The White Duchessby Odd_ShotChaptersThe White DuchessA surplus of time to killSpool up the subliminal enginesThe White DuchessThe vast sea of black erupted in a sea of shrill ringing. “... please no.” Unfiltered by the plea for mercy, the screech continued ever-onwards. My eyes snapped open wide as I bolted upwards. Fueled purely by hatred, I yanked up the source of the infernal sound and aimed it at a nearby open window. A feral growl bounced around my chamber. “Ahem.” I paused mid-hurl; my cobalt hoof dropped back down to my chest, alarm still firmly clutched. I turned my head to the room’s doorway. “Put the clock down, Cross.” My eyes glanced between the mare and my hoof. “Now.” Silently, I clicked the still ringing alarm off and set it back down on the nightstand. “I suggest you get dressed; the general is waiting.” Stumbling off of my bed, I stood tall above the mare. “Since when?!” “Ten minutes ago.” She watched with a sadistic smile as I scrambled about my quarters. “Crap, crap, crap…” “Is there an issue, captain?” “Not a captain,” I shot back on reflex. I breathed a sigh of relief as my closet revealed my armor. “Oh thank Celestia.” The mare ignored my celestial praise. “Wasn’t your promotion yesterday?” “I certainly didn’t sign up for it.” After slipping completely into my officer’s armor and securing the straps, I continued. “We’ll talk about it later, Golden.” Golden Form’s visage became strained. “If you didn’t want the charge, then why did you take it, Cross?” The front plate’s clasps sealed shut with two sharp clicks. I stood before Golden again, fixing her with a stern frown. “Later,” I repeated. With a frown of her own, Golden Forms stepped out of the way, and I trudged out into the hall. The little mare pulled up beside me with a capricious trot; I gave her a wary glance, but she just smiled. “I gotta get this meeting over with first, alright?” We passed a pair of tall pane windows that watched over the town of Ponyville to the south; I had to raise a hoof to block a stray ray of sunlight pining for my eyes. “Did we really have to schedule the meeting for this early in the morning?” I questioned wryly. “Yes, we did. The general has other ponies he has to meet with today.” Golden Forms was my new assistant, and in less than a day of her being in my company, she had already proven that she did the exact opposite of what her title suggested. “You’re not exactly living up to your job’s title.” She rolled her eyes. “I woke you up, didn’t I?” I glared at her and moved a stray strand of my ash-black mane back into place. “The alarm clock woke me, not you.” A grin split across her buttercup-colored muzzle. “Hush, you.” Golden prodded me lightly, her cheeks lit lightly. “You are a very grumpy pony, Captain Cross.” “Lieutenant.” I lowered my head and huffed. “Dang it.” “Better kill the reflex before it becomes a habit, Captain Cross.” I bit my tongue. A full-hearted giggle filled the air. “You’re adorable when you’re mad, captain.” “You are the worst pony,” I breathed, standing tall again. “We’re here.” I gave a brisk salute to the two guardsponies. The meeting room doors were pulled open by their magic once they’d reciprocated the salute. Golden slowed down and fell into step behind me as we approached the round table in the center of the room. On the opposite side of the table the general sat patiently, hooves folded over one another on the oak wood. I gave another, far more crisp salute to the general. The doors eased shut behind us with a soft ‘thwoom.’ He returned my gesture with a nod. “At ease, captain. Today’s meeting is all but formal.” I took a seat on my side of the table, while Golden quietly excused herself to go get a servant. “I trust your train ride to Canterlot was well, General Ironhoover, sir?” “Again, today is all but formal; no need to ‘sir’ me. And to answer your question, yes, the first class was as pleasant as always.” The Brigadier General shifted uneasily in his seat. “How’s your promotion, son?” I hesitated, just barely able to avoid slipping into my usual professional tone. “It’s only been a day, general.” There was a pause between us, and I chuckled. “I’m still getting used to the office, at least.” “Ironhoover, and it’s bigger, isn’t it?” “Yessir.” Golden returned with a servant and a tray of tea right as silence fell over the table. The servant set down the tray with the teakettle and three porcelain teacups. Golden left the room again with the servant, leaving me alone with Ironhoover. The meeting room was hot and stuffy, and I couldn’t help but tug at my armor slightly as sweat worsened the already awkward situation. After pondering the existence of the third cup over a sip of my earl grey, I broke the silence. “This is about the west, isn’t it?” Ironhoover sighed, a tired smile gracing his lips. “Yes it is, Cross.” I gestured around the room. “Then why the private meeting?” “Because I wanted you to speak with a certain pony you might remember.” I was unable to prevent a confused murmur from leaving me as the doors behind us opened up. Standing, I prepared myself to salute the visitor, but froze instantly. Walking up with a serene smile on her lips, the blue-eyed mare gave me a nod. “Hello, Mister Cross.” “Miss Velvet?” I bursted out with a stutter. Twilight Velvet took a seat on Ironhoover’s side of the table. She politely accepted the cup of earl grey that the general poured for her. Velvet addressed me again. “My coltfriend says thank you. About saving me, I mean.” I had been on my off-time, set on beginning my day at a local donut parlor, when a cart had slung past me at a ridiculous pace. From a quick survey of the situation, I learned that the taxi-stallion had been thrown up onto the carriage alongside his passenger, and thus was unable to prevent the cart from zooming down the cobblestones. As I’d turned to run after the cart, I’d noticed a mare standing stock-still in the middle of the road. Had I reacted a second later, the cart would have not only smashed into the mare, but slammed into the other pedestrians behind her. I bound forward, earth pony strength surging through my hooves as I landed right behind the cart. My teeth sank deep into the rear bumper of the vehicle, filling my mouth with sharp splinters of wood, but I held on nonetheless. Adrenaline pounded in my ears as my hooves ground against the stone, bumping with each groove I passed over. My heart beat with the sound of thunder as the cart and I finally slid to a stop, leaving me keeled over and spitting splinters from my mouth. I remembered Twilight Velvet rushing over from the other side of the cart. She’d helped me up and brought me to the nearest clinic to have the splinters removed. Surprising me then and even now, she had waited for me in the waiting room to make sure I’d been alright. After walking her home, we’d gone our separate ways. This was the first time since I’d seen her last, but it certainly wasn’t an undesirable visit. I ran my tongue over my dry, and still aching lips, reminded of the splinters. Shaking my head, I reclaimed my seat at the table. Velvet still had a smile to her small white muzzle. “So, I heard that you refused to take a post on the edge of the Undiscovered West.” I raised my eyebrow. “And why would you know that, Miss Velvet?” “Duchess,” the general stated simply. Blinking, I turned my eyes to Ironhoover. “Duchess...?” “Duchess Velvet.” He fixed his gaze on the mare beside him. “She became one quite recently, or so I’ve heard.” She nodded. “You would be correct.” Velvet’s teal eyes locked onto my own amber orbs. “Captain Cross—” “Lieutenant.” She paused, looking to Ironhoover in befuddlement. Blushing, I quickly fixed my mistake. “Sorry. I am a captain, to make that clear.” Ironhoover snorted. “You’re certainly showing that it’s only been a day.” Twilight Velvet tittered behind a hoof briefly, the sweet sound bouncing around the room’s walls. “Anyways… captain, I must ask for your assistance.” She paused. “I’d be happy to help,” I prodded gently. “Well…” She took on a thoughtful look. Then, with a wave of her faint pink magic, she levitated a neat manilla folder out from a saddlebag. She set the folder down and brought out a freshly-printed scrawl of parchment. Unfurling the paper, she began to read it aloud. “On behalf of her royal majesty, Princess Celestia, the Crown presents Noble Twilight Velvet with the fiefdom of Halihoof.” My jaw dropped. My voice sank low, my mind in disbelief of what I was hearing. “Halihoof?” “In recognition of Noble Twilight Velvet’s diplomatic ability, personal allegiances to her royal majesty, and generous work for the Crown, the Crown deems Noble Twilight Velvet worthy of the title Duchess Velvet. In accordance to this ruling, if Noble Twilight Velvet is accepting of the title Duchess Velvet, a census of the Halihoof region will be documented and filed to the Canterlot Registry by July 21, 972.” As Twilight Velvet finished, I shook my head disbelievingly. “Miss Velvet, you do realize that by accepting the title of duchess—” “—that I gain ownership of the western fief of Halihoof? Yes, I do realize that.” I gawked at the calm mare as she flicked open a manilla folder and slid a few papers out. “You don’t know anything about Halihoof if you’re this calm, Miss Velvet.” “You’re right, I don’t.” “Then why did—” “But you do.” I blinked once. “Excuse me, ma’am?” “I did perform a smidge of preliminary research on Halihoof—” she slid a decades old census across the table for me to read “—so I know that Halihoof is an… economic backwater of earth ponies.” True to her word, a quick scan of the census showed that there were no unicorns or pegasi in Halihoof, the earth ponies hundreds strong. Of course, I didn’t need an old census to tell me that; I had grown up in a Halihoof, after all. It was with a startling and horrifying moment of realization that I put the pieces of the puzzle together. “The Crown asked me to lead a patrol around Halihoof because they know I have a background there, and you want me to help you because of said background.” Velvet gave me a warm smile and a nod. “Exactly.” I shook my head and pulled back. “I’m not going to—” “If I may I interrupt, Cross?” Grumbling, I rudely edged my superior on. “You may have forgotten that with your promotion to captain, that you are now the highest ranking officer of your regiment, and as a captain…” My ears flopped down against the sides of my head. “Oh no…” “Oh yes,” Ironhoover grinned. “As a captain,” he boomed with heavy emphasis, “you are now not only in charge of your regiment, but a whole new division. The orders and forms have not been signed or sent as of yet, but as a Brigadier General with access to that information—” Ironhoover threw his hooves wide “—congratulations on becoming the first captain of the new Western Guard!” I rubbed my face with a hoof. “So… this time I can’t just say no, can I?” His hooves clacked against the tarnished table. “No, you can’t.” “And this… my division, is going to Halihoof anyway, isn’t it?” “Yes.” He tapped his chin contemplatively. “Actually, we’ll make that your old regiment, seeing as how your division is currently ordered for a single regiment. That’s considered due to the rather small size of the region.” He blinked. “The size will hold, pending any… unfortunate incidents in the initial expedition, of course.” I weighed my rather lacking array of options, then sighed. My only way out of this ‘Halihoof Expedition’ at that point would’ve been through a dishonorable discharge, because I’d only done five of my ten years. Heaving a loud, breathy sigh, I slouched forward in my chair, just barely able to stop myself from hitting the table. “Fantastic.” Twilight gave me an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry, Cross. I know this is all just so sudden.” A headache was coming on. “Why now?” I pried as I began to rub circles into my skull. “They connected a station in Halihoof to the national rail network a fortnight ago. It’s the whole reason the Crown saw fit to extend the offer of control to me.” She took a sip of her tea before she continued. “I believe good things can come from the ponies of Halihoof, and while I’m sure I won’t need too many advisors, I need ponies who can get things done.” I mulled over her words. All eyes in the room were on me as I really took the time to chew things over. When my eyes landed on the Equestrian flag hung over the fireplace in the meeting room, I finally relented. “Alright.” I sat up. “Since I’ve got no other choice, I have just one question that needs to be answered, Miss Velvet.” “Where do I start?” Smiling broadly, Twilight Velvet tapped the other paper on the table. “I’m currently organizing transportation and supplies with the help of the Crown, so all you really need to do is fill out orders for your new division and pack up any personal items you have.” I filed that information away in my mind. “Okay… got it.” Ironhoover finished off his tea and spoke. “Any more questions, Captain Cross?” I thought for a moment. “Yes, actually; when do we leave?” “The morning of the thirteenth,” Velvet answered again. I stared. “That’s tomorrow, Miss Velvet.” “I am aware of that, captain.” I sucked in a breath to hold in my frustration. Then, slowly, easing myself out of my chair, I stood. “Well, I have a lot of work to do then. I’ll see you in the morning, Miss Velvet.” “Of course, captain.” I turned to Ironhoover. “Enjoy your stay in Canterlot, sir.” With one last reciprocated salute from Ironhoover, I left the room. “This’ll be fun,” I muttered darkly as the two guards shut the door to the room, leaving the two torturers to their conniving. A surplus of time to kill“Hey, somepony get Marked a coffee!” I snorted awake at the sound my name and the accompanying laughter. After glaring at some members of my regiment, my look sending the slackers running, I smoothed my mane out and looked around. Ponyville station was a bustling hub of work as ponies left and right offloaded supply crates from the Canterlot-sent chariots. As I went to recall the time that the rest of the crates would be arriving, the whistle of a green steam engine, just now pulling into the freight loading dock, went off. I yanked up my clipboard from the empty crate I’d been leaning against and checked off the train’s arrival from the list. Spitting the clipboard’s chained-pen from my mouth, I put the clipboard down and watched as ponies slowly began to peter off from the area around the chariots to unload the steaming hauler. Satisfied, I leant back against the crate again and squeezed my eyes shut. “It’s too early for this,” I grumbled. Just as I felt myself dozing off into the comforting embrace of sleep, I felt a hoof give a harsh prod to my chestplate. Flashing one eye open lazily, I spotted Golden’s yellow hoof wrapped around a porcelain mug, the cup steaming with black liquid. Standing upright and opening my other eye, I looked down at Golden. “I’m not a fan of coffee.” “I don’t care.” She pulled one of my front hooves up in a burst of lime-colored magic, then not so gently shoved the mug into my hoof. “What do you want with it? Sugar? Cream?” I frowned at Golden, unmoving. “If I’m going to drink the liquid equivalent of unsweetened chocolate, then I’m not even going to try and fix it with diabetes.” I lifted the brew to my lips, cooled it for a moment, then took a sip. I shivered, already feeling the effects of the caffeine. “Celestia help me; coffee sucks.” Levitating a mug of light brown coffee, Golden took a sip of her own. “Why, because it wakes you up, sleepyhead?” “Your ability to successfully tease me eludes you.” I rolled my eyes and continued. “No, that part of coffee is great, it’s just the crash that comes later.” Golden looked ready to make a rebuttal against my statement, but she must’ve seen the look on my face. “That bad, huh?” “I drank coffee to stay up for an inspection back at the academy years ago.” I took a sip of the coffee and swilled it around my mouth before I swallowed it. “I think the lieutenant’s words were that I had ‘dropped like a vegetable in a wheelchair going down a flight of stairs.’” “Wow… I um... yeah. Yikes.” “I woke up in the medbay six hours later. Had a migraine worse than the hangover I had at a party when I first enlisted.” Another splash of hot coffee sank down my throat. I eyed the mug and swirled it with a circular motion. “I’m gonna go pour out the rest of this.” “No, don’t!” I paused, eyeing the mare questioningly. “I’ll drink it!” Shrugging, I took one last long pull from the black coffee and gave her the rest. Watching with morbid curiosity, I witnessed Golden down her original drink in one go, then chug the rest of my coffee. Gasping, the mare lowered my mug. She gave me a maniac grin as a small dribble of the black liquid slid down her chin. I stared. “Thank Celestia for her gifts; I love coffee.” My stare intensified on the line of black liquid. “Uh, captain?” Golden looked herself over. “Is there something on me or—oh.” Blushing, she wiped the liquid away. “Woops!” Shaking my head, I took a step back and quickly wiped a small collection of drool from my lower lip. “That was weird. Don’t ever do it again without my permission.” “Okay, sor—wait, why would you have to give me permission to—” I waved a hoof. “No, no.” Setting my hoof down, I eyed my assistant carefully. “So you wanted to know why I said I didn’t want to be a captain, right?” Golden’s confusion was swift; recognition dawned on her. She spoke as she set emptied mugs off to the side. “Oh, right. Yes, I would like that.” I released a breath I hadn’t known I’d been holding and looked out over the working ponies. “It’s because of who my parents are.” She blinked slowly. “What, did they force you to do it?” “Nah, well, I mean sort of?” I scratched my head with a hoof. “My dad wanted me to sign up with the guard because he wanted me to show how strong earth ponies could be, but my mom…” I chewed on my lip in deep thought, thinking of the best way to explain my mother’s motives. “My mom’s a tribalist; she didn’t want an earth pony working with the unicorns and pegasi under the will of an alicorn.” “Why?” “Sorry?” “Why would your mom not like Princess Celestia, or unicorns and pegasi for that matter? Sorry if it’s a bit personal.” “Nah nah it’s fine.” I sighed; I knew I was going to have to reveal the truth at some point. “My family’s from Halihoof.” “Oh!” She was surprised, but it quickly reverted back to a questioning tone. “What does that mean?” “It means that we’re from a culture that stresses earth pony superiority. My dad moved us from Halihoof to Equestria because he wanted us to have a good opportunity to live better lives than the ones we had back Halihoof. After we used up our supplies and made it here, we had to look for ways to make Equestrian bits since Halihoof ran pretty much entirely on a bartering system. So, seeking the most well-paying job available to a pony without official documentation, I joined up with the guard. My parents got jobs doing construction work, which my mom is pleased with because she doesn’t really have to talk to other tribes different from her fellow earth pony coworkers.” Golden hummed softly. “Interesting. So that explains your mom and dad, but how does that affect your choice of taking a promotion to captain?” “It’s family politics.” I finally turned to make eye contact with Golden. “I just kept accepting the promotions I was getting because they paid me more and more, but my family’s more or less settled into society now. My dad thinks it’s good that I’m showing how great a Halihoof-born pony can be, but my mom thinks that I’m being influenced too much by the unicorns and pegasi, and that with each promotion I received, I related myself more and more to Equestrian unicorns, pegasi, and especially Princess Celestia.” “I think… I think I understand.” “Yeah, It’s just that I want to make my dad proud by reaching the top ranks, but not anger my mom. So I just…” I shrugged my shoulders. “I did what my did wanted me to do, and now we’re here.” Golden nodded empathetically. “That’s a tough place to be caught between, but personally, I think listening to your dad was the right choice.” I sighed, shaking my head. “I’ll see the effects of my choice the next time I talk to them.” “Captain Cross!” My eyes shot over to the crowd. Squinting, I was able to pick out Twilight Velvet from the herd of guards. I smiled as she approached. “Good morning, Duchess Velvet.” The mare tittered behind a hoof as her white cheeks went red. “Wow. You are tall.” Stunned, I looked to the unicorn standing beside her. The blue stallion was average in stature, and despite this, he still had to look up at me. I hadn’t been expecting quite a reaction at this early in the day, but I recovered quickly enough. Raising a brow, I coughed politely into a hoof. “So I am.” “Nighty!” Velvet delivered a soft punch to the stallion’s side. “He’s a captain!” she hissed. “It’s alright, Duchess Velvet.” “Just call me Velvet, dear. Miss and Duchess make me feel old. Now then…” She poked the unicorn and looked at me. “Captain Cross, this is Night Light.” “Hullo,” I waved. “Uh, hello. Sorry about that.” After an exchange of hooves, Velvet nodded with a satisfied smile. “I didn’t think there would be so many ponies,” Velvet commented, twirling around as she gestured to the guards all around us. “Do they all think they’re going?” she joked, but I felt the curiosity held up in her voice. “Most of them, yes. About a hundred of them from the regiment are going to help the division get established in central Halihoof, and about fifty of them are just some hired workers here to start reparations.” “Oh, I knew that, captain.” She tapped on her saddlebags. “I did the paperwork for all the meals and materials. What I meant was that I didn’t think there would be so many ponies helping with loading up for Halihoof.” “There’s two-hundred-fifty ponies in my regiment, Velvet.” Velvet thought that over for a moment. “That’s a lot of ponies for you to take care of, Captain Cross.” “You can just call me Cross.” She pursed her lips. “Cross,” she acquiesced, a firm nod and smile replacing the hard line. “And yes, it is quite a few mouths to keep in line. Speaking of ponies…” I turned to Night Light. “You here to send your marefriend off?” Surprisingly, Night Light shook his head. “I’m going,” he stated adamantly. I gave him a warm smile. “Great.” He tilted his head in confusion, his proud stance dropping instantly. “What, you’re not gonna tell me it’s too dangerous?” “Nah, you should be fine.” He sighed a breath of relief. “There’s a hundred of us; no assassins’ll be able to get through. At least, they won’t be quick.” Velvet’s eyes narrowed. “Cross…” I chuckled nervously, the fur on the back of my neck bristling. “Just playing with you, Mister Light.” “Haha, yeah… right.” An awkward silence fell over the group. Golden shuffled awkwardly in place, reminding me of her presence. “This is Golden Forms, my assistant.” Her ears perked up in an instant, and she gave a small bow to Velvet. “Hello, Duchess, Duke.” I laughed as all three ponies around me went red. “A little fast to be implying that, Golden.” “Sorry!” she squeaked. “...Unless there are plans for that in the future.” My grin grew as the couple’s cheeks only grew brighter. “C-Captain Cross!” Velvet shook her head violently. “Please!” “Alright—” I sighed pleasantly, my lips settling into a grin “—I apologize for Golden and I’s behavior.” Huffing, Velvet nodded her head. “Thank you.” I could still see the trace of a blush on her face as she pulled Night Light away. “Now, I’d love to talk, but I just dropped by to say hello and introduce you two. We still have a lot to check in on, don’t we Nighty?” “Uh, no we—” Velvet kicked him in one of his hindlegs “—yeah we’ve gotta go check in on… stuff.” “Alright, well you two have fun with that ‘stuff.’” Still smiling, I watched the two waddle off, the duo disappearing into the crowd moments later. “That was a little mean, don’t you think?” “It’s just banter, Golden. And don’t think that you’re free of judgement.” My tone turned teasing. “We don’t put ponies in the spotlight like that, okay Golden?” Snorting, she rolled her eyes.“Sure.” She picked our two mugs up with her levitation. “I’m going to go put these back where I found them.” “You do that.” I watched her go. Just as the morning had began, I was left alone to my clipboard and my crate. The coffee had fully taken effect by now, and I knew that I had no chance of sleeping again until later. Sighing, I picked up my clipboard and looked around for something to do. Sleeping had been my option of choice, but with that out the window… “Where is that train…” I muttered, squinting around me. “It should have been here ages ago…” A booming stallion’s voice cut through the crowd. “Get off the tracks you idiots!” Watching with a little bit of apprehension and guilty pleasure, a black engine cut through the second line of the freight yard, grinding to a halt. The train was the longest chain I’d seen in my life, with thirty cars extending past the coal wagon and engine. Twenty green cars made up the living quarters, and ten took the familiar form of storage cars. Rolling my shoulders, I hoofed my clipboard off to the nearest lieutenant and walked over. “No better way to kill time than by doing heavy lifting.” Clearing my throat, I looked around at the short ponies around me. “Load up!” Author's Note Next stop: Halihoof. But not before some train ride conversations. Division sizes are reduced in Equestria to fit with human counterparts. Spool up the subliminal enginesI cringed as the door to the train car slammed shut with a reverberating thud. Twilight Velvet sat nearby on one of the car’s sofas. A personal bag embroidered with her cutie mark sat beside her, and in her telekinetic grasp she held a beautiful crimson-gold quill and a notepad. She gave me a worried glance as I entered the carriage. “Is everything alright, dear?” My armor clinked softly with each step. After a brief pause, I shook my head. “No, not really.” “Nervous?” A slow nod. “The train car will be leaving soon,” I mentioned in an attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere. My eyes traced around the train car. “I hope the private car is to your tastes?” “It’s more than accommodating!” Night Light pipped from beside a whirring coffee maker. He poked at the device as it brewed. “I didn’t even know they sold these commercially.” “They don’t,” I said as my inspection of the car continued. “That’s a prototype the Joe family’s been sending out to select customers for field-testing. The Crown’s one of them.” Night Light gave an intrigued murmur as he continued to poke at the coffee machine. From the outside, the train car looked very much like the other passenger cars, but it was nothing like them on the inside. Contrary to the bunk bed quarters reserved for the soldiers and workers, the car held a modest dining room and two private bedrooms, complete with princess-sized beds. The dining room’s carpet was dyed a lovely velvet that blended well with the patterned green walls. Small gold trims accented the otherwise dull brown wood that formed the car’s interior shape. Had the car not been provided as government property, I was sure the decent comforts would cost a hefty bit to purchase. Hay, the expedition budget was already inflated enough, what was the harm in adding a few more of these cars for the troops? After my assumption of command, you’d figure they needed it. The sound of the newly awakened coffee machine and Night Light’s frantic fiddling brought me out from my thoughts. Velvet took the opportunity of my regained retention. “What does our schedule look like, captain?” “Lieu—” I bit my tongue. “Sorry. Please… just call me Cross in private, Miss Velvet.” I took a deep breath to regain control of my thoughts after the brief interruption. “We’ll be arriving at Flaxhoof by tomorrow at midnight, but we’ll be stopping outside the town to wait for morning.” Her expected question popped into her mouth. “And why will we be waiting beyond the town limits?” “The earth ponies don’t take kindly to disturbances in their sleep.” “I see.” She scribbled a note down on her notepad. I held back my laugh... like the professional I was. “Coffee, anypony?” Velvet and I politely declined Night Light’s offer. He gave a shrug and went to work preparing himself a cup. “I’m more of a tea pony myself,” Velvet explained as I trotted over to her. Smiling, I took off my helmet and set it down on one of the plush couches. “A mare after my own heart, I see.” Giggling softly, the Duchess lifted up a stack of papers from her bag with a graceful swish of lavender magic. “Speaking of hearts, have you seen what our PR Pony drummed up to sway the earth ponies to our cause?” “No, I haven’t.” I took the papers from her gratefully and looked them over quickly. There weren’t any fancy military parades lined up, nor were there any over-the-top ceremonies, but the proposal written out before me was quite… “Eccentric, isn’t it?” I sat down beside the mare and scratched my neck. “Well… er…” Velvet smiled deviously and leant forward in her seat. “I don’t suppose you’ve done this before, have you?” “Everypony has to when they come of age.” I looked to her and frowned. “But I left Halihoof before I came of age for…” I threw a hoof over the page. “...this.” “All aboard!” called the conductor from just outside the car. Immediately, three ponies tumbled in through the door. One of them was a guard that excused himself upon entering the wrong car, but Golden Forms and an accompanying white unicorn, dressed in a sharp suit, stayed their ground. I opened my mouth to ask about their sudden entry, but before I could, the train began moving. Night Light’s magic flickered around the coffee pot with a surprised grunt, but he managed to hold the container in place as the train ground to a halt again. Barks of confusion and anger ran amuck outside, but I simply stood and focused on the two ponies that had entered. Velvet smiled warmly despite the strange incident. “Hello, Miss Forms.” She looked to the unnamed unicorn. “And hello to you too, Mister… Alabaster, was it?” The stallion bowed his neck and spoke gruffly, “Alabaster Coronation, Duchess Velvet.” “Velvet is fine, dear. And please don’t bow.” He gave an affirmative grunt as he straightened out, then turned to address me. “Captain Cross.” I gave a curt nod. “Sir. You must be our PR pony, then?” “That is what I am here for, yes.” As the stallion strode across the car to shake my hoof, I couldn’t help but take notice of the way he held himself. As if he were a mind reader, he picked up on my look and thoughts. Following our hoofshake, he explained himself. “Born to earth ponies, captain.” “Hmm.” Looking him up and down once, I smiled warmly. “Its a pleasure to have you aboard, Mister Alabaster.” I watched him go over to Velvet and seat himself, then turned to my assistant. “Hello again, Golden.” She pouted playfully as she trot over. “You don’t sound too happy to see me.” “That was my intention, yes.” “Oh, shut up.” Giggling, she sat down next to my helmet and picked it up. “Watch who you’re talking to,” I warned jokingly. “Har har har,” Golden teased, “you’re so very funny, Captain.” Clearing my throat, I sat down beside Golden. Listening in to the ponies nearby, I realized Velvet and Coronation were discussing the latest additions to the Duchess’ introduction to Flaxhoof. “So,” I turned to Golden, the mare still intent on playing with my helmet, “what was with the train moving?” The mare set my helmet down between us and sighed. “Our engineer has a bit of a… temper.” A loud bang disrupted all conversation in the train car. “I SAID TO GET OUT OF THE WAY!” Harsh yells of various emotions rang out from just beyond the car. After a few seconds, however, the train lurched forward as we began to chug out of the station and towards Halihoof. “It’d be best to keep him on the train once we’ve arrived in Flaxhoof,” Alabaster commented wryly. “Definitely,” Night Light agreed with a chuckle. “Would you like a coffee, Mister Alabaster?” Alabaster cleared his throat and nodded firmly. “Black.” Grinning from ear to ear at the fact the journey was finally at hoof, I slunk back into my seat and stared up at the ceiling. A slow rumble of a laugh rose in my chest. “Oh-ho-ho, this already seems like it’s going to be a runaway-cartride of a trip.” I felt Golden shift in her seat beside me. “… I have a question about Halihoof, Cross.” I sat up. “Yes ma’am?” “Do you…” she tapped her hooves together nervously. “Do you think the earth ponies would appreciate having unicorns and pegasi barging in and claiming the land?” Golden swallowed thickly and looked up at me. “No less about a unicorn coming in and declaring herself as their Duchess?” I clopped a hoof softly against the side of my skull. “You’re right. I didn’t think about that… and I don’t think that saying Celestia has given Velvet the rights to their homeland would go so well, either…” I bit my lip as worry took over my features. “That’s what I’m here for, Captain.” I gave Alabaster a thankful smile. “And it’s also your job to follow through with what I require of you.” I held back a retort. “Yessir. Of course.” “Now, come over here. I need to run this over with you.” I stood and made my way over. “This—” he tapped on a new stack of papers he’d brought in, “—is my latest plan for getting the earth ponies to cooperate peacefully.” The stack was much thicker than his previous proposal. “Peacefully?” Night Light peeped. “I thought you said—” Twilight Velvet placed a hoof to her coltfriend’s lips. “Hush, dear, this is important.” Alabaster took a sip of his coffee before continuing. “As I was saying, the earth ponies have proven to be resilient to our treaties in previous encounters. For this reason, her royal majesty has personally asked that you follow through with these instructions as best you can.” My look turned stoic as instinct kicked in. “Anything for the Princess.” “That is apart of the Guard’s Mantra, yes,” he humored in a deadpan tone. He offered the papers to me. Golden scooted closer to us and held back her comments as I began to skim the text. If the previous proposal had been eccentric, then Alabaster’s newest proposal was insane. “Mister Alabaster…” I flipped through the stack, checked the last paper once over, and reshuffled it together. My eyes locked onto the unicorn’s own. “I… Is this really necessary?” “You are obligated to follow these instructions to their fullest extent.” The stallion leant forward. “Listen closely, and remember my words, Marked Cross.” A shudder went down my spine as the stallion’s harrowing words sank deep into me with his heavy tone. “We have one final and brief opportunity to establish our grassroots without the need for petty violence. If the situation comes to the point where things do not bode well for the duchess, your regiment will be forced to bring forth martial law. I am a peaceful pony, Mister Cross. You will learn this in time, but for now, know that public relations, more often than naught, requires a strong back to support its growth.” He pulled back, bringing forth a merciful end to his whispering. “Support her royal majesty, and she shall support us.” Nodding rapidly, I hoofed the papers back to him. I straightened and snapped a quick, clean salute. “Yes, sir.” The once emotionless stallion cracked a tiny grin, then turned to Velvet to discuss the plans further. Shuddering, I sat back down next to Golden Forms. She grasped me gently by my shoulder, but I said nothing as I thought over the stallion’s words. “What did he say to you? I couldn’t hear him for some reason… I think it was some kind of 'soundproofing' spell.” I stared out the window on the other side of the train car, watching the green surroundings carefully. After a long time, I finally turned to Golden and spoke. “Do you know what a drakeling is, Golden?”
The White DuchessThe vast sea of black erupted in a sea of shrill ringing. “... please no.” Unfiltered by the plea for mercy, the screech continued ever-onwards. My eyes snapped open wide as I bolted upwards. Fueled purely by hatred, I yanked up the source of the infernal sound and aimed it at a nearby open window. A feral growl bounced around my chamber. “Ahem.” I paused mid-hurl; my cobalt hoof dropped back down to my chest, alarm still firmly clutched. I turned my head to the room’s doorway. “Put the clock down, Cross.” My eyes glanced between the mare and my hoof. “Now.” Silently, I clicked the still ringing alarm off and set it back down on the nightstand. “I suggest you get dressed; the general is waiting.” Stumbling off of my bed, I stood tall above the mare. “Since when?!” “Ten minutes ago.” She watched with a sadistic smile as I scrambled about my quarters. “Crap, crap, crap…” “Is there an issue, captain?” “Not a captain,” I shot back on reflex. I breathed a sigh of relief as my closet revealed my armor. “Oh thank Celestia.” The mare ignored my celestial praise. “Wasn’t your promotion yesterday?” “I certainly didn’t sign up for it.” After slipping completely into my officer’s armor and securing the straps, I continued. “We’ll talk about it later, Golden.” Golden Form’s visage became strained. “If you didn’t want the charge, then why did you take it, Cross?” The front plate’s clasps sealed shut with two sharp clicks. I stood before Golden again, fixing her with a stern frown. “Later,” I repeated. With a frown of her own, Golden Forms stepped out of the way, and I trudged out into the hall. The little mare pulled up beside me with a capricious trot; I gave her a wary glance, but she just smiled. “I gotta get this meeting over with first, alright?” We passed a pair of tall pane windows that watched over the town of Ponyville to the south; I had to raise a hoof to block a stray ray of sunlight pining for my eyes. “Did we really have to schedule the meeting for this early in the morning?” I questioned wryly. “Yes, we did. The general has other ponies he has to meet with today.” Golden Forms was my new assistant, and in less than a day of her being in my company, she had already proven that she did the exact opposite of what her title suggested. “You’re not exactly living up to your job’s title.” She rolled her eyes. “I woke you up, didn’t I?” I glared at her and moved a stray strand of my ash-black mane back into place. “The alarm clock woke me, not you.” A grin split across her buttercup-colored muzzle. “Hush, you.” Golden prodded me lightly, her cheeks lit lightly. “You are a very grumpy pony, Captain Cross.” “Lieutenant.” I lowered my head and huffed. “Dang it.” “Better kill the reflex before it becomes a habit, Captain Cross.” I bit my tongue. A full-hearted giggle filled the air. “You’re adorable when you’re mad, captain.” “You are the worst pony,” I breathed, standing tall again. “We’re here.” I gave a brisk salute to the two guardsponies. The meeting room doors were pulled open by their magic once they’d reciprocated the salute. Golden slowed down and fell into step behind me as we approached the round table in the center of the room. On the opposite side of the table the general sat patiently, hooves folded over one another on the oak wood. I gave another, far more crisp salute to the general. The doors eased shut behind us with a soft ‘thwoom.’ He returned my gesture with a nod. “At ease, captain. Today’s meeting is all but formal.” I took a seat on my side of the table, while Golden quietly excused herself to go get a servant. “I trust your train ride to Canterlot was well, General Ironhoover, sir?” “Again, today is all but formal; no need to ‘sir’ me. And to answer your question, yes, the first class was as pleasant as always.” The Brigadier General shifted uneasily in his seat. “How’s your promotion, son?” I hesitated, just barely able to avoid slipping into my usual professional tone. “It’s only been a day, general.” There was a pause between us, and I chuckled. “I’m still getting used to the office, at least.” “Ironhoover, and it’s bigger, isn’t it?” “Yessir.” Golden returned with a servant and a tray of tea right as silence fell over the table. The servant set down the tray with the teakettle and three porcelain teacups. Golden left the room again with the servant, leaving me alone with Ironhoover. The meeting room was hot and stuffy, and I couldn’t help but tug at my armor slightly as sweat worsened the already awkward situation. After pondering the existence of the third cup over a sip of my earl grey, I broke the silence. “This is about the west, isn’t it?” Ironhoover sighed, a tired smile gracing his lips. “Yes it is, Cross.” I gestured around the room. “Then why the private meeting?” “Because I wanted you to speak with a certain pony you might remember.” I was unable to prevent a confused murmur from leaving me as the doors behind us opened up. Standing, I prepared myself to salute the visitor, but froze instantly. Walking up with a serene smile on her lips, the blue-eyed mare gave me a nod. “Hello, Mister Cross.” “Miss Velvet?” I bursted out with a stutter. Twilight Velvet took a seat on Ironhoover’s side of the table. She politely accepted the cup of earl grey that the general poured for her. Velvet addressed me again. “My coltfriend says thank you. About saving me, I mean.” I had been on my off-time, set on beginning my day at a local donut parlor, when a cart had slung past me at a ridiculous pace. From a quick survey of the situation, I learned that the taxi-stallion had been thrown up onto the carriage alongside his passenger, and thus was unable to prevent the cart from zooming down the cobblestones. As I’d turned to run after the cart, I’d noticed a mare standing stock-still in the middle of the road. Had I reacted a second later, the cart would have not only smashed into the mare, but slammed into the other pedestrians behind her. I bound forward, earth pony strength surging through my hooves as I landed right behind the cart. My teeth sank deep into the rear bumper of the vehicle, filling my mouth with sharp splinters of wood, but I held on nonetheless. Adrenaline pounded in my ears as my hooves ground against the stone, bumping with each groove I passed over. My heart beat with the sound of thunder as the cart and I finally slid to a stop, leaving me keeled over and spitting splinters from my mouth. I remembered Twilight Velvet rushing over from the other side of the cart. She’d helped me up and brought me to the nearest clinic to have the splinters removed. Surprising me then and even now, she had waited for me in the waiting room to make sure I’d been alright. After walking her home, we’d gone our separate ways. This was the first time since I’d seen her last, but it certainly wasn’t an undesirable visit. I ran my tongue over my dry, and still aching lips, reminded of the splinters. Shaking my head, I reclaimed my seat at the table. Velvet still had a smile to her small white muzzle. “So, I heard that you refused to take a post on the edge of the Undiscovered West.” I raised my eyebrow. “And why would you know that, Miss Velvet?” “Duchess,” the general stated simply. Blinking, I turned my eyes to Ironhoover. “Duchess...?” “Duchess Velvet.” He fixed his gaze on the mare beside him. “She became one quite recently, or so I’ve heard.” She nodded. “You would be correct.” Velvet’s teal eyes locked onto my own amber orbs. “Captain Cross—” “Lieutenant.” She paused, looking to Ironhoover in befuddlement. Blushing, I quickly fixed my mistake. “Sorry. I am a captain, to make that clear.” Ironhoover snorted. “You’re certainly showing that it’s only been a day.” Twilight Velvet tittered behind a hoof briefly, the sweet sound bouncing around the room’s walls. “Anyways… captain, I must ask for your assistance.” She paused. “I’d be happy to help,” I prodded gently. “Well…” She took on a thoughtful look. Then, with a wave of her faint pink magic, she levitated a neat manilla folder out from a saddlebag. She set the folder down and brought out a freshly-printed scrawl of parchment. Unfurling the paper, she began to read it aloud. “On behalf of her royal majesty, Princess Celestia, the Crown presents Noble Twilight Velvet with the fiefdom of Halihoof.” My jaw dropped. My voice sank low, my mind in disbelief of what I was hearing. “Halihoof?” “In recognition of Noble Twilight Velvet’s diplomatic ability, personal allegiances to her royal majesty, and generous work for the Crown, the Crown deems Noble Twilight Velvet worthy of the title Duchess Velvet. In accordance to this ruling, if Noble Twilight Velvet is accepting of the title Duchess Velvet, a census of the Halihoof region will be documented and filed to the Canterlot Registry by July 21, 972.” As Twilight Velvet finished, I shook my head disbelievingly. “Miss Velvet, you do realize that by accepting the title of duchess—” “—that I gain ownership of the western fief of Halihoof? Yes, I do realize that.” I gawked at the calm mare as she flicked open a manilla folder and slid a few papers out. “You don’t know anything about Halihoof if you’re this calm, Miss Velvet.” “You’re right, I don’t.” “Then why did—” “But you do.” I blinked once. “Excuse me, ma’am?” “I did perform a smidge of preliminary research on Halihoof—” she slid a decades old census across the table for me to read “—so I know that Halihoof is an… economic backwater of earth ponies.” True to her word, a quick scan of the census showed that there were no unicorns or pegasi in Halihoof, the earth ponies hundreds strong. Of course, I didn’t need an old census to tell me that; I had grown up in a Halihoof, after all. It was with a startling and horrifying moment of realization that I put the pieces of the puzzle together. “The Crown asked me to lead a patrol around Halihoof because they know I have a background there, and you want me to help you because of said background.” Velvet gave me a warm smile and a nod. “Exactly.” I shook my head and pulled back. “I’m not going to—” “If I may I interrupt, Cross?” Grumbling, I rudely edged my superior on. “You may have forgotten that with your promotion to captain, that you are now the highest ranking officer of your regiment, and as a captain…” My ears flopped down against the sides of my head. “Oh no…” “Oh yes,” Ironhoover grinned. “As a captain,” he boomed with heavy emphasis, “you are now not only in charge of your regiment, but a whole new division. The orders and forms have not been signed or sent as of yet, but as a Brigadier General with access to that information—” Ironhoover threw his hooves wide “—congratulations on becoming the first captain of the new Western Guard!” I rubbed my face with a hoof. “So… this time I can’t just say no, can I?” His hooves clacked against the tarnished table. “No, you can’t.” “And this… my division, is going to Halihoof anyway, isn’t it?” “Yes.” He tapped his chin contemplatively. “Actually, we’ll make that your old regiment, seeing as how your division is currently ordered for a single regiment. That’s considered due to the rather small size of the region.” He blinked. “The size will hold, pending any… unfortunate incidents in the initial expedition, of course.” I weighed my rather lacking array of options, then sighed. My only way out of this ‘Halihoof Expedition’ at that point would’ve been through a dishonorable discharge, because I’d only done five of my ten years. Heaving a loud, breathy sigh, I slouched forward in my chair, just barely able to stop myself from hitting the table. “Fantastic.” Twilight gave me an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry, Cross. I know this is all just so sudden.” A headache was coming on. “Why now?” I pried as I began to rub circles into my skull. “They connected a station in Halihoof to the national rail network a fortnight ago. It’s the whole reason the Crown saw fit to extend the offer of control to me.” She took a sip of her tea before she continued. “I believe good things can come from the ponies of Halihoof, and while I’m sure I won’t need too many advisors, I need ponies who can get things done.” I mulled over her words. All eyes in the room were on me as I really took the time to chew things over. When my eyes landed on the Equestrian flag hung over the fireplace in the meeting room, I finally relented. “Alright.” I sat up. “Since I’ve got no other choice, I have just one question that needs to be answered, Miss Velvet.” “Where do I start?” Smiling broadly, Twilight Velvet tapped the other paper on the table. “I’m currently organizing transportation and supplies with the help of the Crown, so all you really need to do is fill out orders for your new division and pack up any personal items you have.” I filed that information away in my mind. “Okay… got it.” Ironhoover finished off his tea and spoke. “Any more questions, Captain Cross?” I thought for a moment. “Yes, actually; when do we leave?” “The morning of the thirteenth,” Velvet answered again. I stared. “That’s tomorrow, Miss Velvet.” “I am aware of that, captain.” I sucked in a breath to hold in my frustration. Then, slowly, easing myself out of my chair, I stood. “Well, I have a lot of work to do then. I’ll see you in the morning, Miss Velvet.” “Of course, captain.” I turned to Ironhoover. “Enjoy your stay in Canterlot, sir.” With one last reciprocated salute from Ironhoover, I left the room. “This’ll be fun,” I muttered darkly as the two guards shut the door to the room, leaving the two torturers to their conniving.
A surplus of time to kill“Hey, somepony get Marked a coffee!” I snorted awake at the sound my name and the accompanying laughter. After glaring at some members of my regiment, my look sending the slackers running, I smoothed my mane out and looked around. Ponyville station was a bustling hub of work as ponies left and right offloaded supply crates from the Canterlot-sent chariots. As I went to recall the time that the rest of the crates would be arriving, the whistle of a green steam engine, just now pulling into the freight loading dock, went off. I yanked up my clipboard from the empty crate I’d been leaning against and checked off the train’s arrival from the list. Spitting the clipboard’s chained-pen from my mouth, I put the clipboard down and watched as ponies slowly began to peter off from the area around the chariots to unload the steaming hauler. Satisfied, I leant back against the crate again and squeezed my eyes shut. “It’s too early for this,” I grumbled. Just as I felt myself dozing off into the comforting embrace of sleep, I felt a hoof give a harsh prod to my chestplate. Flashing one eye open lazily, I spotted Golden’s yellow hoof wrapped around a porcelain mug, the cup steaming with black liquid. Standing upright and opening my other eye, I looked down at Golden. “I’m not a fan of coffee.” “I don’t care.” She pulled one of my front hooves up in a burst of lime-colored magic, then not so gently shoved the mug into my hoof. “What do you want with it? Sugar? Cream?” I frowned at Golden, unmoving. “If I’m going to drink the liquid equivalent of unsweetened chocolate, then I’m not even going to try and fix it with diabetes.” I lifted the brew to my lips, cooled it for a moment, then took a sip. I shivered, already feeling the effects of the caffeine. “Celestia help me; coffee sucks.” Levitating a mug of light brown coffee, Golden took a sip of her own. “Why, because it wakes you up, sleepyhead?” “Your ability to successfully tease me eludes you.” I rolled my eyes and continued. “No, that part of coffee is great, it’s just the crash that comes later.” Golden looked ready to make a rebuttal against my statement, but she must’ve seen the look on my face. “That bad, huh?” “I drank coffee to stay up for an inspection back at the academy years ago.” I took a sip of the coffee and swilled it around my mouth before I swallowed it. “I think the lieutenant’s words were that I had ‘dropped like a vegetable in a wheelchair going down a flight of stairs.’” “Wow… I um... yeah. Yikes.” “I woke up in the medbay six hours later. Had a migraine worse than the hangover I had at a party when I first enlisted.” Another splash of hot coffee sank down my throat. I eyed the mug and swirled it with a circular motion. “I’m gonna go pour out the rest of this.” “No, don’t!” I paused, eyeing the mare questioningly. “I’ll drink it!” Shrugging, I took one last long pull from the black coffee and gave her the rest. Watching with morbid curiosity, I witnessed Golden down her original drink in one go, then chug the rest of my coffee. Gasping, the mare lowered my mug. She gave me a maniac grin as a small dribble of the black liquid slid down her chin. I stared. “Thank Celestia for her gifts; I love coffee.” My stare intensified on the line of black liquid. “Uh, captain?” Golden looked herself over. “Is there something on me or—oh.” Blushing, she wiped the liquid away. “Woops!” Shaking my head, I took a step back and quickly wiped a small collection of drool from my lower lip. “That was weird. Don’t ever do it again without my permission.” “Okay, sor—wait, why would you have to give me permission to—” I waved a hoof. “No, no.” Setting my hoof down, I eyed my assistant carefully. “So you wanted to know why I said I didn’t want to be a captain, right?” Golden’s confusion was swift; recognition dawned on her. She spoke as she set emptied mugs off to the side. “Oh, right. Yes, I would like that.” I released a breath I hadn’t known I’d been holding and looked out over the working ponies. “It’s because of who my parents are.” She blinked slowly. “What, did they force you to do it?” “Nah, well, I mean sort of?” I scratched my head with a hoof. “My dad wanted me to sign up with the guard because he wanted me to show how strong earth ponies could be, but my mom…” I chewed on my lip in deep thought, thinking of the best way to explain my mother’s motives. “My mom’s a tribalist; she didn’t want an earth pony working with the unicorns and pegasi under the will of an alicorn.” “Why?” “Sorry?” “Why would your mom not like Princess Celestia, or unicorns and pegasi for that matter? Sorry if it’s a bit personal.” “Nah nah it’s fine.” I sighed; I knew I was going to have to reveal the truth at some point. “My family’s from Halihoof.” “Oh!” She was surprised, but it quickly reverted back to a questioning tone. “What does that mean?” “It means that we’re from a culture that stresses earth pony superiority. My dad moved us from Halihoof to Equestria because he wanted us to have a good opportunity to live better lives than the ones we had back Halihoof. After we used up our supplies and made it here, we had to look for ways to make Equestrian bits since Halihoof ran pretty much entirely on a bartering system. So, seeking the most well-paying job available to a pony without official documentation, I joined up with the guard. My parents got jobs doing construction work, which my mom is pleased with because she doesn’t really have to talk to other tribes different from her fellow earth pony coworkers.” Golden hummed softly. “Interesting. So that explains your mom and dad, but how does that affect your choice of taking a promotion to captain?” “It’s family politics.” I finally turned to make eye contact with Golden. “I just kept accepting the promotions I was getting because they paid me more and more, but my family’s more or less settled into society now. My dad thinks it’s good that I’m showing how great a Halihoof-born pony can be, but my mom thinks that I’m being influenced too much by the unicorns and pegasi, and that with each promotion I received, I related myself more and more to Equestrian unicorns, pegasi, and especially Princess Celestia.” “I think… I think I understand.” “Yeah, It’s just that I want to make my dad proud by reaching the top ranks, but not anger my mom. So I just…” I shrugged my shoulders. “I did what my did wanted me to do, and now we’re here.” Golden nodded empathetically. “That’s a tough place to be caught between, but personally, I think listening to your dad was the right choice.” I sighed, shaking my head. “I’ll see the effects of my choice the next time I talk to them.” “Captain Cross!” My eyes shot over to the crowd. Squinting, I was able to pick out Twilight Velvet from the herd of guards. I smiled as she approached. “Good morning, Duchess Velvet.” The mare tittered behind a hoof as her white cheeks went red. “Wow. You are tall.” Stunned, I looked to the unicorn standing beside her. The blue stallion was average in stature, and despite this, he still had to look up at me. I hadn’t been expecting quite a reaction at this early in the day, but I recovered quickly enough. Raising a brow, I coughed politely into a hoof. “So I am.” “Nighty!” Velvet delivered a soft punch to the stallion’s side. “He’s a captain!” she hissed. “It’s alright, Duchess Velvet.” “Just call me Velvet, dear. Miss and Duchess make me feel old. Now then…” She poked the unicorn and looked at me. “Captain Cross, this is Night Light.” “Hullo,” I waved. “Uh, hello. Sorry about that.” After an exchange of hooves, Velvet nodded with a satisfied smile. “I didn’t think there would be so many ponies,” Velvet commented, twirling around as she gestured to the guards all around us. “Do they all think they’re going?” she joked, but I felt the curiosity held up in her voice. “Most of them, yes. About a hundred of them from the regiment are going to help the division get established in central Halihoof, and about fifty of them are just some hired workers here to start reparations.” “Oh, I knew that, captain.” She tapped on her saddlebags. “I did the paperwork for all the meals and materials. What I meant was that I didn’t think there would be so many ponies helping with loading up for Halihoof.” “There’s two-hundred-fifty ponies in my regiment, Velvet.” Velvet thought that over for a moment. “That’s a lot of ponies for you to take care of, Captain Cross.” “You can just call me Cross.” She pursed her lips. “Cross,” she acquiesced, a firm nod and smile replacing the hard line. “And yes, it is quite a few mouths to keep in line. Speaking of ponies…” I turned to Night Light. “You here to send your marefriend off?” Surprisingly, Night Light shook his head. “I’m going,” he stated adamantly. I gave him a warm smile. “Great.” He tilted his head in confusion, his proud stance dropping instantly. “What, you’re not gonna tell me it’s too dangerous?” “Nah, you should be fine.” He sighed a breath of relief. “There’s a hundred of us; no assassins’ll be able to get through. At least, they won’t be quick.” Velvet’s eyes narrowed. “Cross…” I chuckled nervously, the fur on the back of my neck bristling. “Just playing with you, Mister Light.” “Haha, yeah… right.” An awkward silence fell over the group. Golden shuffled awkwardly in place, reminding me of her presence. “This is Golden Forms, my assistant.” Her ears perked up in an instant, and she gave a small bow to Velvet. “Hello, Duchess, Duke.” I laughed as all three ponies around me went red. “A little fast to be implying that, Golden.” “Sorry!” she squeaked. “...Unless there are plans for that in the future.” My grin grew as the couple’s cheeks only grew brighter. “C-Captain Cross!” Velvet shook her head violently. “Please!” “Alright—” I sighed pleasantly, my lips settling into a grin “—I apologize for Golden and I’s behavior.” Huffing, Velvet nodded her head. “Thank you.” I could still see the trace of a blush on her face as she pulled Night Light away. “Now, I’d love to talk, but I just dropped by to say hello and introduce you two. We still have a lot to check in on, don’t we Nighty?” “Uh, no we—” Velvet kicked him in one of his hindlegs “—yeah we’ve gotta go check in on… stuff.” “Alright, well you two have fun with that ‘stuff.’” Still smiling, I watched the two waddle off, the duo disappearing into the crowd moments later. “That was a little mean, don’t you think?” “It’s just banter, Golden. And don’t think that you’re free of judgement.” My tone turned teasing. “We don’t put ponies in the spotlight like that, okay Golden?” Snorting, she rolled her eyes.“Sure.” She picked our two mugs up with her levitation. “I’m going to go put these back where I found them.” “You do that.” I watched her go. Just as the morning had began, I was left alone to my clipboard and my crate. The coffee had fully taken effect by now, and I knew that I had no chance of sleeping again until later. Sighing, I picked up my clipboard and looked around for something to do. Sleeping had been my option of choice, but with that out the window… “Where is that train…” I muttered, squinting around me. “It should have been here ages ago…” A booming stallion’s voice cut through the crowd. “Get off the tracks you idiots!” Watching with a little bit of apprehension and guilty pleasure, a black engine cut through the second line of the freight yard, grinding to a halt. The train was the longest chain I’d seen in my life, with thirty cars extending past the coal wagon and engine. Twenty green cars made up the living quarters, and ten took the familiar form of storage cars. Rolling my shoulders, I hoofed my clipboard off to the nearest lieutenant and walked over. “No better way to kill time than by doing heavy lifting.” Clearing my throat, I looked around at the short ponies around me. “Load up!” Author's Note Next stop: Halihoof. But not before some train ride conversations. Division sizes are reduced in Equestria to fit with human counterparts.
Spool up the subliminal enginesI cringed as the door to the train car slammed shut with a reverberating thud. Twilight Velvet sat nearby on one of the car’s sofas. A personal bag embroidered with her cutie mark sat beside her, and in her telekinetic grasp she held a beautiful crimson-gold quill and a notepad. She gave me a worried glance as I entered the carriage. “Is everything alright, dear?” My armor clinked softly with each step. After a brief pause, I shook my head. “No, not really.” “Nervous?” A slow nod. “The train car will be leaving soon,” I mentioned in an attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere. My eyes traced around the train car. “I hope the private car is to your tastes?” “It’s more than accommodating!” Night Light pipped from beside a whirring coffee maker. He poked at the device as it brewed. “I didn’t even know they sold these commercially.” “They don’t,” I said as my inspection of the car continued. “That’s a prototype the Joe family’s been sending out to select customers for field-testing. The Crown’s one of them.” Night Light gave an intrigued murmur as he continued to poke at the coffee machine. From the outside, the train car looked very much like the other passenger cars, but it was nothing like them on the inside. Contrary to the bunk bed quarters reserved for the soldiers and workers, the car held a modest dining room and two private bedrooms, complete with princess-sized beds. The dining room’s carpet was dyed a lovely velvet that blended well with the patterned green walls. Small gold trims accented the otherwise dull brown wood that formed the car’s interior shape. Had the car not been provided as government property, I was sure the decent comforts would cost a hefty bit to purchase. Hay, the expedition budget was already inflated enough, what was the harm in adding a few more of these cars for the troops? After my assumption of command, you’d figure they needed it. The sound of the newly awakened coffee machine and Night Light’s frantic fiddling brought me out from my thoughts. Velvet took the opportunity of my regained retention. “What does our schedule look like, captain?” “Lieu—” I bit my tongue. “Sorry. Please… just call me Cross in private, Miss Velvet.” I took a deep breath to regain control of my thoughts after the brief interruption. “We’ll be arriving at Flaxhoof by tomorrow at midnight, but we’ll be stopping outside the town to wait for morning.” Her expected question popped into her mouth. “And why will we be waiting beyond the town limits?” “The earth ponies don’t take kindly to disturbances in their sleep.” “I see.” She scribbled a note down on her notepad. I held back my laugh... like the professional I was. “Coffee, anypony?” Velvet and I politely declined Night Light’s offer. He gave a shrug and went to work preparing himself a cup. “I’m more of a tea pony myself,” Velvet explained as I trotted over to her. Smiling, I took off my helmet and set it down on one of the plush couches. “A mare after my own heart, I see.” Giggling softly, the Duchess lifted up a stack of papers from her bag with a graceful swish of lavender magic. “Speaking of hearts, have you seen what our PR Pony drummed up to sway the earth ponies to our cause?” “No, I haven’t.” I took the papers from her gratefully and looked them over quickly. There weren’t any fancy military parades lined up, nor were there any over-the-top ceremonies, but the proposal written out before me was quite… “Eccentric, isn’t it?” I sat down beside the mare and scratched my neck. “Well… er…” Velvet smiled deviously and leant forward in her seat. “I don’t suppose you’ve done this before, have you?” “Everypony has to when they come of age.” I looked to her and frowned. “But I left Halihoof before I came of age for…” I threw a hoof over the page. “...this.” “All aboard!” called the conductor from just outside the car. Immediately, three ponies tumbled in through the door. One of them was a guard that excused himself upon entering the wrong car, but Golden Forms and an accompanying white unicorn, dressed in a sharp suit, stayed their ground. I opened my mouth to ask about their sudden entry, but before I could, the train began moving. Night Light’s magic flickered around the coffee pot with a surprised grunt, but he managed to hold the container in place as the train ground to a halt again. Barks of confusion and anger ran amuck outside, but I simply stood and focused on the two ponies that had entered. Velvet smiled warmly despite the strange incident. “Hello, Miss Forms.” She looked to the unnamed unicorn. “And hello to you too, Mister… Alabaster, was it?” The stallion bowed his neck and spoke gruffly, “Alabaster Coronation, Duchess Velvet.” “Velvet is fine, dear. And please don’t bow.” He gave an affirmative grunt as he straightened out, then turned to address me. “Captain Cross.” I gave a curt nod. “Sir. You must be our PR pony, then?” “That is what I am here for, yes.” As the stallion strode across the car to shake my hoof, I couldn’t help but take notice of the way he held himself. As if he were a mind reader, he picked up on my look and thoughts. Following our hoofshake, he explained himself. “Born to earth ponies, captain.” “Hmm.” Looking him up and down once, I smiled warmly. “Its a pleasure to have you aboard, Mister Alabaster.” I watched him go over to Velvet and seat himself, then turned to my assistant. “Hello again, Golden.” She pouted playfully as she trot over. “You don’t sound too happy to see me.” “That was my intention, yes.” “Oh, shut up.” Giggling, she sat down next to my helmet and picked it up. “Watch who you’re talking to,” I warned jokingly. “Har har har,” Golden teased, “you’re so very funny, Captain.” Clearing my throat, I sat down beside Golden. Listening in to the ponies nearby, I realized Velvet and Coronation were discussing the latest additions to the Duchess’ introduction to Flaxhoof. “So,” I turned to Golden, the mare still intent on playing with my helmet, “what was with the train moving?” The mare set my helmet down between us and sighed. “Our engineer has a bit of a… temper.” A loud bang disrupted all conversation in the train car. “I SAID TO GET OUT OF THE WAY!” Harsh yells of various emotions rang out from just beyond the car. After a few seconds, however, the train lurched forward as we began to chug out of the station and towards Halihoof. “It’d be best to keep him on the train once we’ve arrived in Flaxhoof,” Alabaster commented wryly. “Definitely,” Night Light agreed with a chuckle. “Would you like a coffee, Mister Alabaster?” Alabaster cleared his throat and nodded firmly. “Black.” Grinning from ear to ear at the fact the journey was finally at hoof, I slunk back into my seat and stared up at the ceiling. A slow rumble of a laugh rose in my chest. “Oh-ho-ho, this already seems like it’s going to be a runaway-cartride of a trip.” I felt Golden shift in her seat beside me. “… I have a question about Halihoof, Cross.” I sat up. “Yes ma’am?” “Do you…” she tapped her hooves together nervously. “Do you think the earth ponies would appreciate having unicorns and pegasi barging in and claiming the land?” Golden swallowed thickly and looked up at me. “No less about a unicorn coming in and declaring herself as their Duchess?” I clopped a hoof softly against the side of my skull. “You’re right. I didn’t think about that… and I don’t think that saying Celestia has given Velvet the rights to their homeland would go so well, either…” I bit my lip as worry took over my features. “That’s what I’m here for, Captain.” I gave Alabaster a thankful smile. “And it’s also your job to follow through with what I require of you.” I held back a retort. “Yessir. Of course.” “Now, come over here. I need to run this over with you.” I stood and made my way over. “This—” he tapped on a new stack of papers he’d brought in, “—is my latest plan for getting the earth ponies to cooperate peacefully.” The stack was much thicker than his previous proposal. “Peacefully?” Night Light peeped. “I thought you said—” Twilight Velvet placed a hoof to her coltfriend’s lips. “Hush, dear, this is important.” Alabaster took a sip of his coffee before continuing. “As I was saying, the earth ponies have proven to be resilient to our treaties in previous encounters. For this reason, her royal majesty has personally asked that you follow through with these instructions as best you can.” My look turned stoic as instinct kicked in. “Anything for the Princess.” “That is apart of the Guard’s Mantra, yes,” he humored in a deadpan tone. He offered the papers to me. Golden scooted closer to us and held back her comments as I began to skim the text. If the previous proposal had been eccentric, then Alabaster’s newest proposal was insane. “Mister Alabaster…” I flipped through the stack, checked the last paper once over, and reshuffled it together. My eyes locked onto the unicorn’s own. “I… Is this really necessary?” “You are obligated to follow these instructions to their fullest extent.” The stallion leant forward. “Listen closely, and remember my words, Marked Cross.” A shudder went down my spine as the stallion’s harrowing words sank deep into me with his heavy tone. “We have one final and brief opportunity to establish our grassroots without the need for petty violence. If the situation comes to the point where things do not bode well for the duchess, your regiment will be forced to bring forth martial law. I am a peaceful pony, Mister Cross. You will learn this in time, but for now, know that public relations, more often than naught, requires a strong back to support its growth.” He pulled back, bringing forth a merciful end to his whispering. “Support her royal majesty, and she shall support us.” Nodding rapidly, I hoofed the papers back to him. I straightened and snapped a quick, clean salute. “Yes, sir.” The once emotionless stallion cracked a tiny grin, then turned to Velvet to discuss the plans further. Shuddering, I sat back down next to Golden Forms. She grasped me gently by my shoulder, but I said nothing as I thought over the stallion’s words. “What did he say to you? I couldn’t hear him for some reason… I think it was some kind of 'soundproofing' spell.” I stared out the window on the other side of the train car, watching the green surroundings carefully. After a long time, I finally turned to Golden and spoke. “Do you know what a drakeling is, Golden?”
