Summer Islands : Road to Freedom
Step 0 - Breaking Rules is Bad... Mostly.
Moon Shine, no not Moonshine, Moon Shine is an earth pony who currently stood proudly next to the railing of the ship "Coco". The ship was one of the first ships to use steam power to sail although it uses wood for fuel rather than coal. His light blue fur is slightly waving due to the wind, while his saddlebag seemed to be containing a number of scrolls and a book attached to the side of the bag. On his face was a set of dark sunglasses protecting his dark purple eyes from the sun since his eyesight got used to working in the dark halls of Canterlot Castle.
"Sir Moon? We'll be arriving shortly." One of the sailors said while looking in the same direction Moon was looking... A small island group within the Summer Islands archipelago stood proudly above the endless blue sea.
'Sir Moon? Ha! If my Mentor heard that he would trip.' Moon suppressed a laugh as he looked outwards to the islands he's been 'selected' to govern.
"Tell your captain that as soon as we arrive I wish a meeting to be set up as soon as it's possible." Moon said turning to the sailor who slightly bowed and left.
'This feels like the beginning of some book she would read. But what I did was real. All of it.' Moon thought to himself as he dived into the memories from Canterlot. After all, he did find his life there thanks to his mentor.
Three years ago - During normal work hours at Canterlot.
Moon allowed his rear legs to stretch a bit after good five hours of sitting behind his desk. He was rather young to work at Canterlot Castle Manegment but he did it. He got the job just recently and so far it was showing its apparent difficulty. He should have seen it coming that the management of a whole country the size of half a continent would be hard. Though he expected a bit less work.
"Tough work?" Asked a pegasus with a bright green coat from the direction of the doorway while interrupting Moon's inner thoughts. The stallion's already grey mane showed his age, with a rather playful smirk on his face accompanied by a small mustache, and on top of that a pair of dark green eyes.
"Please, that's the normal around here... or at least normal around this room." Moon responded before pausing and sighing.
"Believe me when I say this. I had it tough but you're going to have to buy claws and fangs to keep this post." The pegasus responded while sitting down himself next to Moon.
"It's that bad?" Moon asked the older stallion.
"Oh it was bad for me, but for you young colt... I can't tell. After all how many earth ponies have you seen around here?" The older stallion responded. Star had to give it to him, there weren't many non-unicorns in Canterlot, to begin with.
"So how are your days? Last time you came here you invited me to the birthday of your nephew. By the way, how's the little Gilder?" Moon said as he slightly let himself get overtaken by nostalgia.
"He's doing good. Finally learned to fly rather than glide. The little critter was flying to get to the nearest cloud where he just made circles out of them. Imagine a whole sky with nothing but white puffy circles." The old stallion chuckled at the mention of his nephew. He made a metaphorical circle using his hoof while looking at the ceiling.
"But no that's not why I'm here..." The older stallion sighed before fixing his gaze on the younger stallion.
"I'm retiring... for good. My wings aren't as good as they used to be and I can bearly keep up with the nobles those days." The stallion let his head fall on the table while showing off his wings which at this point seemed like they have seen much better days... especially the splinted one.
"So that's it." Moon asked as he let the info sink in.
"That's it. You'll be a free chew toy for all of the nobility if you don't prepare." The older stallion rose as he looked at the young stallion. The gaze from the older stallion could tell him much more than it should.
"They just told you today. Right?" Moon asked.
"Yup. Broke a wing and already got written off as a waste. I'll tell you one thing young colt. Don't get caught red-hoofed, always have a golden card under that jacket of yours... or blackmail if needed." The older stallion said before leaving a dry laugh at the end.
"One last thing... when was the last time you visited your family?" The older stallion asked. Moon sighed and shook his head knowing lying did not affect his mentor.
"At some point, you'll need to understand that you aren't a burden to them. You're still part of their family. Regardless if you had a bone on your head or not." The pegasus stated before moving towards the exit.
"At least send me some letters from time to time young colt." The pegasus said as he closed the door.
"Aye aye, captain." Moon saluted the former Captain of the Royal Postal Service.
Today - During normal nostalgia hours on Coco Ship.
Moon remembered the old days when everything was rather normal and nothing unexpected happened during those times. But sadly after his mentor was retired he understood the constant jokes about using claws and fangs to keep the position.
He was the most infamous pony among the nobility. Through the years he had to metaphorically headbutt almost half of the nobility to get anything done and also had to take initiative wherever he could. After all, he was a simple pony from management who had no power, right?
One year ago - During standard representative hours at Kingdom of Wingbardy.
Moon was overlooking the industrial district in the Kingdom of Wingbardy east of the Equestrian colony of New Mareland. He watched the innovative new 'Trains" as the creator of them called them. Big metal boxes with wheels connected to some magnificent 'engine' that let it drive itself. A great logistics and comfort commodity if used in transportation over long distances.
"So you're the Equestrian representative." Said a raspy voice coming from his side. A griffon with a wooden stick instead of a claw, his feathers seemed to have been permanently stuck with fragments of coal which kept falling leaving a small trail behind the griffon.
"Yes good sir, My name is Moon Shine of the CCRM and I came here to see the new revolutionary transport of yours. And I must say... I'm already impressed." Star started as he gave his hoof a shake.
"Hehe, figured at some point one of you would be named after a good drink. I'm Retolionio but many just call me Retonio. Yes, indeed the train will revolutionize the world as we know it." Retonio chuckled as he watched the prototype drive on the first rail to exist in the whole world.
"Believe me you're not the first to point that out." Moon rolled his eyes.
"Tell me, if I managed to support your idea how long would it take for the first commercial type to enter construction?" Moon asked as he watched the griffon creator.
"I'd take any help I could get but national funds are diplomatic and bits haven't been that high on the market for some time." Retenio said as he turned to Moon.
"Then how about workforce and resources? Those aren't as political as bits while their value is set in stone regardless of the economy." Moon said and waited for the griffon to tough it out.
"What are you trying to do? I can see this leads to the eventual Equestrian train system... But what's in it for you." Retino eyed the pony.
"Getting the right leverage to solidify my position. Even Equestria for all its storytelling isn't like the foalstories make it out to be." Moon said without much thought on the subject.
"Hah! A selfish pony with a good name. Now I've seen everything." Retino laughed for a bit before showing his claw for a shake.
"A deal it is. I'll show you ponies how to make a proper train." Retino said as Moon shook his claw.
Today - During normal nostalgia hours on Coco Ship.
Ok maybe he has a bit more influence than the job even advertised... but it's not his fault that the Princess made only one spot for the manager of CCRS [Canterlot Castle Royal Manegment] who also took over much of the duties the Equestrian Council should be concerned with... But no it's his job to keep Equestria from falling apart.
Twenty days ago - During normal work hours at Canterlot.
Moon shook his head as he tried to keep his eyes from leaving the chart with the bit debt that was slowly rising through the last few months... A sigh escaped his lips as he pushed it aside and looked at the recent trade reports that added up to the whole debt.
He frowned as his hoof went to his mane. A headache was forming due to Celestias diplomatic 'efforts' with the Griffonian Colony north of Pryncessyn. Ever since the Emperor of the Griffonian Empire died the whole Empire fractured into squabbling states due to a lack of a successor to take over the throne. And now their colonies in Northern Equss are starving for economic support.
Moon doubted that stuffing Griffon's mouths with bits would solve their economic problems anytime soon... Or ever considering the near lack of government control over the funds in their colonies. Worse fact is that most of those bits mean nothing. In Equestria, they may have value but in the Griffonian market, it has become worthless in recent years due to Equestrian isolation. It's a simple bit sink. A national disaster in making if somepony asked him... that is if somepony asked him.
"Yo Boss." a voice brought Moon out of his headache made by the documents. Moon looked over to see a bright red coat belonging to a familiar pegasus. With a yellow mane and eyes, the pegasus landed in his office after flying through the open window which let the only light get inside the dark room.
"I swear I'll be plagued by debt nightmares by the end of this day. How's the world, Jumper? Not burning I hope." Moon replied to Jumper. Fire Jumper was his personal messenger who brought problems and helped him resolve them.
"Nah it may be bright outside unlike this dungeon but it is chill, so relax boss. Everyone is excited for tomorrow with the summer sun celebration. But yeah work first got a problem from a town called uh..." Jumper stops as he looks down at the documents he was holding. Moon frowned... his office wasn't a dungeon. It had one rather small window and some candles here and there, one small bunk bed that also served as his personal space.
"Coltcrown... Anyway, they have a problem with their health system. Their local doctor is overwhelmed with patients. A lot of heat-related stuff, and believe me that place made me soak in sweat. You won't mind if I take a shower?" Jumper said as he looked at a nearby map where he found the small dot with the bearly visible name being scribbled there. Moon nodded as Jumper disappeared into the corridor outside his room.
Coltcrown was a mining town in southern Equestria. The main export was precious metals while they import food... And in quite large quantities. The town wasn't connected to the train network yet and it was deep in the south just next to the desert, he should know since he himself planned those out. He looked at the whole region and picked up a nearby document where most medical care facilities were listed. He narrowed down the search by getting another list of airship ports in the region.
Jumper returned a few moments with a towel on his head as he kept brushing his mane.
"Is the mayor willing to spare some bits?" Moon asked as he looked at nearby cities... Most notably Las Pegasus.
"Hawk Eye is willing to give up to two thousand bits for any help." Jumper replied as he watched Moon who was trotting between multiple document piles.
"Should be enough to pay off for short-term rental of an airship from Las Pegasus has the hospitals and personnel that should be enough to get most of the patients under their care... For about a month if the prices on rentals haven't changed..." Moon said as he began writing down an official letter to the Mayor of Coltcrown.
*To Hawk Eye...*
Moon blinked once... Then twice.
Wow... So he isn't the only one with what can be described as accidental joke name... Though Hawk Eye seems deliberate...
"Fire Jumper." Moon said as he waited for the reply.
"Ye Boss?" Jumper answered as he looked confused.
"... Don't let any Griffons hear somepony is named like that," Moon said as he continued the latter.
Today - During normal nostalgia hours on Coco Ship.
Of course that might as well have been the last time Moon had any major influence over Equestrian land... but at least he made an insurance that he would keep his influence regardless of the size of land he would work on.
Six days ago - During normal panic hours at Canterlot.
Moon was pushing past what could be described as a sea of panicking unicorns thanks to which the massive amount of papers on the ground were rendered crushed and destroyed.
'What a waste.' Moon thought to himself as he finally squeezed behind the massive doors.
His co-workers weren't the only ones in a complete state of panic. The entire city was in anarchy and the guards were no better. Moon chuckled a bit at the thought of seeing his brother running like one of those guards.
But then reality came back as he got pushed down to the ground by a noble who was for lack of a better word aggressively mocking the weather while running...
He should remind himself why he still worked here... pride? Nah he lost that when Cloud went to retirement... Bits? Not with that debt... Housing? What Housing? He practically lived in the same room he worked at... Spite?.... Yeah... Maybe that. It was 7 long years he worked under the CCRM and he was tired. Too tired of all the crap he had to endure to keep his position just because some noble-related pony was 'more qualified'.
Now he was sure that after today they might as well fire him for this disaster of a day just to keep the nobles from being too upset. He needed an alternative. A Backup plan. Something that would require a mind of a decisive player in a chess game...
Something that even a princess would has never thought of...
...
Two years ago - During stressful Canterlot working hours.
"Ok, who's the funny pony?!" Moon yelled into the corridor which only responded in silence.
"I'm not laughing." Moon yelled this time louder.
"I don't care who you are, I don't deal with banana cakes missing their ingredients. Next time someone stamps national security on this I will personally burn it!" Moon yelled again.
Silence answered again followed by a slamming door echoing through the corridor.
Probably...
...
One year ago - During sleeples work hours.
"What?" Moon asked while his eyelids looked beyond tired making the unfortunate pony in front if him shiver. In front of him stood the Main Chef of Canterlot Castle.
"All I said is that I need some ba-" Before the Chef could repeat his request he found himself sliding across the corridor outside Moon's workspace/home.
"How rude." The chef sighed as he heard the door slam behind him.
"I supposed Her Highness will have to endure another year without those cakes." The chef sighed as he prepared to leave before the door slammed again.
"WHO WILL HAVE TO ENDURE?!?!?!??"
The chef for a second thought the management stallion was secretly an alicorn due to how loud he yelled.
...
Maybe.
While Moon was moving through one of many spiral stairs in the castle his head was deep in his memories looking through all the possibilities.
Then. A clock rang with a resounding click...
...
He should send a request to replace those clocks with something newer...
Newer... Newer location... Hmm... Moon thought of the idea... A new job far from home politics yet still high enough to grant him possible asylum from the nobles...
Five months ago - During normal accusation hours.
"This, THIS, THIS FOOLISH IDIOT. Has not only beaten my son in an uneven fight but also embarrassed the entire family of my dear lovely son." A familiar Blue coated unicorn yelled at his honor at the court.
"Excuse me but isn't it stated in the Honorable Spar Agreement that Magic-" Before Moon could finish while holding a piece of paper a loud shout with a small blast of cold magic came over him.
"IS PERFECTLY FINE IN ROYAL SPARS." The unicorn yelled as she huffed in annoyance. The small piece of paper Moon held suddenly was crushed into snow. Luckily he had multiple copies of the document. All of them were signed by Blueblood. The only thing they both agreed on was the necessity of paperwork. The usage however was questionable on both sides of this conflict.
Yeah, he needed as much insurance that Nobility wouldn't want his head on a spear...
He would rely on luck for this... Hopefully, it would work.
The Candidate Files.
Well, to be more specific the personnel documentation also contained promotion candidates.
He passed the corridors occasionally passing a group of panicking ponies and guards franticly trying to control the situation.
He knew this was a line he needs to leap over. Candidate Files have every single pony that is placed into consideration when replacing higher ranks such as mayors, military officers, governors, officials, etc.
Moon finally reached the large wooden door locked with a silver lock. Silver locks are magically enhanced to be resistant against magic spells thus allowing only workers with keys to enter them. The doors would usually have a pair of guards but due to the chaos, the corridor was empty.
He moved the rug behind him and saw the faint glint of silver. A silver key for the door.
"Glad I had to do those document jobs so many times." Moon muttered as he opened the doors.
He entered what could be only described as a long hallway filled with shelves. In those were scrolls and scrolls and scrolls... AND MORE SCROLLs.
In all honesty, it was a wonder nothing got lost here. Moon would imagine he wasn't the first to get inside this place with less-than-law-abiding intentions. Ah, there it was. A small section of scrolls just behind the Mayor section, the Governor section. Unlike mayors, governors control territory in the far reaches outside the Equestrian home continent. Islands, colonies, trading posts, you name it you got it.
What's more important governors are less important to the higher powers due to them controlling less than desirable territories with 'little to no political gain'. Of course, this brought problems such as timed mandates that limit how long a Governor can rule over the territory, it's an old rule made by the Nobility to keep the Mayors happy. After all, MAyors get elected most of the time while Governors are just thrown at the territory they control.
He looked over a few of the scrolls. No not the Spa Islands... Too many noble visitations... New Mareland... Again this time Political center between Equestria and Griffonian's home continent, and He's known there... Oh, that's new...
Moon stopped as he found a newer document compared to others.
New Governor required Summer Island Archipelago, a new set of islands that began colonization. The next candidate is_____________, Latest time or arrival: Two weeks post Summer sun celebration.
Moon was lucky. He found an empty candidacy, he didn't need to leave any unnecessary smudges or glue to fix the document. He just needs to sign it in his formal name. Luckily he heard it so many times from his competition that he can use it as a second name...
Or just flip his name and place it in his family name at the end... Or use the joke name... Ethier work. Now he just had to wait...
Preferably back behind his desk... Oh, look the sun is up. He'd better be off.
Today - During normal nostalgia hours on Coco Ship.
"Now that I can see the island that was an extremely lucky find..." Moon thought as he watched the small port behind which his new land was located. A sizable island filled with beautiful beaches and palm trees a singular mountain, he could even notice a waterfall in the distance.
And if there was one thing he knew about luck was that it would bite him back if he didn't make insurance... Scratch that, make it multiple insurances, paid-off debts, and maybe pocket blackmails. After all, when was work for Canterlot possible without skipping over a few lines of the rule book?
Like the first rule of his old Mentor... Breaking rules is bad... Mostly.
Now in front of Moon stood... what could be described as repurposed Griff O' War into a port with a small gathering of Ponies. He counted roughly thirty ponies out of which were split between earth ponies and pegasi...
And that was it. It seems Moon has overestimated how new this colony was.
Author's Note
Fellow beings that exist in this world known as fanfiction.
Wrecks' Theatre is BACK. Sort of.
And Yes double the Update means that the FUN HAS BEEN TRIPLED......
Wait that's not the right math.
[for confused people Griff O' War is Ponyfied Man O' War]
Summer Islands : Road to Freedom
Step 1 - Starting at the foundation.
So Moon Shine did expect some form of welcome from the colonists...
What he didn't expect was the large uproar followed by all ponies trying to enter the ship.
"Finally-can we finally-I want to see my daughters-Let us in!" The chorus of voices kept yelling before his ship could even dock.
"That's as close as we'll get Governor. This port doesn't look exactly... safe." The captain of the ship said as he looked at the slightly moving wood under the 'port'.
"Right... I'll try to understand what's this all about." Moon said as he looked towards the port... Oh well, a Pony lives only once.
So Moon jumped down on the wooden dock and was instantly swarmed by the small horde of ponies asking him questions. He could already feel the headache brewing within his head.
"If all of you could slow down with your questions then maybe I could answer some of them!" Moon yelled while he tried to keep his carefully made neutral expression from breaking.
This had a decent effect as they all slowed down with their questions... But it was still hard to catch some of them.
"How long will it take to- Is my daughter allri- Have you heard anything about Flim- Where is the- AH You've finally arrived." Moon while listening to the question was interrupted by a highly noble accented voice coming from behind the group.
The whole group silenced as they turned around for several a rather well-groomed Unicorn moving towards Moon. The Unicorn has a yellow coat that is... shining for some reason. Besides that, his Brown mane is curled up into a ponytail while the tail is short, and on top of it the pair of bright green eyes.
"Wonderful it seems that with your arrival the work can begin. I truly hope that this island will be worth the wait." The Unicorn said as he moved toward Moon. Before getting a response the Unicorn teleported onto the deck of the ship.
"Ah, captain wonderful ship you have here. I wouldn't mind being taken to my new quarters now. Oh and leave the package I've asked for the governor." The unicorn asked the captain who seemed as if he was used to this kind of treatment and signaled his first officer to take over before leaving the deck.
Suddenly behind Moon, a loud crash sound made him slightly jump as he looked to his left only to see a large secured wooden crate. Moments later the ship was already halfway on its way towards the horizon.
The silence that filled the air made a resounding crack as a small part of the port fell into the ocean.
"Could somepony explain what just happened?" Moon asked as he could feel his sunglasses try to fall off him. A heavy sigh came from next to him as he turned towards a mare with a light olive coat and red mane with a strand of white.
"That would have been our captain, Lord Transmit Copper... Or rather our former captain." The mare said as she watched the ship that was now disappearing on the horizon. Moon couldn't decide if she was shocked due to her tone or if she expected this with that neutral face.
"HOW WILL WE GET HOME!" And the screams began. Again.
"WE'RE DOOMED I TELL YOU!" Another voice added some fuel to the fire.
HOW WILL MY DAUGHTERS LIVE?!" Ok, that is rather concerning...
"CELESTIA HAS FORSAKEN US!" And now enters the over-dramatic voice... Wow, Moon didn't expect this kind of group. Though considering the amount of times he dealt with anything Equestria threw at him it's a rather pleasant reminder of the more calm days during his work.
"CALM DOWN EVERYPONY!" The mare next to him yelled and surprisingly had quite the silence following her outburst.
"Now that everypony is listening I'd gladly ask who in the hay are you." The mare asked as she gave Moon a rather distastefull look.
"My name is Moon Shine and I've been selected as the new Governor of the Summer Islands colony. I have been told that this recent addition to Equestrian colonies was underdeveloped and needed assistance... Or so I was told." Moon said with a sigh as he corrected his sunglasses.
"Right... And we were waiting for a rescue group to get us all home... But I'll guess that they aren't coming." The mare said as she hoof palmed as if she felt a headache forming. Moon could sympathize considering he already had a headache. Though he wasn't sure if it was because of the sun or the events.
"All right Governor." The mare said with a bit of disdain in her voice.
"Listen well because I won't repeat. We will not work on some crown because you told us you rule here. And we won't work until we get back to our homes." The mare said as she glanced at the group which silently spoke before nodding at her.
"I appreciate the straightforwardness but unfortunately also have been left here similar to you. I can't get to Equestria by myself. Also, I'm not a member of the crown. I only work for them." Moon said as he noticed the rather depressing cloud start forming over the group.
"So... We can't return to our homes?" One of the pegasi in the group asked. The colt was rather young nearly reaching in height to the rest of the ponies in the group.
Now the cloud became even larger. Moon breathed in and already knew how to deal with this.
"I wouldn't say you can't." Moon commented as he put one of his hooves on his chin. Making the thinking pose usually gives off the impression of being smart and sends signals to ponies as well as other species that what he might say is important.
"What do you mean?" The mare next to him asked as she looked at him with an eyebrow raised.
"As far as I know this island will get more colonists with time... As long as it has been considered a worthwhile investment by the crown." Moon began while placing air quotations at the end.
"And if I were to find a trustworthy captain he could help you get back home. With a decently sized refund to help you see yourself up back in Equestria in case the crown gets... Nosy about you missing." Moon finished as he looked over at the ponies.
"And how long would it take governor." The mare next to him asked intrigued by the idea.
"I can promise that if we work to it together then the first pony that has proper reason to return home as soon as possible will be home by the end of the first month from today." Moon said as he turned towards the group of ponies.
"Those of you who have families, or more specifically foals or fillies waiting for you back home get priority. After that come the elder ponies and the rest after that. Does that work for you all?" Moon asked as he took notice of the now much lighter atmosphere that could be felt as the ponies chatted with each other.
"I think everypony will agree with this deal." The mare commented as she watched the relieved earth pony who was now crying about being able to see her foals so soon.
"And if you are in doubt I could get reports about their current wellbeing to make the wait a bit more bearable." Moon added into the sweeten the deal. Sure he'd need to spend a bit of his current budget but it should be enough to convince them.
"You sound a bit desperate there Governor." The mare right next to him let out a giggle as she watched him for any reaction.
"Well if that's what helps you help me to help you to ultimately help me then it's a rather small thing I could do for anyone here." Moon chuckled as he watched the ponies one by one steel themselves and nodded towards him.
"That's a lot of helping for one sentence." The mare responded as she looked over to the horizon. It was getting rather late as the sun lowered and the orange sky began to sparkle with a small number of stars.
"We can iron out any details tomorrow morning. I recommend everypony gets as much rest today for tomorrow." Moon said as he watched the ponies scatter into the half of Griff O' War where he guessed they made some quarters.
Moon sighed as he turned around and watched the box that the ship he came in dropped off. He should probably get this thing off the dock before it collapses. Moon trotted a bit and now pushed the heavy crate through the dock. It was a slow and painful job, but if it got him out of the nobilities problematic list then he'll make a colony even Canterlot won't ever be able to compare with. His own little Equestria... He liked the sound of that.
"Let me land you a hoof eh governor?" A voice said next to him as a familiar olive-coated hoof also began pushing on the crate.
"I guess you're the shots-calling pony in the group?" Moon asked as he slightly turned to see the mare's face.
"Hah, you could say that. Every pony on that ship knew me one way or another. Maybe not for the right reasons. By the way, my name is Flum. You might have heard of me." Flum said as they pushed the crate. Now that he thought about it he recognized the name from somewhere.
"The name rings a bell but I'm not sure. I've met more ponies than anyone I know... Besides Princess that is." Moon said as he noticed the mare exhale while her back slightly relaxed.
"Well not to brag or anything but I am one of the first ponies to construct the Equestrian train engine." Flum said as they reached the end of the dock with the crate. Suddenly his head was struck with a realization.
"Ah now I recognize. I remember you from that one personal latter that was sent to me when I was looking for volunteers for the Wingbardian train construction program." Moon started before the mare finished the last line with him. He looked at her while she was gaping at him like a fish.
"HOW!? As far as I know, the only Pony who decided who would go there is the Head of Canterlot Castle Royal Management and that's like..." Flum spluttered as she kept waving her hooves trying to make a point about how high position a pony who works there has.
"Yes, the CCRM was my previous workspace true but I have... decided for a change." Moon responded while walking towards the ship before stopping and looking back at the mare which had her mouth fall on the dock. She shook off the shock and trotted up to him.
"Buh-Wuh-Why?! Who in their right mind would leave the highest position in Equestria?! If you worked there then you were only second to the Princess in terms of what you could even do!" Flum rose her voice just enough to not yell. It seemed that she has an admiration for the Princess.
"I'd rather not say. All I want is to stay away from Canterlot for as long as possible. And if it means running a small colony that doesn't even know about then I'll accept the crown's challenge." Moon said as they entered the makeshift dock. It was slightly lit with few candles and he could notice a pegasus and two earth ponies working behind a makeshift kitchen. There was a small group of ponies that were waiting eagerly to eat and didn't seem to pay him any mind.
"Now while I'd prefer to rest before work I need to know if your previous captain made any documentation about the island." Moon said as they went upstairs towards the deck of the ship where the door to the captain's cabin was. It seemed that the former captain didn't like to keep too much riches on him as the obvious golden paint was slightly scrubbed off the decorative wood. What piqued his interest was the small stack of documents on the table which he immediately began reading with much interest.
Flum followed him as she looked over the rather underequipped cabin with a slightly confused look as if something wasn't right. But anyway documents.
Latter to family... unimportant... Geographic notes... He'll need to read through that later... Priority Latter from Colonial Office... nah... wait what? Moon looked over the last letter again and started reading it in detail. It seemed that Flum noticed his sudden predatory jump at the previous latter that he nearly threw off to the side of the cabin.
To Lord Transmit Copper,
We at the Colonial Affairs Office are glad to hear that your "accident" didn't result in any substantial losses. After much discussion with your household, we decided to set up a colony with the help of your crew and a Governor of our choosing. You will be relieved of any "unfortunate" accidents related to your crew's wellbeing and with the arrival of the new Governor, you will be allowed to return home as soon as the crew of the ship delivers the necessary tools for the Governor to work on the new Colony.
The head of Colonial Affairs Office.
While Moon could smell a Noble plot from this cabin his new companion seemed rather... angry.
"I can't believe he would sell us out like this!" Flum stomped in place as she trotted from one side of the cabin to another. During that, she once spit at what looked like a uniform belonging to the former captain. Moon looked at her quite perplexed not knowing what to say... he wasn't good with emotional stuff that was his sibling's turf.
"While this... isn't an appealing idea that the CAO is corrupt. But this can also be used to our advantage." Moon said as he hid the document within his saddle bag. Flum turned to him and she tilted her head slightly questioning his intentions.
"On one side we may use the document as blackmail if he or CAO give us trouble, and we could use the corruption to help us with the gradual migration problem of ours." Moon said as he opened the rather plain-looking maps of the island. It seems that Transmit had not taken too much of his time to explore the island. Unfortunate for us but also useful in certain cases.
"So you mean a that we can also use them to our advantage?" Flum asked as she looked out at the island.
"In plain Equestrian, yes. Though of course, it might be costly for us at the moment. That is until we gain some influence among the colonies." Moon said as he stopped looking at the map and turned towards flum.
"If you could, gather five of the most willing ponies for rather physical work. I'll need a construction team so we can begging building something better than half of a ship. And we might think about getting a steady supply of food after that. Then we'd need to set up a logistics team to transport the goods around the area, a small office for me to keep an the documents relevant to our plans, a..." And so Flum descended upon a storm of mutters originating from their new Goveronr. She decided to leave him to do his own thing.
As she left the cabin (with minor amount of mutters still escaping from the room) she couldn't do anything but stop and look at the moon on the night sky.
The stars seemed to be much brighter this night.
Author's Note
Ok this took longer to get approved then I realised. By about 5 days longer.
Oh well I'm not complaining.
Anyway here I forgot to upload this chapter cuz was still correcting stuff.
