Chapter 9 A new Home for the Lunar Republic

Location : Unknown

The entire lunar fleet was sailing for about a week , so far things were going well . They haven't come under attack heck the solar empire didn't follow them at all .

Luna and Nightmare moon were mostly working on there plans for setting up a completely new town and actually giving it a name . Meanwhile , Captain Star Dust was working on a few things when her second in command knocked on the door . "Enter" she said with a calm voice .

In strode Commander Night Star , wanting to know what her commanding officer was up to . "What can I do for you?" asked Star Dust . "Well I was thinking that maybe we could talk for a bit , I just can't concentrate" said Night Star . "I see then , I'll get us some tea or coffee" said Star Dust . While Star Dust was doing that , Night Star was looking at photos of when she was a filly at a orphanage .

"Yea those are photos of me at the orphanage when I was a filly" said Star Dust from the kitchen . "You were an orphan?" asked Night Star . "yea and when I got there , not a single filly or colt even dared pick on me , cause they knew I could kick there flanks and then some" said Star Dust with a smirk . Soon the coffee was being made , that gave the two some time to talk . "So what brings you to my office?" asked Star Dust .

"It's Captain Night Shadow , it's like everytime I sleep I see him dying right in front of me" said Night Star . "All I can tell you is that , it's not your fault none of us saw it coming heck I'm no counselor but I can tell you that if you ever want to talk , I'm more than willing to listen" said Star Dust .

At that point , Night Star got up and hugged her captain . "Oh that must be the coffee" said Star Dust . Wiggling out of Night Star's grip she headed back towards the kitchen and tended to the coffee , but added a mint to help get night star to sleep .

She had returned with two coffee mugs , the two drank , laughed and shared stories of each others past , heck the two became the best of friends over a cup of coffee. After an hour or so , Night star was finally tired enough where she was escorted out of her captains quarters and back to her own .

By the time her head hit the pillow she was snoring almost as loud as a manaticore . Sighing with relief she went back to working on the paperwork that she had started a while ago . Poor mare , loosing her commanding officer like that , if only I can help her thought Star Dust . Shaking off the feeling , she decided to get back to the paperwork mostly recent scouting reports among other things .

Location : Canterlot

Celestia was very pleased with herself , already they got back blitz and when they learned that the Lunar republic was gone for good . She decided to just take the day off and relax handling daycourt . For once she knew it was a good day . So far this war is going in Luna's favor , but I can tell that I will soon be the victor in this and I will be glad to slaughter every single pony that dared defy me or my absolute rule thought Celestia with a grin .

Location : Unknown

finally the Lunar fleet stopped at the destination that Luna had said . Both her and Nightmare went to check it out , and sure enough it was as she said it would , a HUGE continent with resources wild animals , and above all , no sign of the solar empire . "Alright Everypony , begin the unloading and building process" said Luna loudly enough .

Nodding the construction ponies went right to work building houses , blacksmith's , walls , towers , a castle , a siege workshop , a gate , and finally a town center along with farms , every single pony disembarked from there ships and began to populate the unnamed town .

One of them an apple farmer by the name of Apple Dumping and her siblings Apple Crumble , Candy Apple , Apple Fire , and Apple Cobbler were able to setup there farm again , known as Apple Acres . "alright ya'll we need to get started and pronto , Candy Apple ah want you to help Apple Fire and Apple Cobbler begin unloading the stuff so the construction ponies can begin building our house and barn , the rest we can handle" said Apple Crumble .

Nodding they all got right to it , however though there was one pony who was shy and almost scared out of his mind , Apple Crumbles big brother Big Apple Twist . "Come on Big Apple Twist , you have work to do to" said Apple Crumble . "Alright what ya'll want me to do?" asked Big Apple . "Ah want you to start digging holes for when we go ahead and plant seeds for the trees" said Apple Crumble .

Nodding he grabbed a bag of apple seeds and got right to work , Apple Crumble decided to help everypony else with there jobs and by the time that the moon had rose the unnamed town was built , but without a name finally several names were presented to Luna . She looked them over and needed time to think on which one would best suit this town .

List of Names

1 Moon Town

2 Lunar City

3 Town of the Stars

4 Lunar Star city

"I think I'll go with Lunar Star city" said Luna pointing at the fourth name . "an Excellent choice , my princess" he said . With that he decided to commission a sign with the name Lunar Star City on it . With that Luna decided that a cup of tea would be good at that time .

And so far things were going well , in fact though . When the dragons heard of the Lunar republic moving they mostly helped out by keeping there distance via the flying ships and shadowbolts .

Meanwhile , Captain Stardust was able to get the entire army unloaded off of either transports of there own ship , and settled down in various barracks . Captain Star Stream was a bit different as he had , a training ground for his shadowbolts just above Lunar Star City high enough where none of the shadowbolts are would be crashing into things or into each other .

With Verigan Storm

I was looking over incoming scouting reports and from what they had said . Some of the oceans were safe to travel on , others not so much . There was one thing that I was interested in , known as Unicornia . I've heard of such a place before , but somepony will have to lead the expedition someone who's familiar with traps , among other things I thought . That's when I heard someone knocking at my door . "It's a message from Princess Luna , it's marked urgent" he said . "Thank you" I said . I quickly got the letter from it's casing and began to read .

Dear Verigan Storm ,

as you are aware , the solar empire learned of our escape from Equestria and is trying to track us down and finish what they started , I need you and your entire fleet to meet them in the open oceans and take them out , Lunar Star City is counting on you .

I am counting on you , however though I might be able to get a response from the Zebra if we can get there help in this fight then we may stand a chance of taking them on , but enough about that . There is a traitor in our midst , find out whom this traitor is and bring him and or her before me , already we have lost our grip on Equestria , but we might be able to get that back by getting the zebra on our side ,and if we can manage that . Then we may have a chance.

Signed princess Luna

I won't let you down Princess , who ever this traitor is . There quite sneaky , about covering there tracks I think I can find this pony I thought .

Location : unknown

With StarShine Shimmer

I had just made it to there new location , now it was time to put the second part of my plan into action . Learning of who they are , among other things . Ah I can remember the day I got my orders directly from our rightful ruler of Equestria

FLASHBACK , JUST BEFORE THE ATTACK OUTSIDE OF STALLIONGRAD

Location : Canterlot

"Starshine Shimmer , your orders are to infiltrate the Lunar Republic , learn all you can at the sametime , find out where they are and send that location back to me via letter , from there I will send an air ship to pick you up and get you back to Equestria" said Celestia .

"Alright , and what if I'm found out AND caught?"I asked.

"That's easy , drink this potion it will simulate the effects of a heart attack" said Celestia . I nodded and put the potion in my saddle bags .

"Alright anything else?" I asked .

"yes , you will small weapons such as daggers and a couple of hidden blades" said another voice . I turned around and saw this pony , he was one I didn't know right away , but he looked familiar to me at least in terms of appearance .

"Ah Ironhoof , glad you could join us" said Celestia .

"Indeed , as I have manufactured the weapons you requested of me , she will need an outfit to blend in better with the ponies of the lunar republic" added Ironhoof .

"I think our seamstress Glitter Star can manage that" said Celestia .

With that she called her in , she had a white coat , a straight purple mane along with a kind of cutie mark I didn't recognize before . "StarShine , this is Glitter Star , she's going to be making your outfit in order to blend in with the ponies of the Lunar Republic" said Celestia .

With that , Glitter star dragged me out of the castle and into her shop which I swear was full to the brim of dresses , almost drove me insane .

But finally the outfit was complete as it had NO jewels of the sort , which for me was fine . Another thing it had , was pockets , along with hidden compartments for my blades . The ponies of the lunar republic can label me an assassin if you will , but it matters not .

I put on the outfit and it fit me like a new glove .

"I won't be charging you since Celesita has this covered , but consider it part of your mission my dear" she said politely . I was a bit unnerved by the way she said it but simply brushed it off .

I soon left , and was helped by Iron hoof , by fastening the mechinism to use the blades along with several other weapons he created , such as a dagger , a straight edge sword and sheath , and small bombs . Though I wasn't sure when I would really need them , along with smoke pellets so I can make a quick get away , finally a scroll and some ink and a quill .

Perfect looks like I"m all set to go I thought . Finally , I had walked over towards my air ship , boarded it . And was on my way to 'link' up with the convoy of lunar air ships headed towards an unknown location .

FLASHBACK END

Location : Lunar Star City , Apple Acres

Apple Cobbler , was bucking several apples while Apple Crumble , Apple Fire , and Big Apple Twist were planting seeds that were to soon grow into apple trees . Wiping the sweat off her forehead , she had finally finished harvesting a good fields worth of trees .

"Well I'd reckon , that we get these apples into the barn" said Apple Cobbler . "Right" with that Apple Crumble and the others were able to load the baskets onto a cart and tow said cart into the barn to off load the baskets of apples .

The apple family headed inside , to take a load off from harvesting fresh apples , of course tomorrow they would have to sell them all the while stock piling there stock of apples to munch on , and or use in there recipes . One of them being there famous Apple pie .

Location : Lunar Star City

As soon as the sun set and the moon rose , Luna and Nightmare Moon , began work on a couple of things , one of them being a landing pad for the air ships to off load or take on soldiers . Although Luna felt at piece , she had to inform her family of the attack outside of stalliongrad and how they were pushed out of Equestria .

Dear mother and father and fellow siblings ,

I am writing this letter to inform you that me and my sister are okay .

Although the Solar ponies have pushed us out of Equestria it will be harder to get ponies to leave Equestria and come to Lunar Star City or as we are going to call this land , Lunar Land. A safe haven for everypony , we offer food , water , shelter , and even security .

But more to the point , I'm getting the feeling that Celestia may have sent somepony from the solar empire to spy on us , Nightmare moon is keeping an eye on things , but we did loose a couple thousand guards , along with the captain of the army , Captain Night Shadow , thankfully I was able to find a replacement .

We also lost Captain Chrome Thunder , once again several replacements but the point is we may need more supplies and troops if we are to hold our in this war , but suffice to say we are in the process of researching new tech in order to gain a tactical advantage over the solar empire .

I just wanted to say that I miss every single one of you , but I am doing this for your protection , and to make this world a much safer place for everypony ,

Signed Princess Luna of the Lunar Republic

PS: how are things back in Equestria ? Any luck ?

Luna rolled up the scroll and sent it off in a flash of blue light , and waited for a response . Although it would take awhile , she then decided to go and check on research and development . I waited until I got a reply much to my surprise , it was from my parents . Wanting to know , what I was up to . I decided to read it to myself alone .

Dear Luna and Nightmare Moon ,

Me and your mother are curious as to how things are going .

And we saw the posters of the solar empire during our stay in Canterlot , let me tell you we saw guards dressed in different armor . Not the normal royal guard armor mind you . Your brothers and sisters are doing quite fine and I'm sorry for the guards you lost .

But Celestia's spreading her influence all across Equestria , every single city is flocking to her voice and her cause , the situation isn't good her armies grow , and already she's building some kind of new weapon that nopony has seen before .

Just be prepared , and if possible begin researching what you have , try and gain the upper hoof in this fight .

But knowing you Luna , you would be already doing that , and things in Equestria as a whole aren't good , Me and your mother saw guards not only in Canterlot but ALL over every single train station .

Thankfully they didn't notice us right away or we would be in trouble ! , but the point is Celestia's becoming more and more bold with every move she makes , sooner or later she may learn of your new location , whatever she does we'll try and find some kind of way to counter it .

Either way though , should Celestia figure out that it is me and your mother that's stirring up trouble , we can flee towards the frozen north or try and make some money as common ponies for the rest of our lives giving up our kingdom to your siblings . Either way , she wouldn't be able to find us , we are working on a spell that change our magical signature , it shouldn't take long but once we do , we'll be ready to implement this plan that we have created during our stay in Canterlot , be careful Luna and Nightmare Moon , and be very very vigilant .

Either way , already we saw construction of an air force base and soon new weapons a new means of fighting 'tank's she called them ,

Signed King Cosmos and Queen Chernalia

I soon finished the letter and I was shocked , Celestia now upgrading ? ! I soon told the researchers to get right onto researchiing some fighter craft , with propellers . They nodded and got right to it , at that point I had to think of several new squadrons to work alongside the shadowbolts . That's when I had came up with several names all written down on a piece of paper in ink

List of Air force Squadron names

Lunar Squadron

Nights Fury

Nightmare Squadron

The Black Knights

Shadowbolts Squadron

The Nightmare Paladins

Perfect , now we just need some planes and we should be set to go I thought . I knew that I had her out matched . It was more than likely that she had already built a base and is now building several 'biplanes' as the human race calls them .

We were already doing the very samething , however though we were going to have planes like the Spitfire mk II , Douglas A-1 Skyraider , T13bf Pillager , P38 Lightning , P51B Mustang , Republic P47 Thunderbolt , Vought F4u1 Corsair , Fulmar 803 NAS 1 and , The P-40 War hawk .

In every single way we had the solar empire out matched . Now I needed to appoint somepony to help or be in charge of the air force and it's various squadrons . I looked through the various files until I came across one that really stuck out and got my interest .

Name : Gun Slinger

Age : 33

Gender : Stallion

Occupation : Sells guns to anypony who wants or needs to buy a gun to defend themselves

Skills : Able to construct weapons based on Blueprints from unknown locations throughout Equestria , able to use various types of weapons from various types of hidden blades to swords and axes

Other Skills : able to live off the land and use the environment to his advantage .

Backstory : Grew up in a orphanage , was later adopted by two ponies who's names weren't disclosed to Gun Slinger at the time . Was able to construct his first weapon that looked like what humans call a 9mm pistol or 'handgun' his dad taught him forging and able to forge his own weapons based on things he got such as blueprints , somehow got his hooves on guns from a place called 'Earth' where the human race lives .

This pony interested me , and these blueprints I needed to get my hooves on them . Besides they could prove useful in the war .

I quickly got out some parchment paper , some ink and a quill . I had to contact this Gun Slinger see if I can offer him a chance to lead the air force and recruit ponies for the various squadrons that I have planned .

Dear Gun Slinger ,

This is Luna of the Lunar Republic contacting you about an offer I have , as soon as you read this letter . You will be teleported to the castle where we can discuss a few things about your future in the Lunar Armed Forces , but at the sametime even if you refuse my offer , it will be in the table should you want to reconsider it

Signed Princess Luna of the Lunar Republic .

With that I sent it off in a bright blue flash of light , and I awaited his response . And not seconds later I saw a very confused Gun Slinger standing there not knowing what had just happened . I was quickly informed by one of the guards who goes by the name of Moonshine .

"Princess someponies here to see you" said Moonshine . "Thank you , I'm on my way" I said . With that I got up , and quickly made my way towards the great hall , decorated with various banners and the like .

With Gun Slinger

I was very confused as to why this Princess Luna would summon me . Not that I minded at all though , but according to the letter that I had just read , she was going to offer me something .

Well as to whatever it is though , I am curious as to what this offer of hers is though , and hopefully it's worth my time . I quickly spot her and one of the guards escorting her into the main hall , I quickly bow to show a sign of respect .

"Rise my loyal subject of the night" said Luna . I quickly got up and wanted to know more . "Follow me into the throne room , we have much to discuss" said Luna .

With that the two of us walked through several hallways until we got to the throne room . Upon entering it , I was captivated by such beauty.

The room was amazing , it had the perfect view of the moon . The various chandeliers the various candles , the various stained windows and even various banners hung from the walls .

The sight and beauty of it all was stunning to the eyes , heck to anypony to walks inside the lunar throne room . "Now then I have an offer to make you" said Luna taking her seat on the throne . "Alright , name it I'm quite sure it's interesting" I said .

"Indeed , now then I need you to be in charge of our air force , I am quite aware of your file and your skills selling advanced weapons to anypony that wants to purchase one , but I need fighter squadrons and I think your just the pony for the job" said Luna .

I thought this over , while my job of selling 'advanced weapons' to ponies who needed them , this wouldn't be such a bad idea I get to be in charge of the entire lunar air force , and help organize ponies who can fly an air craft all the while I get to sell guns during the night or when ever possibly during the day.

"Princess you've got yourself quite a deal" I said . We both agreed and with that she escorted me to an open field where she was building our first air force base , also our planes would be stored , should we come under attack .

"Now how long would it take to move each plane from where it is to here?" I asked . "quite a while , but we can have it done within the next few hours" said Luna .

"Very well , I'll see who I can round up that's pilot material , and trust me your going to have some of the most lethal and armed to the teeth pilots the lunar republic has seen" I proclaimed . "I look forward to it" said Luna .

With that she turned and walked away leaving me to my own job , rounding up ponies to lend a hoof in this fight . It's not going to be easy , but I may have a plan or two that may work I thought .

I saw a near by chair that wasn't being used , upon sitting on it I began to think about how I'm going to implement this plan of mine I highly doubt that Celestia's going to be monitoring ALL letters coming into Equestria let alone going out .

Besides , I knew a few ponies that could fill the roles in a few squadrons , and for those pegasi that don't join the shadowbolts , well they could join any of the squadrons that Luna has lined up .

Now whom do I contact with in Equestria ? I thought . I looked over my small list of ponies , and only I had four written down that came to mind .

Hurricane , Melody Sketch , Rose Mistique , and Vanilla Swirl I'm going to need a lot more than those four now I could try several of the other settlements and see where that gets me I thought . I pulled up a map of Equestria , I looked over a couple of settlements and sure enough a few came across my eyes .

Ones like , Canterbury , Derby , Hoofingdom , Horns Deep , Baddahoof , and New Saddle . I'll have to travel to each settlement and try and convince whoever is there to join the lunar republic because it's the right thing to do.

I then quickly took the back routs to get into Equestria , so far things were going my way .

Location : Equestria

Settlement : Canterbury

I quickly saw a clearing , adjusting for what I thought was a landing zone , and thankfully it was . It was near the settlement of Canterbury , setting down my small ship I built . I got out and lowered the balloon so nopony would spot me .

I quickly glanced into the sky thankfully I didn't notice any wonderbolts flying here in this part of Equuestria . Although I didn't pack much to take with me , I thankfully did pack with me some ink , quills and partchment paper should I need to write a letter back to Luna . After securing the craft .

I then decided to walk into the settlement , where I was then greated by a nice young pony by the name of Star Dusk . From what I could tell just by looking at her , she had a purple and sky blue mane , obviously a unicorn no doubt , and had a heart shapped cutie mark with a weird looking … sun ? On it as well .

"Hello and welcome to our little home in Equestria , names Star Dusk" said Star Dusk extending a hoof . "I'm Gun Slinger , listen do you have any pegasi that are capable of flight along with any non pegasi as well ?" I asked getting straight to the point .

"I think so , for what reason?" asked Star Dusk confused . "I have some bad news" I said . "you know of Celestia and the solar empire correct?". She nodded and went on to explain who she's making things unbearable for everypony .

"Well don't fee to bad , were fighting her as we speak which is why we need the best of the best of ponies to join" I said. "well count me in , I'll lead you to our training camps" said Star Dusk .

The both of us walked further inside the settlement , and what I saw amazed me . Training camps for the army , the navy AND the air force . I'll only need the air force training camps , these ponies should be ready once we put them through there paces I thought .

"Alright air force Ponies listen up!" said Star Dusk loudly . Everypony stopped what they were doing and simply turned to face her. "Now then , I have with me Gun slinger who says he's fighting Celestia of the solar empire and wishes for all air force ponies to join" said Star Dusk .

"What is your reason that your here?" . "I'm here to put together several air force squadrons , The Black Knights , the Nightmare Paladins , Nights Fury , Nightmare Squadron , Lunar Squadron , and Nightmare Squadron" I said .

"Well here it is , Gun slinger is putting together several air force squadrons for the Lunar Republic which is why I need the best of the best to step forward , those of you that don't complete your training will complete it in there new location" said Star Dusk. She like the air force ponies stepped forward with a hardened gaze . "Alright listen up and listen up good , I'll need Star Dusk to get me to write a letter to Princess Luna explaining a few things" I said .

"I can do that , I've honed my magic skills since I was a filly , I know a few things magic related" said Star Dusk . "Good , I would expect no less" I said . With that we walked out of the settlement and towards my air ship , I boarded it and we began to write said letter to Luna .

Dear Princess Luna ,

I have some good news , already I found settlement within Equestria that's far from Celestia's control . Several ponies there have agreed to join up , I want you to send several air ships but wait till it's dark to do so , I'll have Star Dusk here send up a flare siginaling our location for your ships to land but I'll need those ships to later return and begin gettng ponies from other settlements such as Derby , Hoofingdom , Horns Deep , Baddahoof , and New Saddle I already covered Canterbury , but I would also be very watchful of the skies as well , don't take the direct route , take the back routes through the mountains but make sure that your not spotted by anypony of Canterlot .

One other thing I should warn you about and this maybe a rumor , but the solar empire is creating it's own air force , not sure what kinds of fighter planes there going to use but it's more than likely that there going to be very deadly , I hope this letter gets to you .

Signed Gun Slinger.

With that Star dusk rolled it up and tied a ribbon around the letter before sending it off to Princess Luna . "I've heard of such a rumor that Celestia is already building up her air force AND army , she already lost to Luna at Bay horse point , but won outside of Stalliongrad , and already that's bad enough , cause now the ponies living there are suffering cause of Celestia , not that they blame Luna at all" said Star Dusk .

I thought this over , and told her that some air ships were coming here to pick up the air force ponies and get them back to the town known as Lunar Star city .

"Lunar Star City ? , interesting town and I take it that the name of the continent is named something after the moon?" asked Star Dusk "Yea pretty much though , it is confusing but those are the names" I said . So we waited until the sun went down and the moon came up .

Night time

already the stars were starting to peak out across the night sky , that's when I told Star Dusk to send up her flare . She did just that , alerting the near by lunar ships to land . Out stepped Princess Luna herself dressed in armor . "Star Dusk of Canterbury I take it?" asked Luna . "yes it is I Princess of the Night" said Star dusk . "Very well , I'll have my troops get the air force ponies from the settlement , now I need to talk to Gun Slinger" said Luna .

With Gun Slinger and Luna

"Gun slinger , how did you know that there were ponies training here in Equestria?" asked Luna . "Call it a hunch , and as for the craft . I built it myself , now there are more ponies throughout these settlements that need to be rounded up and sent back to our homeland" I said .

"I'm well aware of that , which is why I'm going to be doing this assignment with you" said Luna . Normally I would be in shock and would have told that pony off , but this is Luna we are talking about here ! , Princess of the lunar republic and rebel to Celestia , yet savior to us .

"Alright , that wouldn't be too bad of an idea . In fact I would welcome the idea" I said . "Good , as soon as the ponies here are onboard my fleet of ships we are going to our next settlement in your letter which is Derby" said Luna . "Alright , sounds good to me" I said . With that every single air force pony was gone and we were on our way to really expanding our air force possibly to out number whatever Celestia had .

TBC in Chapter 10 the Lunar Air force takes flight