The Pirate Prince

As Spike's ship left Krokotopia to head back to Equestria so the corrupt soldiers could be charged for their crimes, Spike walked down to the brig and took a stool and sat in front of Apple Specter's cell. He asked, "I can tell by your face you weren't involved in the corruption. So why were you at that poker game?"

Applejack's cousin sighed, "Look, some people seem to forget this, but I'm not part of the Navy, I work for the Navy. I was never part of the Navy, I work for the Royal Navy's BPRD and I'm a part-time agent for the NCIS. I was investigating the corruption within the ranks. When you showed up, I couldn't risk blowing my cover, even if it meant being arrested."

Spike's eyes widened when Apple Specter told him the truth, "You're a part of the BPRD and the NCIS?" He thought for a moment and said, "In that case." before unlocking his cell door, "I can tell you're not lying, you're free to go, and you'll be called as a witness during the trials. I'll talk to Applejack about this, I'll make sure she knows what really happened, that you're no traitor."

Apple Specter smiled lightly, "Thank you my lord. It's always been an honor to serve the royal family, even without my family's service in the ranks."

As Apple Specter and Spike walked out of the brig and to the main deck, Applejack saw them and asked, "Spike!? What's that traitor doing out of his cell? I told you; he's not getting special treatment just because he's my cousin."

"Yes, you did, but that's not why I released him from the brig. He's not part of the Navy, he works for the NCIS, and he was investigating the corruption before we showed up. The only reason he was in that poker game was so that his cover wouldn't be blown. He couldn't risk letting the other find out he's not one of them."

Applejack looked to her cousin and looked him in the eyes, and smiled, hugging him, "I believe you Specter. I should have known better than to accuse you with no proof. I'm so sorry I doubted you."

As he hugged her back, Apple Specter smiled, "Thanks cuz, don't worry about it. I'd never think of betraying my family or the crown. Nothing is more important to me than my family."

Spike smiled, "I'll let you two catch up. We'll be arriving at the royal docks soon enough."

One hour later...

As the ship docked at the royal docks, Shining Armor and his group of guards were waiting for them to take the corrupt soldiers to the castle dungeon. When he saw Apple Specter not in shackles, he smiled lightly, "Good to see things worked out for you Specter."

Spike raised an eyebrow, but before he could speak, Twilight yelled, "Wait, you knew Apple Specter was undercover!? And you didn't think to tell any of us, not even the prince or your own little sister!?" with her hair flaring up from anger.

Shining Armor gulped as his sister's hair flared up, "Calm down Twilight, I had my reasons. I can't just go telling everyone who's an undercover NCIS agent and who isn't. It would blow their cover. If you knew Apple Specter was an NCIS agent, it could cloud your judgement and endanger the investigation."

As Twilight calmed down and her hair returned to normal, she sighed, "Fine, I can understand it now that you explain it. Still, there are some people you should trust with that kind of information, and it's honestly hurtful that you didn't trust me with it."

As he rubbed the back of his neck, Shining said, "Sorry about that sis. I promise, if anything else comes up, I'll let you and the prince know after I report things to the queen."

As Spike walked through the castle to watch the corrupt Naval officers stripped of their bars and medals by his mother, he heard a familiar voice coming his way, "My lord, it's been a while." to look over to the voice and see Garble's younger sister Smolder. She was a Dragoon recruit, and she was at the top of her class, especially because she'd gained her wings before even graduating and becoming a full-fledged dragoon.

Spike smiled, "It's good to see you too Smolder. And please, there's no need to be so formal with me."

Smolder nodded, "Ok, Spike. My brother told me he grew up over his grudge against you, and now he's actually brave enough to go to those poetry clubs in town. I was wondering... could I join your crew?"

Spike was surprised that Smolder wanted to be part of his crew, and told her, "Normally if a Dragoon recruit asked to join my crew, I'd say no, but you're top of your class and you have your wings. I'll think about it and decide in the morning. For now, get back to training. It'll help your chances if I see your ability in a fight."

Smolder smiled and saluted Spike, "Yes sir!" before running off to get back to her training, hoping that Spike would be impressed with her skills in the morning.

Spike smiled as she ran off and said to himself, "She really does have a lot of spunk. She'll make a great Dragoon, even without being on my crew. That being said, I did tell her if her skills are up to standard, she'll be welcome on my crew. We'll just have to see in the morning."

And so, Apple Specter has been cleared from suspicion of corruption, when in reality he was investigating the corruption himself as a part-time agent for the NCIS. And upon arrival back to Equestria, Spike may have a new crew member on his claws, with Garble's younger sister Smolder being the top of her Dragoon recruitment class, if she can prove herself in a fight, she'll be a new member of Spike's crew. Will she be able to prove that she's ready to join the prince's crew, and perhaps his harem?

Find out in the next chapter!