A New Life

“That’s quite the claim, for your sake I hope it was more than a foalstail if your entire race uses it as a reason to show us this much malice.” I glance around at all the guard ponies behind Fine Tip giving deathly glares accompanied by lots of bared teeth, some ponies on the verge of snarling, as if I had just challenged them to war and one wrong word would turn the conversation into an all out brawl in the middle of the mess hall.

“We have the gravestones from generations past to prove it, pulse we have the word of the princesses.” Fine Tip assures me.

“I see.” Is the only response I give, still processing this new revelation. “Well then, please forgive my ignorance.” I take another deep bow at Fine Tip’s hooves. “But let me assure you that there was a reason her majesty asked for people like me and the rest of my team. We were selected because we have no reason to want or need to hurt anypony, we’re just normal people with no agenda.”

Fine Tip leans in towards me to keep his next words hushed. “If that were true then you wouldn’t be here, would you?”

“I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about, Lieutenant.” I say, returning Fine Tip’s playful, sarcastic whisper.

“If you say so.” He says leaning back and gesturing to his men to follow him. “Come ponies, our mealtime’s end draws near. We must go eat to keep up our strength for the night watch.“ And with that command the group of guards walk away and leave the rest to wonder what just happened.

“H-how the hell did you do that?” The woman who was previously sitting on the floor asks.

“So far defusing tension seems to be this one's special talent.” Marie says, walking over to me and slinging her arm around my shoulder. “Careful though, next thing you know you’ll have a picture of a bomb with a cut wire inside a speech bubble on your ass.”

“Ha ha, but I don’t think humans can get cutie marks.” I say, my sarcastic laugh slipping into a real giggle.

“You never know.” Marie counters walking away with her arms folded behind her head. “If we knew for certain, they wouldn’t have asked us to report any physical changes.”

“I suppose you have a point.” I say, glancing back at her as I walk over to the couple. “Anyway, you guys alright?”

“Yeah we’re alright, just a little shaken up.” The man says walking over to stand next to his wife.

“IDIOTS!” Mark calls out, walking over to stand next to me in front of the troublesome pair. “Even after all the shit the warden put you two through you still haven’t learned not to wander off and find trouble!” The commander lets out a long sigh and walks forward wrapping the two in a hug. “I’m glad you two are alright, but you really need to be more careful. ”

“We’re sorry Mark” the man says.

“Yeah, what he said” the woman mumbles into Mark's broad shoulder.

Mark takes a step back from the pair and raises a hand to gesture at me. “I don’t believe you’ve been properly introduced. Anon, this is Jack, and that’s Amy. happily married for two years, and the biggest pain in my ass on this team.” Mark turns around, fallowing Marie back to the table. “Well, I’ll leave you three to get acquainted.”

“Nice to meet you two.“ I say, offering my hand out.

“Nice to meet you, as the commander said, I’m Jack.” Jack walks up and takes my hand, giving it a firm shake. “Come on honey, come say thank you.”

“R-right.” she sputters, seeming to slip out of her daze. “I’m Amy, let’s try to get along, and remind me not to get on your bad side.”

“What makes you say that?” Jack asks. “All he did was defuse the augment, it’s not like he beat up that pony.”

“The look in your eyes, it definitely struck a nerve in those other ponies, they looked scared of you.”

“Please.” I say waving my hand dismissively. “I don't think humans are lesser beings than ponies, but I’m smart enough to know that I couldn’t do much damage to a pony. And besides that look wasn’t fear, they were just pissed off.”

“Hmm, I suppose you do make a valid point.” Amy says. “Anyway let's get back to the table, I’m hungry.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Jack says, walking up and wrapping his arm around his wife’s waist. “It’s a shame we have to share a barracks though, I was really hoping for some dessert tonight.” Jack leans in and runs his tongue up Amy’s neck.

Amy lets out a small squeak in response and punches Jack lightly in the shoulder. "Really right in front of anon? I swear you were sweating bullets at the sight of that stallion, but the second they’re gone you go right back to your dangerously shameless self."

“You really think I’m going to criticize you for having a healthy sex life?” I ask, walking just passed the couple. “Besides, you two are going to be in different towns once the preparations are finished right? I’d recommend trying to cram as much satisfaction in as you can while we’re here.” As I finish my thought I walk away without waiting for a response, but judging by the shade of red painted on Amy and Jack’s faces they definitely understood my suggestion.

As I make my way back to the table Silver stands up and walks over two me. “Are you done with your meal?” she asks.

“Yeah, I just need to get rid of my tray.” I reply, but don’t try to pass by Silver just yet.

“One of the others can take care of it. Will you take a walk with me?”

“I can't really deny you a request, General.”

Silver lets out a small sigh. “I’m going to let that one go because it gives you a reason to not feel guilty about making somepony do a chore for you.” Silver eventually lets a small smile brighten her face. “Follow me.”