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                         What If?                          
                   -by Timeless Equine-                    
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                       First Contact                       
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First Contact
First Contact
California, Twenty fifteen. It’s the five year anniversary of My Little Pony, and Hasbro has finally decided to host a convention honoring the fans and loyal supporters of the show with a weekend of fan art, music and Q&A panels with the cast and shows creator itself. Also scheduled are panels of creators spanning the community ranging from writing, music and art.
“Quiet everypony!” Called the annoncer. “We have a very special guest speaker here today. One thats been part of our community for along time. A pony thats made a lot of wonderful art and some of the best fan fiction most of us have ever read.”
“He must be talking about Timeless Equine, that guy makes some awesome stuff!”
“Yeah I know right?” Commented some fans speaking aloud.
“So without further ado.. I bring you Timeless Equine! Come on everypony! Lets give him a round of applause!” The announcer said, soon after the audience stood up clapping and cheering him on, but after a few minutes of it the sounds of applause died down, and soon the idle sounds of chatter coming from the audience could be heard. “Is he not here?” The announcer asked holding his hand over the mic the person standing next to him shrugged.
“He was on the list, and I have been told he was here, let me go ask around back maybe he’s just got some stage fright.” he said heading off the stage to the curtain, but just as he was about to go behind it, the curtain swung open and a lady came out from behind it.
“He’s here guys just give him a second. I’m sorry for the delay, but this is the first time he has ever came out on stage or even in public.” She said walking back behind the curtain, and a moment later some talking could be heard.
“I wonder why this guy didn’t want anyone around him when he arrived its not like we’re going to reject him or something.”
“Yeah I know right? He must be a really timid guy I guess.” He said crossing his arms looking at the curtain, talking could still be overheard plus an odd sound of something clipping at the floor. “I guess she’s trying to steel his resolve and what's that sound?” He asked scratching his head.
The announcer walked over to listen for himself. “I don’t know,” He said shrugging. “But  why does it sound like there's three people walking around back there? I thought it was only him and her back there.” He scratched his head looking at it. “I’m going back there to find out what’s going on.” He walked up to the curtain, but just as he was about to stick his head behind it the lady emerged.
“He’s ready.” She said standing in front of the announcer keeping him from peeking behind the curtain. “He just needed a last minute pep talk, but can I take the mic for a second? He wants me to say a few things before he comes out.” She asked. The two nodded.
“Sure you can. Just give me a moment to let the audience know what’s going on okay?” He offered walking up to the podium. She nodded and followed him up to it. “Attention everypony! Can I please get your attention.” The audience becoming quiet. “Before our guest speaker comes out, he has requested that his friend here say a few words on his behalf.” He stepped to the side and allowed the girl to step up to the podium.
“Before you people get to meet Timeless, theres just a few things he wanted me to say. This may sound odd and a little weird, but bear with me alright?” She asked. The audience looking upon her with odd looks some chuckling and giggling. “Anyway, Timeless... Well actually his real name is Chronos.” She stopped when a person in the audience spoke up.
“Chronos? Thats an odd name to name your child.” Someone in the audience commented.
“Well sir, This guy is well.. Lets just say he’s from a faraway place. Also, please don't get shocked or scared when he comes on stage. Give him the chance to come up and speak.”
“Scared!? What is this guy afraid of?” A person asked. Some people in the audience were now getting a little impatient.
“Just tell him to come out already! We won’t bite.” Someone else from the audience added.
“Okay then.” She turned to look at the curtain. “Chronos, could you come out here please?”
“O-okay..” Came a timid males voice from behind the curtain. A moment later out came to what the audience could only ascertain was an Alicorn wearing what looked to be a twenty percent cooler hoodie with a pair of tan cargo shorts. His fur was a shade of cobalt except a small patch of gold on his snout and his hoof tips.  His mane was mix of white and gold.
The audience fell eerily silent as they watched him with rapt attention as Chronos slowly made his way to the podium looking around at all the people with their mouths wide open, some with eyes wide. Even the camera crew had stopped recording the event and focused all their cameras on him as he made his way across the stage. “Hello Lauren, Tara and John. I’ve heard a lot about you people its an honor to meet you.” He said waving to them. They didn’t reply, they just sat there looking at Chronos as if they seen a ghost. He frowned a little bit and then continued up to the podium.
“Chronos, let me make it easier for you to speak to the audience.” His friend said then set the mic down on the stage so he could speak into it easier. Chronos came up and sat down by it and looked out over the group of fans, all of which were still gazing at him with rapt attention.
“H-hello everybody.” He said, but the audience remained silent. An uneasy silence fell over the room, and Chronos himself started to get a nervous shake, that is until someone finally spoke up.
“Y-you’re a pony!?” Someone finally said breaking the tension.
“A what?” He asked raising an eyebrow. His friend went over and whispered into his ear. “Oh yeah! Heh.. I keep forgetting thats what you call my kind.” He said with a nervous chuckle. “Well then in that case, I guess I am.” He said, but then a thousand questions were being instantly flung at him. He jump backed shocked holding his hooves out. “Please guys, not so many questions at once! I can’t understand what you’re saying.” He said, but the overwhelming amount of noise was muffling his voice and after a moment of it he threw his hooves over his ears. It was too much.
The announcer went over and picked up the mic and held up his hands then began speaking. “Please everybody! Calm down! We are not going to get anywhere if all of you are talking at once!” The announcer said. The audience after a few moments fell silent. “Ok people, this is what we’re going to do. Anyone wanting to ask Chronos a question please raise your hand.” He said and obviously they all did this. “Chronos here will pick a person at random and then you can stand up and ask him your question, but only one question per person. I’ll start.” He then took a moment to scan the audience. “You there.” He said pointing to a teenage boy. “What is your question?” He asked and the fan stood up.
“Are you from Equestria?” The teenager asked.
“Yes I am.” Chronos replied. Then held out a hoof pointing to a young female dressed to look like Rainbow Dash. “What is your question?”
She stood up and asked, “Are you an Alicorn? I see you got both wings and a horn.”
He shook his head. “No I am not an Alicorn.” He replied, but suddenly felt like he had offended them when some people in the audience gasped when they heard his reply.
“What!? But you have a horn and wings though.” Another fan tried pointing out.
“You are correct Sir, but my breed of equine is know as Unisus.  A mix of Unicorn and Pegasus.”
“A Unisus? I never heard of that.”
“You’ve never been to Equestria either I take it?” He said a bit sarcastically, some people in the audience laughed at this. The fan just shrugged.
“You got me there, but up until now Equestria was a..”
“A part of a kids cartoon?” Chronos replied before the guy could finish.
“Well.. Yeah.” He said flatly.
“Well I can tell you this, Equestria is not only a real place, but its another world too!”
“I have a question.” Asked a young girl.
“Yes what is it?” Chronos said trying to find where the girl was sitting at.
“Do you still have Cutie marks?” She asked.
Chronos raised an eyebrow while scratching the side of his head. “Cutie mark?” He asked confused, but just as he was about to ask her what she meant his friend nudged him on the shoulder. He looked up to her raising his ears. She nodded her head and pointed to his hip clearing her throat. He looked down to where she was pointing then back up a bit shocked. He nodded to her and then returned to the girl who had asked the question. “Oh you mean my Mana mark right?”
She looked at him confused tilting her head scratching it. “Uh.. Mana mark?”
He smiled and stood up “Yeah its right here.” He said showing his mark on his shorts. It was round and white, looking like a clock with hands pointing in all directions. “Is this what you’re talking about?” He asked. She nodded and sat back down.
“What’s a Mana mark? Is it like the Cutie marks on the show?” Another person asked.
Chronos held out a hoof twisting it side to side “Kinda, but not totally.” He said sitting back down. “For one thing it’s our defining mark in the abilities we are most capable with. Kinda like the show, but it is also used to channel Mana through our body. Now how this works and what our marks look like is dependent on the Equestrian in particular, their genetic makeup and things like traits, family history and breed.
“Why is that?” The fan asked.
“Well for example. Me being a Unisus, my mark for me is of controlling the forces of Mana and projecting it into physical manifestations through my horn, but it could've easily gone the other way and I would have excelled at flight and its applications. Or I also could’ve been more well rounded. A jack of all trades so to speak.”
“You keep saying Mana.” A fan asked. “I’m assuming by this you mean magic right?” The equine nodded.
“You are correct Sir. On my home world of Equestria, Mana is the driving force of all things we do. Our homes, places of business, even our power and electricity are all controlled and managed by Mana manipulation.”
“Mana does all of this? I thought you po.. Sorry Equestrians, just used mag..Mana to do everything”
“Well we do, but we also mix a lot of it's uses with technology. We call it ManaTech.”
“Excuse me Chronos,” A person said standing up “You referred to yourself as a Unisus correct?” He nodded. “Well I was wondering are there other types of your kind?” He asked.
“Yes there is. We also have Terracorns, Geosus too along with Unicorns, Pegasus and Earth Equines.”
“I assume these breeds are also capable of calling forth on their marks right?” He said. Chronos nodded.
“Yes they are, but again for the mixed breeds it's really dependent on their dominant traits. Also I would like to point out that mixed breeds like myself, just because my strong point is magic doesn’t mean I cannot fly. But what happens is my wings are larger in size compared to a Pegasi or Unisus or Geosus that accel in flight.” He demonstrated this by unfurling his wings and extending them to their lengths, the audience snapping pictures and looking in awe at the sight of his large wing span. He then folded them back up and waited for the next question. “You sir what would you like to ask?” He said pointing to a person in the back row.
“Well I have a bit of an odd question.”
“What is it?” Chronos inquired.
“Well why are you wearing clothing? Sorry if the question is implying too much. I don't mean to be rude.” He said.
Chronos shook his head while waving a hoof . “No no, that's perfectly alright. I understand since you people have never actually seen my kind you are probably using the show as your basis correct?”
“I guess you can say that.” was the reply.
“Well as you can see I am not a cartoon character, and I am as very much real as you are right?” The fan nodded. “Well just because we have fur covering our bodies doesn’t mean we walk around town naked letting out privates hang out. We to wear clothing on my world, and we have many clothing designers. One of them in particular I think you people already know.” He said giving a wink.
“Rarity?” A fan asked, her eyes full of anticipation at the answer. Chronos nodded.
“Oh my god! She’s real! That’s awesome!” She cheered. “Have you ever met her?”
He shook his head “No I have not, but I have seen her articles and clothes designs. She makes really nice clothing although it’s a bit high strung for my taste.” Then went to look for another person to let them ask their question. “You there Miss,” He said pointing to a girl looking to be in her twenties. “What would you like to know?”
“I would like to know how is it that we can still see your Mana mark on your shorts?” She asked standing up.
“Our Manamark will project itself on top of any form of clothing covering it so it can always be seen. This goes the same for our coats too. Since in reality the mark itself is on our skin, and obviously our coats would naturally cover it up. So the Mark ‘imprints’ itself on whatever it is that is covering it. Here, let me demonstrate.” He then asked for a piece of clothing from the audience. A fan came up with a shirt and handed it to Chronos and then he placed the middle of it over his hip. “Okay now watch this.”
A moment later a magical like aura formed on the shirt and his Mana mark soon afterward materialized on it. Chronos concentrated on the mark for a moment, he squinted a stressful contorted look and his horn lit up then a golden aura appeared around the mark. A moment later Chronos relaxed panting a bit and his horn’s aura subsided. “Here ya go,” Chronos said hoofing the shirt back to the fan. “I embedded the symbol with Mana it is now permanently imprinted on the shirt.” He said smiling wiping the sweat from his brow.
“Are you ok, Chronos?” asked the fan a bit concerned.
Chronos nodded, waving a hoof, and let out a breath. “Hah....Drawing mana and projecting it on your world is hah... Very exhausting, even a small projection like imprinting my mark’s symbol on your shirt is taxing.” he replied taking in a few breaths letting his heart rate slow down to normal.
“You know come to think of it. What does your Mana mark represent?” He asked.
“Mine is of time and my ability to partially control it.”
“Control time!? That sounds pretty awesome!” The fan chirped. Chronos smiled.
“Why thank you! I appreciate that.” Chronos said. A moment later he felt something touch his shoulder. He looked back over it, and to his surprise it was Lauren.
“Excuse me Chronos, She said as he turned around to bring his full attention onto her. “I would like to know are the main six real? Well besides Rarity, do the rest of the girls really exist?” She asked.
Chronos put a hoof to his chin and thought about it for a moment. “Hmm.. Well during one stay in the Celestial palace, I did meet a unicorn named Twilight Sparkle. She was working with the Princess on something.” He said watching Lauren put on a small smile.
“Oh? And the others? Is there a place in Equestria called Ponyville?” She asked, but he shook  his head.
“No there is no place called Ponyville Lauren, but Twilight did say she was living at some library in a nearby town. I forget what it was called though.” He said. She frowned a bit.
“Well thats good to hear. Anyway, thanks for telling me that.” She started to walk away, but was stopped by a hoof holding her arm. She turned around. “What is it Chronos?” She asked.
“I remember seeing you the day I came over.” He said. She looked at him shocked.
“So that was you that day I saw that anomaly. And here all this time I thought it was only a dream.”
He stood up and offered her a friendly hoof. “Thanks for what you have done Lauren, without it I may not of had a safe place to make first contact if you hadn’t.”
She took his hoof, but looked at him somewhat confused. “What do you mean? I don’t understand.”
“Oh come now Lauren, imagine me an alien that looks like a pony of all things, has wings and a horn, and talks too, trying to make contact anywhere else. I would've probably been scooped up by some government officials and taken to some laboratory to be experimented on possibly. But by coming out here, I was able to make first contact, and in front of a news studio too.”
“I don't really see your point Chronos." She said looking at him confused. "What made you think us humans would do such terrible things to such a friendly being such as yourself?” She asked giving him a concerned look.
Chronos then looked down at his hooves tapping together. “Well.. Mostly from what I seen on TV, and things I have read in the newspaper.” He said letting his ears fall back. Lauren smiled at him and knelt down to put a hand on his shoulder.
“Chronos sweetie,” She said with a soft calming tone. He looked away from her blushing slightly. “I can honestly say myself you have nothing to fear from us humans.” She then thought for a moment. “Well for the most part anyway.” He looked up to her a slight blush was still visible on his face. Lauren couldn't help but smile seeing this. He saw her smiling and was a little curious why she was smiling at him.
“Why are you smiling at me like that?” He asked tilting his head sideways scratching it with a hoof. She reared her head back a little bit surprised putting a hand over her mouth.
“Oh I’m sorry Chronos, but you just looked so cute when you turned away bashfully like that that.” She said. And again he blushed and looked away when she said that. “Oh my thats even cuter now. You know even though you don’t look exactly like the characters on the show, your kind still looks so cute when you're trying to hide your bashfulness.” She said smiling and ruffled his mane. Chronos smiled then rubbed the back of his neck with a hoof and his wings raised up a little bit. She chuckled a bit surprised when she caught notice of it. “Oh heh so it is true. Your wings do pop up when you get emotional or excited.”
He looked behind him and his eyes went wide. “Oh my Celestia! I’m really sorry for that!” His face went red. “Darn wings heh heh.” He said with a nervous laugh.
Lauren couldn’t help but laugh at him trying to hide his embarrassment. “Oh its ok don’t worry, I know you’re just nervous being up here.” She said patting him on the back.
“Yeah.. I was never good with being on stage.” He said finally able to regain control of his wings he folded them back up.
“Well ok Chronos, I am gonna go sit back down now. Also, don't worry yourself about what's going to happen.” She said putting a hand on his shoulder. “I feel you will find it that us humans can be very friendly if given the chance, and for an individual as friendly as yourself, I can only see good things coming from this first encounter.” She said and booped him on the nose.
He smiled when she said that. He felt a lot better now hearing such kind words coming from her. “Yeah, I think you’re right.” He said getting up and reached over to Lauren and gave her a hug before she had a chance to stand up. “Thanks a lot Lauren, it really makes me feel better knowing there are such wonderful people on this world like yourself.”
She smiled a little surprised at the gesture from the him, so she did the only thing she felt was right at the moment. She wrapped her arms around his neck careful to avoid his wings, because she felt if one part of the myth was true, the other may very well be also. “You're welcome Chronos, I’m glad I was able to make you feel better.”
“Figures it would be Lauren to get the first hug from a pony.” One of the fans watching commented, while a few others were taking pictures. Chronos broke from the hug and sat back down his face still a little flushed. Lauren then stood back up and gave him a friendly nod with a smile, and went back to her seat at the table.
“So Lauren, whats its like?”
“What’s what like Tara?”
“Hugging a pony. I saw you two over there and he hugged you. I wanted to know what it felt like hugging him.” Tara asked.
“Oh heh, well.. It was odd to say the least. He kinda felt like a big warm and fuzzy teddy bear.” She said with a chuckle. “Also it seems that wing thing fans made up when pegasi get excited is true too.” She said as she sat there watching the Equestrian talking with some fans.
“Oh yeah? How did you find that one out?”
“Well when he thanked me for what I had done, and said this convention was a good place to make first contact since it had media coverage. By the way, take as many pictures and post Twitter feeds about him as possible. He will need as much exposure as he can get.”
“Oh I don’t think thats a problem” Tara said reaching for her laptop. Lauren looked at Tara somewhat confused.
“Really? Why do you say that?” She asked. Tara rotated her laptop around so Lauren could see it.
“A YouTube video of him speaking during the convention about five minutes ago is nearly at twenty million views.” She pointed out.
“Wow! I can’t believe people would believe it so quickly. Usually this would be played off as a hoax or something like that.” Lauren said with a bit of surprise.
“Not when its being live streamed and you’re standing there hugging him too they wouldn’t.”
“You know in all my years while being part of the Star Trek universe, and now this fandom, I am not too surprised at seeing this honestly. Although seeing an extraterrestrial that looks like a pony is an eye opener I have to admit.” John said chuckling.
“Yeah.. That kinda threw me a curveball too,” Said Tara. “I would've never thought I would have been able to see an extraterrestrial in my lifetime, and its even more ironic that the first one I see is a pony of all things!” She laughed. “But he does seem really friendly though, and I get a good vibe off him, so its not all that bad honestly.” She said looking over to Chronos watching the fans ask him questions.
“Also, he’s pretty cute when he blushes.” Lauren added getting a surprised look from Tara when she mentioned it.
“You got him to blush? Oh you so should of gotten a picture of that!”
“Just go over and talk to him when you get a chance Tara. He gets nervous pretty easily, and he looks really cute when he is. So call him on it, and he’ll probably blush. Just be careful where you touch him on his back and his wings.” She chuckled. “You may get a unexpected response if you touch the wrong spot!” She said giving Tara a nudge with her elbow.
“I’ll go do that, but I think I’ll wait till he’s not surrounded by a bunch of fans.”
“Yeah I think thats best.” Lauren said nodding in agreement.
By now Chronos was being asked a multitude of questions, eventually some starting to repeat, but he carried on answering them as best as possible. After a few hours of endless questions, Chronos found himself standing in between a few fans waiting to have their picture taken him.
“Ok hold still please.” Asked a fan holding a camera on the other side was Chronos standing in between some fans waiting to get their picture taken with the Equestrian. “Say cheese!”
“Cheese!” Said the group grinning. *Click*
“Thanks Chronos!” Said the person holding the camera.
“No problem, my pleasure.” He said waving goodbye to the fans as they walked off. Just then his stomach grumbled ‘Darn I knew I should not have skipped breakfast this morning. I’m starved!” He thought. He got up wandered around the convention hall sometime stopping to have his picture taken with some fans or signing autographs for passers by. Eventually after an hour of looking around he returned to his friend. “Hey Lily, I kinda skipped breakfast this morning and I am pretty hungry. Is there anything to eat in here?” He asked her.
She shook her head. “Well theres nothing in here, but I think theres some fast food restaurants across the street.” She said. “I’m not sure if you want to venture out there alone though.” She said.
He looked down his ears falling back.“Yeah.. I know..Maybe I could ask some of the people here? They seem like a nice bunch.” He said looking around at the people passing by. “Because I am really hungry and would like to get something to eat.” He was about to ask around when a girl walked up to him. She had overheard what he had said.
“I’ll go with you Chronos.” She said waving as she walked upcoming up.
“Okay what’s your name?” He said smiling and held out a hoof.
“Bonnie, its nice to meet you.” She said taking his hoof.
“Likewise.” Chronos said.
“I’ll go too.” Offered up another fan, This one a bit older, and well kept. Wearing a pair of black slacks with a blue dress shirt, a twenty percent cooler button was pinned on his collar. “My name is Steven, but  you can call me Steve.”
“Nice to meet you Steve, I’m Chronos.”
“I’ll go!”
“Me too!” Offered up two more fans.
“Great what are your names?”
“Mines Randy.”
“And I’m Jerred.”
“Its nice to meet you all!” Chronos said happily. “Lets get going shall we?” They nodded and the five of them made their way to a somewhat secluded back door.
“Have you ever been outside in public?” Bonnie asked as they reached the door.
Chronos shook his head. “No not really. Only a few times outside at night to stretch my wings to keep them in shape, but thats about it.”
“How long have you been here on Earth?” Steve asked.
Chronos put a hoof to his chin and thought for a moment. “Umm.. Almost  five years now I believe.” He said looking back to Steve.
“Five years!?” Steve said a bit shocked. “How did you manage for so long?”
“I have made some contacts here on Earth. A select few that had promised me they would not reveal my presence until now. Like Lily here.” He said holding a hoof out to her. Lily walked up kneeled down and put her arm around his back.
“It has been my pleasure Chronos.” She said giving him a kiss on his cheek.
Chronos blushed rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof. He was smiling nervously. “Heh, heh T-thanks Lily.” He said a bit timid.
“That was really nice of them, and you too Lily.” Steve said looking at her smiling. “Its really hard to find people able to keep such an amazing discovery like you secret for so long.” He said.
Chronos smiled looking down and dragged his hoof in circles on the floor. “Aww I’m not that special.” He said blushing a bit turning away shyly.
Bonnie couldn’t help but let out a nerd squee when Chronos was trying to hide his bashfulness. “Oh my god! You’re so cute when you do that! It makes me want to hug you!” And thats exactly what she did, but Chronos wasn't ready for it, and when he turned to look back when he heard the sound, the only thing he could do was throw his hooves up and let out a yelp.
“Yikes!” Chronos cried as Bonnie scooped him up pulling him away from Lily in a tight hug lifting him up off the ground.
“Ohh you’re just so adorable!” She said squeezing him, but then she felt Chronos tapping her on her back. “What is it?” She asked pulling him around to look him in the face and noticed it was bright red.
“Umm... Heh heh.. C-could y-you put me down please?” He said chuckling nervously.
Oh Jeez! I’m sorry! I don’t know what came over me.” She set him down and noticed his wings were extended. “Oh.. Heh.. Sorry about that too.” She pointed and he looked behind him and saw his wings standing up.
“Darn it! Not again..” He looked down putting a hoof to his face.
“Ha! Wingboner! I knew it!” Said Jerred pulling out his camera. “I’m so getting a picture of this!” He snapped a quick picture of it while the others laughed. Chronos was looking away rather embarrassed.
“Darn wings always getting me into trouble with the mares!” He said aloud. Bonnie looked at him funny after hearing that.
“Chronos?”  She said giving him a surprised look. His  eyes went wide, and he threw a hoof over his mouth when he realized he had said it out loud.
“Oops I mean heh, heh ladies! Umm.. Heh heh, er.. Uhh.. Not that I like you or anything...Its just you know... A reaction.” He said nervously rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof. Bonnie gave him a sultry look, batting her eyelashes at him.
“Are you sure thats all it is Chronos?” She said in a seductive tone leaning in.
Chronos started to tug on the collar of his hoodie and his eyes darted around trying not to look at her. “Gee its getting hot in here, why don’t we head outside and find something to eat?” He said hastily. The others started to laugh then Bonnie came up to him and put a hand on his back.
“Relax Chronos, I’m just teasin ya. Besides, you’re not really my type.” She laughed. “Not my species either.” Chronos let out a sigh of relief his blush fading, he flapped his wings a couple times to get the stiffness out of them then folded them back up.
“Wow them wings of yours are pretty powerful.” Randy commented. “You think you can give us a little demonstration when we get outside?” He asked.
“Uhh thats not the best idea Randy. Like I had mentioned before my wings are rather big to make up for the fact I excell in projecting Mana and not really using it for my wings. So I usually need a bit of room around me when I want to fly. So maybe some other time okay?”
“Awww shoot.” He said throwing his hand out in front of him snapping his fingers.
“Where are you going Chronos?” Lily asked stopping them at the door.
“Outside to get something to eat Lily. Don’t worry, I’ll be alright and besides, I think its a little too late now to hide my presence don’t you think?” She nodded and stepped aside.
“I guess..” She said and knelt down to put a hand on his shoulder then looked over to the people going out with him. “You four please keep a watchful eye on Chronos here okay?” She said looking back to Chronos. “I don’t want to see him getting hurt.” She tapped him on his head a couple times. “You got that to you knucklehead?” She said with some concern.
He rubbed his head and nodded. “Yeah I understand, no fancy stuff.” He said and bumped her with his wing. “Trust me, I won’t try to get myself hurt.”
“Don’t worry Ma’am.” Steve chimed in. “We’ll make sure our guest here is well taken care of.” Steve said looking at the other three. “Isn’t that right guys?” They nodded. “Well then.” He said walking to the door. “Our guest here is hungry, lets go get him somthing to eat shall we?”
“Sounds good to me I’m starved!” Chronos said walking over to the door.
“You first.” Steve said holding the door open for him.
“Thanks Steve.” Chronos said and walked through the door. Soon after the other four followed.
                                                                  ****
Once they were standing on the back steps outside of the convention center. The group slowly made their way around the corner keeping their guest in the middle of them to minimize exposure since it was a busy day and traffic in the street was rather intense. They walked along a wall and thankfully since Chronos was only about four and a half feet when walking on all fours, his head barely popped up over the wall, but once they came to the end of it they stopped and scanned around to find the closest place to eat.
“So where do you want to go get something to eat at?” Steve said looking around the corner. “I’m not sure if there’s an all vegetarian place around here though.” Steve said holding his hand to his brow to keep the afternoon sun out of his eyes as he scanned across the street making sure no one had spotted them.
“Why would I want to go to a place like that? He said tilting his head sideways. Right now I’d settle for a burger and some fries.” He said poking out from behind the wall to take a peek. But when he noticed it had gone quiet, and they were giving him odd looks as he turned to look back he wondered why. “What? Is there something wrong?” He said giving them a questioning look.
“Y-you eat meat?” Jarred stammered.
“Well yeah what’s wrong with that?” He asked, but after taking a moment to think about it he now understood. “Ah you’re thinking us Equestrians are herbivores like the show right?” Jerrid nodded. “Well sorry to disappoint, but actually us Equestrians are quite a diverse race. We are very much like you humans. Some like myself are omnivores, whereas others are herbivores. It depends on the family tree and the traits they pass down over the years.”
“Interesting. Care to elaborate?” Steve asked. “I am really interested in learning about your culture.” Steve said while leaning against the wall. Chronos smiled.
“I’d be happy to tell you,” But just then his stomach grumbled. He looked up and chuckled. “Heh..Can we first go get something to eat? I would feel much better on a full stomach.”
“Okay then where would you like to eat? I see a few places that are close enough we can get to without causing too much of a commotion. You decide.” He said.
Chronos turned to look back around the wall and held a hoof to his brow scanning for a place to go to, but he couldn’t decide. Sitting back down he put a hoof to his chin and thought for a moment. “Ah ha! I got it” He said hopping up to his hooves. “Why don’t we go for a little stroll and I’ll let my stomach decide for me.” He said with a snicker looking back to them.
“Letting your stomach decide for you eh? I can go with that.” He said pushing himself up off the wall.” Lead the way, but no fancy tricks. You promised Lily you know.”
Chronos looked back at him nodding. “Yeah I know I promise I’ll be discreet.” He said then stood on his hind legs and propped himself on the wall looking over the top of it. He looked from left to right scanning the establishments looking for the closes one. “How about that one over there?” He said pointing to a red roofed restaurant about a block down their side of the street.
“Pizza Hut eh?” Steve said looking over to where he had pointed.
“Is that what that place is called? Nice! What kinds of pizza they serve there?” He asked hopping down off the wall.
“Many different types like sausage, pepperoni, vegetable and cheese. I think you’ll like it” Randy said.
“Oh that sounds good! I like pizza even since I first tried it. Do they serve anything else?” He asked.
“Yep” Jerred replied. “The also have wings too! Plus salads and bread sticks that you can get with cheese toppings.” He said as they walked up to the door.
“Nice! Well lets not waste time!” Chronos said eagerly waiting to get inside. “Somepony is hungry here!” He said getting a laugh out of all of them.
“Heh.. That’s pretty funny hearing that from you.” Steve said laughing. “Anyway,” He walked up to the door and opened it holding out his hand beckoning them inside. “After you.”
“Thanks.” Chronos said walking inside followed by Bonnie, Jerred and Randy. “Aren’t you coming to?” Chronos asked Steve.
“Be there in a minute.” Steve said letting the door close in front of him. “Phone call I need to answer. Go ahead I’ll catch up” He then walked around the corner and pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Steve here what’s up?”
“What’s going on down there Steve?” A man speaking from the other side said. “I’m getting some pretty strange reports of a...” The phone went silent for a moment and he thought he heard laughing in the background. “A pony that showed up at that My Little Pony convention you were attending, and it talks?”
“He talks. And that's affirmative sir. His name is Chronos.”
“Do you have anymore solid evidence or video proof of this so I have something more to go on besides a talking pony at a kids cartoon convention.”
“Are there any other agents in the area?” He asked. The phone went silent for a moment and sounds of computer keys being types on were heard.”
“Yes, Agent Jessica is in the area and can be at your location in a few minutes.”
“Good tell her to come and let her see for herself. Then you will have all the proof you need. But tell her to be discreet. We don’t want to spook our guest here okay?”
“Understood Steve. Agent Jessica has been contacted and is in route to your location. She has been informed to observe only and not make contact with your group. Keep me informed.” The man said and hung up. Steve slipped his phone back into his pocket and walked inside returning to the group.
“Boy aren’t we lucky.” Steve said walking up to the four. “Looks like we missed the rush.” He noted looking around the dining room. Only a few people were still around eating their food. The five walked up to the sign and waited to be seated.  A few minutes later a waitress appeared from behind the counter and walked up to the group waiting to be seated.
“Welcome! My name is Cindy, and I’ll be your waitress this afternoon. How many will be dining..” She stopped when she saw Chronos. “Umm... You guys realize we don’t allow pets in here right?” Chronos’s face contorted into a displeased look.
He sat down and crossed his forelegs looking at her with a frown. “Hey I’m not their pet.” He said with and let out a huff. The waitress took a step back holding her hand over her mouth shocked.
“I-it.. It talks!?” She said in total disbelief.
“Come on Ma’am I’m a he not an it!” Chronos said trying to defend himself. Just then Steve stepped forward.
“Let me handle this Chronos okay?” The equine titled his head and raised an eyebrow.
“O-okay..” He said scratching his head Steve smiled at Chronos and winked then lead the waitress off behind the counter. A few moments later Jerred came up and kneeled down beside Chronos.
“What do you think theyre talking about back there?” Jerred said. Chronos looked at him then back to where Steve had walked off with the waitress.
“I don’t know, but we are about find out because here they come.” He said pointing to Steve as he came out from behind the counter with the waitress.
“I’m sorry Chronos, Steve here was kind enough to explain your situation to me.” He looked at her somewhat confused, but when he looked over to Steve and seen him nod he figured not to keep worrying about it.
“Well okay... Anyway, we would like to be seated.” He asked. Cindy extended a hand forward and beckoned the group to follow her. The group followed her to a corner booth away from the few other people eating.  When they arrived she laid five menus down for them and stepped aside.
“What would you like to drink?  She asked.
“Can I have some ice tea please?” Chronos asked. Cindy smiled and nodded
“Sure. What can I get you others?”
“Water please Cindy” Bonnie said.
“I take Pepsi.”  Jarred said.
“Me too!” Randy added. The waitress nodded and scribbled  it on her notepad.
“And you sir?” She turned to look at Steve.
“I’ll take an ice tea to please.” She nodded and scribbled it down then put the notepad back in her apron.
“I’ll be right back with your drinks then I’ll take your order.” She turned and walked back to the the counter leaving the five standing there. They went and sat down waiting for the waitress to return. Steve sat on one side of the booth with Randy, while Jerred sat on the other side with Bonnie. Chronos pulled up a chair and sat at the end of the table. The open back of the chair allowed him to stick his tail out so he wouldn’t be uncomfortable sitting even though he looked kinda weird sitting at the table with his forelegs resting on it. A few moments later the waitress reappeared with their drinks and placed them on the table.
“Here you go are you ready to order?” The five looked at each other and nodded.
“We would like three pepperoni pizza please.”
“Could we add sausage to one of them please?” Jarred asked. The other four nodded. “Okay great add sausage to one of those please. Cindy scribbled it down on her notepad.
“Is that all?” Chronos raised a hoof.
“Could I get an order of these stuffed pizza rolls please?” He asked and pointed to them. She smiled and scribbled it down on her notepad.
“What kind of sauce would you like with them?” She asked.
“Umm..” Chronos looked back down at the menu. “Marinara please.”
“Sure thing.” She scooped up the menus and turned to walk away. “You food will be out shortly.” She then walked back behind the counter. Meanwhile the five sitting at the table started to drink their beverages waiting for their food. When Chronos took a sip of his drink though Bonnie couldn’t help but giggle to herself. Chronos hearing it, turned to look at her puzzled.
“What’s so funny Bonnie?” He asked confused scratching his head. Bonnie waved a hand at him.
“It nothing Chronos, its just when I saw you taking a drink of your ice tea you reminded me of a picture I’ve seen of Lyra once when I was scanning for pony pictures on the internet.”
“Lyra? Hmmm.” Hey took a moment to think. “Do you think you could find that picture again please? I would really like to see it. That name sounds awfully familiar.” He said. She nodded.
“Sure, let me see if I can find it.” She said and pulled out her smartphone and started scanning the internet for the picture. “Ah ha! Here it is.” She said and turned the phone around to show him the picture.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTaUUFpS8Uz7BPpTmiFcEWpkmj1z26v80rsA2ceOupH46mWk5-Z
He looked at the phone and squinted to focus on the picture. Taking a moment to look at it, his eyes widened and he pointed at it . “Hey! I think I’ve actually met that mare once before.” He said. Bonnie got excited when she heard that.
“Really!? Thats awesome! Did you get a chance to talk to her?” He shook his head.
“I can’t recall. I kinda just bumped into her when I was visiting the palace she obviously looked different than that picture of yours, Well.. I mean different by not looking like a cartoon, but I can see the similarity in her coat and eye color though.” He laughed “She looks really silly with that look on her face though. Did I actually have that kind of face when I was taking a sip of my drink?” He asked.
“Naa.” Bonnie said with a chuckle. “It just reminded me of it thats all.”
“Look” Steve said pointing to the waitress. “Here comes our food.”
“Here you go guys.” Cindy said setting the food down on the table. “I’ll stop by in a few moments if you need anything else.” She said and walked off to another table.
Steve was about to pick up a piece of pizza when he noticed a female waving to him with a surprised look on her face. He simply nodded and she walked out of the restaurant afterwards.
“Who was that? Chronos asked.
“Oh just an old friend stopping by to say hi.” He said putting a few pieces of cheese pizza on his plate. “Which piece of pizza would you like?” Steve asked him. Chronos then looked around the table rubbing his hooves together it all smelled so good.
“Umm.. I’ll take a piece of that one please.” He said pointing to the pepperoni. “And let me try some of that sausage too.” He asked. Steve smiled and picked up a slice of pepperoni and sausage and placed it on his plate. Chronos leaned in and took good sniff of it, his mouth watering at the smell. “Oh my this stuff smells wonderful!” He said and then levitated a piece of pepperoni up and took a bite. “Ohh! Thats hot!” He quickly leaned over to take a sip of his drink. “Ahh.. Thats better.”
“Chronos if you don’t mind me asking. How does non unicorn type Equestrians eat food? Steve asked. “I mean you guys obviously don’t got fingers, so do they just scarf it up with their mouths? He wondered.
“No no.” Chronos said shaking his head. “We’ve developed specially made utensils for them to slip over their hooves so they can pick up food and eat it in a civilized way.
“Well thats makes sense. I should've thought of that in the first place.” He said and went back to eating his meal.
For the next hour the five sat and ate their meal talking about the convention and what had transpired, sometimes stopping to ask Chronos a question about Equestria or what he has been doing on Earth for the past five years, and how he likes it here so far. Eventually they finished up and went up to the counter to pay the tab.
“I got this.” Steve said pulling out his wallet. “You four wait outside I’ll be right out.”  They nodded and proceeded to the exit and waited for him just outside on the sidewalk.
“So Chronos.” Bonnie said. “How was your trip outside today?” She asked typing something on her phone. He looked back up to her and smiled.
“I had a fun time today actually. You people are really fun to hang out with.” He said stretching extending his wings.
“Chronos you may want to put them things away you're getting odd looks from across the street.” Randy said pointing to a group of patrons eyeing the Unisus from across the street.
“Sorry, but sitting like that gave me a cramp that I just needed to get rid of.” He said folding his wings up, but it was too late a shout from across the street prompted the four to look up.
“PONY!” A little girl shouted across the street hopping up and down when she saw Chronos. She then took off running towards him breaking away from her mother.
“Don’t run out into the street!” Her mother shouted, but it was too late the young girl had already ducked between two parked cars and then darted out into the street.
“Oh my god she’s going to get hit by a car!” Bonnie screamed running towards the street with Randy, Jerred and Chronos closely following her. “Stop! Go back! You’re going to get hit by a car!” Bonnie yelled trying get the little girl to turn back. The girl stopped and froze when she saw a truck barreling towards her horns blaring.
“Mommy! Help me!” She screamed.
“I’m coming sweetie!” Her mother yelled shooting through the parked cars and running recklessly out into the street, but her path was blocked by cars speeding by. Just as the girl was about to be hit, the truck mysteriously became enveloped in a golden aura and slowed down to an almost stand still. Bonnie, Jarred and Randy spun around to find Chronos standing in a aggressive stance his legs shaking from the strain of focusing so much Mana. His head was down horn glowing fiercely. He looked up at the three watching him with mouths hanging open.
“S-save her! I..I Can’t hold it for much longer!” He said gritting his teeth. By now he had pushed himself over his limit and was starting to lose consciousness. “P-please H-hurry! I’m losing control...!” He stammered out trying to remain focused. Randy shook his head breaking himself from his trance and nodded then rushed out into the street scooping up the girl and ran over to his mother grabbed onto her arm and pulled her out of the street.
“They’re safe Chronos you can relax now!” Randy shouted. Chronos looked up his nose was now bleeding from the stress of focusing all his ability to hold the truck from hitting the little girl. He let out an exhausted breath coughing up some blood. His horns aura then subsided slowly letting the truck go. Once it was released it resumed it speed, but came screeching to a halt a moment later. Steve hearing the commotion outside rushed out to the equine’s side and knelt down to make sure he was alright.
“Chronos are you alright?” He asked. Chronos looked up his face flushed with exhaustion his nose bleeding. “Oh my god! You're bleeding!” He said and quickly pulled out his phone “This is an emergency! The subject is injured and needs medical attention immediately!” Steve shouted into his phone. Chronos looked at Steve with glazed over eyes he was wobbling on his hooves.
“D-d-did we save that young girl?” He asked coughing up some more blood gasping for air in short breaths. Steve nodded.
“Yes you did good, but I need you to relax Chronos the ambulance is on its way. Could you please sit down for me?”  He asked wiping the blood from his nose. “Are you alright?”
“M-my heart is going a mile and minute and I feel really tired.” He said falling back on his haunches. “Heh... Had to go kinda overboard there trying to slow down that truck. Its really hard to use mana here on earth, and I think I may have started to pull from my life force there for a moment.” He said trying to keep his eyes open. He looked up for a moment when he heard the sounds of sirens in the distance.
“Please Chronos.” Steve said. “Focus on breathing and take it easy. Help is almost here.” He said wiping some sweat from his brow. A minute later the ambulance pulled up and the paramedics got out and rushed over to them.
“Ok where’s the patient..” They stopped when they walked up and saw Chronos. “Uhh.. What is that?” One of them asked pointing to Chronos.
“It looks like a pony to me.” The other replied scratching his head. “With wings and a horn too.”
“Uhh sir.. I think you need a veterinarian here for this situation. We're not equipped to handle this uhh.. Whatever it is” He said sitting his medical kit down.
“H-hello guys..” Chronos said looking up to them with a weak smile. The paramedic’s jaw dropped.
“It talks!?” He said jumping back shocked. “Uhh... What is going on here?” He asked. Steve stood up and faced the paramedic.
“Look there's no time help him!” He pleaded.
“I-I’m fine Steve, really I am..” Chronos said then passed out and fell over on his side. The paramedics rushed over when this happened.
“Check his pulse!” One said reaching for Chronos’s forehoof.
“I got nothing here!” He then pressed two fingers under Chronos’s chin. “I got a pulse here! He’s alive! Give him some oxygen.”
“How? Our masks are not designed for ponies!” The paramedic said looking over the mask. Then got up and ran back to the ambulance. “Hang on a second! I think we got something that will work in the truck.” He returned a minute later with a oxygen mask that was meant to be fitted over an animal's snout. “We got a few of these a month ago. They were designed for animals mainly pets, but it should work here.” He handed it to the other paramedic holding Chronos’s head off the pavement.
“Thanks.” He said and slipped the mask over Chronos’s snout and immediately the equine responded by taking in deep breaths of the fresh oxygen. “Okay lets get him on a stretcher he may need a hospital.” The other paramedic went back to the ambulance and brought the gurney around and the two gently picked him up and set him on it and started to take him back to the ambulance, but just then a bunch of black SUV’s pulled up and a bunch of people got out wearing blue vests with FBI in bright yellow letters embroidered on it. Steve walked up and waved a hand to them.
He went up to Chronos who was barely conscious and put a hand on his hoof. “Don’t worry Chronos, we’re just going to make sure you're alright, but afterwards I feel you’ll be answering a lot more questions and are in for some surprises, but don’t you worry. I have been assured by my superiors you will not be harmed. You’re a hero you know.” He said smiling. Chronos brought a hoof over and rested it on top of Steve’s hand and gave the best smile he could.
“T-thanks Steve, but I think right now I could use a little sleep.” He said and closed his eyes.
“That okay.. Rest now Chronos.” Steve said waving the paramedics over to put him in the ambulance. “ You've earned it.”

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     Welcome to Earth                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Welcome to Earth
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.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/bHwhMti1mGZ18RFitDyWwODkVURkvJ4dwQK6y5pnofawmIYx0giRNh3PILl3HenRhYYUcCdVMaTPR1rWdOPry9pu8Z8aglLJhXbLGgBSIHpQ
“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.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
        A Wild Night with a Headache in the Morning        
//-------------------------------------------------------//
A Wild Night with a Headache in the Morning
Chapter Three
A  Wild Night with a Headache in the Morning.
Twilight Sparkle was sitting in her study diligently scribbling down notes as the sun was setting over the afternoon sky. She had been working on the structural importance of how the gateway should be constructed and how to strengthen its weaker points when a knock came from the door. “I’ll be right there,” she said and set her pen down then stood up from her notes stretching for a moment, some cracks and pops coming from her joints as she stretched. ‘Geez, how long have I been sitting here?’ she thought looking up at the clock. “Ten hours!? Oh my Celestia! Time sure does fly.” Then the implications of what she had just said hit her. Her ears fell back and she teared up for a moment at the thought of time and her friend she had not heard from for a few years now. ‘Oh Chronos, when are we going to hear from you again.’ Twilight sat for a moment lost in her thought about if her friend would ever be heard from again that she did not hear the door open and close behind her. She turned around when she felt a hoof tapping her on her shoulder. She wiped the tear from her eye as she turned to see who it was. “Oh hello Trixie, what brings you here this evening?”
Trixie smiled. “Just checking up on you this evening. So have you heard anything from Chronos?” Twilight shook her head.
“I’m sorry Trixie, the crystal has not been activated this week.” Trixie’s smile vanished off her face, replaced by a frown as she held her head down sniffing a bit.
“Oh... Well ok. Keep me informed if it does okay?” She looked back up her face a little gloomy. Twilight smiled a bit pulling Trixie into a hug.
“It’s okay Trixie, Chronos is a strong stallion he can take care of himself, and don’t you worry, I bet any day now he’ll be contacting us. Remember, this year was the year he said he would re-establish contact with us, so don’t lose hope yet.” Just at that moment a humming sound could be heard slowly rising in pitch. Both mares knew exactly what that meant. And in an instant the two snapped their heads around towards where the sound was emanating from their ears standing straight up.
“Celestia, Twilight! The crystal! Its glowing! Chronos is making contact!” Twilight excitedly  nodded and the two raced over to the shelf Twilight had set the crystal on and picked it up and carefully set it down on the kitchen table where the two mares anxiously awaited the response.
“Chronos? Are you there? This is Twilight Sparkle, come in please.” There was a moment of silence, but then a crackle came over sounding like white noise at first followed by a familiar voice.
“Hello Twilight! Its Chronos, it’s been a long time hasn’t it?” Trixie almost broke down into tears when she heard his voice. Twilight put a hoof on her shoulder and smiled.
“Yes Chronos, it has been a long time. Ohh, Someone is here wanting to speak to you,” Twilight slid the crystal over to Trixie. Trixie took a moment to wipe the tears from her eyes, taking a few deep breaths trying to regain her composure.
“Chronos, I missed you so much,” she choked out still a little taken back. There was a silence with what sounded like sniffling from the other side.
“Oh Trixie! I can’t tell you how much I have missed you! I am so happy to hear your voice again.”
“Trixie is happy to hear your voice too Chronos.” Some giggling came from the crystal.
“There there, now Trixie. There will be plenty of time for talking in the third person later,” Chronos laughed easing the mood. Trixie blushed turning away embarrassed after seeing Twilight giggling herself a bit.
“Anyway...” Twilight coughed breaking the mood. “What have you to report Chronos?” The crystal remained silent for a moment. Then his voice came back over it.
“I am happy to report that Earth is safe and ready for us to take the next step in setting up the gateway system. The humans are a very kind species and are anxiously awaiting the moment. They have set up a meeting with their top personal to begin the process of the gateway construction, but they want to hear it from you, and your top three co-workers first. So I need you, Trixie and Applejack to come over here.”
Twilight let out a gasp. She didn’t expect this to happen and what’s more the humans wanted to actually go forward with the project! She was ecstatic! “Wonderful! When do you need us to come on over?” she asked.
“Right now,” Chronos replied. Again but this time both mares gasped.
“Right now!?” They both said in unison.
“Chronos you’re going to have to give us about an hour to get ready alright? We need to get Applejack here along with getting packed for the trip.” The crystal crackled to life again.
“Alright girls, but please hurry. Remember, the crystal was damaged and I am not sure how much more stress it will take.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll be quick.” Twilight turned to look at Trixie. “Go get Applejack and tell her to meet us here in an hour. We’re going to Earth!” Trixie smiled excitedly  and galloped off out the door heading towards Applejacks farm. Meanwhile Twilight started typing out a letter to the princess.
‘Dear Princess Celestia, Chronos has finally made contact and has sent news back that Earth is not a hostile world, and its inhabitants are willing to start the negotiations for getting the gateway portal setup. Myself, Applejack Apple and Trixie Lulamoon have been invited to come over and start the process. We will be leaving within the hour. I will contact you later with the details of the mission.
Yours truly
Twilight Sparkle.’
Twilight clicked send on the screen of her computer and got up to get ready for the trip. She set a suitcase down on her bed and packed a few sets of clothes her brush and some personal supplies. She zipped the case up and levitated it downstairs to the library's lobby and set it down. Just at that moment Spike walked into the lobby.
“Another trip to the Celestial Palace Twilight?” Twilight shook her head and walked over to her computer.
“No Spike, Chronos made contact with me about twenty minutes ago, and I’ll be going over to Earth to start the negotiations for linking our two worlds together.” Twilight took a seat by her computer and clicked on the screen. A message had popped up from Princess Celestia.
‘Twilight, this is wonderful news! I wish I could see you off on your mission, but there are some important matters that myself and Luna have to attend to in light of your message. Please say hello to Chronos, and tell him he has done a great service for our two worlds and I hope to see you four when you return.
P.S. Have a good time and try to loosen up a bit.
Respectfully yours
Princess Celestia.’
Twilight smiled and turned off her computer. She walked over to her crystal and inspected it making sure there was absolutely no damage to it. Satisfied it was undamaged she set it down on the table in the lobby of the library and walked over to Spike.
“Spike, I am going to be gone for awhile. I can’t say how long, maybe a week maybe more. So I need you to tend to the library. Would you also please send word to the other girls letting them know where we are going. Also, make sure NO ONE disturbs this crystal,” she finished pointing to the crystal sitting on the table. “Understand?” Spike nodded.
“Understood Twilight.” Spike then made his way into the kitchen for a something to eat when Trixie and Applejack walked in through the door.
“Howdy Twilight, Ah hear Chronos has gone and made contact, and we are going to go over to Earth right?” Twilight nodded.
“Thats correct Applejack did you pack enough stuff for about a week?” Applejack nodded and displayed the saddleback resting on her back.
“Yup all set here. Ah got everything Ah need. Ah’m really excited to be going over. With what Chronos has sent back, Ah’m expecting a pretty warm welcome.”
“Oh you’re talking about that whole ‘Brony’ thing he was going on about right?” Applejack nodded.
“Yup seems some human by the name of Lauren Faust had gotten a touch of our mana when we were using the elements to scan for a world capable of sustaining life, and she made a childrens show about it. Ah’m interested to see what kind of reaction we will get from it.”
Twilight giggled to herself. “Well Applejack, I wouldn’t take it too seriously. After all, it is only a kids show.”
“Trixie will be glad just to see Trixie’s Chronos,” Trixie added. Applejack and Twilight just giggled to themselves as they know how excited she must be to be slipping that bad in her speech.
“By the way Twi, did ya let the other girls know we will be leaving to go to another world?” Twilight nodded. “Ah can’t believe I can actually get ta say that.”
Twilight looked at Applejack and smiled. “Settle down Applejack, we haven't left yet.”
Trixie walked up to the group after hearing them giggle over leaving for another world. “Did you also send a message to the Princesses?” She asked.
“Yup, and I got her blessings too. So, are you set to go Trixie?”
“Sure am Twilight, got all my stuff packed,” she leaned to the side showing her full saddlebags resting on her back. “Lets do this! Trixie cannot wait to see her Chronos again.” she said slipping up again with her speech.
“Well then lets get this train rollin!” Applejack beamed barely containing her excitement. Twilight laughed and returned to the crystal.
“Chronos are you still there?” A moment of silence came from the crystal followed by some white noise then finally Chronos spoke up.
“Yes Twilight, are you three ready?”
“All set Chronos, do you have a space large enough for us to arrive safely?”
“Yes Twilight, the hotel room we have has a very large living room for you to transport to.”
Twilight looked over to her friends and motioned for them to get close to her. Applejack and Trixie came up close and nodded that they were ready for the transport. “Okay you two, please remain absolutely still while I transport us over. This will only take a moment.” Twilight closed her eyes and began to concentrate, her horn and mark beginning to glow. Applejack and Trixie could feel themselves slowly fading away then suddenly... *POP* They vanished, and a second later they were standing in a hotel room surrounded by three individuals. One they immediately recognized, the other two were standing back a little bit watching wide eyed as the aura around them slowly faded, as a small wisp of smoke blew off in the wind.
“Hey Hot Stuff,” Chronos smugly said reaching over giving Trixie a hug. “I’m so happy to see you again.” Trixie smiled and leaned forward wrapping her forelegs around his neck and gave Chronos a long passionate kiss.
“Ahh...” Trixie sighed. “Trixie is feeling much better now. Trixie is so happy to see her Chronos again.” Chronos laughed wrapping his wings around her tightening the embrace.
“So am I Trixie, so am I.” He leaned in one last time and placed a gentle peck on her lips.
“Ahem...” The sound of someone clearing their throat broke the tension and Chronos looked up to see the other two mares walking up to greet him.
“Hello Chronos! Twilight said walking up to give him a hug. “I am so glad I can see you again. I was getting worried you would never contact us again.” Chronos held up his crystal and showed it to Twilight.
“Twilight don’t you remember? This dang thing got damaged on the way over the first time, and I was really worried It would break and I could never contact you again, so I sent a message a few years back. Do you think you can fix it though?” Twilight looked at the crystal rubbing her chin.
“No problem Chronos, I can fix it no problem.” Chronos smiled and set it back down.
“Later Twilight, first I’d like to introduce you to these two guys here,” he let go of Trixie and stepped to the side holding a hoof out to the two men watching. The first one walked up and extended a hand.
“Hello my name is Steven Doss, but you can call me Steve, and I’ll be your personal liaison during your stay on Earth” The three mares smiled.
“Hello Steve, I’m Twilight Sparkle, chief scientific advisor to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I am also head engineer for the Gateway project.” She stood aside and held out a hoof to the powder blue mare wearing a purple top with a sapphire gem hanging from a blue neck  loop. She was also wearing what looked to be a pair of somewhat loose fitting black jeans with powder blue stitching running down the pant leg seams, a few of the same color stars embroidered by her right pocket. She had a powder blue sash tucked through the belt loops while letting the rest hang off her left side. Her Mana mark: A wand with a light blue sparkling mist was clearly displayed on both sides of her jeans. “This is Trixie Lulamoon, diplomatic relations expert and my second in command for the Gateway project.”
“Hello Steve,” Trixie said shaking his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and I thank you on behalf of my kind for welcoming us to your world.”
Twilight then held out a hoof to the final mare. She had orange fur and was wearing a green t-shirt with white stripes going down the sides and lining the ends of her sleeves. An image of an apple was embroidered on the center of her shirt. She was also wearing a matching pair of green shorts with white stripes also running down the sides of them and around her waist. Her Mana mark: The easily recognizable three apples was displayed clearly on both sides of her shorts. Atop her head was her iconic stetson. “And this is Applejack Apple, Equestrias foremost horticulture expert. She is also part of the Gateway project as her degree in civil engineering is an invaluable asset to us. Applejack and Trixie are also my close friends too.” Applejack trotted up and tipped her hat then took Steve’s hand.
“Howdy partner! How y’all doin’! It’s a pleasure ta meet all y’all two” She happily beamed her eyes almost sparkling. Steve smiled brightly. Applejack was one of his favorites out of the mane six and now he was here literally talking with her in the flesh! He almost lost himself and geeked out, but he remembered his responsibility as their liaison, so he simply shook the thought from his head, his professionalism taking prominence.
“Hello Applejack, its an utmost pleasure to meet you!” He said with a little excitement in his voice. Applejack looked at him for a moment raising an eyebrow while letting a smirk tug at her lips. Steve mentally slapped a hand to his face. For a fleeting moment he forgot this mare was the Element of Honesty (in the show at least anyway,) and he was somewhat wondering if she had just caught on to why he was so excited to see her.
Applejack took a moment to give Steve the once over trying to scan him for any sign of what she was thinking was true. She then settled on just asking. “You ain’t one of them Bronies Ah’ve been told about are ya?” Steve just smiled again cementing Applejacks conclusion that he was infact a Brony.
‘Yup, Element of Honesty... Check!’ He laughed and nodded. “Hit the nail right on the head there Applejack, and you are correct I am infact a fan of the show. It’s actually one of the reasons why I am your personal liaison. But where are my manners.” He turned to his partner who was typing away on his tablet. “This is Kirk Italie, He is from the National Security Agency or NSA for short. He will be in charge of your stay here and your personal security.” Kirk walked up and waved to the three mares letting his tablet fall to his side. Twilight leaned over when she saw the device and let out a nerd squee then rushed over to examine it.
“Ohh! What’s that?” She chirped snatching the device out of his hand and levitated it over to her so she could get a look at it. Kirk looked over at the lavender mare. She was wearing a light purple short sleeved top with a plaid purple miniskirt that over extended a little farther over her rump. Her unmistakable Mana mark of a dark pink five point star covering a white one with five stars surrounding it was adorning both sides of her skirt.
He chuckled and kneeled down to the mare as she scanned over the device poking it with her hoof. “Easy there Miss Sparkle, be gentle with it. They are rather fragile.” Twilight looked up from the device with a frown on her face.
“Please Kirk, It's Twilight okay? Miss Sparkle sounds soo old!” Kirk smiled and nodded.
“Alright Twilight, and I’m sorry. But if I may, how old are you?” Kirk waited for a moment, but then felt a hoof hit him gently on the shoulder. He turned around to see Applejack looking at him a little displeased.
“Never ask a mare how old they are sugar, its a little rude” Kirk nodded and was about to apologize, but noticed Twilight waving a hoof to Applejack.
“Oh Applejack, you and your fundamentalism when will you ever change,” she chuckled. “Its perfectly alright Kirk. I’m twenty three by the way, but thats in Equestrian years. I am probably older than that in human years,” she said not taking her attention off the device in front of her.
“What do you mean?”  He asked a little curious. “And can I please have my tablet back? It’s has rather important information on it.” She pouted a little bit, but eventually returned it to him. Kirk seeing her pouty face instantly broke down and smiled. “Would you like one of these for yourself?” Twilight’s face instantly brightened up and she hopped up and hugged Kirk almost knocking him off his feet.
“Oh yes! Yes! Yes! Yes...” She let go of him and turned away blushing in embarrassment. “I mean yes. I would like to have one please,” she said softly returning to her hooves. The others giggling at Twilights sudden outburst. Kirk himself couldn’t help but chuckle at her over eagerness. “And to reply to your previous comment. The essence of Mana we conjure and let course through our bodies lengthens our lifespan considerably.”
“Really?” Steve added. “So Mana is kinda like the Spice melange eh?” He chuckled. Twilight looked at him blinking a couple times.
“Spice melange? What is that?” She asked looking at him questioningly.
Steve just waved a hand dismissing the comment. “It’s nothing, I’ll tell you later.”
For the next hour or so the group continued with their greetings exchanging smiles and laughs as Kirk and Steve were sitting at the table jotting down and taking in all the information the four equestrians were giving them.
“So...” Twilight said taking a moment to stretch. “When can we go and get me a device like the one you have.” Kirk looked over to Twilight resting on the bed.
“Well we can go now if you like,” he said standing up “Also, how about we go and get something to eat too? I am rather hungry and I would like to grab a bite to eat.”
Steve looked over to Kirk. “Uhh Kirk, quick question.”
“Yes Steve, what is it?”
“We’re not going to have a huge entourage following us around as we take these guys on a tour of Los Angeles are we?” Kirk shook his head.
“No. We’re going to try to be as casual as possible, but I have agents and local authorities on standby if any situation arises that should threaten our guests here. I want people to see our guest as friends and not guarded secrets that none should witness, and I feel it will build a better relationship into getting humanity and equestrians to accept one another.” He turned to look at the four ponies sitting around the bed going through their things. “I have one thing to ask of you four however,” they turned to focus their attention to him. “Please refrain from excessively drawing upon your mana for doing things like telekinesis. And you Chronos, I ask that you do not engage in any unnecessary flight for the time being as I feel it could lead to accidents or possibly getting yourself injured again.”
Trixie snapped to look at Chronos a look of absolute worry across her face. “You got hurt? Oh Chronos what stupid thing did you try to do?”
“Actually,” Steve said cutting into their conversation. “Chronos saved the life of a little girl.”
“Really?” Trixie asked easing her demeanour slightly. Steve smiled and nodded.
“Without his help that little girl would have surely been killed by the truck he stopped with his mana. This is how he injured himself.”
“Yes Trixie, you see since I have not climatized myself with the flow of Mana on this world, and I had really overexerted myself...” He was cut off.
“Oh my Chronos, did you actually start taking from your lifeforce?” Twilight added cutting into the conversation. Chronos nodded.
“Yes Twilight, but I had to or she would have been killed!”
“Well thats great, but just remember you could've killed yourself!”
“Yeah I know, and trust me I’ll remember that for along time. The experience was harrowing to say the least. And the taste of blood was disgusting.” Trixie again snapped her head to him wide eyed at the mention of blood, but Chronos ease her concerns by pulling her into a hug and giving her a long kiss. “See all better Trixie, no need to be concerned.” Trixie smiled and rested her head against his chest.
“Also Chronos, you said that Earth actually has Mana you can draw upon to?”
Chronos looked up from Trixie resting against his chest and nodded. “Yup, albeit harder to channel, probably because I have yet to acclimate myself to it, but you should not have much trouble. What with being a pure Unicorn and not a crossbreed like myself, but I would still be careful.”
“Well I’ll refrain from trying for the time being until I can get some more understanding of the force of mana on Earth, but why don’t we get going? I am anxious to check out the technology of their world.”
The group took a few minutes to get ready for their outing, taking off their saddlebags and setting them aside. Kirk making a few phone calls alerting his agency they were about to go out and give the visitors a tour. Steve was talking to the three mares filling them in on what to possibly expect. After all that was out of the way, the group exited the hotel room and made their way for the hotels lobby.
****
As the group stepped out of the elevator into the lobby oddly enough no one seemed to pay any special attention to the group as they made their way out to the parking lot. Applejack looked around somewhat curious as to why most of the hotels patrons were going about their daily business, paying little mind to the six as they crossed the lobby.
“Ah though we were like celebrities here or somethin,” Applejack said feeling a bit upset for the fact no one was really paying any attention to them. Chronos looked over to Applejack and smiled giving her a bump with his wing.
“Hey now don’t you worry Applejack, It’s probably just because these people seen me come through earlier and are probably just accepting the fact were here or they’re just really good at ignoring us. Either way be happy I say.”
“Why do ya say that Chronos? Ah thought ya would’ve been happy ta have these fellas showering you with attention.”
“Maybe at first, but after awhile it gets to a point you just want to have some free time. And don’t get me started on the whole My Little Pony fandom thing.”
“That brony thing right? Ah only heard brief reports when ya were first sending back reports a few years back. So are they really that over excessive?”
Chronos shrugged. “Some are, but for the most part they're pretty harmless. I can tell you one thing for certain though.”
“What’s that?” She asked.
“A lot of them do find us pretty attractive so I would watch your tail around here,” he replied giving her a sultry smile and bumping her with his hip. Her eye went wide at the implications of what he had just said.
“Well that would just be weird Ah’d have ta admit.”
“I don’t know... Them hands,” he stopped to remember the trip to the hospital earlier and the massage he was given to help get the cramp out of his leg, and the subsequent ‘wing’ massages he had received was sending shivers down his spine. ‘Oh my how good those felt,’ but a minute later he was snapped back into reality by a hoof colliding with his head. “OW!”
“Just what exactly happened here before Trixie arrived Chronos!” Trixie snapped standing in front of him.
“N-nothing! I-I S-swear!” He stammered out falling back onto his haunches. Trixie leaned in eyeing him.
“Better not mister!” She huffed and flipped her nose at him and turned to walk away with the group leaving Chronos sitting on the floor. ‘Way to go moron! Now you’re going to have to try extra hard later on to apologize to her to fix this mess!’ Chronos let out a breath rubbing his sore head then stood back up and caught back up with the group.
As the six walked through the lobby making their way for the exit a lone female figure emerged from the elevator closes to the exit and was about to turn to leave when she stopped and froze. She took a moment to watch the group crossing the lobby taking notice of the four ponies chatting away with each other. Focusing on the lavender pony, she looked at the mark on her mini skirt and instantly recognized it. She then quietly made her way over to the group unbeknownst to them and gently tapped on the lavender mares shoulder.
Twilight turned around to see who had tapped on her shoulder. “Hello ma’am can I help you?”
“Pardon me, but I was just wondering. Is your name by chance Twilight Sparkle?”
“Why yes it is ma’am how do you know who I am?” The lady’s smile tore across her face and she kneeled down to look Twilight in the eye. “My name is Lauren Faust, and it’s a great honor to meet the real you.”
“Oh hello Lauren,” Chronos said taking notice of her talking with Twilight. “Fancy meeting you here.” Lauren looked up to see the familiar cobalt colored pony and smiled waving to him.
“Oh hello Chronos, are these your friends here?” Chronos nodded and began to introduce them to her.
“This here is my marefriend Trixie Lulamoon.”
“Hello Miss Faust it’s an honor to finally meet you.” Trixie said waving a hoof to her.
“Why hello Trixie, and please call me Lauren. Also, the pleasure is all mine.”
Chronos next held out a hoof to the orange mare bringing up the rear. “This is Applejack Apple.” Applejack trotted up and held out a hoof to Lauren.
“Howdy Lauren it is a pleasure ta meet ya!” Applejack chirped tipping her hat. Lauren smiled and took her hoof shaking it.
“Hello Applejack, I am very happy to meet you too, and I love your lovely accent.”
Applejack blushed pulling her hat over her face trying to cover her bashfulness. “Aww shucks, its not that special,” she said softly, hiding behind her hat. Lauren giggled and pulled the hat from in front of Applejack’s face and set it back on her head.
“Don’t go hiding that pretty face of yours Applejack, and I have to say, you look even more adorable when you're trying to hide your bashfulness.” Applejack smiled letting her blush show as she turned to look back at Lauren.
“Thanks Lauren, Ah appreciate the compliment.” Lauren smiled and nodded.
“So what brings you girls to Earth?”
“Well tonight we’re going to have a tour of the area then tomorrow it’s off to your capital.”
“Ohh sounds exciting,” She stood up “Well have fun girls I have to be getting home.”
“Wait why were you here Lauren?” Chronos asked.
“The FBI brought me here to ask me some questions after you had shown up. I guess they figured I had some part in your arrival so they politely brought me here to ask me some questions”
“Yup thats what I was told to do.” Steve said joining in “Once I saw you come up on stage Chronos, I alerted my superiors and suggested they bring Lauren in for questioning. Nothing harsh mind you, just some simple questions. She was brought here for her own protection until we felt it was deemed safe and then she was released.”
“Yup and now I am going home. My husband is probably worried sick about me. Perhaps we’ll see each other again.”
“Oh that will probably come sooner than you think,” Twilight said. Lauren smiled and knelt down and gave Twilight a quick hug.
“Thanks so much for giving me this chance to meet you and I wish your kind the very best luck in your future endeavours.” Lauren released Twilight from the hug and stood up walking for the door waving one last time before she exited.
“Such a wonderful person,” Twilight said with a smile. “I am so happy that we are able to make this link with your people. I cannot wait till the first gateway is opened.”
“All in due time Twilight, but first why don’t we show you mares around town and let you enjoy your first night on Earth?” Kirk said.
“Sounds like a plan!” The three mares replied simultaneously.
And with that the six exited the hotel lobby and made their way into the parking lot Twilight looking around at the many vehicles and people walking about going on with their daily business. They proceeded to the parking garage and to the suburban parked on the second level.
“Is this how we are going to get around Los Angeles?” Twilight asked walking up next to the suv.
“Yup,” Kirk replied reaching into his pocket pulling out the keys, pressing onto the key fob and opening the doors with an audible *click* “Hop in!” Steve opened the rear passenger door and beckoned the four in. Twilight inched up to the truck and looked inside noticing there was seats then hopped up in scooching down behind the drivers seat trying her best to get comfortable in the seat.
“Uhh...” Twilight said shifting herself so she wasn’t sitting on her tail. “These seats are somewhat uncomfortable for my hind legs.”
“Yeah sorry about that Twilight. I should've requested a van for you guys.”
“Its alright I’ll be okay, don’t mind me.”
“Ah’ll sit in the back if you don't mind.” Applejack said hopping in the side door and clambering over the seats to sit in the back.
“Applejack...” Steve laughed as Applejack tried to get over the back seat. “There is a rear hatch door you know.” He walked around behind the vehicle and popped the hatch leaving Applejack to blush and look away embarrassed.
“Oh... Uhh well yeah... Ah knew that.” She replied looking out the side window. “This window is too dark! Ah can’t see through it well,” she said trying to quickly change the topic. The others laughed and hopped into the vehicle themselves.
“Ok guys here we go!” Kirk turned the key bringing the engine to life, He backed out of the parking space and turned into the lane and made his way to the parking garages exit turning onto the street.
****
 As they cruised down the street the three mares looked out through the windows of the suv scanning over the city of Los Angeles taking in the sights and marveling over the technology of the bustling city. As they rolled on down the city streets Twilight decided to speak up.
“So where do we go to pick up a device like the one you got?” She asked.
“Its called a tablet Twilight and I’d figure we stop at a Best Buy to pick one up.”
“What’s Best Buy?”
It’s a store we have here on earth that sells a lot of different types of devices. Things like TV’s, computers, audio equipment and video games are the types of items the store sells.”
“And I’ll find a tablet there?” Kirk nodded turning the corner, the tell tale Best Buy sign seen on the distant building.
“Without a doubt,” he replied pulling into the parking lot. He then turned into the Best Buy portion of the parking lot. Being evening, the place was pretty full. People young and old and middle aged alike were moving about entering and exiting the store. Some with large boxes on carts, some shopping carts with smaller ones and others simply carrying bags with the products they had purchased from the store. Finally after a moment Kirk spotted a place to park the suburban and pulled in to a spot about mid way back. He hopped out and walked around to the back popping open the hatch door letting Applejack hop out. She stood up on her hind legs and stretched resting her forehooves on the side of the suv. Kirk took notice that she was almost as tall as him when she stood on her hind legs.
“Ahhh...” Applejack sighed. “Ah was a might bit scrunched up in the back of that truck” A moment later Twilight, Trixie and Chronos too hopped out of the vehicle and took a moment to stretch. Steve was the last to hop out and then made his way around to the back opting to leave his FBI jacket in the suv and just clipping his badge to his belt.
“Ready to find your new tablet Miss Sparkle?” Kirk chuckled. Twilight instantly looked up to Kirk a bit displeased.
“Kirk what did I tell you earlier!” she whined. Kirk just smiled.
“Oh I was only teasing Twilight,” Kirk said chuckling a bit. “Anyway, lets get you your new device.” Kirk clicked the lock button on the fob, and the sound of the suv’s alarm chirped. slightly startling the four ponies, but Kirk then reassured them it was only the alarm of the truck chirping. They then started to make their way to the store. When they made it about halfway a couple of teenagers sitting around their car spotted the group and almost fainted when they noticed them moving across the lot.
“Aaron, do you see what I am seeing?” The one teenager said.
“I dunno Jake,” Aaron said rubbing his eyes. “It looks like Twilight Sparkle, Applejack and Trixie, but that impossible! They’re characters on a cartoon show not real life ponies.”
“Well they look real enough to me. I’m going over there  to talk to them.” Jake said tossing his bag into his car and closing the door behind him.
“Hey wait for me!” Aaron yelled catching up with his friend.
The group was almost at the entrance when they stopped after someone shout for them. They stopped and turned around looking at the two teenagers walking up waving their hands.
“Howdy fellas! Mah names Applejack, what can we do fer y'all?” She happily said greeting the two. They froze in place when she spoke up and their smiles almost split their faces in half.
“Wholly crap! That accent! Its uncanny!” Jake said. “My name is Jake and this is my friend Aaron.” He pulled his friend over who was too shocked to utter a word.
“Why hello guys,” Twilight said turning to face the two. “It’s nice to meet you.” This time Aaron almost passed out when Twilight spoke. Jake finally regaining his senses knelt down and eyed over the three mares before attempting to speak.
“H-how is this even possible!?” He stammered out. “I thought you ponies were just a cartoon.” He shakily reached forward taking Twilights hoof with his hand, she looked at him a little nervous as he held it. It was warm and fuzzy, and he could almost feel the pulse of her heart beat as he continued to hold onto her hoof. He then quickly let go stunning Twilight a little bit.
“Is something wrong?” She asked afraid she had upset him judging by look on his face.
“Amazing!” He chirped, causing Twilight to flinch. “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“Excuse me fellas,” Kirk said walking up. “But do you mind if our guests here continue with what they had planned? You are welcome to join us as we go pick out a tablet for Twilight here.” The two quickly smile and nodded.
“Oh we would love to come! And I could help Twilight pick out a her new tablet too! That is if she wants my help.”
Twilight smiled brightly at the offer. “Oh that would be wonderful! But I have to warn you I sometimes get a little carried away.” Jake and Aaron laughed.
“Oh we know all too well of your antics.”
Twilight cocked her head to the side raising an eyebrow at the comment “You do? but how?”
Applejack walked up to Twilight and whispered into her ear. “Ah bet these two are prolly a couple of bronies we’ve been told about. Thats probably why they know about yer habit of sometimes being a little too over excessive,” she turned to look at the to teenagers. “So how bout it fellas? Are y’all a couple of bronies?” They nodded and Jake showed Applejack his t-shirt.
“See anything you recognize Applejack?” Applejack looked over the black t-shirt taking notice of the picture at the bottom corner of the shirt.
“Thats mah Mana mark you got on yer shirt there Jake,” she smiled, pointing to it. Jake scratched his head looking at Applejack with some confusion.
“Mana mark? I thought they were called Cutie marks,” he replied.
“Nope, that show ya take reference on has got a lot of things wrong about us actually.”
“Really? Well...” He chuckled nervously a bit. “I guess some of the other stuff I’ve heard and read about is not fact either.”
“Oh? Like what else have ya heard about us sugar?”
“Well its actually about you and another mare you may have heard about. Ever heard of the name Rainbow Dash?” Applejack nodded smiling.
“Sure have Jake, she’s mah best friend. We were roommates back when Ah went ta college ta get mah degree.”  Twilight perked up at the mention of that.
“Oh wow Applejack, I didn’t know you and Rainbow Dash went to collage together.” Applejack smiled and nodded to the lavender mare.
“Yup, me and her were roomies for quite a while. She was just finishing up her masters in Aeronautical Engineering when I entered college ta begin mah studies fer Civil Engineering. When we met she was starting ta take classes fer Meteorology.”
“Ah I see. That’s probably how she easily got her position in the Weather team that controls the weather for the surrounding area of the Equestrial providence.”
“Yup, Ah would have ta agree with that, but thats not important now.” She turned to look at Jake who was chatting with his friend. “Now what were ya talkin’ about when ya mentioned me and Rainbow Dash?” Jake looked at her scratching his head unsure whether she wanted to hear what he was gonna tell her.
“Well... heh, heh, funny story about that Applejack.”
“Well tell me. And don’t go and try ta lie cause Ah’ll know if y’all are trying to.”
“Well alright.” He turned to look at his friend who just shrugged and motioned with his hand to tell her. “It’s about you and Dash and a certain term going around called AppleDash.” Applejack looked at him raising an eyebrow.
“AppleDash? Ah don’t get it. Is that some kinda joke y’all humans have cooked up about me and Dash?”
“Hey guys!” Steve said quickly cutting into the conversation. He knew right where this was going. “Why don’t we get going. Best Buy is not gonna stay open all night you know.” Jake pulled out his phone and looked at the time.
“It’s only-” he was cut off by Steve pulling him aside. Steve turned around to the group and held up his hand.
“One moment guys. I need to talk with these two in private for a second.” Steve then walked the two back over to their car. “Guys, please don’t mention some of the terminology used by the fandom. I don’t think now is the best time to tell her that a decent portion of the fandom thinks shes a lesbian alright?”
“Alright dude we’ll keep that kind of stuff off topic for now.” Steve smiled.
“Good.” He then turned back to the group, “Shall we get back? Twilight wants your help picking out a tablet and I don’t think you should keep her waiting.” Jake nodded, but just before he was about to walk back to them his phone rang. He pulled it out and help it up to his ear.
“Yeah? whats up bud?” Jake said answering his phone.
“Dude where are you? You were supposed to be here like twenty minutes ago. You didn’t stop at Hot Topic again? If you did however could you pick me up that new Rainbow Dash t-shirt? I’ll pay you back when you get back here.”
“No Brandon, We are still at Best Buy, and you wouldn’t believe who we ran into,” Jake said a little excited.
“Who? And why the excitement in your voice? It not like you ran into Twilight Sparkle or anything,” he joked.
“Well actually yes I did. And I am gonna go help her pick out a tablet right now.” He could hear laughing coming over the phone.
“Hahaha! Thats rich! Dude you need to lay off  the weed man.” Jake not wanting to argue with his friend simply walked back over to the group.
“Twilight.”
“Yes Jake?” She asked turning around to face him.
“Do you mind if me and Aaron have a quick picture taken with you? I need to shut my arrogant friend up.” Twilight looked over to Kirk who simply smiled and nodded.
“Sure Jake, I have no problem with that.”
“Ah want ta be in the picture too!” Applejack happily chimed in.
“Alright cool, this will be awesome! I can’t wait to hear his response.” Jake kneeled down by Twilight resting his arm on his knee, while Aaron and Applejack leaned onto one another crossing their forelegs/arms while looking forward dramatically. Steve took Jakes phone from him and took a few steps back then quickly snapped a picture of the three. “Sweet! I can’t wait to send it.” Steve handed Jakes phone back to him and Jake put it back up to his ear. “Ya still there Brandon?”
“Yeah Jake, what was all that noise?”
“Oh nothing. I’m sending you a picture I just took. Hang on a second.” Jake clicked on the pictures app on his phone and looked around till he found the picture. Looking over it he made sure it wasn’t blurry or nothing. He then quickly typed a smart ass remark and attached the photo to the message and clicked send. “Tell me what you think of that.” A few minutes passed while the two were waiting for the picture to be received on Brandons end. Jake then laughed as he heard the phone drop to the floor and then a gasp coming from the otherside. He smiled and ended the call sticking the phone back into his pocket. ‘That’ll shut him up.’
As the group made their way to Best Buy Jake was asking Twilight questions about what she would like in a tablet. She really didn’t know what she wanted since she had never really seen a device like it so she asked him to wait till they got into the store. As they walked through the front doors entering the store they were greeted by the employee standing at his desk by the front door. The employee stood back in shock at what he was witnessing.
“Uhh... Welcome to Best Buy,” he simply said watching the group walk by and make their way back to the electronics section. As they proceeded back to electronics, Chronos and Trixie along with Aaron split off from the group and headed over to check out the video games when Aaron piqued their interest when he had mentioned it.
“Where are you guys going?” Kirk asked watching the three head down different aisle they were not traveling in.
“Aaron wanted to show us something,” Chronos replied, turning around to respond.
“Oh alright. We’ll be over by the computers whenever you get done there,” Kirk said walking off with the remainder of the group. Steve however noticed Applejack had stopped and was looking over to the audio section trying to listen to the music coming from it.
“Hey Applejack, would you like to go listen to some music of our world?” Steve asked walking over to her.
“Yeah Steve, that sounds like fun.” Steve smiled holding a hand our beckoning her to follow him. Applejack smiled back and the two walked off to where the music was coming from.
****
Chronos, Trixie and Aaron meanwhile were browsing through the video game section when they stopped at a monitor displaying a game. Chronos sat down by the screen watching the games events unfold.
“What game is this?” Chronos asked, Aaron came up to him and looked at the monitor.
“Far Cry 3 Chronos,” Aaron replied. “Would you like to try it? Theres a controller right here.” Aaron picked up the controller and pressed start pausing the game for a moment.
“Sure Aaron I’ll give it a go. I’m no Luna, but I’m no slouch at playing games myself.” Aaron laughed at the comment and handed the controller over to Chronos. He levitated it in front of him waited as Aaron instructed him on what buttons did what. Satisfied he learned enough of the basic layout he presses start to resume the game. Standing on a beach. Aaron asked Chronos to bring up the map so he could find him an objective to head to.
“Okay Chronos, how about you first take that radio tower there,” he said pointing to it on the map. “Drag your cursor over it and press the ‘X’ button to create a waypoint to it.” Chronos nodded and moved the cursor over the tower icon and set the waypoint. “Alright you’re about five hundred kilometers from it so I suggest you get a vehicle so you can get there faster. That is unless you want to hoof it all the way there,” he said with a smirk. Chronos looked over to Aaron and rolled his eyes.
“Funny,” he replied shaking his head. Afterward he resumed the game and ran around a bit until he came upon a village. Aaron first recommended he go to the safe house and see if anymore weapons had been unlocked. Chronos nodded and veered off to the village and then to the safe house entering it and walking up to the weapon locker.
“Pick that gun Chronos,” Aaron said pointing to the MS16. “Its awesome when you use the suppressor and scope. You just gotta get head shots so the enemies don’t set off alarms.”
“Okay.” He selected the gun and set the suppressor and scope on it and then took a few moments to pick a color scheme he liked. “Jungle paint scheme for a jungle setting, I like it!” He said selecting the jungle paint scheme. He then left the safe house and made his way back to the truck he left on the outskirts of town. Hoppin in he sped off down the road albeit a little drunkenly as he swerved back and forth almost driving off a cliff a few times.
“Who taught you how to drive?” Trixie chuckled watching her coltfriend haphazardly barrel down the road and then finally slam into a tree almost blowing the truck up.
“Hey, I made it to the tower almost didn’t I?” he replied hopping out of the truck and then proceed up the hill to the tower.”
“Yeah and you almost got yourself killed in the process! I can see now where you get your recklessness from,” she said taking a seat next to him. Chronos just rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the game. Arriving at the tower he stopped and turned to Aaron.
“Okay Aaron what now?”
“Now you have to climb the tower and activate the switch box at the top.”
“Alright I gotcha.” He then began to climb the tower slipping and falling a few times as he missed the button cue. Trixie laughed as she watched the poor guy fall and take damage when he hit the floor below.
“It's a good thing you have wings Chronos, as it seems gravity really dislikes you.” Again Chronos simply shook off the sarcastic remark and continued with climbing the tower.
“Booya! Finally made it!” He cheered reaching the top and flicking the switch starting some brief panoramic views of the tower as the camera panned to locations dotting the landscape around it.
“Mark this one in the history books gentlestallions. My coltfriend managed to climb a tower.” Trixie again sarcastically remarked. Chronos sneered at her.
“Just you wait till we get to the action Trixie! Then you really see me shine!” He replied grabbing the zipline and sliding down to the ground on it.
“At least you managed to time the cue correctly this time and not fall to your death.” Trixie chuckled. Chronos ignored the comment and turned to Aaron.
“Ok Aaron what's next?” he asked flipping back to the map again. Aaron took a moment to scan the map.
“How about you try securing an outpost?” He offered pointing to one that was nearby. Chronos smiled and nodded setting the waypoint to it.
‘Here's my chance to show Trixie!’ He thought to himself letting a grin form on his face. Trixie caught sight of Chronos grinning and she raised an eyebrow questionably.
‘I wonder what he is up to.’
Chronos then hopped onto a quad and sped off down the hill. This time however he took more caution so Trixie would not have anything to comment on about his driving. He stopped and hopped off the quad about a hundred meters from the outpost and waited on a nearby hill. Next he pulled out his camera and scanned around the outpost tagging the enemies so he could see them no matter where they had walked to. Even if one had walked out his line of site.
“Now watch as I stealthily take out the bad guys with ninja like proficiency.”
“I’m watching.”
Chronos turned back to the game and whipped out the MS16 and slowly crept up to the outpost. Lining up a shot on the sniper looking out from a guard tower he took his shot. *BAM!* Chronos managed to pop the guy in the head quickly silencing the sniper and watch him topple over then fall off the side of the tower onto the ground by a passing guard. ‘Shit!’ He thought as the guard instantly yelled when he saw the sniper lying on the ground.
“Way to go ninjacolt. Now you gone and alerted the whole outpost.”
“It’s alright Trixie,” Aaron said. “He can still clear the outpost and get a bonus to his experience so long as he doesn’t get spotted by any of the outposts guards.”
“Oh... Well alright,” Trixie replied turning to look at Chronos. “Well ninjacolt? How bout it?” Chronos nodded and returned to the game.
“Don’t forget Chronos, you can disable the alarm so the guards cannot use it to call in reinforcements.”
“Alright I’ll try to do that,” Chronos replied. He then proceeded to make his way into the outpost quietly capping off two more guards without incident. However, when he tried to disable the alarm a guard he had not spotted earlier with the camera walked around the corner of a building and right in front of Chronos just when he was about to disable it. “Oh shit!” Chronos yelped opening fire on the guard emptying the entire clip into him, finally dropping the poor sap with the final round in the clip. “Whew that was close!”
“Chronos,” Trixie began. “What does oh shit mean?” Chronos mentally slapped himself.
“Oh.. Well...” He chuckled nervously rubbing the back of his neck. “Its a rather extreme form of expressing oneself you could say.”
“Hmm... I’ll have to remember that.” She beckoned him to continue with her hoof. Chronos nodded letting out a breath and returned to the game. He decide to pull back from the building opting to shoot the alarm box disabling it that way, but to his misfortune the previous act of hosing down the guard had cause the others to scatter around the outpost with one of them spotting Chronos when he made his way back to the hillside.
‘At least they can’t sound the alarm.’ He thought, but to his horror a moment later the alarm siren went blaring. “What the hay!? I thought they couldn’t sound the alarm if I disabled it?”
“Only if you disable the alarm by using the button prompt not shooting it,” Aaron replied. “Shooting the alarm box only disarms that one. If there are others that have not been destroyed the guards can activate them.”
“So much for the whole going in like a ninja and taking out the enemies silently eh Chronos?”
Chronos turned to Trixie a little aggravated now that he had to blast his way through to clear the outpost. “Oh and like YOU could do any better Trixie!” He snapped finishing off the final enemy causing the short cutscene to start.
“Point me to an outpost Aaron,” Trixie calmly said taking the controller from Chronos. Aaron nodded and asked her to bring up the map. Looking over it for a second he spotted one a little ways away.
“Right there Trixie,” Aaron said point to an outpost. “It's a fair way away so you’ll need a vehicle to get to it. Trixie nodded and hopped into a truck the rebels had arrived in and headed off towards the outpost. While she was traveling to the destination the three had not realized that a small crowd had formed behind them watching the two ponies while taking pictures and quietly chatting among one another.
“Are my eyes fooling me or is that a couple of ponies playing a videogame over there?” One of the people in the crowd said.
“Nope it surely is, and if I am not mistaken judging by that mark on her pants that blue pony is Trixie from My Little Pony: Friendship is magic.”
“You actually watch that show?”
“No.”The person in the crowd replied flatly. “But a friend of mine does, and he is always talking about it.” He quickly pulled out his phone and snapped a few pictures with it afterwards writing out a message for that very friend.
“Oh I see. I guess something like this will give him more to talk about now eh?”
“Even more so now that I am sending him a picture of them playing that game.”
Trixie meanwhile had just arrived outside the camp and began her stalk up to it.
“Okay Trixie,” Chronos said. “Lets see what you’re made of.” Trixie looked at him and smiled, not saying a single word. She pulled out the camera and tagged all the enemies. Scouting around the outpost she made sure she got every last one of them tagged. Afterwards she took a few moment watching their patterns and patrol paths. Quickly after that she entered the outpost and capped off two guards with perfectly aimed headshots. Next she moved over to another set of guards and knifed the one pulling out his knife and throwing it quickly silencing the other one in front of them. With much haste she went over to the alarm box and switched it off then popped the guy standing a bit to the left of it in the head with another perfectly aimed headshot. Lastly, she made her way up a flight of stairs on the center building and knifed the sniper, afterwards hopping off the balcony landing on the two unsuspecting individuals and knifing both of them in a quick double take down. The cutscene starting shortly after.
She turned to look at Chronos and Aaron whose jaws had practically hit the floor and smiled. “How was that?” She said nonchalantly. Chronos picked his jaw up off the floor and tried to form a coherent sentence, but much to his dismay he was unable to. Instead, he babbled out random nonsense.
“But, but... You, you...” He took a moment to calm down and think. “How?” He asked totally taken back by her amazing skill. She smiled at him.
“Luna’s not the only one that's good at gaming you know. And I did stay in the Celestial palace for quite some time while I was working on the Gateway project with Twilight. It got boring at night when you were away, so I found something to pass the time.” Chronos simply stared at her blinking a couple times.
“That. Was. Awesome!” Aaron beamed cutting in. “Your skill is amazing! You totally  destroyed them guys!”
“This is the Great and Powerful Trixie you’re talking to after all,” she smugly replied putting on a grin.
Chronos pulled her into a hug. “That's my Trixie,” he laughed. “Your talent never ceases to amaze me.” Trixie blushed looking away bashfully.
“Oh Chronos, you make Trixie so happy when you flatter her like that,” she replied leaning in giving him a peck on the cheek.
“No problem babe, but how about we get back to Twilight? We’ve been gone long enough.” He turned around to look behind him seeing the crowd. “And it seems we are making a scene too.” The two others agreed and they all then started to make their way over to the computers section of the store.
****
Steve and Applejack had just arrived at the music section. Applejack trotted down the aisle scanning down the various types of music when she stopped by a pair of headphones.
“What do you like to listen to Applejack?” Steve asked walking up next to her.
“Well... Ah like all types of music, but mah personal favorites are rock, soft rock and of course some country too.”
Steve smiled and picked up the headphones off the stand. “Well why don’t you listen to some of the music?” He offered, holding the headphones out to her. Applejack smiled and took the headphones and put them over her ears. Steve was baffled with how a being with no fingers was able to hold onto something. But he just decided to chalk it up as her using mana to hold on to the headphones.
Applejack scanned over the screen looking at the music as it rolled down finally stopping on a song she might have liked she clicked it and it began playing.
Her first choice. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VmrR2vp_JQ)
She listened to the song for bit, and to Steve's surprise she actually liked it, rockin backing forth tapping her hoof in the air with the beat.”Ah really like this song Steve, who sings it?”
Steve leaned in looking at the artists name. “Aerosmith, Applejack, and the song is called ‘Cryin.’ Would you like to hear more from this artist?” Applejack nodded and returned to the screen picking another song.
Second pick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KBBbSTQf6U)
As the song played out Applejack closed her eyes and took in the song enjoying the slow beat trying to memorize the lyrics as the song continued. “Oh Steve, this is so wonderful! Is there anyway Ah can take this stuff with us?”
“Sure Applejack, how about we pick you up an iPod while we’re here?”
“An iPod, what’s that?” She asked cocking her head to one side.
“It’s a personal mp3 player or in your case its a device that allows one to carry vast amounts of music in a very small package. Anyway, you said you like country music right?” She nodded. “Well lets find you some.” Steve however not the best with country music tried his best to find something she may like. It took him a few minutes to scan through before he stopped on something that may interest her.
Steve's first pick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb9q1ScC4cg)
As the song played out Steve took notice Applejack was tapping her hind hoof while holding a hoof up to her ear rocking her head back and forth when the singer began rhyming quickly.
“Ah like it Steve! Its amazin! Oh! I must hear more like this please!”
Steve smiled and scanned around settling on a song he figures she may enjoy. “Here we go Reba McEntire, she’s a good country singer I think you’re gonna enjoy this.” He clicked play.
Steve's second pick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1dQgE8BmE)
Applejack sat there for a few minutes listen to the song until the singer began to sing after that she  was hooked! Swinging with the beat truly enjoying the singer sing. “Steve this is incredible! Can Ah hear some more music please?” Steve nodded and scanned around for some more female country singers. Spotting out a name he clicked it and the song began.
Steve's third pick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N2k-gv6xNE)
Applejack immediately started dancing when the intro began and to her fortune she was lucky the headphones were wireless otherwise she would have tripped by now. “Dance with me Steve!” Applejack asked grabbing him and starting to spin around drawing attention from people walking around. “Ah’m definitely gonna have ta get this ladies music,” she said happily dancing her best with Steve.
“Heh, how about some more from her?” He asked setting her down as the song ended.
“Oh yes please! Ah would love ta hear some more.” Steve smiled and clicked on another track from the artist.
Final pick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7auzP9RhCY)
The song played out and Applejack couldn’t resist swinging her hips  while spinning around in the aisle trying her best to keep in the beat with the song as it played.
“Tarnation Steve! Ah could be here all night and not get tired listening ta yer worlds music! It’s just soo amazin!”
“Well that's great and all, but we need to be getting back to Twilight eventually. How about we head over and pick up an iPod and a laptop for you and later you can scan iTunes all you like for music. Applejack smiled and set the headphones back on the stand as the song ended.
“Oh thanks so much Steve! Ah wish I could pay you back for so much generosity you’re showing me.” Steve smile and knelt down by the orange mare placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry Applejack, just getting to meet you is payment enough for me.” he smiled. Applejack blushed and reached forward giving Steve a hug.
“Aww shucks It’s mah pleasure sugar.”
“How about we go pick out your iPod now Applejack?” Steve said gently setting Applejack back down from the hug.
“Lead the way Steve!”  Applejack replied. Steve nodded and walked off to the mp3 players section with Applejack following closely behind.
****
When Twilight, Jake and Kirk arrived at the computer section Twilight's eyes went wide at the vast array of computers, laptops and other digital devices.
“Oh wow! I feel like a foal in a candy store here,” she said looking around at the many devices and computers displayed about.
“I’m gonna go check something out Twilight,” Kirk said walking over to the Apple booth. “Jake, keep an eye out for Twilight here. I’ll be right back.”
“Sure thing Kirk.” Jake turned to Twilight. “Well Twilight? Shall we go ahead and look for your new tablet?” Twilight smiled and held out a hoof.
“After you Jake.” He nodded and the two walked down a line of tablets displayed and stopped at one and Twilight levitated it to her and looked at it.
“What type is this one?” She asked tapping on the screen with her hoof.
“ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity, the tag says,” Jake replied scanning over its specs. “It got a 10.1 inch screen, Nvidia Tegra 3 1.60GHz processor, and it runs off the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system.”
Twilight looked over the tablet pressing on the buttons, but after a few moments she placed it back on the counter and moved on to the next one. “No I don’t really like that one lets keep looking.”
“Twilight,” Jake said, getting her attention and she turned around. “Why don’t you try looking at laptops? They are so much more powerful than any tablet could be. I know they may be a bit more bulky, but seeing as you don’t actually carry it with your hooves you probably wouldn’t be bothered by its weight.” Twilight looked at Jake shaking her head.
“Just because I can channel mana to levitate objects doesn’t mean I can’t feel their weight Jake.”
“Really? But I thought when you guys cast mag... Er mana, you don’t really feel any effects of it.”
“No Jake, we definitely feel the weight of the object we lift, so lugging a laptop around would tire me out after awhile. Besides, them tablets really intrigue me, and I like the fact that their so good for simple applications like surfing and typing stuff. So lets keep looking okay?”
“Alright Twilight.” Jake turned to look at the Apple kiosk. “How about we get you an iPad Twilight?” Jake offered.
“That's the one Kirk had right?”
“That's right Twilight, they sell them over there at that kiosk,” Jake replied pointing to the booth.
“Alright lets go have a look.”
Jake nodded and the two made their way over to the Apple kiosk. When they arrived they saw
Kirk talking with the employee standing behind the counter. “Hello Kirk,” Jake said  walking up to him.
“Oh hello Jake, hey Twilight, come to take a look at the iPad?”
That's right Kirk, I want to get a better look at the device you have.”
“Alright.” He turned to look at the employee who had her back turned and was fiddling with Kirks iPad. “This mare here wants to look at getting an iPad.” The employee turned around.
“Mare? What are you talking about sir? She replied finally facing the three standing at the counter. She gasped, taking a step back when she saw the lavender pony standing on her hind legs with her forelegs on the counter.
“Ma’am this is-”
“Twilight Sparkle?” The employee replied cutting Kirk off.
“Why yes Miss, I take it you’re a Brony?” He asked.
“Pegasister Sir, and my name is Tiffany.” She turned to Twilight and smiled brightly. “Hello Twilight! It’s a pleasure to finally meet you! I’ve got so many things I want to ask you!” She was barely containing her excitement as she took Twilights hooves and shook them.
“The pleasures all mine Tiffany,” Twilight said with a smile. “But I was wondering if you could help me.” Tiffany smiled and let go of her hooves letting Twilight prop herself back up on the counter.
“Sure thing Twilight. So, you wanted to get an iPad right?” She asked, Twilight nodded. “Well alright what were you looking for in a tablet?”
“Well... Could you describe it to me please? I want to know all its features.” Tiffany nodded and began to describe the tablet.
“Well Twilight, The iPad is a very user friendly device that allows you to search the web, listen to your favorite music, take pictures of friends and family or read your favorite stories on.” She lifted one up and presented it to Twilight who took it and levitated it over to her and began tapping the screen with her hoof bringing up the notepad app. “Also, theres the app store where you can download apps for it to add new features to the tablet.”
“Does it have internet access?” She asked. Tiffany looked at Twilight confused blinking a few times when she heard that.
“You have internet in Equestria?” She asked.
“Yes we do Tiffany. Maybe not to the extent you humans have here on earth, but we do have a rather expansive network on my world. Especially in the Equestrial providence.”
“Oh... Well... Yes. Yes we do have a 4g version of the iPad.” She presented Twilight with another tablet. Twilight set the one she had back down on the table and levitated the 4g one up to her and pressed the web browser app on it.
“Very intriguing,” she said scanning over the browser typing in her name in the search field. A second later the results of her search popped up and she scanned over the search results stopping on one, she looked at it. “This site looks interesting.” Tiffany leaned over to see what one she was talking about.
“Equestria Daily eh? That's a big time source for almost everything pony related in our world. Why don’t you click on it?” Twilight nodded and tapped on the link. A second later the banner popped up. Twilight looked at it. It was a picture of Trixie standing on a stage wearing a blue cape with stars on it with a matching pointy magicians hat.
“Well you humans seem to think we walk around naked for some reason,” Twilight said a little disapprovingly. She then scanned down the page taking note of a link called ‘Drawfriends.’ She clicked the link and watched as images of various ponies popped up. Most completely naked wearing no clothing whatsoever. “Celestia! Why do you humans think that just because we have fur covering our bodies that it’s alright to walk around naked? It’s disgusting!”
“Well Twilight,” Tiffany replied trying to calm the lavender mare down. “If you take notice of the pictures, none are displayed with any private parts on their bodies. The show was created for children in mind. And you gotta admit, before today we never actually believed your kind was actually real, it was all a work of fiction.”  Twilight her look of disgust easing, sighed then she held out a hoof.
“I’m sorry Tiffany, I didn’t mean to snap like that.”
“It’s alright Twilight, and I can understand where your concern comes from believe me. But if I were you I’d stay away from FiMFiction for a little bit. You may be in for a shock if you read some of the stories that are on that site.”
“And why is that Tiffany?” Twilight again losing her cool, looked at Tiffany displeased. “More disgusting images of my kind walking around naked or worse?” She snapped raising her voice a bit.
Tiffany bit her lip. “Ehh... Just stay away from it for now alright? Please believe me, I am only thinking in your best interest.” She smiled and Twilight eased her demeanour returning to the tablet.
“It there any site I can go to, to learn about your culture?” She asked, Tiffany nodded.
“Wikipedia is a good place to start, but please take that site for what it is because anyone can edit it. Also you can simply type something into the search engine and it will pop up a bunch of results to your query.”
“Wikipedia,” Twilight said aloud while typing it in. A second later the result came up and she clicked on it. “Oh wow... This is very interesting! I am going to be spending a while on this site thats for sure.”
“That's great so do you like the tablet?”
“Oh yes I do. Can I get this one Kirk?”
“You sure can. And I’ll attach it to the plan my tablet is running so you can always have unlimited internet access with it.” He turned to Tiffany and pulled out his wallet. “Please put Twilight’s tablet on my company card please.” He handed Tiffany his card. She took it and noticed it had a NSA symbol on the front of it. “The service plan will be attached to mine too alright?” Tiffany nodded and started typing on her keyboard adding in the necessary information.
“Give her the highest storage capacity iPad right?” Kirk nodded and Tiffany typed down that information too. “Be right back.” She turned around and bent down to grab a new tablet from the shelf.  Opening the box she pulled out the tablet and turned it on making sure it booted up properly. “Here you go Twilight, enjoy your new iPad!” She handed the device over to Twilight and she happily accepted it floating it in front of her.
“I should've brought my saddlebag with me seeing as now I got to hold this thing.” Twilight said a little upset she had decide to leave her bag back at the hotel.
“That's alright Twilight, I’ll hold on to your tablet until you want to use it okay?”
Twilight nodded smiling. “Thanks Kirk.”
“It’s my pleasure.”  Just then Cronos, Trixie and Aaron walked up.
“Hey Twilight,” Trixie said walking up to her. “You finally pick out a tablet you like?” Twilight nodded and showed Trixie her new device.
 “Here it is Trixie! What do you think of it?” Trixie took the device and levitated it in front of her giving it the once over.
“Very nice Twilight! I hope you are happy with it.”
“Oh yes I am very pleased with it and I can’t wait to start learning about the world of Earth, and the people that populate it.”
“Oh my god!” Tiffany squeaked. “Trixie is here too!” She raced around the counter to Trixie. “You’re my favorite pony Trixie! It’s such an honor to meet you!”
“Heh seems like you are a popular mare around here Trixie.” Chronos commented walking up next to his marefriend.
“Who are you?” Tiffany asked the cobalt equine walking up next to Trixie.
“My name is Chronos, ma’am. What's yours?” He replied holding out a hoof.
“Tiffany, Chronos, and its a pleasure to meet an Alicorn like yourself.”
“I’m not an Alicorn Tiffany. My breed is known as Unisus. Its a cross between unicorn and pegasus.”
“Oh... Well I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t offend you. I apologize if I did.”
Chronos waved a hoof at Tiffany “No no, it's perfectly alright Tiffany, Its an honest mistake.”
“Howdy guys!” Applejack said waving to the group as her and Steve walked up to them, Steve holding a few bags in his hands.
“What did you get Applejack?” Twilight asked.
“Ah got mahself an iPod and a laptop so Ah can download some music later. Ah absolutely adore the music this world has ta offer and Ah can’t wait ta get it on mah iPod so Ah can listen ta it whenever Ah want!” Applejack cheerfully said.
“Applejack here too!? Oh my god! I feel like I could just die right now!” Tiffany beamed walking over to the orange mare. “My name is Tiffany, Applejack, and its a pleasure to meet you!”
“Howdy Tiffany!” Applejack beamed holding out a hoof to her. Tiffany took it and shook her hoof smiling so wide she swore her face would snap in two if another pony walked up to introduce themselves to her.
“Hiya Applejack!  It’s an honor to meet you! And I love the outfit you’re wearing. You look really cute in it.” Applejack blushed and looked away. “Thanks, Tiffany Ah appreciate the compliment.”
“Well girls,” Tiffany said standing up. “I got to get back to work.” She returned to her place behind the counter. “It’s been an honor to meet all of you.”
“You guys ready to leave?” Kirk asked, the four ponies nodded. “ Well lets head on out then.” The group then made their way to the exit waving goodbye to Tiffany as she returned to typing on her computer. when they got to the entrance the employee by the door seeing the badge on Steves belt simply waved them through and they exited the building.
“Well guys,” Jake said breaking off from the group. “I got to be going. Thank you so much for letting me spend some time with you!  And I truly hope we meet again later on.”
“Me too,” Twilight said waving goodbye to him.
“See ya later Chronos! And keep up the skill Trixie!” Aaron said waving goodbye to them. “You are guys are soo awesome! And I can’t wait till I can meet the rest of the mane six!” He turned to follow Jake and the two walked off to their car. With the goodbyes said, the group returned to their Suburban and quickly hopped in getting themselves comfortable.
“Ok guys,” Kirk said turning around to face the group. “Where would you like to go eat at?”
“Well...” Chronos replied looking at the three mares with a smile. “How about we go to a bar and have a few drinks? I am rather parched myself and I am interested in trying some of your worlds mixed drinks.” Kirk hesitated for a moment thinking about the implications of having four drunk ponies on his hands.
“I don’t know about that guys. Are you sure you can handle it? And for that matter are you guys even old enough to drink? It may be different back on your world, but here you need to be at least twenty one to be allowed to drink. Not that you could actually prove that, but at least reassure me you’re old enough.
“Don’t you worry none sugarcube, we are all old enough ta be able  handle our spirits,” Applejack chimed in.
“Well thats good enough for me,” Steve replied. After all, he figured Applejack would have probably be able to hold her own seeing as how he remembered she had brewed cider on her farm on the show. So she was probably capable of having a few of our drinks he thought.
“Alright guys, lets head on out then.” Kirk said turning the key bringing the engine to life. He backed up out of the parking space and then pulled out of the Best Buy parking lot turning into the evening traffic.
****
As they drove down the street Twilight looked out the window at the city lights marveling at the how pretty the city looked at night.
“This city looks really pretty at night,” She said continuing to look out the window. Where are we going by the way?
“It’s a quiet place on the outskirts of the city,” Kirk replied turning at a corner. “They also make some of the best mixed drinks in all Los Angeles. I think you guys will really like it.”
“Alright sounds like a nice place,” Twilight replied and turned to look back out the window watching the passing cars on the opposite side of the road speed by. After about thirty minutes the group pulled into the parking lot of the bar Kirk had recommended. They all hopped out of the suv, the ponies taking a moment to stretch  and then made their way to the building chatting with one another as they walked.
“So Kirk,” Chronos began. “You come to this place often?”
“When ever I am in Los Angeles I try to at least visit this place once during my stay Chronos.”
“Oh, so you don’t actually live in Los Angeles?” Twilight asked. Kirk shook his head.
“No Twilight, I travel around a lot, but thats part of my job in the NSA. I live just outside Phoenix, Arizona.”
“Oh...” Twilight remained quiet for a moment. “Do you have any family?” Kirk nodded.
“Yes Twilight, a wife and daughter.”
“Do you miss them?”
“Well of course I do! But that's another reason why I carry my tablet with me wherever I go.”
“Oh? So you can communicate with them?”
“Yes Twilight, but not just with text.” He pulled out his tablet and clicked on the Facetime app. “This application here allows me to talk with my family face to face anytime I want. So long as their awake that is.”
“That's amazing Kirk! Oh what I wouldn’t give to be able to do that with the Princesses back on Equestria! It would make sending messages so much easier!”
“Well don’t you worry Twilight, I am pretty sure when we get the link established between our worlds, the technology will follow soon afterwards,” he said with a smile, closing the app on his iPad. “But for now lets have a good time shall we?” The four ponies all smiling nodded. “And please, try not to get totally wasted alright?” He chuckled. “I don’t want to have to carry any of you back to the hotel later on.”  The four ponies and Steve laughing at the comment.
When they arrived at the building the group stopped at the door which had no door knob on it.
“Well that's odd,” Steve commented looking at the door.
“It’s a private club Steve,” Kirk replied knocking on the door. “Members only.” A moment later the door opened and a man stood at the doorway.
“Why hello Kirk! Long time no see!” The man happily said greeting the two agents. Kirk return the smile shaking the man's hand.
“Hello Rob, how have you been doing? Its been what? A year now?”
“Yup, and I’ve been doing pretty good yourself? Hows the wife and kid?”
“Doing great! Thanks for asking.”
“So, what brings you out here tonight? NSA still dragging your ass all over the states?” Rob chuckled.
“Yeah... I kinda miss the desk job sometimes, but at least I get to meet some interesting individuals now. Speaking of which.” Kirk stepped aside and held his hand out and the four ponies walked up. Rob looked at the group and laughed.
“They’re some pretty good costumes you kids have there. Where did you get them from?” But a moment later the orange mare trotted up to Rob and gave him a displeased look.
“This is not a costume partner, and Ah am not a kid! Ah’m probably older than y’all are!” Applejack replied and stood up on her hind legs crossing her forelegs letting out a huff. Rob again laughed.
“That's a fancy trick there, but I am not falling for it! There must be a zipper somewhere on that suit!” He walked up to Applejack who was still standing on her hind legs and started searching over her body trying to find the zipper.
“Hey! Easy there bub! Ah’m a might ticklish there!” Sadly though her response fell on deaf ears as Rob started to run his hands up her sides trying to find the imaginary zipper. Applejack broke out in a fit of uncontrolled laughter losing her balance. “Whoa, Whoa! Someone catch me!” She fell over backwards, but luckily Steve was behind her to catch her as she fell.
“Woo! Thanks sugar.”
“No problem Applejack,” Steve replied with a smile and set her down gently on her hooves.
“Uhh Rob, they’re are NOT costumes,” Kirk said. “Don’t you watch the news at all man?” Rob turned to look at Kirk.
“Well not recently. Why? Something going on?” Kirk slapped a hand to his face.
“Yes Rob. These ponies here are actually visitors from another world!”
Rob gave Kirk a skeptical look scratching his head. “Your joking right?” Kirk just looked at him. “Kirk?” A moment later another man emerged from the door after hearing the commotion going on out front.
“Alright what's going on out-” He stopped, and his eyes went wide. “Holy fucking shit!” He paused for a moment looking over the group as they stood about. The man then turned back into the building. “Sam come out here quick! You won’t believe who's out here!” A moment later a female voice was heard coming to the door.
“What is it Charles?” The woman said exiting the building. “What did you want to show...” She stopped and jumped back throwing a hand over her mouth covering her sudden gasp as she saw what he wanted her to see. “Impossible!”
“Hello Samantha, long time no see,” Kirk said waving to her. She took her hand slowly from her mouth and nodded nervously to Kirk.
“Are these... Uhh... Ponies with you?” Kirk nodded. “Am I dreaming here?” Kirk shook his head. Samantha then walked forward and knelt down in front of the lavender mare. “Ar-are you Twilight Sparkle?”
“Yes ma’am, sorry for all the commotion. We don’t mean any harm honestly,” Twilight replied pawing at the ground with a hoof.
Samantha waved the man over that had called her out. “Come over here and say hello to our guest Charles.” The man nodded and walked up to the mare and bowed in a noble fashion.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Twilight Sparkle. My name is Charles McGavin, but you may call me Charlie.”
“And my name is Samantha McGavin, Twilight, but you may call me Sam. And its an absolute pleasure to finally meet you!” She said a little excited.
Twilight blushed at the greeting. “Please, call me Twilight, Sam. And Charlie, please it's Twilight too alright? Miss sounds so old!”
“It will be my pleasure Twilight Sparkle,” Charles replied in a noble fashion getting a punch in the arm from his wife. “OW! What was that for?”
“For being silly,” she chuckled.
“I was only trying to be polite.”
“Anyway,” Samantha said standing up. “Do come in please? It will be an honor to have you as guests at our establishment tonight and the tab is on me.” Twilight smiled and began to introduce her friends.
“Thank you Sam, but let me introduce you to my friends.” She pointed to the couple standing together. “This is Chronos and Trixie Lulamoon.”
“Hello Samantha, hello Charles, it’s a pleasure to meet the two of you,” Trixie said waving a hoof.
“Please Trixie its Sam, and its an honor to meet you too!”
“It’s Charlie, Trixie, and its a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”
“Hello Guys!” Chronos beamed waving a hoof. “It’s a pleasure to meet the two of you.”
“Likewise,” Samantha and Charles said together.
Twilight then turned to the orange mare. “And this is Applejack Apple.”
“Howdy y’all too! Its a pleasure ta meet the two of you!” Applejack replied tipping her hat. Samantha Smiled and walked over to her.
“Well howdy ta y’all too Applejack! Its a pleasure meeting another cowgirl like yerself round these parts.”
“Yer from the country too?” Applejack asked. Samantha nodded smiling.
“Yup, Ah used ta live down round southern Georgia until Ah moved up ta Los Angeles with mah husband here. Ah tend ta keep mah country accent hidden since most folks round here tend ta find it hard ta understand sometimes, but now that yer here Ah feel comfortable that Ah can speak with my accent again.
“And might I add that you sound really sexy when you speak with that accent of yours Sam,” Charles said walking up next to her, putting an arm around her shoulder. Samantha gave him a playful shove.
“Yer just sayin’ that cuz yer tryin’ ta seduce me thats all.” The three laughed. “Anyway, Why don’t y’all come on in? Ah would be happy if y’all would stay awhile and have a good time with us tonight.” The group smiled and followed Sam and Charles into the bar.
****
When they entered the bar the group took notice it was rather quiet with only a few patrons sitting at some booths chatting with one another enjoying their drinks. The four ponies along with Steve and Kirk made their way to the bar and hopped up on the stools.
“So what can Ah get y’all tonight?” Sam asked waking up to the counter.
“Ice tea Sam, I’m the designated driver tonight.” Kirk replied.
“Just some spring water Sam,” Steve added “On duty so no alcohol for me. Sam nodded and turned to the bar behind her and grabbed a glass of spring water for Steve and some Freshly brewed ice tea for Kirk.
“Here ya go fellas.” She handed them their drinks. “And what can Ah get y’all four?”
“Well... Ah’ve never tried human drinks so why don’t ya choose somethin’ fer me Sam?” Applejack asked. Samantha smiled and turned around and began grabbing some bottles and mixing the orange mares drink. She returned to the counter a moment later with her drink and slid it over to her. “What kind of drink is this?”
Samantha smiled. “It’s a drink called an Appletini Applejack, try it, Ah think you’ll like it.” Applejack looked at Samantha with a smug look on her face at the mention of the drink, but simply nodded and picked the glass up taking a sip of the drink.
 “Mmm... Tastes good! Kinda like the cider back on mah world,” Apple replied and gulped down the rest of the drink.
“Now careful Applejack, them drinks will get ya a bit tipsy if ya drink to many of them. Why don’t ya get somethin’ in ya belly before ya go and have more of them drinks?”
“Okay Sam, can Ah see a menu please?”
Sam smiled and handed each of the ponies plus also Steve and Kirk a menu. The six looked over their menus. Steve ordered a turkey sandwich while Kirk got a simple chicken salad.
Twilight taking a few moments to look over the menu settled on a salad “Could I get this garden salad please Sam? And could I also have some shrimp on it too please?”
“I didn’t realize ya like ta eat meat Twilight,” Samantha replied jotting down her order.
“I don’t like red meat Sam, it makes me sick to my stomach. But, one time during a stay in the Griffin Kingdom, Rainbow Dash asked that I try some of the shrimp she had ordered. And I must say I really liked it.”
“Well you ponies are just full of surprises now aren’t y’all.”
Twilight smiled taking a sip of her drink. “Just wait to you get to know the real us. I am sure you will be in for a big surprise!”
“Ah can’t wait!” Samantha said with a smile and turned to ask Chronos and Trixie what they wanted. Chronos ordered a cheesesteak while Trixie asked for chef salad with ham on it. Again Samantha voiced her confusion, but Trixie then told her that being in a relationship with a unisus like Chronos, she had gotten a taste for ham after Chronos had asked her to try some he had ordered on a few occasions. Jotting down the rest of their orders Samantha took their menus and went into the back to help her husband cook up the food. A little while later she emerged with her husband and handed the group their meals and asked if they wanted anything to drink.
Steve and Kirk asked to have there's refilled while Applejack asked to try a glass of Woodpecker cider. Twilight however had wanted to try some wine. So Samantha offered Twilight a try of some White Zinfandel to which Twilight really liked and asked for a glass of it. Chronos and Trixie opted to try a pint of yuengling lager. Finishing their meals the group settled into a booth to chat with the bar owners for the remainder of the evening. Samantha and Charles were excited to hear about the world of Equestria, the real Equestria and not the one that was based off the children's show.
Applejack meanwhile had just downed her third Appletini and was starting to show signs of being a little drunk and she found herself having hard time talking with the group over her fits of giggles. Twilight too after finishing off her bottle of White Zinfandel was obviously showing signs she was pretty tipsy.
“Ah think you two have had enough,” Samantha said, watching the two drunken mares giggle at one another.
“Yeah... Ah think... Ah think yer right there Sam,” Applejack replied swaying a bit.
“Oh Applejack,” Twilight giggled. “You look so funny when you’re drunk.”
“Oh hush you!” Applejack chuckled giving Twilight a playful shove. “Yer drunk too ya silly filly.” The two looked at each other for a moment then busted out laughing at what Applejack had just said.
Chronos and Trixie however were sitting in the back corner just leaning against one another when Trixie began tracing circles in Chronos’s thigh with her hoof causing his wings to flutter a bit.
“You know Chronos,” Trixie said. “Trixie cannot wait till she can get back to the hotel room tonight with you. Trixie will then really show you how much skill Trixie really has,” she said looking up to him with a sultry look on her face. Chronos blushed deeply trying to swallow the lump in his throat. He felt his wings trying to stiffen on his back (among other things trying to stiffen,) and he looked down to Trixie rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
‘Oh boy I can’t wait till we get back to the hotel! I just hope I can keep Trixie under control until we get there.’
As the night went on Twilight and Applejack had gotten up from table and were trying to dance to the music coming from the jukebox as best they could, but being drunk and all was not really helping as the two haphazardly bumbled around giggling at one another. Applejack had grabbed a hold of Twilight and sat her hat on top on Twilight’s head and the two began spinning around until they became too dizzy and fell down laughing on the floor.
“Okay you two.” Kirk said picking Twilight and slinging her over his shoulder. “I think its time we get you two back to the hotel.
“Yeah...” Twilight said out of breath. “I think...” She let out a yawn. “I think I need some sleep.” And with that she passed out on Kirk's shoulder. Kirk looked over his shoulder at the now unconscious pony and chuckled. “Go get Applejack Steve, I don’t think she’s is capable of walking herself.” Steve nodded and got up from the table then went over to the orange pony trying to stand, but failing and slipping falling back on her rump. He went over and picked up her hat which had fallen off Twilights head and set it back on hers.
“I think you dropped something here missy.” Steve chuckled and gently lifted Applejack up setting her on his shoulder.
“Thanks sugarcube, Ah kinda wondered where it had gone.”
Saying their goodbyes the group exited the bar and made their way back to the Suv. The ride back to the hotel was a quiet one as Applejack and Twilight had since fallen asleep. Only Chronos and Trixie were still awake and Chronos was trying his best to keep the horny mare from tearing his clothes off him, and making out right then and there. Steve turning around for a moment to find out what the commotion was began laughing to himself and pulled out his phone calling ahead to the hotel and inform them they were gonna need two more rooms for the night. As they arrived they pulled into the parking garage and parked. Steve and Kirk gently taking the sleeping mares on their shoulders carried them into the extra bedroom they had requested and set them down on the beds then covered them up with blankets.
Closing the door Kirk told Steve he was gonna head downstairs and have a drink at the hotels bar. Steve nodded and told Kirk he would be down to have a nightcap with him in a minute. Kirk then left down the hall and disappeared into the elevator. Steve turned back for a second and watched as Chronos and Trixie emerged from the staircase.
“Here ya go you two.” Steve tossed Chronos the keys for the second bedroom he had called ahead for. “It’s right down the hall. Room 402.” Chronos nodded and caught the keys in mid air and made his way to the room closely followed by a lustful Trixie. Turning the key Chronos pushed open the door and beckoned Trixie to enter. She smiled and walked by running her tail across his face. He blushed as he took in her sent when she brushed her tail across his nose, and this time he couldn't resist keeping his wings down and they popped up with an audible poomf. He looked at Steve who was laughing and just shrugged with a smirk.
“Go get her.” Steve chuckled turning towards the elevator. Chronos nodded with a smile and hurried into the room closing the door levitating a ‘Do not disturb’ tag over the door knob. ‘What a wild night.’ Steve thought to himself entering the elevator and pushing the button for the lobby. ‘I know someone is going to have a headache in the morning.’

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     A Joint Negotiation Fosters a Friendly Assocation     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
A Joint Negotiation Fosters a Friendly Assocation
Chapter Four
A Joint Negotiation Fosters a Friendly Association
Steve rolled over in his bed as the alarm sounded. Reaching over he slammed his hand down on the clock silencing the infernal wail of the alarm. Sitting up, he took a moment to run his hands down his face afterwards letting out a breath. ‘What time is it?’ He thought to himself glancing over at the clock. On the now silent device in clear red digital numbers it read six thirteen.
Taking a moment to rub the sleepiness from his eyes, Steve stood up and made his way to the bathroom to take care of some early morning business. Exiting the bathroom a few moments later, Steve took notice Kirk was up and drinking a cup of coffee while reading something on his tablet. “Are the girls up yet?” He asked taking a seat at the table.
“Dunno,” Kirk replied taking a sip of his coffee. “Why don’t you go and check?” Nodding Steve pushed down on his thighs standing up and made his way to the door. “Check on Chronos and Trixie too while you're at it. We need to get them ready for the flight to Washington.”
“What time is the flight?” He asked stopping at the door.
“Ten thirty, but I’d like to be at the airport a couple hours before the flight because I know we’ll run into problems when we enter the airport with our guests.”
“Problems?”
“Well not problems per say, more like excessive attention which will probably take us awhile to wade through.”
“Ah, I got ya. Why don’t you call ahead and let your people know what time we’re arriving so they can help us avoid some of it?”
“No it’s alright. More exposure is not gonna hurt anything. And besides, The plane will wait however long it takes for us to arrive.”
“Well thats good,” Steve replied turning back for the door. “Be right back.” He exited to the hallway. Walking down the hall for a moment Steve finally came to the door of the two girls he and Kirk had helped to bed last night. Knocking a few times the doorknob then became enveloped in a purple aura and it swung open.
“Good morning Steve,” Twilight said. She was sitting at the table wearing a cute pair of purple pajamas with yellow stars and white moons scattered all over it. A pair of reading glasses sitting snugly on her snout. Her mark and horn glowing faintly as she typed on her tablet. “Come on in and have a seat. I brewed a pot of coffee If you would like some.”
“Applejack awake yet?”
“Yeah sugar, Ah’m awake,” she sleepily mumbled trotting out from the bedroom wearing a green pair of pajamas with apples all over it. Her mane was ruffled and disheveled lacking her tell tale red hair band and stetson.  Steve smiled, jokingly throwing a hand over his heart.
“Jeeze girls you trying to give me a heart attack?” The two mares looked at him confused.
“What?” Applejack softly replied rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
“Are you alright Steve?” Twilight asked, looking a little concerned.
“I’m fine girls, just trying to say you two look so adorable in them pajamas that you could stop my heart with the cuteness.”
Twilight blushed looking away bashfully, while Applejack simply rolled her eyes then walked up and took a seat at the table.
“We ordered room service this mornin’ Steve if yer interested in grabbin’ a bite ta eat,” Applejack said tossing Steve a subtle smile and set some waffles down on a plate in front of her. She then reached for the syrup and poured some of it over her waffles. “Could ya hand me some of those hash browns Twilight?” Twilight smiled nodding, and levitated the bowl of food over to Applejack.
“So Steve,” said Twilight looking over to him. “Would you like something to eat?”
“Yeah sure, but give me a moment I need to check on Chronos and Trixie.” He replied turning for the door. Just then Chronos walked through the door wearing only his t-shirt and shorts. Trixie walking through shortly after wearing a cute light blue pair of pajamas covered in a sparkling mist. A matching night cap on top of her head. “Oh good morning Chronos, sleep well?” He joked. Trixie and Chronos looked at each other and smiled pulling one another into an embrace.
“Wonderfully,” they simultaneously replied dreamily. Steve looked at the two and chuckled afterwards returning to Twilight and Applejack taking a seat at the table.
“Have a seat you two,” Twilight said smiling at the couple standing at the door sharing a quick kiss. “We ordered breakfast for everyone.”
“Sweet! I’m starved!” Chronos replied licking his lips and rushed over to the table.
“I wish you had all that energy last night!” Trixie sarcastically remarked taking a seat at the table. Chronos rolled his eyes and sat down taking a seat next to his marefriend.
“Funny, I remember it was you stopping to take breaks fairly often last night,” Chronos quipped pouring himself some orange juice.
“Thats only because Trixie had to do all the work!” She snapped back.
“Well you're the one that wanted to be on to-”
“HEYYY!! Come on guys!” Steve yelled, “Do we really need a play-by-play? I am trying to eat here.”
“Yeah Chronos,” Trixie said. “Trixie doesn’t understand why you’re so hungry, Trixie thought she gave you enough to eat last night!”
“Uhhh... Celestia! Ah did notneed ta hear that!” Applejack groaned, throwing a hoof to her face.
“Well there goes my appetite,” Steve admitted pushing his plate away. “I think I’ll just take some of that coffee Twilight. Twilight?” He turned to look at the lavender mare. She was simply staring at her tablet with her head resting on a hoof, the other one slowly scrolling down the tablet’s screen. “Twilight are you even listening to what I am saying?” For a few moments there was no reply.
“Hmmm? You say something Steve?” Twilight finally responded, not taking her attention off the tablet. Steve pressed a hand to his face, slowly sliding it downwards.
“Twilight... Were you even listening to what was being said?” He asked. Again nothing.
“Yeah... Uhh... Sure... Uhh... What did you say again?” She asked finally taking her eyes off the tablet to look up at him.
“Way ta go Steve, Ya dun turned mah friend into a technology zombie.” Applejack observed looking at Twilight who had returned to her tablet, and was again ignoring the others.
“It’s not like she wasn’t addicted to something already! Only this time she doesn’t have to lug around a library full of books.” Steve pointed out. Applejack just looked him then sighed, shaking her head and returned to her food.
“So Steve,” Chronos spoke up trying to break the mood. “When do we head to the airport?”
“Well we are gonna probably leave around eight o'clock so we can arrive early. So that gives us a couple hours to get ready.”
“Well that sounds reasonable,” said Chronos. “I bet you girls are excited to hear we’re going to be flying eh?”
“Honestly, Yeah. Ah am pretty excited ta go flyin’ in one of yer flying machines. What did y’all humans call it again?”
“A jet Applejack,” Steve replied taking a sip of his coffee. “And not just any jet from what Kirk has been telling me.”
“Oh? What’s so special about this one?” Twilight asked looking up from her tablet. “I’ve been reading about the many kinds of flight machines you humans have and I have to say, I am very impressed with your kinds capability of mastering flight, and with such huge machines too.”
“Well thanks for the compliment Twilight, but sadly Kirk did not divulge the information to me on exactly what  kind of jet we were using, but he did say you four would probably enjoy the flight on it. Also, it will be a private flight so it will be a smooth ride to the capital thankfully.
“Aww... Well that stinks. Still, at least it gives me something to go on,” she replied quickly returning to her tablet.
Steve leaned over to Applejack holding a hand up to his face. “We’re probably not gonna hear from her till we leave are we?” Applejack glanced over briefly to her lavender friend who was methodically scanning over her tablet in the hopes she could find anything about the jet they were going to be flying in.
She turned back to Steve shaking her head with a smirk. “Nope, probably not.”
Steve returned the gesture getting up from the table. “Well guys I am going to go check back with Kirk, you four go ahead and eat your breakfast then get yourselves ready and I’ll see you all in an hour alright?”
“Sounzs gud Steve,” Chronos mumbled talking with a mouth full of food.
“Jeeze Chronos, where are your manners?” Trixie said giving him a displeased look. “You know you’re not supposed to talk with your mouth full of food.”
Chronos swallowed his food then looked at Trixie, “Shit sorry! Oops! I mean... Uhh... Yeah...  Uhh... Oh darn it!” He threw a hoof to his face it was too late Trixie was again looking at him questionably.
“Theres that word again Chronos. I think during the plane trip you and I are going to have a long talk about the terminology and phrases you have learned here during your stay. You got that mister?” She stared Chronos down causing the stallion to drop his head and nod solemnly.
 “Yes Ma’am.”
“Good.” Trixie then got up from the table and made her way for the door. “I’m going to go get cleaned up and dressed for the flight. See you in a little while girls.” She trotted to the door turning back for a moment to give her coltfriend a sultry look batting her eyelashes at him. Chronos looked up from his food for a moment and caught the look, his eyes going wide at the notion. He smiled brightly nodding.
“Well I guess I should be getting ready too,” Chronos said getting up from the table a little hastily. He quickly made his way to the door following his marefriend as she left to the hallway giving a quick waggle of her rump as she disappeared from the doorway.
“Just be ready when we call!” Steve yelled down the hall to Chronos. The blue stallion turned around and nodded just before dashing into his hotel room. Steve laughed at the hasty gesture as he made his way back to his hotel room.
****
With all their early morning business taken care of and bellies full of food, the group waited patiently as Kirk went to get the suburban for their trip to the airport. But to their surprise a moment later he pulled around the corner in a large cargo style van.
“What do you think fellas?” Kirk said hopping out of the van and walking around to slide the passenger door open. “I made a call yesterday after Twilight voiced her concern about the uncomfortableness the suburban was for your kind. So my agency had this van custom modified to make the trip a lot more comfortable for you four.” Upon sliding the door back the four ponies indeed found that the van was changed rather significantly.
The seats had been removed and lower bench seats had been installed with some (as best as they could imagine) seatbelts. Also, the floor was carpeted with a nice fluffy rug, and the walls were covered with a nice blue colored paneling, some outlets had also been installed by the seats along with slide out tables. Twilight was the first to hop in and take a look around.
“Oh wow Kirk, this was very nice of you!” She found it easy to hop onto the seat and it was very comfy, with extra padding added for increased comfort. The table was also clearly designed so a pony (in this rare case) was able to pull it around to them with ease. “Come on guys hop in you’ll find there's plenty of room!” She smiled, pulling out the table and setting her tablet on it.
A moment later Applejack hopped in and laid down on the back seat resting her head on the pillow. “Wake me up when we arrive, Ah’m still a might tired and Ah am gonna catch a few ZZZ,” she stated letting out a yawn and placed her stetson over her face quickly falling asleep.
Trixie and Chronos were the final two to hop in and they took the middle seat which was placed long ways against the side of the vans body. This allowed the four ponies to comfortably talk with one another without having to keep looking over each others seats or look over their shoulder to talk with one another.
“Thanks for the new ride Kirk,” said Trixie. “We really appreciate how generous and kind you have been to us, and we cannot wait to further this relationship with your kind when we meet with your heads of state to inform them of our plans for the Gateway project.”
“The pleasure is all mine Trixie, I was upset seeing you four sitting so uncomfortably in that suburban. The moment I had a chance I placed a call to my office to have the nearest custom shop convert a van so your ride would be more comfortable. So sit back and relax fellas, we should arrive at the airport in about forty five minutes.” The four nodded and made themselves comfortable as Steve hopped into the passenger's seat.
“All set Kirk,” Steve said closing the door. “Let’s get moving.” Kirk nodded and asked the ponies to strap in as he headed out of the parking lot into the morning traffic.
****
The drive to the airport was rather uneventful aside from the painfully slow traffic, not much was said. Applejack spent the trip sleeping comfortably on the back seat occasionally shifting herself around to find a more comfortable position, Trixie and Chronos spent most of the trip discussing the terms and sayings he had learned on his time on Earth. Twilight spent the trip mostly to herself reading her tablet, occasionally being interrupted by the sudden gasps coming from Trixie as Chronos continued to fill her in on his newfound vocabulary. Eventually Applejack was stirred awake by someone gently nudging her on her shoulder. She rolled over to see it was Steve.
“Wakey, wakey sleepy head, we’re here.”
“She smiled and sat up stretching her forelegs letting out a huge yawn then scratched her sides. “Mmm... Okay sugar, just give me a second alright?” She sleepily mumbled again letting out another yawn then swung her hind legs around and sat up right on the seat.
Steve smiled and nodded giving her a quick back rub eliciting a quiet moan from the mare. “Alright Applejack, take your time, we’ll be outside waiting for you.” He then stood up and hopped out of the van.
“Is she up?” Kirk asked.
“Yep, she said to give her a second.”
A moment later Applejack hopped out of the van landing on wobbly hooves. She looked up covering her eyes shielding them with a foreleg. She was still adjusting to the brightness of the early morning sun. “Ah’m awake,” She groggily mumbled walking up to the group giving Steve a warm smile. “Let’s get moving, the cool morning air will wake me up.” The group looked at Applejack and nodded, then made their way to the airports terminal.
“So Kirk,” said Twilight walking up to beside him. “What kind of plane are we taking? We’re here so why not  let us know?” Kirk looked down to Twilight and smiled.
“Well alright no sense in keeping it a secret anymore.” He pointed to a small plane sitting off by itself. “There is our ride to the capital.” The group of ponies looked over at the plane as did Steve, but Steve looked at the plane somewhat confused scratching his head.
“Looks like an ordinary business class private jet Kirk, am I missing something here?”
“You are  partially correct Steve, the plane is a business class, but it is anything but ordinary.”
“Oh? What makes it so special?” Twilight asked.
“This particular aircraft is a prototype plane our agency has been testing for awhile now. This plane is capable of supersonic transit and will get us to the capital in about four hours.”
“Ow wow thats pretty sweet! I bet Rainbow Dash would be impressed with this wouldn’t she?” Steve asked.
“Nah, knowing Dash she would only want ta race the darn thing or something.”
“Yeah I guess you’re right Applejack, she is kinda the headstrong type isn’t she?”
“More than ya could ever know Steve,” Applejack replied with a smile.
“Well lets get going fellas,” Kirk said. “We were scheduled to land in D.C at around two o’clock, so lets not dilly dally around out here. The group nodded and made their way to the inside of the terminal.
Inside the terminal the place was anything but quiet. People coming and going rushing around to make their flights, some sitting and watching the screens and some waiting for their luggage to show up on the carousel. Thankfully though as most were too busy getting where they needed to be they for the most part ignored the group.
“Where is our gate Kirk?” Steve asked looking around.
“Gate five is where we need to go, but I am not sure if its on the upper or lower level. I need to find a map so I can get the layout of this place.”
“Ah think Ah see a map over there Kirk.” Applejack said pointing to a kiosk off in the distance. Kirk looked over in the direction she was pointing to and nodded smiling.
“Yup that's just what I need. Thanks Applejack.” He then walked over to the kiosk and scanned over the map looking for the ‘you are here’ marker. “Ok guys... It seems we need to head down to the lower level according to this map. So we need to take the escalator here,” he noted pointing to a symbol of a staircase. “Then we’ll find our gate at the end of the hall.”
Nodding the group agreed and proceeded to head for the escalator, but unknowing to them sitting off at a Starbucks was a group of journalist sipping their early morning coffee waiting for their flight to arrive.
“Hey, has our flight arrived yet?” The one journalist asked the other.
“No Anthony, and you only just asked me that like five minutes ago what makes you think anything has changed in five minutes?”
“Sorry Wayne, I guess I was just getting a little impatient. I guess I am just wanting to get out of this city.”
“Yeah I hear ya. It’s been a real drag and we haven’t had a good story to write about in a while. I hope we get something soon or we’ll need to start looking for a new line of work.”
“Don’t worry Wayne, I’m sure something will come up. I can feel it.”
Wayne nodded taking a sip of his coffee. “I hope you’re right.” Wayne said spinning around in his seat. “I’m gonna go check on our flight status, I’ll be right back.” Anthony nodded waving his hand not really paying attention while watching the news on a tv. Wayne got up from the concept and made his way over to the kiosk that was broken up into three parts.
One part of it was a layout of the entire airport, another was just some  random advertisements and the last was a list of incoming, outgoing and delayed flights. Wayne was about halfway to the kiosk when he stopped dead in his tracks and stared at the sight he was witnessing. Four of what he could only describe as miniature horses dressed in clothing were chatting away with a couple men standing at the kiosk looking over the map.
He quickly made his way back to his partner and tapped him on the shoulder not taking an eye off the group of ponies standing at the kiosk.
“Anthony, you gotta check this out man!”
“What is it Wayne? Has our flight been delayed again?” He asked not taking his attention off the tv.
“No man! It’s... Well I don’t know what it is, but it’s surely a story if I ever saw one.”
Anthony spun around in his seat. “What are you talking about?” He asked. Wayne pointed in the direction of what he was talking about and Anthony smiled chuckling a bit “Thats what's so important? It just looks like a bunch of kids dressed up in costumes from that convention that was going on yesterday. No big story I see there, that is unless you're into that stuff,” he mused.
Wayne rolled his eyes. “Well I am going to go over there and talk to them Anthony, it could turn out be a interesting story and besides, it’s not like we’re going anywhere since our flight has still not arrived, so come on humor me.”  Anthony shrugged getting up and following his partner over to the group.  “Excuse me! Can we have a word with you guys?” Wayne asked walking up to the group of ponies.
“Hello there,” Twilight said turning around greeting the two. “Can we help you?”
“We just wanted to ask you some questions, and may I say those costumes are amazing! At first I thought I was staring at a bunch of ponies wearing clothing.”
“Umm this is no costume bub,” Applejack replied a little aggravated.
“Heh...  Yeah sure, and you expect me to believe that I am right now talking to a bunch of ponies right?” Anthony laughed.
“And why is that so hard ta believe mister?”
“Well because talking ponies don’t exist on Earth.”
“Thats true Sir,” Twilight pointed out. “But we don’t come from this world.”
Anthony looked at the lavender pony for a moment trying to hold back his laughter, but he stopped when he took notice this particular pony had a horn jutting from her head. “Thats a unique feature if I do say so myself.”
“What is that?” She asked.
“Your head,” Anthony said pointing at the protrusion. “Theres a horn sticking out of it.”
“Well yeah, I am a unicorn after all.” Twilight replied.
“Oh really? Then I suppose you can do all kinds of magic right?” He laughed.
“Well actually it’s called Mana, and yes, I can do all kinds of stuff, but I really don’t like showing off so I’m sorry.”
“Sure, sure,” he yawned looking at his watch. “So how was that convention?”
“What convention?” She asked.
“You know the one you came from it’s the reason you’re wearing that silly get up right?”
Twilight looked  at him raising an eyebrow, “Excuse me?”
“Oh come on now don’t play coy, you know you were there just look at those silly pony outfits you are all wearing.”
Twilight simply looked at the guy displeased. She didn’t say a word. She just walked off returning to her friends.
“Aren’t you being a little rude Anthony?” Wayne whispered to him.
“Nah, I am just killing some time messing with these kids.”
“We’re not children mister, and Ah am beginning ta get a little annoyed with yer attitude.”
Anthony glanced over to Applejack waving his hand dismissing her comment. “Pfft... So the hick is getting a little upset because she’s mad she’s being called out for what she is? And for the record the hat totally clashes with that outfit you’re wearing little lady.” The last part he said with a sarcastic snip in his voice.
“You Sir are tryin’ mah patience,” she snapped back raising her tone a bit.
“Oh I am sooo... Scared,” he laughed. “What are ya gonna do? Blow your top on me? Careful though you may ruin that stupid get up if you do.”
“Anthony,” Wayne said cutting in. “I think we should go. You were right, its just a bunch of kids, and grumpy ones at that. Lets head on back our flight should have arrived by now.”
“Thats right go on git! We don’t appreciate y’all two making fun of us fer no apparent reason other than ta just get some cheap laughs. Now shoo! Go take yer immature show somewhere else!” She snapped waving her hoof dismissing the two.
Wayne snapped his head back looking at the the orange mare angrily as she was turning back to her group. “You’re lucky you’re just a kid because someone needs to teach a little shit like you some manners!”
“What did ya call me?” Applejack asked turning around for a moment.
“An immature whiny little shit! Why? You want to make something of it?”
“Ah done told ya bub, Ah am no kid! Ah’m probably older than y’all are! And at least Ah can act my own age and not  throw cheap threats and insults! Now if yer finished Ah have my friends Ah need ta return to. Good Day!” She snapped flipping up her nose at the two and turned around walking back to her friends, but before she made it back to them something collided with the back of her head sending her toppling head over hooves onto the floor.
“Seems like you should lay off the caffeine bitch!” Wayne joked after he had tossed his full cup of coffee at the poor orange mare soaking her with it. “Lets see you get that stain out of that stupid get up!” He laughed running off to meet with his partner.
“Applejack! Are you okay? Steve yelled running over to the now soaked orange mare. He was really concerned that the coffee may have burned her, but to his relief after checking her over she was alright.
“Yeah... Ah’m okay just a little wet,” Applejack replied looking up to Steve smiling. “Thanks fer the concern sugar.”
“Applejack what happened? Are you alright? They didn’t hurt you did they?” Twilight asked walking up and sitting next to her.
“Yeah Twi, Ah’m okay, and ta tell ya what happened, remember them two journalist that walked up ta us?”
“You mean them very rude men we just met a moment ago?”
“Yes Twlight,” Applejack nodded. “Well... That one called Wayne threw his drink at me and hit me with it. Ah wasn’t ready for it so Ah lost mah balance when it hit me and Ah tripped and fell over. But don’t ya worry, Ah’m just a little wet thats all.”
“Applejack, what happened to you?” Kirk asked walking over after Steve had called him.
“Some punks went and hit me with a cup of coffee. Luckily it was not really hot as most of it hit me in the head,” she replied ringing out her shirt.
“Come on fellas,” Kirk said standing up. “Applejack, you can change into a dry pair of clothes when we get on the plane alright?  There should be some towels on the plane so you can dry yourself off.”
“Thanks Kirk, Ah appreciate that.”
“No problem Applejack.”
Just then Kirks phone rang. Taking it out of his pocket he answered it and for a few moments he listened in on what the other person was saying. Finally after a few minutes more had passed he let out a breath and put the phone back into his pocket.
“What’s the problem Kirk?” Twilight asked.
“Well our original flight has been canceled due to technical problems which have grounded the plane.”
“So how are we going to get to the capital now?”
“Well my agency has booked us on a flight to the capital on a private class boeing 737, but the flight will now take about six hours.”
“Well that’s ok Kirk, Ah’m alright with that,” Applejack said.
“Why is that Applejack?” Steve asked. “I thought you would be a little more upset seeing as now you’ll be missing out on a cool flight.”
“Maybe, but now that Ah’m soakin wet Ah need a place ta change my clothes, and Ah would like some privacy when Ah well... Ya know.”
“Heh... I get it, don’t want none of us guys here peeking at ya eh?” He chuckled nudging her with his elbow. She looked at him for a second and then quickly turned away, and he could swear she was blushing. “Is there something wrong Applejack?”
“No no, nothing's wrong. It’s just...” She pulled her hat down over her face. She was nervous about what she wanted to ask, so she opted to just try a simple test. “Ah think we best get goin’. Ah’m starting ta catch a chill here,” she said putting her hat back on her head and got up to walk away, but not before subtly running her tail across his leg as she walked off.
“Well that was awkward,” he said standing up. “I wonder what’s got into her?”
“I think she likes you Steve,” Twilight said walking up to him.
“What?! W-why would you think that?”
“Well that thing she did with her tail.”
“Yeah what about it? I just figured it kinda brushed up against my leg as she walked by.”
Twilight rolled her eyes chuckling to herself. “Oh Steve, you’ve got a lot to learn about us mares.”
“Really... Well why don’t you fill me in Twilight.”
“Well... That little tail thing, it’s a subtle move some mares do to gauge the stallions or in your case humans response.”
“Response to what? ...Oh no, you don’t mean?”
Twilight nodded with a smile on her face. “I think you should go talk to her. She obviously has a crush on you.”
“Really? Well damn, I never would've thought, but still... I am a little hesitant about this Twilight.”
“And why is that Steve? It’s not because she’s a mare and not a human is it? Because I find that excuse pretty disrespectful honestly. We’re not animals you know. I can tell you this, back on Equestria many different types of species mate, and we never had a problem for the most part with interspecies relationships. So I don’t see why you’re having this issue.”
“It’s not all about that Twilight, you also have to remember my job and mainly our culture as a whole. Relationships with your kind will be possibly frowned upon on my world simply because you look like animals. Now even though you guys are not in that category in anyway shape or form, many will still simply judge things on how they see it face value. Do you understand what I am talking about now?”
Twilight nodded. “I see what you’re talking about Steve, fundamentalism. You feel your kind is so entrenched in its ways that any change will be seen as an attack on its ideals. But this is still no excuse for hiding the fact that YOU yourself may find attraction to another species and a sentient one at that.”
“W-what? What in the world would make you think I am Twilight?”
Twilight crossed her forelegs staring at Steve a bit disapprovingly. “Oh come now Steve, I didn’t just fall off the wagon yesterday you know. I’ve seen the little gestures you have been tossing Applejacks way, and from what I have learned from reading definitely points to you having a thing for her.”
“But... but...”
Twilight sighed holding out a hoof. “Look... It’s going to be a long flight to the capital. I’ll talk to the others to giving you some privacy with her. Talk to her at least that’s all I ask alright?”
“Alright Twilight, I’ll do that.”
Twilight smiled and walked back to her friends and explained the situation (away from Applejack of course.) Steve meanwhile was hanging back as the group headed to the gate where their plane was waiting. He was so wrapped up in thought that he didn’t notice Kirk had doubled back and was walking along side of him.
“Having some trouble Steve?” Kirk asked.
“You could say that Kirk.”
“Does this trouble include a certain orange colored mare?”
“You don’t miss much do you?”
Kirk chuckled shaking his head. “Not much. So what’s the problem?”
“Well it seems Applejack has a crush on me.”
“And I assume you are interested in her to right?”
“Well... heh, I guess you could say that.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
Steve looked at Kirk and blinked. He didn’t for one second expect a response like that. Especially from Kirk. “You’re alright with this Kirk? Because I’m like totally freaking out. What about my job? How would they take this? How would people in general take this if they found out?”
“Well about your job. As far as I have heard you are no longer working for the FBI.”
“WHAT?! Have I been fired? What’s going on?”
“No. You have not been fired from anything. Call it a promotion if you will.”
Steve looked at Kirk scratching his head. “Promotion? I don’t get it. What are you talking about?”
“You are the first responder to our guests from another world, and due to your experience with them you have been selected to be the United States diplomatic relations expert to them, and for the time being you are also their personal liaison.
“Diplomatic relations expert? But how? My knowledge to these ponies is pretty much related to a show that really doesn’t reflect them in anyway.”
“You’re wrong Steve. Just because your experience is based on what it is doesn’t mean that you’re totally out of the loop. Twilight herself has told me many times that even though the show depicts her kind for the most part as incorrect, there is a lot that is very similar. Now, if the Gateway project is approved, you will be the first human selected to go over to Equestria and learn about their culture. You also will be one of the members of the embassy that will be set up once the link has been established.
“And who gives a shit about what people think of you? You need to drop this stupid fundamentalistic idea that its wrong to find attraction in these equestrians. We live in modern times Steve, and change is going to happen. Especially now that a sentient race has made contact with humanity.”
Steve looked at Kirk and deep down he thought, ‘You know Kirk, you’re right. I need to drop this stupid reluctance and fundamentalistic idea that what I feel is wrong and that I should be hesitant about it.’ He smiled and nodded shaking Kirk’s hand. “Thank you Kirk, for the pep talk, and I’ll try my best in my new job and not let you guys down.”
“Well it’s going to be a long flight Steve, so you got some time to think. But, I think you need to spent that time with a ‘certain somepony’ and have a little talk with her.”
“Yeah, I think you’re right.” Steve replied.
“Thats good to hear Steve, now lets catch up with the others shall we?”
Steve nodded and then the two agents quickly caught up with the rest of the group and made their way to the terminal where their plane was waiting for them.
****
As they entered the plane Twilight, Chronos, Trixie and Applejack looked around in awe at the massive size of the aircraft. Never before had they seen a vehicle so large and one that was capable of flight. They took the next few moments exploring the plane as Kirk went and checked in with the pilots.
“Hello fellas my name is Kirk Italie, but you can call me Kirk.”
“Hello Kirk, my name is Victor Rentalis  and I’ll be your pilot this morning.”
“Hello Victor, where is everyone else?” Kirk asked looking around noticing the lack of a co-pilot.
“My co-pilot is on his way, he should be here shortly. Also, I wanted to ask why is the flight taking off with only six passengers? I am not complaining mind you, but it just seems odd.”
“Did my agency fill you in on any details?”
“No. I was only told I would be flying a bunch of foreign dignitaries to the capital and that was it.”
“Well take a break there for a moment and come back and say hello to our guest.”
Victor nodded getting up and following Kirk back into the passenger compartment. When they arrived Victor stopped and stared at the four ponies milling around on the couches chatting with one another about the plane.
“Hmm... Ponies, and talking ones at that.” He turned and looked at Kirk. “What’s going on here?”
“These are the dignitaries you are tasked with transporting to the capital. They hail from a faraway world called Equestria.” Kirk turned to the four and motioned for them to come over. “Come over and introduce yourself guys.”
Twilight was the first to come over and smiled holding out a hoof. “Hello my name is Twilight Sparkle and it’s a pleasure to meet you sir.”
Victor smiled and knelt down taking her hoof shaking it. “My name is Victor Twilight, and it’s an honor to meet a being from another world.”
“And these are my friends Victor,” Twilight said holding out a hoof to the three ponies walking up to her.
“Howdy Victor, it’s a pleasure ta meet ya, and might Ah say this is a mighty fine plane yer flying here.”
“Why thank you Applejack, but I must ask, what happened to you?” He asked looking over the mare. She was still rather soaked from the coffee thrown on her and she reeked of it to.
“Some punk in the terminal went and threw a cup of coffee at me after Ah had a argument with them.”
“That’s was so rude of them! Did you report them for it?”
“No. They went and ran off before Ah could tell Kirk or Steve here.”
“Don’t worry Applejack,” Steve said walking up to her then kneeling down placing a hand on her shoulder. “I made a call to airport security for them to check the security cameras and find the two scumbags that went and did that to you. I believe they were thrown out of the airport and fined for assaulting you.”
“Why thanks Steve, I truly appreciate that.” She said smiling at him. “But they didn’t hurt me so why an assault charge?”
“It’s only a misdemeanor Applejack, so they will be left off with a small fine. Plus I was not going to let get them away with it. You’re lucky, you could of been hurt pretty badly if that coffee was hot.”
“Guess Ah’m fortunate Ah had a good friend like you ta be there for me eh?” She winked  nudging him with her elbow.
Steve then leaned in to whisper into her ear. “Yeah, and I have been meaning to have a talk with you about that.”
Applejack eyes went wide and she looked away feeling a little nervous of what he had said. Was her gesture taken the right way? Did Steve really have similar feeling for her as she did for him? She didn’t know and it was really making her nervous. However, as she was thinking this she was completely oblivious to the fact most were staring at her wondering why she was spacing out. It only took Steve nudging her on her shoulder to snap her out if it.
“You alright there Applejack? You kinda spaced out there for a moment.”
“Yeah, sorry about that Steve.” She turned to look at the pilot. “Excuse me Victor, but do ya have a place on this plane Ah can go an clean up?”
Victor nodded. “Sure do Applejack, there’s a bedroom in the very back of the plane. It even has a shower you can use to wash off all that coffee spilled on you. Help yourself.”
She smiled and walked off heading to the back of the plane.
“What are you waiting for?” Twilight said looking at Steve. “Go on, here’s your chance. Go and talk to her.”
Steve sighed and stood up ‘Well here goes.’ He then slowly walked off heading to the back of the plane.
When the group finished up with their greetings the pilot returned to the cockpit and was going through his preflight checklist. He was told that the co-pilot would not be joining them on the flight due to him being needed elsewhere. This was not a big issue as the Victor was more than capable of handling the plane himself, but he asked Kirk to stay with him in the cockpit to handle communications with his agency.
Finished with his checklist, Victor got on to the comms and alerted the ponies that they would be taking off shortly, and that they should take their seats for lift off. Applejack taking her time heading to the back of the plane didn’t make it to the rear before Victor came on the loudspeaker and said that they would be taking off soon. She hopped into a chair as the plane was taxiing on the runway and was fiddling with the seatbelt when Steve walked into the room.
“Having trouble there Applejack?” He chuckled walking up to her.
“Yeah, could ya help me with this darn seatbelt? Ah’m havin’ a bit of trouble here.”
Steve nodded kneeling down in front of her and pulled the seat belt around her waist then clipped it together over her belly. “Not too tight is it?” He asked. She looked at him blushing a bit.
“N-no its fine. Thanks sugar.”
Steve nodded and stood up taking the seat next to her buckling himself in.
“So Steve, what did ya want ta talk with me about?” Applejack asked with a little nervousness in her voice.
“Well Applejack, I wanted to talk with you about...” He stopped and chuckled nervously rubbing the back of his neck. “This is kinda hard now that I think about it.”
Applejack frowned and looked down. “It’s ok sugar, Ah kinda felt ya might feel this way. Ah’m sorry if Ah am making ya feel uncomfortable,” she said the last part with a pain in her voice sniffling a bit.
“What? No! No Applejack, don’t be like that. I am just a little nervous thats all. Come on, look at me please.”
Applejack looked up to Steve a little misty eyed and smiled. “Heh... Ah guess Ah kinda jumped the gun as you humans would say.”
“Just a tad,” Steve chuckled. “But how about we put this on hold until you have a chance to get out of them soaking wet clothes and get yourself cleaned up.” He offered. Applejack then got a devious idea in her head and looked at him with a sly smile.
“Ah bet ya just can’t wait till Ah go and get mahself undressed eh Steve?” She chuckled nudging him with her elbow.
Steve looked at Applejack pressing a hand to his face. “Jeeze Applejack, you’re killing me here.”
 Applejack looked at Steve and laughed. “Oh Ah’m just teasing ya sugar. Maybe...”
Steve sighed rolling his eyes. “It’s going to be a long flight,” he groaned resting his head in his hands.
****
“This is flight four sixteen taxiing to runway eight, requesting permission for take off.” Victor clicked in on his headset.
“Roger that. This is tower to flight four sixteen, runway eight is clear. You are clear for take off.”
“Roger that tower,” Victor replied. He then reached up and clicked on the intercom. “This is your pilot speaking. We will be soon taking off for the flight to Maryland, I estimate our time of arrival in Baltimore/Washington International airport is to be about six hours. I ask you to set your trays in the upright position and buckle yourself in for lift off.”
 He clicked off the intercom and throttled down the engines making some last minute checks of the planes instruments. Satisfied, he slowly pushed the throttle forward lowering the flaps. Steadily increasing in speed, the plane made it’s way along the runway vibrating a little bit until a sudden ‘clunk’ was felt, and the plane started its ascent upwards banking a little to the right.
Applejack sitting in her seat was enjoying the feeling of the airplane as it began its ascent, that is until she felt a sinking feeling and looked over nervously to Steve. Voicing her concern, Steve simply told her it was just the planes flaps being retracted to allow the plane to accelerate faster. Sighing in relief, Applejack reclined back in her seat enjoying the rest of the climb to cruising altitude.
*Ding* “This is your pilot speaking. We have reached cruise altitude and you are free to get up out of your seats and move about the plane.” He clicked off the intercom and returned to flying the plane.
“So... What’s our vector Victor?” Kirk chuckled.
Victor looked at Kirk and laughed, shaking his head, he returned his attention to flying the plane. Meanwhile in rear of the plane Applejack and Steve had gotten out of their seats. Steve had gone over to the bar and pulled out some ice tea and poured himself a glass, while Applejack had gone to the room in the back to get herself cleaned up.
Steve wandered around the room thinking to himself how he was going to break the ice with Applejack and express his feeling for her. Sitting at the bar Steve could hear the sounds of the shower running in the rear room, and some really awkward images flashed through his mind. Brushing them aside, he got up and started pacing back and forth again thinking of what to say. He was so wrapped up in though he almost missed the sound of a voice calling him.
Turning to face the direction the voice was coming from, he saw Applejack peaking out from the door. Her mane and coat was somewhat damp, and she was occasionally tossing her head aside to get her forelock out of her eyes.
“Could ya do me a favor Steve?” She asked, blowing a strand of hair out of her face.
“Sure Applejack, what do you need?”
“Mah bag. Ah left it in the room with ya. Could ya bring it over here please?”
“No problem.” He walked over to where she had been sitting and sure enough her saddlebag was sitting by it. “Here ya go.” He said holding it out to her, but to his surprise she opened the door and reached out for it. Steve reeled back and quickly covered his eyes when he saw that Applejack was standing in front of him naked and somewhat damp. Only a towel was covering her most ‘intimate areas’. She looked up to Steve who was covering his eyes and chuckled softly.
“Oops... Sorry Steve, kinda slipped mah mind.” She quickly took the bag and closed the door.
Seeing the door close, Steve removed his hands from his eyes and let out a breath. ‘You know she is kinda cute when she has her hair down,’ he thought returning to the bar and taking a seat.Taking a few moments to calm himself down, Steve began to think again. ‘You know I often wonder how these ponies put clothes on when they lack fingers.’  Taking a sip of his ice tea he wondered if Applejack would find it offensive if he asked. Now would be the best time he figured. They were alone, and Applejack did have a crush on him. Maybe she would be alright with it.
Getting up from the bar, Steve made his way over to bedroom Applejack was in. He leaned up against the door and could hear her mumbling to herself and the sounds of commotion going on.
“Are you alright in there Applejack?” He asked gently knocking on the door.
“Yeah sugar, Ah’ll be right out.”
“Umm... Applejack?”
“Yeah Steve?”
“Er... I was wondering about something.”
“Okay well... What is it?”
Steve took a deep breath and then let it out. ‘Might as well get it off my chest... Uhh... How do you guys manage to put clothes on if you don’t got any fingers? I mean... You don’t have to tell me if you feel uncomfortable about it”
After a few moments of silence he heard some giggling and then the sounds of movement. Standing back from the door as the sounds of hoof steps came closer Steve wondered what she was up to. Applejack opened the door a moment later wearing only her pajama bottoms.
“Come on in sugar, why don’t Ah show ya?” She offered stepping back into the room.  Steve chuckled nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
“Uhh... Okay,” he replied walking into the bedroom. Applejack smiled and made her way back to the bed and hopped up onto it. Her saddlebag was on the bed with some various articles of clothing scattered around it. The smell of an applish type of aroma was permeating the room. “Is that your shampoo I smell Applejack?”
“Sure is sugar. Us ponies need a lot of it considering we are covered in fur. So usually this is why ya can smell it so strongly. It doesn’t bother ya does it? Cus Ah can turn a vent on or somethin’ so it isn’t so strong,” She said looking away, she felt like she was offending him.
“No. I actually like it. It smells very sweet. Like you,” he added.
Applejack remained looking away, but now she was taking on a rather noticeable blush as she smiled a little bit shifting her gaze to him then away again bashfully. “A-anyway...” She coughed clearing her throat. “How about Ah show ya how us earth equines put our clothing on?”
“Yeah, I been really wondering about that. I mean, I can see how a unicorn or in Chronos’s case a unisus can, but how does a pony like you manage?”
“Well Steve Ah am just as capable as any other equine in channeling mana, but how Ah do it is very different.”
“Oh? How so?”
“Well... Us Earth equines channel it through our bodies then to our limbs. Here, let me show you.” She leaned back on the bed and scooped up her pajama top. Taking a second to concentrate, Applejack’s Mana mark began to glow faintly and she grasped her pajama top and lifted it up above her sliding into it.
Unfortunately, she stopped about midway getting herself stuck inside the top. She was wiggling around trying to get her head out when she stopped and shifted her position to face Steve.
“Uhh... Steve? Could ya give me a hand here?” She asked somewhat embarrassed.
“What’s the matter Applejack? You seemed to be getting it.”
“Well... I am still not really used ta channeling the mana of this world Steve. And Ah was getting a little lightheaded and didn’t want ta up and pass out on ya.”
Steve chuckled standing up and walked over to the bed kneeling down in front of her. Grasping the pajama top by the middle of it, he gently pulled down popping her head out, and a moment later sliding her hooves out from the sleeves. “There ya go all set.” He smiled leaning back.
Applejack returned the smile and reached behind her neck with her hooves and pulled her mane out from under her top, and let it drape gracefully over her shoulders. Steve sat there for a moment and admired her. He had never seen Applejack, the real Applejack without her hair band. That is unless you don’t count fanfiction, and he had to admit she was pretty easy on the eyes. Applejack on the other hoof was shuffling in her pajamas getting comfortable when she looked up and noticed Steve was staring at her.
“Enjoying the view Steve?” She giggled. Steve shook his head and chuckled nervously.
“Sorry. I kinda got lost there for a second. But I have to admit, you look very pretty with your mane down like that.”
Applejack blushed and looked away giving him a playful shove. “Stop, yer just sayin’ that.”
“Nope. I really mean it, and I have been meaning to talk with you about just that.”
“Oh? So you want ta pick back up where we left off before the plane took off?”
“Yes. Applejack, what I want to say is...” He trailed off leaning in.
“Yes Steve, Ah’m listening.” Applejack said scooching to the end of the bed keeping her gaze locked on his.
“Well Applejack, I...” He was cut off as the plane suddenly jolted causing him to stumble a bit. Applejack however lost her balance and yelped as she tumbled forward off the bed knocking Steve down and landing on top of him planting her muzzle right onto his lips.
The two locked gazes, eyes going wide in shock at what just happened. Steve’s mind was going a mile a minute screaming. ‘You’re kissing Applejack! A pony!’ But funny enough the voices rapidly died down as he continued to look into her wonderful emerald orbs, and his mind now instead was transfixed on what a wonderful feeling it was.
Applejack on her part was just as shocked. Right as they collapsed onto one another her first instinct was to pull away and apologize, but seeing as how Steve’s expression was not only not freaking out, it was easing off and he slowly brought his arms up around her back squeezing her gently.
Breaking from the kiss, the two looked at one another lost in thought not knowing what to say. Eventually though they were broken from their trance by the sound of the intercom coming on.
*DING* “This is your pilot speaking. We are experiencing some mild turbulence. We are going to be experiencing this for the next few minutes until I am able to climb above it.” The intercom clicked off.
Applejack and Steve looked at one another again and chuckled at the sudden event that caused the awkward situation they were now in.
“If ya didn’t already know by now sugar, what Ah wanted ta say was Ah like you.”
Steve smiled and gently ran his hand through her mane. “I’ve been meaning to tell you the same thing Jackie,” he teased. Applejack smiled and rested herself on Steve leaning up to his ear.
“Ya know sugar, Ah have not heard anyone call me that for along time, but Ah like how it sounds coming from you,” she whispered nuzzling him.
Steve smiled again and squeezed her gently. Ever since he first laid eyes on the orange mare he had wanted nothing more than to express his feelings, but he was unsure if she had felt the same way. But now due to an act of fate itself the two were together. And he was happy. He continued to hold her enjoying the feeling of her content little sighs and the occasional nuzzles on his neck.
“Do you think they will be able to express their feeling for one another?” Trixie asked.
Twilight looked up from her tablet. “Yeah, I think once Applejack gets over her stubbornness and Steve drops that doubt he has, I feel them two will make a nice couple.”
“Huh, I never expected Applejack to be the first Equestrian to start a relationship with a human,” Chronos added tapping on his chin.
“You sound like you’re disappointed there Chronos,” Trixie sarcastically remarked looking up from the book she was reading. “What is Trixie not enough pony for you that you have to wonder what it is like to have something else with another?”
“No, no! I didn’t mean it that way Trixie!” Chronos quickly replied. “I was just saying that I find it odd that Applejack of all equestrians I know would be the first to try something like this.”
“I have to agree with him there Trixie,” Twilight said reclining back in her chair. “She is the one that usually spends most of her time always working. I never myself would've thought she would fall so quickly for a stallion... Er man.”
“Well I guess you have a point there Twilight.” Trixie then turned to look back to Chronos. “I’m sorry for attacking you like that Cronos, maybe Trixie can later on make amends for her rude outburst?”
Chronos waved a hoof and took a sip of his drink. “Don’t worry about it Trixie, I am kinda used to your little outbursts by now, and I think you look really cute when you’re angry.”
Trixie smiled. “Oh Chronos, you always know how to say just the right things to make Trixie feel happy she has such a wonderful coltfriend like you don’t you?”
Chronos smiled and held out his glass tipping it to her with a wink, and Trixie blushed looking away then returned to her book she was reading.
Taking a few moments to enjoy herself, Applejack finally stood up and allowed Steve to sit up. The two for the next few minutes simply stared at one another until Steve caught something fly past the window out of the corner of his eye.
“What was that?” Steve said standing up and walking over to the window. Applejack getting a little nervous walked over to the window Steve was standing at and propped herself up on the adjacent window to look out of it.
“What did ya see sugar?” She wondered as she scanned out into the open morning sky.
“I thought I saw something zip past the window.” He replied. “I am going to go check with Kirk and see what’s going on. Why don’t you go and chat with the rest of the group while I find out what’s going on?”
She nodded and followed him out into the next room where the three others were lounging around completely forgetting she was still in her pajamas. When they arrived in the room where the three were sitting only Chronos was paying attention as he swung around in his chair to see who it was.
“Trying a new mane style Applejack?” He chuckled.
Applejack lifted a hoof up to her mane to look at it and let out a breath shaking her head. Afterwards she took a seat next to Twilight and nudged the lavender mare on her shoulder getting her attention. Twilight looked up from her tablet and smiled asking Applejack about how it went when Trixie looked up from her book and noticed the orange mare sitting on the couch blushing.
Smiling, Trixie went over to the two mares and joined in on the conversation for a little ‘girl talk.’ Steve on the other hand had just arrived at the cockpit door. He knocked and entered the cockpit and took a seat behind Kirk who was chatting into his headphones.
“Hey Kirk, I saw something fly past the plane a moment ago and wondered if you guys had seen anything.”
“No I haven’t, did you see anything Victor?”
“No I haven’t.”
Just then an F-15 glided up to the side of the 737 making itself visible to the pilot.
“Flight four sixteen this is Colonel Donald Mcclintock of the United States Air Force fighter group eight please come in.”
“This is flight four sixteen’s pilot Victor Rentalis speaking, go ahead Donald we are receiving you.”
“Greetings Victor, my wing has been tasked with escorting your fight to Andrews Air Force Base, and also as of now your flight call sign is officially Equestria one.” He replied slightly banking his fighter away from the plane falling into formation with the three other F-15’s in his group.
“Roger that Donald, this is Equestria one changing course. New heading, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.” He clicked off his headset and turned to Kirk. “Did you know of this Kirk?”
“No actually, I guess my agency decided they rather us land at a more secure location then at a public airport.”
“Well I am actually not too surprised myself considering the passengers I am transporting.”
“Yeah, I understand what you mean. They probably heard about the incident in Los Angeles, and don’t want another one happening in Maryland.” Kirk said and turned to look at Steve. “Why don’t you go inform our guests of our situation Steve?”
“Alright Kirk,” Steve nodded and left the cockpit and returned to where the four ponies were. The three girls were talking among themselves and Chronos was sitting at the bar sipping on his drink while reading the newspaper.
“Oh hey sugar.” Applejack smiled hopping up from the couch and walked over to him. “Whatcha find out?”
“Well Applejack my dear,” Steve chuckled. Twilight and Trixie exchanging some looks while Applejack simply looked away blushing a little bashfully. “It seems our course and destination has been changed.”
“Changed? To where?” Twilight asked.
“We are now heading to Andrews Air Force Base instead of Baltimore/Washington International, and if you look out the window you’ll see we are no longer alone up here.”
The four ponies raised an eyebrow in question, but then went to a few of the planes windows and looked out.
“Warplanes?” Twilight asked.
“Yes Twilight, F-15 Eagle’s.”
She looked at him a little nervously. “Why a military escort? I thought we were going to the airport on peaceful terms.”
“We still are Twilight, but I feel after the incident at the Airport in Los Angeles, the NSA decided they did not want to take anymore unnecessary risks. You guys are after all very special, and we don’t want to see you getting hurt.” He reinforced this by walking over to Applejack who was standing on her hind legs and propping herself by the window with her forelegs, and scooped her up taking her by his side holding her with his arm.  “I would be really upset if that happened.” He leaned in to her ear. “Especially you Jackie.”
Applejack looked away again smiling shifting her gaze onto him then away again, her blush which up to now was fading returned in full force. She turned back to face him and wrapping her hooves around his neck and gave him a little peck on the cheek. Steve returned the gesture squeezing her gently.
“Come on Applejack, you need to get dressed, we’ll be landing soon and I don’t think it would be proper if you showed up for an important meeting like this in your pajamas.”
Applejack nodded and walked off to the bedroom to get dressed for the upcoming meeting.
****
“Equestria one this is Andrews Air Force base, we have you on radar and are tracking your decent. Please come around round to runway two and make your preparations for landing over”
“Tower this is Equestria one I copy. Coming around to runway two.” Victor confirmed and clicked on the intercom. “Attention passengers we will be landing soon. I ask that you take your seats and fasten yourselves in for landing.” He clicked off the intercom.
Applejack and Steve were sitting in there seats feeling the plane making it decent to the runway. As they got closer to it Applejack felt a sudden pressure building up in her ears.
“Steve, mah ears feel like they are about ta pop! What should Ah do?” She nervously asked.
“It’s alright Jackie, just hold your nose, close your mouth then blow gently.”
Applejack nodded and held a hoof to her nose and closed her mouth. Blowing gently she felt her ears pop, and the pressure relieved making her feel a lot better. Sighing, she turned to look at Steve.
“Thanks sugar, Ah was getting a little nervous there for a second.”
Steve smiled and rubbed her back a couple times. “Feeling better?”
“Mmm... Much better thank you,” she replied and laid back in her seat.
Next as the plane was almost to the runway a sudden ‘thump’ was felt and a moment later the plane softly touched down and a sudden roar was heard as the engines were thrown back into reverse, and slowly the plane came to a halt.
*DING* This is your pilot speaking. Welcome to Andrews Air Force base. Please when exiting the plane you make sure you have all your personal belongings and you use the appropriately marked exits. Thanks again for flying Jetblue airlines.” Victor clicked off the intercom and started his checklist for post flight.
“Well thanks for the smooth flight Victor, I have to be going now.”
“Take care Kirk, maybe we’ll meet again.” Victor said with a smile and returned to his clipboard.
Kirk nodded and waved goodbye walking out the door leading into the compartment where three of the ponies were gathering their things and strapping on their saddlebags. “All set fellas?” He asked.
“Almost Kirk,” Twilight said sliding some books and schematics into her saddlebag. Scooping up her tablet last with her mana, she slid it into a open pocket on her right pouch. “Alright, I’m all set what about you two?”
“Good to go.” Chronos replied shuffling into his saddlebag.
“Jeeze Chronos, have you been putting on weight?” Trixie chuckled. “No wonder it felt like I was sitting on top of a beach ball last night.”
“Very funny...” He sarcastically remarked rolling his eyes. Trixie laughed and gave him a nuzzle telling him she was only kidding.
As the four were about to leave Applejack and Steve emerged from back of the plane. Applejack was again wearing the outfit she had first worn when she first came over to earth. She was only wearing this because the one she had on earlier was all stained from the coffee thrown on to her.
“Ready to go?” Kirk asked.
“All set sugar.”
“Yep all ready to go here.”
Kirk nodded and turned the latch on the door letting it slide open to reveal a staircase truck had already pulled up to the plane. A blackhawk helicopter was sitting just off  from the 737.
“Greetings.” The air force guard said as he stepped aside to allow the group to disembark from the plane. They exchanged welcomes and smiles as they made their way down from the 737.
“Welcome to Andrews Air Force base, I am the bases commanding officer Colonel Douglas Wasser, but you may call me Doug. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise Doug,” Kirk replied shaking the colonels hand. “So where is our ride? I don’t see any vans or trucks here.”
“Well we are taking a more secure approach Kirk. You will be flown in this Blackhawk,” He said pointing the helicopter. “To the Pentagon for your meeting with the Joint Chiefs.”
“Why all the security? I mean we were perfectly fine a few days ago with out all the extra measures.”
“Well we are simply taking no chances Kirk, but after your meeting with the Joint Chiefs, you may take our visitors here and check them in at presidential suites in downtown Washington. After that you are free to show them around.”
“Alright, but this is making them feel nervous just for your information.”
“We are aware of that Steve and as such have designated this helicopter and pilot in particular for the flight.”
“What’s so special about this specific helicopter and pilot?”
The colonel simply pointed to the helicopter and told Kirk to take another look. Kirk nodding went and looked at the helicopter for a moment and then he spotted it. On the tail just below the rotor was an image of one of the ponies Mana marks. Taking a moment to look at it Kirk realized it was an exact replica of the one adorning Trixie’s hip.
“Trixie could you come up here please?”
“Sure Kirk what is it?” She asked walking up to him. Kirk then kneeled down beside her and pointed out to the helicopter.
“See anything you recognize?”
Taking a moment to look over the helicopter, Trixie spotter the familiar wand with a sparkling mist beside it. “Is that my Mana mark on that flying contraption over there?” She asked.
“I believe its called a helicopter right Kirk?” Twilight asked walking up to the two.
“You are correct Twilight, and yes Trixie, that is your Mana mark.”
“Seems like you’re more popular after all eh Trixie?” Chronos said. Trixie looked back to him and smiled nodding.
“Well lets get going guys the meeting is soon and I don’t want to be late for it.”
The five others nodded and followed Kirk up to the helicopter. Walking up to it Kirk at first noticed that the pilot was nowhere to be found. So he banged on the side of the helicopter. “Anyone here?” He asked.
“Yes Sir! Lieutenant  Hillary Mcknight at your service! Are the delegates ready for transport to the Pentagon? I was told I would be flying them there. By the way, what did they look like? I heard a rumor they were visitors from another world.”
“You’re right about the last part Hillary, and I feel you already know them.”
“What? What are you talking about? I've never met any extraterrestrials before.”
Kirk turned around. “Trixie! Could you come over here please?”
“What kinda name it Trixie for an alien?” She remarked.
“Coming Kirk,” came the all to familiar voice.
“Wait... I know that voice,” Hillary stopped and thought for a moment. ‘Familiar voice, names Trixie... Nah, it can’t be...’
“What did you need me for Kirk?” Trixie asked coming up to the two. “Oh hello ma’am my name is Trixie Lulamoon, what’s yours?”
“H-Hillary...” She stammered. “You... You’re... Impossible!”
“I assure you Hillary, I am quite real , and I am flattered that you have my mark on your helicopter here.” Trixie said pointing to the tail of the helicopter.
“Oh heh... Yeah... Well thanks I guess. Anyway,” she said climbing into the helicopter. “Hop in fellas it won’t take me long to get you guys to the pentagon.”
Kirk nodded and hopped into the Blackhawk waving his hand beckoning the rest over. Hillary meanwhile was going through her pre flight start up flicking switches bringing the helicopter to life.
“Ok guys please take a seat and strap yourselves in.” Hillary said looking into the back. Her eyes went wide when she saw Twilight, Applejack, Trixie and Chronos trying their best to sit in the seats clearly made for humans not ponies. “Are you guys uncomfortable back there?”
“A little,” Twilight replied. “My hips get a little sore trying to sit like you humans do, but if the flight is short enough I’ll manage.”
“Well I’ll try my best to make the flight as smooth as possible.” She replied and returned to looking forward pulling back on the collective lifting the helicopter into the air. The flight to the pentagon was indeed short. Fifteen minutes later the Blackhawk was landing in the pentagon grounds. “Ok guys we’re here. Thanks for flying Equestrian air,” she chuckled getting a few smug looks from the ponies.
The group climbed out of the helicopter stretching for a moment. Afterwards they made their way to the building, but were stopped by the door and given badges identifying them, and told where they needed to go. The ponies and two agents took the badges and then made their way down a long hall talking with Kirk along the way.
“So Kirk, What am I should I expect from these guys?” Twilight asked.
“Well Twilight, when you go in to meet with these guys this is where the fun ends and serious begins. Expect a lot of direct questions. These guys report directly to the president himself. So you’ll need to convince them before they even consider going to the president with your proposition.”
“Do you think they will take me seriously?”
“Without a doubt in my mind Twilight, but just relax and present yourself in a manner that is not threatening and I am sure you’ll do fine. Now some of the members of our senior military from the army, navy and the air force will be present too. Count on them asking you about the potential military aspects of your kind and the technology you are trying to present to them.”
“Kirk, our intentions are purely peaceful you know that. I would never in my life ever think of using this technology for means of waging war.”
“You may not Twilight, but there are many others that possibly will. And you cannot say your world is one hundred percent peaceful, because we all know thats a lie.” He stopped when he took notice Twilight had stopped herself and was looking down with her ears pressed against the side of her head.
“You’re right Kirk...” She sniffed a bit. “My world has seen its share of terrible tragedies, and there is still the possibility that there are those who if they could, would try to commit similar acts from the past. But we have come a long way since then, and I only wish to see this technology be used for the better of our two worlds. Please believe me when I say this.”
Kirk smiled and kneeled down by her placing a hand on her shoulder. He put his other under her chin and gently brought her up to look him in the eyes. “I know Twilight, you don’t have to tell me that, but there are those on our world who are just like ones on yours that would use this technology for similar purposes. That is why they will ask. They are only doing their jobs.”
Twilight smiled and wiped eye with a hoof. “Then lets head on in shall we? We don’t want to keep them waiting.”
Kirk nodded standing up and led the four ponies into the conference room. Upon entering the men seated at the table turned to face the group with some looks of confusion.
“Greetings I am Jeffrey Pelt, Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and advisor to the president. I believe you have come here today to discuss with us the eventual connection of our two worlds?”
“You are correct Jeffrey, My name is Twilight Sparkle, Chief Scientific advisor to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I am also the lead engineer for the Gateway project.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Twilight. Now my first question is what is your kinds intentions with this project if we do infact go through with it?”
“Well Jeffery, if you bear with me.” Twilight began and pulled out some schematics from her bag and laid them out on the table. “This here is what I wanted to present to you today.”
Taking a moment to pass out the schematics Twilight began explaining how the system works and what materials are needed to build it.
“What kind of power source does this machine require Twilight?” Jeffery asked.
“Well Jeffery, the power requirements for the gateway is immense. It would require us to construct a Manatech power plant here on Earth.”
“And what is the source of power this facility produces?”
“Fusion Jeffery.” She replied a little nervously.
“Fusion? Hmm... Interesting.”
“What are the chances that this could be used in a weaponized form?” One of the generals asked.
“Well Twilight?” Jeffery said looking to her for an answer.
Twilight sat in silence for a moment contemplating an answer. “Well sir,” Twilight began looking at the general. “The possibilities for a weapon to be produced from this is a very real threat, but one would have to be well versed in the application of it to gain anything from it.”
“Is there any toxic or adverse emissions from this facility?” The surgeon general asked.
“No sir, there is no toxic or poisonous pollution generated from  the process of a fusion reactor. Only energy released and a few heavier elements left behind.”
“Will you allow us to construct an embassy on your world if and when the Gateway is completed?” Jeffery asked.
“Yes Jeffery,” Trixie said taking a position next to Twilight
“And who are you ma’am? I don’t think we have introduced ourselves properly yet.”
“My name is Trixie Lulamoon Jeffery, and I am the diplomatic relations expert for the princesses. I am also part of the team that works on the Gateway project.”
“And she is one of my closes friends,” Twilight added.
“And to fully answer your question Jeffery. If and when we do establish the link between our worlds, then by order of the princesses, an embassy will be established in the Celestial palace for your convenience.”
“And when this embassy is setup will we be allowed to have a military presence on Equestria? For purpose of protecting our personnel, not a standing army.”
“Yes,” Trixie replied.  “You may have a security detail for the embassy. Or if you wish, a detachment of the royal guard will be assigined the duty of security.”
“But you will not be able to bring your vehicles and heavy equipment over.” Twilight added.
“And why not?”
“Because the gateway is not designed to transport heavy equipment and vehicles. They simply will not fit through the portal entrance. It would destabilize it and a catastrophic failure could occur. But we will provide all the materials you will need to build the infrastructure and living environment you require.”
“Could we transport equipment over if we broke it down into smaller pieces?” A general asked.
“Yes you could , but only if the size of the pieces fit through the gateway entrance. Otherwise no you cannot bring them.”
“Also the Princesses ask that you do not at first produce military equipment on a large scale. You will be allowed to establish a military base, but please, we ask that you maintain a small contingent unless the situation arises that you may need a larger force.” Trixie added.
“And will you equestrians be also requiring an embassy here on Earth?”
“Yes Jeffery,” Trixie said. “We would like to have a consulate established here on Earth, preferably here in your capital, but the final decision is up you obviously.”
“Will there be any environmental impacts of this gateway being constructed here on Earth?”
“The environmental impact will be small sir. We will maintain a team of scientists and horticulture experts and Ah mahself will be takin’ samples and makin’ sure that no problems arise.”
“And you are ma’am?” Jeffery asked.
“Mah name is Applejack Apple, foremost horticulture expert in Equestria, and Ah am also part of the Gateway project.”
“Where are you planning on constructing this Gateway at?”
“Well... We were going to ask you where the best place to construct it at.” Twilight said.
“That decision will be left up to our top engineers, but you must also understand the first gateway if approved will be kept under strict military security until it is deemed safe for public use. This is only a security measure on our part. I apologize in advance if this makes you uncomfortable or nervous, but there are those on our world that would stand for nothing but to cause chaos and destruction. This is a fact of life we face.”
“I understand Jeffery.”
“Good.” He stood up and looked around the table. “Well if there is no more questions?” He looked around and the members of the room shook their heads. “Then we will conclude this meeting, and I will present your proposition to the president. You will be contacted when he makes his decision. It has been a pleasure to meet with you Twilight Sparkle, and I hope our two worlds gain something from this joint negotiation and eventually build a friendly association.”
“Thank you Jeffrey, and I too am hoping for our two worlds to come together and learn from one another. Thank you for your time today.”
Jeffrey smiled walking over to Twilight and shook her hoof. Afterward he waved goodbye and left. After Jeffery left, Twilight and her group took the next hour chatting with remainder of the joint chiefs discussing the in’s and outs of equestrian life and the implications of linking to earth. Finally the group gave their goodbyes and exited to the lobby making their way to the parking lot.
Exiting the pentagon to its parking lot the group was happy to see a similar van that was provided to them in Los Angeles was now waiting for them here.
“Seems like your agency left us a van just like the one we had in Los Angeles Kirk,” Steve said walking up to it.
“Yep, I made a call to them while we were on the plane. I asked that they have a van just like the one we had in Los Angeles ready for us here.”
“So where are we staying?” Twilight asked.
“We have a few presidential suites reserved  for us at the Marriott, it’s not too far from here hop in fellas.”
Hopping in the ponies made themselves comfortable and then took off to their destination. Arriving at the hotel about twenty minutes later they pulled into the parking lot and hopped out and took a moment to admire the tall building glowing brightly against the evening sky.
“Wow this place is nice.” Applejack commented walking along side Steve.
“Yes it is a nice place. I bet we got the best rooms in the house. I could really get used to this.” Steve chuckled.
“Depends on the present company.” Applejack teased bumping Steve with her hip.
“How come Chronos doesn’t play around with Trixie like that?”
“Oh I do, it's just if I played with you the way I really wanted to out here, some people may take a little offense to it.” He replied.
“Trixie will be expecting this ‘play’ session later on.”
Chronos looked and Trixie and saluted her “Understood ma’am!”
“You two are unbelievable.” Twilight groaned shaking her head.
“Oh Twi, when will you ever allow that flower to blossom?” Trixie said with a sultry tone in her voice. She nodded over to Chronos with a wink for him to play along.
“Yeah Twi, you know you eventually have to give it up.” Chronos said walking up along side her draping a wing over her back.
“What are you to talking about?”
“You know what we’re talking about Twi,” Trixie said with sultry smile.
“You’re always welcome to join us Twilight,” the two said in unision nuzzling the lavender mare.
Twilight shuddered at the feeling and freaked bolting off out in front of them. Spinning around panting a bit, Twilight glared back at the two wide eyed. “You two! I-I... UHHH! I can’t believe you two!”
“Relax Twilight,” Trixie said. “We were only playing around.”
“Yeah Twilight, no harm done we were only messing with you.” Chronos added.
Twilight continued to glare at the two. Rolling her eyes and shaking her head, she trotted off catching up to Kirk.
“Think she’ll be alright?”
“Yeah Chronos, she just needs to cool off. But it sure was funny wasn’t it?”
“Heh, indeed it was.”
Smiling at one another and exchanging a quick kiss, Trixie and Chronos then caught up with the group. Once they arrived at the front desk Kirk called over the attended and told him they had rooms reserved for their group. The attendant nodded and checked his log, and saw the entry “Equestrian foreign dignitaries?” He asked, Kirk nodded and the attendant handed them a set of key cards. “Your suites are on the top floor, elevators over there sir,” He said pointing to it.
“Thanks,” Kirk replied and took the cards passing one to Trixie and Chronos, one to Twilight and Applejack and one to Steve.
“What about you Kirk?” Twilight asked.
“I won’t be staying here tonight Twilight.”
“Why not Kirk?”
“My family has flown into Washington, and I am going to stay with them for tonight.”
“Well thats nice, tell them we said hello.”
“I’ll do that Twilight. Take care, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” He then waved goodbye and walked back out towards the parking lot.
“Come on guys, lets head up to our suites. I am rather exhausted and just want to get some sleep.” Steve said beckoning them to follow him to the elevator.
Getting up to their floor the four parted ways. Trixie and Chronos hurrying off to their room, Steve going to his and finally Twilight and Applejack retiring to theirs for the evening. Later... After Getting comfortable for the evening Applejack was sitting on her bed fidgeting with her hooves.
“Something wrong Applejack?” Twilight asked looking up from her tablet.
“Not really, Ah was just wonderin’ what Steve was up ta.”
“Why don’t you go and see? I am pretty sure he has not gone to bed yet.”
“Ya don’t think he would mind do ya? Ah mean yea he is interested in me, but Ah dunno about bargin in on him when he's tryin’ ta sleep.” She nervously said.
Twilight looked at Applejack a little displeased. “Applejack, stop being so stubborn and just go on over there already!”
“Well alright,” Applejack said and let out a breath making for the door. Walking out into the quiet hallway Applejack glanced back one last time and saw Twilight beckoning her forward.
“Go on.”
Sighing again, she closed the door and slowly walked down the hallway. Passing by Trixie and Chronos room she could hear giggling coming from behind the door. Shaking her head, she continued on past to Steve’s room.
“Ya still awake sugar?” Applejack asked knocking on the door a couple times. She could hear the sounds of movement and a moment later the door opened and Steve was standing at the door. Wearing only his boxers and a t-shirt he rubbed his eyes and looked at her.
“What’s up Applejack? I was trying to get some sleep.”
Applejack stood there looking away rubbing her foreleg with a hoof. “Well... Ah Was wondering... If... Well...” She trailed off her blush growing ever so evident.
“Applejack...” Steve smiled and kneeled down placing a hand to her chin gently bringing her around to face him. “Did you want to stay with me tonight?”
She didn’t respond, only nodded a little meekly. Steve then stood up and held out a hand.
“After you.”
She smiled then walked into his room and waited for Steve. Follow him to his bed, the two climbed in and Applejack stretched out getting comfortable resting a foreleg over his chest nuzzling his cheek. “Thanks sugarcube,” she sighed contently. “Ah feel so much better now.”
Steve gave her a little squeeze and kissed her. “Me too Jackie, me too.” A little while later the two drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
Twilight watching Applejack close the door returned to her tablet. She now had the rest of the evening to scan over the internet, but a nagging  thought kept creeping back into her head. It was what Tiffany had told her.
‘I’d stay away from FiMFiction if I was you.’ What could possibly be so terrible she wondered. Clicking on her tablet, Twilight typed into the search field ‘FIMFiction,’ and a second later the results popped up. Clicking on the link she was presented with the site, and at the top a picture of Applejack sitting in a bunch of apples wearing a pair of chaps with a pair of white panties and matching bra.
‘Mares don’t wear bras, We don’t even have breasts! Well unless you don’t count our... No!’ She pushed the thoughts out of her head.
Resuming her attention to the sight, she looked over some of the stories and aside from the ponies not wearing clothing for the most part, the site was pretty clean. “This site is not so bad,” She said to herself. “I wonder why Tiffany told me to avoid this?” Looking around the site she decided to check out the settings. Clicking on the link brought her a menu and one of the options was to allow mature rated stories.
“Bah! I am old enough. Lets see what there is out there.”
Clicking the link she returned to the homepage and low and behold one of the first stories to pop up had a picture that resembled a familiar pony she thought she knew.
“Shining? Is that you?” She clicked on the link and started to read the story. ‘Oh my!’ She quickly returned to the home page. ‘Okay... Need to be more mindful of what I am reading here.’ She scanned around doing a quick search on herself. Bringing up a story she found  interesting, she clicked on it.  ‘Alright this story seems okay.’ Reading it for a few moments the story was rather interesting. That is until she read over a part about horns being extremely sensitive.
‘What is this? Horns for a mare are a particularly sensitive body part? I never read anything about this.’ She closed the browser and turned off the tablet. Getting up, she went over and got a bottle of water from the fridge and then returned to her place on the couch next to her tablet. All the while a nagging thought kept going through her mind.
‘Horns are extremely sensitive for mares. Hmm I wonder...’ She slowly brought a hoof to her horns base and gently slid it up to the tip. “WHOA!” She gasped, exhaling quickly.  Looking around nervously to make sure nobody heard her gasp, she slowly again ran a hoof up her horn again. “Mmm... Feels good.”
Keeping up with her pace her horn started to glow faintly and she felt a twinge of pleasure slowly building up inside of her. “Uhh...” She quietly moaned again rolling onto her back, resting her head onto the pillow. Speeding up the pace a little bit, Twilight’s horn starting taking on a more prominent  glow, some slight discharges of mana trickling out and flying off.
Nearing the edge, Twilight snapped up in shock when a sudden knock came from the door.
“Twilight are you awake? Can we talk?” Came a voice from the other side of the door.
“Just a second!” She quickly replied trying to catch her breath. Her horn was glowing rather brightly, her face was flushed, and to her horror she noticed Applejack had not closed the door all the way.
“I wanted to apolo-” Trixie trailed off entering the room and looked at the lavender mare on the couch surprised at what she saw. Twilight was laying on her back on the couch her pajamas sticking to her sweaty body, and her horn was glowing faintly. A look of utter embarrassment was on her face.
“Am I interrupting something here?” She giggled walking over to Twilight.
“NO! Uh... Nothing! I just had a Uh...  A little headache, yeah! Thats it.”
“Oh you poor thing you.” Trixie chuckled. “Here let me check your head to see if you have a fever.”
Twilight bit her lip and watch nervously as Trixie placed a hoof to her forehead.
“Nope, you seem alright here.” She said, but then she smiled smugly at Twilight and ran her hoof gently up Twilights horn.
“Nrg!” Twilights horn pulsated and a bit of mana sputtered out of it.
“Ah ha! Doing a little experimenting I see,” she giggled. “And judging by the intensity of it.” She tapped the tip of her horn and Twilight gasped. “I’d say you were on the very edge.”
Twilight blushed beet red and covered her face in her hooves. “I feel so embarrassed right now. I’m sorry you had to see this Trixie.”
Trixie waved a hoof shaking her head. “Don’t worry about it Twi, we all have urges, but perhaps next time you feel like exploring yourself, you may want to make sure your privacy is secured before you decide to light up the night.”
Twilight sighed. “Thanks... I feel so much better now.”
“Don’t mention it.” Trixie said and walked to the door. “Where is Applejack by the way?” She asked stopping at the door.
Twilight sat up and took a drink from her bottle of water. “She went to go see Steve.”
“And she hasn’t come back yet?”
“No. I guess she’s going to stay with him tonight.”
“Aww thats sweet. They make a nice couple.”
“They do, I agree.”
“Well good night Twilight, Sleep well.” She opened the door and walked out stopping in the hallway. “Don’t keep the lights on all night ya hear.”
“Will you get out of here!” Twilight yelled throwing a pillow at her.
Trixie laughed ducking the pillow and trotted off returning to her room.
‘Way to go Twilight,’ she thought to herself.‘Next time why don’t you let someone walk in on you exploring some other part of your body!’
****
“Did she take your apology Trixie? I feel kinda bad teasing her like that earlier.”
Trixie smiled smugly trotting up to the bed. “Oh yes Chronos, I believe she was perfectly happy with it.”
Chronos raised an eyebrow and looked at Trixie questionably. “Okay... So I take it something happened?”
“You could say that,” She replied hopping into bed with him.
“And I take it you’re not going to tell me are you?”
“Nope. Goodnight sweetie.” Trixie smiled giving Chronos a kiss laying down next to him and rested her head on his chest.
‘Mares...’ Chronos chuckled to himself and laid back on his pillow wrapping a foreleg around her. “Goodnight Trixie,” he softly replied, and kissed her on her head. Shortly after the two drifted off to sleep.