“Please,” I begin, trying to clarify the point the princess brought up. “Don’t let my lack of enjoyment masquerade as disloyalty. The government never did anything for me, if anything they made my life more difficult every step of the way, getting to where I was. And then, just like that. They make all my hard work meaningless by sending me to a different world.”

Princess Celestia looks at me with anticipation as she leans forward on the edge of her throne. “But, despite my grievances with them I have a duty to carry out this mission. I will not disobey an order unless I believe it to be wrong. That being said, I’m open to the idea of conducting extra curricular activities as part of my stay in Equestria. After all, we’re supposed to learn all that we can about this world. And there were no rules about helping you with any experiments.”

“You’re a colt of many surprises.” Celestia lets out a sigh and stands up. “Although I must say, I’m a little disappointed that you’re not willing to make a concrete deal with me. I could use an ally in the loop right now.”

“Are you referring to the fact that you just had to turn down copies of every document we send out?“ I ask, giving a small grin.

“If I had jumped at the opportunity I would have looked suspicious, not to mention it would have given them the perfect opportunity to regulate what I see.” Celestia walks over to one of the windows lining the throne room and pears out over Canterlot. “I just want to protect the ponies of this kingdom, and I need friends to do it.”

“Only the magic of friendship can save this kingdom from fighting with the human realm.” I say, in an exaggerated and dramatic tone.

“Oh hush you. Just because it sounds childish doesn’t mean it’s not true.” Celestia reprimands, letting out a chuckle. “Anyway, I’m glad to have you as a resource, even if you can’t go against your country. At the very least I believe you will never betray me either.”

“Of course not, I’m a stallion of my word.”

“Already appointing yourself an Equestrian someone's ambitious.”

“Is it not your majesty that referred to me as a colt?” I glance over at Princess Celestia with a cocky grin, but quickly look away. Now that the initial shock has worn off I’m starting to notice things, customs I have to get used to. For example I just got quite the unfiltered view of Princess Celestia's Marehood.

“Ugh.” I let out a small grunt and clear my throat. “So, is it truly a pony custom to always remain unclothed apart from special occasions.”

Celestia turns around and notices the faint tinge of red on my face. She looks back and forth between my face and her flank before her face flushes with a blush of its own. The Princess quickly turns around completely, her rear facing the window.

“Please forgive me. I had forgotten how adamant you humans are when it comes to concealing one's body.” Celestia’s horn glows for a moment before an elegant white dress encompasses her form and hides her attributes. “There, that should do nicely.”

“Oh please, don’t inconvenience yourself on my account. Besides I think this conversation has reached its natural conclusion, I should get headed for the barracks.” I turn around to walk out before I hear hoofsteps behind me.

“Hold on a moment.” Celestia orders, trotting over to me. “Take this.” Celestia stretches out her hoof, in it is a small reddish brown piece of wood, four lozenge shaped gems embedded in the sides. A ruby, An obsidian, a rose quarts, and a moon stone.

“What is this?” I ask, examining the object more closely.

“You’ll know what to do with this when the time comes.”

“You know I didn’t peg you for the cryptic type, Princess.”

“What can I say? I love knowing things other ponies don’t.”

I slip the object into my pocket and take a deep bow. “Thank you, your highness.”

“No need. After all, I am doing this for my own curiosity.” Princess Celestia turns, flipping her mane around and walks back over to her throne. “Now, go off and enjoy the castle, I’m sure your teammates are starting to get worried.” As she finishes speaking, the throne room doors open behind me. Celestia motions her hoof at the door with a smile, signaling me to go, and with that, I take my leave.

As I walk out the door I glance at one of the sentinels stationed outside the large chamber. Remembering the stray thought that passed through my mind with Princess Celestia earlier, I glanced down. There between the stallion's flanks is a large throbbing shaft at least half the size of one of the stallion's legs. Thanks to years of being flooded with and desensitized to nudity on the internet I manage to shrug it off and be on my way.

After a few minutes of wondering, a thought occurs to me. ‘I have no idea where the hell I’m going.’ Glancing round I notice a couple guard ponies coming down the hall and decide to ask for directions. “Excuse me.” I say walking up to the stallion and the mare. “I’m very sorry to bother you, but I appear to be lost. Do you know where the barracks where the human diplomats are staying is?”

The stallion and mare look at each other before the mare lets out a long sigh. “Yes, follow me.” she says walking past me and signaling me to walk behind her.

“Thank you. I’m really sorry about this, I hope I’m not pulling you away from your duties.”

“No, me and my…” The mare glans back, seeing if the other guard is still trailing behind us. “Me and that stallion were on our way to the mess hall.”

“Huh, hey what time is it anyway? I didn’t think it was close to any meal.”

“About 5Pm, we were on our way to dinner.”

“Wait. What? I could have sworn it wasn’t even 7Am when we left.”

“You mean you weren’t told? From what I’ve heard, there’s a pretty big time gap between Earth and Equestria.”

“You mean between here and America? I mean it has to be the same time there somewhere right?”

“Not quite. The rumor goes beyond that. Tell me, what was the date when you left?”

“May 27th. Why do you ask?” I was a bit afraid of the answer, but I had to be sure.

“Because it’s November, the 14th to be exact.”

I feel my stomach knot at this discovery. ‘Those bastards didn’t even have the decency to warn us about this?’ I let out a sigh, dispelling my thoughts and returning to the present moment. “Thank you for the head up, uh…”

“Silver Dagger.” she finishes for me.

“Thank you silver dagger, also for helping me find my room.”

“Don’t mention it, it is my duty to assist the Princesses' esteemed guests after all.” As our conversation comes to an end we arrive at a small door with two guards standing by. “Have the diplomats been served their dinner yet?“ Silver dagger asks, walking over to the other two guards.

“No general. ” one answers as they both raise their hooves in a salute.

“Would the diplomats like to join the guard in the mess hall then?”

“We will ask them at once ma’am. ” The guard opens the door to the barracks and steps inside, we quickly follow behind him. “Would you all like to join the guard in the mess hall for supper, or would you care to take your meals in your quarters.” he asks, earring questioning looks from all the team members.

“Dinner? It’s like 7:30, why would we need dinner?” asks the team leader.

The guard also looks quite confused, so Silver Dagger chimes in. “Actually, here in Equestria it’s already after 5Pm.” This earns even more dumbfounded stares and even a few dropped jaws.

“You’re telling me that there’s a time difference that significant, and we somehow didn’t know about it?”

“Sadly yes, I’m sure it will take some time getting used to it, but you will eventually.”

The leader lets out a long sigh before speaking. “Very well, yes, we’d love to join the guards in the mess hall for dinner.”

Author's Note

A/N
I just wanted to clarify the fact that this is an AU where the government is way more controlling and restrictive. these aren't my real opinions on the government it's just a plot device for the sake of the story.