“And that should do it!” Hunter stood up as he marveled his work at the library. Twilight looked around and found no real difference.

“What did you do?” Twilight asked with curiosity. Hunter motioned around the room.

“I place tiny pins throughout the house. If someone with an unknown vital enters, an alarm will sound.” Hunter programmed Spike’s vitals to be marked as unknown. A blaring alarm blasted throughout the tree. Spike came running out from his bedroom.

“What’s that noise?!” Hunter programmed Spike’s life signs back into the computer.

“Sorry, Spike. I was demonstrating the security system to Twilight. We’ll know if anyone enters without permission.” Hunter turned the security system on stand by. Twilight smiled.

“This is amazing, Hunter. Thank you so much!” Hunter smiled and took his helmet off.

“By the way, Twilight.” Hunter reached into one of his pouches and pulled out what looked like a bracelet. “This is for you.” Hunter kneeled down and fastened it around Twilight’s front hoof. She examined it.

“What is it?” She asked.

“It’s a little computer like the one I’m wearing. It’ll help me keep track of you when you’re in trouble.” He lifted her hoof and touched the communicator. “It’ll keep track of your vitals and if it falls to a certain degree, or if you activate it manually, a tracker will activate which will help me find you.” Hunter pressed a large button on the communicator which made his communicator start to ping and alert him. A mini display showed him where Twilight was in relation to him. Twilight stared at the communicator in amazement.

“What else can it do?” Twilight asked.

“Well, it can hold your schedule, hold files, and communicate with anyone with a similar communication device on the planet.” Hunter stood up, allowing Twilight to play around with it.

“Is it very fragile?”

“No. It can hold up against most things. Although it can’t protect you in a blaster fight so just duck in those scenarios, okay?” Twilight nodded and placed her hoof down. She smiled as she found it to be a good fit.

“How did you know my measurements? Did the device do that?”

Hunter shook his head. “The communicator fits itself based on whoever is wearing it.” Hunter stood up and put his helmet back on. “I think we’re all clear then. All we need now are turrets.” Hunter looked around for a place to put them, if he had any. Twilight laughed a little.

“I don’t think that’s necessary. By the way, are you ready for tonight?” Hunter turned back to Twilight.

“Tonight?” Hunter tilted his head.

“Slumber party!” She cried out. Hunter stepped back.

“Um… what’s a, ‘Slumber Party?’” Twilight refined herself and cleared her throat.

“You don’t know what a slumber party is?” Twilight asked. Hunter shook his head. “A slumber party is a party where your friends stay over to sleep. Although, we won’t be sleeping for all of it. Just a lot of fun activities.” Twilight pointed over to an area that was full of beauty supplies. Hunter nodded.

“So, this is an extracurricular activity for civilians. I get it.” Twilight smiled.

“Ever since I became an Alicorn, I haven’t had a lot of time to spend with my friends. And since the Summer Sun Celebration is almost here, I figured a little fun was in order.” Twilight walked over to her closet and pulled out a few boxes. “You’re free to join us, if you’d like. I’d understand if it’s too, ‘girly’ for you though.” Twilight paused. “You do have females in your species, right?” Hunter laughed and shrugged.

“Thank you, but I’d rather be working if it’s all the same to you.” Hunter grabbed his blaster and walked towards the door. “I’ll be patrolling the area and making a map. Call me the second you need me, okay?” Twilight nodded. Hunter looked at Spike. “Will you be okay here, kid?” Spike smiled.

“It’s okay, I’m going over to the Crusader’s clubhouse. They’re doing their own slumber party.” Hunter nodded.

“If there’s any trouble, you come straight to me, got it?”

“No problem, Hunter! We’ll be on Sweet Apple Acres, so I think we’ll be okay.” Twilight grabbed Spike with her magic.

“You won’t be okay if you’re late. Better get a move on.” Twilight pointed to a clock, showing how late Spike was. He gasped and went up to his room. Twilight laughed while Hunter waved good bye and went on his way.

HUNTER PATROL: One

Ponyville was peaceful at sundown. Ponies were closing up shop, children were returning from school, and most families were in their homes ready to spend the night in. Hunter was glad to have the solitude. It could help him focus on the map of the town he was making. Once he was done with the town, he could map the Everfree Forest and make it easier for the Republic to understand the territory more.

Before he did anything, he needed a birds eye view of it all. Out of his pocket, he pulled a Remote. A Remote was a droid armed with lasers and great sensors. They would usually be used for Jedi training or scouting missions. But here, he could use it to help him map the land. The Remote looked like a tiny orb with a steel covering, adorned with little mirrors. The programming for it was very simple and had no personality like Bob did.

I guess it’s not all bad. Bob is how he is. Hunter clenched the Remote and threw it up into the air. The Remote rotated, scanning the environment. Buildings, hills, trees, it scanned everything. A map appeared on Hunter’s communicator. Now all he had to do was walk around to fill in the details. He took a turn down what he supposed was the main street of Ponyville.

Along the street, he saw a multitude of shops beginning to close. There was a food store, a jewel store, an exotic goods store, and a furniture store-

“Ow…” With an old male pony trying to carry something heavy but failing. Hunter holstered his weapon and rushed over to the old man, who was trying to carry a recliner. Hunter grabbed it, and held it up to give the old man some relief. The old man blew a sigh of relief. “Thank you, whoever you are.” Hunter had approached from the old man’s blind spot. Hunter placed the recliner down.

“Are you okay?” he asked. The old pony smiled and looked at Hunter. He wasn’t at all afraid.

“Why, you’re that alien thing ain’t ya?” Hunter nodded. “Well hot dang, I didn’t think I’d meet an alien today. What’s your name?”

“I’m CT-6547, but you can call me Hunter.” The old pony nodded.

“I’m Goose Stuffing. But you can call me, Goose.” Goose slapped Hunter’s hand and gave a broad smile. Hunter grabbed his hand and massaged it. Hooves hurt. Hunter looked over at the recliner.

“Do you need help getting that inside?” Hunter asked.

“Sure!” Goose opened up the door to his shop. “Bring it on in! I’ll get you something to drink!” Hunter grabbed the recliner and brought it into the store. It was filled with many differents kinds of furniture, as one would expect. But it was very clean, very orderly. Hunter placed the recliner into a free spot. As soon as he placed it, a water bottle came straight at him. He grabbed it and looked in the direction it came from. “Nice reflexes, kid!” Goose walked over and sat on the previously placed recliner. “Nothing like a break, that’s what I think!” Hunter nodded and placed the water bottle into his pack.

“I’m a little surprised, sir. I would have thought more people would be afraid of me.” Hunter found Goose giving a big hearty laugh.

“Ponyville isn’t quick to warm up to strangers. But you saved the town, TWICE. Trust me, you’ll be hardpressed to find someone afraid of you in this town.” Hunter looked out the window and saw all the ponies passing by each other giving warm greetings.

“I suppose you’re right.” Hunter made his way to the door. “Thank you for the water, sir-” Goose was glaring at him. “Um… Goose.” Goose’s warm smile returned.

“Doing some sightseeing today, Hunter?” Hunter opened his communicator to see that most of Ponyville had been mapped.

“In a sense. I better get back to it. Thank you, Goose.” Goose nodded and lifted himself off the recliner.

“Feel free to visit anytime!” Goose called out. Hunter nodded and left down the main road.

Not everyone is afraid of me, eh? Hunter un-holstered his gun and continued his patrol. More and more ponies made their way back into their homes as the night rose into the sky. The serenity felt nice. There was no war, nothing afflicting these ponies. His mood then turned sour. The Republic was coming, yes. But would they also bring the Separatists? Would war come to these ponies? I should have just flew back to Corascant. The thought of these ponies being involved sickened him. They should not have to pay the ultimate price. He looked down at his gun. But it’s my job to protect them. I will.

“Hunter!” Hunter turned his head to whoever called him. It was Dinky. She ran up and hugged his leg. “It’s good to see you!” Hunter smiled and patted Dinky on the head.

“Good to see you too kid.” Hunter looked up and saw Ditsy fluttering up to him.

“Hello, Hunter. What are you doing out so late?” Ditsy asked. Hunter stood up and motioned around the town.

“I’m doing a patrol of the area. What are you two doing out so late?” Ditsy gave a disappointed look toward Dinky.

“Dinky got held after class. Apparently she started a fight.” Dinky frowned at that.

“I didn’t do it for fun! I was trying to stop those bullies from hurting that pony.” Hunter tilted his head. He’s heard of bullies, sure. He’s been the victim of bullying himself. For young clones, if one wasn’t like the rest or able to do something, that one was to be ridiculed. Kids can be the worst.

“Did you actually fight them, kid?” Hunter asked. Dinky looked down at the ground.

“I yelled at them. I wanted them to stop…”

EARLIER THAT DAY…

Dinky sat in class, poking at a pencil on her desk. Class had been losing her interest for quite some time. Her grades did not reflect that of a genius, but she was quite studious. Today, they were covering the history of pony tribes. The nature of the relationship between the three was deplorable. Each fighting for one reason or another. Unicorns believing they were the superior race because of their magic made them snobby. Pegasi, relying on their war like instinct, thought that the strongest should rule. The Earth Ponies kept to themselves and wanted their land for themselves. In a sense, each side was completely selfish and hated each other for their selfish actions. Dinky looked around the classroom and looked at her classmates. Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies got along with one another. There wasn’t a real sense of hatred there at all.

Dinky closed her eyes to feel the feelings her classmates had. The tablet suggested feeling around her and letting the Force flow through her. Many of her classmates were bored, others were engaged in the lecture, and some were in worlds of their own. She looked over at her classmate, Scootaloo, who was drawing something on her notebook. From what she saw, it looked like the pony Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo flying next to each other in Wonderbolt’s uniforms. She felt hope radiating from Scootaloo.

Dinky looked over toward another classmate, Pipsqueak. Pipsqueak was a young colt who dreamed of high adventure, and meeting new ponies on that adventure. He had excitement in his aura.

“Okay, kids! Time for recess!” Dinky hardly knew where the time went. I’ll have to try meditating during class more often. Dinky got up from her desk and went into the school yard. Dinky was the type of child that got along well with most ponies, though she didn’t have friends that she herself could hang out with. She’d usually join in with other ponies, playing games and such. But today, she wanted to watch the other ponies. It’s all a part of her exercise after all. Observe the life around her and she’d gain insight.

So there she sat, on a little hill with a tree on it. Some ponies would run, others sat and talked, and others could do anything they wanted. She smiled as she realized the innocence that surrounded her.

“Hey, loser!” Dinky’s smile disappeared. What she heard was a distance away, not directed at her. She looked towards where the insult came from. It was one of the two bullies at her school, Diamond Tiara. Dinky frowned. She had seen Tiara and her minion, Silver Spoon, around the playground a lot. She hadn’t been a victim of their teasing before. They didn’t seem to notice her. But they did tease others they deemed inferior.

“Look at this blank flank!” Tiara called out. She was pointing at an overweight pony, sitting there trying to read. “He’s so fat, he’s going to explode!” The pony was trying to avoid eye contact with Diamond Tiara. Silver Spoon came along and poked the pony’s book.

“Whatcha reading there, blank fat flank? Adventure story?” The Pony further hid himself into his book. “You’ll never do anything like that, loser!” The two gave a mean laugh to the pony, who was starting to cry. Dinky thought back to the Jedi’s words when she meditated.

The need to dominate and destroy leads to the dark side. The Jedi defends those who cannot defend themselves from such creatures. Dinky gritted her teeth. These bullies were doing just that. Hurting the innocent for their own amusement. There was a crowd gathering around the three. Often, the actions of others can make others inactive. Dinky stood up and stomped the ground. She found a few dirt balls and smiled.

“Face it, blank flank. You’ll never be anything!” Tiara and Spoon laughed maniacally over the crying pony. But the laughing stopped as Tiara was clobbed in the head with a dirt ball. The ponies around them gasped. They looked towards the direction it was thrown. Dinky stood there with a determined look on her face. “What the buck, loser!” Tiara stomped towards Dinky, the crowd making way for her. Spoon followed up right behind her.

“Leave that colt alone!” Dinky cried out. Dinky stood firmly as the two ponies approached. Stand firm when a challenge approaches. Jedi must always be ready. Dinky was then socked in the face. She wasn’t ready for that. She was knocked to the ground but quickly got back on her hooves.

“Why stand up for him, loser?” Dinky looked over at the colt who was quickly trying to shuffle away from the scene. Dinky nodded and looked back the bullies.

“Because jerks like you won’t stop hurting ponies. Why do it?” Dinky glared at them, hoping to get an answer. The bullies smiled smugly.

“Because we can. Because we want to!” Dinky shuffled back. She felt very dark feelings radiating from the two. But it wasn’t pure darkness. What is it? It’s like… clouds? The two bullies threw a dirt ball at Dinky, which she dodged. “Lost your nerve, blank flank?” Dinky concentrated on their feelings, she needed a way to stop them so they’d back off from bullying, at least for a while. She focused on Tiara’s feelings, which were feelings of confusion. Tiara was complicated. She had received everything she had ever wanted, but she had feelings of sadness and want of something more. Her dad! Tiara’s dad was always off on business, they never had time all together.

Dinky then looked over towards Silver Spoon, whose feelings radiated with the scent of want and wanting to be accepted.

Both had those parts of themselves covered in a thick fog of darkness. Dinky realized that their weakness could be exploited. I can hit them where it hurts. They won’t bully anyone after that. Dinky was about to speak when a thought occurred to her. Would I be any better than them though? They make fun of pony’s insecurities that are visible. I’d be doing the same thing. But I’m defending the peace, right? Dinky shook her head and decided to walk away. Tiara glared at Dinky.

“Don’t you walk away, loser! You started this!” Tiara ran up to Dinky, who moved out of the way and pushed Tiara away. Always use yourself for defense, never for attack. Dinky continued walking away. Tiara growled with frustration and ran towards Dinky. Dinky tripped Tiara away from her who stumbled around until she fell. Dinky gasped as she realized where Tiara was going to fall. Tiara hit her head on a bench, leaving her shocked at first. Shock quickly turned to tears. Spoon ran towards her friend.

“Tiara!” Spoon glared at Dinky. “I’m telling the teacher!” No- no I- I didn’t mean to- Dinky looked around the playground. Everyone stared at her with mixed emotions. They each blared out at her. She was feeling too much. She couldn’t take it anymore. She ran to the bathroom. Dinky went inside and locked the door. Calm down. Calm down. The feelings that she felt were dying down. She heard a knock at the door.

“Dinky?” It was her teacher, Cheerilee. “Dinky. I just want to talk. Please come out?” Dinky sighed. She figured she’d best face the music. A Jedi is honest.

!!!!!

“Doesn’t sound like you wanted to fight for a fight’s sake.” Hunter said. Dinky kicked the ground a bit. Ditsy looked like she was disappointed in Dinky.

“She shouldn’t have fought in the first place. That’s not how I raised you.” Ditsy exclaimed. Dinky’s face scrunched up in frustration.

“And what was I supposed to do? Let them hurt that colt?” Ditsy was about to give a rebuttal, but was stopped by Hunter.

“Kid, look.” Hunter looked up toward the sky, trying to find something to say that would help matters. He looked back down at Dinky. “You have to choose your methods kid. You should have called them out on their teasing.” Dinky looked away with a frown.

“They would just make fun of me then. And they’d probably get the other ponies to join in.” Hunter shook his head.

“The others would join to help you kid. You just have to set the example and stand tall. Trust me, kids like leaders.” Hunter looked at Ditsy. “Need an escort home?” Ditsy looked generally surprised at Hunter. That wasn’t too bad of a lesson.

“That- that would be nice, Hunter.” Hunter nodded and took out his rifle. He walked with them towards their house, Dinky still looking upset, wrestling with herself in her head. Hunter was worried. No one should have to go through that. He was about to speak up when Ditsy spoke.

“Dinky. I know you’re confused right now. But I’ll tell you what. How about we talk about what happened after a nice dinner? Your favorite?” Dinky’s ear shot up and looked up at her Mom.

“Salad with strawberries?” Dinky asked. Ditsy nodded. Dinky smiled and hugged her Mom. “Thank you!” Ditsy then held a hoof up.

“But. We’re going to talk about what happened, okay?” Dinky’s smiled faded a little and nodded. They found their way home. While Dinky went inside, Ditsy stopped and turned back towards Hunter. “Thank you for walking us home.” Hunter nodded.

“It was no problem, ma’am. Just make sure she stays out of trouble.” Ditsy nodded.

“Will do.” Before Hunter was going to walk away. “Hunter?” Hunter looked back at Ditsy.

“Yes?” He replied.

“Would it be okay, if we came by your ship sometime?” Ditsy asked. Hunter tilted his head.

“No one is allowed on the ship. I’m sorry but-” Ditsy held a hoof up.

“No, I mean, would it be okay if we just came by to say hello? I admit, I was crazy about what Dinky did today. But you seem like you have a good head on your shoulders.” Ditsy pointed towards Dinky’s window. “I’d just like to see what my daughter is so fascinated about.” Hunter scratched the top of his helmet, a little nervous at the prospect of being this chummy with people.

“I’ll be working on my ship most of the time when I’m there. I won’t be able to answer every question you have.” Ditsy smiled.

“That’s okay, Hunter. It’s just something we’d like to do. And it’d give us a chance to-” Before she could finish, a light pink pony came to the door.

“Hey, mom.” This pony seemed to be older than Dinky, but younger than Twilight. Ditsy hugged the pony.

“Hey, Sparkler.” Ditsy released Sparkler from her hug. “How was your day?” Sparkler shrugged.

“It was alright. Teacher was totes lame.” Hunter tilted his head.

“What’s a ‘totes’?” Sparkler looked up at Hunter and stepped back a bit with a surprised expression.

“By Celestia!” Sparkler pointed at Hunter. “You’re that alien!” Hunter nodded.

“Yes. I’m Hunter. It’s nice to meet you.” Sparkler smiled.

“Thanks for protecting my sister. We were so worried.” Sparkler walked to the door. “If you need any help with anything, let us know.” Sparkler yawned and walked inside. Ditsy shrugged her shoulders.

“Teenagers have a strange lingo.” Hunter nodded in agreement. “Can we come by and say hello in a few days?” Ditsy asked. Hunter thought back to the incident involving the Crusaders. They wanted to find their destinies by any means necessary. That almost resulted in a terrible accident. He couldn’t be so lax with anyone else ever again. But then he realized something about Dinky. She had already learned her lesson. And with her mother there constantly supervising her, there most likely wouldn’t be an accident. Hopefully.

“So long as you promise not to touch anything.” Ditsy nodded enthusiastically.

“Of course! We’d never touch your stuff without permission.” Hunter smiled. These ponies really know what’s going on. Hunter turned around and went on his way. “So is that a no?” Ditsy asked. Hunter turned back.

“Visit anytime you feel like. Either me or Bob will be there.” Ditsy smiled. It’d be a good chance to keep her daughter in line while also indulging her new fascination with these strangers.

“See you next time, Hunter!” Ditsy waved and made her way inside. Hunter nodded and looked at the road ahead. He felt as though things weren’t as bad as he thought they were going to be.

FIELD REPORT:

After unloading cargo, three children managed to acquire some pieces and play around with them. With the help of their elders, I taught them not to touch things that didn’t belong to them

Next, I installed a security system in Twilight Sparkle’s house. It will inform me and her of any threats. The next step will be to deploy a shield generator to protect the house in times of crisis.

Finally, I updated a map of town, giving the Republic much better data on the town. Hopefully, I can update the map as I go along.

I have also gained knowledge on how to interact with locals more. Hopefully, this will give me insight on how to deal with future matters in due time.

This is CT-6547, Hunter, signing out.

Author's Note

My longest chapter yet. Enjoy y'all.