What If?

Chapter two

Welcome to Earth

“Ok get him to Cedars! But take it easy, we’ll be right behind you,” Steve said closing the door of the ambulance banging on it twice with his fist. He then walked over to his fellow agent standing by the suburban tapping him on the shoulder. “Let’s go, we need to get to the hospital and secure it before Chronos arrives.”

“Who the heck is Chronos!?” The agent asked confused, scratching his head.

“Don’t worry about that right now just get into the truck we need to hurry,” Steve said hopping into the passenger's seat of the suburban. The agent shrugged and hopped into the drivers seat. “This is Agent Steven Doss, we are accompanying the subject to Cedars-Sinai. He was injured in an incident at a local restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, and is now being transported in an ambulance to the hospital. All units in the surrounding area are requested to secure and maintain a safe route to the hospital. Is that clear?” He turned to the driver. “I am going to accompany the subject in the ambulance. Your team will follow closely understand?”

“Understood,” he replied starting the engine. Steve hopped out and walked over to the ambulance and climbed into the back. The paramedic was sitting next to the sleeping equine on the gurney.

“How is he?” Steve asked the paramedic. He turned around and faced Steve holding his hands up shrugging.

“I don’t know honestly,” he said adjusting the oxygen flow on the bottle connected to Chronos’s oxygen mask. “I have no idea what I am doing here. We’re paramedics you know. We deal with people not ponies, especially ones that have wings and horns.”

Steve then waved his hands in front of him shaking his head. “Look stop with the complaining, just give me your best judgement on his condition okay?” He snapped losing his patience.

The paramedic sighed then nodded. “Well going on best guess here I’d have to say he...” the paramedic trailed off.  “He is a he right?” He asked, Steve nodded. “Well then he seems to have overexerted himself. I believe this is why he was bleeding out his nose, snout... whatever, and his mouth. But I can’t be sure that its not something else unless we do a CT scan or an MRI. I have been able to stabilize his vitals, but until we get to Cedars, I can’t say anything for certain.” He then reached over with his stethoscope and slipped it under Chronos’s sweat shirt to check his heart and breathing. “Where did this guy come from anyway?” he asked, Steve just shook his head while waving his hand.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you anyway.” Just then his radio crackled to life.

“Unit 2-19 reporting, we have set up roadblocks to prevent traffic from blocking your route.”

“Thats good news,” Steve said responding to the call. “And the hospital? Have you secured the premises?”

“Yes sir. Officers have been placed at the hospital and are awaiting further instructions.”

“Good, tell them to sit tight we will be arriving shortly. Agent Steve out,” he clicked off the mic and set it back on his belt. “Lets go driver,” he said waving a hand to him. “Get us to Cedars,” the driver nodded and stepped on the gas speeding off.

*****

“Susan Mckinley here for a special report of CBS studios Los Angeles California where a series of extraordinary events have taken place. Apparently it seems we are no longer alone in this universe. An extraterrestrial visitor from another world has revealed themselves at the Los Angeles convention center for Hasbros convention of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and as weird as it sounds, believe it or not, it’s a pony. But before we go inside with Rebecca, we’d like to first send you over to our corresponding reporter Ryan Lee who is standing by outside Pizza Hut in downtown Los Angeles on West Pico boulevard at the corner of South Flower street where an incident has just occurred. Ryan.”

“Thanks Susan. What we have ascertained so far is our visitor from another world was spotted by a young girl who then tried to run across the busy street to meet him, and was almost hit by a truck. That is until our visitor mysteriously somehow managed to slow the vehicle to a halt with what can only be described as magic.” An amature video began playing showing the little girl shouting ‘PONY!’ then running off into the street, her mother yelling at her to stop.

 A moment later the young girl was seen screaming for her mother just as the truck was about to hit her, but then it became enveloped in a golden aura slowing the truck to a crawl. The cameras view focused on Chronos, his horn and mark glowing fiercely he was struggling to maintain his posture, gritting his teeth. “As you can see from the video Susan, somehow the extraterrestrial managed slowed the vehicle to a halt, and then a young man ran into the street pulling the little girl and her mother to safety.”

Afterward the video shows Chronos relaxing with visible signs he was injured. Blood was coming out of his nose and when he coughed, he was coughing up blood. A moment later a man came running out from Pizza Hut and rushed over to Chronos. “We can see in the final part of the video authorities including the FBI arriving on scene with an ambulance and our visitor being placed inside of it.”

“Ryan, was there any information on where our visitor was taken?” Susan asked. He shook his head.

“No Susan, the FBI and local authorities have been tight lipped even since they arrived, and the ambulance was kept under tight security, but sources say that our visitor is being taken to Cedars-Sinai medical center for further treatment. We are going to head over there now. This is Ryan Lee reporting for CBS Los Angeles, back to you Susan.”

“Thank you Ryan. After the break, we will return with Rebecca and her interview of the fans at the convention to get their insight of their extraordinary occasion with a visitor from another world. This is Susan Mckinley with CBS News Los Angeles California. We’ll be right back.”

                                                                          *****

The ambulance was speeding down the road with its security detail rapidly approaching Cedars. Local Authorities had done a good job blocking side streets and intersections, giving the group a clear path to the hospital. Inside Steve and the paramedic were talking.

“Steve, you realize the doctors are not going to really know how to handle this right?” The paramedic said. “They are not equipped or trained to handle animals.”

“He’s not an animal!” Steve snapped. “By the way, what's your name?”

“Paul,” he replied.

“Well Paul, what do you suggest we do?” Steve asked. Paul crossed his arms looking down thinking for a moment.

“We need to call in a veterinarian,” he said looking back up to Steve.

“A vet? But why?” Steve asked scratching his head.

“Even though Chronos is an alien, he still looks like a pony, and in my opinion: if it looks the part on the outside, its the same on the inside.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Paul sighed. “What it means is since he looks like a pony on the outside, maybe the inside is the same too. Understand now?”

“Okay, I see what you getting at. I’ll give my boss a call and tell him to have a veterinarian brought to the hospital.” He reaching into his pocket and pulled out his phone and called his boss.

“Yes what is it Steve.”

“Sir we need a veterinarian brought to Cedars.”

“A vet?”

“Yes sir. The paramedic here has brought forth to my attention that doctors will probably not be able to assist our visitor here. So he has recommended a veterinarian be brought in.”

“One that is experienced with horses.” Paul added.

“You get that sir?”

“Yes Steve, and I understand. I will see to it that a veterinarian, and one with experience dealing with horses is brought to Cedars.”

“Thank you sir, goodbye.” He closed his phone and placed it in his pocket. “How long till we arrive at Cedars?” Steve asked the driver.

“We’ll be arriving in a few moments sir,” the driver replied. After a few moments the ambulance pulled into the hospital's emergency entrance where local authorities had since sealed and closed off the entrance.

                                                                          *****

“Alright Paul, lets get him inside.”

“Yes sir.”

Steve pushed open the ambulance doors and hopped out with Paul shortly after. Paul waited for the driver to get out, and the two pulled the gurney holding the unconscious equine out of the ambulance with their medkits and headed into guarded emergency entrance. “Stand aside!” Steve yelled to the guards by the door. They stood aside letting the three pass taking quick glances at the patient on the gurney.

“What the hell was that!?” The one guard said to the other.

“Looked like goddam pony with a horn to me,” he said scratching his head. “What the heck is going on?”

“Hell if I know, they don’t tell us shit!” The other guard said returning to his position by the door.

“You know in this case I am kinda glad honestly.”

“You and me both dude.”

Once inside the hospital Steve and the two paramedics brought Chronos back to a secured room in the triage section and lifted him up off the gurney and onto the bed. “The doctor will be in soon. Also, we have been informed that a veterinarian has been located and will be here in about twenty minutes.”

“Thanks Paul, you may go I’ll stay with Chronos until the doctor arrives.” Steve said taking a seat in the corner. Paul nodded waving goodbye and walked out with the driver of the ambulance. Steve sat for a few minutes in the room with Chronos until the doctor came in.

“My name is Dr. Stan Zambelli, and I’ll be your caretaker today. What seems to be-” he stopped, and his jaw practically hit the floor. He pointed at the bed closing his mouth. “What is that?” He asked.

“Who is that if you don't mind.” Steve chimed in standing up and walking over to the doctor. “Names Steven Doss, but you can call me Steve, and this here is Chronos.” The doctor walked up to the bed and examined the equine.

“This is a... This is...” he trailed off.

“An extraterrestrial? Is that the word you’re looking for?” He said walking up to the other side of the bed. The doctor looked at him shocked.

“Am I dreaming here? Is this for real?” The doctor asked trying to grasp what he was witnessing. Steve nodded.

“As real as you and me,” he added. Just then the door swung open and the veterinarian walked in accompanied by an agent.

“The veterinarian you requested has arrived Steve,” the agent said, and then left the room closing the door behind him.

“What's the big deal?” The vet huffed upset. I was just pulled from my office by your goons and brought to this hospital. Why am I here?”

“Names Steven Doss and you are?”

“Stacy Hardin, now could you please tell me what I am doing here?”

“Well... It’s about him,” he stepped aside revealing the equine behind him. Stacy threw a hand over her mouth and gasped at what he had reviled.

“Oh my god! Is that what I think it is?”

“Depends on what you’re thinking.” Steve replied.

“Well It looks like a pony to me, but with wings and a horn.”

“Hit the nail right on the head there Stacy, his name is Chronos.” Steve said, returning to the bed.

“H-how do you know it’s name.” She asked walking up to the bed herself.

“He not it Stacey, and he told me,” he replied returning his focus to the sleeping equine.

Stacey shook her head a couple times when she heard that. “What? You’re joking right?” A moment later Chronos stirred.

“Uhhh...” Chronos moaned putting a hoof to the oxygen mask pushing on it.

“I think we can take that off him he’s obviously irritated wearing it. Besides, he seems to be breathing well enough on his own.” The doctor nodded and gently took the mask off. “Curiosity aside, what do you need from me?” She asked. “I know he may look like a pony, but this is probably over my head honestly.”

“True, but even though he is not from around here your field of expertise is way ahead of any of our skills with the current matter. So just see what you can do alright?”

“Well can you tell me why he was brought here in the first place?” She asked.

 Steve nodded. “The paramedic seemed to think he had overexerted himself, but he wasn’t sure so we called you in hoping you could shed some light.”

“Well.. I’ll give it a shot,” she sighed. “No promises though.” She leaned over him and opened his eyes and checked them with a flashlight causing Chronos to wince and look away closing his eyes. “Well he’s coherent,” she commented continuing to examine the now awake, but drowsy equine. She stopped when she noticed blood was stained on his fur around his nose and mouth. “What happened to you here little fella,” she spoke softly not really expecting him to reply. After all, in her mind this pony was not sentient, just different. That is until he spoke.

“Uhh...” he quietly moaned sitting up rubbing his eyes then turned to look at Stacy blinking a few times trying to get the world into focus. “H-hello Ma’am,” he responded softly looking around the room. “Where are we?”

“Cedars-Sinai,” Steve replied. “Glad to see you’re alright.”

“Yeah I still got a splitting headache though,” he said rubbing his temples. “But other then that I feel alright.” He turned to look at the Stacy who had taken a step back from the bed and was now looking at him with utter surprise. “Hello Ma’am, sorry I ignored you a moment ago. My name is Chronos, what’s yours?”

“S-St-Stacy,” she stammered out.

“Well its good to see you didn’t seriously hurt yourself Chronos,” Steve said patting him on the back. “You gave us quite a scare back there when you passed out on us.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to give you guys a scare like that.” He looked away while rocking back and forth patting his thighs. “But I just couldn’t stand there and let that little girl get hurt Steve. After all, it was kinda my fault she ran across the street.” He felt bad. Because of him a little girl almost died. “I should of been more responsible,” he felt like kicking himself in the side.

“Chronos, it couldn’t have been helped. Besides, you saved her life.” Steve smiled and nudged him with his elbow.

Chronos looked at Steve, a small smile was tugging at his lips. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it bud, but please, let these people help you okay? So just relax and lie back down on the bed.” Chronos nodded and laid back down on the bed getting comfortable. “Ok Stacy, begin your examination.”

“Give me a moment please okay?” Stacy said, pacing back and forth. “I need to calm myself down alright?”

“Take your time Stacy,” Chronos replied, and turned to look at the doctor. “I never got your name sir.”

“It’s Stan, Chronos, and I am happy to meet you.”

“You’re taking this pretty well doctor.” Steve said.

“Well maybe, but on the inside my innerself is screaming with bliss heh,” he laughed. “Are you okay over there Stacy?”

“Yeah I’m good now.” She walked over to the cabinet. “Wheres the Sphygmomanometer at?”

“The what!?” Steve spat out.

“Blood pressure meter Steve.” Stan replied. “And its on rack behind the bed Stacy, stethoscope is there with it.”  She nodded and walked over to it.

“Chronos sit up and pull your sleeve up please,” she asked pulling the rack over to him. “Actually, just take you sweat shirt off please.” Chronos nodded. A moment later his horn lit up and the hoodie lifted off him and he set it to the side. She shook her head again smiling. “You just keep amazing me there Chronos, what did you just do?”

“Used Mana to take my hoodie off Stacy.”

“Mana?” She asked confused. “You mean like magic?”

“Eh... Kinda, but how about I tell you about it later.”

“Fair enough, hold your foreleg out please,” he nodded holding out his foreleg and she slipped the meter on up to his forearm, and then slid the stethoscope under it. “Okay sit tight and relax,” he took in a breath then exhaled. She pumped up the meter until it was tight around his forearm then slowly let it deflate. “That’s... thats impossible,” she said shocked at what she was looking at.

“What is it Stacy?” Stan asked, walking over to her.

“His Systolic and Diastolic readings, they’re the same as ours! Its one twenty over eighty,” she removed the meter from his foreleg then took his hoof and looked at it, and was surprised again at what she saw. “Hmm... Well thats different.”

 “What... what is it? Is there something wrong with my hoof?” he pulled it back from her and looked at it himself. “It looks alright to me,” he said placing it back down on the bed.

“It’s not that there is something wrong with it Chronos,” she said sitting down next to him reaching over to pick up his hoof. “First off your fur, it runs all the way down to the bottom of your leg and over your hoof except for a part that almost looks like a nail,” she laughed. “Hoof nail one might call it. Also, the bottom of your hoof,” she slowly twisted it around to show him the bottom of it. “See here?” she pointed to the bottom. “It’s soft tissue not hard like the equines on our world. It’s kinda like a foot pad one might call it. Sorta like dogs and cats on our world, and nothing like what I’m used to seeing on an equine.”

“Oh okay, I see what your saying,” he said, and she let go of his hoof.

Next she took the stethoscope and slid it up under his shirt in between his wings. “Chronos please take a few deep breaths for me please.” He nodded and took in a deep breath then released. “Again please.” Once more he repeated taking in a deep breath then letting it out. “Okay you can relax now Chronos, I’m going to listen to your heart now,” she said slipping the stethoscope back under his shirt over his chest. Tha-thump... Tha-thump... Tha-thump. “Well that sounds good,” she smiled. “But you know I am beginning to think our two species are somehow linked judging by the similarities in your physiology to ours.”

“Really? Huh... I never really thought of it that way myself honestly, but then again, I am not the best equine to ask about this subject either.”

Stacy leaned up and whispered into his ear. “And just between you and me Chronos, I think your eyes are really beautiful, and I love the shade of gold they are. You must get all the mares back on your world eh?” She smiled, giving him a wink of her eye.

He blushed looking away. “Heh... heh... Yeah,” he chuckled nervously rubbing the back of his neck. ‘You can’t believe how much I miss that attention about now.’ He sighed clearing his throat. “So... Am I gonna need anymore tests? Or am I ok to go?” He asked.

“Yes Chronos,” Stan said walking up. “Three to be exact. Two you need before we can release you, and the final I want to ask if its alright with you.”

“What are they?” He asked a little nervous tapping his hooves together.

“The first is an MRI.”

“What's that?”

“Magnetic resonance imaging. It’s a machine that uses a powerful magnet to take pictures of the inside of your body. We need to do this seeing as when you came into the hospital you were bleeding through the nose and from your mouth. The MRI will tell us if you have internal bleeding or not okay? And don’t worry its very safe you will not be harmed.”

“And the second test?”

“Well seeing as you’re not form our world I need to take a blood test.”

“Uhh...” he cringed. “Do we have to? I really don’t like needles

“Yes you will have to Chronos, this is for your own safety as well as our own. I don’t know if your immune system is capable of fighting back the bacteria on our world, and I don’t want to see you get sick and die because your body was not able to fight it off okay? Also, I am afraid of you taking our medicine and your body will have an allergic reaction or worse. ”

“Okay I understand, and the last? You said you were going to ask me if I wanted to?”

“Yes Chronos, I want to ask you if you would allow us to run an X-ray of your body. This is completely voluntary and up to you if you what to do it.”

“Well my only question before I decide or not is why?” he asked looking into the doctors eyes trying to read them.

“Well because for one thing if your kind does eventually come to live on Earth, the information we gain from these tests will be invaluable to us in helping us heal your kind in the event that one of you may get hurt. And the other is I am truly fascinated with your species, and I want to learn more about you, but this will also have a positive effect. Because again, whatever I learn I will pass onto others in my field. So what do you think?”

Chronos sat there for a moment with a hoof to his chin in thought ‘Hmm.. he does sound pretty sincere, and looking into his eyes I don’t detect any sign of mistrust. Also, Celestia herself told me this may happen, and that I should use my best judgement.’ He took a long moment to think about it. ‘Well why not,’  he looked back up to Stan and smiled. “Okay Stan, lets do it.”

Stan smiled clapping his hands together. “Great! I’m happy you decided to do this, and don’t worry, I promise you I’ll do my best to make sure that you’re safe and well taken care of. Anyway,” he said holding a hand out. “Shall we get going? I am more concerned about your health at the moment, so lets not waste anymore time. Can you walk?” Chronos hopped up off the table landing on his hooves, but fell down when he hit the floor.

“Ahh cramp!” He yelled falling back on his haunches reaching for his leg.

“Where is it Chronos,” Stacy asked kneeling down by him.

“My hind leg, it hurts. It feels like my muscle has a knot in it,” he said looking up at her. He then tried to massage the cramp out with his hoof, but it wasn’t getting any better.

“Heh, sounds like a Charley horse,” she laughed. He rolled his eyes and laughed shaking his head. Afterward he continued trying to work the knot out, but after a few moments Stacy noticed his problem was not getting any better. “Chronos, let me try. Move your hoof please,” he nodded and pulled away. Stacy then put her hands on his leg feeling around for the spot that bothered him. She could feel his muscle tensing up in his leg as she moved her hands over a particular spot. “Boy you’re tense here, I can see why it was bothering you so much.” She then began to massage his leg.

“Oh my...” he gasped. “Them hands of yours are doing such a better job at getting rid of that cramp then I could've ever possibly done with my hooves,” he said closing his eyes relaxing his leg, letting it stretch out. “MMmm... Yeah... Right there, that’s good,” he purred, his breathing getting a little labored. She didn’t notice and continued to massage his leg.

Steve looked over at Chronos and chuckled to himself quietly. ‘Heh, seems like he’s enjoying that a little too much,’ he thought. He look over to the doctor who wasn’t really paying attention standing by the door, then back to Chronos who now had his head tilted up while biting his lip. His wings were standing up trembling slightly. He snorted shaking his head then walked up to Chronos tapping him on his shoulder. “Uhh Chronos?”

“Kinda busy here Steve, what is it?” Chronos replied absentmindedly.

Steve rolled his eyes shaking his head then went up to his ear and whispered into it. “Uhh... Chronos you do realize your wings are standing up right? And not only that, but their trembling too. Now Stacy probably doesn’t know why they're doing that, but I do. And I don’t think you want her finding out why they’re doing that now do you?”

Chronos quickly shook his head standing up. ‘Thats not the only thing I’m glad she didn’t realize was standing up,’ he thought walking up to the doctor. “Come on Stan lets go,” he said a little hastily.

“Why the sudden change of heart Chronos? A moment ago you were rather evasive.”

“Oh... No reason really. I just wanted to get my mind off what I was thinking about,” Chronos replied folding his wings up. “Lets go.”

The doctor nodded pushing the door open for him. “Radiology is down the hall Chronos, follow me.”

Chronos nodded and followed the doctor out the door leaving Steve, and a very confused Stacy behind. “Did I do something wrong?” Stacy asked standing up scratching her head. Steve went and grabbed Chronos’s sweatshirt then walked up to Stacy putting a hand on her shoulder.

“Heh, no you didn’t do anything wrong, but I bet he was feeling a whole lot better after that,” he laughed. She looked at him raising an eyebrow. “Come on, I’ll tell you on the way,” he held the door open for Stacy.

                                                                             *****

As they walked down the hall Chronos and Stan were talking about the upcoming tests and the things he needed to know, but since security was more focused at keeping people and media from entering the hospital, it was a bit more relaxed inside. So as the two strolled down the halls past waiting rooms and such, hospital staff and patients already inside were quite surprised when they happened upon the blue equine.

“So Chronos,” the doctor said. “You don’t have any metal in your body we should be aware of like implants, pins or pacemakers?”

“Heh, no Stan,” he chuckled, “One hundred percent equine here no artificial flavors or preservatives.”

The doctor looked at him shaking his head laughing. “Ha! Thats a good one Chronos, I’ll have to remember that.” They walked around the corner passing a sign on the wall saying ‘Radiology,’ but they were stopped by a nurse when she spotted Chronos.

She dropped her clipboard and raced up then practically slid across the floor coming to a stop kneeling down in front of him. “Oh my god! you guys are real? This is awesome! My names Kathrin, what's yours?”

“Chronos, Kathrin, and it’s nice to meet you,” he said extending a hoof to her.

She took his hoof and shook it. “I have so many questions I want to ask you, but what are you doing here?” She looked him over for a moment and noticed the fur on his snout was stained with a little bit of blood. “Is... Is that blood on your nose?” She asked concerned. “What happened to you?”

“He injured himself earlier today Kathrin,” Stan added. “We’re taking him to Radiology to have an MRI done to make sure there is no internal bleeding, but he seems fine for the most part.”

“Oh, well thats good to hear,” she said looking back to Chronos. “After you’re done you don’t mind if I have a little chat with you do you?”

“That should be alright Kathrin,” Stan said. “It may take us a little while to interpret the results from the MRI, so you can have a chat with him in the waiting room after he’s done.”

Kathrin smiled brightly and stood up. “Great! See you in little bit then.”

“Is the radiologist here Kathrin?” Stan asked.

“Yes Stan,” she said walking back to get her clipboard. “Matthew is here in the MRI room,” she said returning to her station at the counter.

“Ok good,” He said walking down the hall. “Come on Chronos,” he beckoned with his hand. “Let’s go meet Matt.” Chronos nodded and walked up to Stan as he opened the door for him. “You first Chronos.”

He nodded and walked in shortly followed by Stan.

                                                                          ****

“Hey Stan,” Matt said waving a hand. “Hows it going today. I got them repor...” He trailed off when he looked over to see the blue equine standing next to Stan. “What is that?” he asked, pointing to Chronos.

“Your next patient,” Stan replied.

Chronos then walked up to Matt who had took a few steps back as the equine approached him “Hello Matt, my name is Chronos.”

“It talks!?”

Chronos looked at Matt a little upset, nose crinkling a bit. “Hey! I’m a he not an it!”

Matt held up his hands. “Whoa! Calm down I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,” he sighed. “Let me start over,” he kneeled down holding out his hand. “My name is Matt, and its nice to meet you Chronos.”

Chronos smiled and held out his hoof. “Names Chronos Matt, and its nice to meet you too.” Matt took it. “So Matt,” Chronos said looking around the room. “I have come here because Stan here says I need to have an MRI done because he wants to make sure that I don’t have internal bleeding. So what do I need to do?”

Matt stood up and walked over to the Machine. “Well Chronos, since it seems you are of equal size and proportions to us humans, what we are going to do is place you in this machine,” he stepped aside and showed Chronos a large machine with a doughnut shaped apparatus that had a small table sitting inside it. “Then me and the doctor will go into the other room,” he pointed to a glass panel with a bunch of computer monitors on the other side of it. “And we’ll take a few pictures of your head and body to look for internal bleeding. But before you can go in do you have any metal in your body or implants that I should know of?”

“Nope all clear there.”

“Thats good, Oh and you will have to take off any clothing that has metal on it like buckles, pins, zippers or clasps.” He looked over the equines attire. “Your shorts will have to come off, that metal buckle will cause problems. we have a gown you can get into.” He looked at the gown then back to Chronos taking note this time of his wings. “Stan, could you go get Kathrin please?” Stan nodded and turned to leave. “Tell her to bring a pair of scissors too.” He turned back to Chronos. “Now Chronos, when we are running the examination you will need to lie perfectly still so we can get the best pictures, and we may have to give you an injection to help give us better contrast if we need it, but I doubt this will happen.”

“Well thats good cause I really don’t like needles,” Chronos said letting out a sigh of relief.

“Also the MRI examination will be noisy we got a pair of headphones here you can try to see if they fit your ears,” he stopped for a moment and looked at Chronos’s ears. “Can I check your ears Chronos?”

“Okay Matt, but please be gentle my ears are pretty sensitive.”

“Don’t worry Chronos I’ll be careful just say something if I cause you any discomfort okay?” Chronos nodded. Matt then walked up behind him put his hands on his left ear and felt it. It had a velvety kind of feel to it. “Chronos what I want to do is fold the tips of your ears back against the top of your head and we can try to see if the headphones fit. Now does this hurt when I do this?” He gently folded the tip of his ear back over his head.

“A little uncomfortable, but no it doesn’t hurt.”

“Will you be okay with this?”

“Should be alright Matt, but I’ll let you know if its not.”

“Ok good.” Just then Stan and Kathrin entered the room and walked over to the two.

“I got the scissors Matt what did you want me to do with them?”

“Help our guest here get into a gown.”

“What would I need scissors for then? I’m not cutting his clothes off am I?” she asked.

“No, but you need to cut holes in the gown for his wings. Also, you’re going to stay here and help Chronos onto the table. Me and Stan will be in the other room,” they turned to leave. “Let us know when you're ready.”

“Okay,” she said watching the two leave. “Come on Chronos lets get you ready to go in.” She beckoned him over to the curtain to get dressed. “Take off your shorts please.”

He blushed. “In front of you?”

Kathrin frowned. “Yes silly, and please don’t think like that. I’m not a pervert you know.” Chronos nodded letting out a breath. He tried concentrating to draw mana to unbuckle his shorts, but the shielding from the room may have been interfering with it, and he started to get lightheaded. “Is something wrong Chronos?” she asked.

“Can you help me with the buckle please?” He asked a little embarrassed.

She smiled. “Sure Chronos, can you stand up on your hind legs please?” He nodded and reared up on his hind legs resting his forehooves on the bed. She kneeled down and unbuckled the buckle on his shorts. “There you go,” she smiled standing back up.  “When you’re done taking them off go sit on the bed please.”

“Okay Kathrin,” he stood up balancing himself on his hind legs and pushed his shorts off then stepped out of them and hopped up sitting on the bed.

“Briefs eh?” she giggled causing him to blush.

“Kathrin! I thought you said...”

“I’m only teasing Chronos,” she said cutting him off. “Besides, we don’t need you poppin a wingie here now do we?”

He rolled his eyes crossing his forelegs. “That’s not funny!” He huffed.

“Oh relax Chronos, I was only playing around,” she said patting him on the back. “Lets get you fitted for this gown. Hold out your forelegs please.” Chronos held out his forelegs and she slipped the gown on to him. “Okay you can let your forelegs relax now,” he let his hooves fall to his sides. “Now I am going to feel around your back to find where I need to cut the holes for your wings. So hold still.”

 She went to the other side of the bed and started to feel around his back for where she believed his wings were at. Once she found them she ran her hands gently over the feathers then down the muscles trying to find all of the wing so she could cut a properly sized hole, but she stopped when she felt his wings trembling slightly. “Settle down Chronos, I am only trying to size out your wing so I can cut a properly sized hole.”

“Okay...” Came the muffled reply. He was glad she didn’t come look him in the face since he was fighting to hold back letting out a moan from her inadvertently turning him on. “C-could you hurry this up please so I can get this over with.”

“The MRI or me touching your wings?”

“The second one Kathrin,” he replied a little strained.

‘Heh, Guess the fan fiction was true. These guys wings really are sensitive.’ She then cut the hole for one wing. “Okay Chronos please extend your wing through the hole please,” he nodded and slowly extended his right wing with her guiding it through the hole, but the fact she was letting her hand slide over his wing’s muscles as he extended it through the hole was sending shivers down his spine. “Alright Chronos, I’ll let you take a breather to calm yourself down. By the way, how long have you been on Earth?” She asked.

“Umm.. about five years now Kathrin.”

‘Heh, five years without getting any. I can now see why he tenses up so fast. He’s probably about to explode,’ she chuckled to herself. She waited for a few moments to allow Chronos some time to cool off then went ahead and cut another hole in the gown for his other wing. “Okay Chronos, you’re all set. Let’s go get you comfortable so the examination can begin,” she led him over to the MRI machine. “Hop up and lie on your back please.”

Chronos nodded hopping up on the table and laid down on his back resting his forelegs on his chest. “Alright Matt, he’s all set,” she chimed in on the mic. “Wait a moment! I almost forgot,” She turned to look at Chronos resting on the table. “You’re not claustrophobic are you?” She stopped to think for a moment. “Do you even know what that means?” She asked.

He nodded looking at her. “Yes Kathrin I know what it means, and no I am not.”

“Kathrin you need to fold his ears back so he is able to wear the headphones,” Matt clicked in through the mic.

“Okay Matt I’ll take care of it,” she moved up to his head and gently folded his ears back then placed the headphones on him, but his face contorted when she laid them over his folded back ears.

“Uhhh... Kathrin, that is really uncomfortable could you take them off me please,” he asked, she nodded removing the headphones. “Ahhh... Much better thank you,” he sighed in relief.

“Matt the headphones are no good it cause him to much discomfort.”

“Ok try the earplugs, I didn’t try them at first because I was unsure if they would fit. But it seems like we don’t have any choice now.”

She nodded and grabbed the ear plugs then placed them in his ears. Surprisingly though they fit snugly into the inside of his ears. “Those feel comfortable Chronos?”

He put a hoof up to his ear tapping on it a few times. “Yeah Kathrin, it feels fine.”

“Okay thats good,” she replied stepping to the end of the table. “Okay just remember, keep still. No unnecessary movement while the pictures are being taken. Just relax and it will be over in about thirty minutes alright?”

He looked up to her and nodded then rested his head back on the pillow. “I’m ready,” he said closing his eyes as she slid him into the machine.

“He’s in Matt you can begin.”

Matt nodded from the other room and was about to start when Steve and Stacy walked in. “Who are you two? You’re not authorized to be in here when a patient is being examined.”

“They’re alright Matt,” Stan said waving them over. “Stacey was the veterinarian we called in to assist us, and Steve here is with the FBI.”

“Steven Doss, it’s a pleasure to meet you Matthew,” He politely said holding out a hand.

“Nice to meet you to Steve, but next time please knock before entering,” he replied returning to his computer. “Anyway, have a seat guys. Shows about to begin,” he clicked on the mic. “Okay Chronos, I am about to take several pictures of your head so please remain still.”

“Okay Matt,” he replied.

Matt then reached over to his mouse and clicked on the screen bringing up his prompt to begin. He clicked on it and a moment later Chronos could faintly hear a knocking sound coming from the machine. A few moments later his screens came to life with the images from the pictures that were taken. “Okay Chronos, you can relax we’re done with your head. Take a few moments and we’ll then start with your body,” he clicked off the mic and the four began looking at the images of his head.

“Very interesting,” Stan said looking at the pictures.

“I don’t see any signs of trauma or bleeding,” Matt said examining the pictures. “But what's striking is the fact his brain is so well developed. Not that, that’s surprising considering I’m talking with him.”

“I agree Matt,” Stan added. “And what's shocking is his brain is eerily similar to our’s too, but this open cavity in his skull that extends up into his horn is pretty unique,” he said rubbing his chin.

“What do you think it’s for?” Matt asked turning to look at him.

“Well on an assumption I’d have to say nerve tissue, and I’d wager his horn is pretty sensitive too judging by the amount of nerve endings on it.”

“Lets not forget those eyes,” Stacy added. “My god they're so huge.”

“Heh yeah, I can see a revival of Elton John era glasses if these guys ever make more of an appearance here on Earth,” he laughed. “Now, as for that cavity Matt, I imagine them nerves help him with channeling whatever that energy force was he used earlier to take off his sweatshirt.”

“Energy? What are you talking about?” Matt asked.

“Well... Earlier when Stacy checked his blood pressure she had asked him to remove his sweatshirt so he did, but how he did it still boggles my mind.”

“What did he do?”

“Well going back to what I said a moment ago, he somehow was able to levitate his sweatshirt off his body with what I can only describe as telekinesis.”

“Are you serious?”

“Uhh... Guys, could we have this conversation another time please?” Steve said cutting in. “Our friend in the other room doesn’t have all day now you know.”

“Fine,” Matt replied a little displeased. He then clicked on his mic. “Okay Chronos we’re going to begin taking pictures of your body now please hold still.”

Chronos nodded and let out a breath. “I’m ready Matt.”

Matt nodded and clicked on the screen resuming the examination, and once again Chronos could hear the faint sounds of knocking coming from the machine. “Kathrin we’re finished,” he said clicking on his mic. “You can get him out of there now.”

She nodded and pulled him out from inside the machine. “Go ahead get dressed Chronos, then you can go wait in the waiting room.”

“Thanks Kathrin,” he replied and stretched a little bit. “Ahh thats feels better..” He then flexed his wings and flapped them a couple times. “Thank Celestia that test is done. I was getting a little bit of a wing cramp laying on my back.”

“Those wings are amazing,” Matt said watching Chronos flex his wings.

“They truly are, and I can’t wait till I can get some X-rays taken of his skeletal structure to see how those things actually function,” Stan said watching the equine fold up his wings. “I'm also interested to see if he’s actually capable of flight.”

“Well the images of his body scans should be up shortly,” and just then his computer screen came to life with the results. “Well thankfully I see no signs of internal bleeding, but what do you guys think of the pictures?”

“How about you Stacy?” Stan asked, looking at the pictures. “After all, you are our expert in this current situation.”

Stacy walked up and leaned forward to look at the pictures. “Well his muscle make up seems almost identical to a pony in every aspect,” Stacy said looking over the pictures. “But what’s interesting is how his Pectorals and Supraspinatus muscle is connected to his wings, and extends up to what looks like a Flexor alae major muscle.”

“A what?” Stan asked scratching his head.

“Do you have a free computer here Matt?” Stacy asked.

“Over there,” he replied pointing to a laptop sitting on a table behind him. Stacy walked over to it  and sat down. She then began typing and a moment later an image popped up.

“Now I know this may be a rough depiction at best, but you can clearly see the muscles I am trying to describe.”

Stan leaned over looking at the picture. “Uhh... I don’t think a fictional picture like this deserves any merit honestly Stacy.”

She looked at him crossing her arms and frowned. “You say this yet as we sit here we are looking at a pony in the next room that has a horn and wings, and can also talk.”

“Touche Stacy, you got me on that one. So anything else interesting about the pictures?”

She got up from the laptop and walked back over to the monitors Matt was examining and looked them over for herself for a few minutes. “Well the way his front forelegs are attached and the muscles is rather interesting.”

“What so interesting about it?”

“Well a guestimation if you will, but seeing as how much range of motion he has with his forelegs, I would say it seems like they’re attached by a ball and socket joint of some sort at the shoulder.” She sat back in the chair crossing her arms. “It's almost like these guys evolved from primitive ponies into what they are today. Just like we did from primates, so this kinda explains how his forelegs are like his arms, but he still walks like a qudraped. Also, his tail seems to have muscles on it too. I would bet he has full control over it. kinda like a monkey.”

Stan looked back to the image. “Yes I can see what you’re talking about.” For the next thirty or so minutes the four looked over the pictures discussing the shocking similarities between humans, ponies and equines. “Oh guys I think its time take Chronos to get his blood test done.” Stan said looking at his watch.

“Before you give him a blood test Stan, I would like to ask him if I can weigh him and get some measurements like his height when standing on his hind legs, and the total length of his wingspan.”

“Well you will have to ask him yourself,” he said getting up from his chair. “I was just about to head on out to take him down for his blood test, so you can ask him on the way,” he walked over to the door waving goodbye to Matt. “Take care Matthew, thanks for your time today.”

“Yup no problem Stan, you guys take care now,” he said returning to his monitors.

 “Ok lets go guys,” he said holding the door open.

                                                                           *****

Chronos after getting dressed headed out of the MRI room and sat in the waiting room watching the television waiting for the results of his tests. A moment later Kathrin emerged from the room and came over to keep him company.

“So Chronos, mind if I ask you a few questions?” She asked a bit enthusiastically.

“Sure Kathrin,” he replied pulling his attention away from the television to look at her. “What would you like to know?”

“Well for starters are you an Alicorn?”

He shook his head. “No Kathrin, my breed is known as Unisus which is a cross between a Unicorn and Pegasus.”

“Interesting,” she thought for a moment rubbing her chin. “Are the mane six real?” She asked.

“The who?” He replied puzzled.

“You know Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity etc...”

“Twilight Sparkle is the engineer I am working with on this project, and Rarity is a well known fashion designer. Now I have never met her, but I believe Rainbow Dash is this mare I’ve heard about that lives in a small town a little ways away from the palace.”

“Cool so they do exist,” she smiled. “Do you think we’ll get to meet them?”

“Probably Twilight most likely since she is working with the Princess, me and a few others on getting the gateway setup.”

“Gateway?” She asked scratching her head.

“Yeah, see I was the scout sent ahead to your world to gather information on your planet and send it back through this crystal I was sent over with, but when I came over the crystal was damaged, so I have since refrained from overly using it because I am afraid I may break it.

“So I take it you are waiting for the right moment to make contact again?”

“Correct. After five years I’m going to use the crystal to re-establish contact, and inform them to begin with the next step of what we had planned.”

“Next step?”

“Yea...” he was stopped when he heard a male calling his name.

“Hey Chronos,” Steve said, walking up to him. “Can I speak to you in private for a moment please?”

Chronos raised an eyebrow looking at him puzzled. “Uhh... Okay.”

“Great follow me,” he led him off to an office room and closed the door behind him. “Hey buddy I need to ask you a favor.”

“What is it Steve? Did I do something wrong?”

Steve waved his hand shaking his head. “No, no, but please in the future keep confidential information like your peoples plans to yourself or come ask me first, and I’ll let you know if its alright to say. Theres a lot of weird people on this planet and we don’t need to start a panic. So until we can publicly set up a press conference, and unload the details in a way that the public can digest easier could you please keep it to yourself okay?”

“Okay I think I understand what you mean.”

Steve smiled and gave him a pat on the back. “Thanks buddy. Now Stacy wanted to talk to you about something so lets not keep her waiting,” he turned to walk to the door, but then stopped. “Crap almost forgot,” he tossed Chronos’s sweatshirt back to him. “You forgot this in the triage room.”

“Thanks Steve,” Chronos smiled catching it with mana and tied it around his waist. “Well let’s go see what Stacy wants,” he said walking up to the door.

Steve smiled and opened the door for him. “After you.”

“Hello Chronos,” Stacy said waving then walked up and knelt down in front of him. “Hey do you mind if I weigh you and take some measurements before we take you to get a blood test?”

“Uhh.. I suppose so, but why?” he asked.

“Well I want to do some simple comparisons between humans and your kind.”

He looked at her frowning. “You know I feel like I’m being treated like a test subject here a little bit.”

“I’m sorry Chronos,” Stacy apologized. “But its not everyday a new sentient species appears on Earth. Your arrival is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced in my life, and I just want to do a little research on your kind. But if you're not comfortable with it then thats alright. I won’t force you,” she gave him a sultry look. “However, I would really appreciate it if you did allow me to do this Chronos,” she said gently rubbing him behind his ear.

“MMmm... Thats nice.” he purred tilting his head sideways.

“So... Is that a yes?” She asked continuing to rub behind his ear.

 “Well... since you asked so nicely, I guess... I guess its okay.”

“Oh Chronos, you’re the best!” She smiled giving him a peck on the cheek. He froze, eyes going wide as he felt his face heat up. “Heh... I guess Steve was right about them wings of yours,” Stacy whispered into his ear.

Chronos felt his face grow even hotter when he turned to look back at his wings standing at attention. ‘He didn’t, did he?’  But after looking over to Steve who had put a hand over his mouth trying to hide his laughter he knew. ‘Thanks Steve,” he thought, putting a hoof to his face. “Come on Stacy,” Chronos said getting up to his hooves. “Let’s go meet up with Stan.”

“Okay,” she replied following him out into the hallway. “Where do we go? I didn’t see which way he went.”

“This way you two,” Stan said coming up behind them. “Follow me.” They nodded and followed the doctor down the hall. After a few minutes they came to a stop at a door. “Stacy, you can take Chronos in here to take the measurements you asked him for,” he turned the knob and opened the door for her. “Come see me next door when you're finished with him.”

“Alright,” she turned to look at Chronos who was standing by the door.

“After you Stacy,” Chronos politely said holding out a hoof.

“Thank you Chronos,” she walked past him, but not before running her hand behind his ear then down along his cheek.

Chronos looked at her confused as she entered the room. ‘Is she doing what I think she’s trying to do?’ she turned to look back for a second and smiled.

“Something wrong Chronos?”

He shook his head shaking off the thought. ‘Naa... It’s just me over thinking things,’ he looked up to her. “Nope nothing's wrong,” he replied walking into the room.

“Okay Chronos, please get on the scale, I want to weigh you first then we can take some measurements alright?”

“Okay,” he walked over to the scale and stood on it, but noticed he would have to stand on his hind legs in order to get a proper reading. So he reared up on his hind legs trying to balance himself, but without somewhere to prop his forelegs on he couldn’t keep himself balanced for very long. “I can’t stay like this forever Stacy, unless you can find me a place to balance myself on.”

She walked up behind him. “You can lean on me Chronos, I’ll keep you balanced.”

“Uhh... Okay,” he said a bit nervous and leaned back letting himself rest against her.  “Heh, heh, this feels a bit awkward Stacy, are you sure you’re alright with this?”

She brought her arms up underneath his forelegs and began to adjust the weights on the scale. “Oh yes Chronos, perfectly fine with me sweetie. Now hold still please while I get your weight.” She slid the weights around on the scale until it finally became stable. “Two hundred and five, not bad. I bet thats all muscle eh?”

“Heh heh, yeah, gotta keep myself in shape. Especially my wings so I am able to fly.”

“Is that so? Well why don’t you extend them wings so I can see how big you really are.”

“Ummm... Well alright,” he replied, then slowly unfolded his wings, but stopped when he noticed she had withdrew her hands from the scale and out of his sight. “What are you doing Stacy?” He asked a little nervous.

“Taking measurements of you wingspan silly. Go ahead and spread them out to their fullest extension please.”

He let out a sigh of relief. ‘For a second there it felt like she was coming on toooo...’ he tensed up when he felt her hands running down the lengths of his wings. “S-St-Stacy,” he stammered. “Wha-what are you d-doing?”

“Hmm? Oh nothing just checking out the muscles of your wings. I’m not hurting you am I?” She asked, while continuing to ‘examine’ the muscles on his wings. “My, my, you sure are tense back here. You’re not getting another cramp are you?”

“N-no my wings are fine.”

“Nonsense! I can feel it right here,” she said massaging a spot on his wing near the base where it connected with his back. “Feeling better now?”

“Uhh... Yea-yeah... ‘Okay calm down Chronos, you can do this! It’s fairly obvious Stacy has a thing for equines, and you being a sentient one is probably like a dream come true. Dammit Steve! Why did you have to go and tell her about my wings! Now she won’t Uhhh... leave them... MMMmm... Alone.’ Uhh... Heh, heh, Stacy? Aren’t you going to take measureMENTS... of my wings already?”

“Hmm? Oh... Yeah, measurements, right. Let me get the measuring tape out.” She let go of his wings and walked over to the cabinet to get the tape.

Chronos sighed in relief. ‘Thank Celestia that’s over with. I was about to lose control there for a moment.’ He ruffled his wings shaking off the feeling growing inside him then  re-expanded them waiting for her to return with the tape. “If you don’t mind me asking Stacy, why do you need my weight and wingspan measurements?”

“Well the doctor had piqued my interest when he mentioned he was interested in seeing if you could actually take flight with those wings of yours. So I am taking some simple weight and wingspan measurements, but simply looking at your wings after getting your weight, I can’t possibly see how your wings are capable of supporting you.”

“They can’t Stacy, well... not alone anyway.” he folded them up and got down off the scale then went and hopped up on the bed next to her. “I use Mana to well... ‘Lighten’ myself enough that my wings are then capable of supporting my weight in flight.”

Stacy looked at him confused taking a seat next to him on the bed. “Lighten yourself? Mana? I don’t understand. Can you show me?”

Chronos shook his head. “I can’t really show you in this room, but maybe later I can show you what I mean alright?”

“And how do you maintain enough energy? Equines are herbivores well... To the best of my knowledge that is. You can’t possibly get enough calories and protein from eating plants to maintain enough energy to sustain flight can you?”

“You are right, but I am not a herbivore Stacy, I’m an omnivore just like you, so I can eat meat and plants, but I prefer the meat honestly. That Pizzahut place I went to earlier today was a nice place, I really enjoyed the pizza with the pepperoni on it too.”

“Ah I understand now well... All except the whole Mana and ‘lighten’ yourself part.” She sat there thinking for a moment. “How about after we’re done with your blood test I take you down to the cafeteria and get you something to eat?” She asked.

 “That sound like a great idea!” he replied smiling brightly. “I am totally famished after exerting myself so much at that restaurant earlier today.” Just then his stomach grumbled. “Heh, heh, guess my stomach is agreeing with me on this,” he chuckled a little embarrassed.

“Heh, looks like someones...” she stopped for a moment. “Now how did Steve tell me it was said,” she rubbed her chin thinking for a moment. “Ah thats right! Somepony’s stomach is talking.” She poked him on his belly causing Chronos to lurch back with a surprised look on his face.

“Hey! Quit that!” He said, pushing her hand away.

“Seems like somepony is a little ticklish here. I’ll have to remember that.” She hopped off the bed. “Come on handsome, lets go meet up with Stan to get your blood test taken. Then we can head on down to the cafeteria okay?”

‘Heh, handsome? Oh boy,’ he thought rolling his eyes while shaking his head. “Sounds like a plan Stacy,” he hopped off the bed himself and walked to the door she was waiting at.

“After you Chronos,” Stacy said, holding out her hand.

Chronos smiled. “Thank you Stacy,” but as he walked past her he felt her hand pat him on the rump as he walked by. He jumped forward letting out a squeak then turned around to look at her blushing profusely. “Stacy! Come on! Stop messing with me. Please?”

“Hehe sorry!” She laughed. “I was just teasing. I’ll stop.”

“Thank you Stacy.”

She walked up next to him. “For now,” she whispered into his ear.

He put a hoof to his face. ‘Will this day ever end?’

“Hey guys.” Stan said coming out from the room he was waiting in. “What took you two so long?”

“Just taking a few extra moments with our friend here Stan, to get to know him better. I hope we didn’t keep you waiting too long.” Stacy said walking past him into the room he had come out of. “No, no, thats alright.” He turned to look at Chronos. “Ready for this Chronos?”

“Not really Stan, I really dislike needles, but if its for my benefit, then lets get this over with okay?”

“Understandable Chronos,” he held out his hand. “This way please.” Chronos nodded and entered the room. “Go ahead and sit on the bed please Chronos.”

“Alright.” He walked over to the bed and hopped up onto and rocked back and forth a bit patting his thighs. The doctor walked over to a cabinet pulling out a tourniquet and a needle with some tubing and a small bottle, and set it on a table. He slid the table over to the waiting equine. “Hold out your foreleg please Chronos,” he nodded and extended his foreleg out to the doctor. Stan spun his foreleg around to look at the inside of his elbow. “I’m gonna have to shave a bit of fur off so I can expose the skin underneath, but it will be very discreet, and it should grow back in no time.”

“Why? Can’t you just,” he cringed. “Stick the needle in me without shaving off my fur?”

“No, because you could get an infection if your fur is dirty or some is accidently pushed into your body. This way is safer, no chance of an infection.”

Chronos let out a sigh and relaxed his foreleg. “Alright Stan, go ahead.”

Stan nodded and went over to a drawer and pulled out a small pair of clippers, then returned to Chronos’s side. “Okay, hold still. This will only take a second.” He switched on the clippers and put them to the equines inner foreleg and shaved a small patch of fur revealing the equines skin. “Alright I am gonna clean the area with an antiseptic then I am gonna put the needle in.” Chronos sat and watched as the doctor took an antiseptic wipe and swabbed it around the area then picked up the needle stopping for a moment. “Are you ready Chronos? I need you to be absolutely still as I put the needle into your vein so I do not injure you alright?”

“Could you come over here please Stacy.”

“Sure Chronos,” she came over and sat on the bed next to him. “You really don’t like needles do you?”

“No Stacy, I’m terrified of them, but with you here I should be able to handle it. Give me your hand please.”

She smiled and took his hoof in her hand. “Right here if you need me.”

He smiled and turned to look at the doctor letting out a breath “Ok Stan, get it over with. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” Stan nodded. He then wrapped the tourniquet just above his elbow and tapped on the bare skin with two fingers to get the vein to pop out. A moment later he slid the needle into his vein. Chronos winced a bit gripping tighter onto Stacy’s hand. Stan then pulled slightly back on the plunger to get some blood to flow out then opened the end of the syringe allowing the blood to flow into the waiting bottle. Chronos turned to watch as his blood flowed out from his foreleg and into the bottle. “How much do you need Stan?”

“Not much Chronos, just enough to fill up this small bottle.” Once the bottle got close to being full Stan pulled the needle out from Chronos’s foreleg and placed a cotton swab on the small insertion site and removed the tourniquet. “Hold this here for a few minutes to stop the bleeding I’ll be right back.” He took the sample and placed a label onto it and set it on a rack with other samples then returned to the bed. “Ok seeing as you're kinda disoriented from this don’t worry about the X-rays. We can always do stuff like this later. Stacy, why don’t you take our guest downstairs to the lobby and get him something to eat? Steve told me earlier he was gonna head there and that Chronos should meet him there after we got done with the tests here.”

“Alright Stan,” she turned to look at Chronos who was still gripping onto her hand. “Chronos.”

“Yes Stacy?”

“Can I have my hand back please?”

He looked down to her hand and noticed he was still gripping onto it rather tightly. “Heh, sorry,” he let go. She wiggled her fingers a bit then got up from the bed.

“Lets go, Steve is waiting for us.”

Chronos nodded and hopped down off the bed and followed her to the door.  “I’ll see you later Stan?”

“Sure will Chronos. I’ll come down to the cafeteria when I get the results back from your blood test okay?”

“Sounds good Stan,” he turned to look at Stacy. “Ready to go?”

“Yup all set Chronos.”

                                                                         *****

When they arrived in the cafeteria the two were greeted with a few gasps as the blue equine appeared in the doorway beside Stacy. Chronos looked around with a meek smile rubbing the back of his neck. “Hello everyone,” he said waving to them. But it remained eerily quiet for a few moments until Steve noticed the two and waved a hand beckoning them over.

“Hey guys, come on over and have a seat, I’ve got some news for you.” Chronos and Stacy nodded smiling and made their way over to the table he was sitting at, but were greeted by another man when they arrived.

“Chronos is it?” The man said, the equine nodded. “My name is Kirk Italie, and I am here on behalf of National Security.”

“He is here to take over,” Steve added looking over to the man. “From now on he will be in charge of your personal security, but I am happy to say I’ll be staying on as your personal liaison.”

“Yes, Steve’s general knowledge of your kind will be an invaluable asset as we further continue to make contact with your peo... umm...” he trailed off for a moment. “Sorry, I don’t want to misinterpret here, but what should I refer your well... people as?”

“Well Equestrians or equines is the official term I guess you could say,” Chronos said. “But ponies will suffice, and it will probably be easier for you humans to come to grips with.”

“Sounds understandable,” Kirk replied. Afterward he pulled out his tablet and laid it on the table. “Alright Chronos, we’ve set up a brief press conference outside the hospital. The news media has already been let onto your presence so its pointless to hide the fact you exist. So after we’re done here we will proceed to the hospitals front vestibule where they will be waiting.”

Chronos nodded. “Alright sounds good to me, but what information should I keep withheld for now? Steve had pulled me aside before and told me I shouldn’t say certain things.”

“Well why don’t you fill me in on what you Equestrians are really planning on doing,” Kirk asked taking his tablet and tapping on the notepad app on it.

Chronos nodded and let out a breath. “This could take a little bit mind if I get something to eat first? I am a little hungry.”

“Sure thing Chronos, go ahead and get whatever you like the tab is on me.”

Chronos smiled and got up from the table and walked over to the food line. He reared up on his hind legs, resting his forelegs on the counter and levitated a tray over to him. ‘Boy this stuff smells great! I can’t decide on what to get.’ As he scanned the possible food choices he scooched down the line eyeing over the food tail wagging. “Do you have pepperoni pizza?” He asked the attendant behind the counter. The attendant turned around to reply, but as she did she reeled back eyes wide in shock as she looked at the blue equine looking at her.

“Wholly shit! What the hell are you!?” She spat out dropping the tray she was holding onto. Chronos reared his head back a little surprised almost losing his balance, but then flared his wings open on reflex giving a quick couple flaps to balance himself. Unfortunately however this was not the best reaction at the time as the powerful blasts of air he generated as he flapped to maintain his balance had caused the food on the counter to fly up off it tossing a plate of spaghetti into the attendants face.  “Blaaaa!” she yelled trying to wipe the spaghetti off her face.

As she was about to pull the last strands of noodles off her face and wipe the sauce from her eyes, she slipped on the slick food covered floor and splatted down into it with a thud. “OW! Dammit!” She yelled again rubbing her sore rump looking back up to the equine who had leaned over the counter to see where she had gone.

“Heh, sorry about that, but you startled me and I almost fell over the wing thing was just on reflex.” He turned around to look at his the people he had come with and noticed Steve with his head in his hands, Stacy was trying to contain her laughter while Kirk had gotten up from the table and made his way over to the counter.

“Heh seems like everywhere you go my blue friend you seem to be making a scene.” He leaned over the counter and peered at the food covered attendant trying to stand back up. “Are you alright Miss?” he asked extending a hand to help her to stand back up.

“Yeah.. I’m alright, but shit what is that thing?”

“Well he’s an extraterrestrial to be perfectly frank,” he replied putting a hand on Chronos shoulder. “Sorry if he startled you and don’t worry about this here,” He motioned to the mess the two had made. “I’ll inform your employers of what had happened.  Go ahead and get yourself cleaned up.” She nodded and made her way into the back room out of sight. “Alright Chronos, go ahead and get some stuff to eat we’ll be waiting for you at the table,” he turned to walk back, but stopped and tapped Chronos on his shoulder. “And please, try to not stir up another scene,” he chuckled turning to walk back to the table.

Chronos nodded looking away a little embarrassed. “I’ll try, but it seems everywhere I’ve been going I am making a scene.”

“Thats because humanity has never witnessed a talking pony before,” he laughed. “But don’t worry I was only messing around I know it can’t be helped.”

Chronos smiled and returned to the line picking some stuff as he went along ‘Ham sandwich, Check. Ohh that salad looks tasty. And I think I’ll take a try of that cheeseburger too.’ He scooped up the food channeling some mana through his horn and set them down on the tray. Then he grabbed a cup then levitated it over to the fountain filling it up with some soda and set it down on the tray then made his way back over to the table floating the tray over albeit many patrons watching the scene with utter surprise, the tray surrounded in a golden aura. He set it down on the table and hopped up onto the chair sticking his tail out the back of it.

“Boy Chronos,” Kirk said putting his phone back into his pocket, he had taken a couple pictures of the scene. “That is an amazing trick you did there. What is it exactly?”

Chronos took a bite of his ham sandwich and finished chewing then swallowed. “ Mmmm.. Mana Kirk,” Kirk looked at him confused.

“What? Oh you mean like magic?”

Chronos took a sip of his soda then looked over to him shaking his head. “No. Mana is an energy force we use back on Equestria in every facet of our lives. And strangely it’s presence is here on Earth too albeit to less of an extent or its just I have not climatized myself to it yet, and it gives me a splitting headache if I push myself too hard trying to channel it.”

“Like what happened earlier this morning right?”

“Correct.” Chronos replied finishing off the ham sandwich.

For the next thirty or so minutes Chronos filled Kirk in on the plans the Equestrians had once he had found a suitable world where the locals were not hostile. Kirk meanwhile was digillenty typing down notes on his tablet adamant to keep up with all the information given to him. Kirk looked up for a moment and noticed Steve was saying something to Chronos and the equine was holding a hoof to his chin rubbing it looking at Kirk. “What is it guys? Why are you looking at me like that?” He said raising an eyebrow, setting his tablet down for a moment.

“Oh its just how you were crazily scribbling down notes on your tablet it kinda reminded me of how Twilight Sparkle would do it.”

“Whos this Twilight Sparkle you speak of?” he asked.

“Shes the lead engineer on the gateway project and scientific advisor for the princesses.”

“Oh wow,” Steve said a bit taken back. “I didn’t expect all that from her, but damn thats pretty impressive.”

“She will be the one I contact later on and will come over with her two advisors who are her co-workers and personal friends.”

“Wait a second. Earlier you said you only met her in the Celestial palace, but now you’re saying you actually work with her?”

“Yeah, sorry about that Steve,” He said a little sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. “But I felt at the time it was best I didn’t reveal my relationship with her.”

Steve nodded and his demeanor eased. “No offence taken Chronos, and what you did was also probably the best thing too given the circumstances.”

“Thanks Steve, for understanding,” Chronos said with a smile.

“You said shes bringing over a few co-workers too?” Kirk asked returning to what the equine had said earlier.

“Yep two mares Applejack Apple and Trixie Lulamoon.” Steve smiled brightly and almost lost his composure before he took in a few breaths and resumed.

“Applejack and Trixie? Thats pretty awesome. I always wanted to meet them.”

“What's their responsibility in this project if I may ask Chronos,” Kirk asked picking up his tablet again ready to jot down more information.

“Well Applejack Apple has a degree in civil engineering and is also Equestrias chief Horticulture expert.”

“And Trixie Lulamoon?” Chronos smiled a bit dreamily when her name popped up. Steve raised an eyebrow taking note of the equines change in demeanour.

“Trixie is Twilights best friend and is a diplomatic relations expert albeit a little cocky sometimes, but she knows her stuff.” Steve smiled and looked a Chronos.

“Does Trixie talk in the third person like she does in the show?”

“Only when stimulated Steve,” Chronos replied.

“Stimulated?”

Chronos leaned over and nudged him with his elbow. “You know,” Chronos smirked. Steve looked at him a moment until it had clicked.

“Ohhhh... I see. Heh, and you know this why?”

“Let’s just say I got personal experience with this matter. Real personal.”

“Heh, bet you can’t wait to see her again can you?”

“More than you could ever know.”

Chronos finished up his meal while taking the next hour or so telling Kirk more in detail about the up and coming visit of his friends and co-workers.

“Well I think I got enough information Chronos,” Kirk said setting his tablet down. He then looked at his watch. “We need to get going, the press conference is about to start, and we can't do that without you now can we?” Chronos nodded and hopped down from the table stretching a bit.

“Are you coming Stacy?”

Stacy shook her head and got up from the table. “No Chronos, My part in this is finished as you have been given a clean bill of health.  So I am returning to my office, but maybe we’ll meet again who knows right?” She leaned in to whisper into his ear. “Take care of your marefriend, I bet when you meet her you will have one wild night eh?”

Chronos blushed when he heard her say that and his wings trembled a bit. “Heh, heh, You could say that.” Stacy smiled a stood up. Walking out the door she smiled and waved to him.

“Take care of yourself Chronos, I can’t wait for the day to meet more of your kind.” And with that she disappeared into the hallway. Chronos turned to look at the two that remained.

“Shall we get going fellas?” The two nodded and a moment later the three walked out of the cafeteria and made their way for the vestibule

****

“Susan Mckinley here for CBS News studios Los Angeles  broadcasting live at Cedars Sinai medical center where a special press conference has been set up by the FBI and department of National security. We take you to Ryan Lee who is live at the conference reporting on an extraordinary event. Mankind's first contact with a sentient being from another world, Ryan.”

“Thank you Susan. In a few moments we are going to be given a chance to ask our visitor a few questions and I for one am very excited.” The cameraman shifts  the direction of the camera to the hospitals vestibule where a podium has been hastily set up along side a small table and a bench. Agents of the National Security agency were standing on at the entrance with local law enforcement keeping the crowd at bay as a few figures emerged from the hospital. Two were men, one from the FBI clearly indicated by the vest he was wearing, the other a man dressed casual most likely an agent of the NSA. The last individual was slightly lower to the two coming up to about the FBI agents chest. He or it mind you was blue walking on all fours wearing a blue hoodie with tan shorts. The crowd took in a gasp as Chronos hopped up onto the bench and rested his forelegs on the table. Kirk took to the podium and tapped on the mic a few times.

“Greetings, I’d like to introduce you to our very first visitor from another world.” Kirk turned to face Chronos holding out his hand. “Chronos would you like to say something?”

Chronos held a hoof to his muzzle and coughed. “Hello everybody, m-my name is Chronos and its nice to meet you all.” There was a commotion in the crowd as the reporters began raising their hands waiting to be picked to ask some questions. Chronos scanned around at the various reporters until he pointed to a man standing by a person holding a camera. “You sir, Whats your name, and what would you like to ask?” The man let his hand fall to his side and introduced himself.

“Ryan Lee, Chronos, and I have a few questions I would like to ask you.”He looked down to his notes for a second then back to Chronos. “First, what is the name of your homeworld?”

“I come from a world known as Equestria Ryan,” he replied.

“What are your peoples intentions?”

Chronos thought for a moment turning to look at Kirk who was motioning for him to keep it low key turned to look back at Ryan. “At the moment Ryan, I am here on behalf of my people as simply an observer. Nothing more for the moment.”

“What are your future plans?”

“Currently I have been advised to simply take notes and observe then relay the information back to my superiors.”

“How long have you been here on Earth?”

“About five years now.”

“Last question Chronos,” Ryan looked down at his notes one last time. “What do you think of mankind so far?”

Chronos again put a hoof to his chin in thought. “Well so far I have really had a good time and I am waiting to experience more of your world and what it has to offer.” He smiled  “And I can’t wait to try more of your cuisine too. But the best part so far is how nice you people have been to me, I can’t thank you enough for such kind hospitality.”

As the press conference went on Chronos and Kirk went on answering various questions put forth to them from the various media outlets. after an hour had passed Kirk held up his hand signaling the press conference was coming to a close and ushered Chronos into a waiting  Suburban with Steve hopping in also, and after a moment they took off down the street with a police escort heading to the airport.

“Well Susan, from what you can tell our visitor is being taken into vehicles and is probably heading off to the airport. It seems like the question of being alone in this universe has been answered and I am truly excited on what the future will bring us. This is Ryan Lee down at Cedar Sinai medical center, back to you Susan.

“Thank you Ryan, and yes, I too agree it seems today is a date you can mark down in the history books as the day mankind has finally found it is not alone in this universe anymore. This is Susan Mckinley for CBS studio Los Angeles, Take care and have a good afternoon.”

****

Stacy was walking down the hallway of the hospital making her way for the exit when she was stopped by Stan.

“Stacy have you seem Steve or Chronos?”

“They left the hospital about an hour ago Stan, why? Is there a problem?” Stan shook his head bringing forth a clipboard.

“I’ve got some of the results from his blood test. The rest will take a day or two as its gone off for DNA testing.”

“DNA testing? Thats a little extreme isn’t it Stan?”

“Well kinda, but what I’ve found is pretty amazing if not startling.”

“Well don’t keep me in the dark what is it?” Stacy replied a little agitated.

“Well first his immune system is alright thankfully so I have no fear his system could not fight off bacteria, but the other part is why I sent the sample out for DNA testing.”

“Okay what is it?”

“Well I’m not one hundred percent certain, but it’s looking pretty sure.”

“Out with it Stan! stop leading me around.”

“Well I truly hope if or when his kind does in fact come over they be careful about mating.”

“Do.. do you mean?”

“Yes Stacy, judging by what's been revealed so far it seems like his kind is able to get pregnant by us and vice versa.”

Stacy simple held a hand to her mouth as a gasp slipped out. “Oh my god.”

                                                                          ****

“Where are we headed Kirk?” Chronos asked looking out the window as they arrived at the airport.

“Well first we’re going to stay at the airport tonight. You were going to signal to your kind and have your co-workers come over right?” Chronos nodded.

“Yes Kirk, once we get to the hotel I can contact them and then they’ll come on over and take the next step in the plan, but why do you ask?”

“Well I’ve set up a meeting with the Joint chiefs of staff, and you and your co-workers will be informing them of your plans before any action is taken alright?”

“I understand.”

“Thats good.” Kirk took out his tablet and started typing stuff on to it. “Relax for now Chronos, we’ll be arriving soon and tomorrow we’ll be on a flight to the capitol for the meeting. Until then you are free to roam around so long as you stay with your liaison Steve alright?” Chronos smiled.

“Cool I can’t wait till my friends get here then... even more that I get to see my Trixie again..”

“Same here Chronos, getting to meet Twilight, Applejack and Trixie is gonna be awesome!”

“Yes it’s going to be one wild night!” Chronos replied returning to look out the window.

The SUV turned into the hotel parking lot and the group got out and headed inside to check in for the night.