Honor and Friendship

Chapter Nine

With the Wraith, that Pinkie Pie somehow found, the salvage group managed to collect far more weapons, equipment, and even armor. Granted, it took Easy to Adjust sometime to create a hitch and attach it to the Wraith, but their haul became a priceless boon for the three former members of the Covenant. Now, with Aythai’Vadam piloting the disabled Wraith, the salvage team were on their way back to Sweet Apple Acres, and their current home base. While the Sangheili drove, Flipyap manned the plasma turret, Easty to Adjust held on to the main cannon while working on it, the three mares were riding on the tank’s carapace.

“How much longer, until we get back to the farm?” Rainbow Dash asked, shifting a bit on the tank’s strangely smooth surface.

Aythai’Vadam checked his helmet’s internal map, looking for the Phantom’s marker and its distance from them. “Should not be much longer, probably another couple of minutes before it comes into view.” He answered, double checking for any hostile motion as well. “From what I can tell, we are also clear of any threats, so this should be a smooth ride from this point on.”

“Don’t be getting’ too relax, Aythai. Remember, them Changeling pests were spotted tryin’ ta get into yer ship…” Applejack looked around the woods, trying to scan for any signs of the Changelings around them. “No tellin’ where they could pop out at.”

“Oh, quit your worrying, Orange!” Flipyap yelled, playfully, as he scanned the plasma cannon’s sector of fire. “If they do show up, then I’ll light’em up with this bad boy!” The Unggoy patted his weapon, proud of the rapid firing cannon. “One of these could decimate, or pin down, large groups of armored infantry. You can imagine what it would do against those ‘Changelings’.”

“Yeah!” Pinkie Pie chirped, appearing in the turret hatch with Flipyap. “And once Easy gets the big thingy up and running, we could easily send them packing!”

Flipyap looked back at the pink mare, with a raised bro. “You know what the Wraith’s main cannon does?”

“Nope!” She chirped, as Flipyap gave her a confused look.

Aythai’Vadam chuckled a bit, finding the confusing mare funny. Though, when his comm-link started to beep, he quickly answered it. “Princess, we are almost back, I can already see Sweet Apple Acres.” The Sangheili said, seeing the Apple Orchard coming into view, the country style farm home signifying that their mission is almost over.

“Good to hear, Sword. Though, an update is not why I called.” Twilight said, making Aythai’Vadam raise an eyebrow at the response. “I have a letter from Princess Celestia, it is a response to the letter I sent to her about the Changelings you encountered.”

“Alright, go ahead, I am listening.” He said, glancing at the motion sensing map every now and then.

“I, Princess Celestia, hereby draft Special Operations Stealth Leader Aythai’Vadam, Heavy Weapons and Demolitions Expert Flipyap, and Engineering Expert Easy to Adjust; into Equestria’s newly formed Special Operations Division. I also hereby promote Stealth Leader Aythai’Vadam to the rank of Commanding Officer for the Special Operations Division, to command and form as he sees fit.” Twilight read, making the Sangheili smirk at what had been said, knowing the others heard it as well. “Congratulations, Sword. Princess Celestia has also granted the Special Operations Division permission to use Sweet Apple Acres as their hidden Headquarters.”

“Acknowledged, Princess. Once we return, and get everything unloaded, we can do this officially, if you want.” Aythai’Vadam replied, having the Wraith turn into the Orchard’s entrance. “E.T.A, one minute until arrival.”

“Alright, welcome back!” She replied, happily, before the comm-link went off.

-Three Days Later-

Applejack walked into the Phantom’s troop hold, searching for the Sangheili that had taken up residence at Sweet Apple Acres. Once again, it had gotten late into the night, and Aythai’Vadam was the only one not to turn in for the night. Within the past three days, since they returned from their salvage operation, the Sangheili had been waking up early and staying up late, working on the armor they had recovered.

“Hey, sugarcube, are ya in here big guy?” She asked, hearing the plasma cutter being used, but did not want to startle him.

“I am, putting some finishing touches on my new armor.” He replied, shutting the plasma cutter off.

Applejack smiled, walking in further with a blanket in her arms. “Figured, if yer gonna pull another all-nighter, ya may need this.” She showed him the red threaded Apple Family blanket, before looking at the five cannibalized Sangheili armor hanging against the wall, then back at the body suit wearing warrior. “So, ‘Commander’, when will that here fancy armor be finished?”

Aythai’Vadam chuckled a bit, facing the mare fully. “Almost done, Easy just has to change the color and it will be complete.” He gave a weary sigh, rubbing the back of his head. “I got lucky, without an Engineer to help? It would have taken many months just to integrate six different armor types, into one.”

“Maybe ya should take a good, long, break, sugarcube.” Applejack suggested, the Sangheili raising an eyebrow. “You’ve been pushin’ yerself, ever since ya came to. Ya say Easy just needs ta change the color, well… Let him do that, while you take some much needed time to rest and recover.” She placed a finger on to the center of Aythai’Vadam’s broad chest, before pulling it back and placing said hand on to her partially exposed hips. “After all, ya won’t be no good to anypony, if yer body is worn out and tired.”

The Sangheili looked down at her, before thinking on it for a moment. Far as he knew, right now, Celestia was still determining what she was going to do about the Changelings trying to infiltrate the wreckage, let alone breaking their peace treaty. So, he could rest, until the princess passes down new orders, it will also give him plenty of time to gather information about the geographical location around him and the ship. After all, a soldier worth his weight should know what is around him, at all times.

“Alright, guess I could rest until Princess Celestia passes down new orders for us.” He agreed.

“Great… Now, ah know of a Sangheili sized bed, with yer name written on it. Follow me, sugarcube.” With that, Applejack lead him into the Apple Family house, and to the room reserved for the Sangheili.

-Changeling Hive, The Badlands, Two Weeks Later-

The Changeling Guards patrolled the Hive’s corridors, on high alert since the investigation of the crash site, in Equestria, had failed. The away team never returned, nor reported in, for two weeks… So their Queen knew this meant that they were discovered, and had failed in their mission. She knew Celestia would not let this go by unpunished, so Chrysalis increased her guard and patrols. The entire Hive was heavily guarded by well-trained drones, all linked to the Hive Mind and knew what was going on with the others.

Though, through the darkness of the night, a shadow moved within the heavily guarded Hive. It moved unseen, unnoticed by the drones and their patrols. Even as it soared from rampart to rampart, scaled from wall to wall. When a sound was made, and a drone came to investigate… Nothing had been seen within the Hive’s glowing light. Once they left, a massive, transparent, outline started to move again.

Before long, the shadow arrived within Queen Chrysalis’ personal chambers. The room was dark, allowing said Changeling Queen to sleep without any annoyances, not even the sight of something decloaking could be seen. The only signs of another being within the room, was a pair of narrow, glowing, red eyes. They locked on to the Changeling Queen, as a scaled, four fingered, hand pulled out a Royal Equestrian Dagger. The golden hilt had been decorated with iconography of the royal alicorn sisters that ruled over the pony kingdom, even an alicorn shaped ruby placed at the dagger’s cross guard.

Aythai’Vadam eyed the weapon within his hand, remembering Celestia’s orders. “Infiltrate the Changeling Hive, deep within the Badlands. Using that dagger, leave a message for the Changelings, that Equestria will not suffer their hostile incursions any longer.” The princess’ words echoed within his mind… She gave him the choice of what said message could be. To the Sangheili, there was only one message that will strike fear in these creatures.

When his helmeted gaze returned to Chrysalis, Aythai’Vadam quickly reverse gripped his dagger, and silently approached the slumbering Queen.

-Equis Peace Summit, Four Days Later-

Chrysalis as beyond terrified, ever since she woke up and found a Royal Equestria Dagger on the pillow next to her, four days ago. The message that came with it, wordlessly, was clear as day. “No matter how well protected you are; we can still get to you.” Now, she was in Canterlot for the diplomatic Equis Peace Summit. Normally she would just skip out on this, sending one of her delegates to handle this instead, but both nervousness and curiosity got the better of her.

Now, with the other Equis Leaders, they awaited the arrival of Celestia. When the doors opened, and said white alicorn walked in, the leaders stood up from their seats, in respect to their host. “Greetings to you all, it is good to see each one of you again.” She greeted, the leaders nodding and sitting down after she did. “Now, before we start, do any of you have anything you wish to speak on?”

Chrysalis noticed the other leaders were curious, as to why there is a lack of guards, but she was the first to speak. “I do.” Celestia suddenly smiled even more, before nodding to the Changeling Queen. “I wish to know, Princess Celestia…” They all watched, as Chrysalis pulled out the Royal Equestrian Dagger and placed it on to the table. “Were you the one who ordered this be left within my chambers, while I slept!?”

Celestia’s smile did not waver, even after Chyrsalis pulled out the dagger and all eyes were on her. “That is correct, Queen Chrysalis… After your most recent incursion into my Kingdom, I ordered my Special Operations Commander to leave your people a message… In all honesty, I half expected him to kill you.” She gained a ponderous look about her, still smiling. “He’s fanatical enough for it, and has the skills to do it silently, without any the wiser~.”

The leaders all gasped, barely believing the regal princess actually being so cold about possibly ordering the murder of another leader, let alone seem so relaxed about admitting to it. “Well, what do you expect!? A strange craft crashes within your Kingdom’s boarders, and your forces quickly quarantine it! If there was some sort of doomsday weapon on board, or advance technology to increase your army’s power… It is only natural I send a scout team to find out!” Chrysalis argued, eyes locked on to the Equestria’s eldest ruler. “And do not get me started on the fact, you have not allowed word to get out about what could be inside!”

“I assure you, Queen Chrysalis, there is no such weapon on board the ‘CNV Undying Promise’.” Her words confused the leaders, and Celestia only recently learned of the Covenant Assault Ship’s name. “As for why my guard quarantined the ship? It is so, until my Special Operations Commander deems the vessel stable and safe, who has also has only allowed Equestria’s researchers to enter the ship.”

“And who is he to decide such a thing!?” Stone Fist, Warchief of the Minotaur Kingdom, asked.

“The fact that he was one of those on board the Undying Promise?” Celestia noted, causing the leaders to go wide eyed. “He is alos the reason as to why my guards are not present, within the room… Our meeting is under his protection.”

They all looked around, trying to find said commander… But saw no one. “Princess, where is he? The only ones present, are us.” Chief Thunderhooves asked.

“Right here.” A voice called out, surprising the leaders, as Aythai’Vadam decloaked. Slowly, the black and red, heavily armored, Sangheili was revealed to the leaders… Standing right next to Celestia. In his hands, Aythai’Vadam held a black colored Plasma Repeater, with a red glow to it, while his Ultra helmet scanned each leader and determining if any were a threat to the princess. “And I am not alone, either.”

Without warning, Flipyap jumped down from the second level, and pointed his fully activated Fuel Rod at any leader that reached for their weapon. “Come on! Come on! I dare ya, horn head, make my day!” He cackled, glaring at Stone Fish, who froze after seeing the heavy weapon and rather… Insane, runt-like, creature.

Though, all eyes went up, as Easy to Adjust floated in from where Flipyap jumped in from. He had a tea cup in one of his tendrils, going over to Celestia and handing it to her. “Thank you very much, Easy to Adjust, dear.” She looked to the others, still smiling.” Would any of you like some tea? Easy to Adjust does not seem to mind.” The Huragok made happy chiming and whistles towards the leaders, happy that Celestia praised him, as they simply shook their heads.

-Sweet Apple Acres-

Applejack hauled a basket of apple, smiling at how well their harvest was this time around. Though, the mare could have really done this without today’s heat. She had to tie her flannel shirt up, and wear a pair of jean shorts that were high above mid-thigh, just to stay cool enough to work. Big Macintosh simply settled with working without a shirt, but Applejack could not do such a thing.

“Woo boy! Looks like we’ll have enough apples ta sell our famous pies and fritters!” Applejack cheered, sitting down her basket, while Big Mac sat down the two he was carrying.

“Eyup.” The red stallion said, eyeing the several baskets of apples in front of him. “If ah’m right, and we use all these here apples to make pies and fritters…” He rubbed his chin, while chewing on the strange of wheat. “This is if we sell them all, we will have enough bits to pay all of our bills and get few things repaired around the farm.” Big Mac rubbed the back of his head.

Applejack gave a nod, smiling but soon frowned. “Ah have ta agree with that… But how often do we sell everythin’, Big Mac?” The stallion gave a reluctant nod, both giving a heavy sigh.

Many believe that the Apple Family had no trouble, due to how happy they were all the time. But this was all a front, to make sure the others did not know about their personal financial problems at home. Not even Applebloom knew about their financial problems, believing she is far too young to be worrying about such things. They could always ask Applejack’s friends for help, but the mare was just too stubborn for that.

The stallion was about to answer her, but the sounds of some machine nearby caught their attention. “T-That can’t be…” Applejack looked to Big Mac, who looked just as worried. “C-Can it?”

“Only one way ta find out, AJ.” The two sprinted towards the farm’s front gate, hoping this could be some other contraption near the farm. Though, when they reached he white painted, wooden, arch… The two went wide eyed. “You!?” They yelled.

Standing side by side, with their trademark ‘Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000’ right behind them, were the twin con-artists that always seem to be causing problems for the Apple Family. Though, standing next to the two, was a strange unicorn stallion in a black suit, brief case in hand. To Big Mac and Applejack, he seemed like some business pony from Canterlot.

“That’s right!” Called Flim.

“Tis us, Apple Family!” Added Flam, the two suddenly leaning on each other.

“And what do the two of ya want, now!? Didn’t ya get it the last time ya were ere! Ya aren’t welcome!” Applejack fumed, these two always seem to infuriate her on the spot.

Both unicorn twins gave a devious smirk. “Isn’t it obvious?” Flam started, twirling his mustache.

“We are here to collect what is ours!” Flim finished, the two Apple Siblings gaining a surprised look. “I seem to recall a certain wager that you bet your entire farm on, and lost.”

“In which we gain the entre Sweet Apple Acres by winning said challenge.” Flam held his grin, still twirling his mustache.

This time, the finely dressed stallion approached the two, holding his brief case up. “Unforutnately, after a long period of time asking questions and getting signatures around Ponyville, I have concluded that these two do have claim over Sweet Apple Acres.” He pulled out several sheets of legal documents, each having signatures from the Ponyville residence. “I am Hard Case, a Legal Representative for Property Disputes, my firm is based in Canterlot… I am sorry, Ms. Applejack, but your family will have to gather your things, and leave the property.”

Applejack was at a loss of words, and with all the legal documents in front of her, it would be impossible to fight this in court. “Isn’t there anythin’ we can do, ta prevent this?” She asked, looking up at Hard Case.

He gave an apologetic look, before shaking his head. “I apologize for this… But nothing short of an official document from Princess Celestia herself can stop this. I have already tried, none of Ponyville’s residences seem to remember the Flim Flam Brothers returning ownership to you.”

The moment he mentioned an ‘official document from Celestia’, Applejack looked back to Big Mac. “Quick! Go to Aythai’s room, and get that letter from the Princess! I am sure he has it somewhere in there!”

“On it!” Big Mac shouted, practically vaulting towards the house.

The display caused Hard Case to raise an eyebrow. “Ms. Applejack, is there something I am missing?” He asked.

The mare gave a confident grin, looking towards Hard Case, placing a hand on to her exposed hip. “Ya, around three weeks ago? Princess Celestia officially made Sweet Apple Acres the base of operations for one of her military branches.”

The Flim Flam Brothers became unnerved, looking towards Hard Case. The stallion seemed skeptical about the new information, so the twins allowed him to do the job they were paying him for. “I have not heard of such things, recently, Ms. Applejack…. But, out of professional courtesy, I shall have a look at this letter.” The twins went pale, as Hard Case gave her an approving wink and caused the mare to give a relieved sigh.

-Few Minutes Later-

Once Big Mac returned, letter in hand, Applejack had him give it to Hard Case. Though, the stallion spent several more minutes going over the letter, examining it. He even pulled out a pair of reading glasses, to examine the handwriting before actually reading it. To say the two Apple Siblings were anxious, would be an understatement. While Big Mac barely showed his anxiety, Applejack was sweating bullets. So, when Hard Case put his reading glasses away, those present were on baited breath. “W-Well?” Applejack asked, stepping forward.

“This seems like an official document, from the Princess… But I will require a meeting with this, newly dubbed, ‘Commander Aythai’Vadam’ to make sure.” He answered, handing the letter back to Applejack. “Until then, I cannot make an official ruling on this.”

Applejack’s eyes were wide, not believing her luck. “Bu Ayhai, and the others, are away on official business fer the Princess!” She noted, pulling her senson hat back some. “Have been fer nearly two weeks! Ain’t no tellin’ how long, until-?” A ‘boom’ sound, following by a crackling one, stopped her from finishing the response. When she looked to the right, her eyes became the size of dinner plates, and looked back at those in front of her. “Y-Ya t-three m-might wanna come closer ta us.” She said, with an innocent look, while motioning for them to come forward.

They all had raised brows, but did as the mare asked. “What? Is this some sort of-!” Flam was stopped, as a large, crackling-blue, ball of energy destroyed their Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000! All three stallions had surprised, and dumbfounded, looks on their faces… All looking at the destroyed contraption’s burning metal husk.

When the Wraith, that destroyed it, hovered over to the group? All eyes went to the hatch, as Flipyap leapted out, duel wielding Needlers. “Freeze, or I’ll needle you to death, trespassers!” He yelled, pointing both weapons at the three stallions.

“Flipyap, ya crazy bastard! Ya coulda killed somepony!” Applejack scolded, causing the Unggoy to flinch at her harsh tone. “What if ya hit them, instead of that worthless hunk of junk!?” The Flim Flam Brothers gained an insulted look, while Hard Case focused more on the weapon wielding alien on the high tech tank!

Flipyapp rubbed the back of his head, with the Needler in his right hand, and gave an airheaded look. “W-Well, when boss s-said the scanners picked up some unknown signature… Easy and I got a little trigger happy-?” Without warning, the Huragok popped up from within the hatch, knocking the Unggoy off of the Wraith! Easy to Adjust started to make angry chimes and whistles, flailing his tendrils about, Flipyap waved his arms defensively up at the angry Huragok. “Ok! Ok! I got a little trigger happy, Easy just worked the peddles!”

Applejack gave an irritated sigh, before walking over and helping Flipyap back on to his feet. “Well, do ya know where Aythai is? We kinda need’em.” She asked, the Unggoy rubbing his head again.

“Boss ain’t here yet? He went on ahead of us…” He answered, looking around the area before suddenly finding Flim and Flam, glaring at them. The fact this rather unstable, boarder line psychotic, Grunt did so… Caused them to hide behind Hard Case, but the Unggoy suddenly cackled a bit. “Oh, I know where he is noooooooooow.”

Hard Case raised an eyebrow. “R-Really? Where might he be?”

“Right here.” A voice called out, before both Flim and Flam were grabbed by their collars, being hoisted right off of the ground. Slowly decloaking, the Sangheili seemed to like the Ghost Effect, Aythai’Vadam revealed himself to be the one holding the twins… His, glowing, red eyes looking between the two. “Why are the two of you bothering AJ?” He snarled, Applejack blushing at the fact he used her nickname, while the Flim Flam twins became paler than ever.

The twins could not speak, due to being far too terrified, but Hard Case cleared his throat. “E-Excuse me, Commander Aythai’Vadam, I presume?” The Sangheili gave a confirming nod, the stallion returning it. “Good, now, if you do not mind, I have a few questions for-?”

“The answer is yes.” Aythai’Vadam interrupted, still holding the terrified twins. “Princess Celestia is allowing us to hold our base of oeprations here, at Sweet Apple Acres… Under the guardianships of the Apple Family. Which, technically, means that the orchard and farm are under ownership of the Special Operations Division… And, by extension of us, the Apple Family.” The Sangheili leaned down, eye to eye with Hard Case. “Is that enough for you?”

“Plenty!” Hard Case announced, gaining an innocent look, while holding up his right hand. “Mr. Flim, Mr. Flam; I regret to inform you, but you no longer have legal claim over Sweet Apple Acres! Its rightful owners giving guardianship to the Apple Family.” The stallion gave a friendly laugh, before giving a peace sign. “You will receive my bill in the mail, per your contract with my firm.”

“I’m guessing you have no more business with these two?” Aythai’Vadam asked.

Hard Case gave a formal salute, almost like a joke. “All yours, Commander Aythai’Vadam!” He then faced Applejack, while the Sangheili walked off to the side, stretching his legs a bit. “I do hope you do not take this personal, Ms. Applejack. I was just doing y job.”

She smiled at him, shaking her head. “Don’t you worry none, sugarcube. Ah understand, though.” Applejack looked at the wreckage of Flim and Flam’s machine. “Ah also do hope they don’t try and take us to cur for their contraption.”

The stallion held up his hand again. “Oh, do not worry about that, Ms. Applejack… Far as any court would be concerned, the Flim Flam Brothers drove an unknown machine, fully capable of destroying property, on to an Equestrian Military Zone. The, uh, Special Operations Division reacted accordingly.”

Applejack smiled, nodding to the stallion. “Thanks for the assurance, sugarcube.” She looked back towards Aythai’Vadam, just as the Sangheili cocked a leg back. “Oh, this should be good.”

-Not Far From Sweet Apple Acres-

The sound of metal hitting metal echoed, twice, before Aythai’Vadam’s voice boomed. “And stay out, you worthless cowards!” Then, the Flim Flam Brothers crashed on to the ground, the Sangheili’s footprint imbedded in their asses.

“F-Flim?” Flam started, in a daze.

“Y-Yes, oh b-brother of mine?” Flim replied, also in a daze.

“Maybe w-we should leave the A-Apple Family… A-Alone.” His only response, was a painful ‘mhm’ from Flim.