The next morning, Jeremy woke up rather early and began his private Bible study, focusing on Psalms 80 to 90. After his study, he checked his notifications and discovered that his drones had located Tirek, who had escaped from his stone prison. Tirek was being brought to the station on one of the new Equestrian spaceships, the HMS Canterlot.
Meanwhile, four more ships had been constructed, bringing the total to seven: the HMS Mainhattan, the HMS Cloudsdale, the HMS Phillydelphia, and the HMS Griffonstone.
Jeremy had placed the food in warming trays overnight, locked to prevent spoilage. While Rose was back in the apartment sleeping, he checked the food in the replimat, taking in the delicious aromas. “Still smells as good as when we made it yesterday,” he said, sniffing the delicious orders.
As Jeremy checked his email in the replimat, folks began to arrive. He grabbed a Jumja stick and saw Applejack walking in. “Hey, you might want to sell any extra apples tomorrow. If the Bajorans can sell Jumja sticks and caterpods, why can’t you sell your apples?”
Applejack looked intrigued. “How do I go about setting that up?”
“Just go talk to either Odo, the constable, or Commander Ben Sisko. He should be in Ops. Take the turbolift up to the top floor, and I'll walk with you.”
When they arrived in Ops, they spotted Major Kira. “Hey, Kira,” Jeremy called. “Could you help Applejack pick a spot to set up a stall to sell her apples?”
Kira raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know why you’d want to sell apples when the replicator can replicate them…”
“Because replicated fruits taste bland,” Jeremy interjected. “Pardon my expression, but they really are tasteless.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Kira admitted. “Fair enough. Actually, I know the perfect spot.” She called over to Odo. “Hey, Odo, do you mind if one of the people from Equestria sells her apples at a stall near your office?”
“Not at all,” Odo replied.
Jeremy pulled out a card table and said, “Go ahead and set up your stand. I’ll make sure nobody steals anything.” Applejack set up her stall, displaying seven different kinds of apples, some not found on Earth.
Curious, Applejack asked, “What’s that?” as Jeremy plugged in a device near her table.
“It’s a food dehydrator. Watch this.” He cored an apple and sliced it before placing the pieces into the dehydrator. “Dehydrating apples brings out their sugars and flavor.”
“You see, that’s just it,” Jeremy explained. “The replicators can’t replicate fruit properly because the pattern they use is based on dehydrated and then rehydrated fruit. The rehydration process makes the flavor profile bland. But by simply dehydrating the apples, they become sweeter, and their flavor profile really comes out. Plus, they get crunchier—more crunchy than fresh apples!”
As he spoke, Jeremy set up a machine that converted latinum into bits. He held up a strip of latinum and fed it into the machine, which promptly spat out two bits. Just then, Quark strolled over, casually sliding a strip of gold-pressed latinum into the machine, and out popped twenty bits.
“Okay, Applejack, I’ll take ten apples, and surprise me!” he said with a grin.
Applejack quickly filled a small paper bag with an assortment of apples and handed it to him. “Wow! I already made twenty bits!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
Jeremy smiled. “You could also get some rarer apple varieties from Earth, like Fuji, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp, just to name a few. Those would really set your stall apart.”
At 7 AM, all the apples Applejack had brought out to sell were gone, and she was 200 bits richer.
“Hey, Applejack, let me see one of those bits,” Jeremy said. He ran it through a computer system, which provided its composition and weight in troy ounces.
“Metals are measured in troy ounces,” he explained. “One bit is equal to 2.2 troy ounces. In my time, gold is valued at about $2,673 per ounce. So, while you may have a medium amount of bits, it’s not a lot, but it’s something.”
He continued, “If we do the math with those 200 bits, we find that one bit is worth about $5,580.60. So, for your 200 bits, that comes to approximately $1,116,120—or just a little over a million dollars!”
“Applejack, in your money, you’re telling me that right now in my hot little hooves I have over a million dollars?”
“Jeremy, yes indeed! Check it. You guys are lucky. I pray you never have a planetary bank setup like we do on Earth. In the United States, we have a national bank called the Federal Reserve, and it’s no more federal than Federal Express, the delivery company.”
“Wait, hold on,” Applejack interjected. “Some of the rulers in Griffonstone are wanting to set up a national bank.”
“Ugh! You need to talk to the leader of the Griffons and tell her not to make the same mistakes as the United States on Earth!” Jeremy exclaimed.
“Jeremy, some of the banking tyrants worked together and forced one of our presidents, Woodrow Wilson, to say, ‘I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated governments in the civilized world—no longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men.’”
“Oh my gosh! I need to talk to the leader of the Griffons right now!” Applejack exclaimed.
Jeremy: "You need to talk to Thunderlane, the leader of the Griffons, and warn her not to make the same mistakes as the United States on Earth."
Applejack: "Right! I'll make sure to have a chat with her ASAP!"
They found Thunderlane sitting down and trying different foods from around the universe.
Applejack: "Thunderlane, didn't you say you guys were planning a national bank for the Griffins of Griffonstone?"
Thunderlane: "Yeah, why?"
Applejack: "The humans who were part of a country known as the United States were tricked into doing that very same thing."
Thunderlane: "What? No way. You mean...?!"
Applejack: "Yeah, they tricked a crony whom they bought by helping with his election fund. This president named Woodrow Wilson said on his deathbed, 'I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated governments in the civilized world—no longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men.'"
Thunderlane: "SHIT! I knew that was a bad idea... When I get back, I'm going to abolish that national bank before it even gets started."
Jeremy: "Here's why it's a bad idea: Our money is no longer backed by gold. For a long time, it was. Then in the '20s, just before the Great Depression and the stock market crash, the Federal Reserve bought all the gold people had. In the monetary system, death equals wealth—everyone else's death equals their wealth..."
They found Thunderlane sitting down and trying different foods from around the universe.
Applejack: "Thunderlane, didn't you say you guys were planning a national bank for the Griffins of Griffonstone?"
Thunderlane: "Yeah, why?"
Applejack: "The humans who were part of a country known as the United States were tricked into doing that very same thing."
Thunderlane: "What? No way. You mean...?!"
Applejack: "Yeah, they tricked a crony whom they bought by helping with his election fund. This president named Woodrow Wilson said on his deathbed, 'I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and
Jeremy continued, "And I'm not just talking about the other countries. I'm talking about the U.S. citizens and the government alike. Unless you work there, even though you are a U.S. citizen, you cannot enter. Whoever came up with this plan wants to do the same thing to you."
Thunderlane: "Thanks. I was going to sign that into law when I got back, but now I’m not."
Applejack: "Thank you! You saved me from screwing up our future."
Jeremy: "There’s an adage: folks who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
Rose arrived with the other ponies and their friends.
Rose: "What's going on?"
Thunderlane: "Applejack and Jeremy saved me from making a big mistake. I was going to sign into law the creation of a federal bank. Some of my advisors said it was something we should do. Now I know my conscience is clear knowing I am definitely doing the right thing."
Rose: "Jeremy, honey, what time did you wake up?"
Jeremy: "About two hours ago."
Rose: "You don’t look right."
Jeremy: "Stop that, copycat."
Thorax: "Wait, that’s a fake Rose! Her form is melting!"
Jeremy: "Yeah, that’s what threw me off."
Odo grabbed the other Rose, revealing it to be a changeling that couldn’t maintain its disguise. Just then, the changeling transformed into its true form—Odo.
Odo: "Oh, now you don't! You shouldn't be here. You shouldn't even be able to transform. We used the virus you made for me against you."
Chrysalis: "Shut up!"
Chrysalis: "You dare mess around with my new friends, you gelatinous shit sack! I have come to love and care for these folks in the short time I’ve been living with them!"
Chrysalis continued, “And to kidnap and use Rose’s visage to get at Jeremy is unforgivable.” As she said this, she transformed into an all-black wolf the size of a motorcycle. The virus was working its way through the humanoid changeling’s body, rendering it unable to transform.
Chrysalis bit down hard, making the humanoid changeling scream in pain.
Jeremy: “Chrysalis, I know you're upset with them for what they did, but let’s let Odo handle it, okay? Besides, Rose is fine; calm down.”
Chrysalis spat out the congealed gel that had once been the humanoid changeling’s body. “Yuck. You’re right. It’s not worth getting upset over if Rose is okay.”
Rose walked up to Chrysalis as she changed back into her normal form, her usual red eyes replaced with a bluish-purple hue. With her eyes now smaller, she looked less intimidating.
Rose hugged Chrysalis and said, “Thank you for attacking it for me. You didn’t have to do that.”
Chrysalis: “I know, but you all showed me kindness, and I wanted to repay it.”
Rose: “But sweetie, you do that just by being your new self—the one who loves how friendly she has become. You know, I didn’t mention this last night, but when you talked to Cozy, helping her realize that her thoughts on friendship were a bit off-kilter, you really helped her understand. It was I who finished the job.”
“Speaking of Cozy, where is she?”
Cozy: “I’m coming! I’m coming!” she called, running at a full trot.
Cozy: “What did I miss? Whoah, what the hell is that thing?”
Jeremy: “That’s another kind of changeling. It’s from the Gamma Quadrant.”
Chrysalis: “Hey, Cozy! How’s it going?”
Cozy: “Miss Rose, I’m sorry I didn’t wake you up. I saw that thing standing at the foot of your bed, and... and I should have acted, but I was too scared.”
Rose: “It’s okay, Cozy. You’re alright. No harm, no foul.”
Cozy ran over and rested her head on Rose's thigh.
Jeremy: “Come on, y’all! It’s breakfast time!”
Odo: “You enjoy breakfast, and I will see you all at the Starfleet joining ceremony.”
Celestia: “What happened? What did I miss?”
Jeremy: “A humanoid changeling—one of Odo’s people—tried to become Rose, but it didn’t have the right buoyant attitude or Rose’s particular manner of speaking. Plus, the whole right side of its face was sagging like that of a stroke victim.”
Celestia: “Why would it go after Rose?”
Jeremy: “Well, your guess is as good as mine. Maybe it wanted to sabotage the ceremony. Perhaps the Dominion wants to take over Equestria because of its magic. It could be any number of reasons, or it might just be seeking revenge.”
Thorax: “Whatever that thing was, I saw it this morning. It told me to expect a planetary call from a race called the Vor—”
Jeremy: “The Vorta?”
Thorax: “Yeah, that’s it—the Vorta.”
Jeremy: “Then the Dominion is after Equestria, just as I suspected. Well, so much for our original plan. We need to stop them! That’s why they wanted to disrupt the ceremony.”
Rose: “Of course. They don’t want you all to become members of Starfleet so they can turn you against us and enslave you.”
Rainbow Dash, who had been silent until now, exclaimed, “Enslave us? Please!”
Twilight: “Dash, we don’t know what this Dominion is capable of.”
Jeremy: “No, you don’t. But you need to know your enemy… thoroughly.”
Discord: “Q told me about them. They’re barbaric creatures. They have a genetically engineered soldier race called the Jem'Hadar, and they’re ruthless. They’re loyal, too; all they need is one serving a week of this stuff called Ketracel White…”
Jeremy: “Okay, this has just become a Federation high alert.” He walked up to the computer in Ops and said, “Computer, this is Admiral Dillahay. Send a message to all ships to rendezvous at Equestria in five days. They are being sought after by the Dominion.”
Jeremy: “Computer, send the Tachikoma-class ships to the Delta Quadrant and pull Voyager from the Delta Quadrant. Bring them home. We’re going to need them.”
Jeremy had sent Luna back to Equestria with his old iPad and a device he created called a Dimension-Net Transceiver. It was a small box, the size of one-ninth of a Rubik's Cube, containing a micrometer-sized portal that allowed Wi-Fi signals to pass through dimensions. Jeremy texted her on his iPad:
“Luna, click on the item that says ‘FaceTime,’ then click ‘Send FaceTime link for non-iPhone devices.’”
Luna followed the instructions, and a Discord link was sent to Jeremy’s phone. He logged in, and the call began.
Luna: "Yes, Jeremy, why is it so urgent we talk?"
Jeremy: "If the Vorta come, send them away. Tell them they are not welcome—they are here to enslave Equestria."
Luna covered her mouth with her hoof in shock.
Luna: "Then we're going to need all the help we can get..."
Jeremy: "You're going to start seeing a lot of Federation ships entering Equestria's orbit. You might also see some Borg cubes, but don’t worry—they're here to help this time."
Luna: "I... I saw some humanoid beings here, but I wouldn’t let them enter the castle."
Jeremy: "Then we need to act fast. Computer, set Federation-wide red alert!"
Jeremy: "Luna, were they pale-skinned with pointed ears, or bluish-skinned and carrying weapons?"
Luna: "They were the first. They called themselves the Vorta... please hurry?"
Jeremy: "You remember those metal boxes I left at the palace? They contain robots called Clyde units. Tell them the Vorta are here, and you want them gone."
Luna quickly went to the storage room, opened all the boxes, and saw 50 Clyde robots standing dormant, ready to be activated.
Jeremy: "Luna, turn up the volume."
Luna adjusted the settings.
Jeremy (speaking through the iPad): "Clyde units, activate. Authorization code Dillahay 1976 Delta. Protect the princess from the Vorta and ensure no humanoid changelings are present."
With a mechanical hum, the Clyde units powered on and stood at attention, ready to follow Luna’s commands.
The doors swung open, and the Vorta entered. Instantly, the Clyde units spoke in unison, their voices cold and mechanical:
Clyde Units: "You are identified as a Federation threat. The Vorta, part of the Dominion. As we speak, this planet is joining the Federation. Your spy has been found... and eliminated. Return to your masters and inform them that this planet shall not be a factory for producing Ketracel White. This world is now under the protection of the Federation."
The Clyde leader stepped forward, its red eyes glowing with authority.
Clyde Leader: "Now leave, or be perforated."
The Vorta hesitated, the tension palpable, but they turned and exited without further conflict. Outside, they hurried back to their ship, which was orbiting Equestria's moon.
As soon as they were aboard, they opened communications with the Founders, also known as the Changelings, reporting in agitation.
Vorta Commander: "The Federation... they've deployed advanced Clyde units in the castle. We were forced to retreat."
On the other side of the transmission, the Founders listened in silence, their faces betraying no emotion, but the Dominion's next move was already in motion.
A male Founder appeared on the transmission screen, his voice filled with frustration.
Founder: "Our spy has been captured and eliminated. I knew we should have sent two. We're dying, and we need their magic to reverse this virus."
Meanwhile, back in Equestria, Jeremy reached out to Luna.
Jeremy: "Luna, are you alright?"
The Clyde units were now mingling with the Royal Guard, establishing their presence. They handed out advanced weapons and defensive equipment to the Royal Guard members, ensuring every corner of Equestria was protected.
In the Crystal Kingdom, a humanoid changeling made a bold attempt to steal Flurry Heart. It transformed into Shining Armor, but Flurry Heart, sensing something was off, reacted instinctively. Her uncontrolled magic flared up and incinerated the changeling into ashes.
Jeremy: "The USS Samuel Bell has dropped off Clyde units at every major species' location. We now have full coverage, with Clyde units patrolling all of Equestria."
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie chimed in, her face scrunched up in confusion.
Pinkie: "Why do I feel... weird?"
Twilight Sparkle: "Me too. What's going on?"
Jeremy: "Twilight, your niece, Flurry Heart, just killed a humanoid changeling. By accident."
Twilight gasped in shock.
Twilight: "What? How?"
Jeremy: "It was about to kidnap her. It had transformed into Shining Armor, but Flurry knew it wasn’t him. Her magic reacted... and, well, let’s just say the changeling didn’t stand a chance."
Twilight: "Good. After the ceremony, we need to get back to Equestria."
Jeremy: "Yes, we do. And we will."
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie chimed in with determination.
Pinkie Pie: "How long would it take to train me in everything I need to know?"
Jeremy: "Everything you need to know for what?"
Pinkie Pie: "To be able to help out on the new ship. I want to help in the fight against the Dominion."
Jeremy turned toward her, his face serious.
Jeremy: "Pinkie, are you sure about this? Let me tell you a story about the first Dominion War. Those who were captured weren’t just prisoners... they were forced to fight Jem’Hadar soldiers in brutal combat. The survivors were pushed to keep fighting until they couldn't fight anymore—until they died."
Pinkie Pie: "Gulp... Died..."
Jeremy: "Pinkie, I think you should talk to Worf about his time in the Dominion death camps. Unlike you, who was born to spread joy and throw parties, Klingons were born to fight. They honor their fallen comrades through tales, songs, and drinking Klingon bloodwine."
Pinkie Pie: "How long was he in that camp?"
Jeremy: "Six months."
Pinkie’s eyes widened, and she swallowed hard.
Pinkie Pie: "That’s a long time to be stuck in a cell, fighting for your life every single day."
Jeremy: "Yes... yes, it is." He paused, his tone softening. "And in a place like that, there’s no baking pies or cakes to lift your spirits. No throwing parties to make people smile."
The grand hall aboard the USS Enterprise-E was bustling with activity. Starfleet officers from various ships and species gathered for an event of monumental significance: the Federation's official ceremony to welcome the planet Equestria and its inhabitants into their ranks. This moment had been a long time coming, and the excitement was palpable. Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, a towering figure of diplomacy and leadership, was presiding over the ceremony, joined by a distinguished panel of Starfleet captains. Among them was the legendary Kathryn Janeway, her commanding presence emanating wisdom from years of experience in the Delta Quadrant.
The large viewports of the hall showcased the starry expanse of space, with the vibrant colors of Equestria visible in the distance. At the front, a Starfleet emblem glittered in the soft lighting, the Federation's motto — "To boldly go where no one has gone before" — engraved beneath it. As the crowd settled, Captain William Riker, Picard’s trusted first officer, stood beside his captain. To his left was Janeway's loyal first officer, Commander Chakotay, both men exchanging glances of mutual respect. They were about to witness the Federation's expansion not just in political terms, but in the merging of cultures, ideas, and magic.
Admiral Picard stepped forward, his posture dignified as ever, as the hush of anticipation fell over the room. His voice, deep and commanding, echoed in the chamber. "Today marks a pivotal moment in Federation history," he began. "We are here not only to extend our hand in friendship to the people of Equestria but to welcome their unique contributions — both scientific and magical — into the Federation fold."
Behind Picard, Captain Janeway took her place, her steely resolve softened by a warm smile. "The Federation is more than a collection of worlds,” she added. “It is an alliance of ideas, built on trust and mutual respect. We’ve faced great challenges to get to this point, but through unity, we have prevailed. Equestria, with its rich history of cooperation, will make an invaluable addition to our mission of peace and exploration."
Seated among the audience were the princesses of Equestria — Twilight Sparkle, Luna, and Celestia, all dressed in regal attire. Their shimmering manes reflected the light, and their expressions were a mixture of pride and hope. Twilight Sparkle, who had been instrumental in making this alliance possible, looked particularly excited. She had fought hard to get Equestria recognized as an equal among the stars.
The first part of the ceremony involved a symbolic exchange. Twilight Sparkle approached the podium, her horn glowing softly as she levitated a crystal artifact shaped like the Tree of Harmony toward Picard. "This is a gift from the people of Equestria," she said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "It represents our belief in the power of friendship, unity, and harmony — values we know the Federation holds dear."
Picard received the artifact with reverence, bowing his head slightly as he placed it on the ceremonial table. "We accept this with great honor, Princess Twilight. Just as this tree represents harmony, may our bond flourish, and may we stand together in peace and exploration for generations to come."
The next phase of the ceremony saw a Federation flag and an Equestrian banner raised side by side. Commander Chakotay and Riker stepped forward, each holding a corner of the Federation flag, while Princess Celestia and Luna raised the Equestrian banner, their magic gently lifting it into place. The two flags, representing entirely different worlds, now stood united at the forefront of the room, a visual testament to their new alliance.
As the flags were lifted, the room erupted into applause, but the ceremony was far from over. Captain Janeway approached the podium once again, signaling for the audience to quiet down. "This moment is more than just symbolic," she said. "Equestria’s membership in the Federation also means the sharing of knowledge, technology, and responsibility. And with that responsibility comes the need for defense — something we do not take lightly."
Picard, who had taken his seat for the moment, rose again. "The Federation is founded on the principle of peaceful coexistence. However, we also understand the importance of protecting our members from threats, external and internal. With the Dominion's recent activity in this sector, we are committed to ensuring Equestria's safety."
The mention of the Dominion brought a somber atmosphere to the room. It was no secret that the Dominion had set its sights on Equestria, likely seeing it as a valuable source of magic that could be exploited. This threat had hastened the diplomatic process, turning what might have been years of deliberation into months of urgent action.
At this, Janeway nodded toward Commander Chakotay, who stepped up beside her. "We’ve faced the Dominion before, and we’ve prevailed," Janeway said. "With Equestria now part of the Federation, we stand stronger, ready to defend what we hold dear — freedom, exploration, and peace. We will not be bullied or enslaved."
Princess Luna, who had been quiet until now, stood tall. "Equestria has faced many enemies over the centuries," she declared. "But we have always fought to preserve harmony. We stand with the Federation, not as a people in need of protection, but as equals ready to defend ourselves and our allies."
Her words brought a sense of resolve to the room, the crowd once again breaking into applause. The Federation had gained not just an ally but a determined and powerful one. The joining ceremony concluded with the signing of the Federation charter by the princesses, each one adding their magical signature to the document, officially binding Equestria to the Federation.
As the final signatures were penned, Admiral Picard returned to the podium for the closing remarks. "This is the beginning of a new chapter for both the Federation and Equestria. Together, we will continue to explore the unknown, to expand our understanding of the universe, and to face any challenges that may come our way."
With that, the ceremony concluded. Captains, officers, and dignitaries from across the galaxy rose to their feet in applause as the princesses of Equestria joined their new Federation allies. This alliance, born in the spirit of cooperation and unity, stood as a beacon of hope in a galaxy often fraught with conflict. Together, they would face whatever the future held, armed with the strength of their shared ideals.
In the dimly lit brig of the USS Samuel Bell, Tirek stood towering over Jeremy Dillahay and Worf, his eyes full of fury and confusion. Tirek, once a powerful centaur with the ability to drain magic from others, now found himself in a weakened state, chained in place. But the real twist was yet to come. Jeremy, now wearing a confident smirk, had brought a new weapon to the scene — the Physique Transference Beam. It was designed for one purpose: to strip Tirek of his overwhelming physical strength and render him powerless.
Jeremy raised the beam and aimed it at Tirek, whose smug grin slowly faded into uncertainty. With a flick of the trigger, the beam enveloped Tirek in a glowing light. As the transference began, Tirek’s powerful muscles began to shrink, while Jeremy's once-unassuming physique swelled with the centaur's mass. Tirek’s expression of shock quickly turned to one of frustration and, soon, despair.
"What have you done?!" Tirek roared, struggling to move as his once-imposing figure now carried Jeremy's 90 extra pounds. His new, heavier frame was sluggish and awkward, far from the imposing powerhouse he had been moments before.
Jeremy looked down at his newly enhanced physique, feeling the raw strength coursing through him. "I made it harder for you to run," he said calmly, eyeing Tirek with a stern glare. "If you're going to use your physique for evil, you don't deserve it. You deserve to be weak — just like I was when I carried all that extra weight."
Tirek grumbled under his breath, his newfound body making him feel slow and clumsy. He had never imagined such a fate, especially from someone like Jeremy. His chest tightened as he tried to regain his composure, but the realization of his diminished power gnawed at him.
"I... I can't believe this," Tirek muttered, feeling a deep sense of shame. "What now? Am I just supposed to rot here in this cell, stripped of everything that made me strong?"
Jeremy, however, was not finished. He walked closer to the brig, meeting Tirek’s gaze with a calculated look. "Oh, don’t even think about trying to steal any of the ponies’ magic," Jeremy warned. "You don't realize this yet, but the world of Equestria is in peril — and it's not from me or the princesses. It’s from a far greater threat than you’ve ever faced."
Tirek furrowed his brow, sensing that Jeremy wasn’t bluffing. "Peril? What do you mean?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
"The Dominion," Jeremy replied gravely. "A group of powerful beings that seek nothing less than the enslavement of your planet. They have their sights set on Equestria for one reason: your magic. They believe the magic of this world can cure them of a virus, a virus the Federation deployed against them during a war to stop their expansion."
Worf, who had been silent up to this point, stepped forward, his deep voice adding weight to the conversation. "The Dominion is relentless, Tirek. They care nothing for the lives of your kind. They only see Equestria as a resource — a means to their own survival. And trust me, they won’t stop until they’ve drained every last bit of magic from your world."
Tirek’s arrogance faltered for a moment as he processed the weight of the threat. The idea of the Dominion — beings from beyond his understanding — using Equestria for their gain unsettled him. For the first time, he began to feel the cold reality of his vulnerability.
Jeremy crossed his arms, his voice steady. "You help us stop the Dominion, and maybe — just maybe — I’ll consider giving you some of your strength back. Not all of it, but enough to make you feel useful again."
Tirek’s red eyes flickered with a mixture of fear and contemplation. He knew he was at Jeremy's mercy now, and while he detested the idea of working with someone who had stripped him of his power, the threat of the Dominion made him pause. Could he really afford to ignore this danger?
After a long, heavy silence, Tirek looked Jeremy in the eye, his voice low and begrudging. "Deal," he said, his pride taking a hit. "I’ll help you. But if you cross me, know that I will find a way to regain my power."
Jeremy’s smirk returned as he nodded. "I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Tirek. But understand this — the fate of your world hangs in the balance. You may not care about anyone but yourself, but if Equestria falls, you’ll be left with nothing."
Tirek didn’t respond, his thoughts consumed by the gravity of the situation. He hadn’t expected this when he first sought to drain the magic from Equestria, and now, for the first time, he was being forced to reckon with the consequences of his actions. The Federation was unlike any enemy he had faced before, and the Dominion was even worse.
As Jeremy turned to leave the brig, Worf followed, casting one last stern look at Tirek. "You made a wise decision," Worf rumbled. "But remember — betray us, and you will wish you had never been released from this cell."
The doors closed behind them, leaving Tirek alone in the silence of his cell. He clenched his fists, his mind racing with the implications of this new alliance. He had never been one to work with others, much less under someone else's command. But now, he had no choice.
Jeremy, meanwhile, made his way back to the command deck, his thoughts already shifting to the looming battle against the Dominion. The addition of Tirek, while unexpected, could be a valuable asset if properly managed. But Jeremy knew better than to trust the centaur fully — Tirek's nature was one of treachery and ambition, and it would take more than a few deals to keep him in line.
The stakes were higher than ever now. The Dominion was coming, and with Tirek's begrudging help, the Federation had one more weapon in its arsenal. The battle for Equestria — and its magic — was about to begin.
Tirek sat in his cell, brooding over his diminished physique, when Zack approached him, holding a small, transparent cartridge. Tirek’s eyes narrowed, his thoughts a swirling mixture of anger, resentment, and confusion. Zack held the cartridge in his hand, turning it over thoughtfully.
"Jeremy wanted me to give you this," Zack said, his voice calm and steady. "It contains 25% of your original physique. If you want to regain that portion of your strength, all you have to do is crush the container." Zack extended his hand toward Tirek, holding out the cartridge.
Tirek stared at it, his brows furrowed in suspicion. "Why are you helping me, human?" he growled, though his curiosity got the better of him. His eyes flicked from the cartridge to Zack, trying to gauge his intentions. Tirek had never known kindness, let alone from those who sought to imprison or weaken him.
Zack took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Because, man, I believe you can be more than just some guy who steals magic from the people of Equestria. I don’t fully understand why you did it, or what made you turn to that path, but I know you're capable of so much more than that."
Tirek's expression softened, though it still held traces of doubt. "How? How do you know that?" he asked quietly, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I don’t even know this about myself."
Zack moved closer, crouching down so that he was at eye level with the centaur. "Shh, relax, Tirek. It’s okay," Zack reassured him, his tone gentle. "It’s because I have faith in you. Your strength— even at a fraction of what it once was— is still immense. Do you know that some of our greatest heroes from ancient times had strength like yours? They weren’t born powerful; they gained their strength through their belief, their purpose."
Tirek’s eyes flickered with interest, but there was still an edge of skepticism. "Heroes? Like who?" he muttered.
"One of them was Samson," Zack explained, his voice growing a bit more animated as he told the story. "He was a biblical hero, a man of great strength blessed by God. His strength came from his long hair, but he fell in love with a Philistine woman named Delilah. She betrayed him, cutting off his hair while he slept, which made him lose his strength. The Philistines captured him, blinded him, and chained him up."
Tirek remained silent, listening intently as Zack continued.
"But even in his darkest moment, when he was at his weakest, Samson found a way to use the strength that still remained inside him. He prayed, and with one last burst of power, he pulled down the pillars of a temple, sacrificing himself but also destroying his enemies in the process."
Tirek blinked, clearly conflicted. "Are you telling me to destroy myself?" he asked, his tone laced with uncertainty.
"No, no," Zack quickly interjected, shaking his head. "I’m not saying you should do something that reckless. I’m just saying that even when Samson lost everything, there was still a part of him that remained strong. And that part— his inner strength— is what made him a hero. You’ve still got that, Tirek. Even without all your muscles, there’s something inside you that can be better. Stronger. You just have to believe it’s there."
Tirek looked down at the cartridge in Zack’s hand, the weight of Zack’s words settling in. His mind raced. All his life, he had believed in taking what he wanted, in using his power to dominate. Now, here was this human, telling him that there was another way, a path he hadn’t even considered.
Zack smiled gently, holding out the cartridge once more. "You don’t have to crush this right now. But when you’re ready, when you feel like you can start changing, maybe take that step. We all have a second chance, Tirek. This could be yours."
Tirek hesitated, his massive hands twitching slightly as he reached out for the cartridge. His fingers closed around it, and for a moment, he just held it, staring at the translucent casing that held a part of his lost power. A sense of conflict brewed within him, battling between his desire for strength and his newfound understanding of something deeper— the potential for redemption.
"Why would you trust me with this?" Tirek asked, his voice quieter now, almost vulnerable.
"Because," Zack said softly, "I’ve seen people change. I’ve seen people become better when they didn’t think they could. And I think you can, too. If you choose to."
Tirek clenched the cartridge in his hand, his mind racing with thoughts of his past and the weight of his future. Could he really change? Could he be more than just a villain who stole magic and terrorized Equestria? For the first time in a long while, Tirek found himself contemplating something more than just power and dominance.
Zack patted him on the arm and stood up. "Just think about it, man. That’s all I’m asking."
As Zack turned to leave the brig, Tirek remained seated, staring at the cartridge in his hand. The offer Zack had made— not just of strength but of faith and redemption— lingered in the air, challenging everything Tirek thought he knew about himself.
And for the first time in his life, Tirek wasn’t sure what he would choose next.
Tirek looked up as Chrysalis and Cozy Glow appeared in front of his cell. Their presence was unexpected, but something about their demeanor was different—softer, less filled with the malice he once knew in them. Chrysalis, the former queen of the changelings, approached him with a sense of calmness, unlike the manipulative schemer he once allied with. Cozy Glow, the manipulative filly who once sought to drain all the magic from Equestria, stood beside her with a bright, hopeful expression.
"Tirek," Chrysalis began, her voice steady but gentle, "look at us. We’ve both changed. There’s no reason you can’t, too. We’ve found something better—something you could be a part of as well. We have a family now, friends who care about us. You can have that, too."
Cozy Glow chimed in eagerly, "Yeah! Did I think I’d make a friend last night? No way! But you know what? I did. And that’s what Zack is trying to do for you. He’s trying to be your friend, Tirek. He’s giving you a chance."
Tirek stared at them, feeling a storm of emotions rise within him. He should be angry. He should be furious at their "betrayal"—they had found peace, friendship, and a new purpose without him. And yet, as he listened to their words, something tugged at him, a longing he hadn’t felt before. For years, his only companions were those who shared his hunger for power, but Chrysalis and Cozy had found something more, something that called to him in a way power never had.
"I should be angry with you both for turning your backs on me," Tirek admitted, his voice low but without its usual venom. "But neither of you betrayed me. You found something... something better. You found friends, family... and I realize now, I want that for myself."
Zack re-entered the room just as Chrysalis and Cozy were talking. He watched silently from the doorway, listening as Tirek opened up in a way he never had before. This was the chance—an opening for Tirek to find a new path, if he chose to take it.
Cozy Glow's eyes brightened as she continued, "Tirek, listen. Having friends, helping others—it’s fun! I had a blast last night, just hanging out with Chrysalis and the others. We even got to try pizza for the first time! And you know what? It was pretty damn good. But even better than the food was the feeling of being part of something. Sharing food, sharing laughs, it felt... it felt good."
Chrysalis nodded in agreement. "It’s true, Tirek. We’ve spent so long on the outside, always fighting, always scheming. But there’s another way to live. A way where you don’t have to take from others to feel powerful. Friendship—it’s not weakness. It’s a different kind of strength. One that lasts."
Tirek’s massive form seemed to shrink as he absorbed their words, the weight of his past decisions pressing down on him. He had always equated power with dominance and control, but for the first time, he saw that power could come from something else—connection, understanding, trust.
Zack stepped forward, sensing the moment was right. "Tirek," he said softly, "they’re right. I didn’t bring you this cartridge to mock you or hold power over you. I brought it because I believe you have the potential to be more than just a villain who steals magic. I see it in you. Chrysalis and Cozy see it too. You’re stronger than you think, but not because of your muscles. Because of what you can become."
Tirek’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, but for the first time in as long as he could remember, the fear of weakness didn’t consume him. He looked at the cartridge in his hand, a symbol of his former strength, and then at the faces of Chrysalis, Cozy, and Zack—his potential new allies, perhaps even friends.
"I... I want to try," Tirek said at last, his voice filled with vulnerability and hope. "I don’t know if I can change, but I want to. I want to be a part of something, like you’ve found."
Cozy Glow beamed, fluttering her wings excitedly. "That’s the spirit, Tirek! You don’t have to do it alone, either. We’ll help you, just like you’ve helped us in the past. But this time, it’ll be for something good."
Chrysalis smiled—a rare, genuine smile that lit up her face. "It won’t be easy, but it’s worth it. You’ll see."
Zack nodded, stepping forward and placing a hand on Tirek’s massive arm. "We’ll take this one step at a time. No rush. Just... think about what you want your future to be. We’ll be there to help guide you."
Tirek looked at them all, something shifting inside him—a new sense of purpose, a glimmer of hope where once there had only been a hunger for power. He wasn’t sure what lay ahead, but for the first time, he felt like there was more to life than just taking. Maybe, just maybe, there was something worth giving.
With that, Tirek crushed the cartridge in his hand, watching as a small portion of his strength returned. But this time, the power didn’t come with the same hollow satisfaction. Instead, it was a reminder that strength could come in many forms.
And for the first time, Tirek found himself on a new path—a path toward redemption, friendship, and maybe even the chance to save Equestria alongside those he had once seen as enemies.
Jeremy watched from a distance, observing the transformation taking place before his eyes. He had been hesitant at first, unsure if Tirek could ever change, but the scene unfolding in the brig told him otherwise. He could see the uncertainty in Tirek's posture, the way his once imposing figure seemed smaller, almost fragile. Tirek, for the first time, wasn’t consumed by anger or thirst for power, but by something deeper—longing.
It was a longing Tirek hadn’t felt since childhood, a time before he had turned down the dark path of greed and ambition. The realization of everything he had lost, the wasted years, struck him like a hammer. He felt a deep ache in his heart, one that brought him to the verge of tears. His entire youth had been sacrificed in pursuit of strength and domination, but at what cost? All he had gained was emptiness.
The floodgates opened, and Tirek wept. Bitter, unrestrained sobs filled the brig, the weight of his past crashing down on him. All the power he had stolen, all the evil he had done—none of it had brought him the peace he so desperately craved.
Zack, seeing the pain in Tirek’s eyes, didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around the centaur in a friendly, comforting hug. Tirek, who had always seen himself as invincible, stood frozen for a moment, shocked by the gesture. No one had ever hugged him before, not like this. It was more than just physical contact—it was an invitation, a reminder that he wasn’t alone anymore.
"Come on, man," Zack said softly, patting Tirek's back as the centaur’s tears soaked into his shirt. "Pull it into hug harbor. Let it all out."
For the first time in his long life, Tirek felt something entirely new. It wasn’t power, or fear, or anger—it was joy. A pure, unfiltered joy that radiated from deep within his chest. He had never felt anything like it on his old path, where strength and cunning had been his only companions. But now, with friends standing by him, the joy filled him in a way that no stolen magic ever had.
As he wept in Zack’s embrace, Tirek heard a still, small voice deep within his soul. It was gentle, kind, and full of wisdom. "See? Isn’t this better than being a grumpy, mean person who steals the magic of others?"
Tirek sniffed, pulling away from Zack slightly as the warmth of the hug lingered. He didn’t know where the voice came from—perhaps it was his conscience, or something greater. But for once, he listened to it. And it was right. This—this feeling of connection, of redemption—was far better than anything his old life had ever offered him.
He looked at Zack, then over at Chrysalis and Cozy Glow, who stood nearby with smiles on their faces. Jeremy approached as well, his expression one of understanding and hope. Tirek wiped his tears, feeling a strange but welcome lightness in his chest.
"I... I don’t know what to say," Tirek muttered, his voice hoarse from crying.
"You don’t have to say anything," Jeremy replied softly, unlocking the cell. "Just let it happen. You’ve already made the first step by choosing something different."
Tirek nodded, still uncertain of what his future held, but knowing one thing for sure—he no longer wanted to be the villain he had been. For the first time, he could see a future where he wasn’t alone, where friendship and joy were within his reach. It was a new path, one filled with unknowns, but it was a path worth taking.
And Tirek, for the first time in his life, was ready to walk it.26Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdXikgV4AI
