John had been in the hospital for almost two weeks now. Even with the magical bandages, the healing process was slow going, and John found himself in a routine of eat, sleep, wake, repeat.

The hospital food was pretty bad, no surprise there, but John still ate it. There was no meat, usually only lettuce and applesauce, but he didn't mind. His wife had been a vegetarian, so he only ever ate meat on deployments. The company was better than usual though. He had quickly become friends with the two guards, Star Streak and Lightning Flash, who took turns guarding his door, not to mention Twilight and her friends dropped by from time to time.

He always enjoyed answering their questions, as long as they weren't about his family. They had stayed away from the topic, and he was glad they did. Twilight usually asked about what life was like on Earth, and Rainbow practically ordered him to tell here more about aircraft. Rarity had offered to make him some new clothes, but since she couldn't take measurements while he was in the hospital, she used his flight suit as a template instead. Pinkie, being her usual self, insisted on throwing him a 'Welcome-to-Ponyville-and-Congratulations-for-not-Dying-after-the-Plane-Crash' party. John politely declined, since he had to go to Canterlot after he got out of the hospital, but he promised that she could have the party when he got back. He also promised to help Applejack around the farm, since he found out that his plane had destroyed a few trees and the guards wouldn't let her buck the trees close to the crash site. He didn't see very much of Fluttershy, but that was because she had stumbled across a nest of baby birds that had fallen out of a tree, and she was nursing them back to health.

"So let me get this straight, helicopters are the ones that take off and land vertically and can hover, planes take off and land horizontally and can't hover, and jets are just really fast versions of planes?" Rainbow gave John a hopeful look as he listened to her while cleaning his sidearm. After the first week, Celestia had sent a letter saying that the restraints were no longer necessary.

"Precisely." John smiled and nodded to her.

"Ok, well if your aircraft is a plane, then why is it so special? It can't go very fast, and it can't take off vertically, so what can it do that makes it different than the others?"

John chuckled. "Remember when I told you about all the weapons that it could carry?"

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, but you said that there are others that can do that too."

"Well, I left one out." This caused Dash to edge closer to the bed, listening intently. "My plane is the only plane to be designed around it's gun."

Rainbow scoffed. "Pssh, that's it? You're cleaning a gun right now, so how can this big, bad aircraft be designed around one of those?" She poked the weapon's slide, which was resting on the bedside table.

John looked at her for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Dash, this is a 9mm, Beretta M9, standard issue sidearm that fires at a semi-automatic rate. The gun on my plane is a 30mm, GAU-8 Avenger, seven barreled Gatling gun that is twenty feet long, weighs six hundred-twenty pounds, and fires at a rate of 4,200 rounds per minute. The recoil is so great that it is actually able to push the aircraft off-course when fired, which is why they designed the plane around it."

Dash just stared at him, mouth agape and Lightning Flash chuckled.

"Man, I hope they're able to fix that thing up. With all the hype you've been giving that hunk of metal, I can't wait to see it in action."

"Me too, Lightning. It'll be great to get back into the saddle again and take her for a spin. Maybe if we're lucky, some more will come through the Gate." John had taken to calling the wormhole that he flew through, the 'Gate'.

At this point, the doctor, Red Cross, came into the room, levitating a clipboard and balancing a tray of food on his back.

"Hey doc, gimme a second, then I'll take that tray off your hooves." John picked up the weapon's slide and secured it back in place, racking it to make sure that the weapon was properly reassembled. He then placed the pistol back in its holster on his vest, put the vest on the floor, then grabbed the tray.

"Aaw, come on, doc. Lettuce and applesauce again?"

Dr. Cross rolled his eyes. "For the fifth time, you can't digest hay, straw, or grass, so this is all I have to give you."

"I know, just teasing, doc. So, how am I doing?"

The doctor flared his horn and tapped John's foot with it, sending a wave of magic throughout John's body. He then projected an x-ray onto the wall. "Hmmm... Well, almost everything has healed. Your left arm still has remnants of a fracture, but other than that, you're good to go. I'll go get your discharge papers, then you can be on your way."

John let out an elated yell and pumped his fist. "WOOHOO!! No offense, doc, but this place is absolutely horrible."

The doctor chuckled. "None taken. Now, sit tight, I'll be right back." Dr. Cross left to go get the papers and John was beaming.

"Oh man, I cannot wait to get out of here."

Rainbow laughed at the childish man in front of her. "Tell me about it. I one was stuck here for a few days when I broke my wing. Worst few days, ever!"

The doctor returned after a few minutes with the papers and a sling for John's arm. John quickly signed the documents and handed them back.

"Now, your muscles will have atrophied while you were in bed, so you will most likely be quite sore and may need to remember how to walk, but that's about it. Oh, and don't use that arm for at least another three days."

"Ok, will do, thanks doc!"

"Don't mention it, it's my job." With that, the doctor left.

John stumbled around the room for a few minutes, gathering his things and getting used to his legs. He then got dressed, putting on his flight suit, which Rarity had washed and pressed for him, and lacing up his boots. He then put on his sling and grabbed his equipment, throwing his vest and life preserver over his right shoulder and carrying his helmet in his hand. He then opened the door, looking back over the room to make sure he didn't forget anything, and left the room, followed by Rainbow and Lightning.

Twilight had been spreading the news about John since she had left the first night. The townspeople all knew who and what he was, but he still got strange looks as Rainbow lead him to the library.

"I guess it's going to take some time for everyone to warm up to me."

Rainbow looked back at him. "Ha, you think this is bad? You should've seen it when Zecora came to town for the first time."

John smiled as he remembered the episode where all the townspeople were deathly afraid of Zecora and all the businesses closed and everyone hid whenever she came into town.

The only pony that didn’t look at him funny was an aquamarine colored unicorn with a lyre as a cutie mark. She smiled and frantically waved at him. John waved back, but a cream colored mare started growling at him and pulled the aquamarine mare away.

“Wonder what that was all about.” John mused as they approached the library.

“Oh, that was just Lyra and Bon Bon. Lyra is obsessed with humans, and Bon Bon is really overprotective. They’re cool though, once you get to know them.” Rainbow said as she pushed open the library door. “Hey Twi! Somepony’s here to see you!”

Twilight poked her head out of her room. “Oh, hello John.” She walked down the stairs leading up to her room.”I’m surprised that you’re out of the hospital so early. What can I do for you?”

“Hey, Twilight. Would you be able to send a letter to the Princess, telling her that I’m out of the hospital? She said that she wanted to meet with me as soon as I got out.” John put his stuff on the floor. “And is there any place that I could put this stuff?” He gestured at the pile on the floor. “I don’t want to have to carry it all over the place with me.”

Twilight thought for a moment after sending a letter to Celestia. “Hmm, well, you could leave it here if you want. I’ll make sure that nopony messes with it.” She gave a disapproving glance at Rainbow, who had put on John’s helmet. John and Lightning chuckled, and Rainbow blushed and removed the helmed from her head.

“Thanks, Twilight.”

Seconds later, John heard a belch from another room, followed by Spike walking into the room. “Hey, Twi. Message for ya. Looks like it’s from the Princess.” He handed Twilight the letter, then noticed John standing in the room. “Whoa! You must be the human that Twi told me about. You’re a lot bigger than I thought you’d be.” Spike stared at John while Twilight read the letter.

To my Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle

I am glad to hear that Mr. Killinger has been released from the hospital. I have sent a chariot to Ponyville to retrieve him, and it should arrive within the half-hour. Corporals Lightning Flash and Star Streak are to accompany him as well.

Please tell Mr. Killinger that I am looking forward to speaking with him.

Your Teacher and Mentor,
Princess Celestia

“Wow, that was fast.” John knew that the Princess wanted to talk with him, but he didn’t know that she was going to send a chariot for him. He thought she would just tell him to ride the train.

Lightning nodded. “Yeah. I’ll go tell Star.” He then left the library and headed toward the guard station.

Rainbow frowned. “Aaw, why do you have to go so soon? You said that you’d show me your airplane!” She crossed her front hooves over her chest.

John sighed. “The Princess wanted to see me, so I’m going. Besides, I probably won’t be gone for very long, and I can show you when you get back.”

“Ugh, fine.”

Rather than walking around town some more, John opted to browse through the library while waiting for the chariot to arrive. Soon enough, the door opened and Lightning stuck his head in.

“Hey, John, chariot’s here. Time to go.”

John looked up from the book he was reading and nodded. He walked over to Twilight and handed her the book, thanking her for her hospitality. He then turned to leave, but before he walked out the door, he turned to Dash.

“Wish me luck.” He said, with a wink, as he walked out and shut the door. He was quickly joined by Lightning and Star as he boarded the chariot waiting in front of the library.

The flight to Canterlot was rather uneventful. There were no restraints on the chariot, which made John a little nervous, and the ride wasn’t as smooth as his aircraft, but he got over it soon enough. He was just glad to be back in the air.

The pegasi pulling the chariot landed at a small strip outside the castle, where some guards were waiting for them with suspicious looks on their faces. John dismounted, followed by Star and Lightning, and was escorted into the castle.

As John walked through the castle, he couldn’t help but admire all the stained glass windows adorning the walls. There must’ve been close to a hundred of them, many depicting the Elements of Harmony defeating some foe or performing some deed. Soon, however, they arrived at the throne room.

One of the guards, who John guessed was in charge based on the others’ reactions and the blue-feathered helmet he was wearing, turned to face John. “The Princess is waiting for you inside.” He then turned to Lighting and Star. “You two are to report to the Captain for debrief. He’s expecting you.” With that, the two corporals saluted and headed off down the hall.

John took a deep breath and let it out. “Here we go.” He pushed open the large double-doors and walked into the large room. The first things he saw were the two large thrones sitting on a dais at the end of the room, with a long red carpet leading up to them. The second thing he noticed was that both of the thrones were occupied.

John walked down the carpet until he was only a few paces away from the edge of the platform, where he stopped and bowed rather awkwardly due to the sling on his arm. “Ma’am, present as requested.”

Celestia rose from her throne, closely followed by her sister, and walked towards John. “Rise, Mr. Killinger, there is no need for such pleasantries.”

John did as he was told. “Of course, ma’am.”

Luna gave him a curious look. “From what our sister has told us of thine injuries, we did not think that thou would recover so soon. Thou will indeed be useful to us.”

John tried to figure out what she meant by that, but Celestia interrupted his train of thought.

“Mr. Killinger, I have asked you here because I would like to talk with you about your future, here in Equestria.” John nodded, he had expected as much. “Given your occupation as a soldier, my sister, Luna, and I were hoping that you would continue your service, and join the Equestrian Royal Guard.”

John was taken aback. He didn’t think that she would give him an offer like that. What would his remaining family think about this? What would James think about this? He didn’t think that he could just abandon his home like that. Was there even a way to get back home?

“Ma’am, with all due respect, I don’t know if I can accept this. I have an obligation to the people of my country back home. I can’t just abandon them.”

Celestia looked at him for a moment. “Rest assured, our best and brightest magicians and scientists are trying to figure out what kind of forces brought you here, and if there is even a way to send you back. You are probably unaware, but strange objects have been appearing for quite some time now, but you are the first living being to come through. Unfortunately, very little progress has been made, regarding the subject.”

John felt like the words had punched him in the gut. He was stuck here. John’s expression had turned into one of shock and disbelief as he thought to himself. Ok, let’s see, teleported to a magical land of talking ponies from a television show, survived a plane crash, recovered from said crash in a matter of weeks, offered a position as a Royal Guard, found out that there’s no way to get back home..... He then thought about the hospitality and kindness that Twilight and her friends had shown him. Without them, he would probably have died, sitting in the cockpit of his aircraft.....NO!.... This is my home now.... And I’ll be damned if I don’t do what I can to protect it. With that, an almost unsettling calmness spread throughout his body and he looked at the Princess, who had an expectant expression.

“Ma’am, it would be my honor to serve and protect the ponies of this land.” He said matter-of-factly, and both Princesses smiled.

“Excellent. If you would just follow me, we shall get your citizenship papers taken care of. After that, you shall be escorted to the Captain of the Guard to sign your enlistment papers.” John followed Celestia, who walked into a side room that had a large table with a folder full of papers on it.

John spent the next twenty minutes filling out various forms and documents. When he was finished, his hand felt like it was going to fall off.

Celestia smiled. “Congratulations, Mr. Killinger, you are now an Equestrian Citizen. You now have the same rights and privileges as any and every one of my little ponies.”

“Thank you, ma’am. It truly is an honor.”

Celestia let out a small, yet no less royal, giggle. “Now, there are guards waiting for you outside. They will take you to Captain Armor.” John thanked the Princess again and bowed, then turned and walked out of the room.

As soon as he left, he was greeted by Lighting and Star. “We were told to take you to the Captain. Follow us.” John nodded. The walk wasn’t very long, and John occupied himself by admiring more stained glass windows. Before he knew it, they were standing in front of a door with a silver shield on it. “The Captain is waiting for you. Good luck.” John cocked an eyebrow, then opened the door and walked in.

He was greeted by a large white stallion sitting at a desk, who motioned for him to stand in front of the desk. Neither of them said anything. John felt like the stallion’s eyes were piercing right into his soul. Finally, the stallion cleared his throat.

“I am Captain Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard.” He paused for a moment. “You must be the transferee that I was told to expect.” He opened a drawer and pulled out a few papers and placed them on his desk.

John was confused. “Transferee? Sir, I was told to report for enlistment, not a transfer.”

The Captain regarded him with a curious expression. “The Princess told me that you were already a part of your country’s, what did she call it? ‘Air Force’, whatever the hay that is. So, since you should already have the proper training, you will simply be transferred. Of course, you will still need to undergo a physical aptitude test to determine whether or not you are fit enough to serve.” He said the last part with a wicked smile on his face. “Now, I am going to need some information from you.” The Captain then proceeded to ask John what his name, rank and occupation were, the latter utterly confusing the stallion.

“A what?”

“A pilot, sir. I fly aircraft.” John could see a light bulb turn on in the Captain’s head.

“Ah, this must have something to do with that thing that is being guarded in Ponyville. I still can’t believe that thing is capable of what you told the Princess it could do. As soon as it’s fixed, you’re going to have to give us a little demonstration.”

John gaped at Shining. “You’re actually going to fix it!?... erm… Sir?”

Shining didn't look very amused. “Yes. As soon as we’re finished here, you are to return to Ponyville and assist the Royal Engineer Corps in transporting the wreckage to the train station, where it will be loaded onto a train and brought here, to Canterlot. From here, it will be air lifted to the nearby air base, where the R.E.C. and a team of mechanics will begin reassembling and repairing that hunk of metal. Until then, you'll have to get used to keeping your hooves on the ground.”

John didn’t think that it was even possible, but he figured it was worth a shot. "Not a problem, sir. I was security forces before I got pulled for OCS, so I know how to guard a door." Shining grunted.

John quickly filled out the remaining medical forms, and signed his name at the bottom of the last sheet of paper in the stack. He handed the papers back to the stallion, who took them and put them inside a folder, which he put in a filing cabinet beside his desk.

“Anything else, Captain?”

John didn’t see it, but Shining had a smirk on his face. He whipped around and slammed a hoof down on his desk. “YOU WILL STAND AT ATTENTION AND ADDRESS ME AS SIR WHILE IN MY OFFICE!”

John immediately snapped to attention. “SIR, YES SIR!”

The Captain smiled and sat back down at his desk. “Good. Now, GET YOUR SORRY FLANK OUT OF HERE BEFORE I KICK IT TO THE MOON!”

John saluted, then turned on his heel and strode out of the office, closing the door behind him. He then spotted Lightning and Star, who were rolling on the floor laughing.

“Bwahahaha! Oh man! I love it when he does that!”

John raised an eyebrow at Lightning. “When he does what?”

Lightning got up off the floor. “When he goes off on the new guys. Don’t let it get to you though, he’s a nice guy. Just give him some time.” Lightning was joined by Star, who was still chuckling to himself. “C’mon, let’s get the new LT geared up and ready to go. Oh, and before I forget, after we hit up the armory, the Princess is waiting by the vault for you. Something about identifying strange objects.” With that, the two guards motioned for John to follow them.

When they arrived at the armory, John looked at the racks of weapon and armor. Most of the armor was for ponies and griffons, so he didn’t bother with it. The only thing he chose was a sword, since he already had his sidearm back in Ponyville. He would talk to a blacksmith about creating more ammunition for it when he got back.

The next stop was the vault. The walk was much longer, winding through corridors and passages, eventually coming to a large spiral staircase with guards on either side of it. He nodded at the guards when he passed, but they didn’t move.

As the trio descended into the bowels of the castle, the lights quickly dimmed, and the only light sources were the magical orbs suspended near the ceiling. Eventually, they reached the bottom and walked to the end of a hallway, where the Princesses were waiting for him.

Luna stepped forward, and John snapped off a crisp salute. “Greetings, Lieutenant. As thou may know, thou has been asked to identify some of the objects that have come through the Gate, as thou calls it.”

John lowered his arm and nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

Luna turned to Celestia, who placed her horn into a hole in the wall, which caused the massive vault door to slowly creak open.

When the door was fully opened, Celestia removed her horn and walked into the room, followed by Luna and John while Lightning and Star stayed by the entrance.

John’s eyes grew wide and his sword fell from his hand, clattering to the floor. “My God...”

The Princesses looked worried. “Lieutenant?” Celestia walked over to him as he examined a table full of black, strangely shaped objects. There were tables full of different objects, some larger or smaller than others, all lined up in a neat row against one of the room’s walls. Under the tables sat boxes of various sizes and colors, but the majority were the color of John’s flight suit, an olive green color, and made of metal.

John turned to the Princess, his face sorrowful. “Ma’am, these objects... are instruments of war.”

Author's Note

Ok, here we go, new chapter. I liked this one, but it seems a wee bit fast paced to me.

The chapters should start coming out on a regular basis now. Probably not one every day, but more along the lines of one every other day, or every two days (Unless I find myself with a few hours during the day with nothing to do but write). There shouldn't be more than two or three days between updates, max, but I'll let you all know if something comes up.

Anyways, tell me what you all think!