Chapter 7: Compensation

Proofread by Hunter Steel

Twilight paced in the entrance to her castle as all seven of her friends watched. Well, except starlight, she was reading a book on intercultural relations. “Ok Twilight this is going to be just like the yacks, they come in, get angry and smash a few things but it will all work out in the end and in a week we'll have new friends who live a couple thousand miles across the ocean right? Right!?! Right!!! So why am I so nervous!?”

“Gee, I don't know Twilight, though if I had to guess I would say it’s probably because these aren't the yacks so you don't actually know anything about them, and thanks to the pressure you're putting yourself through to try and get this just perfect you're stressed and more likely to make mistakes.” Starlight commented in as sarcastic a tone she could manage while still reading before dropping into a more enthusiastic tone for her follow up. “I mean if sheep use magic where they come from can you imagine what else they're capable of? Even if it's just levitation the level of magical development they must have gone through to get to that point must be staggering! Not to mention the historical significance such a thing must have had, to say nothing of their culture.” Oblivious to twilight’s rising anxiety starlight continued. “And diplomats that give the Canterlot nobles and even Princess Celestia and Luna problems?! They must have an amazing amount of political influence among the countries they're affiliated with and an educational system that rivals or even surpasses Celestia's school for gifted unicorns!”

At the last point Twilight paused her induced panic attack to make one thing very clear. “Woah Woah Woah! Don't get ahead of yourself Starlight, Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns is hooves down THE best educational institution in Equestria, and is renowned and unrivaled in all the countries we know. Even griffons know it as the egghead capital of Equestria. We don't have any rivals.” She finished in a smug tone.

“That's just it, we don't know anything about StormFront, besides, if I could steal cutie marks, take over a town and fight you to a stalemate on my own with a bit of R&D, some free thinking, and a magic rock, just imagine what an entire civilization could do wi-”

“Hate to cut y'all off Starlight but how exactly does this help us prepare for when they show up? Princess Celestia said they left Canterlot ten minutes ago. Their flyin’ so we got a bit of time but it still ain't much.”

“Applejacks right, it will take them approximately six hours to get here on wing.”

“Not if they have some kind of storm powered technology to make them move really fast. I get the feeling weather magic is going to be a big thing with them.” Cut in Spike.

“Or some awesome new flying techniques that cut their flying time in half!”

“Spike, Rainbow, stop. They don't have any flying techniques or technology to make them faster. Pfff, you're starting to sound like the papers that are calling them angels.”

“Ummm...Twilight?”

“Yes Fluttershy?”

“I think Spike and Rainbow might be right.”

“Fluttershy, not you too!” Turning around, Twilight found Fluttershy Pinkie and Rarity looking through the window toward Canterlot. Moving to the window Twilight saw a V-shaped streak of gold, black and silver barrelling at high speeds toward the town. “Everypony get to the town square and try to keep the town calm. I'm going to try to stop whatever that thing is.”

“Twilight wai-”

Sparing no time Twilight teleported to the edge of town and directly in the path of the flying object before erecting a shield to block the projectile. In the meantime, she used the time she had to reinforce her magical barrier and examine the projectile as best she could. Being that she only had approximately 3 seconds all she could glean was that there was lightning circling it, whatever it was. Then her eyes shut, bracing for the impact. She could feel a powerful gust of wind slam ineffectively into her shield followed by the unmistakable sound of a sonic boom and the constant crackling of stored lightning. Fearing that the object missed her shield her eyes snapped open as her head twisted around so quickly it made an audible crack. Clutching her now aching neck she examined the town to find a group of curious (and in Some instances awestruck) villagers looking up at her. Momentarily forgetting the pain assailing her neck she twisted around again eliciting another crack, a yelp, and a stifled squeal when she found a pegasus with an ethereally flowing mane of black and gold-ringed by dancing lightning hurdling towards her. As the pegasus slowed down significantly in her approach, golden eyes locked with lavender orbs and Twilight found herself short of words as she took particular notice of the six silver armored beings of various winged races flanking the pegasus in a sharp V formation. At this, she instantly deduced that the Pegasus was one of the delegates that were supposed to arrive in a few hours.

‘Here! Now!! Hovering in front of me with her wings extended but not flapping?!?!?!

Twilight's mouth dropped open, and she didn't regain her senses until her wing flaps slowed down causing her to lose altitude. Catching herself she noticed the delegates descending with her. Upon touching down twilight attempted to make up for her earlier stumble by putting on a smile and giving the delegates the biggest Ponyville welcome she could manage under the circumstances.

“Hello, you must be miss Deathly Belladonna! I am Princess Twilight Sparkle and I would like to officially welcome you to Ponyville. Sorry about the shield, I was told you wouldn't be arriving for a few hours, and when I saw you and your guards racing toward the town I was worried something bad was happening.” Twilight said as she dispelled her shield and walked up to the foreign delicate to shake her hoof, all the while trying to figure out how her mane worked, running through hypothetical spells, and potion she believes could cause that effect, ‘it must be for intimidation’ she thought. As even with her kind smile she was still very intimidating. ‘How bad did the negotiations go for her to think something like this was necessary’. Or at least that is what would have happened if the lightning coursing through her mane didn't decide to arch toward the ground like it was being poured into a mold. It began to take on the shape of a sheep and when finished, there stood another of the delegates, the one Twilight thought would be the most interesting; Leccy Penumbra, a magical sheep. Who just formed from a ponies hair lightning leaving her mane a bit frizzy but perfectly normal.

“Greetings Princess Twilight Sparkle, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Deathly Belladonna, this is Leccy Penumbra and this is Michelle Crescent.” At her declaration Belladonna gestured first to her ovine companion then to her own shadow, which became pitch black as it began to ripple, from it climbed an earth pony with a coat as white as virgin snow, her mane was eclipsed only by the shadows she climbed from with the casualness of one climbing a particularly mundane set of stairs. “I believe Princess Celestia made you aware that we would be arriving today”.

Twice in one meeting Twilight found herself mimicking a beached fish, as her gaze switched between Michelle, Belladonna, Leccy and the guards who split into groups of two, each group taking up position a few feet behind each of the delegates.

♫♥♠♦♣♫

After a bumpy introduction Twilight decided to invite her newly arrived guests to tour of Ponyville.(Because we all know your favorite book horse is silently having a panic attack, unexpected guest coupled with her ~~obsession~~ senior princess asking her to make nice with them because she messed up? Ha! I'm surprised she isn't passed out from hyperventilating yet.) After walking around the town, all the while relaying to her guest the history of almost everything they passed, Twilight ended in the town square five hours later to find the entirety of the town impatiently waiting to be addressed while Applejack tried to keep them calm and in place. Walking up to Applejack, Twilight asked. “Applejack why is everyone gathered here?”

“Um, Twi y’all are the one who told us to get everypony here.”

Twilight blinked. While giving her tour she had completely forgotten about that. Turning back to the delegates by the side of the stage she took note of something. The guards now consisted of two unicorns a Pegasus a griffin one earth pony and what she was pretty sure was a zebra. She wasn't sure what but something about the last one just said zebra. Thinking quickly she made her way back to her tour group. “Um, hello again, he he. So I thought we would introduce all of you to the town, you know, so every pony knows who you are, that sounds like fun right?”

The three delegates shared looks and a round of noncommittal shrugs were shared before Michelle spoke “I-”

“Right! Why wouldn't you I bet you have a speech and everything he he.”

After they gathered on stage Twilight introduced the delegates to several breeds of muttering ranging from annoyed at being called here for seemingly nothing to indifferent, to bored and the occasional why is a sheep onstage.

Concluding her introduction Twilight invited Michelle to say a few words to the town.

“No thank you, Belladonna, would you like to say, a few...” Looking to her right Michelle found a sheep playing Minecraft. Swiveling her head to the right she found Belladonna talking to an offensively pink earth pony. Stepping up to the podium she greeted the crowd.

“Greetings Ponyville, As your princess has told you my name is Michelle.”

Her exclamation was hardly acknowledged.

“I can see that many of you are a bit disgruntled about being asked to come here, so I'll just say now that nothing I have to say is of particular concern to any of you beyond your government representatives.” At her exclamation she had the attention of almost all of the crowd.

“You are all free to return to what you were doing before coming here, like I said, there's nothing of particular importance to be discussed with you.”

“Gah, Really! I was called here for nothing, well this was a waste of time, I ran out of the house for this, oh no my casserole, i thought the town was under attack, My cabbages.” Were among the responses of the crowd.

Michelle donned a sheepish smile, ears folding back and docking her head slightly.

“Sorry for the inconvenience, but we really don't have anything of particular importance to say to you, sorry. Well,” at this she popped back to her full stature. “unless Princess Twilight has something of note she wished to tell you.” At this, she turned her attention, and subsequently that of the now attentive and disgruntled crowd, toward Twilight.

“Oh, I, um, well… hea...”

♫♥♠♦♣♫

After dismissing the discontented crowd the party of ponies made their way to the local ~~eyesore~~ castle with Rainbow Dash trying to interrogate the guards about their flight training while boasting about the exploits of the wonderbolts, while Pinkie's antics kept Belladonna distracted with a never-ending slew of words as Applejack tried to keep her from drowning in the sea of sentences she seemingly just kept nodding to. Behind them Michelle and Leccy walked side by side, Michelle taking in the town while occasionally tuning into the conversation ahead, all the while Leccy remained distracted by her phone the only sign of her situational awareness being the occasional picture she would snap of whatever caught her interest. Fluttershy had earlier left with the crowd profusely apologizing to everypony who seemed even minutely miffed. All the while Rarity lagged behind trying in vain to calm down a panicked Twilight nervously mumbling to herself.

Once approaching the entrance Twilight steeled her nerves, went through Cadance’s breathing technique and pulled up beside Michelle, Rarity doing the same to Leccy, her eyes eventually being drawn to the phone floating in front of her. “I prepared a few rooms for all of you, should you wish to make use of them.”

Smiling at the purple alicorn Michelle thanked her on behalf of her group.

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

Perking up Twilight sought to get a few simple questions answered. “So Michelle, what do you do for fun in the Storm Front islands and what's it like.”

Turning her head to the shorter lavender alicorn she responded in a conversational tone “Well, just about everything you could Imagine, you'll have to be a bit more specific”.

“Oh, ok then, Well, how big are your larger libraries and how many are there”?

At the question, Rarity saw both Twilight’s questions appear on Leccy’s device followed by a brief and succinct answer she just barely managed to read despite how quickly the sheep entered both questions and received answers before returning to the image of a hoof punching trees.

“Well if its statistics you want I think Rarity would be better able to answer your question”.

Surprised, Rarity asked. “Why would you think I know the answer”?

Michelle shrugged. “Well there are exactly six hundred and twenty-three city libraries, and the larger two hundred of them have anywhere from four hundred million to thirteen hundred billion books. The largest library is at the Floette Academy of Aviation Research on Sudoku Island.

“Actually” Corrected Rarity, “According to Leccy’s device there are only six hundred and twelve city libraries, and the largest library is actually at The Element Aqua Donjon”. Her reply earned her a knowing smile, a seemingly still distracted sheep, and three looks of surprise mixed with bewilderment, with the exception of a Twilight who was frozen a few paces back. Her face that of overload-induced non-comprehension, this intern preempted her collapsing from a combination of anxiety, stress, shock, and a narrowly avoided panic attack.

♫♥♠♦♣♫

Applejack pov

Are you sure y'all are ok carrying her, she might not be the heaviest mare but going up all these stairs…”

The neutral smile Michelle had been wearing since her first interaction with Canterlot nobility slid off her face as she stopped and turned to face Applejack. This was the seventh time Applejack had asked her some variant of that question in the last three minutes. “Miss Applejack, are you trying to imply that I am weak? because if that is the case it would save us both a lot of time if you would just speak your mind and stop dancing around the issue.”

“What! no, it's just y’all didn't strike me as the type to do any heavy lifting.” At her exclamation Applejack found her mouth inhabited by a marshmallow hoof.

“I do apologize for my dear friend Applejack, she has a tendency to leave her manners and sense of tact in the orchards at times, especially considering the fact she herself would find it insulting for someone to question her strength.” at this Rarity gave Applejack an expectant glare.

Evicting Rarity’s hoof with one of her own, Applejack spoke. "That's not what I meant, it's just yall were movin’ so slow, and you just made a six-hour trip in ten minutes, I thought y’all were just tired is all, I didn't mean to offend, honest.”

At this Michelle let out a breath. “I apologize, it is just that after spending the past few days being passively insulted by nobles trying to get us to concede large swathes of land over this incident my patience has been worn thin. Add that to the incident with the royal guards that caused Leccy to start ignoring everyone, and we are all at wit's end, honestly we hope to get this over with in a few hours and leave.”

“Well, Twilight’s out for the count, and I don't think she'll be getting up anytime soon.” Interjected Applejack “So ya’ll might end up needing to hold off on that.”

At that Michelle's ear twitched and she turned to an armored Griffon guard causing the rest of the entourage to do the same before looking back to her.

“I see, well it seems that Princess Twilight Sparkle will actually be awake in a few minutes.”

Looking between Michelle and the griffon Rainbow spoke up. “What makes you so sure? And where did she come from? She wasn't here a minute ago.”

“Well let's get to-”

“THE LIBRARY!!!” Twilight eyes tore open. Then she realized where she was and pushed herself off of the ponies back to stumble on her hooves.

“Easy there, Twi it was just a dream.” Comforted Applejack.

Twilight's eyes were locked with Michelle's. “I'm so sorry I didn't mean, that is I was...”

Michelle waved a hoof, “That is of no concern Princess, currently we just wish to get this over with so we can get a bit of rest before returning to the yacht,” at that, she turned to her colleagues who were preoccupied with Leccy’s phone.” Apparently our guest is awake and anxious she will be attacked again.”

“That thing is still here?” Exclaimed Rarity “I thought you all took it back to your home.”

Michelle sighed and spared another glance for Deathly and Leccy. “Can we take this to the conference room, I would like to get situated before we begin negotiations.” Sparing glances for the other delegates, the equestrians present acquiesced and led their party to the map room.

♫♥♠♦♣♫

After getting situated with beverages and extra seating to allow both groups to face each other with the guards against the walls behind their charges, Spike and Fluttershy came in with tea and cake. After a few minutes of snacking and light discussion, Belladonna started things off with another introduction and a few platitudes before jumping right to the matter at hand. “The Storm Front Government fully acknowledges that we did not have the right to Land in your territory, or to carry out any paramilitary activities in your country, and we are willing to acquiesce to any reasonable demands you make for compensation, however I should make it perfectly clear that under no circumstances are we releasing into equestrian custody the Draconequus we rescued from Princess Luna of Equestria and the entity known as Discord. Furthermore, we will not be ceding any of our lands to the Equestrian government as compensation for this incident. That said we will happily comply with reasonable compensation of currency equipment or resources, among other things.” At this leccy opened a small portal ringed with zeros and ones floating off it before disappearing, this instantly caught the attention of all the Equestrians. Belladonna allowed them to become distracted. Reaching in she deposited her phone and pulled a clear piece of glass the size of a sheet of parchment and half as thick, placing it on the map table, an extremely fine wire that was almost invisible extended from the tip of her left horn and connected with the glass on the table causing it to take on the appearance of an official-looking document on which words came into existence.

“Now!” Exclaimed Belladonna, sharply and intentionally breaking their attention,” what does the Equestrian government request as compensation?”

Clearing her throat and trying to rebalance herself all the while stealing glances to the typing sheep Twilight responded. “Y-yes, well as representative of the-”

“Ooo Ooo Ooooo! what about an orbital party cannon!?!”

“Pinkie Please,” interrupted Twilight, “sorry about that.”

“Not at all Princess, Michelle is something like that even feasible I know we didn't plan for any request like that.”

“Actually, Lady Kunai finalized moving all expenses to her joint account and asked that we try to speed things along as much as we could.”

Belladonna rose a brow, “So what are we working with then, should the cost stay local or...?” at that a small opaque hologram appeared in front of Michelle’s eyes for a few seconds before she passed it to Belladonna with a hoof, after looking at the screen her other brow rose. “Is that-”

“Yes”

“And it’s solid?”

“Solid enough to have that color.”

“Where do they get things like this?”

“I'm not sure I want to know.”

“Miss Belladonna,” interjected Twilight “I know that was an unrealistic request, you don't honestly have to accommodate something like that.”

“Actually Princess, that request just became perfectly reasonable.” She turned to the sheep of the group. “Leccy, be sure to add orbital party cannon as the first concession.”

“Is there anything else?”

Twilight just stared wide-eyed before regaining her composure. Giving the delegates a disbelieving glance, Twilight responded tentatively. “How about three hundred thousand tons of gold?

Looking back at the hologram Belladonna passed it back to Michelle who dissolved it before responding “Well that's certainly within budget.”

That response received shocked glance all around. “What? Hey! Just how big a budget do y’all have?” exclaimed the apple pony.

“I’m afraid that information is classified miss Applejack, however, suffice to say we can afford any reasonable material request you put forth.”

“Is that so?” Replied a skeptical Applejack, “Well how ‘bout fifteen million tons a pure refined iron?”

“Done”

“Hold up how do we even know you guys can deliver on any of this? For all we know you're just trying to get out of this by telling us anything we want to hear.”

“That is a perfectly reasonable concern, which is why we have this,” she gestured to the piece of glass leccy was connected to. “This is a special kind of magical contract meant to be used by beings of a certain constitution, the magic it employs ensures that if one party breaches the contract they are forced to forfeit whatever is held as collateral. How this is achieved depends on who signs the contract and their alignment at the time the contract is broken, regardless, it's never pleasant. Given the fact that the collateral demanded is usually something ridiculous, precious, or both, these contacts are rarely broken. For example, I would expect you to demand we set all our lands as collateral, However these contracts must have both parties provide something, as a result, we will require something in return for completing our half of the contract. In this case our request is that The Storm Front islands and all its affiliates associates and citizens including but not limited to the Draconequus in our custody over which this conflict arose be fully pardoned and forgiven by the Equestrian government and Royalty both legally and officially for any and all perceived transgressions against the country of Equestria and all its affiliates associates and citizens including but not limited to all members of Equestrian Royalty and the entity known as Discord, between one day before the arrival of The Draconequus known as Pandora in this world and the signing of this contract. However, we understand if you wish to discuss the contract further with your fellow princesses.”

“That actually won't be necessary, Princess Celestia gave me full authority on this matter, and I would like to think I'm well read enough to know that this contract is perfectly fine.”

Leccy looked up at Twilight. “Are you absolutely sure about that Princess Twilight?”

Twilight locked eyes with the sheep in question a confident smile on her face. “Absolutely”

“Hmm, so you haven't seen the loophole we could exploit to take control of all of Equestria's farmland and applicable farmland. Additionally, that will be our demanded collateral in addition to all natural and artificial waterways within Equestria.”

Twilight maintained her confident smile, wait, noooo, she was just frozen, and now her eyes twitching. “What!?” Exclaimed Starlight opening the floodgates for everyone else to let out cries of outrage and the occasional threat of a bucking for tricking them into signing a contract with such unfair terms, to cries of being a meany pants, uncouth, and a polite request to make the contract fairer.

Shaking her head to compose herself Twilight rose her voice aided by a touch of magic to be heard above her friends. “Quiet!” the sharp drop in noise pollution that followed her declaration was accented by the sound of Applejack’s hoof scraping across the crystalline floor as Fluttershy fled for the safety that could only be provided by hiding under a solidly built table. All ears flattened on the Equestrian side of the table while Twilight cleared her throat. “Excuse me but I thought you came here to apologize and make reparations, not to scam us for everything we have!”

Belladonna’s smile grew infinitesimally, however that nearly unnoticeable action was enough to draw the attention of every Equestrian present. “You don't have much practical experience with intercultural or interspecies negotiations do you princess. First, allow me to put your worries to rest. While most of what was mentioned to be in the contract is factual, what I recited to you is only a few keywords different from what is being written, and in those keywords is the difference between losing all of your country and only gaining what you requested” at that declaration Twilight mind began to comb through what was recited to her, at this point her friends begun to raise their protest but Twilight blocked them out. Analyzing every part of the contract in her mind and how they affect the meaning they give to the previous section Twilight could find no fault of any kind with the contract, while it was filled with what Rainbow dash would call flowery language it seemed like an honest request for forgiveness with an offer of reparations. Like a mare bring her coltfriend a gift and apologizing for something she did. Her face scrunched at that thought. ‘Except StormFront and Equestria weren't in a relationship, how would that even work? Two countries getting into a relationship, how big would the wedding be and what about fouls? Though I guess if StormFront wanted foals, I wonder if Equestria would get any new Sisters, or maybe a brother?

Twilight was shaken from her musings by a purple claw. “Twilight I know you're upset about whatever you figured out but you need to calm down.”

Looking around she found that the room had gone quiet and everyone watching her, Belladonna was wearing her ever-present smile, Michelle and Leccy seemed a tad confused. Looking to her side she found looks of worry on her friends' faces. “Twi are y'all alright, you're lookin mighty red there, do you need a drink or sumthin’?” Mind flashing back to her previous thoughts her face became a brighter shade of red.

"Um, yes I actually could use a cool drink Thank you”. As Spike went off to fetch her a drink, Twilight addressed the delegates. “I didn't find anything like that miss Belladonna, what you recited seemed perfectly fair, we pardon and forgive you and you give us reparations in return.”

“That's just it princess, forgiveness.” That was not at all what Twilight was expecting, and it was plain to see on her face. “Equestria consists of over fifty cities Princess, can you guarantee that every member of the government will forgive our transgressions? Because the contract goes into effect as soon as it is signed, and we will be leaving at midnight tonight to get the young lady Princess Luna and Discord severely injured and magically poisoned Proper medical Attention. Granted her physical wounds are healed, but the magical poison is slowly killing her. From what I've seen of your infrastructure it's likely to take longer than we have to send decrees to all your cities, and assuming that obstacle was overcome, how likely is it that every government worker at every level will be informed in time and truly forgive us?”

Twilight was dumbfounded. “...you don't actually expect to be forgiven do you?” At this her expression slowly changed “...I'll be honest, it makes me sad to see you don't think you deserve our forgiveness”.

Belladonna idly waved her hoof. “I wouldn't worry about that too much princess, Vanhoover has already mostly accepted us and most of those who haven't are either indifferent or are upset about losing a day of business, something that will eventually pass. But from our experiences with the Canterlot nobility, I doubt even a direct decree from all the Princesses would get them to do anything more than pretend to have forgiveness, it's given me a modicum of respect for them, many of them are very… strong-willed, let's say, even if their mindset clashes horribly with our culture and beliefs.

“While it's good to see you're not going to be shunned across Equestria for something you intend to make up for. I simply can't let it rest darling, I am rather curious to as to what of the illustrious Nobel mindset you so strongly disagree with, perhaps I and Twilight could settle the issue, or failing that we would at least gain a better understanding of our differences.”

“Ooo this is bound to be entertaining.” chuckled Michelle while the still typing Leccy flicked an ear to better catch what was to follow.

The Equestrians spared Michelle a glance before focusing back on Belladonna as she tilted her head ever so slightly. “I suppose the quickest way to start explaining would be to ask what a Princess and a Nobel has in common, additionally I ask that all of you decide on one answer.”

“What kind of a stupid question is that?” argued Rainbow as she hovered above the table.

“Rainbow there's no need to be so vulgar.” admonished Rarity.

“But Rarity they’re just wasting our time, they must be up to something I just know it, they're just weird good for nothing-”

As Applejack opened her mouth to deliver the next admonishment Rainbow was snatched in a pink magical aura and deposited unmoving next to Starlight “Sorry about her, she's just a bit…” at a lack of words Starlight begun to search the room for a decent excuse.

“Nevermind that she is right though, we completely strayed from the purpose we're here for, so let's get back to it, is there anything else you want in reparations? So far we have an orbital party cannon, several hundred tons of gold, and several million tons of refined iron, is there anything else?” with everyone staring at the sheep who responded Rainbow Dash started to raise a motionless fuss.

“Oh sorry, forgot to release the spell.” Starlights response was followed by a sheepish smile before she regained her motor functions.

Glaring at Starlight before turning her glare to the ponies and sheep across the table, jabbed a hoof at them and spoke. “I want the armor your guards are wearing.” That seemed to take the delegates by surprise and cause them some level of contention. Most visibly Michelle.

“That armor is the traditional ceremonial-”

“Don't care!” Exclaimed the Rainbow pegasus. “all I know is it looks cool enough to maybe put next to my trophy case, maybe, I'll probably just keep one in a hallway somewhere.”

Michelle broke into a frown before releasing a short sardonic chuckle, “Very few have proven competent enough to wear that armor, and significantly fewer still have ever proven competent enough or earned the right to take a suit of it as a trophy. But all things considered… that can be accommodated, and seeing as we are here to make-up for problems we caused, I will not bother pursuing the direct insult you just hurled at our nation and instead I will recommend that you seriously reconsider your request for the armor, I can guarantee it will cause you more trouble than it's worth”.

“Well, now that just sounds like y'all don't wanna give up that armor.”

“That's true enough, but that's more for your own safety than anything else, and before you ask, no we can't tell you why, what we can tell you however, is that there are beings out there who would do abhorrent things to gain possession of that armor.”

“That sounds rather convenient wouldn't you say, darling it's just a suit of armor, but if you're so set on keeping it I'm sure there's something else Rainbow Dash would be willing to take instead.” Rarity’s final comment was accompanied by a pointed glare at Rainbow Dash.

“Not anymore no, I've warned you of the dangers and Leccy has already put it on paper, that's all I need, though I would like to know if the armor will suffice as our first down payment?”

With the question directed at Rarity she turned to Twilight to find her gazing off with rising panic, turning to Rainbow, the pegasus had an expression that clearly portrayed her intent to demand more. Acting before dash could she replied. “Yes, the Armor will suffice as a down payment.”

Nodding Leccy picked up the conversation. “Will that be all? Or is there anything else anyone would like to add?” At this, murmurs broke out on the Equestrian side of the table as Twilight friends debated whether or not there was anything else.

Meanwhile Twilight was having a debate of her own. ‘This isn't good, Princess Celestia asked me to make friends but I won't be able to do that in a situation like this, even though they're here to give reparations, the atmosphere is completely businesslike, and there won't be anytime after this meeting to make friends with them because they’ll be leaving immediately after to get that Draconequus to a hospital. Wait! If I convince them to take her to a hospital here in Equestria we would have more than enough time to become friends, this could, but, no, even if they did agree to it which I doubt they will, the Draconequus definitely wouldn't want to be anywhere near Discord, Princess Celestia or Princess Luna after what happened. Maybe if I demanded their friendship as a part of our compensation. What am I saying!? That's not how I learned to make friends, they would probably see it as some kind of indentured servitude. That would only make them hate us.’

Twilight thoughts were shattered by a resounding “No” chorus by the group of delegates. Focusing back in on the conversation at hoof Twilight found the delegation looking agitated and Rainbow Dash hovering above the cutie map practically in their collective faces. “You said it yourself you're here to make up for all the problems and damages you caused to our land, it's only fair you give us some of your’s to make up for it.” Rainbow’s declaration was followed by crossed hooves and a closed-eyed expression that said in no uncertain terms ‘i'm proud and completely in the right end of discussion.’ it reminded Twilight of the expression Rainbow had after deciding that kicking a dragon in the snout was the best way to convince it to move. It was an expression she felt would irritate even the most serene of souls.

“And at the beginning of our talks,” responded Leccy “it was stated quite clearly and in no unclear terms that under no circumstances were we cede any land to you”.

“Pft, well maybe you should have thought about that before you started to wrecked the place.”

Rainbows final comment got Twilight to think. ‘Well they did cause extensive damages,’ her eyes flickered to a thick folder of damage reports she brought with her in case the aforementioned damages were ever in doubt, but when she thought about it, was their relay any serious damages, the report consisted mainly of drawn out jargon, one fifty page report of a broken window came to mind, and that damage had nothing to do with the delegates at all, it was caused by a few colt playing buckball, thinking about it objectively the only damages were caused by ponies crowding soapbox stores and tearing them apart in the process, and overload damages to the pears caused by Discord's antics with the crew of their ship. At that moment Twilight realized something.

“That's enough! Rainbow Dash please take your seat, otherwise, I will ask you to leave.”

“But Twilight-”

“Now Rainbow.”

“Hmp fine.”

“It just occurred to me that you could have easily left the moment you got who you came for and we would have been none the wiser. You chose to stay and try to make amends for doing something that you believe was absolutely necessary, and even with what negligible damages your arrival caused both economical and physical the compensation you've offered is immensely more than what's needed to make up for it. So it’s clear to me that the compensation you're offering isn't just to make up for damages, its because you're hoping to put this incident past us and start over isn't it?”

Leccy was the one who spoke up. “Yes, it is, though considering the reception we received in the capital its… Never mind yes it is.” At that Twilight broke out into a smile. “With that established, are their any more demands?” Twilight smile dimmed at that, what she said was absolutely right, demands, granted they were supposedly the ones in the wrong, but still.

“No, you've already more than compensated us. However, I do have a request completely apart from your compensation.”

Leccy rose her only visible brow at that. “And what would that be Princess Twilight Sparkle?”

Twilight's smile returned full force. “Well, I would like to establish an Equestrian embassy in The Storm Front Islands.”

Twilight’s request was followed by almost twenty minutes of hushed conversation between the three delegates that occasionally seemed to involve the silver-clad guards behind them though Twilight could hear no sounds through their armor. In that time, Twilight and her friends found their attention held hostage by the myriad of in-equine sounds that crawled their way from the throats of the delegates, some were obviously of various terrestrial languages, but they ranged from the languages of the Breezes at which points Fluttershy could at one point translate half a sentence about sovereign land to what one could only theories an alien Seapony would sound like. There was even the occasional chirp, and at several times she could recognize Zebrican and a strange dialect of Saddle Arabian. At the end of their conversation. It was Belladonna who spoke.

“Just to reiterate, you say this is not to be included as a part of our compensation to you.”

Slightly unsettled Twilight gave her response. “Er, um, yes, I mean no, it's not a part of the compensation.”

“Very well then, however, its construction will be at your expense, considering what you will receive in compensation that shouldn't be a problem. Additionally and this is not in any way a deal braking requirement, but we would highly suggest that you, Princess Twilight Sparkle, be the Princess in charge of your embassy and its operations. Since we have come here you are one of the few beings other than Mr. Fancypants and your friends, with the exception of a few who haven't insulted or belittled us. Considering the contrast between you and what we experienced in the upper echelons of Canterlot, it would be the best choice, additionally considering that you're rather young, the other Alicorns and ageless beings you're certain to encounter both in StormFront and on any excursions to other countries are significantly more likely to take a shine to you and look out for you, if Princess Celestia or Luna were to take up that duty they and by extension you, would be seen more as an unknown threat. However with you in charge and with a competent staff to advise you, it would allow them to get a glimpse at the core values of your country and better know what to expect from the other princesses, that and I suppose that you working to bring Equestria closer to its distantly neighbouring countries would fit your role as princess of friendship. I won't lie and tell you that it will always be easy, you might end up needing to make decisions that will cause you to lose sleep. But regardless of whether or not you choose to represent Equestria on this level of the international stage, is up to you and is a decision you should not make lightly, I suggest you think it over very carefully with your fellow princesses. The international scene we are used to is very, very different from what you have here, to put this in perspective if we were a standard delegation we would have left and never returned after my very first meeting with Princess Celestia. Additionally, I would have abdicated for Equestria to be put under watch for imperialist tendencies, in addition to Supremacist tendencies both magical and racial. However I will ensure that you received the warmest reception possible, and I will leave you with a rather large amount of reading material that will cover the culture of several countries, though I suggest that you start with what is the unofficial international standard for conduct, I mean no insult but cultures vary widely, and while a lot of Equestria’s culture and etiquette is quite similar to our own some customs would be frowned upon or downright insulting in other cultures. However putting that aside for the moment, I believe you had another request.”

“Yes she did, but first I must know, why would you have had such a strong reaction just from your first interaction with Princess Celestia of all ponies, she is the pinnacle of grace and poise. I understand that our cultures are similar but the differences would seem to be insurmountable if Princess Celestia dealt you such a grave insult on your very first meeting.”

“I agree with Rarity, I just can't imagine the princess doing something to require such a response.” Starlight’s support of Rarity’s claims rose more chatter of agreement from the rest of the group.

“It was a combination of things really.” Leccy started. “Firstly she flared her magic, this is generally the process of letting the energies you control flow from your body and directing it toward someone else, if your aura is sufficiently stronger than the person you're directing it toward or if the person doesn't know how to cope or resist the intrusion it can result in anything from minor intimidation to crippling despair and suffocation. The kind of energies you are able to manipulate determines if there are any other effects, it is generally a technique used in combat or a natural response of one's fight instinct to try and intimidate opponents, most sentient predator species use it to help when hunting since it can cripple their prey. In the context of a fight, it is a perfectly acceptable thing to do, however, outside of such a situation, it's seen as a sign of domination and superiority. Thousands of years ago, starting back when the Caribou empire was a thing the Caribou would use it to subjugate other species. I won't get into the atrocities they commited, but quite literally every sentient species encountered agreed that the destruction of that civilization was for the best. Flaring your magic toward someone is akin to saying 'they aren't dirt compared to you' and your superior in every way, and that's the kindest way I can put it. Flaring your magic at someone in any form of international gathering no matter how small, is an insult not only to the one you flare at but everyone and by extension every country that has any form of representative there, official or not. As for the one you flare at, well, such a thing has almost caused several wars in the past, with the representative of who flared being disowned by their government and countries and turned over to the offended party along with exorbitant amounts paid in compensation to avoid further escalation. Additionally, Princess Celestia attempted to give Miss Belladonna orders, while nowhere as insulting as the prior offense, giving orders to a delegate, soldier, or any non-support staff not put under your command by their parent country is something only done between a country and one of its dependent or independent colonies. Doing so is both insulting and often considered a sign of imperialism.”

“What?! That's not fair, Princess Celestia didn't know anything about any of that, you can't blame her for something she didn't know about!?”

“Rainbow she just said they weren't going to, or they implied it anyway.” Starlight turned back to Twilight. “Well that seems to be it, can we wrap this up Twilight, this seat is starting to get uncomfortable.”

“Um right,” turning back to the delegates Twilight asked. “Is there anything else we need to do to finalize this?”

“No, you just need to read through the agreement and sign off on it if there isn't anything you want to change. When you're ready to sign I’ll walk you through the process, signing these contracts isn't anything like signing a normal contract with ink.” Explained Leccy. “Once you've signed we’ll take it to Lady Kunai and she'll sign too.”

As Twilight read through the document Applejack took the chance to ask a few questions. “Ida thought y’all three woulda been the ones signing it and who's this lady Kunai y'all are talkin’ about?”

“She is an agent of the person who sent us here.”

“Well, I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious to meet this mystery stallion, er what did you say his name was?”

“I didn't, he is someone that values his privacy highly, and I doubt he is anything like you expect. however i suppose i can give you his name at the least, it is Lord Anarchy, and assuming Lady Kunai takes a liking to you, it's likely you will end up meeting him eventually.”

The Storm Front Island my friends. This Link lets you see the larger cities and landmarks on the islands. https://www.thinglink.com/scene/856792835481927681
Of the four larger islands the one on the far left is called Sudoku Island. I'm accepting name recommendations for the other three, I will use the names I like the most. just.

Author's Note

Of the four larger islands the one on the far left is called Sudoku Island. I'm accepting name recommendations for the other three, I will use the names I like the most so leave the name you choose and why you chose it in the comments.

Before anyone says anything. Yes I know that there were hints and unanswered questions in there you would expect twilight to jump at like a rabid wolf. But taking into consideration the setting and situation I would like to think that she would have more restraint than a rabid animal. That said I'd be glad to hear your feedback, it is quite literally the lifeblood of my writing, I can't adapt and improve without it. Many people don't seem to realize how much motivation their comments give to a writer.

Thanks to my Proofreader Hunter Steel for all the help.