Gateway to Harmony

“She is definitely a studious unicorn isn’t she?” I say as we continue to venture down the corridor.

“Yes well, that is why she is my prized pupil. Her desire to learn to explore, it is what drives her.”

“I think that is a trait we both share.”

“How so?”

“When I was young I always had this need to know everything. I nearly drove my family insane with all the questions I asked, especially when they didn’t know the answers,” the princess chuckles.

“Yes the curiosity of the youth knows no bounds.” I nod before continuing to speak.

“I always dreamt of being able to see the stars first hand, to really feel them personally. Some nights I would just look up at the sky and become lost in thought, wondering of all the possibilities.”

“You remind me much of my sister.”

“Ah yes, her name is Luna if I remember correctly. Twilight told me of your abilities how you are able to control the day and night cycle. I can assure you that came as quite a shock for me. In my universe the Sun and Moon raise and set themselves through an invisible force called gravity.”

“Very interesting, I have a feeling there is much we can learn from each other Captain Robert.”

“RJ is just fine ma’am.”

“Very well RJ.” We approach a large wooden door on the right side of the hallway. The princess stands in front of the passage awaiting my arrival.

“This is where you will be staying until you are formally introduced to the public; I hope it is to your liking.” Celestia’s horn lights up as an identical aura covers the door. The gate opens to behold a magnificent room. The walls coated a vibrant turquoise and elegant midnight blue drapes hanging from the windows on the far side of the suite. At the back of the room lays a massive bed fully made and covered with an assortment of multi colored plush pillows. As I walk in I look up to be greeted by an awe inspiring mural depicting a map of the night sky. I turn to face the princess.

“This is… overwhelming. I have never seen let alone stayed in such a place. It is beautiful.”

“Thank you very much. It is the least I can do.”

“Still… I can’t thank you enough.”

“You can thank me by getting some rest; lunch will be in one hour. I will send one of the guards to retrieve you. There I will properly introduce you to the rest of the royal family residing in the castle.”

“Thank you.” The princess nods smiling before exiting the room. Finally left alone I head over to the bed placing my armored hand on the quilt.

“Computer, activate neural receptors on areas 50A and 50B.”

“Yes sir.” A light glow encompassed my hands as a tingling sensation filled my palms. I once again rested my fingers on the mattress this time however, I could feel.

“It’s… soft.” I smile before lying on the bed. I stare up at the mural once again lost in the entanglement of the celestial bodies before I drift off into a gentle slumber.

KNOCK

KNOCK

KNOCK

I awaken to loud sound emanating from the door. I get out of the bed advancing to the exit. Opening the door I see a white Pegasus guard, hoof elevated presumably preparing to knock again.

“I presume you are the guard sent to escort me to the dining hall.”

“Uh… yes, if you would please follow me… sir.” I could tell the guard was a little nervous around me. Probably due to the events that transpired not long ago. I try to comfort the guard.

“You have nothing to be afraid of. I have never had any intention of violence.”

“Yea… I know. It’s just it isn’t exactly everyday some giant metal alien stays in the castle. I guess I am still a bit surprised about your being here. There were some rumors about you before when you first appeared, but I’m just being paranoid.”

“What kinds of rumors were spread about me exactly?”

“Well nothing that bad… just that you were some demon sent here to destroy all of Equestria.” The guard was now sweating profusely.

“Yes… that is interesting.” How they thought of that was beyond me.

The rest of the trek thought the castle was spent in awkward silence until we reached the main dining hall. Celestia was waiting at the entrance for me.

“Ah RJ glad you made it, you rested well I hope.”

“Best sleep I have had in years, thank you princess.”

“I am glad you got some rest, and please drop the formalities you are a guest of the castle. There is no need to address each other with titles.”

“Thank you ma’am.” Celestia smiles before responding.

“You are quite welcome. Well I think it is time we go enjoy our lunch. I am still not sure what your kind eats so I had the chefs prepare a wide variety for you to choose from.” I nodded as two guards proceeded to open the gate filing into the dining hall. Celestia walked in with me following closely behind. As we entered she motioned for me to stop a moment as Celestia attempted to gain the attention of the several ponies sitting at the large table.

“Attention everypony, all eyes turned to her while some wandered off to my position, I would like to formally introduce Captain Robert Bellitto. He is currently a guest here in the castle and will be until we can properly inform the public of him. He will be joining us for lunch. Also if it is okay with you Captain you are permitted to ask any questions you might have.” The princess turns to me.

“I am fine with this.”

“Very well thank you. Everpony you may now return to your meals.” After her statement some tuned back to their plates while others were still blankly staring at me and or the princess obviously surprised by this turn of events.

“RJ why don’t you go over to the banquet area and find something to eat, after you may come and sit next to my sister and I, I will be sure to save a seat for you.” I nodded once again to the princess before continuing to the large buffet.

Immediately I noticed that the entire spread was vegan, being an omnivore I had no trouble finding something to eat, however I was still troubled by the evident change I would need to make to my diet while staying in the castle. After organizing a basic garden salad I walked over to the princesses. They both turned to see me, Celestia gesturing to an empty seat on her left side which was also next to Princess Luna. I sat down placing my meal on the table. Immediately I noticed Luna awkwardly staring at me. When I looked up she quickly turned back to her plate. We were silent until Celestia began to speak.

“Well RJ, are you enjoying your meal?”

“Yes it is very good, although it will be difficult to get used to an all vegan diet.”

“How do you mean?”

“Well humans are omnivores. We eat both meat and plants. Although I can survive on an all vegan diet it will be difficult to adjust.” The whole room was silent almost everyone was staring at me with wide eyes including both the princesses.

“Well, um… OH Luna do you have any questions for our guest?” The room started to loosen up after the princess changed the subject.

“Actually I am a bit curious of the types of art you kind have achieved.” I look at her a bit surprised.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I guess I’m just a bit surprised at the question. Art huh, like music?” She nods

“Actually I might be able to show you some right now.” It was her turn to look surprised.

“How can you there aren’t any instruments?”

“I have hundreds of songs recorded and saved in my suits hard drive.”

“Hard… drive?”

“Oh right… well, think of it like an invisible journal that you write information in and then open that information anytime you want.”

“Ok, well would you mind playing some of your music for us?”

“Well I am not so sure. I mean I don’t really want to culture shock a room full of nobles.”

“Please?” The night princess looks at me with pleading eyes.

“Well… alright. Computer access music entertainment files 37A.”

“Yes sir.” A number of people recoiled at the sound of my computer’s voice.

“It is okay, it is only an artificial intelligence unit assigned to my Nano suit.” Most of the people went from shocked expressions to looks of confusion while the two princesses looked at my in awe.

“Artificial intelligence, you mean to tell me your people have constructed a fake conscious!” I nod.

“That is amazing, may I speak with it?” The princess once again looks at me with puppy dog eyes.

“Maybe another time right now I believe the song is about to start, computer.

“With pleasure sir.”

To the sound of a heartbeat pounding away

To the rhythm of the awful rusted machines

We toss and turn but don't sleep

Each breath we take makes us thieves

Like causes without rebels

Just talk but promise nothing else

We crawl on our knees for you

Under a sky no longer blue

We sweat all day long for you

But we sow the seeds to see us through

'Cause sometimes dreams just don't come true

We wait to reap what we are due

To the rhythm of a time bomb ticking away

And the blare of a siren's combing the streets

Chased down like dogs we run from

Your grasp until the sun comes up

We crawl on our knees for you

Under a sky no longer blue

We sweat all day long for you

But we sow the seeds to see us through

'Cause sometimes dreams just don't come true

Look now at what they've done to you

White needles buried in the red

The engine roars and then it gives

But never dies 'cause we don't live, we just survive

On the scraps that you throw away

I won't crawl on my knees for you

I won't believe the lies that hide the truth

I won't sweat one more drop for you

'Cause we are the rust upon your gears

We are the insect in your ears

We crawl, we crawl

We crawl all over you!

We sow the seeds to see us through

Our days are precious and so few

We all reap what we are due

Under this sky no longer blue

We bring a dawn long overdue

We crawl, we crawl

We crawl all over you!

After the song I had gained quite a few shocked expressions. Celestia had spit out her tea, and Luna was just staring at me smiling. This was definitely going to be an interesting experience for all of us.