Okay so I know I said it before, but again, this is really a huge shocker to me. I mentioned that this meeting with aliens trumps all other crazy things I've seen and I meant it. Then we began to walk through the capital building of this "Equestria," and I couldn't deny their skills and creativity in terms of architecture and decor. They managed to build this on the side of a MOUNTAIN, okay? I saw that much when flying in on the Crow. Knowing this, being inside this structure is all the more enchanting. The halls and corridors were so damn tall, and it was almost like a maze. The windows were no small feature either, though as a Pilot I could see that as a potential security risk. Still it was damn impressive. Most of it seemed to be made of marble or bright, pristine, and well treated wood. Top that off with the red carpet, royal furnishings, chandeliers, and other decor and it really looked like the home of a benevolent leader. I still kept my guard up though. I didn't know fully weather or not I could trust these beings. I thought back to Karish's advice.

"You are a soldier and a commander. You have a military vessel under your command and a loyal crew who, I think at this point, can call one another friends or extended family at the very least. Offer our services, help them defeat the enemy, for all you know, that may even lead us to our quarry before we even have to ask for their aid. Also, be honest. Tell them the whole truth, why we are here, who the man we hunt is. If they found us, they certainly know about the crashed Destroyer too so explain that as well. You already started by giving a summary of who the Militia truly is."

I nodded to myself and made a decision. I would tell the truth, but I would take it slow.

As I thought about our situation, Rebecca was back at the rear of our procession being the social miracle she was. I couldn't help chuckling. She was an eccentric and fun loving woman, I won't deny that.

"Okay I gotta say it," she said.

They all looked at her.

"This is by far the coolest thing ever," she giggled.

Iron Hoof tilted his head, "Care to elaborate?"

"Well to us you all are each a different alien species," she explained, "So A, aliens are totally badass, which is another way to say awesome, and B, our little crew is the first of our race to encounter you all! Oh god I hope we make a good impression."

Red Wing chuckled. "So far you are. You seem excited and happy to be here and what you just said now indicates a desire to make friends out of us, rather than make enemies."

"Well yeah I guess. Though I'm not really good at politics, I love making new friends, so I hope that helps."

"Forgive me," Iron Hoof began, "But you're a soldier are you not? Wouldn't the leaders of your faction expect you to be more disciplined near them or leaders of a newly encountered race?"

I decided to speak up. "Militia Command gives us more free reign over our actions due to our service history. We may be unorthodox in comparison to the usual starship crew or battalion of soldiers, but we're effective acting on our own, without regulations or highly specific sets of orders to bog us down. They give us the mission, give a few basic rules, and we always act in a way that leads to a victory based on the basic set parameters, be it on the battlefield or in the areas of diplomacy. While we are more experienced with battlefield actions, we have made diplomats happy in the past, be it with rescues, friendly behavior, or good advice."

"Yup, plus being too disciplined makes me too intimidating and unsociable," Rebecca added. "I prefer to be a free and friendly spirit. It's led me to make great friends, and I've always been loyal to those I become friends with. I can gladly say that Anthony is one of those friends, along with every single human being in our ship's crew. While leaders tend to like to see discipline in soldiers, foreign or domestic, a soldier who is good at earning trust and making friends on the side is far more ideal than one who simply follows orders. Hell look at me now, I'm second in command on a starship with the entire crew being the best friends I've ever had. I'd say that's all the proof of concept I need."

Luna giggled a bit. "You and your crew value friendship and family then?"

"More than most starship crews and battalions yeah," I answered. "I wouldn't even be alive now if it wasn't for Rebecca and the others. You have no idea how many times they saved my life."

"Hey don't forget all the times you saved my bacon ol' chum," Rebecca giggled.

I rolled my eyes and laughed.

Iron Hoof smiled. "Normally I'd see such lack of discipline as a weakness, but you make it and your sense of camaraderie sound like your greatest strengths. For that, I must offer my respect."

I looked at Iron and gave a respectful smile and nod. "Nothing like a tightly knit team that works well together and can make each other happy all at the same time."

"Like a well oiled machine, but with waaaay more personality," Rebecca giggled.

The whole procession giggled, laughed, and/or smiled at that.

Luna stopped at a large set of oak wood double doors. Her horn lit up in a dark navy blue aura and the same aura appeared around the doors. Rebecca and I were both in awe. Luna used her mind to open those heavy ass doors? I was fucking astounded. I again found myself wondering what else they could do. I noted that only Celestia and Luna had shown this ability. Perhaps this was unique to their species. Speaking of Celestia, guess who was waiting for us inside the meeting room, on the other side of a large, round oaken table with comfy looking chairs all around it.

I blanched. "W-wait huh!? Didn't you turn down a hallway further behind us to write a letter? H-how are you here first?"

Celestia giggled and waved a hoof whimsically. "Magic."

Rebecca and I both showed confusion at this, even as we accepted invitations to sit. Luna sat next to her sister while everyone else sat in other seats around us. Rebecca and I were opposite the princesses.

Luna explained. "It's an inherent ability my sister and I have, along with all of our subjects here in Equestria, though the latent abilities vary between the many subspecies."

Celestia nodded. "In this case, I used the ability to teleport."

To demonstrate, she teleported to another side of the room, and then back, making our jaws drop.

After a slightly uncomfortable pause, Rebecca broke the ice.

"That.... has to be.... the COOLEST THING EVER!" She cheered, "Can every species on the planet do that?"

Celestia sighed sadly. "No, only our kind. While it is a great gift, it is a bit of a curse due to how some members of other species are rather jealous. Dragons are the only other species on this world known to have any natural access to magic. All other species have to access it indirectly with enchanted objects and artifacts."

My curiosity was piqued now. "I'm guessing your nation attempted creating some of these objects and trading to other nations to help share the ability?"

Celestia nodded. "We did our best to let all benefit from it, and still do."

I couldn't help smiling. "At least you guys are trying."

Celestia smiled and giggled in response, "We do the best we can."

"Makes believing your claim of being raiser of the sun more believable too just saying. Can you really do that?" I asked excitedly.

Celestia nodded once more. "My sister raises the moon as well. Together, we use our abilities to help keep things balanced and peaceful. Keeping the day and night going regularly is part of that task. It was like this since.... well since a long time ago. It's a part of history that's still sensitive to us. In any case, yes we can do it, and yes we use it for the benefit of all."

"Waaaaay better than the IMC then...." Rebecca muttered, though not quietly enough to go unheard.

There was a pungent pause as the sudden change in Rebecca's tone to somewhat angry and hateful was VERY unexpected.

"You mentioned these "IMC" folks before.... though details remained sparse," Valiance noted on the side.

"Indeed, and it seems you don't hold them in a very positive light," Terrana added.

I sighed, my demeanor already changing to something less positive. "You have no idea. I will say that they are the exact opposite of how you describe yourselves. And judging by how beautiful and peaceful this land has seemed ever since we flew in, I have to believe your claims. I can tell you right now, the IMC would try to find out a way to exploit this world like they have all the others on the Frontier.... and even bleed it dry...."

The princesses and dignitaries all grimaced at this.

"And don't get me started on their unfair treatment of the colonies in the Frontier," I continued, "They killed a man down the road from where I lived when I was just a kid simply for not giving them his product and business without fair compensation. They killed him and took it from him even though he and the rest of us colonists were the ones who built and harvested EVERYTHING in the Frontier, sans a few IMC outposts to watch over things. It started with unfair taxes, it ends with a war that they instigated and still goes on today! They're unfair, unjust dictators!"

I hadn't noticed that my voice had been rising the entire time, my hate and anger flaring noticeably.

"Anthony.... stop...." Rebecca put a hand on my shoulder and looked at me worriedly.

The princesses shared a quick glance, conveying their worry to each other.

I looked into Rebecca's eyes and my expression changed from an angry glare to a sad frown. She knew the subject always brought on pain. She knew how much I really hated the IMC.... Hell she knew exactly why I was like this.... I nodded and leaned back in the chair, taking a deep breath and calming down.

The other dignitaries seemed uncomfortably aware of the level of hate I had shown and their expressions, while they were practiced diplomats, still betrayed concern.... and a little bit of fear....

Celestia finally spoke up. "I'm going to assume that these other humans, the IMC, do not leave a good taste in your mouth so to speak."

Rebecca answered for me, giving me a break. "You don't know the half of it..... Anthony here has more reason than anyone else in our crew to hate the IMC.... I would rather not share the details though. It's up to him to trust you with what caused it." Her expression as she explained was one of genuine sorrow and no small amount of pain.

It made it hurt a little more that my pain, my rage, was causing my best friend to worry that much. I really do need to take her lessons more to heart than I already do....

Celestia frowned and looked at me with eyes that spoke of her own sorrow at Rebecca's words and an almost motherly concern. Luna's expression was no different.

My frown deepened and I looked away, feeling shame at letting myself show that side of me even a little bit.

"Perhaps...." Celestia began, "We should give you two a bit of a break. You and your craft's pilot are welcome to use some of the unused VIP quarters if you wish. I can have one of my guards show you the way."

Rebecca smiled sadly at her. "Thank you Princess... though if I know Cassandra, she's not gonna wanna part with her bird unless she's back on the ship." Rebecca keyed on her wrist radio, contacting our pilot. "Cassandra?"

"I'm here Rebecca, whats up?"

"Princesses are offering VIP rooms for us to rest up for the night. You wanna come in?" Rebecca asked.

Cassandra laughed. "Sorry ma'am, I'm happy stayin' with ol' Betsy. You get some rest though. I'll be here."

Rebecca giggled in response and replied, "Alright Cassie, try to get some sleep and we'll contact you in the morning."

"Will do ma'am. And as always, stay safe."

That was one of the things I loved about Rebecca. She knew all the quirks of all our crew or was quick to learn them. She even genuinely cared about each one, almost like a mother.

"You too." Rebecca turned off her wrist comms. "I guess we'll just take a VIP room for two, with two beds. That alright Anthony?"

I looked at her, smiling a little bit. My answer was a silent "Yeah."

Celestia nodded and looked to the doors be hind her. "Guards?" she called politely.

The door opened and a few guards in intricate golden armor that reminded me of ancient Rome stepped in.

Celestia smiled and gestured to Rebecca and I as she spoke. "Could one of you please escort our guests to one of the VIP rooms in the west wing? A room for two would be preferable, two beds."

One of the guards nodded. "Of course Princess," the mare, as told by her voice, replied. A pegasus if the wings were anything to go by. She approached us. "If you two would follow me please."

Rebecca and I stood and left the room, following our escort.

As soon as the doors closed, Celestia leaned back in her chair and sighed. The other dignitaries looked at her.

"Sister, are you alright....?" Luna looked at her elder sister with concern.

"I'm alright. Just tired," Celestia admitted, "Maybe a little worried about our new guests. Their Commander, Mr. Dubias..... his past clearly troubles him."

Terrana nodded in agreement with the others before speaking up. "Perhaps their coming to our world was not mere chance then?"

High Wind looked at Terrana with confusion. "What do you mean?"

The Zebra smiled. "Equestria is a land of friendship and healing, her history is ancient and her magic runs deep. His coming here may not be what he was willing, but we can only guess while they sleep."

Luna nodded. "If I were to hazard a guess, something brought them here whether they wanted it or not. The other object, the ship that crashed in Gryphonia. Perhaps they were chasing it."

"That would likely make those who crashed here IMC," Celestia added.

Iron Hoof nodded, "It would also explain the activity your spies detected at the crash site. Two groups were reported fighting after objects came down from the sky, likely from their ship. The Fyrebyrd if I remember right. Sounds like they named it after a Phoenix."

Red Wing tilted his head in thought, "I can see that as being the most logical conclusion.... but if they are still intact and the IMC presence here is not, what keeps them here? Their mission is complete yes? How come they did not leave, especially after being attacked by members of my own species?"

"We did contact them, and they do seem interested in diplomacy," Valiance added.

"I cannot help but feel that an ulterior motive is involved here, along with no small amount of misfortune. I did watch their ship through the telescope for a time after we first contacted them. Their ship has recently seen battle and is rather battered. Additionally, I can sense some nobility in them but I also sense that they did not, maybe could not, tell us everything," High Wind added. "It's difficult to read, but the signs are there. Their talk of the IMC almost made it unnoticeable under the numerous emotions portrayed during that part of the discussion. I can definitely tell that it still involves this IMC to some degree though."

"All that from reading their expressions and body language, and from getting a look at their ship?" Valiance asked skeptically, eyebrows raised.

"My dear, when you are a diplomat for a nation like mine, you quickly learn to be able to read the intricacies of the physical expressions of emotion among other things, or you soon fail and somepony else rapidly takes your place. I can almost guarantee that a mixture of fate, misfortune, and purpose led them to stay here. They are determined about something. They try to hide it but that glint, that fire, it is there in their eyes. I have no doubt they wish to make friends, but they have another reason or two for staying here. For now, I can only speculate about what it may be."

"Then for now we have reached a dead end," Celestia concluded. "Thank you for your insight High Wind, we will surely take it into account. For now, we must continue to focus on the affairs of our world while trying to help the Militia feel un-threatened, and even welcomed. I think we all can sense the turmoil in their hearts. We should try to help them, but we must tread carefully. In my detour, I took the liberty of contacting my pupil, Princess Twilight, and informed her and her friends of the situation. Before any of you say anything, she had already seen their small craft flying past Ponyville through her telescope. She stays up late for astronomy or other studies some nights and tonight happened to be one of those nights. Besides, we all know that she and her friends will very likely be able to aid our new guests in fighting the ghosts of their past."

Everyone in the room voiced their agreement.... all but one.

"Princess," Iron Hoof began, "I understand that they played a pivotal role in defending this nation and even this world, but do you really think they would be able to help with something like this?"

"You seem to underestimate them greatly if you have any doubt in their abilities," Luna said haughtily.

"Sister, calm yourself," Celestia ordered, though with a gentle voice.

Luna backed off, still looking livid that the Minotaur would even think of questioning the abilities of her friends.

Celestia then sighed. "Luna, I know you were defending your friends, but you must understand. The Minotaurs aren't as educated in the latest history of Equestria. They have been very focused on their own affairs as of late, especially given current circumstances. I'm surprised Red Wing there didn't voice his own skepticism."

Red Wing chuckled. "Princess, I am the Gryphon Ambassador to Equestria, of course I am versed in recent history in this land. I am fully aware of your pupil's capabilities and agree wholeheartedly that the expertise of she and her friends will be most beneficial given our current predicament. We must focus on a war that is brewing. Who better than the Princess of Friendship, and the Elements of Harmony, to help our alien guests learn to trust more than just the soldiers they serve with while we are distracted by war knocking on our doors?"

Iron Hoof nodded. "When you put it that way, I see no reason to object. I apologize for the misunderstanding Princess Luna."

She managed to smile again and replied with a respectful nod. "I accept your apology Iron Hoof, and it is quite alright. I suppose I did get ahead of myself and jump to conclusions."

Celestia giggled. "I'm glad to see that in times like these, we can all still move past our differences and remain friends."

"Agreed," Valiance giggled.

Meanwhile, in Gryphonia

Malcovitch piloted his modified Atlas along, seeking shelter in the mountains of this strange world. He had witnessed the Gryphons attacking his pursuers, though was too far out of range to really engage them. An Arc Cannon didn't exactly leave room for stealth once fired after all.

Here he was, days later, stranded and angry on a world he didn't know. Despite this, his mind continued to go through numerous possibilities.

"I'll spill their blood and have their HEADS for this...." he muttered to himself.

He suddenly heard a noise filter through the Titan's emulators and the voice of his AI, Sid, was heard right after once he stopped his Atlas.

"I am detecting the presence of unidentified sentients. Thermal signatures indicate they are not human but I am picking up segments of English speech."

Malcovitch stopped and listened.

"I can't believe it," one voice said as Malcovitch also noted the sounds of primarily idle vehicles, though none that he recognized.

"What," another said.

"Did you hear about what happened to that sod Forest Talon's squad?"

"Oh you mean about the giant robots crud? I don't believe a word of that rubbish. Now get back to work. I want this company moving."

"I wouldn't jump to conclusions Major.... check this here out. Sources indicate that an object, similar to one of those seen flying in on that big crash on the mountains, was also seen heading towards Canterlot in Equestria. Something big is going down."

That caught Malcovitch's attention. Were those Militia bastards really still here? Could they be trying to engage in diplomacy?

......

"Two can play at that game....." he muttered. He decided to listen further before rounding the corner. If he were to hazard a guess, there was a road just up ahead.

"Wait what?" the Major said.

"Yeah, something flew into Canterlot. Nothing like the Deer could ever make. Makes my feathers itch. Something is going down boss."

"Hmmm..... could this.... new faction.... be allied with the Equestrians?"

"If they aren't they could be trying to make an alliance..... Word is that the Emperor has ordered spies to Canterlot to learn more and eliminate any potential threat... if they can that is. Tech like that in the hooves of Equestrians or the Talons of the Loyalists? Dangerous stuff man. If Forest Talon's story is true, then they may have a hard time dealing with whatever this is."

"You can count on that much," Malcovitch said through the external speakers of his Titan as he decloaked and stepped out.

"GAH!"

"WHAT THE! WEAPONS UP!"

Malcovitch gave a chuckle that sent chills down the spines of every Gryphon in the area.

"Relax. I mean you no harm.... though I cannot say the same for the others of my kind who hunt me," the German/Russian said.

The Gryphons around him all looked confused for a moment.

"Others of your kind?" a Gryphon, and his voice allowed Malcovitch to place him as the Major, asked.

"Yah, they are my enemies.... and it seems they are trying to make allies of your enemies as well," the pilot replied.

"Oh that's just perfect...." the Major said sarcastically, "Do you have a name?"

"Malcovitch, Gerald Malcovitch."

"Well then Gerald. If you do not intend us harm, what do you intend for us?"

"An alliance proposal of my own of course."

Things were starting to look up for the IMC Inventor, and he shut off the external speakers so his ominous chuckle would go unheard by any but himself.

Author's Note

Ah hell.... looks like the badguys are starting up here. Now, this guy Malcovitch is a genius, don't forget that. Not just with technology, but with strategy and tactics. He's also greedy, so if the gryphons of the Insurrection offer gold well.... let's just say he'll have every reason to ally with them. Guys we all know the numerous implications this gives. Make no mistake, things are about to go down.

Anyhow, hope you enjoyed this chapter.

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