden thud made the mare squeak, followed by another, then another, and another! She pressed up against the metal wall, hearing those monsters trying to claw their way inside of where she hid. "N-No, no, no, no… Not like this! Anything but this!" Her mind panicked, eyes wide again, heart beating even faster. "Please, not like this! I don't want to die like this, not here!"

More, and more, clawing and thuds echoed from the blast door, Starburst's sense of panic increasing by the second. There were more of those things out there, trying to get inside of the storage compartment, trying to get to Starburst. The mare let loose another squeak of terror, when a talon tore through the blast door's frame, forcing a portion to be ripped back… Revealing a mauled, bloody, that belonged to one of the monstrosities outside. It slide the talon closer, and closer, trying to reach the mare.

Starburst pressed her head back more, and more, until there was nowhere else she could push back too… The monster's talon tip poking at her neck. "M-Mother… H-Help me!" Her mind whimpered, praying that someone, somebody, something would rescue her from these things.

And her prayers were answered.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

The sense of terror was increased, but not because of the fact that Starburst was millimeters to a monster's talon… The heavy foot falls, sounding like thick metal plate stepping on to the metal corridor's flooring, getting closer and closer to where she was. The monsters outside had stopped their attempts to grab the mare, turning their attention towards the source of those stomps. Within the next second, a new aura washed over Starburst, one that these creatures could sense and forced them to back away from her hiding place… The only answer that Starburst received, as to what had caused this, was a massive shadow overlapping the corridor and a pair of red, glowing, eyes.

A more ferocious hunter has come.