"I always knew that there were risks when we started going through the Stargate. While I am excited about the possibilities for trade, this is a lot more dangerous than anything my friends and I faced back home. Not even Tirek, Discord, or Sombra can compare with the Tlak'khan. After Rainbow Dash got hit... that fact really got driven home. This is war. And while we're not having massive armies face off against each other... we're fightin' it every time we step through the Stargate.

Sunset's a good leader. I can see it in her confidence. But even I can tell she's just as scared as the rest of us. She's just better at hidin' it. Probably comes from her time in that other world, hidin' who she really was from everypony.

I may not know her very well... but I'll help in any way I can. I'm glad to count her as a friend, and if Twilight trusts her... then so do I."

-Excerpt from the journal of Applejack

Chapter 7

Storm's Brewing

Stargate Road

SP-007 (Pandora)

Twilight gave it about a couple weeks before EG-1 was sent out on another mission. In that time, a new device was made to transmit a code to identify each team, and two other EG Teams had already gone out on recon missions. But Twilight wanted EG-1 to handle the world Kora called Pandora. According to her, it was a major trade center in this particular portion of the Empire. And Twilight wanted her flagship team to initiate contact.

Happily humming a tune, Applejack was pulling a specially built cart with a keg of Apple Cider from her farm. Besides the copious amount of Bits, it was decided to bring along something else as well to show that they did have something worth trading on the off chance Bits weren't enough. What also helped was that Equestrian Bits were either gold or silver, which was what seemed to be a common currency used in trade within the Tlak'khan Empire.

Sunset had already cast the Translator Spell they learned from Kora, so all they had to do was get exposed to a language enough for it to work. They had already passed a few traders on the road, but none of them seemed to pay a lot of attention. While they did take a look at what appeared to be armored pack animals, Sunset figured the fact they were unsupervised indicated that they were actually people, and Applejack's cart made it clear they came to trade.

"Well... here's hoping we don't get any action on this trip," Sunset said as soon as she saw the city. To her, it looked like it had a more eastern look to it. Or at least eastern based on her experience in the Human World. The architecture was beautiful, and she could tell that the people who built it wanted people to feel welcome.

"Yea..." Rainbow Dash agreed as she ruffled her wing feathers a bit in anticipation. "And who knows... maybe they make some good food here too."

As the four ponies entered the city, they found themselves walking down crowded cobblestone streets. People of every shape and size were everywhere. Many clothing styles made it evident that they were from many worlds. Some looked like desert nomads, others looked like mountaineers, and still others looked like they came from the tropics. The locals, Kora had called them Pandarens, seemed to have more of an asian lean in style, and Sunset couldn't help but smile at the appearance of the large bipedal pandas. Many of them looked to be very friendly and welcoming. Soon enough, the members of EG-1 was able to understand everything that was being said, and started to speak with not only the locals, but the traders as well. One inquired about the keg Applejack was pulling, and they identified it as a drink from their homeworld. That got the attention of a nearby Pandaren with a wide brimmed straw hat who lumbered over.

"So... you have brewmasters as well?" the burly Pandaren asked.

"Well... its fresh squeezed Apple Cider from mah family's farm," Applejack drawled, a little pride slipping into her voice.

"Ah... well... there is one who may interest you then. Come! I shall take you to the Raging Panda! One of the best taverns in all of Wu Xiao!"

"That the name of this city?" Sunset asked.

"Why yes it is! You must be new travelers to not even know that! Come! Drinks are on me!"

The jolly nature of this particular Pandaren made each member of EG-1 smile as they followed their newly self-appointed guide through the streets. Soon enough they were shown to one particular building that had a mix of eastern and western themes in the architecture. While the walls and roof were more eastern, the Apploosan style doors and windows made it clear this was no ordinary building.

Unhooking herself from the cart, Applejack was about to try and shift the keg off the cart when the Pandaren simply picked it up and held it over his shoulder... with one arm. All four ponies just watched in awe at the strength of the Pandaren. Their guide just chuckled and invited them in.

"This... is awesome," Rainbow Dash said as they entered the Raging Panda. Just like outside, there were all kinds of aliens present. Sunset could smell food cooking as well, even identifying what smelled like something a lot like chicken being cooked. As a human, it did take Sunset a while to accept that humans were omnivores and also ate meat. After working up the courage to actually try some fried chicken, the Unicorn Incognito was hooked. As a pony again, she had gone back to a vegetarian diet, but had plans to get a barbecued cheeseburger, curly fries, and an ice cold coke the next time she was back in the Human World.

Their guide lumbered over to the bar and set the keg down before leaning against the bar and reaching across for a mug. At first Sunset was edgy about this as why would they allow a random guy to just walk in and do that? Their guide saw the look on her face and chuckled again.

"I apologize for not telling you sooner," he said. "The one I told you about... is actually me. My name is Wu, owner of the Raging Panda. My cousin Chen is the head chef."

"Nice t' meet'cha Wu. Mah name's Applejack, and these are mah friends and teammates, Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash, and Vinyl Scratch," Applejack replied.

"Well... I did offer you drinks, Now... what can I get you?" Wu asked.

"Well... as we're still pretty new to traveling to other worlds, got any fruit juices?" Sunset asked.

"Of course," Wu replied. "We cater to many species here! Anything to eat?"

"Vegetarian salads if at all possible. I'll have some cheese on mine too."

"CHEN!"

Another burly Pandaren poked his head out from the kitchen.

"Four Chef Salads! Hold the meat! Extra cheese on one!"

With a pair of clangs from kitchen utensils, Chen got to work. Wu got behind the bar and produced four glass mugs full of juice. He called it a mixed juice drink, and offered it to the ponies. After taking a sip, Sunset smiled and nodded. It reminded her of a fruit punch she had at Pinkie Pie's Graduation Party. Or one of them anyways. She could taste what she thought was some mango, strawberry, and banana in it. Wu took his mug, and filled it to the brim with Applejack's cider and took a swig. Applejack bit her lip, hoping it would pass judgment. It was a fresh batch from Sweet Apple Acres.

After a moment, Wu took another swig and smiled.

"It is an interesting flavor," he said. "While I am familiar with similar flavors, I have never had anything like this style of drink before. And you say this was from your family's farm?"

"Eyup," Applejack replied.

"Then pass my compliments to your family. This drink is worthy of even a Pandaran Brewmaster. Your family should be honored for their skill."

"Thank ya kindly. We take a more traditional approach t' makin' our cider."

Soon, four plates of salad were presented to the Equestrians. After a few minutes they were sharing stories and even laughing. Wu was certainly a great host and was telling them many things about Pandora and even a few things about other worlds he does business with. When the topic of the Tlak'khan came up, Wu did sober up a bit. It seemed even here on Pandora, the Tlak'khan presence was felt. But as Pandora had proven to be an important crossroads to the sector, they had not clamped down as much. But upon hearing that the Tlak'khan had attacked Equus, Wu nodded and closed his eyes.

"Yes... that kind of move makes sense for the Tlak'khan. Especially with what I heard they are gearing up for. They would need the resources."

"What exactly are they preparing for?" Vinyl Scratch asked as she nibbled on a bread stick.

"With the fall of the Goa'uld System Lords, and the defeat of the Ori Crusade, many have said that the Tlak'khan wish to fill the void left behind by the Goa'uld."

"Go ah oold?" Rainbow Dash asked, stumbling as bit over the foreign name.

"A parasitic species that once ruled most of the galaxy... before they were defeated by the Tau'ri."

Sunset's ears perked up. Someone had actually defeated a Galaxy spanning empire? That sounded exactly like the people that SGI needed to contact. Asking about them, Sunset hoped to learn more. While it wasn't much, she did learn that the Tau'ri had apparently come out of nowhere and were able to stand against the System Lords, even successfully killing several including the Supreme System Lord, some guy named Ra. Unfortunately Wu didn't have much on where the Tau'ri came from, or have even seen one before. Everything he heard came from traders. But being a Tavern owner had its advantages in information gathering. Getting an idea, Sunset used her magic to reach into her backpack, and produced two things, a small box and a piece of paper.

"I like you Wu," Sunset said as she wrote something down. "You've been nothing but friendly since we got here, and have even been generous enough to share your food and drink."

After a moment, she passed the paper and the box over to Wu.

"These crystals will leave a unique magical signature on our Gate's defense shield. Right now its really the only way we have for anyone to contact us. So if you learn anything, please send one of these through at this combination. We'll send a team through to meet with you afterwords."

"I am honored by your show of trust and friendship," Wu said as he accepted the offered Gate Address and box with a bow. "On Pandora, honor and friendship mean everything. While we live under the heel of the Tlak'khan, even we wish to see an end to their tyranny."

He pocketed the items before taking a swig of his Cider.

"While the Tlak'khan do not maintain a garrison on Pandora, they do sometimes pass through. I'll take care of the cart, but once you're finished in Wu Xiao, you should return to your people."

"Thanks for the heads up Wu," Rainbow Dash said as she finished her salad.

"And Applejack, I would be honored to serve your Cider here at the Raging Panda."

"Ah'd be honored. Ah'll check with mah Granny about maybe settin' up some regular trade between us," Applejack replied.

On their way back from Wu Xiao to the Stargate, Sunset breathed a sigh of relief. Today felt like a great day. They had not only made a new friend, but had managed to get some important information as well as buy some new things for study and learned exactly how much their Bits were worth. As it turned out, as long as it was a coin, it was worth the same. So if they asked for ten gold, it meant ten gold coins, which reminded Sunset of one of her experiences with D&D in the Human World.

Also Rainbow Dash got roped into buying a scarf that accentuated her mane.

As Vinyl Scratch dialed the gate, Sunset closed her eyes and just took in the fresh air.

A Staff Blast hitting the Stargate snapped Sunset's eyes open. Turning to see where it came from, she spotted a small group of Tlak'khan. Most likely one of the patrols Wu warned them about. Vinyl Scratch started dialing faster as the rest of the team took cover and opened fire. As soon as the gate was open, Vinyl Scratch raised her left front leg and started inputting EG-1's code into the transmitter before tapping her headset.

"SGI Command, this is EG-1. Coming in hot!" she called out before getting a confirmation on her transmitter. She turned and opened fire herself, calling for the others to get through the gate. Rainbow Dash took off first, not intending to let the Tlak'khan have another shot at her.

"So much for no action," Applejack said. "Lets go!"

"Right behind you," Sunset replied.

The pair bolted for the gate, but a Staff Blast struck Sunset, throwing her away from Applejack and into a rock. Her head slammed into the rock and she collapsed into a heap. Applejack turned and tried to run for her, but was cut off by Staff fire. Rearing up as more bolts slammed the ground around her, Applejack jumped back and looked on in shock. Vinyl Scratch was pulling on her armor with her magic, urging the Earth Pony to get through the gate.

Gritting her teeth and knowing there was nothing she could do, Applejack ran through the gate with Vinyl Scratch.

"What shall we do with the dead one?" one of the warriors asked as the gate shut down.

"Lord Thok Mok could use a new trophy."

"No. Leave it as a warning. Let all who come know that none can stand against the Empire."

30 minutes later

The gate activated, and four individuals emerged. Each one was wearing a black utility vest over a green jumpsuit style outfit. In their hands were black weapons that were a lot smaller than a Staff.

"Well... everyone... welcome to P2X-971," Colonel Cameron Mitchell said as he adjusted his sunglasses.

"Looks like we missed a party," Vala Mal Doran said as she pointed out the fresh burn marks on the ground. "And they didn't invite me."

Teal'c remained silent as his eyes took in their surroundings. It did appear as though a battle took place here, and recently. It wasn't long before he spotted what looked like a body resting against a large rock.

"Colonel Mitchell," he called out as he approached the body. The rest of SG-1 came over, and Dr. Jackson knelt down to take a closer look. It seemed odd that someone would leave a body here like this, let alone the fact that this animal was... wearing... armor... and...

Pressing a couple fingers against the creature's neck, Daniel felt around for a pulse... and found one.

"They're still alive!" he called out.

Cam thought for a moment. The outfit and equipment the alien was wearing was a clear indication of intelligence. The style of the vest seemed oddly similar to their own, although it looked more like it was made out of some kind of lizard hide or fish scales. Carefully lifting the alien's head, he noticed not only the headset, but a bloody gash where the head struck the stone. His assessment, KO. The armor looked like it took a hit near the flank, with most of some kind of blast hitting on the armor itself. This was a potential First Contact, and the alien was injured. It was also pretty strange that it looked like some kind of cute, little ponylike character from a little girl's cartoon.

"Well... so much for 971. Jackson, dial the gate and request medical support when we come through. Lets bring 'em home and hope for the best," Mitchell said as he carefully picked up the armored pony. "You're going to be alright..."