Earth

The girls sat around the map, observing the projections of their Cutie Marks swirling around the town at the edge of the map. "I don't understand Twilight," Starlight said. "There's absolutely nothing about this town, not even a name."

"I've never even heard of it," Dash said.

Rarity laughed. "Neither have I, Rainbow, but you aren't exactly one to read history books."

"Neither are you!"

The girls laughed. Applejack didn't. She was a bit nervous.

After all, the last time that they went to a town without a history or even a real name, they ended up losing their Cutie Marks. Their personalities.

AJ had good reason not to go. There was plenty of work to be done on the farm. It had been a few years since they had been sent on a journey by the Map. And of course, the "Our Town" incident.

"So, I guess we can meet back here in an hour or two?" Starlight asked, and the rest of the ponies nodded. "Have your bags packed with anything you might need. Possibly...anything that has helped you on a past mission.

"Don't worry about that, Starly-Warly! All we need is our talents. Our wonderful, incredible..." Pinkie Pie's voice faltered. "Cutie Marks."

Applejack felt pity for Starlight, but she did not know why. Twilight had made a big show about how the Princesses had forgiven Starlight for her crimes, in a way brainwashing Equestria into forgetting that what Starlight had done was...awful.

Applejack suspected that she had been the least surprised when Starlight admitted to her crimes. AJ had always had a bad feeling about Starlight, even after Twilight decided to mentor her.

And now, Twilight was inviting her on a mission! What, Applejack wondered, would Starlight contribute to the ponies of this nameless town?

When everypony had left the room but Twilight, Applejack approached her. "Twi, can ah talk to yah for a minute?"

"Sure, Applejack. What's up?"

Applejack kicked at the ground. "Um...I was just wonderin'...why did yah invite Starlight on this mission?"

Twilight cocked her head. "Well...she is my student. I thought that this would be a good opportunity for her to learn a bit about friendship." She went back to organizing her books. "Listen Applejack, I know you dislike Starlight the most and I can't blame you, but she really has changed. She feels more guilty for her actions than anypony---"

"As she should!" The words flew from Applejacks' mouth before she could stop herself. "Celestia herself said that Starlight enjoyed sending ponies to those death camps. Seperating those families."

"You think Princesses never lie?"

Silence.

"AJ, listen to me. Starlight is not the same pony. I even have reason to believe that a curse was put on her."

"A curse?"

"Applejack, I've had enough!" Twilight's books fell around her. "Starlight is going no matter what you say!"

Applejack took a step back. "Fine."