Chapter 7

An Hour Later

Princess Twilight Sparkles Castle, Ponyville

Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship

I paced inside the main lobby of the castle, feeling a little worried and unnerved. I could feel the uneasy stares of the rest of the main 5 settling upon me, and I could practically sense the awkwardness of the moment. I had just explained to them the reason for calling down the leader of the Imperials, who had been acting rather suspicious ever since the treaty day.

"Um, Twilight…. Don't get me wrong, Rainbow Dash is one of my best friends, and I am as worried about her as you are. But…. I don't know if we should bring the Imperials into this. I mean, why would they know anything?" Fluttershy spoke up, a look of concern on her face that proved her thoughts were genuine. I stopped pacing and looked over at her, bags clearly hanging under my eyes due too lack of sleep.

"I don't know. I was just thinking last night how strange it is that Rainbow and another Pegasus go missing the same day that the Imperials make their presence known. It just seems like to big of a coincidence." I sighed, rubbing my left eye with one of my legs, feeling drowsiness start to take hold.

"I don't think the Imperials are responsible." Applejack chimed in. "I mean, despite the first encounter, we have had no troubles with 'em. We have helped 'em repair there ship, shown hospitality to them. Heck, some of those Humans were even having an Iron Pony competition the other day with some of the local ponies. If they knew where RD was, they'd tell us."

I nod at Applejack, keeping my thoughts to myself. Yes, she was correct: but something still seemed…. Off. I had only really made friends with a few of the humans: a few of the Intelligence officers and than Noran. Noran had become a very close friend, who I often talked too when not dealing with Princess matters or helping other Imperials. Behind me, the main door opened, and Spike, my #1 dragon assistant, entered, running over to me.

"Hey, Twi! They are coming." At that I automatically rushed over to the nearby window. Despite my mild distrust towards Tailon and suspicion towards the Imperials in general, I was always fascinated by there flying machines. They were unlike anything I had ever seen. Unlike the Pegasus Chariots, the air ship was bigger, with a closed off roof, large wings that stayed still at its side until landing and a fin on top of the ship. The Imperials called it a 'shuttle'. Well, it had a longer name, but I just called it a shuttle for short. The shuttle landed, steam coming out of the sides as it plopped onto the grass. The shuttle opened, and I watched as two 'Stormtroopers', as the Imperials called them, exit the craft, armed with there standard laser weapons.

Over the past week, they had plenty of time to show the weapons out. Most of the ponies were mystified, while others like me became curious. It was like a magical beam, and could burn through most outer surfaces. It scared me a little at the thought of them using the weapons for more than simple target practice on a rock.

Then from the shuttle emerged Tailon, as expected. What I didn't expect was the man who followed him. He was older than Tailon by many moons, with wrinkles on his face and bags under his eyes. He wore the Olive Green Uniform of an Imperial Officer, with what looked to be a black trench coat hanging over his shoulders and long black boots that almost reached up to his knee cap. He seemed to have a somewhat hard time walking, seeming to stumble a little whenever he put pressure on his right leg and wince in pain. Despite his painful stumbling, he still appeared to have an air of authority the surrounded him.

I jump away from the window, beckoning to the other girls to come over as I opened the castles door as they approached. I put on a nervous smile as I trotted down the stairs. My eyes met with the older mans, and his eyes widened. He whispered something to Tailon, who nodded back. As my party and the other party drew closer to each other, Tailon whispered something to one of the Stormtroopers, who in turn made a hand gesture to the other trooper. They suddenly stopped, standing at attention. My nervous smile lifts to a that of a diplomats smile as I bow slightly in respect.

"Afternoon, Tailon! Thank you for meeting with me. Who is your friend?" At my mention that the older gentleman was a friend, Tailon gave a small sniff, possibly restraining a retort.

"You as well, Princess. This is Admiral Varinth, commander of the Imperial forces. He has been absent up to this point do to injuries." Varinth looked at me, returning my politician smile with one of his one. He stood upright, bowing slightly in respect.

"Greetings, Princess. On behalf of the Galactic Empire, I officially thank you for all you and your species has done for us." My smile turns into a genuine one, as I dip my head.

"We are honored to assist you in any way." The Admiral straightened again as he turned to look at Tailon quickly, who retained his stern emotionless face. He turned to me again.

"How can we repay you for your services to us?" My eyes widened slightly. They wanted to compensate us for our help? I cocked my head a little in confusion.

"Um, forgive me, Admiral Varinth, but we don't require any pay back." Now it was the Admirals turn to look confused, his eyes widening slightly.

"Surely you jest, Princess!" I shake my head.

"I do not jest. We are glad we could help you in whatever way, and your friendship is the only compensation we really require." Varinth really looked shocked. Tailon, as before, still looked indifferent. Varinth lowered his a little.

"Princess, I… I don't know what to say…." I shake my head, about to reply. Suddenly, Tailon stepped forward, past Varinth. They way he moved made it almost seem like he was trying to one-up his superior.

"Princess, I apologize for the interruption, but wasn't there a reason you called us here?" I thought for a second, then mentally face-hoofed. How could I forget about Rainbow Dash?

"Yes, there was! Um, last week, around the time you arrived, a friend of mine disappeared. Rainbow mane, cyan blue skin, Pegasus, kind of has an ego problem?" Tailons facial expression never changed as he looked me in the eyes.

"Havnt seen her. I will tell my pilots to keep a look out for her, though." That made me freeze for a second. It crossed my mind that I never specified RDs gender. How did he know she was a female. I shake my head, trying to recover.

"Thank you, Tailon," I then turn to Varinth. "It was an honor meeting you."

Varinth actually gave a genuine smile. "The pleasure is all mine, your highness." Then, with a quick side glance at Tailon, he stated, "I hope this friendly relation can continue for many years." For a split second, I though I saw something flash across Tailons facial expression. It happened to quick for me to pick up on what it was, however.

With that, the Imperials wheeled around and walked back to there shuttle where, within a few minutes, they were flying across the sky, back to their behemoth ship. I turned back to my friends, who had stood quietly behind me the whole time. I shake my head at them, and followed them back into the castle.

Aboard the Imperial Shuttle

Derik Varinth, Imperial Admiral

There was a silence aboard the shuttle as we headed back to the Avenger, which was something I honestly needed. I felt split on the inside. Before the meeting, the idea of setting up and outpost on this unnamed planet seemed like a good idea. Plenty of resources, perfect isolation, a willing work force…. But after my talk with the Princess, as brief as it was, I felt the conviction to do the exact opposite. I had been in service for over 20 years, preceeding even that of the Clone Wars. I had conquered many star systems, taken severe casualties, been able to inflict heavy damage on my enemies.

So why did I feel such conviction to not conquer this one insignificant planet? I looked at Tailon, who was silently observing me.

"You have second thoughts on our plan to establish an outpost here?"

I nod. "Indeed, Tailon. I don't know why, but I feel that doing anything to this planet will result in nothing good. Not for the Empire, and especially not for the Equestrians." Tailons eyes widened.

"You don't actually CARE about these insignificant low life's, do you?" I stood a little erect. I have found that I actually do. It was something about the princess that seemed to inspire me. That she was actually genuine, not just another politician trying to gets what's better for them.

"I do, Tailon…. For whatever reason. Regardless, I feel that an outpost wouldn't be good out here." Tailons eyes narrowed.

"So, what are you proposing then?" I bite my lip, thinking.

"After repairs are made, we travel back to the Empire. Make no reference to this planet. And we clear the Nav Charts." Tailon's surprised face contorted to one of anger, his voice changing to that of controlled rage.

"So, you propose treason against the Empire? Holding information back from them could get you court marshaled!" I stand defensively in an attempt to regain my authority from the enraged ISB agent.

"Don't you understand? If the Empire is told about this planet, they won't stop at a simple outpost. It will be a full planetary occupation, the natives turned to slaves!" Tailon stood now, hands clutched into fists.

"So? It comes down to the fact that CENTCOM will find out about this, and you will be shot for treason if you go along with this! As the official ISB Agent of this vessel, I can arrest you if you do it!" I scowl at this.

"I outrank you!"

"Actually, Varinth, according to CENTCOM, I am not under you jurisdiction. I serve the Empire, and ultimately report to the ISB." My mind raced: how could I gain an angle? Then, I sneer a little as I pulled my Idiot Card (Sabaac Card)

"Well, that brings up an interesting topic: the Empire doesn't know where we are." Tailon, still indignant, continues to stare.

"So what? They will be, soon!"

"Well…. We could always leave you here on the planet. Or worse." Realization dawned across Tailons face, his eyes widening.

"Are you threatening to kill me?"

"Whether you are a member of the ISB or not, you are still on my ship. Therefore, I will do whatever is necessary to quell any insubordination." I stand a little taller, making Tailon back down a little. "Even if that insubordination comes from you." Tailons eyes narrowed, his mind racing. The deadlock was suddenly interrupted as the Pilot opened the door, making no indication as to hearing, or caring, about our conversation.

"Admiral, we have arrived at the Avenger." I turn, nodding to the pilot, before turning to exit the craft. As the door opens, I turn to Tailon.

"Remember, Agent, I still hold more power than you in this situation. Stay out of my way, and you can keep your job as an agent." Straightening my trench coat, I depart down the ramp, leaving an enraged Tailon alone on the ship.

FOB, Imperial Camp

Jeriff Pier, Imperial Field Officer

I was doing my standard stock check when Tailon began coming over to me. The past week had been long, but busy. The ponies regularly came by, a little to my distaste, to help clean up the Avenger and fix her up. Tailon was right: these ponies were good for work. I saluted as Tailon approached.

"At ease, Pier." He growled at me, clearly agitated. I lower my hand.

"Might I inquire as to why you are upset?" Tailon rounded on me, and I noticed just how pissed he looked. It was more than merely agitation: he was down right enraged.

"The Admiral proposes treason!" My eyes widen, and I ask how. Tailon went on to explain everything to me, which made my mouth curl in disgust.

"What do we do about this?" Tailon bit his lip, shaking his head.

"I don't know. The Admiral won't start the cruiser back up, so we have little chance of getting to the Empire that way…" Then, an idea popped into my head.

"The Long Range comms!" Tailon looked me in the eyes, smiling.

"Excellent work, officer! When will they be completed?" I shake my head.

"I would have to check, sir." Tailon nodded.

"Do what you must. And be discrete. We don't know who is truly loyal to the Empire anymore." I nod, about to go before stopping to look at Tailon.

"And what of you?" Tailon looked at me with a truly malicious look on his face.

"To rally those still loyal to the Empire. Pier, we have a lot of work to do."