Broken Mirror, Part One

Canterlot Castle

Palmer began to stir when she first heard the beeping of a heart monitor, followed by snoring. She opened her eyes and pushed herself up in bed before looking around her room. She saw Lasky slumped over in a chair dozing away, while out in the hall she heard some sort of yelling. Slowly, the Spartan swung out of bed and took the heart monitor off its stand before moving to the door and swinging it open.

“-and not once did you even try to send us some sort of message you pedantic asshole!” yelled a mint-green unicorn

Dusk put his hands up in defeat. “Well I’m sorry that I was-” the stallion was interrupted when the mare mashed her lips into his. Pushing her back, Dusk cocked an eyebrow. “Where the hell did that come from?”

“Probably hormones.” added Palmer.

The mare looked at the Spartan with shock.

“Eh, makes sense.” Dusk had to do a double-take after he spoke. “Palmer, you’re awake! And you saw-”

“Yes, and I’ll gladly forget that little display at the first opportunity.” The Spartan clutched at the lower part of her chest. “So, want to tell me what happened?”

“Receiving end of a Scorpion.” said the mare. “Can’t say I’ve seen anyone survive a direct hit from one before.”

“Palmer, this is Dart.” noted Dusk. “Anyway, odds are the ribcage is my fault. CPR and and all that jazz tends to leave some bruises.”

“Well then thanks for all of this wonderful discomfort.” snarked Palmer. “So, when can I leave?”

“You can leave now Palmer.”

“Good. And get a room while you’re at it.” The Spartan took the opportunity to march out of the castle infirmary, ripping off and dropping the heart monitor as she went. Looking down, she saw she was wearing nothing but a set of scrubs and some socks. Groaning at her appearance, she wandered around the halls for a bit before finally coming out into a courtyard.

“Excuse me ma’am.” asked a guard who followed her out of the building. “The Princesses would like to speak with you.”

“Great, now I need to deal with politicians.” Palmer walked back into the castle, before turning around and facing the guard. “Well, where am I going?”

______________________________________________________________________________

Celestia sat on the sofa in her study, Twilight opposite of her with a tacpad. “What else can you tell me about Sarah?”

Twilight pursed her lips as she read through Palmer’s file on the tacpad. “Well, it appears that she’s been known to be snippy and has some minor issues with personal attachment, according to her psychological reports.”

As the door to the study opened, a guard ushered Palmer into the room before shutting the door.

“Twilight, I’d like some privacy.” As the younger princess teleported away, Celestia looked over to Palmer and smiled. “Have a seat Sarah.”

Palmer hesitated for a moment before taking a seat on the sofa opposite of the princess.

As Celestia took a sip of her tea, she giggled a bit before putting the cup down. “I would’ve expected a ‘supersoldier’ to be a bit taller.”

“That supposed to be a joke?” asked Palmer.

“It was, but you did prove part of your psychological profile.” Celestia picked up her tea and took a dainty sip. “Which brings me to my point. You need a vacation Sarah.”

“I’m sorry, a vacation?”

“Yes. Consider this an intervention of sorts.” noted the Princess. “Since you joined the Marine Corps in 2542, the most time you’ve ever spent outside of a combat zone was when you were on Lockhart Station in 2552, and that was because you nearly died.”

“I still don’t get it.”

The Princess sighed. “I wouldn’t expect you to. Regardless, you won’t be allowed back on duty for at least a week. Take the time and relax, because I fear that the coming days won’t provide an opportunity for rest.”

Palmer got up to leave, and started to walk towards the door. Before she could open it, an envelope popped into existence right in front of her. Palmer grabbed the envelope and walked out into the hall. Tearing it open, she found two tickets, with the words “Grand Galloping Gala” printed right on them. The Spartan shrugged and stuffed the two tickets into her shirt pocket.

______________________________________________________________________________

Lasky was sitting out in the courtyard with a small group that Dusk had brought him to meet. He mostly sat and watched, trying to gauge who these ponies were. Palmer snuck into the courtyard beside him, before elbowing his arm.

“You look bored.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” said the Captain. “Most of these… Ponies are fine. There’s just too much going on right now.”

“I know how you feel.” said a black earth pony as he walked up. “Name’s Steeljack.”

“Tom Lasky. Captain of the Infinity.” Lasky looked around the group. “Anyone see Dusk?”

Steeljack shrugged. “I was gonna ask if you’d seen Dart, mint green unicorn, bit of a mouth?”

“Depends on how she’s using it.” snarked Palmer.

Steeljack turned to face the Spartan, visibly angry. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Look, the girl was throwing herself at Dusk last time I saw the two.” said Palmer. “Does it really take an egghead to put two and two together?”

Steeljack shook his head, before Dart jumped on his back. “What the hell!”

The mare dropped down off her mentor before ducking in front of him while Dusk snuck into the courtyard behind the unsuspecting stallion, Lasky and Palmer watching the whole affair and trying not to laugh.

“Miss me?” asked the mare.

Steeljack sighed, before noting Dart’s damp mane. “Shower?”

“Ya, why?”

Palmer started snickering behind the two, before walking off and laughing hysterically.

“Something funny Palmer?” asked Dusk as he walked up to the Spartan.

“Good to know you value my experience enough to take my sarcasm seriously.”

Dusk went beet red. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” he said as he scratched the back of his head.

“Just keep telling yourself that.”

Steeljack approached the two, clearly angry. “Dusk, what the hell did you do?”

“I just told Palmer that I don’t know what’s going on. Care to fill me in?”

Dart just brushed past Steeljack. “Eh, fuck it.” She wrapped her arms around the back of Dusk’s neck before embracing him with a deep, passionate kiss. She turned around and found a confused Steeljack. “What? I’ve got lost time to make up for.”

Steeljack sighed. “Somepony break out the cider!” he yelled as he walked away from the group.

“That went well.” said Dusk as he looked down at Dart, his augmentations putting him half a foot over the mare.

Dart reached up and pecked her new coltfriend on the cheek. “Not like Steeljack could’ve stopped me anyway.”

Dusk chuckled. “Let me guess, it’s because you always win in the end?”

“Damn straight.” said the mare as she elbowed him in the gut. “Especially since you taught me how to plan so well.”

“Good to know. Anyway, how’s it hangin’ Palmer?”

The Spartan cocked an eyebrow. “What?”

Dusk shook his head. “Look, Palmer, if you’re gonna roll with me and my associates here you need to learn how we operate as a group. Take Steeljack for example, he’s the overprotective paternal figure. Me? I’m the group asshole. Strike and Comet are the equivalent of the old married couple-”

“Just keep telling yourself that asshole!” yelled Strike from across the courtyard.

“They even hear everything I say. Cosmo is that one uncle who’s never around, and when he is he’ll either ignore you or insult you-”

“Since when?” asked the Ranger.

“Proving a point here Cosmo. Gramps is the old guy who really doesn’t have a sense of family responsibility, Dart’s the outsider trying to get along with everyone and Blueblood is the guy we all like because he’s got the checkbook… And because he’s good at the undercover-superspy shit.”

“What about everyone-”

“Everypony.” corrected Dart.

“-everypony else?” finished the Spartan.

“Extended family?” suggested Dusk.

“Good to know.” Palmer looked around at the assembled group before furrowing her brow.

“Something wrong Palmer?”

“I just got told I need a vacation.” The Spartan sighed. “And your Princess gave me these.” she said as she fished the tickets out of her pocket.

Dusk just gave a low whistle. “Never thought you to be the frilly type Palmer.”

“What?”

“Look, the Grand Galloping Gala is one of the biggest borefests that happens in this city.” explained Dart. “Although…”

Dusk smirked. “Dart, your genius is showing.

“I’ll say it again, what?”

“Old sun-butt is trying to switch things up again.” said Dart. “A few years back, she invited the Elements of Harmony. They completely trashed the place, made the nobles panic, stuff like that.”

“So, we can conclude that Celestia is hoping that you’ll make an appearance and shake things up a bit.” noted Dusk. “But you’ll need something more than your armor, considering it’s trashed.”

“Alright, so what do you suggest?” asked the Spartan. “Because ‘frilly’ really isn’t my forte.”

Dusk stopped to think. “I think I’ve got an idea… Just give me some time to throw the details together.”

______________________________________________________________________________

“No.”

“Palmer-”

“I said no Dusk.” snorted the Spartan. “You’ll need to kill me before you get me to wear…”

“I for one thing it’s a great idea.” said Madsen. “Take it from me Commander, but I think you’d look great in a dress.”

As Madsen and Hoya started snickering, Palmer picked up a paperweight off Dart’s desk and chucked it at his head. “And under no circumstances will you find me in one. I’ll stick to my dress uniform.”

Dusk shook his head. “Palmer, I’ll make you a deal-”

“Is it just me, or is there an echo in here?” asked the Spartan.

“Palmer, just listen.” groaned Dusk. “You, me, sparring match. If I win, you go get a dress made for the gala. If you win, you get the dress blues.”

Palmer seemed to think over the proposal for a moment, before smirking. “Really? That isn’t even a challenge.”

“We’ll see about that.”

______________________________________________________________________________

Dusk made sure to get his armor squared away before he made for the palace garden.. After finding Palmer, wearing a set of Recruit armor due to her set being unavailable, the pair made for their impromptu “date”, attracting a crowd of marines and guards on their way.

“Is it really so boring around here that the locals want to watch me kick your ass?” asked Palmer.

Dusk didn’t say a word as the two walked out into the garden, as the marines and guards tried to find decent vantage points. “Alright, first person to tap out looses. No holds barred. We clear?”

“Fine, lets-”

Palmer didn’t have a chance to finish her sentence before Dusk rushed the Spartan, grabbing the back of her armor and tossing the Spartan clear across the garden.

Not to be outdone, Palmer tried a similar move, only to be met with a fist to the face. As her shields flared, Dusk delivered a quick kick to the back of her knee, forcing to Spartan to the ground.

Dusk dodged the Spartan’s arm as it went wide, before Palmer rushed forward and delivered a right-hook straight into his gut, before he brought his locked hands straight down and smashing into Palmer’s helmet. Dragging the Spartan to her feet, he threw her at the wall before delivering a flurry of blows directed at his opponent’s head.

As her shields slowly were drained under the assault, Palmer, grabbed Dusk’s fist, before swinging around and bashing Dusk’s helmet into the marble wall. Over the cheering crowd of guards and marines, she never head Lasky yelling for her to stop from the sidelines..

With Palmer distracted, Dusk teleported away, before reappearing right behind Palmer and blasting her into the cratered wall with a burst of magic. Not to be outdone, he grabbed her arm and threw her over his shoulder straight into the ground, leaving a small crater.

“Done yet Palmer?”

The Spartan got to her feet, before staggering her stance to maintain balance. “Not even close.”

Dusk teleported behind Palmer once more, before twisting her arm behind her back and pulling upwards. As Palmer’s armor began to groan under stress, she tried to flail her other arm in an attempt to break free, only for Dusk to grab it and do the same.

“Alright, you win!” yelled the Spartan. As Dusk let her go, she dropped to her knees and rolled her shoulders. Ripping her helmet off and tossing it, she just sat there.

Dusk knelt down next to his defeated partner, taking off his own helmet. “Good match.”

“Sarah, what the hell was that?” questioned Lasky as he broke free of the dispersing crowd.

“That was me losing a bet Tom.” groaned the Spartan.

“Losing a bet?”

“Don’t ask.” Palmer got to her feet and grabbed her helmet before walking back inside the palace.

“Where’s she going?” asked the Captain.

Dusk snickered. “The last place she ever wanted to go.”

“And that would be?”

“To get a dress made.”

______________________________________________________________________________

Palmer strode down the halls, clearly still fuming. Most of the marines and guards tried to give her a wide berth after she was soundly beaten in front of the lot of them.

“Commander!” yelled Thorne as he ran up behind her.

“Not now Thorne.”

Thorne strode up beside the other Spartan. “What do you think I’m gonna do?”

Palmer stopped. “Point out how I couldn’t beat a cocky asshole?”

“No, I was going to ask if you knew where you were going yet.”

Palmer furrowed her brow. “You have an idea?”

“Ya, there’s a seamstress out in the suburbs. I’m planning on heading out there as it is anyway.”

“Huh?”

Thorne rubbed the back of his head. “I kinda got volunteered for the Gala band…”

Palmer crossed her arms. “And what’d you do to get stuck with the honor?”

“Grant opened her mouth about how I can play the violin.”

Palmer stopped dead for a moment before laughing hysterically. “And I thought I was bad. Here before me is the example of declining masculinity-”

Thorne held his hand up. “Look, I learned as a kid from my grandmother. I tried to keep in practice over the years, and Grant found me playing my old violin when I went home to New Phoenix-”

“So she thought you’d be perfect.” Palmer shook her head. “I guess misery loves company.”

______________________________________________________________________________

Ponyville, two hours later.

Palmer and Thorne took a Warthog out to the town he mentioned. As the two drove around looking for the seamstress’ shop, they drew the attention of some of the locals, more so the children as they drove past.

“Mind telling me what I’m looking for Thorne?” asked Palmer. “Pretty sure we’re lost.”

“It’s a white house, looks kinda like an old plantation building from the southeastern states back on Earth.”

Palmer pulled off to the side of the road, jarring her thumb at the building across from them. “So, that then?”

The two Spartans didn’t say another word as they hopped out of the Warthog and walked into the boutique.

“-and I must say that you look wonderful in the new dress.” said a white unicorn.

“Glad someone else thinks so.” said Dart as she turned around. “Glad you could join the party Palmer.”

“Just shut it.”

“Rarity, your next victim is here.” quipped Dart before she teleported away.

“Oh, pardon my manners.” said the unicorn as she walked over to Palmer. “You must be the poor soul that Dart was telling me about.”

“I’m sorry, but poor soul?”

Rarity grabbed the Spartan with her magic, dragging her over to her set of mirrors before she started taking measurements. “For one, you seem to have been detached from the finer aspects in life-”

“What finer aspects?” questioned Palmer. “Last I checked one of the finer aspects of life was to avoid getting killed.”

“But you never thought to have a night out? Maybe go to a movie?” asked Rarity as she finished her “Which leads me to a question, what do you do for work?”

“I’m a soldier.”

“Mmmm... “ Rarity levitated a notepad over to her, and began writing down her measurements, as well as some other notes. “Explains why you don’t get out much… Anyway, I can have your dress ready in an hour. Now, who’s next?”

______________________________________________________________________________

Palmer took her sweet time walking around town trying to kill time. After knocking out a crazed mare yelling something about humans, she decided it would just be easier to go back to the boutique. As she walked in, she saw Thorne decked out in what looked like an officer's uniform of some sort, trimmed out in gold thread.

“I should be all set Thorne. The Princess took care of the payment in advance.”

“Alright.” Thorne turned to Palmer. “Well?”

“Thorne, the day I start giving out compliments for appearances is the day that I decided I’m in need of a career change.”

“Alright then, I’ll meet you outside.”

As her companion walked out of the building, Palmer rolled her eyes. “I take it I’m next?”

“Dear, your friend was just a sample of my brilliance.” Rarity levitated a silver dress, lined out in red velvet, a pair of low-heeled shoes and small sapphire earings to complement the ensemble. “Well?”

Palmer didn’t say a word as she examined the dress. “Where’d you get the ideas for the color?”

“Call it mare’s intuition.” said the designer.

“I guess it’s OK…” mumbled the Spartan. “But are you sure you didn’t lift the colors from my armor specs?”

“I’m sorry?”

“My armor. It’s the same color.” said Palmer.

Rarity paused. “Something about those colors just clicked, you know?”

“Alright then.” Palmer folded up the dress, before grabbing a bag off the counter and placing the clothing in with care. “I’ll try it on later. I’ve got a two hour drive ahead of me, and I’d rather get moving.”

“Of course darling.” As Palmer started walking out the door, Rarity perked up. “Oh, and enjoy the gala!”

______________________________________________________________________________

Canterlot Castle

Palmer looked herself over with her mirror. After getting back, she had tried on the dress and found it fit perfectly. While she was avoiding any sort of opinion on her new garb, she was quick to change into her training gear and pack away the dress. With everything packed away, she decided a quick food-run was in order.

As Palmer navigated the hallways, she got a few stares from some of the guards and marines. Walking into the dining hall, she found Dusk, Dart and Steeljack talking over drinks. “You’re an ass, you know that?”

Dusk smirked. “Maybe I am?” taking a sip from his coffee, Dusk gestured back to the Spartan. “Nice earrings by the way.”

Checking her ears, Palmer realized she forgot to take off the earrings. She tried to get them off, but had no luck. “How the hell do you get these things off?”

“Mare’s secret.” snarked Dart.

Palmer gave up, clearly unable to take the jewelry off. “Figures I’d be beaten by a pair of earrings.” she groaned.

“Just look at the positive Palmer…” Dusk tapped his chin for a moment. “Granted you’d have to figure out what the positives are in this situation.”

“Then allow me to make the lot of you good about yourselves!” yelled Patch as she walked in. Swinging into the seat next to Steeljack, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek before tossing a tacpad down on the table. “Enclave’s on the move. From the looks of it, they’ve managed to get a few of their agents on the guest list for the gala.”

“And how did they-”

“Not a clue.” said the mare. “Regardless, the opportunity to snatch up some Enclave agents seems worth the time.”

“Alright the, get a plan on my desk within the hour.” quipped Dart before she swallowed the rest of her coffee. “I’ll see what I can do about finding some undercover…” The mare looked over at Palmer. “Congratulations Palmer. You’ll now need that second ticket.”

______________________________________________________________________________

UNSC Infinity

Lasky sat on the couch in his ready room back on Infinity, going over reports regarding Enclave activity and previous Equestrian encounters with ONI.

“Captain.” chimed Roland. “Palmer’s here to speak with you.”

“Send her in.” Lasky put down his tablet, looking up at his visitor. “Something wrong Sarah?”

The Spartan grabbed the chair from behind Lasky’s desk and plopping down. “I need a favor.”

“Alright. Fire away.”

“I’ll need…” Palmer sighed. “Look, I need a date for this gala.” she said as she handed Lasky a ticket.

“Since when do you care for formalities?”

“I never started.” stated the Spartan. “But the Equestrians got word that a handful of Enclave agents will be making an appearance.”

“So, they want to keep up appearances-”

“-and then spring a trap and grab the bastards.”

Lasky sat back and smiled. “Simple enough. When is it?”

“Tomorrow night. Dusk wants everyone to meet at some factory out in the sticks to go over the plan, and then we’ll head in from there.”

“Well then Sarah, if that’s all I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

As the Spartan got up and left, Roland’s avatar shimmered into existence. “Captain, I’ve got Lord Hood on comms for you.”

The Captain rose, straightening out his uniform while Roland opened the channel. “Lord Hood. What can I do for you sir?”

“You can start by rolling out the red carpet.” joked the Admiral. “The UEG Council has me heading out to initiate formal diplomatic relations with these ‘Equestrians’.”

“I thought we had that covered?”

“The Council seems to be questioning that. Considering they gave me the orders after they read the files that we received on Osman and some of ONI’s more recent activities, I get the feeling that they want to ensure that everything is going smoothly.”

“When can I expect you to get here?” asked the Captain.

“I’ll be there early tomorrow morning aboard the Aladdin. As of now, it should be around 0500.”

Lasky smirked. “Then you’ll be here just in time for our little breakfast meeting.”