Walker groaned softly as he awoke in a fog. Everything felt fuzzy, and as he tried to crack open his eyes, all he could see was a haze. Someone behind him said something in a male voice, that much he could tell. Piecing together what memory he could, Walker snagged his blanket and pulled it tighter around his body as he shut out the calm yellow light around him. He was likely in his tent, and that meant he was free to curl into a comfortable, warm, ball until he wanted differently.

“Go away Seal, I wanna sleep in today,” he grumbled.

Walker heard what sounded like chuckling, then his changeling nose picked up something very familiar. A shadow crouched down next to his head, and a hand extended with a cup of steaming, wonderful liquid inside.

“Come on Colonel, I know every good army man loves coffee. Poke that pony head of yours out if you want any.

Walker debated the wisdom of doing so, clearly the coffee was brought with intention, but at the same time, it was coffee! Walker stuck only his nose out of his blanket, sniffing the air carefully with his improved nose to ensure it wasn’t a trap. When he confirmed that the liquid was indeed coffee, he reached out with one hoof, trying to grab the cup. He growled softly when Seal moved it away.

“Ah ah ah,” the man said, “you don’t get the cup until I see your head. You can sleep more when we’re done, but we’ve got to make sure you didn’t hurt yourself.”

Walker huffed and sat up, glaring out from beneath his cover at Seal, who only smiled broadly back. Squinting against the light in the tent, Walker pushed his makeshift hood back and glared tiredly at Seal, then he motioned to the cup.

“Well? You saw me, now hand it over.”

Seal rolled his eyes and passed the cup over. Grasping it in his hooves, Walker quickly blew on it and drank a large gulp. Then, out of spite, he ducked back into his blanket and snuggled in, keeping the cup pulled tight against his chest as the blanket fell and blocked out the bright light of the tent. He didn’t know why, but doing so just felt right, like an instinct told him it was the proper thing to do. His usual cot felt softer than normal, and as he snuggled in, he was sure that someone had been kind enough to find a pillow for him to lean against. He'd need to thank them later.

Seal sighed and Walker heard him stand up.

“Colonel… I really don’t know what to say other than this is not very mature of you.”

Walker was surprised when his pillow shifted, giving a warm, and somewhat happy answer.

“It is quite alright Seal; Cornelius is merely adapting to a bit of his biology. The magic I used to preserve his mind adjusted his psyche just slightly. Cornelius is largely unchanged, but he is a bit more of a snuggle bug now, pardon the pun. I required just a bit of pony to preserve his mind and sections of his old body, hence the hair and the pony-esque eyes.”

Walker didn’t particularly like the sound of that, or rather, most of his mind didn’t. A small part sitting near the back whispered that it was natural to want to feel warm and fuzzy. Walker frowned and took a sip at his coffee to wake himself up further. He needed to focus, and the caffeine would help with that. He recognized the voice of his pillow, and he needed to be alert and coherent when he spoke to her. A well thought out apology was out of the question, as he didn’t know what to say without sounding like an ass, sounding like a brown-noser, or breaking into tears. Walker scowled at his coffee cup in thought. He needed to do this right, Celestia was an important ally to humanity, and more personally, she was a friend. Hopefully. Walker prayed he hadn’t screwed the pooch on that yet.

The cuddly part of his mind cooed when Celestia rubbed a wing against his back, and Walker had to drive away the urge to snuggle up next to her. Instead, he downed the rest of his coffee, ignoring the burn as it went down his throat. He then popped his head free of his blanket, blinking rapidly to adjust his eyes to the brighter light of the tent. Seal watched him closely, not out of fear that he would attack, but likely to ensure that Walker hadn’t changed too substantially. Walker was glad that someone was watching for that, and he honestly hoped that if something was too out of the ordinary, the Delta operator would do something about it.

Walker cleared his throat as he turned around, doing his best not to fidget as he met Celestia’s eyes. Her white fur was pristine, and her magenta eyes held nothing but kindness as she waited patiently for him to speak. She was far too good a person to get mixed up with him, but it was already too late for the both of them, and Walker knew he could mend their friendship. He took a deep breath, screwed his eyes shut for a moment, then said.

“Princess, I just wanted to say that I am sorry for how I treated you, and that I would be honored if-…”

“Done,” she said with a wide smile.

Walker frowned at her.

“You didn’t let me finish.”

The alicorn shrugged.

“Indeed I didn’t, but I knew what you would say. You are an honorable man, and despite what you may believe, our friendship has never come under question. It has merely been strained. Your wish to mend that strain shows this as fact, and I, as well as many of your soldiers, welcome your return.”

Walker sighed and looked at the floor.

“I guess that brings us to the second topic of today, do I still have a command? I know some people are willing to trust me, but how many soldiers, man or pony, are willing to follow a changeling into battle?”

Celestia matched his sigh.

“I know not Colonel, but that is not a discussion for now. Captain Seal will continue to maintain the camp in your stead for the time being. While you have made some good progress, you will need to put real effort into being a combat leader again.”

Walker felt himself lift into the air, and he resisted the urge to flail as Celestia lifted him to her side. Put right against her raw fluff, Walker couldn’t resist snuggling against her side as her wing came down, wrapping him completely in warmth. Celestia smiled down at him as he got comfortable, his pony-bug senses overriding anything else. Seal snorted.

“Princess, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go check on some things. This seems… weird.”

Celestia rolled her eyes.

“Nonsense Captain, as I said before, Cornelius is simply adapting to his new body. Since it is a mix of changeling, human, and pony, it will take him some getting used to. This is merely an act that is encouraging the pony side, which in the coming days will be very important.”

Seal rolled his eyes and dipped out of the tent, while Walker looked up at the shining alicorn.

“Why’s that?” he asked, his voice muffled as his snout pressed into her fur.

Celestia smiled down at him.

“Your mind is still stabilizing from the rapid change. Before your trip into the forest, we were encouraging the human portion. You will notice that only your human friends engaged with you, yes? Now we shall handle the other side. With reinforcement on two fronts, and lack of attention on the third, any remaining changeling influence will dissipate. You will be happy to note that upon your mental stabilization, you will be completely immune to any further changeling magic. They won’t even be able to levitate you, let alone change your mind further.”

Walker blinked and let his eyes wander down to her snow-white fur for a moment. That was actually exceptional news. It meant he was an incorruptible soldier. It would take immense effort to remove him, and he would never betray his troops, no matter what happened. The key word was if the stabilization succeeded. He needed to make sure it did. The pony instincts seemed to know that he was going to let them lose, but he did so completely and without fear. If he was a bit more of a hugger, so what? The ponies had proven themselves in combat, and if he was a bit more pony in thought, it was worth it for having surety of mind.

Celestia chuckled as he snuggled deep into her fur. She did nothing to stop his efforts however, and if anything, she encouraged him as she wrapped her hooves around his torso.

“I think somepony has accepted what he is then. I must express my happiness Cornelius; I am glad you were quick to come to this conclusion.”

Walker snorted as he flipped over, staring up at her.

“Had to Princess. If it means perfect confidence in my own mind, I’ll be as much a pony as I need to be. It isn’t like you all are slouches in combat.”

Celestia nodded in agreement.

“True, but still, thank you Cornelius. Thank you for being quick to adapt and for being strong in the face of these changes. I cannot be easy for you.”

“Quick?” Walker echoed. “It took me almost a week, and almost dying, twice I might add, for me to reach this conclusion. I nearly pushed away everyone who still trusts me at the same time too.”

“You may not believe this,” Celestia said, “but that is actually one of the cleanest recoveries from a partial transformation we have ever witnessed. Perhaps it was because I had a personal hoof in intervening on your behalf, but you show strength of will and character to bounce back as you have. Once you have stabilized fully, I shall see no issue putting you back in command where you belong.”

Walker frowned as he stared up at her.

“If it’s your choice. I don’t see whatever chain of command we have left assigning someone who looks like a bug to command anything. I’d be lucky to be taken back on as a private, let alone a colonel.”

Celestia nuzzled the side of his neck, causing him to instinctively return the gesture.

“No matter what happens Cornelius, I want you. You are my friend, and if your government no longer wishes for your service, I shall take you on as a personal advisor.”

Walker sighed.

“Am I really your friend though? I’m fairly sure I said some nasty things that friends aren’t supposed to say to one another.”

Celestia clicked her tongue.

“Perhaps, but you said nothing I didn’t deserve. You had every right to be afraid and paranoid about the world around you, and you were and still are adjusting to a big change Cornelius. You are the first ever human-pony-changeling hybrid, and you seem to forget that two weeks ago, magic did not exist in any capacity in your world. Now, you are involved in a universe spanning war, and have been permanently changed as a result of your personal sacrifices to assist not only your soldiers, but mine as well. A bit of anger is justified I think, and if it makes you feel any better, I will always value our friendship, no matter what words may be said.”

She nuzzled his neck again, then wrapped him tighter in her wings.

“No matter what happens, you will be my little pony from now forward. I shall always vouch for you should the worst happen. I do not think it will, however.”

Walker’s muzzle curled in distaste and he had to resist the urge to spit. It wouldn’t do to ruin Celestia’s blankets. Still, he did not like the childish sounding nature of the alicorn’s words.

“That sounds like something out of a kids show,” Walker said in mild disgust.

Celestia smiled.

“Perhaps, but it is my intention to keep you close at my side. Like it or not, you are at least partially a pony now, and that makes you unofficially a subject of mine.”

She looked up and rested her chin in his hair.

“Of course I shall do my best to ensure that you retain your human citizenship, as well as your position with your people. While I have no issues taking you in as one of mine, I want you to act in your government’s stead. Almost like a foreign advisor in my court, save that this will be in a military circumstance.”

She scowled momentarily.

“I truly do not wish to involve myself with some kind of posturing fool who is looking to make power plays. We are equals in this endeavor, and while you have respected that relationship fully, I do not believe that all humans are so kind and true of heart. It is yet another thing that our species have in common, and while distasteful, at least it brings about brotherhood, and harmony in our similarity.”

Walker grunted in agreement, fully aware of the kind of person she was talking about. Their conversation hit a momentarily lull, and while Walker’s pony instincts went to work snuggling against Celestia, his human mind became wrapped in deep thought. He went over the past few (conscious) days of his life, and he quickly reached the decision that things had gone well. Sure it was going to likely take some getting to used being a pony creature, but he had already started that when he was just interacting with Seal. Walking was already trivial, and the only issue he saw with being more physically affectionate was that it had the potential to become a distraction only if he had no outlet of it. Clearly his soldiers would not be open to such acts, and in truth, neither was he. Walker knew that getting anywhere near his soldiers on a physical level would be dangerous for his command. No, he’d need another solution.

Walker looked up to Celestia, who smiled back down at him.

“Is something amiss Cornelius?”

As she said it, her hoof rubbed across his back, and Walker couldn’t help but lean further into her chest fluff.

“No, not yet at least. I think you’ve noticed I started… encouraging myself to embrace the pony in my head. Whatever it takes to make sure the changelings don’t have their rotten hooks in my head, but what’s going to happen in the future? Clearly ponies do not have nearly the same urges that humans do, how am I going to satiate what is quickly becoming a need for physical contact?”

Celestia smiled.

“Depending on how things play out, I leave myself available to you. Should you ever need someone to talk to, or simply somepony to snuggle up against, I will never turn you away.”

She turned away from him, using her magic to lift the tent flap. A gust of cold wind immediately swept into the tent, causing Walker to shiver. Celestia frowned at the snow as she draped a wing over his shelled body.

“And until this weather lets up, I shall have to personally request you stay near. I will need to keep warmth spells applied on your person constantly, for while the cold is a blessing in our efforts against the hives, you share changeling biology, and even a few minutes of exposure could kill you. That I will not allow.”

She looked down at him and smiled again, those this time it had a playful glint to it.

“Though I suppose that brings up something very important that requires your attention.”

From behind her levitated a large brown box. Walker immediately felt a touch of suspicion. Celestia looked far too happy about the box as she set it before him. Unfortunately, there was no way for Walker to run as she lifted the lid and revealed a far too fuzzy set of clothes, done in bright yellow no less. Walker gave the alicorn a sour look over his shoulder.

“There is no way in hell I am wearing that.”

*****

Walker couldn’t hide his shame in any way shape or form. The horn on his head was so far non-functional, and as such he couldn’t even pretend to be a different pony with some magic… thing. No, with his non-existent connection to any other changelings, he had no experience with using magic, and as such, the horn on his head was purely decorative for the time. The wings could work, but they were being covered by the most obnoxious shade of yellow he had ever seen. And it was just so fuzzy!

“I feel like an idiot,” Walker grumbled as they walked through the snow.

Seal chuckled, walking directly behind Walker.

“Well you look great Colonel. I like the gold, really brings out your eyes.”

Walker glared over his shoulder at the man, who’s grin was unshakable. Walker threw his head back in exasperation, while Celestia simply smiled beside him.

“Cornelius, I assure you that your gift is the most popular winter wear in Equestria these days. I have it on good authority from a designer in Ponyville.”

“Popular for a schoolgirl maybe,” Walker grumbled.

Walker was wearing a bright gold set of socks that stretched all the way up his legs, with a matching vest, hat, and scarf, all extremely fuzzy and designed to keep him warm. While it all succeeded at its job, it also made him look like an absolute child, like someone had let a schoolboy into a military camp. It wasn’t late enough at night for anyone to be sleeping, so he tried to keep his head low as he saw dozens of pony and human soldiers walk by, each staring at the odd trio. Walker flattened his ears against the snickers. He took comfort only in the fact that they no longer openly hated him, but instead saw fit to mock him. Celestia pressed close, and Walker relished in the heat her body gave off. It was like standing out in a sunny field, absorbing sunlight.

“Fear not Cornelius. It will just be you, Seal and I tonight. We shall have a proper uniform for you before we meet with any significant authorities, human or Equestrian.”

They arrived at the command tent, and Celestia parted the flap with her magic, gesturing for Walker to go through first. As he did so, Walker immediately noticed two things. First, the tent was very much occupied, by three humans, as well as Princess Luna. Second, Walker immediately recognized the uniform the man in the center wore. He tried to wordlessly back out of the tent, only for Celestia and Seal to come in behind him, boxing him in. They both also froze in shock. The two parties stared silently at each other, before Seal broke the silence.

“Admiral, it’s uh… I didn’t expect to see you here so soon,” he nervously chuckled.

The man nodded, and his eyes locked onto Walker.

“I thought I would drop in to speak with our close allies,” the man said. “Additionally, effective yesterday, I am now the acting President of the United States. It’s taken some getting used to my subordinates calling me President Smith, or god forbid Mr. President.”

Seal chuckled again, trying to ease the silence. Walker was keenly aware that it didn’t work. Walker looked at Princess Luna, then back to the president. The President, and Walker was wearing something that looked like it had been designed by the most girly girl to have ever graced the universe. He needed an out. He was a changeling! All of Celestia’s comforting words flew out the window, and Walker knew he had best follow suit.

“I’ll… I think I’ll just…go,” he stammered meekly.

He turned around, only to stop in place as President Smith called out.

“Colonel, hold for a moment.”

Walker really wished he hadn’t gotten out of bed today. Celestia stared at him, her look clearly apologetic. Walker slowly turned around, facing Smith.

“Yes Mr. President?” he said quietly.

The man had a playful smirk on his face, and Walker didn’t like it at all. It was the same look Celestia and Princess Luna had when they were messing with someone.

“Son, just what are you wearing?” Smith asked.

Walker tried to hammer out a response, but he couldn’t find the words. His embarrassment was complete. He was a bug-pony, wearing bright, fuzzy clothes, of which the socks were by far the most comfortable, and most embarrassing to wear. Luckily for Walker, Celestia stepped forward, slightly obscuring the stammering changeling from sight.

“My apologies President Smith. It is merely a gift that I gave the good Colonel to protect him from the cold. His body cannot protect itself, just like other changelings, so he needed something extra so that we could talk. If I had known that you would be here early…”

Smith chuckled.

“No need for apologies Princess. This was a surprise visit anyway. I didn’t need the nursemaids back at command chewing me out for flying all the way out here.”

Smith looked over Celestia’s shoulder to where Walker was still frozen on his feet.

“Besides, I think it looks good Colonel. The gold really brings out your eyes.”

Walker’s ears flattened against his head. He heard Seal chuckle, and though he wanted to strike the man, he knew he couldn’t technically hit a subordinate, especially not in front of the president. Celestia cleared her throat, no doubt to draw attention away from him.

“Thank you, President Smith, I think that the designer will be overjoyed to know that her clothes were appreciated. Captain Walker, could you please escort Colonel Walker from the tent? We can finish talking with each other at a later time.”

Walker silently thanked Celestia, and he began to take a step backward, but Smith stopped them again.

“No need for that Princess. Colonel Walker is actually part of the reason I’m here.”

Walker swallowed nervously, felt his wings try to flutter under his vest. He wasn’t ready for this confrontation. He wasn’t ready for any confrontation! Talking with Seal and Celestia was one thing, hell being forcefully dressed by the two was mildly acceptable. But the president seeking him out? No good could come from this. Walker took a deep breath and straightened up, relying on his officers training to try and hide his nerves. He walked out from behind Celestia, standing at his best attention. He briefly thought about trying to remove the hat, as that what was appropriate, but thought better of it; he would only make an even bigger fool of himself as he struggled to use his hooves. Damn fingerless appendages.

“What can I do for you Mr. President,” Walker said, trying to sound confident.

He couldn’t tell if he succeeded.

Smith moved out from behind the table, subtly motioning for the pair of guards at his side to stay back. As he moved closer, Walker felt the need to run, but stood his ground. He was a soldier, if he couldn’t talk to one man, how was he going to get anything done? He had to man up, even though he was just about as far from being a human as possible.

Smith stopped right in front of Walker, close enough that Walker had to look up to meet the man’s eyes. Walker felt Celestia shift at his side, saw Seal nervously thumb at his rifle strap. Smith also noticed the nervous shifting, but he said nothing. Instead, he looked down at Walker, as if he was studying the changeling.

“Tell me Colonel, how do you feel?”

Walker was slightly surprised at the question.

“Physically sir?” he asked.

Smith smirked.

“Physically, mentally, emotionally,” he clarified, waving his hand in a circle. “Just tell me how you’re doing.”

Walker sighed and looked down.

“Honestly sir? Terrible. My body feels both like it’s natural while simultaneously not my own. I’ve treated both my friends and subordinates like dirt. This is the first day I’ve gotten out of bed willingly. I’ve failed my duties and I can’t help but feel like I’ve failed at more than that. I hold no trust for others, and they don’t trust me. Sometimes I feel like things are getting better, while other times I feel like I’m at square one, wanting to die all over again.”

Walker took a deep breath. He stilled his turbulent mind and looked back up, meeting Smith’s eyes.

“Tired Mr. President. I feel tired.”

Smith nodded, biting his cheek as he looked down at Walker. With a click of his tongue, Smith said;

“Colonel let me tell you something. I have a box with me right now. It’s for you of course, but I cannot give this award to a man who believes himself a failure.”

He looked to Celestia, then to Seal.

“I suspect that you two have told him this before. I have no doubt in my mind that you two are his friends. I see the little twitches that tell me you’ll dive in to protect him at a moment’s notice. While I appreciate your loyalty, I’m going to have to ask you to move your hand away from your firearm Captain. You’re making me nervous.”

Seal chuckled weakly and moved his hand into his pocket. It vaguely surprised Walker that the man was willing to go so far to protect him. Attacking the man who had sent him inland, that seemed steep. Still, Walker could see the emotions in Seal’s eyes, could tell that the man would do it if it was needed. Clearly it wasn’t however, as Smith nodded, smiling widely. He crouched down in front of Walker so that they were at eye level with each other. Smith drew a small award box from beneath his jacket.

“Colonel, you have served your country in a capacity that I could not have asked of you. You have sacrificed life, limb, and everything in between to ensure the completion of the mission. You have acted heroically, and if half of the reports I have read are true, you have earned this honor a hundred time over.”

Smith’s eyes drifted down, looking at Walker’s clothes. Walker felt himself flush with embarrassment, though he tried to keep a straight face.

“We’ll have to scrounge you up a new uniform, because while it looks mighty warm, it isn’t exactly your dress blues. We’ll worry about that at the official ceremony though.”

Walker felt a slight smile creep across his face, but worked hard to keep a lid on it. Smith noticed anyway.

“Colonel, before I give you this, I want you to know that you are still human in the eyes of the United States Army. You are still are a Colonel, you still hold your command. I’m going to put in forced leave time for you, but you still have, and will always have a place with us.”

Smith looked to Celestia.

“I read your report, at least as much of it as I understood. I know this is a special case, caused by an immense set of circumstance to come together, and I know that this won’t likely happen again, but that just makes this moment all the more important.”

He looked back to Walker. He opened the award box, and Walker’s eyes widened when he saw the medal waiting inside.

“Colonel, it is my genuine honor as acting President of the United States, to present you with the Congressional Medal of Honor.”

Walker opened his mouth to protest, but Smith cut him off.

“I know what you’re thinking Colonel, I know what you want to say. Whatever speech you have prepared about not being worthy, keep it to yourself. Every single recipient of this medal as the same thoughts, and every single one of them is wrong. You have earned this, and I know that you will carry it proudly.”

Walker felt tears in his eyes.

“Sir, I don’t know what to say.”

Smith smiled. He took one of Walker’s hooves and set the box on it.

“So, don’t say anything Colonel. You’ve earned this. It’s the least I can do to repay you for your service. Besides, this isn’t just for you. We need heroes, need to give everyone a name to look for when they need hope. I’m making one of those names yours Colonel Walker, so that award is yours, you’ve more than paid the price for it. ”

Walker nodded dumbly. He just continued to stare at the gold colored star in his hoof. He gently closed the box and set it on his back. He looked back to Smith.

“Thank you, sir. I’ll do my best to be worthy of it.”

“You already are Colonel,” Smith replied as he got to his feet. “And that leads me into my next reason for arriving on such short notice.”

He moved back to the table. Smith beckoned the three over, and so Walker, Celestia, and Seal joined him and Princess Luna. Celestia stood by her sister, her body tense. Princess Luna sighed and wrote something on a stray piece of paper before sliding it over to Celestia. Celestia read it for a second, then smiled and wrapped a wing around her sister, pulling her close. Both of their eyes flickered over to Walker, then Celestia whispered something in Luna’s ear. The blue pony nodded, and her gaze fell to the table, though Celestia seemed much happier. When Walker shot her a curious glance, she mouthed ‘later’.

Smith cleared his throat, placing a briefcase on the table.

“Now, gentlemen, ladies, I don’t think I need to say that everything in this tent needs to stay here. What we are about to discuss should remain strictly classified. We can brief everyone else after we’ve hammered out the details.”

He unlocked the briefcase and flipped it open, removing several papers and a few sealed envelopes. He looked to Celestia and Princess Luna.

“We’ve already made great progress discussing this, but it’s time to stop discussing and start acting. We’ve taken the toll, and let’s just say I don’t want it getting worse. Lucky for us, we’ve mainly secured the eastern seaboard due to the Colonel here,” He said, looking to Walker. “Colonel, by killing the queen, you put their whole front in the US under stress. We’ve been able to clear out three large hives and force the bugs out of DC. They are currently pushing south to get away from the cold. In response, I have issued an evacuation order for all people south of Kentucky, troops and civilians alike. The more we have protected naturally by winter the better we can prepare when it gets warm again.”

Smith spread out a map, detailing force numbers across the planet. Walker saw more than one country completely blacked out, including India, but ultimately, it looked like the united effort of humanity was holding the changelings back.

“So far, we’ve managed to make contact with all our allied nations. Everyone is regrouping and beginning to apply pressure. I don’t want to be too optimistic, but if we can clear the bugs out at home, then we can start helping our allies out. We’ve already received promised aid from several third world nations in exchange for protection, and I’ve accepted. We are currently using DC as a supply dump. Thousands of volunteers are streaming in. It’s the exact opposite of WWII, instead of us picking a front to help our friends out, they decided we need liberation first so that we can clean up out there.”

Princess Luna cleared her throat.

“It is our belief that the changelings struck your nation the hardest. If we can repel them here, we should be able to repel them anywhere.”

Smith nodded.

“That’s the thought at least. I just hope it holds in practice. Despite our… efforts, India has already become a stronghold for the bugs. The mountains, coupled with the heat and all of the people… They could hole up there for years and we couldn’t shake them loose. I honestly have no idea how to clear them out of there.”

Smith sighed, and shook his head.

“But that isn’t pressing right now. What we are here to determine is how to move forward as one, because no matter how this little war of ours ends, the game has changed forever.”

Everyone nodded in agreement when he looked up. Smith reached into the briefcase, grabbing one of the bulkier envelops.

“This,” he said, tossing it into the middle of the table, “is the plan we came up with. I took most of the suggestions Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna put forth, and added a bit of my own. The finished product is solid to say the least.”

Walker stared at the package for a moment, mildly curious as to what was inside. His ears flicked back and forth when he realized it was silent in the tent. He looked up to find everyone staring at him.

“What?” he asked.

Celestia took the package in her magic and shifted it closer to Walker.

“This is yours Cornelius. President Smith, Luna, and I thought it would be best if you were the one to unveil our joint effort to the world.”

Walker looked back to the envelope, then his eyes looked to Smith, who waved him on. Walker reached out with a hoof, dragging it closer at a snail like pace. As he picked it up in his hooves, Walker glared at the socks he was wearing; his already dull hoof had no way to cut through the sealed envelope. With the fuzzy sock in the way… As Walker glared at the envelope, Seal snatched up.

“Sorry sir, but you’re killing me with the suspense.”

Seal neatly ripped open the top of the envelope before setting it back before Walker. He gave Walker a wink, which Walker returned with a grateful, but silent nod.

Walker decided to abandon the methodical process, and simply upended the envelope, watching as a packet of papers and a beret fell out. Walker looked between the papers and the beret for a moment before deciding to grab the beret. It was a dulled gold color, and seemed a bit larger than the standard Army beret. The patch on the front consisted of a black background, with an image of the Earth in the center. Over that, a human hand was shaking a pony hoof. Walker looked up.

“What is this?” he asked.

Smith smirked.

“That, Colonel, is the first official patch of the United Human-Equestrian Guard. Right now, that guard will only consist of US troops and Equestrians, but in time we hope to include soldiers from all corners in its ranks. It’s a big first step, and we want you to lead it.”

Walker’s ears pinned themselves to the side of his head.

“Me?” he asked dumbfoundedly. He looked to Celestia and Princess Luna, both of whom nodded in affirmation.

“Cornelius, you are incredibly intelligent, and have an immense heart,” Celestia said. “When we began planning this with President Smith, we wanted someone with the best qualities to lead it, as well as someone who can easily see the perspectives of both sides to keep it balanced.”

“Indeed,” Princess Luna continued. The blue pony sighed. “I have been most cruel to you in recent days Colonel Walker, but despite this you have managed to find your way back to make the world a better place for all. You have sacrificed much, and it is only fair that we give you an opportunity to rebuild that which you have lost.”

Walker’s eyes moved to Smith as he nodded in agreement.

“If you think you’re not up for it Colonel, let’s go over the track record. You have the single longest and most productive diplomatic relationship with the Equestrian princesses, you have gathered and resupplied an entire operation that has saved thousands both directly, and indirectly, you have the years of military service and all the experience that comes with those years.” Smith shrugged. “I can’t think of a better man for it.”

Walker set the beret down, his mind working as he hesitated. He stared at his covered hoof, knew what was lurking beneath it. He still couldn’t get the thought that maybe, just maybe there was still some changeling influence lurking deep in his mind. Was he going to be able to effectively lead anyone if he also had that doubt? Should he?

Celestia, noticing his doubtful expression, sighed and moved to his side, draping a wing over his back.

“Cornelius, if you say that you are done; that you have done your duty and served your time, then there is nobody here who will think less of you for declining. I will personally find you a house in Canterlot from which you can live out the rest of your days in peace.”

She paused, then nudged the beret closer.

“But if you think for even a moment that you are not the single best person for this position, then you are sorely mistaken, and I will make sure that every day of your life is occupied by fuzzy socks and Charms until you think better of yourself.”

Seal snickered, and Walker glared at the man. The Delta operator shrugged, and kept his grin wide.

“Don’t look at me sir, I’m paid to go places and shoot stuff. You’re the big thinker here.”

Walker sighed, staring down the beret. He felt Celestia’s fur brush against him, even through the clothing, and he leaned against her a bit, closing his eyes as he took comfort in her presence. They were right of course, and perhaps that knowledge, accompanied by his success with helping White… Yes, he could do it. He was still human, at least mentally. Mostly. He took a little too much comfort in Celestia’s fur, and it took a concentrated effort to not snuggle against her, but that just further erased his doubts. He was in control.

Walker took a deep breath and opened his eyes, his mind finally calm for the first time in days. No more inner turmoil, no more denial of reality. What was, was. He had two of his closest friends at his side and he knew of a few more who would undoubtedly volunteer if he asked them. Walker looked at the beret before looking up to Smith.

Smith looked at him, his face expectant and arms crossed.

“What do you say Colonel?” he asked.

Walker focused as best he could with his mind, staring hard at the beret. Somewhere in his mind, he felt a small connection form, and as he continued to focus, a glow suffused his horn, lifting the beret in the air with his magic, the aura a silver color. He removed the golden knit cap from his head and slowly settled the beret on his head, his horn poking out through a premade hole in the top. Celestia gave him a squeeze of happiness, then Walker looked to Smith.

“I say, let’s get started.”

Author's Note

Oof, not the ending I wanted but... an ending. A bit tacky, and cliche, but the problem with this story was that it originally functioned as a one-shot (the first two chapters to be precise) that ended up running away from me. By the time I hit 50k words, I became at a loss for where I wanted it to go.
Some people have expressed interest in a wider universe, but the simple truth is that I have little plans for such. I will still write the prequel, as well as a few short off-shoots, but ultimately, unless I am suddenly inspired to pick this up again, I'm done with the idea, hence why I left it with an ending, but one that is open to more writing should the desire arise. I'm not nearly as passionate about it as I am other projects, and I currently have no idea what a proper sequel would cover. Clearly it would follow the war between Earth+ Equestria vs. the Changelings, but the conclusion to that conflict seems foregone in my mind, and I can't think of a way to make a compelling story out of that. If someone else has a good idea though, I say go for it. Write away with my blessing, I'd enjoy seeing someone else's spin on the characters.
Simply put, I am glad some people found enjoyment in Echo Sierra Bravo, and I invite you to check out the prequel and the shorts that I will put out in the coming months.
Thanks for all of your support!
-Night