The next morning, Hunter found himself still in the Throne Room, waiting for the Princesses to come down. He looked out the window and saw many ponies clad in armor. They were guards, and they were sparring. Hunter saw a door that led to a balcony overlooking the field. He walked outside and got a good view of the field. There weren’t just ponies there either. Many of the creatures Princess Luna had shown him were there. Griffons, Minotaurs, Arabian ponies, and Zebra. All the soldiers were practicing with one another. Sparring as it were.

“Good way to get aggression out, wouldn’t you agree?” Hunter spun around and saw a Griffon. This Griffon wore shoulder pads that had a special insignia on it. The Griffon’s face was hardend; he had seen battle. He held out a talon.

“Sergeant Hardy.”

Hunter grabbed the talon. “Lieutenant Hunter.” Hardy had quite the grip, Hunter tried to return it.

“Troops on all sides feel nervous and ready to fight when they come to an event like this. But give them a chance to show how they feel with whatever appendage they have, and they become one.” Hardy’s voice was hoarse. It sounded as if he had smoked death sticks for his whole life. Hardy pulled out a brown stick and put it into his mouth. He lit it, and let out a trail of smoke. He held another stick to Hunter. “Cigar?”

Hunter shook his head. “Thanks, no.”

Hardy shrugged and let out some smoke. “So, you infantry or navy?”

“Originally, Navy. Reassigned as a political guard.”

Hardy laughed. “So, they stuck you here because they had no one else to do it?”

Hunter nodded. “That’s the long and short of it.”

“Guess they gave you that promotion too and-” Hardy stopped and looked at a Griffon soldier who had been defeated by a pony.

“Leon! Don’t make me come down there! You going to lose all day, MAGGOT?!”

The soldier shook his head. “NO, SIR!”

“Then get back into the fight and get yourself a win!” Hardly relaxed and turned back to Hunter. “Anyway, you got a promotion that meant nothing, and now, with no real training, are scratching your head wondering what to do.”

Hunter was amazed. Who is this guy?

“But, from what I hear, you’re raised from birth to be a soldier. Meaning you know how to fight more than the average knuckle head.”

Hunter nodded and looked at the field. Some of the soldiers seemed to be veterans. How could he earn their respect?

“If you’re up for it, Lieutenant, the troops would like to see what you’ve got. Word is you beat down a Timber Wolf. Think you can top some real monsters?”

Hunter shook his head. “I would, but I have some duties to perform. Another time, Sergeant?”

Hardy huffed. “Another time, Lieutenant.” Hardy spread his wings and took off toward the training ground. Hunter returned to the throne room and stood in his previous position.

Would I stand a chance against any of those guys? Hunter thought. I haven’t had a skirmish with an actual soldier since I left training. I was good but- Hunter’s thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a small creme colored pony with black hair and glasses.

“Greetings, I’m Raven, Princess Celestia’s aid.” She motioned towards a tower that appeared out the window. “Her highness wanted you to be informed about a breakfast taking place with multiple delegates from foreign empires. She has invited you to take part in it.”

Hunter shook his head. “I’m quite alright, Miss Raven. She doesn’t need to do that.”

Raven sighed and adjusted her glasses. “Mr. Hunter, I’d advise taking the invitation. Those delegates want SOME face time with a representative of the Republic. And like it or not, you’re the only representative here physically.”

Hunter sighed internally. This was becoming more of a balancing act than he could bare. He remembered Princess Luna’s suggestion of getting reinforcements. It was something that he needed.

He turned to Raven. “Thank you for the suggestion, ma’am. I’ll be there once I get a transmission to the Republic sent away.”

Raven smiled. “Believe me, hun, I know how much pressure you’re under. But, if you stick it through, you’ll come out a lot stronger and wiser.”

“First hand experience, ma’am?” Hunter asked.

“More or less.” Raven coughed and turned around. “In any case, good luck.” Raven trotted off. Hunter left the throne room and made his way to the communicator. He tapped a few buttons on his wrist and a clone appeared.

“Lieutenant Hunter, what can I do for you?” The clone asked.

“I’m making a request for reinforcements… um.”

“Captain Brash and that’s going to be… difficult, Lieutenant.” Brash scratched the back of his head. “All forces are currently engaged at the moment. We won’t be able to get reinforcements to you until the latest campaign ends.”

“Are you sure, sir? I’ll take anything, sir.”

Brash tapped a few characters on a pad. “Ah!” Brash exclaimed. “We have a few troopers available! Although…”

“Although what, sir?”

“These clones are… trouble cases.”

“Trouble cases, sir?”

Brash’s image was replaced with the holographic representation of three different clone troopers. “The three in question have a dodgy service record. One’s a pilot that can get… overexcited. Kaminoan technicians believe he was left in his pod for too long.”

“Why has he been reassigned to trooper duty?” Hunter asked.

“His squadron was wiped out over Dantooine in a skirmish.” Hunter looked down. Losing brothers was never an easy thing. But to lose them all was something else entirely.

“This one,” Brash continued, “is a technician. Record says he’s brilliant with machines, more so than most.”

“Most clones?”

“Most people, Lieutenant. The problem though lies with his personality. He has extreme sudden bursts of anti social behavior. He’d much rather be alone.”

“Will he get violent, sir?”

“No. He’ll accept orders like any other clone, but do not expect much more from him. I tell you this because the people on your planet seem to be social extremists.”

Hunter could agree on that point. But he needed help. “And the last one, sir?”

“Well, he’s one of a kind I’m afraid.”

“In what regard?”

“He’s known to disregard authority, and quote, ‘Do the right thing’.” Hunter could tell Brash did not like this one. “These are the only ones available for you, Lieutenant. Are you sure you want them? Says here they were being reassigned to Umbara for the invasion.” Umbara was a planet filled with darkness. No light, save for some stars. Hunter had heard about the invasion in question. The survival rate was not too high if you weren’t a Jedi.

“Wouldn’t you need them there, sir?”

Brash sighed. “They might cause a problem and damage the operation. We cannot allow behavior like that. Umbara is too critical to the war.” Brash cleared his throat. “But you! All you have to do is keep them out of trouble and have them act nice for the civilians. There, they’ll be out of trouble.”

Out of sight, out of mind eh? Hunter thought. He snapped to attention. “Sir, I’ll gladly take those reinforcements.”

“Very good,” Brash replied. “I’ll send them out as soon as possible. I’ll send them in a C70 Charger, it’s a bigger ship than your shuttle. Bit more guns on it if you encounter trouble.”

“Sir, will there be supplies with that as well?” Hunter asked.

“What do you need specifically?”

Hunter thought of everyone he had met. Twilight and her friends, Dinky, Ditzy, Goose, Discord, T9, Bob, and the list went on. He had to plan something out for every situation. “We’re going to need more comm bracelets for the officials here. I’d like to stay connected.”

“Done.” Brash said.

“I’ll also need a basic set of med tools if you can spare them.”

“The C70 has a whole med lab you can use.”

“Right then, would the Charger also have a flight sim in it?”

Brash tilted his head. “Why would you need a flight sim?”

“It’s for the royalty, sir.” Hunter lied. “She wanted to learn how to fly in space. I’d rather not have her disappointed, sir.”

“Right, right.” Brash tapped a few characters on his pad. “Anything else?”

Hunter thought hard. He had everything he needed, but what would anyone else need? He thought of Dinky and the steps she was taking. He didn’t want to cause trouble, but he wanted Dinky to be happy. A friend helps friends. “Sir, would you be able to spare a crate of Jedi tools?”

This made Brash do a double take. “Jedi tools? What would you want with those?”

“Community outreach, sir. So the people here can learn more about the galaxy. Best to teach them about the Jedi, sir. Just random things you’d find in a Jedi’s junk drawer.”

Brash sighed. “I’ll see if the Jedi could spare anything. But no promises.”

“I understand, sir.” Well, it was worth a shot anyway. “I’ll continue in my duties here, sir.”

“Very well, I’ll get those new guys to you in a week or so. Like I said, things are in flux. I’ve got your coordinates.” Brash saluted. “Good luck, Lieutenant.”

Hunter snapped to attention and returned the salute. “Thank you, sir. To you as well.”

Brash nodded and with that, the communicator went off. Hunter relaxed and looked back at the tower Raven told him to go to. To breakfast then.

~~~~

Back on Coruscant, Captain Brash was standing at a communication terminal, thinking of how he was going to word his message to the Jedi. I suppose I’ll just contact the temple and see who I get. Brash tapped the terminal and waited. An image appeared of Master Yoda. Oh, for the love of the Force, why did it have to be the bloody Grand Master of the Jedi Order.

“Captain Brash.” Yoda said. “Something wrong is there?”

Captain Brash shook his head. “No trouble at all, sir. I was contacting the temple for something else. I won’t waste your time with it, sir.”

Yoda held out his hand. “Wait.” He returned it to his cane. “Time wasted this is not. Please, go ahead.”

Brash scratched his head. “It’s in regard to the clone on that new planet.”

Yoda nodded. “Lieutenant Hunter. Continue.”

Brash was surprised. He honestly did not think Yoda, or any Jedi would remember the names of clones they did not work with on a day to day basis. “He made a request for some Jedi tools for some community outreach, sir. To teach the locals about the Jedi.”

Yoda nodded and smiled. Perhaps time it is to give Dinky the pieces. “Understand, I do. Be sure to have that to you as possible, we will.”

Brash could not really believe it. He shook his head and saluted. “You’re too kind, sir! Thank you!”

Yoda waved his hand. “Calm yourself. Trouble it is not.” Yoda nodded and the communicator turned off.

Brash let out a sigh of relief. “Glad that’s done.” Brash then returned to his duties.

~~~~~

Back on Equestria, Hunter stood outside the door of the dining hall. He remembered his training. He’d stand there stoically and answer any and all questions.

Hunter knocked on the door and entered. The dining hall was decorative and elaborate. Inside, he saw the Princesses, a pink pony with a horn and wings, and many different species. They all looked straight at Hunter.

“Announcing, Lieutenant Hunter of the Galactic Republic!” A guard next to him exclaimed.

Breath and relax, Hunter. Hunter stood at attention and bowed.

Celestia stood up and smiled. “Welcome, Hunter! Please, have a seat.”

Hunter looked up. “Seat, ma’am?”

Celestia chuckled. “Why, yes. How else would you eat breakfast?”

Hunter gulped and looked at the different people at the table. They all just stared at him. Right now, Hunter felt like a Mon Calamari out of the sea. He looked to the vacated seat and proceeded forward. He sat down next to Twilight and a white unicorn with a blue mane. He took off his helmet and sat it beside his chair. Some of the people at the table gasped or laughed.

Hunter cleared his throat. “Thank you for inviting me to breakfast, ma’am.”

Celestia bowed her head. “May I introduce you to everyone else here?” She motioned to a minotaur. “This is Bulk Solid, leader of the Minotaur Union.” The minotaur was quite tall and wore an elaborate jacket.

Said minotaur stood up. “It’s good to meet and see you, Lieutenant. On behalf of my people, we welcome you.” He sat back down.

“Next,” Celestia said, “Is General Gaulle of the Griffon Coalition.” The general in question wore a simple military uniform. His faced showed his experience, more so than Sergeant Hardy did.

The general stood up. “Regrettably, our leader could not attend. He is terribly ill. But, on behalf of my people and from one soldier to another, welcome.”

“The lovely couple next to the good general are the leaders of the Saddle Arabian Royalty. The two horses stood up. One was a light blue horse, the other was light pink. Both wore elaborate garb.

“I am Princess Iris, and this is my husband Prince Al Ashad. On behalf of Saddle Arabia, WELCOME!” Hunter smiled. Quite enthusiastic.

“Next is Fido of the Dog Alliance.” The dog itself smiled and stood up.

He clasped his hands together. “It’ll be good to do business with you, Lieutenant.”

Hunter nodded. Money type of species eh? That’s going to be trouble.

“Allow me to introduce myself, Lieutenant Hunter.” Hunter looked over to see a striped pony. Zebra, right? “I am Zecora, and I am the Zebra Ambassador.”

Was that a rhyme? Hunter thought.

“And finally,” Celestia continued, “This is my niece, Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire to the north, and her husband Captain Shining Armor.” Cadence stood up and smiled. Shining tapped Hunter and held out his hoof. Hunter took it and shaked it.

Celestia smiled. “Now, let us eat!” Everyone sat down. Servants came in and put dishes with covers in front of the diners. Hunter felt very uncomfortable. He looked around and smiled nervously. Everyone dug into their breakfasts. A servant put a plate in front of him and removed the lid. He had no idea what he was eating.

The servant smiled. “This is meal prepared by the Griffon chef. He understood that your species were omnivores like his species. It’s a plate of fried chicken eggs, bacon from a pig, and hash browns prepared by the princesses very own royal chef!”

Hunter smiled and chuckled. “Um, thank you.” The servant bowed and left. Hunter looked down at his plate and picked up the knife and fork available for him. He looked up and saw everyone looking at him, waiting to see what he ate like. He gulped and cut the egg and put a piece into his mouth. At chewing and swallowing it, he let out a verbal, “WOW.” Everyone chuckled.

“Been a while since you had a good breakfast, Lieutenant?” Shining asked him.

“Um, yes, Captain.” Hunter replied. He then moved to the bacon. He started cutting into it until he heard Gualle.

“Lieutenant, here on Equestria, griffons eat their bacon with their talons. You should use your hands.” The general picked up his own bacon and took a bite out of it to demonstrate.

Hunter nodded and picked up the bacon. He took a bite out of it and smiled.

“We love our bacon, Hunter. It may be the most glorious thing your Republic will find here, no offense to all of you.” Gualle laughed.

Bulk Solid chuckled. “Bacon is an amazing thing. Enjoy it.”

Hunter smiled. “It’s delicious sir, but from what I’ve seen of this planet, the Republic would be very glad to meet everyone.”

“That’s very good!” Princess Iris exclaimed. “I hope you could tell us a little about the Republic.”

“I can answer any and all questions, sirs and ma’ams.” I can do this.

“Well, for starters,” The dog began, “What type of economy does the Republic have?”

“It’s a free market, sir.”

“Ah, so the market is open for us to do business. That’s very good.”

“What is the city of Coruscant like? How big is it? Or, is that the name of the planet?” princess Iris asked.

“Coruscant is both a planet and a city.”

The princess blinked. “I don’t quite follow.”

“The entire planet is a giant city.” Everyone’s jaws collectively dropped.

“How many people live there?” Zecora asked. “I’m sure the planet isn’t bare.”

“There’s approximately-” Hunter looked up and did some calculations. “five trillion permanent residents there.”

No one could speak. The size and scope was so large is boggled everyone’s minds.

“And that’s just one planet?” Cadence asked. Hunter realized what he was doing. He was scaring everyone, and he didn’t want to do that.

“Yes, ma’am. It’s the largest one in the Republic.”

“And your military?” Gualle asked. “How big is that?”

Hunter thought carefully. Should he reveal the full size of the Republic? Would it be smart? He thought about honesty.

“About one billion, sir.”

“One billion clones of you?!” Gualle exclaimed.

“One billion clones of a warrior. I’m a clone of his.”

“Who was he?” Cadence asked.

“A bounty hunter named, Jango Fett.”

“A bounty hunter?” Fido asked. “Not a soldier?”

“Jango Fett was a Mandalorian. He spent his life as a soldier for hire, and then became a bounty hunter. Beyond that, I do not know much.”

“Well, then I must ask, Lieutenant.” Bulk Solid leaned forward. “Is Equestria your Republic’s target for an invasion?” Hunter was on the hot seat.

“I- uh-”

“Oh for feather’s sake, Bulk Solid.” Gualle said. “It’s not like he’s authorized to say one way or another. And I’d doubt they’d tell him.”

“That’s correct, sir. But I can honestly say, the Republic is interesting in becoming friend’s with Equestria. You can ask the Chancellor himself later on today if you wish.”

“Perhaps that’s for the best.” Solid Bulk said. “Forgive me, Lieutenant. I did not mean to put you on the spot.”

Hunter nodded. “I understand your fears, sir. But I can say I’ve been ordered to help facilitate good relations between Equestria and the Republic.”

Fido nodded his head. “I see.” He leaned back into his chair. “I’m looking forward to all the business coming our way. Can you imagine the goods that can be imported?”

Bulk nodded. “And the goods of ours we can export.”

“Exploration is a must.” Zecora added. “Assuming we can create spaceships with thrust.”

“Republic Representatives can go into further detail, but there are programs to help advance your planets technology.”

“Why not just give us the technology?” Princess Iris asked.

“There have been several species that were not as advanced as the Republic was when first contact was made.” Hunter stared down as his breakfast. He had always gotten what a trooper needed, not what was good. He sighed and looked back at his hosts. “In almost every case, the species that take the technology uses it irresponsibly.” Hunter clasped his hands. “It’s simply safer to educate people and move them up from there.”

“Well,” Cadence said standing up. “I’m sure any further questions can be directed from the Chancellor or his office.” Cadence bowed slightly to Hunter. “Thank you very much for answering our questions, and joining us for breakfast, Lieutenant Hunter.”

Hunter stood up and snapped to attention. “Thank YOU, ma’am.” Hunter turned to the rest of the people in the room. “And thank all of you.” The delegates nodded their heads. Hunter stood up and left the room, leaving many questions and possibilities there.

Author's Note

A few things: Been talking it over with the editors and such, and have found some things that need to change. I'll be working up plans, but don't expect another chapter for a while. On top of the plot reworking, I've got to do some school things.