The good of the many

by Dafaddah

Rating: everyone
Tags: Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Human, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Comedy, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 49393

The return of Luna to Equestria is a great joy to Celestia, but is Luna ready to resume her place?

"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."  The return of Luna to Equestria is a great joy to Celestia, but she wonders if Luna is ready to resume her place, and how well she will be accepted by Equestrian society.  Also, all is not well in Equestria itself, as ponies including Twilight Sparkle are having strange dreams and magic is beginning to go haywire.  Can the Princesses' newfound happiness survive the stress of the coming clash of universes they both feel is imminent?  

Artwork by Mythee and Nevina

Published 2012-01-20 19:53:20 UTC
Last updated 2012-05-12 21:12:44 UTC

Chapter 2: The Assembly

The Great Hall of the Tribes buzzed with anticipation. The representatives of the citizens of Equestria had been assembled for an extraordinary full gathering of the Equine Assembly by a decree from her Royal Highness Princess Celestia, and nopony wanted to be last to know what she had to say. Taking her place among them was Sunset Hoofing, an elderly mare with a dark red coat, a snow white mane, and eyes of the deepest black. Ponies near her showed respect and in some cases not a little fear, as she was not only Minister of Science but also head sorceress of all Equestria.

On each of three sides of the hall stood the representatives of the Pony tribes: to the east were the Pegasi, to the north the Earth Ponies, and to the west the Unicorn tribe. At the center where all sections met were set three ornate seats, one for each tribal head whom together formed the Tribal Council: Prince Blueblood of the Unicorns, Commander Weathertop of the Pegasi, and Chancellor William Pie (the elder) of the Earth Ponies. Immediately behind them were nine ponies, the chief ministers that composed the Pony Cabinet, including Minister Hoofing.

From her vantage, Hoofing had a great view of the south side of the Hall which was the domain of the ruler of Equestria, graced with a raised dais upon which sat two thrones. The throne on the left displayed the Sun Sigil of Celestia, while the one on the right had the crescent Moon Sigil of Luna, the 'lost sister' who had once shared the rule of Equestria with Princess Celestia. Upon the seat of Luna's throne was set a single red rose, as had been tradition since anypony could remember. Being over one hundred and sixty years old (even older than that upstart colt Pie the Elder), Hoofing could remember back a fair bit!

The crowd grew quiet as the Royal Unicorn Guard entered the Hall from the left led by the Royal Standard Bearer, magically holding aloft the flag of the land. Upon the banner was a view of Princess Celestia seen from the front with wings outspread, the Sun Sigil over her right wing and the Moon Sigil over her left, on a background of purest white. They took their places at attention before the two royal thrones.

A musical fanfare rang out and Celestia herself stepped from behind the thrones, coming to a stop before the Assembly as the gathered ponies cheered and clopped hooves. She smiled, dipped her head in salute and sat upon her throne, the usual signal for the crowd to quiet and sit down as well. The Princess's face became serious as she scanned the Hall, giving each pony the feeling of being the sole focus of her attention.

"Citizens of Equestria, We have called you here today to share with you a great and joyous occasion, the likes of which We have no recollection in the millennia since We ascended this throne." The hall became absolutely quiet, and then erupted in whispers from all quarters at the significance of the ruler's pronouncement. The ruler of Equestria let speculation build a moment before raising a hoof for silence.

"As many of you know, last week saw the escape from incarceration of Nightmare Moon and a subsequent attempt to take Equestria under her dominion." The whispers redoubled in volume, and Celestia had to again raise a hoof for silence. "However, let us rejoice as Nightmare Moon was defeated by the Elements of Harmony, whom We had reassembled in the town of Ponyville after years of planning and hard work."

The Assembly erupted into cheers and applause, building to a thunderous crescendo as the ponies stood - some of them even rearing up and waving their forehooves in the air to demonstrate their appreciation. Minister Hoofing glared at the more enthusiastic young upstarts around her, who quickly settled down not wanting to risk incurring her legendary wrath. Inwardly she enjoyed playing the crotchety old mare, ever more so with each passing year!

This time Celestia gave the Assembly a full minute to work off their emotions before indicating she wished to continue. She again raised a hoof and with an enigmatic little smile said: "Oh, and there is one more thing..."

Minister Hoofing grinned inwardly and thought to herself that over the decades Celestia had certainly demonstrated an obvious enjoyment of showponyship! With a reign measured in thousands of years, the immortal Princess certainly had had time to master the handling of large groups like this.

Over two hundred ponies held their breaths, waiting for their sovereign to finish her sentence. They were doubly intrigued when she rose from her seat, turned to her left and plucked the rose from the cushion on Luna's throne with her mouth. She threw it into the crowd with a whip of her neck and head. "We won't be needing these flowers anymore." Looking over her left shoulder she seemed to whisper to someone behind her, then turned her head back. Celestia looked out over the Assembly as a dark colored unicorn mare emerged from behind the thrones.

A buzz spread outward like a wave from those closest to the thrones as it became evident that this mare was not a unicorn. "She has wings!" some whispered. Others remarked: "An alicorn!"

Celestia's voice rang out over the hubbub. "Please join Us in welcoming back to Equestria, Our sister, Princess Luna, finally freed from the clutches of Nightmare Moon!"

Well, as the saying goes, you could have heard a pin drop! Minister Hoofing had a moment to marvel at the sight of the entire political elite of Equestria struck dumb and without a clue as to how to react - a sight she could not have otherwise imagined even given another one hundred and sixty years in order to do so! The Minister suddenly remembered that she had a role to play here, being one of those ponies who did know about these events beforehoof. She slowly rose and began clopping her hooves. She eyed the youngsters around her, who prudently followed suite, at first tentatively and then more enthusiastically, joining in the growing applause to greet the new Princess.

From Hoofing's perspective Princess Luna looked more than a little frightened as she slowly took her place before the empty throne. She gazed at the floor and seemed more likely to bolt than to rule! The Assembly was even more amazed when the normally formal Princess Celestia broke decorum and turned to the newcomer, encircling her in a fierce embrace. There was no mistaking the look of tenderness she gave her sister. She turned back to face the Assembly.

"Ponies of Equestria, for over a thousand years We have ruled alone. But that is not how Equestria was founded nor how it used to be governed. Although We have made much progress since and our numbers and happiness never cease to increase, there are challenges ahead that will require all of our combined strengths and talents to overcome. The return of Princess Luna could not be more opportune. Her wisdom, power and love for Equestria will be sorely needed, and We ask you to rejoice with Us in her return, at this our hour of need!"

The Assembly surged to its hooves and the cheering grew deafening, as ponies saw the obvious affection the white alicorn had for her sister. Celestia gently sat her sister at her throne and turned back to address the gathered ponies as the noise level receded.

"Once again Equestria will be ruled by two Princesses. Over the coming weeks and months We will work with this Assembly to bring Princess Luna back into the daily lives of Equestrians and their government. Today She will take a symbolic first step when She will for the first time in over a millennium raise the moon for all Equestrians to see as Princess Luna, co-ruler of Equestria!" She turned to the side to face her sister, and spoke a final time. "Dear sister Luna as a token of Our happiness at Your return to the very heart of Equestria We decree that henceforward the standard of our nation will again be the Sigil of the Two Sisters, as it was these many years ago!"

With this pronouncement, the Standard Bearer raised the Royal Standard high for all to see. The image upon it faded away to be replaced by the famed symbol from ancient times familiar to all ponies from history lessons in all the schools of Equestria: the profiles of two alicorns forming a circle, heads to tails around the Sun and Moon, also on a bed of purest white. The Assembly rose up to celebrate what would no doubt be long remembered as a key event in history, as the Two Princesses reunited bowed their heads and then left to disappear behind the thrones.

Minister Hoofing felt satisfied. It had gone very much as Celestia had both hoped and expected. No doubt there was much that needed doing ahead and that Luna's re-integration into Equestria would most likely experience a few bumps in the process. But then there was much to do anyway to prepare for the days to come.

Celestia had only hinted to the Assembly at the trouble coming. Of all her advisors only Hoofing knew the full extent of the danger to Equestria. Her mood darkened as she stood among the cheering ponies and sighed. 'Let them have their moment of joy,' she thought, 'who knows how long it will last.' She slowly turned and made her way to the exit, happy Pegasi, Unicorns and Earth ponies chatting excitedly around her. She allowed one corner of her muzzle to smile infinitesimally. 'Yes, Celestia certainly knew how to put on a good show!'

Chapter 3: Under the rug

Princess Luna and Princess Celestia entered the ante-chamber below the thrones in the Great Hall of the Herd. Once inside Luna came to stop, shuddering in pent up fright. Her sister approached and held her in a reassuring hug until the younger Princess's trembling ceased. "You were very brave," said Celestia. "That was an excellent start and I'm very proud of you!"

Luna wished she felt the same. "I don't think I really made such a good impression," she said looking down. "I didn't say anything regal, and I certainly didn't carry myself like a princess in front of all these ponies."

"I wouldn't place a wager on that, your highness," said the voice of an oldish sounding mare. Luna looked up to see the Minister of Science Hoofing approaching with the slow and dignified pace of a unicorn of her years. She felt the heat of shame upon her face when she recalled what she had said and done to this mare when she was still Nightmare Moon.

"We greatly regret what We did to you while We were reigning as Nightmare Moon, Minister Hoofing. And We are glad to see that you have regained your voice," said Luna. She bowed her head and waited for what she expected would be a severe retort from the grand old dame. To her utter surprise she heard both Minister Hoofing and her sister chuckling! Was she indeed such a laughingstock? She felt the heat of resentment beginning, when a touch from Celestia's hoof made her look up to see her sister smiling at her with genuine warmth and not with derision. Luna was relieved, but inwardly scolded herself to have again let anger get the better of her. I must nevermore go down that path! she vowed.

"My dearest Luna," said Celestia, "we no longer use the royal 'We' in common discourse, and certainly not with old friends such as Minister Hoofing, do we now Sunset?"

"Certainly not, Celestia dear," replied the old mare with a smile. Luna was shocked at the easy familiarity between her sister, a ruling Princess, and her subject. "And as to our last meeting Princess Luna, well I must admit that I did not spare Nightmare Moon from my well reputed tongue lashing. I could tell that there was somepony other than merely a tyrant living in that head when you punished my insolence not by terminating me summarily as I expected, but by going straight to the source of the irritation! On my return from that audience there was no shortage of ponies in my ministry who were quite delighted that you chose to take away my most dangerous weapon!" She laughed again. "Imaging how shocked they were when my condition repaired itself only a few days later," she added, showing a glint of steel in her dark eyes.

Luna smiled weakly. I must not make an enemy of this old mare, she thought. Aloud she said: "We... I mean, I... thank you for you open-mindednes Minister Hoofing."

"Please do call me Sunset your Highness, despite appearances you are actually older than I am after all!" retorted the unicorn. She turned back to Celestia. "My word but it's quite refreshing to be the youngster of the group for a change!"

Luna laughed heartily, as she had not done in public for countless years. She began to feel some affection for this mare! "Of course, Sunset, and please call me Luna... when we are in private circumstances, of course," she quickly amended, again causing her sister and the Minister to titter like fillies. "Even though I have shared the rule of Equestria before, so many things are different now, and I know I have much to learn. But I pledge that I will do my best!" she concluded bravely.

"This brings me to the reason I asked Minister Hoofing to join us here," announced Celestia. "We have prepared a plan to re-introduce you to the ponies, government and media of Equestria. We will go over this plan together to see if it meets your approval, and Sunset will help prepare you accordingly. Do you agree to this proposal, Luna?"

The younger Princess felt as if she had been relieved of a great weight. To get such advice would help speed her back into Equestrian society, while avoiding too many embarrassing faux-pas. It might even give her the chance to get to know some common ponies again, maybe even make a few friends! "I think that I would like that very much, and I thank you both for your efforts on my behalf," she said to her sister and the old unicorn mare. All three mares smiled in mutual satisfaction at the agreement until Luna assumed a thoughtful look. "By the way, what is the 'media'?"

Chapter 4:A tale of two mirrors

THUMP! Spike awoke with a start when he felt and heard the noise. "Oh, not again!" he grumbled. It was the familiar sound of a book dropping to the floor. This often occurred when the magic spell holding it up dissipated as Twilight Sparkle fell asleep reading. It seemed to Spike this was happening more frequently of late. His only concern now was to see if he could rouse the gently snoring Unicorn sufficiently to get her to crawl into bed.

"C'mon Twi, bed time!" He shook her, pulled on her right foreleg, pulled on her left foreleg, pulled on her tail and shouted "Your mane is on fire!" into her ear, all to no avail. He resigned himself to the fact that this would be a 'Twi-sleeping-on-the-floor-in-front-of-her-reading-stand' night. Drat! She would be both creaky and cranky all day tomorrow after she woke up. He did the best he could to make her comfortable: he removed a book from under her head and replaced it with a pillow. The filly got quite upset when she drooled onto a book while asleep! He also removed all the other books she had scattered around her and then covered her with a blanket. "Why does she even bother having a bed?" grumbled Spike as he crawled into his bed-basket, nestled deep into the blankets and immediately fell back into sound sleep.

***

Twilight Sparkle was having a strange dream. She seemed to be in a house, walking around. She had started in what was obviously somepony's kitchen, although something was off and she could not quite put her hoof on it. She passed through a hallway and went into a bedroom, pausing at the door. She got it! Everything seemed too cramped. How could anypony live comfortably in such tight spaces? There wasn't even room enough to turn around in this bedroom. How odd.

Her body seemed to decide on what it wanted to do and she started moving again. She went towards a dresser covered in clutter. This included some makeup, hair brushes and various frilly lace clothes items whose function only Rarity would be capable of identifying, and interestingly a notepad and some books. She sat on a stool before the dresser, looked up into a mirror... and jumped back in surprise! Instead of seeing her familiar reflection she saw a strange creature with a hairless face and a short black mane looking back in shock at her. "OH MY!" said the creature in the mirror.

Twilight backed away in haste from the dresser, tripping on the stool, and falling to the floor onto her tail. She looked down at herself and instead of seeing the usual pale lavender legs and belly, she saw a flowered nightgown from which protruded long pale hairless legs - with TOES! - each adorned with red paint on their little flat nails. She could tell it was paint because it had chipped away on some of the nails, showing the cuticle underneath. And then the toes proceeded to wiggle - GROSS!

With a sinking feeling Twilight gulped and raised her right foreleg in front of her face. Instead of her familiar hoof she saw a hairless paw the same color as the legs, with longer and more delicate digits than Spike's. Each of the five digits ended in a flat nail the same color as the toe nails. And if the toes wiggling were gross, well she nearly heaved when the digits started wiggling, like so many tiny snakes. She really hated snakes!

Enough was enough! The unicorn mare shut her eyes tight and screamed. When she finally had gathered enough courage, she opened one eye and spied before her face... her nice, normal, familiar hoof. She noted that her hoof polish had chipped in a few places, showing the cuticle underneath. Breathing a sigh of relief, Twilight opened her other eye, and saw that she was tangled in a blanket and lying on her flank on the floor before her reading stand. I must have fallen asleep studying again! thought the young mare to herself. But what a strange dream. It felt so real!

Spike raised his head over the rim of his bed-basket, having been awoken by what sounded like a scream. "Hey Twilight, are you OK?" he enquired in a groggy morning voice.

"Sure Spike, I just had a humdinger of a nightmare is all. Or a night-whatever-it-was." She began to creakily get up and put away the blanket and pillow. "So, I fell asleep studying again, eh?"

"Yup. I tried everything I could think of to get you to go to bed, short of hiring someone big enough to help me pick you up," replied the little dragon.

"Thanks Spike, you really are a dear!" said Twilight, feeling the effects of her scare fade as she contemplated food. "Let me make it up to you by buying you breakfast."

"Sweet!" agreed the baby dragon, who got up and prepared himself to face the day way faster than was his usual practice so early in the morning.

***

Mary Ying-hao Lachance woke up with a start, and found herself on the floor of her bedroom in front of her dresser. She had had the strangest dream! Walking around in a weird house that resemble the inside of a tree, and looking into a mirror seeing a purple pony instead of her usual self, and then tripping on a stool and realizing that the pony in the mirror was actually her! Her biggest scare was when she discovered that her legs and arms ended in hooves - although she seemed to feel her toes and fingers when she tried to wriggle them! She woke up back in her room, after having no doubt - again - fallen asleep while studying. "Mare, you are such a geek!" she admonished herself using the nickname she normally despised, when it came from other people that is.

She felt a warm spot at her side stirring in response to her sitting up and reached over to pet a large fluffy grey cat. "Oh, Nyan-Nyan, did I sleep on the carpet again? I'm lucky that you're there to take care of me at night, aren't I?" she said, scratching the big tomcat behind the ears, causing him to purr and stretch luxuriously. "Tell you what, I'll make a nice omelet for breakfast and share it with my favorite bodyguard. What you say to that?" Nyan-Nyan must have approved of the idea. After rubbing his head on her outstretched hand he slowly sauntered out the door and down the hallway, no doubt on his way to the kitchen.

***

The waiter placed a steaming stack of hay pancakes in front of Spike identical the the one already before Twilight. The baby dragon beamed in anticipation as he prepared to dig in, when he suddenly got the most comical look on his face and let go a loud burp.

"Spike!" Twilight began to admonish him, when he spurted flames that turned into a scroll hovering in mid-air for a second before falling smack in the middle of his pancakes. "Oh, a letter from the Princess! Better get it off your breakfast before it becomes all sticky." Twilight chuckled to cover her embarrassment at making such a spectacle in front of the restaurant's other patrons. Spike unfurled the scroll and held it up before his guardian.

"My Dearest Student Twilight," she read, "I must again request your presence in Canterlot on a matter of some importance. I will send a chariot to Ponyville to pick you up at noon today. Please plan on spending several days away. Of course Spike's assistance would also be greatly appreciated, so I ask that he join you as well. And one last thing: please document any strange dreams you may have had of late, even if these were only of seeing strange places, objects or creatures. I remain your most dedicated teacher, Princess Celestia."

Spike immediately started to cut and shovel large forkfuls of pancakes into his mouth. "Sounds really important!" he commented while chewing, stopping only every few mouthfuls to take a swig from his coffee mug.

"Yeah, I wonder what this is about," replied the magenta unicorn. Her horn glowing briefly as she ate her own pancakes, deep in thought.

She was still lost in her speculations a minute later when Spike burped again, more discreetly and without the appearance of royal stationary this time. Twilight spied his empty plate and remarked "We had better get a move on, the chariot will be here in less than two hours." She waved at the passing waiter. "May I have the check please?"

Spike eyed her half eaten plate hungrily and was about to speak up when Twilight spotted the target of his gaze and pre-empted him with a sigh: "Yes, you can finish my breakfast!" The little dragon thanked her and cleaned her plate in seconds flat.

"Wow, that was really good! And just to think, we'll be having breakfast, and lunch AND supper at the Castle for next few days!" he anticipated with a happy grin. Twilight let Spike hop onto her back and trotted home to the tree house, her rhythm punctuated by little burps of dragon contentment. The young filly wished she could so easily be distracted by the prospects of Canterlot and the royal kitchen's meals. She felt uneasy that Princess Celestia had not described what this was really about, which fact constantly gnawed at her thoughts. Oh, well, at least the chariot ride would give her time write a report on that strange dream she had last night. She and Spike entered their home in order to get ready for the trip.

Chapter 5: Libraries

Princess Luna and Minister Hoofing were sitting at a large table in the royal library. Of all the rooms in Canterlot Castle, this was one of her favorites. Although much of Equestria had changed almost beyond recognition, this one place looked, felt and smelled just as she remembered. Shelves twice the height of an average pony packed with multicolored tomes large and small surrounded the enormous room, and all that bookish goodness rose for a full three additional stories above! Adding to the lofty atmosphere, large stained glass windows punctuated the walls at regular intervals, with padded benches perfect for losing oneself in a good read. This particular corner of the library with its comfortable chairs and table was precisely where she had spent so many happy hours in her younger days, reading wonderful stories and attempting to slake her unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

Today, the table was covered in stacks of thick dusty books on the history and government of Equestria selected for her by Minister Hoofing. She looked at the old mare and for the first time noticed her cutie mark: three star-tipped wands pointing upwards to almost touch. This reminded her that 'Sunset' - oh, it was hard to even think in first names with a commoner! Let's try this again, - that Sunset (better this time) was the most powerful magician in Equestria and Dean of the Royal Academy of Magic. "So, if I understand correctly, Sunset, you are the Minister of Science. Why aren't you the Minister of Magic? Why isn't there a Minister of Magic?" she asked.

Hoofing considered for a moment and replied: "This will require a bit of explanation, so you might want to get comfortable, dear. Roughly five hundred years ago, with the advent of the scientific method, systemic knowledge and its application via technologies and arts expanded tremendously. Many new professions and trades soon attracted ponies of all three tribes. Pony society became less tribal much more integrated. Issues were no longer clearly the concern of only Pegasi, Unicorns or Earth Ponies. The demands on the three members of the Tribal Council began to exceed the mandates and competencies of the ponies that occupied these posts.

"Celestia wisely determined that a broader perspective was needed in order to solve problems affecting ponies of all tribes together, and set up the nine ministries we have today: science, arts, state, agriculture, labour, public works, climate, commerce and security and set up the Pony Cabinet as an official body of the Equine Assembly. These are nine ponies, three of which are nominally subordinate to each of the three members of the Tribal Council: science, arts and state to the Unicorn tribe, agriculture, labour and public works to the Earth Pony tribe, and climate, commerce and security to the Pegasi. In actuality, the nine ministers report directly to your sister. The roles of the three members of the Tribal Council have become mainly ceremonial" concluded Hoofing.

Luna smiled a bit crookedly at that. "That explains the rather unfruitful interview I had with Prince Blueblood as Nightmare Moon. He seemed way too clueless to be a genuine ruler, spent most the time trying to impress me with stallionish poses and talking of his desire to find 'Princess Right', get married, and produce an heir!" She laughed out loud. "You know he is a cousin of ours, although a few dozen generations down the line. I told him that I do not date cousins, and that he stank! You should have seen his face!"

Hoofing smiled at the image and eyed Luna speculatively. "I also hear he ended up in the main fountain of the Castle gardens."

"Yes", replied Luna, sounding somewhat abashed. "He was wearing some outrageous cologne that was making my eyes water. And I wanted to give him a not-so-subtle message to behave by teleporting him in the middle of Celestia's statues." Her smile faltered. "Nightmare Moon may have made my reintegration to Equestria more difficult by alienating him." She was again surprised by the Minister cackling away, as if they were two young fillies planning a prank. With a conspiratory grin, the old mare looked her straight in the eye.

"That Prince is not the sharpest colt produced by that line. Not by a long shot. But he is the hereditary leader of the Unicorns, and could be a nuisance politically, if he chose to be. Luckily he is neither skilled nor inclined to dabble in government issues, lacks the courage and intelligence to pursue any causes, and is too busy being a playcolt to cause any other mischief!" She patted Luna lightly with her hoof. "So don't worry, he will not oppose your return directly, and if you play to his ego a bit, he might even warm up to you again, distasteful as that prospect may be!"

"Now, as to why your sister chose to have magic under the ministry of science, well, that was partially to bring all magical study and regulation under a single ministry, whether it was the more overt magic of the Unicorns, or the less obvious magic of the Pegasi or Earth Ponies. Also, Celestia's intent was to do a systematic study of all magic as part of the overall understanding of how all things are connected and interact and to build a more complete picture how the universe is put together. Magic is only an aspect of reality, not it totality, so Magic is but one scientific discipline amongst many. And by the way, the chief magician of Equestria is not always the Minister of Science, or even necessarily working for that ministry. In my case science has always been my most ardent passion, and my skills with magic are in no small part due to the scientific rigor with which I have undertaken the development of my magical abilities."

"Ahem. Having a good time?" interrupted a gentle but firm voice.

Luna and Sunset looked up to see Celestia approaching the table. "I must beg your forgiveness for intruding on Luna's education, but something has come up that needs our immediate attention. I would like both of you to join me in my chambers at one hour past noon for lunch and discussion with some dear friends on a a serious danger to Equestria. I am sure that you Luna will be most happy to see this person again. Do you think you can come on such short notice?" asked Celestia. Both mares nodded their assent. "Excellent! I look forward to seeing you in a bit." With that Celestia exited the library in a brisk, but still regal, pace.

"I wonder what this is about?" queried Minister Hoofing.

"I think I have an idea what it may be. Or should I say, a dream?" Luna became pensive. "Well then, we had better prepare for the lunch meeting. Shall we meet at at half past noon at her door then?" she said, collecting several of the books in a magical grip and getting up from the table to go.

"Very well, Princess Luna. I will see you then and there" replied Minister Hoofing, looking at the second princess depart in the same direction as her elder sister had.

***

Luna caught up to Celestia just outside the door of her quarters. "Tia, do you have a moment?"

"Yes, dear, but just for few minutes as I need to finalize some preparations for our meeting," replied her sister.w

"This should be brief. Shall we go into your rooms as this is not for just any ears?" queried Luna.

Celestia responded by raising an eyebrow and opening the door. They entered and she shut the door behind them. "What is your concern, little sister?" she asked.

"Ever since I returned from the moon I have been noticing that Equestrian society and more specifically its arts and crafts resemble those of that other world." She looked up at Celestia. "You know which one I mean, the world of humans." Luna paused as she let her sister absorb this pronouncement. Her look of focused but polite attention invited Luna to continue.

"When I was studying recent history I was puzzled by how the philosophy of science had progressed so quickly, when try as I might, it was often impossible to identify which ponies were responsible for these advancements. In certain cases where names were to be found, they seemed to be ponified versions of the names of human discoverers, authors and composers that I remember from glimpses of dreams I 'overheard' from that world. Is this indeed the case, Tia?" Her sister looked relieved at her query.

"You know Luna, you have always been very discerning, and you have a prodigious memory! You are absolutely right in your conclusions." She paused a moment. "Our meeting later is directly related to this topic, but I shall tell you this much now: yes, Equestria has been importing ideas, knowledge and even some of the arts, especially music, from the human world. After your banishment in the moon, I noticed that in taking over charge of raising and lowering that orb I had gained a few unexpected powers. One such was the ability to see into ponies' dreams. I began 'eavesdropping' on dreams to determine what made our subjects happy or sad, what was important to them, and maybe also a bit to know what they really thought of me!" She blushed as she admitted this.

"Over time I noticed that some ponies seemed to dream often of places with these strange creatures called humans. After a while I determined that these dreams were too internally consistent to be pure fabrications of subconscious imagination, and I began to observe and document them systematically. When I discovered concepts that I thought would be useful, I tried introducing these into Equestrian society by helping the dreamers propagate them, convincing them that they were the actual originators of these ideas. Unfortunately, that did not always work, and in some cases I was forced to create fictitious identities and introduce the ideas myself. Besides, after your banishment, I lacked for company and became quite lonely. Playacting at being these 'fictitious discoverer ponies' was a way to combine helping Equestrian progress with having more normal social interaction, which I desperately needed." She smiled gently as she gave this account, but her eyes were still tinged with the shadow of her loneliness during all those years. Her smile brightened and she continued. "Also, some of the characters I played were more than slightly eccentric, which was an incredible amount of fun!"

Luna was at first taken aback at this confession, but then as she gave it more thought, her eyes grew wide as her respect for her sister's intelligence and ability to cope increased yet again. "The dreamers are a conduit! That's brilliant! And so was creating fictitious ponies to seed important ideas and progress into Equestrian society. I have so much to learn from you!" Luna hugged her sister. "Oh, but you said you documented the dreams..."

"Yes, and I have the notebooks I compiled on human science, history, arts, customs, and such in a hidden library. I'll show you where it is and how to open it after we have our meeting with the others." She grew more serious for a moment. "Luna, I am sure you understand that you must never tell anypony about this. It could severely impact how ponies view themselves."

"I understand Tia, and of course I won't breath a word of this to anyone but you. You know, all I did with the dreams from the human world was to borrow some of their music." She looked up to her sister in admiration.

"Now I must go and finish my preparations," said Celestia. "Oh, and could you ask the kitchen staff to have lunch for five brought to the terrace of my quarters forty minutes after the stroke of noon? Thanks and see you later."

"See you," said Luna, leaving Celestia's quarters to go make the arrangements for lunch.

Chapter 6: Parallels

Still having over an hour before the lunch meeting, Princess Luna decided to take a walk to the Ministry of Science and visit Sunset Hoofing at work. The Hall of Science was a short walk from the Royal Castle, and despite the name the building seemed to be even older than the Castle itself. It had an impressive façade of brown sandstone that would not have looked out of place in the year of her banishment!

She entered the ornate main door, which was decorated in miniature stone sculptures of ponies engaged in scientific pursuits. The door led into a large entrance hall, with a huge elaborate stairway rising three stories above the ground floor. She enquired at the reception desk the location of Minister Hoofing's office. A somewhat overawed young unicorn mare gave her directions and a visitor badge to wear with her name on it, as if anypony might not know who she was!

"We thank thee," said the princess frostily, receiving a wide-eyed but generally correct bow in return.

There were quite a number of ponies engaged in various activities in the rooms along the way, and Luna indulged her curiosity by often taking a longer look at some of the more interesting goings-on. Before long she began to have an odd feeling, that something was not quite right nearby. The feeling was familiar somehow, so she followed it like a beacon in order to detemine its source.

It led Luna to a room where she spied a young grey unicorn mare with a long frizzy black mane with green tips, apparently asleep next to a table covered in complex looking equipment. She noted with interest the snoring unicorn's cutie mark: a blue and green ball caped in white at both ends, obviously a planet. The mare twitched in the midst of a dream. Having just discussed eavesdropping on dreams with Celestia, and seeing no-one else in the room, the princess decided to look into this pony's sleep.

She concentrated to connect her perception to the inner vision of the grey mare, and was startled to see the mare get up and slowly open her eyes, even though Luna felt that she was most definitely still dreaming! Afraid that she might be caught in her observations, she quickly made herself invisible.

The princess noticed something else that was far more ominous: she was still seeing the mare's dream at the same time, even though she was obviously ambulating and appeared awake. With a sinking feeling, Luna realized what was happening - a dream resonance. This meant that the universe of Equestria was experiencing a significant proximity in space-time with another universe. And everypony in both universes were in mortal danger should the two actually ever touch!

***

Glowball was pretty sure she was dreaming. She was in the strangest place she could ever have imagined, walking along a tunnel containing a huge metal pipe, with strange blockish structures every so often. The tunnel stretched both before and behind her as far as she could see, yet she could detect a slight curve to both directions, as if the tunnel described a huge circle. Finally, she turned from the pipe, went to a door in the tunnel wall and climbed up several flights of stairs, finally arriving in a large room filled with equipment and furniture... and monsters... in lab coats.

Glowball periodically enjoyed having so called 'lucid dreams' in which she could do impossible things, so rather than gallop off screaming, she decided to go with the flow and check out these creatures. She approached a desk where several of them clustered together, looking at a strange picture frame. Looking at the object of their attention, she saw the images within it moving and writhing, with a jumble of text and numbers. One of the creatures, likely male as it had a beard on its otherwise mostly hairless face, turned to her and exclaimed: "Dr. Conner, you've got to take a look at these readings. We're seeing traces of all sorts of particles seemingly coming from nowhere! The must be a glitch in the detectors, or some form of interference or contamination of the beam."

Glowball was taken aback, but since the game plan was to play along, and since these creatures were wearing the traditional garb of scientists, perhaps it would be best to respond as a scientist would to another. (And frankly, she was a scientist herself even if she was not exactly brilliant at handling social contact with ponies... and monsters... of other professions. Lucky her, this was one game she knew how to play!)

"What makes you say that..." she noticed a tag with his picture and a name on it, "...Peter?" said Glowball.

"Well," began Peter, "the traces just seem to be starting from nothing, and they involve all sorts of particles in combinations that don't match up. Also, the vectors don't make sense, it's as if collisions are happening from all directions randomly, and are being affected by masses that shouldn't be there! I really think the detectors have a problem, or the datafeeds from the instruments must be compromised."

While Peter was explaining his earlier pronouncements, Glowball made three quick observations:
One - Peter had mentioned particles. Did he mean particles of matter? Was this installation some huge machine for investigating the nature of atoms?
Two - Looking down she saw a similar tag to Peter's with the words 'Laura Conner'. That must be her name in this dream. She had better remember it!
Three - Looking down beyond the name tag she discovered exactly the same type of body as had all the other creatures in the room. How exiting! In this dream she herself was a monster!

***

Dr. Laura Conner felt a bit groggy having almost fallen asleep while waiting for a status check on the cryogenics for a set of magnets... and noticed that she wasn't in a familiar place. She thought she knew every nook and cranny of the accelerator installations at CERN, but she had somehow wandered into a heretofore unseen area. Given the size of the place, that wasn't unheard of, just unlikely.

She looked around. She was in some lab. Judging from the flasks containing various liquids, complex glass apparatuses connected with tubing, an old model optical microscope with an open notebook next to it, there was some chemical procedure going on. It reminded her more of lab work done during her undergraduate days than anything she expected to see at CERN. 'This is odd', she thought, 'who would be doing this type of work near the accelerator ring?'

Laura decided to exit the room and see if she could get her bearings. She needed to get back to work on tracing the source of this morning's anomalies, or the whole day's data might be rendered useless. She left through the only door in the room and froze in her tracks as she entered the corridor and saw the weirdest scene imaginable: everywhere she looked, pastel colored ponies where circulating in and out of similar doors. Some ponies had single horns, some wings, and still others had neither horn nor wings, and some of all three types were wearing lab coats, security glasses, and even hard hats. She also noticed most of the ponies were not wearing any other clothes under the lab coats.

Several ponies standing - and conversing! - near what were obviously a water cooler and a hot drinks dispenser turned to her, one of them raised a foreleg, waved a hoof at her and spoke up. "Hey Glowball, have you figured out what was affecting half of all the experiments going on this morning? Nopony is getting any useful work done, and the old mare has been riding everypony for results ever since she got her voice back!"

Laura was proud of the way she always was able to keep her cool when experiments went haywire and colleagues began to panic. This trait in no small part contributed to her quick rise in her profession and ultimately her position at CERN. Her agile mind quickly came to three immediate conclusions.

One - She was in some scientific establishment, only the scientists were small horses or ponies instead of people.
Two - Somehow she was being mistaken for someone called 'Global' or some such name.
Three- The pony scientists' activities this morning also seemed to be beset by gremlins.

Maybe she was dreaming and this whole hallucination was just a manifestation of her subconscious mind working out the problems she faced in the real world. Dreaming or not, she found a few things about her current situation somewhat curious, such as 'why were these ponies so willing to accept her substitution of this 'Global' person?', and 'was the source of their parallel problems the same?'. "Parallel!" she blurted out loud. The word was making bells ring in her head.

"Hey Glowball, what was that? 'Parallel' did you say? What or whom is parallel, and in relation to what or who?" said a teal colored pony with a light blue mane, interrupting her thoughts.

Laura approached the group and saw that these ponies also had ID badges. The card of the pony asking the question read "Rock Candy", and the card of the pale lavender one that had waved to her earlier identified her as "Time Crescent", with a subtext below "Chief Librarian".

The lack of clothing made it abundantly clear which ponies were male or female. She had a sudden horrible thought! Looking down at herself she saw a grey colored chest, on each side dangled tresses of thick frizzy black hair tipped in greenish blue, and below that grey forelegs ending equally grey hooves. She had an ID tag reading "Glowball" on the lab coat lapel AND SHE WAS NAKED UNDER THE LAB COAT!

Feeling the heat of embarrassment rise, she thought how typical it was that this was also a 'naked' dream, along with all the rest. Her subconscious was really working overtime on this one! What a nightmare! Then she couldn't help but snort as she concluded mentally 'And I am the mare.'

"Yo, Glowball, are you ignoring me or are you just gonna stand there reading our name tags all day? And what's so funny about them?" the pony called Rock complained.

"Sorry, Rock Candy, I was just thinking out loud," answered Laura. Feeling a researcher's need for more information, she decided to see if she could spur on (she snorted again) the so far quite loquacious colt. "What types of effects are being reported now?"

"Jeez, pretty much everything is going haywire. Chemistry reports all sorts of impurities suddenly popping up in processes that have been running clean for days or even weeks before. Physics reports strange traces in cloud chamber experiments, And Magic reports that spell casting is resulting in almost random errors, if spells produce anything at all." He sighed. "You know, it'd be easier to show you than describe it all. Howabout we just do a quick tour of the departments. That way when the old mare comes for answers we'll at least be able to give a coherent report, even if we can't explain why this is happening."

"Sounds like a plan I would come up with!" replied Laura with a smirk. She loved it when people, or ponies, behaved according to plan. "Lead on Rock".

"Ahem!" said a voice behind her, and Laura turned to see Time Crescent looking at her as if she were slightly offended. "I hope this does not mean you'll be late from work tonight. We have a reservation to go out to 'Chez Squeezy' tonight, dear." she added looking more concerned than off-put.

"Hey, that's right, isn't today your three year anniversary, you two?" said Rock. He turned to Time Crescent and said quietly so only the three of them could hear: "You know she's been talking about that fancied-up, overpriced greasy hay-bale all week. Don't you worry none. I'll make sure she leaves the office on time." He turned back to Laura, who hoped she wasn't showing on her pony face how nonplussed she was inside, spoke to the pale blue mare "See you later... dear." This seemed to satisfy Time Crescent, who cantered off on her own business. 'Too many parallels!' thought Laura, and then 'This is getting more weird by the minute.' Aloud she said "Let's go Rock, and thanks for the save."

"No prob. A friend in need and all that. And boy, did you need a friend just then! But don't worry about being in my debt. I'll come to exact my payment when I can think of a sufficiently big favor. I'm not in any rush," smirked the pony.

Laura decided to change her opinion of this dreamworld - it was JUST LIKE the real world, only with more legs. And speaking of legs... "OK, Rock, let's go." and she followed him to their first meeting.

***

Luna had seen enough. She disengaged from Glowball's dream, and hurried onwards to find Minister Hoofing's office. Arriving at the door, she saw it was open, and inside was a pony sitting at a desk, with yet another door leading further inwards. The young colt was obviously Sunset's secretary, and by now he had had time enough to see that one of the co-rulers of Equestria was visiting unannounced.

He stumbled in his haste to get up and bow to the princess at the same time. "P-Princess Luna" he stammered, "I will advise the Minister of your arrival immediately!"

"Please do. Tell her this is somewhat of an emergency as well," she replied, waving a hoof so he would get to it without delay.

As he was still clumsily getting out from behind the desk, the door to Hoofing's office opened of its own accord, and Minister Hoofing emerged looking serious. "Your highness!" she bowed. "Would I be wrong in suspecting that your majesty's visit may be related to the difficulties this ministry has been experiencing these past few hours?"

"Excellent deduction, Minister Hoofing," replied Luna. "It is in fact in this regard that I wish to ask a favor of you."

"Your wish is my command, Princess," answered Sunset. Luna could swear she saw the old mare wink with the eye hidden from her secretary by her profile.

"Well, um, very good." Luna found it hard to believe Sunset could find time for humor under these circumstances. She was a most surprising and interesting character! "There is a mare working in this ministry, Glowball is her name I believe. Could you please post someone to keep an eye on her movements, and this with the utmost discretion? It is of vital importance she continue undeterred in those activities in which she is currently engaged. Please ensure also that I receive a report on her actions every thirty minutes at the castle."

Hoofing looked to her secretary. "Angel Cake, please dispatch a proctor and two non-uniformed security to enact the surveillance and report to the Princess in the Castle every half hour."

"Yes, Minister. Right away!" replied Angel Cake.

"Oh, and Angel, please make sure nopony else knows about this. Is this clear?"

"Yes, Minister!" assured the young colt, who immediately left the office.

"Shall we go back to the castle now?" asked Sunset. "It is almost time for our lunch meeting."

"A good idea, Sunset," Luna replied casually, as they were now alone in the office. "Oh, and, Angel Cake is it?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

Sunset chuckled as she and the Princess exited her office. "Rank doth hath its privileges, Princess!"

'A surprising old mare, indeed!' thought Luna, as they walked back to the Castle to meet with Celestia and her guests.

Chapter 7: A brane in time

Chapter 7: A brane in time

Princess Celestia stood next to a well laden banquet table in her apartments at Canterlot Castle as her sister and Sunset Hoofing entered. Hoofing bowed to her sovereign.

"My two other guests should be here momentarily," she advised them. "Please make yourselves comfortable." With a dainty hoof she indicated some big fluffy cushions arranged in a circle before huge arching windows that let in the sunlight. Before the two mares even had time to cross the spacious room a chime rang out. "That must be them now!"

The ornate doors to her quarters opened. In strode a lavender colored unicorn mare accompanied by a small pink and green dragon. Both bowed deeply to the Princesses. When they rose Celestia rushed to them and in a fashion more maternal than regal wrapped the young mare and dragon in an equine hug.

"Twilight Sparkle, my star pupil, I am so glad to see you and my dearest Spike! Equestria again has need of your special talents, but this time it is upon your intelligence and quick thinking that may depend the fate of not one but two universes."

Twilight's was indeed very happy to see her mentor Princess Celestia, but her eyes grew wide at the Princess’ words. She waved a greeting to Minister Hoofing, one of her favorite teachers at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.

"Everypony required is now present for our meeting," the elder Princess waved a hoof towards the laden table, "but first let us share a meal so we have all our wits about us for our deliberations."

The words were barely out of Celestia’s mouth when a pink and green streak exploded from the entrance straight as an arrow to the food piled high on the table, immediately followed by various chomps, crunches, gulps and smacking sounds. Twilight was only slightly embarrassed. "Spike was really getting hungry on the way here," she explained.

"Yesh, Princhess Cheleshtia alwaysh hash the besht eatsh!" remarked the tiny dragon in between bites.

Chuckling, the four mares made their way over to the table, prepared themselves a plate, then sat around the table eating and chatting amiably. When everypony had had their fill they moved over to the ring of cushions by the windows, with Spike arriving last, so stuffed he could only waddle slowly.

Celestia called the meeting to order. "My little ponies, and Spike, I have called you here today because Equestria faces a mortal peril, one that we have encountered and survived at least twice in my memory."

"Twice?" said Luna with a look of surprise.

"Yes, sister. The first time it created the conditions that led to reign of Discord. The second happened over six hundred years ago, while you were in the moon." She glanced around the circle of faces. "That time I was able to save Equestria, but the effort almost cost me my life." Everpony looked shocked upon hearing this news, Luna leaning over to hug her sister, looked close to tears. "Don't fret, little sister. The event is what led to my decision to remake Equestria such that it could potentially survive even the loss of both of us."

"This, and not the prophesied return of Nightmare Moon is why I first developed a plan to transfer the power of the elements of harmony from we sisters to normal ponies of Equestria. It took hundreds of years to discover how to find the right candidates to carry the elements and then to gather all of them together at the right time."

Twilight looked up in confusion. "Do this mean that my whole life has been planned by you, including my time in Ponyville?"

"In part, my faithful student. But a bigger part was the selection by the element of magic itself in finding the best pony in Equestria to become its host. And an even bigger part was entirely due to you alone, Twilight, for only you could create the bond of friendship between all the elements of harmony that is the very core of their power. I could only set up the conditions for it to happen. Turning it into reality was up to six wonderful little ponies".

She looked with affection upon the relief evident in Twilight's face. With a twinkle in her eye she added "I must confess, before I sent you to Ponyville, I wasn't entirely sure you had it in you to come out of your shell in time to blossom into the pony that could bring all the elements together in friendship. Sending you to Ponyville was a bit of a last ditch effort!". More tenderly she added: "And I must admit I was loath to lose your company which has brought me more joy in these last few years than I can express."

Spike was becoming somewhat embarrassed with all the mushiness and decided to break in. "Oh, brother! I could have told you Twi could make tons of friends if she wanted to. But, what is this threat anyway? Is it a super duper über Dragon, or a Mega Ursa Major, or maybe an Ursa General or Admiral or something like that?"

The ponies all chuckled at Spike's attempt to come up with even bigger threats than those with which he was familiar. Princess Celestia smiled at the baby Dragon, but then assuming a more serious demeanor she raised her head and looked each of the Ponies in the eyes to convey how serious was what she was about to say.

"In order to make you understand the nature of this threat, Luna and I have agreed that it will be necessary to tell you some things about the origin of this universe that we would like to keep out of common knowledge, until the time is right to reveal it to all Equestrians. I do not wish to repeat past mistakes I have made that caused much pain and sorrow to my dear subjects. Do I have your solemn words that you will not repeat this to anypony else?"

The two unicorn mares and Spike indicated their assent.

"There are many universes in the cosmos, and this universe containing Equestria is but one of them. In fact, it is a comparatively small one, as such things are measured. Some of these universes have occurred naturally, and some were made by great cosmic artificers. Our universe is one such, and Luna and I are the descendants of these universe builders.

"However, when a universe is created, usually the artificers do not bother to design all of its elements to the smallest detail. That would require a lot of extra time, energy and testing. As there are literally an infinity of existing models that work perfectly from which to choose, much of the content of made universes is simply copied.

"Again, that is the case for our universe, which is mostly a copy of another with a few modifications. One such change is that in our universe, the planet we live on is actually a huge sphere bigger even than most naturally occurring stars and located at the center of its solar system. The land of Equestria is but a tiny portion of its surface, most of which is unfinished and uninhabited. The life and surface conditons of Equestria have been copied from a template planet called Earth.

"Also unlike with naturally evolved worlds, Equestria’s sun and moon are artificial constructs, which my sister and I control and move in order to regulate the day and the night so that life in Equestria can prosper. Somepony standing on the surface of the planet Earth would have great difficulty telling the difference by looking at the sky - the sun, moon and stars would appear very much as they do here in Equestria, even down to the constellations and celestial phenomena.

"One more difference. Unlike in Equestria, the dominant form of intelligent life is not ponies, but humans, a bipedal descendant of the simian line."

Spike grew quite excited at this. Finally he had an idea of a threat that he could visualize! "Oh, you mean they’re like some kind of giant super monkey, with big ears, and a flat face and grabby hands and an appetite for pony flesh?" He mimed grabbing at Twilight with his paws while laughing in a sinister fashion. "BWA, BWA HA HA HA, BWA HA HA..."

Twilight had another thought entirely and spoke up. "Would these humans be kinda hairless, except for the tops of their heads, and eyebrows and such?"

"Yes, Twilight. I can see you have some prior knowledge of them," said Celestia.

"Ee-ewe..." said Spike. "Neither fur nor feathers nor scales? Don't they get cold?"

"And is that why they wear so much clothing?" asked Twilight.

Celestia seemed amused by the questions. "Those are excellent deductions, both of you. Twilight dearest, how have you come to know about how humans look?"

"I guess I kinda saw one in a dream. But I had no idea what it was until you described them as being descended from apes. It even explains the lack of a tail. Oh, and the strangest thing was that I was a human in this dream and I saw my human self in the mirror. It gave me quite a shock!"

Celestia grew serious again. "This is unfortunately one of the symptoms of the threat to our universe. You see, all universes are part of the multiverse, with some universes in greater or lesser proximity to others in space-time. But when a universe is copied, it sometimes is very close indeed to the template universe, so close in fact that resonances can occur and information leak from one universe to the other, and the reverse as well.

“In intelligent beings, this leakage can take several forms. Sometimes they see ghostly images of the other universe and its occupants. Most ponies will simply ignore these as visual illusions or mirages. But when somepony is very tired or even asleep, they are much more likely to open their perceptions fully and truly sense impressions from the other universe. On rare occasions, there may be very similar minds on both sides, kindered souls so to speak, who can engage in an actual exchange of full perceptual experiences. In essence they walk in the other universe for a time, wearing each other's body. Is that how it felt for you, my most faithful student?"

"Yes, that's exactly how it felt." Twilight nodded vigorously. "I was walking upright, and didn't even notice that I had arms and hands, not forelegs and hooves, until I fell down and saw my body in front of me. I had that dream just last night."

The baby dragon slapped his head. "That explains why you made those noises and woke up in that funny position."

At a glance from Celestia, Luna now took her turn to speak. "There is unfortunately more to this resonance phenomenon. Sometimes universes come so close that they actually touch." She took a breath. "When this happens, there is a huge release of energy. Sometimes it is enough to destroy a whole world, sometimes a whole galaxy, and sometimes, even a whole universe, or more accurately two whole universes."

"Are our universes getting that close?" asked Twilight.

"The closer the two universes become, the more frequent become these resonances.
I fear to report that on my way here today before lunch I encountered a mare, Glowball is her name, who was in just such a 'perceptual exchange'. Equestria is most definitely in a dangerous situation.

"The important thing is that since we are aware of it, we can both monitor the situation and seek the focal point of where the universes might touch."

"What good will it do to know the focal point, if the whole galaxy explodes? It’s not as if we could run away." offered a glum Twilight.

"No, but we could exert ourselves to change the factors leading to resonances, in essence pushing away the other universe before they can touch. This requires a huge amount of energy, but if we can get close enough to the focus then we can apply a form of leverage and Celestia and I should be able to manage it.

"For this reason I have placed a tail on this Glowball mare, and have instructed the Ministry guards to allow her to go about her business. It would seem that Glowball is exchanging experiences with an entity brave enough not to panic, and bright enough to seek information of our universe. I just hope Glowball is doing as much in the human universe, and I want to ensure she has as much time as possible to do so. The information she gathers may be crucial to figuring out how to avoid the worst."

Minister Hoofing spoke up for the first time. "I also wish to relate that as of this morning, there have been multiple occurrences of unexplained phenomena in the labs of the Ministry of Science, with all disciplines including magic being affected heavily, and that this trend seems to be increasing with time."

"But what can I do about all this?" asked Twilight.

"I want you to sleep, my little pony" said Celestia with a grin. "You have demonstrated quite handily to everypony in Equestria that you deeply understand the power of friendship. I expect the human you are resonating with will have a soul much like yours: curious, intelligent and able to love others, even those you do not know personally. You are also one of the most intelligent and well educated ponies in this land. I ask you to sleep, and in your sleep find a way to communicate with this human. Together with her find a way to marshall the efforts of Equestria and Earth to help prevent this disaster."

"Oh, so you want me to organize and create teamwork between two universes?" asked Twilight with a happy gleam in her eye, seeing before her a job about which she could really get enthused.

"Yes!" said the two Royal Princesses and Minister Hoofing in unison.

"And I am the only one Twilight trusts to guard her sleep," said Spike, adopting a heroic pose.

Everypony had a good laugh at this. Celestia decided to conclude the meeting.

"In order to make this as easy as possible, I have had your old room at the Castle freshened up and your baggage delivered and installed. I have also commanded that all staff keep the area around your room totally quiet so as to not disturb your sleep. Luna, Minister Hoofing and I now have a report to receive on the activities at the Ministry of Science, so off to your room Spike and Twilight, and good luck in your mission!"

The lavender Unicorn and baby dragon exited just as a guard arrived, no doubt the one with the report from the Ministry of Science. The two left Celestia's apartment determined to save Equestria, and the human universe too!

Chapter 8: Boxes, Balls and Rings

Chapter 8: Boxes, Balls and Rings

Princesses Celestia and Luna nodded to the guardpony as he bowed to his sovereigns. "Please report." invited the elder alicorn.

"Your Royal Highnesses, and Minister Hoofing, the Chief Scientist Glowball is presently taking a tour of the Hall of Science accompanied by Assistant Chief Scientist Rock Candy. So far they have visited the departments of Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, Geology and Astronomy, where they were when I left. In each department Glowball asked many questions on the nature of the activities in the department as well as enquiring about any strange or unexpected occurrences during the last few days.

"Other than that, she seemed to be somewhat distracted, thinking a long time before venturing any opinions and responding slowly to questions. One more odd aspect to her behavior: she seemed not to recognize those ponies who are her close friends and associates, treating them almost like strangers. I am beginning to suspect that this mare is not actually Chief Glowball but somepony pretending to be her.

"One last thing. Despite our best efforts, Assistant Chief Rock Candy noticed our surveillance and confronted me in private about it. I admitted that his boss was under observation but that I was not at liberty to disclose why. However he did promise not to convey this fact to the Chief, so we are cautiously including him in our surveillance team. Much of the intelligence regarding the Chief's behavior was actually his assessment as her close associate."

The three mares looked at each other. As nopony had any questions, Celestia addressed the guard. "You have done very well, Guardpony! We thank you very much for your efforts and ask that you continue as instructed by Princess Luna. Please advise one of the three of us immediately if there are any changes in Glowball's activities."

The guard bowed again and then left to resume his duties.

She turned to her sister and Sunset Hoofing. "So far so good. We may actually be able to recruit assistance in the human universe. Sunset, you have seen my most recent assessments of the state of human science and technology. In your opinion is their technology such that they could be of assistance to our cause?"

Hoofing pondered for a moment. "Technically they could assist from an equipment basis, and they are capable of producing sufficient concentrations of energy, but they have no conception of magic and so we would need to instruct them on what to do. Also, they would have to trust that what we are asking them to does not represent a danger to them, even if they do not understand it. But why do we need their assistance? Can't you and Luna produce the required energy by yourselves?"

Luna spoke for the sisters. "Unfortunately, the recent struggles of my sister with Nightmare Moon have left me significantly reduced in power, and us both and the elements of harmony somewhat drained. Also, a direct intervention in the human universe would drain our energies even further, so even that option is not as readily accessible as it might otherwise be.

"We are not at all sure to be able to marshall enough power ourselves, even if we bring the elements into the picture. That is why my sister decided to call in Twilight Sparkle, as soon as she detected that she was one of the Equestrians experiencing 'perceptual exchange'. That one of your staff is as well, is both quite fortunate and quite distressing. Even thought it indicates that the convergence is approaching fast, it gives us cause to believe that the focus is nearby and may give us more resources to help locate it.

"In this regard, I propose that Sunset and I meet with Glowball in order to determine if we can count on the active support of the human with whom she is in 'perceptual exchange'."

The old unicorn mare was pleased at intimate way Luna addressed her. "I concur with Luna, and I propose we do so as soon as Glowball has finished her tour of our facilities, which should not long now. Perhaps we should make our way back to the Hall of Science?"

Celestia nodded her agreement. "I will begin storing magical energy in certain objects created for that purpose and will also investigate some possible existing stockpiles that we may bring to bear when needed. Good luck to you both."

Sunset bowed to Princess Celestia, who then received a hug from Luna. She and the younger Princess then departed Celestia's apartments together.

***

A voice in Laura's head kept saying 'THESE PONIES SEEM TO THINK THERE REALLY IS SUCH A THING AS MAGIC! I WONDER WHAT THE REAL MECHANISM BEHIND THIS IS?' and variations thereof as she received her tour of the Department of Magic. It was taking all her willpower to keep a straight face (muzzle?) and to be honest she did not think she was entirely successful at it. Fortunately, the ponies that were presenting all these impossibilities to her seemed to take her pinched expression as evidence of concern for how things were going wrong with their magical experiments, instead of with the idea of magic itself worked, a real mind bender as far as she was concerned.

She put on the least fake smile she could manage to the assembled group of unicorns present. It seemed liked magic, unlike the other 'sciences' was an almost exclusively unicorn activity. "Thank you so much, every....pony." She had noticed the peculiar way these ponies spoke. "Now, has any...pony done an analysis to see if theses spells are deviating from expected results an a systematic way?"

"That's an excellent question, Glowball." replied Rock Candy. He addressed himself to a young looking dark blue unicorn with a light blue streaked mane and wearing thick glasses. "Slide Rule has been working on this aspect of the disturbances, what are your findings so far?"

"Well," he hesitated, but then visibly gathered his courage to speak, "I just thought it might be worth ranking each incident on the Starswirl magical effort scale and then plotting them on a chart. We have a lot of data as unicorns have been reporting spell failures all over the Hall of Science, not just in the Department of Magic."

"And what did this show?" asked Rock Candy.

"Unfortunately not much. There seemed to be a slight increase in event concentration in the north east section of the Hall of Science, but it was not statistically significant. But then, I noticed that the lower floor incidents seemed to be the most severe, so I plotted them in a 3D map - which wasn't easy because my magic kept having problems! SO, I went up to the top of the south tower and found out there was hardly any spell interference there and so I built my 3D map and here it is." He pointed to a transparent box on a table with various sized balls seemingly floating in mid-air inside.

"The bigger balls represent more severe deviations from expected results?" asked Laura, moving closer to the table with the box.

"Yes, Chief." answered Slide Rule, "and the front of the box facing us points north. It is evident that the deeper and more northern segments seem to harbor greater effects, but there is nevertheless a series of large effects on most floors. Then I rotated the box in front of me in all directions, and voila! I saw that the effects appear most severe along an axis going from west-by-north-west to east-by-south-east, with the western end at an approximate the second floor above ground and the eastern end about four levels below ground."

Rock Candy magically lifted the box rotating it as Slide Rule had indicated and indeed, by looking at it from the right direction it became evident the effects were following a very distinct line. Slide Rule was now looking a bit smug. Laura was picking up her newly equine jaw from off the floor! She thought to herself 'without computers or monitors these ponies can do very sophisticated stuff - they were building simulations out of physical reality!

"Ahem, I also noticed one more thing." said Slide Rule, obviously now enjoying the attention. All ponies present wondered what more could be determined from this 3D map box. He pushed his thick glasses back up his muzzle dramatically. "Each ball is held in place by an individual spell. But as the balls have different masses, they are more or less responsive to distortions in the field of magical energy around them as well as electromagnetic forces. As I was coming back down the tower with the box I noticed that smaller balls tended to vibrate visibly, and that the closer I got to the axis physically, the worse the vibrations became. The vibrations ceased when I stopped moving the box. They also seemed more intense at the western end of the axis than at the eastern end. So the axis is in effect a vector. And the box will allow us to follow it to its source if we want to."

"Slide Rule, that is amazing! I am truly impressed!" Laura knew how to give praise when it was warranted, and if she had had the chance to bring this particular unicorn back to CERN with her, she would have, hooves, horn and all!

"She is not the only one impressed!" said an older female voice at the door behind them.

"It's the minister!" whispered several ponies, "and who is that with her, OH MY GOSH it's Princess Luna!!!". All around her ponies were bowing towards the door. Laura knew how to take a cue and did the same.

"Chief Glowball," continued the older unicorn mare, likely the minister. "Princess Luna and I would like to confer with you in private about these events. Could you spare us a moment?"

Laura was in a panic! She did not for one second think she could fool theses VIPs into thinking she was really the pony whose appearance she was wearing. But she could not see a way out without causing a scene. Either way the jig would be up, so she decided her only course was to continue the charade until the end.

"Yes, of course, Minister" replied Laura, and followed them out the door, noticing that the Princess had both horn and wings, a variation she had not yet encountered in her rounds of the 'Hall'.

As they walked the older unicorn addressed her. "So Chief Glowball, how did you like your tour of the Hall of Science?"

"Well... We have established that almost every department running experiments has been affected by anomalies that seem random and impossible to pin down in a purely deterministic fashion. However, the efforts of Slide Rule may have given us a way to both measure the distortions statistically and perhaps even trace them to the source." Laura felt this was safe to say, but was painfully aware that she had nothing to add if the ponies probed any deeper.

"Those are excellent results, and beyond what I had expected." Said the minister, leading her and the Princess to what was a meeting room, judging from the fact it contained a large rectangular table, and several cushions instead of chairs arranged around it.

"Please have a seat." She indicated the cushions with a hoof, and then closed the door. With a sweet old granny expression she added: "And do tell us, dear, just who you are."

***

Glowball was wondering if she had died and gone to some heaven other than the 'Herd of Contentment' that most ponies expected after their demise. Her present circumstances were too detailed and self consistent to be a dream only. It just 'felt too real'. As soon as Peter had described the problems they had been encountering, Glowball immediate seized on the opportunity to ask to meet with as many as possible of the scientists who had reported problems. This gave her a plausible excuse to ask all sorts of questions about what they were doing, their experiments and to seek ideas on the causes of said problems.

When she asked about the physical distribution of these problems, it quickly became evident that most scientist here were working with something they called the LHC and that this was nothing less than an inconceivably huge ring shaped particle accelerator. The energies produced must be be absolutely enormous! She burned with questions she could not ask, lest the monsters discover that she was not whom they thought she was.

The ponies... uh individuals, were obviously scientists of the highest caliber. And the tech! Her heart almost skipped a beat just thinking about it, was just the techiest! It was also obviously years beyond the capabilities of Equestrian science, especially the tools they had for communication and computation. Here, every...body (she had noticed how the local bipeds expressed themselves during the tour) had their own personal computer, and access to an infinite source of knowledge called the World-Wide-Web.

One truly good piece of luck she had was when Peter led her to his office to show a plot of the occurrences on a map of the LHC by going to 'website' with information on the device and on CERN, the institution that managed it. At one point in the exercise a device called a 'phone' on his desk rang, and he excused himself as he had 'a fire to put out', then running from the room. She assumed he meant this metaphorically and had just been advised of another of the day's 'occurrences'. Either way he left his computer device active when he ran out, which she fully intended to exploit for as long as possible!

She had seen how Peter searched for information by typing in key words or a request into a box located at the top of the screen. It would then produce a list of possible responses to his query. The biggest challenge she had was first understanding the pointing device (called a mouse for some strange reason) and the concept of click-and-drag and then how to type in letters and words using the digits of her paws. She found out she could manage a bearable speed with one digit from each, nothing like Peter's magically fluid flow of letters.

She had checked out 'LHC', 'CERN', 'World-Wide-Web', 'particle accelerator', 'anatomy' and even the name on the tag pinned to her own lab coat 'Dr. Laura Connor". She was amazed how much information was available, which she greedily read at high speed in a data feeding frenzy! As she read, she became truly impressed with this Dr. Connor. She also noticed that this mare, uh, 'person' held a job very similar to hers in being the department head of a scientific establishment, and that this department was also experiencing a major disruption that morning. Like all good scientists, Glowball distrusted coincidence. She began to formulate a plan to see if she could discover any connection between what was happening in Equestria's Hall of Science with what was happening here at the LHC. Just then, Peter returned, somewhat flushed from running back.

"Laura, you'll never guess!" he began, seemingly exited at some new development.

"Since you said I'll never guess then there's no point in me trying, is there? What's up?"
replied Glowball.

"One of the techs started plotting the anomalies based on the energies needed to produce them, and was able to produce a 3D plot. Let me show you." He sat next to her and repositioned the keyboard and mouse directly in front of him with his fingers and hands (that's what they were called in the anatomy diagram), immediately typing an incomprehensible long string of characters in one of the other boxes at the top of the screen. The image on the screen (a recent paper by Dr. Laura Connor) was replaced by a view of a large number of circles, some large some small.

"What is really interesting is if you rotate the view to lie along the track of the LHC." he played with the mouse periodically clicking on on-screen menus. The view rotated in several dimensions until all of a sudden, Glowball saw it!

"The incidences diminish in amplitude with distance from the track!" exclaimed Glowball.

"Exactly! And also, this phenomenon seems to affect only a portion of the ring, next to this set of detectors."

Just then she heard a ringing noise and felt something buzzing in the lab coat's top left pocket. Peter looked up at her. "Aren't you going to get that? It's your phone."

She plunged a hand in her pocket pulling out a small device with its own screen, on which there was a little box with an arrow pointing sideways - obviously she was supposed to move the box, but there was no mouse! In desperation she placed a trembling finger (what a weird name for a digit) on the box and noticed it moved with the trembling of her finger. She slid the box all the way to the right in its 'slot', and was rewarded by a picture of another female with the name "Abigail Murphy".

"Hey, it's Gail." remarked Peter, looking at her expectantly.

She heard a tiny voice issuing from the device, and raised it to her ear to better hear the sound.

"Laura? Hellooooo.... can you hear me?" said a female voice.

"Oh, yes I can." replied Glowball, nonplussed. A talking machine!

"Well, my sweet, please remember that I am picking you up at the Prévessin main entrance tonight at six. You won't get all wrapped up in work and forget now?"

"No, I won't" blurted Glowball, unsure what else to say.

"Could you pass the phone to Peter, dear?"

"Yes, of course." She lift the device and offered it to Peter, who took it and placed it next to his own ear.

"I'll make sure she's there!" he said into the device with a smile. After a pause he added: "I know all her hiding places - she can't get away from me, so don't worry! Kay, bye now! And have a good time!" He pushed a button with his thumb (the stubby digit opposite the fingers of each hand) and the phone's screen went black except for the date and time glowing in the middle. He then handed it back to her (Strange! 'Hand over' is an expression used in Equestria - but ponies have hooves, not hands!)

She placed the device back into its original pocket. Peter was still smiling at her. "You know I'm really quite envious. You have to make a reservation at least two months in advance to get into 'Chez Chiquette' these days. You guys are really going all out for this anniversary!"

Glowball suddenly froze. What if she doesn't revert back to herself before it's time for dinner with TC?!!! All of a sudden her adventure was seeming less of a fun lark. And that also brought up another sobering thought. 'How can I compare what I learn here with data from Equestria if I don't go back? And, what if I can't go back!!!'

***

Twilight Sparkle finished giving her instructions to Spike. "Oh, and the cap I enchanted to make me fall asleep is very harmless, but works immediately. So as soon as I'm asleep remove the sleeping cap keep and keep an eye on me. If I wake up, it might be the human I am resonating with who looks out at you. Equestria is depending on you Spike! So stick to the plan I gave you, and watch out where you put that cap. Don't accidentally put yourself or anyone else to sleep with it as they might get hurt when they pass out. Clear?"

"Crystal Clear, Sir!" said Spike saluting like a soldier. Twilight reclined onto her bed, and with both front hooves slowly placed the sleeping cap on head. The world faded to black.

Chapter 9: Protocols

Laura froze in her tracks. The word 'Busted!' echoed through her head, until habit and training took over. She knew how to handle being blind-sided. Giving herself more time to think, she slowly lowered a flank onto a cushion just as the two mares had already done.

"My, she is a cool one!" remarked Sunset Hoofing. Then looking at Laura: "Rest assured, my dear, that we don't mean you any harm, and furthermore that we don't think you mean us any harm. And I suspect that you may have some difficulty believing me. Nevertheless, this is true."

Laura indeed agreed with the Minister, but she thought it best to keep silent and her options open.

"Perhaps it was discourteous of me to ask you to introduce yourself without my first doing so. My name is Sunset Hoofing, and I am the Minister of Science. The pony to your right is Her Royal Highness Princess Luna, co-ruler of the nation of Equestria. Now, I believe it's your turn."

Laura snorted - which embarrassingly came out much louder than she intended with a pony muzzle! But, she had been offered an information exchange, so here was an opportunity to at least learn more about her circumstances.

"Minister Hoofing, Princess Luna, my name is Dr. Laura Conner, and I am the Chief Scientist for the 'Celeste' project of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the European Center for Nuclear Research. Where is the Nation of Equestria? I have never heard of it before."

This time the Princess spoke up. "This is a bit complicated, but Equestria is a country located in a universe parallel to the one from which you have originated. It is not located on the planet earth you know, and the dominant life form here is equine, not human." She paused and smiled. "There, I gave you a bonus!"

Laura smiled at the Princess' attempt at humor. "Thank you, and to be honest, I had noticed."

"Good!" resumed Hoofing. "Without resorting to flattery, we had expected you would be above average intelligence."

"And why would that be?" Laura raised an eyebrow.

"Because the Equestrian with whom you have 'swapped bodies' works for me and I don't hire dummies!" said the old mare with a fiery look. "You see, such 'perceptual exchange between universes' as we call it, is only possible between very similar minds who have led very similar lives."

The human thought about this for a moment, making connections. "I had observed a startling number of parallels in my life to that of Glowball." She was struck by a sudden thought. "You call it 'perceptual exchange'. Does that mean that at this moment Glowball is inhabiting my body and running around CERN?"

Luna closed her eyes for a moment, and concentrated. Opening her eyes she said "Yes, she is currently sitting in the office of the one called Peter Tobler. They are discussing the problems that have plagued the center all day."

"How do you know that?"

"I can see into her mind. Yes, I know, her body is here, and you feel as if you are inhabiting it, but in fact physically you are still in CERN. You and Glowball are merely exchanging information across universes in the form of perceptions."

"However, we have a mutual problem." Minister Hoofing's spoke again, this time assuming a more serious expression. "You see, the causative factor of the 'perceptual exchange' is an unfortunate process called multiversal convergence. I believe a term you might be more familiar with is 'm-brane collision'. No matter what you call it, the consequence might be the end of all we hold dear in both universes." She looked to the Princess.

"All indicators show that the danger is both severe and imminent. The convergence is also the reason for the morning's physical anomalies experienced in both universes."

Laura did not like the direction this was taking. "What are the odds of this convergence leading to an actual m-brane collision?"

"Currently, very high." The Princess looked grim. "However, there is a possibility of preventing the convergence from reaching actual contact. The reason that Minister Hoofing and I wished to speak with you was to obtain your help in avoiding the collision from happening."

"I hate to sound uncaring of the fate of the...uh, two universes, but please understand that in my universe, extraordinary claims do need to be supported by extraordinary evidence."

"We follow sound scientific doctrine in this universe as well, and most rigorously in my ministry, as I am sure you had ample occasion to observe on your tour this morning!" harrumphed the old mare.

"What more evidence do you need?" asked Princess Luna.

"How do I know that this entire situation was not somehow engineered by you? That any assistance I offer might actually have nothing to do with avoiding a disaster, and more to achieving your own unstated purposes? For that matter, how do I know this isn't just some dream or hallucination?"

Minister Hoofing appeared mollified from her brief ire. "Those are the right questions, deary, and first things first! Show me your foreleg!"

Mystified, Laura did as the old mare requested. Whereupon she lowered her muzzle and bit down on Laura's leg, pinching her quite painfully!

"Ouch! That hurt!" Laura looked at the pony foreleg she had just pulled back reflexively, and began to chuckle. "Ok, so this passes the 'pinch' test. I am willing to concede that this is not an illusion but actual physical reality." She looked up at the cackling minister, and began to think that she could come to like this old mare. She noticed Princess Luna smiling at her and suspected that she might share her opinion of Hoofing.

The Princess rose and spoke. "As to the latter part of your question, I believe it's time for you to see a bit of Equestria outside this building, and to meet my sister, Princess Celestia. Let's walk back to the castle."

***

They exited the Ministry of Science with Princess Luna in the lead. Laura Connor was absolutely astounded at the city before her. "Minister Hoofing, please be prepared to pinch me again," she related breathlessly, and paused a moment considering. "The only way I can describe this view is medieval fairy tale meets Mary Poppins!" She gaped at the ponies strolling, galloping and flying around, some partially dressed, some wearing elaborate clothing, and most without a stitch on. Something about the flying ponies bothered her. "There is simply no way these tiny wings could provide enough lift for the pegasi's bodies, assuming they weigh the same as a normal pony would. How can they fly?" she asked the elderly mare.

"Dr. Connor, I assume that during your tour you had multiple occasions to see magic at work. Flight is the magic of the pegasi. When we Equestrians first worked out the laws of aerodynamics we quickly discovered that same troubling fact. However, we also noticed that flying ability seemed to not be directly related to the size of the wings, but rather to an innate talent and the degree of practice exercised by the pegasus in question. Nevertheless, damage to the wings disables a pegasus' ability to fly, leading to the discovery that the wings themselves draw on magical energy to significantly boost their power, and thus are still the actual enablers of flight. By the way, the pegasi also possess other magical abilities permitting them to manipulate wind and water, especially in its vaporous state."

Laura considered for a moment. Since they were answering questions anyway, she decided to continue interrogating them. "I had noticed that the unicorns' horns glowed whenever they did magic. What is really happening when they do this and what is the source of this magical energy?"

"The unicorn's horn is the organ through which they channel magical energy to do work. In a way, it acts much like a transistor for magical energy. The horn essentially allows the unicorn's will to manipulate the universal magical energy field via a spell - a mental formulation or sequence of magical energy manipulations. The effects of a spell can be nearly instantaneous or last anywhere from a few seconds to years, depending on how powerful the magician is, and how much of that power they employ in executing the spell. Also a skilled magician can create spell formulations that operate following a logical decision structure, and can be built up from the juxtaposition of pre-existing spells. From what I have read, this is not dissimilar to computer programming in your own universe."

As they turned a corner, an absolutely breathtaking fairytale castle came into view, with white towers and water falls giving it a cathedral-like quality. "That is indeed a beautiful sight!" sighed Dr. Connor, pausing to gather in the view. "How do you know so much about my universe?"

Luna chose her words carefully. She didn't want to lie to this very sharp intellect, but she also did not think it wise to be too forthcoming either. "Our two universes approach each other or get more distant as time passes. When they get sufficiently close, information may pass between them. Such leakage has been happening since time immemorial. The government of Equestria has been seeking and documenting these leakages for over a millenium. It also helps that I and my sister can see in our subjects' sleeping minds and thereby gather information on your universe in their dreams, or during episodes of perceptual exchange. In your own universe these visions have led to legends of unicorns, pegasi and other such mmythical entities who are entirely real in this universe."

"One more question. How is it that you all are speaking english, and that I'm able to walk around on all fours like I was born to it?" This was the issue that had bothered Laura the most since discovering that she herself wore a pony body.

Hoofing spoke up this time. "Oh, we have a little fish that ..."

"Sunset!" Luna interrupted, the old mare cackling in delight.

"I'm sorry, dear! I simply could not resist!" She grew more serious for a moment. "In fact, your own brain is receiving input pre-processed by Glowball's own autonomous and lower brain functions, and that lower brain is responding to your conscious mind's inputs and translating them into the appropriate body movements, speech, etc. You are at this moment conversing in Equestrian, not your native language. Perhaps this is why full 'perceptual exchange' can only be initiated when both 'resonant' brains have entered into REM sleep and the link between the higher and lower brain functions has been suppressed."

Laura could detect no obvious falsehood or misdirection in what she had been told, and it was entirely consistent with what she had observed during the day so far. In fact, many remarks pertaining to magic, spells and energy now made sense in retrospect.

"You are proving most effective in convincing me that this universe is real enough. Thank you for answering these questions." She smiled to show her honest appreciation. "But convincing me that your intent towards humanity is honest and benign may prove a bit more challenging."

"I have an idea about this as well, although it may take a bit of effort and luck to make it happen. Happily, this is where all the ponies required are located." said the Princess, pointing with a hoof to a huge and ornate gate at the front of the Castle.

They ingressed the castle via its main entrance, the guard ponies therein bowing to Princess Luna as they proceeded unchallenged into the main hall, up the grand stairway and to the residential wing.

***

The first thing that Twilight noticed was a desk on which her face rested. She slowly raised her head, a sheet of paper sticking to her face. Success! This meant her current face was hairless, and she was back in the human's body. She looked around and saw that she was in an office, with chairs, filing cabinets, binders and papers everywhere, and plants (mostly decorative she guessed, as she didn't care for the taste of these flowers.)

She got up to look around, wondering how she was managing so well to keep her balance on only two legs. Looking back, she spied a name plate on the desk: 'Laura YC Lachance'. "Now we're making real progress!" she said out loud. Then went back to the desk and began opening drawers, locating what looked like a fountain pen with a strange conical tip that ended in a minuscule ball. Rubbing a finger on it produced a line in blue ink. "Writing instrument: check!" said Twilight.

Rummaging further she found a ream of cut sheets of paper. "Paper: check!" Next to it she found a stack of small white cards with printed words on them. "Jackpot! Business cards." She read the card.

Mary YC Lachance
Science Advisor to the President
Office of the Administration
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20502, USA
...

The card had a few more lines with some numbers and symbols that didn't mean anything to Twilight. But she had what she needed: a name! Taking the pen in her fingers - eeeewwwee! - she tried not to look at them, and thought about writing as if she were using her horn to move the pen. It worked! She wouldn't win any penponyship contests, but it was generally legible.

Dear Mary,

My name is Twilight Sparkle and I am the purple pony you have seen in your dreams of late. Let me assure you that I am not a dream and that I was as shocked to find myself in a human body as you were to find yourself in mine. (But probably less grossed out because your fingers remind me of snakes.)

You probably just woke up from a dream where you had a conversation with a small pink and green dragon called Spike. (Please be nice to him, he is my number one assistant and I have raised him from the time he hatched from his egg.)

As my time is limited I will be brief. Both our worlds are in danger. My sovereign Princess Celestia has tasked me to set up a way for us to communicate and coordinate our efforts so we can avoid this catastrophe. I am hoping you can work with me to do the same from your side.

Please write down your reply to this letter and place it in the desk drawer with all the blank sheets so I can find it easily next time. I hope this works!

Kind regards,
Twilight Sparkle
Personal student to Her Royal Highness Celestia, ruler of Equestria
Canterlot Castle
(but usually I live at the Library in Ponyville)

P.S. I can see that you repainted your finger nails. I like the new color better than the old one. That reminds me that I should go to the spa and have my hoofpaint redone before Rarity notices how cracked it is and I get a lecture on how to look like a lady.

Twilight was pleased with the result and placed the letter square on the desk, sitting back down in the chair in which she awoke. It should be any moment now.... 'Spike, what is taking you so long?' she thought, becoming concerned, when finally the light in the room started to fade...

***

Spike took the 'sleeping cap' off of Twilight's head. He was careful with it as she had dropped like a stone when she put it on. She slept on for a moment, and then began to wake, slowly lifting her head off the cushion where she lay, stopping when she was facing him directly. Her eyes grew wide. "Squeeeeee! A baby dragon!"

Twilight had prepared Spike for this moment. Assuming a confident but non-threatening pose, he raised a paw and said in his most gentledragonly manner "Welcome to Equestria, and fear not, for I am a friendly... umphh." was all he managed before Twilight (or the human presently in her head) grabbed him in both forelegs, and hugged him tightly.

"Oh, you're soooooo cute!". Spike was crushed against the mare's chest again, and was wondering if and when he might ever be able to draw another breath, when he was finally released. "And you can talk! Ahem, I'm sorry I interrupted you, but I just couldn't help myself, you are just so adorable! I wish I would see you in all my dreams, ya little hunk!" She looked down on Spike fondly.

"Well, about that, ahem, you see this isn't a dream. And I'm supposed to to tell you that, and uh... what else was I supposed to say? You know it's very flattering but way distracting to repeatedly be called 'cute' when I have a job to do. Uh, my name is Spike... And there was something else..." Spike blushed.

"Hello Spike, my name is Mary, why wouldn't I believe this is a dream, after all I'm talking to a baby dragon! And instead of hands and arms I have purple horse legs and hooves." She smiled at him as if this was an irrefutable argument.

"Hi Mary. Hmmm, this is going to be harder than I thought. How about I tell you the rest of the message my guardian, Twilight Sparkle, instructed me to give you when you woke up?" Spike was quite relieved when she nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, here goes: 'The Universes of both Equestrians and humans are in danger, and we are trying to set up a way to communicate so we can team up and prevent a big explosion'.... or something like that," concluded Spike.

"That sounds really serious. By the way, is everyone else here some sort of fairytale creature?" asked Mary.

Spike sighed, looked towards the ceiling and began saying "Of course not..." when the door opened and Princess Celestia entered. Spike bowed to her, and turned back towards Mary. "You see, Princess Celestia here is a perfectly normal pony, er, that is despite being an Alicorn, and a Princess, oh, and the ruler of Equestria..." He looked back at the Princess. "Did I forget anything this time?" When Celestia shook her head, he smiled in relief. "There, see! Oh, and please let me introduce you. Mary the Human, please meet Her Royal Highness Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria. Phew!"

Mary looked at the Princess, who had approached during the introductions. "It's a pleasure to meet you, your Highness."

"The pleasure is mine, Mary. I felt your arrival and decided to come meet you. I suspected my student Twilight Sparkle had some sort of plan under way, so I listened at the door first before coming in. I hope you don't mind!"

"Oh, not at all." Said Mary with a smile. "I can't think of anything I would rather do after meeting a cute baby dragon than have a chat with a beautiful white unicorn princess, with wings to boot!"

Celestia smiled diplomatically. "I can see how this might look a bit fantastical to you, but rest assured it is real, although of a reality other than the one of Earth and the human race."

"Oh!" said Spike. "Now I remember what else I had to say." He resumed the confident but non-threatening pose. "Here it is: 'In order to prove that what I am saying is true I have instructed my #1 assistant Spike to tell you about this situation. While he does this, using your body I will leave proof of my presence in your universe. He will then put the sleeping cap back on your head, allowing us to switch back. Please follow the instructions I will leave you in a written note. He will then do so again fifteen minutes later, so we can switch again, and I can read your answer to my first communication. We will do this until we have agreed on a plan. I hope you don't mind all the switching but it's the best idea I could come up with on short notice.'" Spike took a deep breath, then picked up the sleeping cap.

Mary looked at the baby dragon approaching her with a big floppy night cap, lowering her head to make it easier as the little guy had such short arms. "Oh, and I guess this is supposed to put me to sle..." She collapsed on the cushion.

"Oh my," said the Princess, "that certainly is very effective! Even I might be able to use that on occasion."

"Twi warned me to be careful with it. It works really fast, and somepony could get hurt as they literally fall asleep!" He again removed the cap gingerly from the lavender mare's head. A moment later she blinked awake.

"Did it work? Did she take over my body? Did she panic? Oh, Princess Celestia. Hi!"

"Hey Twi, it worked like a charm. Really. A good one!" offered Spike.

"This Mary seems like a nice person," added the Princess.

"Yeah. And she has a thing for baby dragons!" Spike blushed again. "You said she might be all scared 'n stuff, but she was pretty cheery instead. I'm not sure she took us that seriously, though."

"I have to agree with Spike." spoke Celestia. "Were you able to leave written instructions for her in the human universe?"

Twilight smiled. "Yes, in fact everything went exactly to plan!"

***

The first thing that Mary noticed was the desk on which her face rested. She slowly raised her head, a sheet of paper sticking to her face. She reached up, peeling it off of her face. 'Man, another of these fairy pony dreams!' she thought. She looked at the page in her hand.

Dear Mary,

My name is Twilight Sparkle and I am the purple pony you have seen in your dreams of late...

"Oh, bloody hell..."

Chapter 10: Webs for browsers

Chapter 10: Webs for browsers

In the residential wing of Canterlot Castle, Dr. Laura Connor followed Minister Hoofing and Princess Luna as they approached the suite of one Twilight Sparkle. The palace guard had informed them that this is where Princess Celestia was currently located. While Laura and the Princess stood by, the Minister knocked at the ornate door.

A moment later the door opened, revealing a small and rather rotund reptilian face peering up at them. "Hello Princess Luna, Minister Hoofing. Is that who I think it is?" he examined Laura as if he expected her to jump him.

"Indeed, Spike. Perhaps if we come in we can do proper introductions?" said the old mare a bit archly.

"Oh, of course. My apologies. Please do come in." said Spike, whose coloration reminded Laura of nothing so much as one of those singing dragons on kids' shows.

When they had entered into the apartment's main room, they saw two others ponies there: a lavender unicorn, and a white alicorn, the biggest pony Laura had seen thus far.

"Her Royal Highness Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria, and Twilight Sparkle, my guardian." When Spike said their names each of the two ponies bowed their head in greeting.

Princess Luna introduced Laura. "And may I introduce Dr. Laura Connor, chief scientist of the Celest project at CERN." Laura bowed her head as the other two had done.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Dr. Connor. This is my second such meeting with a human visitor in a very short time." said the white colored Princess. "I suspect you have many questions."

"Indeed, your Highness. But I must admit that Minister Hoofing and Princess Luna have already done an admirable job in terms of answering my basic questions. My immediate concern is to learn about your intentions towards me and towards my kind."

"Ah. That is indeed a complex and difficult issue," agreed Celestia. "Unless I'm mistaken, there are three avenues open to us in these regards. The first is to establish our motives and how we relate to your universe. The second is to convince you that we are not exaggerating the dire nature of the current circumstances and are indeed being honest and transparent with you. The third is to help equip you to independently verify this from within your own universe. If we manage these three things, will we have satisfied your concern?"

"This seems like a tall order, but I do agree in principal that this would likely suffice." said Laura cagily, not willing to commitment before the evidence was before her.

Sunset Hoofing chuckled warmly. "Be careful with this human, your Highness. She is as intelligent and slippery as any of the brightest ponies on my staff. Still, she has so far demonstrated a capacity for unflinching honesty, of which I very much approve."

"Well, then. It would seem you've already won Minister Hoofing's approval! So let's get started." She pointed a graceful white foreleg towards a group of cushions arranged in a circle nearby. "Shall we get comfortable first?"

"I'll get some tea and snacks," volunteered Spike, running off.

When everypony was resettled, the Princess resumed her explanations. "First there is the matter of our motivation. I believe you have had occasion to spend considerable time with many of the ponies working in the Ministry of Science, as well as a brief view of Canterlot. Let me ask you, what is your opinion of our citizens whom you have met?"

Laura gathered her thoughts. "The ponies I've met have all seemed to be generally nice individuals, and many of those at the Ministry demonstrated surpassing intelligence with a true passion for scientific investigation. Of those I saw outside the ministry, I would say that the citizens of Canterlot seem to be a rather energetic and happy lot. Also, I have been walking about with one of the co-rulers of the nation without an entourage of security guards, so personal security seems not to be much in question for either citizens or their rulers. Either that or your security forces are extremely discrete!"

Celestia grinned. "Minister Hoofing was correct as usual. You are both perceptive and honest. I know this was not necessarily a very broad sampling of Equestrian society, but you did arrive unannounced, and even after Princess Luna discovered your presence we gave you free rein to walk about and discover what you would. Equestria has nothing to hide, nor did we try to do so."

"I wondered why you let me pursue my investigation, even after it became evident I was being tailed," said the human.

"To explain what we could want from your world, let me first provide a social context for ours: many of the pressures that exist in your world are absent here. Everypony feels a deep emotional attachment to their fellows in the herd, so there is very little crime or violence in comparison to your world. As herbivores, anypony who is hungry can just graze wherever there is forage, and as the population is over 90% rural, finding grass or other plants to eat is never a problem. We do not consume fossil fuels as magic drives most of our power needs. Our air and waters are pristine. Our population is quite stable and we are under no threat of invasion from a foreign power. There is simply nothing material we would wish to take from your world.

"And then there is physics. In essence, any material contact between our worlds is impossible as our universes exist on separate branes in an m-brane structure.

"There are however many things we do get from your universe: information, knowledge, culture, music, technology. These we receive mostly through dreams, as in fact your world receives much the same from ours. So this is our mutual relationship: strangers from afar who can share ideas but never touch. We mean you no harm, and in fact appreciate and are grateful for what we have learned from our exchanges.

"Now we touch on the second point. This has to do with the m-brane convergence. Dr.Connor, how familiar are you with m-brane theory and the possible consequences of a brane collision?" enquired the white alicorn.

"Enough to know that, theoretically at least, any such occurrence would produce an explosion of unprecedented magnitude, or as one of my colleagues has put it: 'ruin our whole day forever'!"

"Indeed. Now I will have to ask you to take one element of this explanation on faith: that my sister and I have both lived a very long time, millennia as you count years. I have in my long life encountered two occasions of approaching brane collisions. The first one Luna and I faced together over a thousand years ago. The second about 500 years ago I faced alone.

"The only way to avert a brane collision is essentially to create a positive pressure between the universes. Thankfully, this pressure does not have to be exerted over the entirety of space, but rather only those locations where the branes are approaching each other, of which there is only ever one. If that point can be precisely located, a relatively small pressure may be enough to avert the disaster."

"Why is there only one?" asked Laura.

The two Princesses looked at each other. With a look of determination, the younger princess answered. "This is because there is usually a source of energy drawing the branes together. This almost never occurs naturally."

Laura rose up, indignant. "You mean this crisis was created?!"

Celestia raised a placating hoof. "The two previous occurrences were the aftermaths of magical altercations of very significant power in this universe."

"However, this occurrence appears to have its origin in the human universe." declared Luna. Surprise showed on everypony's face but Minister Hoofing's.

"And how have you determined that?" interjected Laura.

Luna replied calmly. "In the locus of greatest proximity, information begins to leak more freely between universes. That is why we have 'perceptual exchange' events nearby, hence your assumption of Glowball's body. Your investigations today seems to indicate that the source may be a large tubular structure, one that does not exist in our world. Therefore it must be located in yours. Also, we saw the look on your face when Slide Rule showed you his 3D plot. You recognized the structure, did you not?"

Laura was struck speechless. She had come to much the same conclusion.

Princess Celestia looked beseechingly at the human. "Dr. Connor, time is short. Is what my sister says true?"

"Yes, I cannot refute it." whispered Laura.

"Then I believe we have come to the third point in our discussion. We need you to verify this information and help us pinpoint the precise location of the convergence. It may even be possible for you to disrupt the force currently drawing the two branes together. Minister Hoofing and my sister will assist you in these preparations. I have to prepare the means to exert the positive pressure between universes. We may also need the assistance of another person in your universe, with which my student Twilight Sparkle has been exchanging perceptions. She has devised a plan on how to coordinate our efforts, please work with her in these regards.

"So Dr. Connor, do we have your support?" Celestia stared at the human intently.

"I have to make such a decision on so little information. And of much of what you have told me I only have on your word. But I must admit, that the situation in the human world fits closely with what you have presented, and what I have observed. And I cannot imagine a more dire circumstance than a brane collision in proximity to our worlds. Despite the fact that all this is not much, it is enough to convince me to continue working with you. So you have my cooperation, until such a time as I change my mind." concluded Laura with a crooked smile.

"We are grateful, Dr, Connor. The survival of both our worlds depends on our joint success. Good luck, we shall meet again later tonight." Celestia rose, and the rest of the company followed suit, bowing as the white alicorn exited Twilight Sparkle's apartments.

Twilight looked at the gathered faces. "Okay, let me explain my cunning plan to allow us to coordinate between universes and team members. Spike, get me my sleeping cap!"

***

Glowball was getting nervous. It had become obvious that Peter was starting to get annoyed that she was still in his office. Her illicit use of his computer had been one of the most intense information gathering experiences of her life. She wanted more, but she knew she had to leave before he became suspicious of her. The trouble was that she had no clue where her office was in the complex warren of buildings she had spent the morning visiting. She had an idea on how to find it, but to implement it she had to get away from Peter, and hope that scientific research departments here functioned much as they did in Equestria.

"Hey Peter," she said while standing up, "Time for a bio-break. I'll be back in a few," she said rising up.

"Sure. But don't try any tricks to get away from me."

Glowball's wince must have show in her face.

Peter smiled and explained, "I promised Abigail to get you to the entrance on time for her to pick you up, and I take my commitments seriously!"

"Sheesh, who's the the boss around here, anyway?" She gave him a severe look, before leaving the office in an ersatz huff. 'Phew!' she thought as soon as she was out in the corridor, 'This guy and Rock Candy should get together sometime. Talk about twins separated at birth.'

She now began phase two of her plan. If this department was organized like her own, the chief's office would not be too far from her assistant's. She glanced in both directions and chose to go to her left. Luckily, each office had a name plate next to the door identifying its occupant. First door down was full of machines spitting out paper with printed text on them. The plate next to the door read 'Printers'. The plate for the one after that read 'Gloria Schmidt'. Glowball was passing the open door when a voice called out: "There you are!"

The mare in human form was beginning to think her luck had deserted her. She was hoping to avoid further complications. She put on what she hoped was an 'I'm busy leave me alone' expression, and turned back to the door. "Hello Gloria. What's up?"

"Well, Dr. Connor, you've been all over the place this morning and haven't signed off the time sheets or the monthly report. I have them printing next door, give me a moment and I'll get them for you to sign."

"Sure," responded Glowball. "Take your time."

Gloria gave her a funny look, as if this was not what she had expected, but then must have decided not to look a gift pony in the mouth and hurried off to the printers.

Glowball quickly scanned the room's contents, and grinned in victory. She could not believe her luck! This must be her secretary. As a further proof that this was her lucky day, right there on the wall in Gloria's office was a floor plan of the department and its offices. She quickly located Peter's, Gloria's and her own on the plan. It was indeed the next one down the corridor from Gloria's. She also saw the location of the restrooms, which was in truth becoming a pressing need.

Gloria returned with a bunch of papers clutched in her hand and a pen. Moving to her desk she placed them on its surface, and gave the pen to Glowball, who looked at the forms and signed wherever there was a likely looking line. She had to purposely look away while signing and her hand seemed to 'remember' what it needed to do. She really needed to investigate how this was possible! However, first things first.

"Say Gloria, I seem to have forgotten my computer password." She looked at the female human innocently.

"Not again! Here - and please try to memorize it this time." She scribbled on a little yellow square and peeled off the top sheet, giving it to Glowball. She noted that the underside was annoyingly sticky under one end.

"Thanks." Glowball beat a hasty exit and went the remaining short distance to her office, entering and closing the door after her. "Phew!" This time she said it aloud. Like a foal on Hearth's Warming morning, she rushed over to the computer, and used one finger at a time to type in her password. It worked! She now had unlimited and unsupervised access to the mother load of all knowledge! She cackled in glee, rubbing her hands together while trying to make up her mind what she would look up first on the 'web'.

Just then there was a knock on her door. Hiding her irritation at the interruption, she called out: "Enter."

It was Peter. "I thought you said you'd be right back." He looked at her expectantly.

"Oh, I got sidetracked signing some forms."

"As usual. We'll the departmental meeting starts in ten minutes, so you just have time to go before we head to the conference room. I'll wait for you here."

Glowball tried not to let her frustration show, as she made haste for the restroom. 'Grrrr.,' she growled inwardly, 'this guy must be Rock Candy's evil twin. Can an evil pony even have an evil twin? Does this make Peter the evil-er twin?' Her rumination crashed to a halt when she saw that there were two doors, with funny symbols on them, where the plan had shown the entrance to the restrooms should be. Which one was the right one? She waited in indecision for a minute when another of the bipeds entered through the right hand door. That must be the correct door, so she entered. The lone occupant was standing against a wall obviously urinating into some white porcelain looking contraption. His eyes grew wide as he saw Glowball.

"Hey chief, are you looking for someone?" he asked, his face getting a deep shade of red as he continued his business.

Feeling that something was not quite right, Glowball backed out of the room in haste. Furthermore, she had absolutely no idea how a mare, uh female human, would use those wall devices. With all the sounds of rushing water about, it was becoming somewhat more urgent to figure it out as well.

She waited again outside the washrooms, until this time a female human arrived and entered the left hand door. Wanting to make sure that she could learn by observation she followed the female inside. There were none of the wall contraptions, just individual stalls. She found an open one and entered.

A few minutes later Glowball exited the washroom feeling relieved in more than one sense of the word. The plumbing - human female and commode in the stall - weren't so hard to figure out after all. She resolved to remember the pictogram on the door so as to not repeat the embarrassment in the future, and walked back to 'her' office.

Peter was standing at the door. "Let's go," he said.

Glowball looked in dismay at the cheerfully glowing computer screen on her desk, fully aware that she would be delayed from galloping through its infinite grassy fields of knowledge, browsing wherever the data was sweetest. She turned and followed Peter, walking as if she was under a cloud.

She was still grumbling under her breath when the first shockwave hit.

Chapter 11: Hat? What hat?

Mary Lachance stared down at the letter in her hand, a feeling of unease spreading outwards from the pit of her stomach. This was definitely weirding her out. Had she written this note while dreaming? She truly disliked things she couldn't explain, and the only way to figure this out was to study it. She took a deep breath and continued reading the letter.

... Let me assure you that I am not a dream and that I was as shocked to find myself in a human body as you were to find yourself in mine. (But probably less grossed out because your fingers remind me of snakes.)

You probably just woke up from a dream where you had a conversation with a small pink and green dragon called Spike. (Please be nice to him, he is my number one assistant and I have raised him from the time he hatched from his egg.)

As my time is limited I will be brief. Both our worlds are in danger. My sovereign Princess Celestia has tasked me to set up a way for us to communicate and coordinate our efforts so we can avoid this catastrophe. I am hoping you can work with me to do the same from your side.

Please write down your reply to this letter and place it in the desk drawer with all the blank sheets so I can find it easily next time. I hope this works!

Kind regards,
Twilight Sparkle
Personal student to Her Royal Highness Celestia, ruler of Equestria
Canterlot Castle
(but usually I live at the Library in Ponyville)

P.S. I can see that you repainted your finger nails. I like the new color better than the old one. That reminds me that I should go to the spa and have my hoofpaint redone before Rarity notices how cracked it is and I get a lecture on how to look like a lady.

This was entirely too consistent with the content of her dreams. But she needed solid proof before she was willing to admit that the Equestrian universe might be real. Feeling a bit embarrassed at doing something so ridiculous as corresponding with a talking pony from a dream, she took out a piece of paper and began to write.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

I met both your very cute dragon assistant Spike and Princess Celestia during my brief interval in your universe. Spike also explained your plan for allowing us to communicate. This note is evidence of my compliance in this regard. However I must be clear that I will need tangible, unambiguous evidence of your existence before I am willing to let you graduate from 'a character in a dream' to 'a purple pony from another universe'. After we have accomplished this we can engage in looking at your further requests.

I am sorry if this makes me seem a bit cold, but I am both a rational person and a scientist of some repute. I don't usually believe in things I don't understand.

I await your further instructions, and hope you'll figure out another way for us to communicate as I don't always have the luxury of taking fifteen minute naps at all times of the day.

Bemusedly yours,
Mary Lachance

P.S. I'm glad you like the new nail polish. A also have a friend who's into fashion and tries to help me stay more publicly presentable.

She put the letter in her desk drawer as instructed by Twilight Sparkle. Mary wondered what scheme the pony would suggest to provide tangible proof of her and her universe's existence. She was still thinking about it when her eyes closed and her chin dropped to her chest.

***

With a flourish, Twilight Sparkle raised aloft in her hooves a rather tired looking hat. "This is it, my sleeping cap!" she announced proudly, to the somewhat confused faces of ponies assembled before her.

Noticing that her pronouncement had not exactly generated the reaction she expected, the lavender mare hurried to explain the hat's role in resolving the current crisis. "This hat quickly puts to sleep anypony who wears it. If that pony happens to be one in resonance with a human, they both fall asleep. Take off the hat, and the resonating pair wakes up, but now in full perceptual exchange. Repeat the process to switch back. Any questions?"

Surprisingly, it was Spike who responded first, raising a paw in the air and waving it at her excitedly. "Yes, Spike?"

"I've been thinking about this all day: what if the pony who puts on the hat is very tired? Will they still wake up when you take off the hat?"

"Uh, probably not. Gee, I hadn't thought of that!" Twilight looked alarmed at the potential flaw in her plan.

"Ahem," suggested Minister Hoofing, "one could presumably wake them up the usual way."

"Oh, of course!" said Twilight looking sheepish. "Spike's pretty good at that."

"I should be," replied the baby dragon laconically, "Twilight certainly gives me enough practice."

"Spike!" The young mare blushed in embarrassment. Attempting to salvage her pride, she resumed explaining her plan. "In order to facilitate two-way communication between universes, we use the sleeping cap repeatedly over a short interval, causing a switch each time. The resonating pair can communicate by leaving written instructions to each other, or by having a third parfty act as a go-between. In this case I am exchanging perceptions with the human Mary Lachance for approximately fifteen minutes of each half hour. I am exchanging letters with her in the human universe, and Spike is relaying info between us in our universe."

Princess Luna and Minister Hoofing exchanged looks, impressed with Twilight's ingenious solution to the communication problem.

Laura seemed pensive for a moment. "Did you say Mary Lachance, as in Mary Lachance science advisor to the President of the United States, the leader of my country?"

Twilight nodded happily. "Yes, that's what it says on her business card."

"So the special advisor to my universe's most powerful leader is resonating with the special student of this universe's most powerful leader?"

Twilight nodded, blushing this time from the sideways accolade accorded her by the human.

"More interesting parallels. When is the next exchange scheduled?"

"Just about now. So when Mary wakes up in my body, I suggest you all introduce yourselves, especially you Dr. Connor." She addressed the human directly. "During her last session with us she was apparently not convinced this universe is real. Maybe you'll have an easier time convincing her."

"Perhaps. We've met once, several years ago at an NSF event in Washington DC." The human paused for a moment, a thoughtful look on her face. "Interesting! This would provide me the means to definitively prove the reality of the 'perceptual exchange' process, and of all of this." She gestured around her with a forehoof.

"Well, then. Let's get this show on the road!" Twilight passed Spike the sleeping cap and reclined fully onto the cushion. "If you please, Spike?"

The little reptile lowered the cap onto Twilight's head and she visibly relaxed into full sleep. He waited a moment, and then bared her head. Her eyes blinked open, scanned the room, and then focused on Spike.

"Hi there handsome. And just who are our new little pony friends here?" said the lavender mare. Her voice managed to sound very different from Twilight's, even though it issued from her lips.

"Aw, geezz.." mumbled Spike, pleased at the compliment. "Mary Lachance, may I present her Royal Highness Princess Luna, Minister of Science Sunset Hoofing, and a human currently in a pony body just like you are, Dr. Laura Connor."

The human in Twilight's guise rose to a sitting position. "Another Princess. That makes two today. Oh, and you also have both wings and a unicorn's horn. Pleased to meet you, your highness. And Spike, did you say Dr. Connor is a human?"

"Yes, Mary. And she says you two have met."

"Hello Mary," Laura spoke. "Forgive me for being so abrupt, but this is very important. Do you recall when we met?"

"If I'm not mistaken, it was at the NSF 'meet and greet' with the President a few months after his election," said Lachance.

"And do you remember how I introduced myself to you?" queried Laura.

Mary thought for a moment and smiled. "Yes, I do. You said 'I am the ring master, are you the lion tamer?'"

Dr. Connor took a deep breath and let it out. Looking at the other ponies present she stated with certainty: "Okay, now I am fully convinced."

"Well I'm glad for you. But I'm afraid I can't say the same." Everypony focused back onto the lavender unicorn. "But I have a proposal." Mary smiled. "I propose that Dr. Connor calls my office during my next stint back at the White House. I will give you a phone number you could not get by any other means. If you call me up at that number it will prove to me that we communicated in this universe. How do you say, Dr. Connor?"

Laura was quite pleased. "I accept your proposal." She looked to Sunset Hoofing. "Minister, do you think we can also use the 'sleeping cap protocol' to affect a similar exchange back between myself and Glowball?"

The old mare thought for a moment. "I don't see why not. It would also give us a chance to get a debriefing from Glowball, who has now been gallivanting in your universe for several hours. Even though Her Majesty assures me she is apparently in no distress, I would very much like to inform her of her circumstances and get her complicit cooperation with our plan. Spike, please get the sleeping cap for our guests. Miss Lachance, Dr. Connor, do you need more time to prepare?"

"Yes, just a moment." Mary recited a series of ten numbers, to which Laura paid careful attention. "Okay. We're ready." The other human nodded.

Spike brought over the sleeping cap. "It's best if you lie down first." When she complied he put the cap on her head. He picked it up again and was waiting for Dr. Connor to lay fully down in turn, holding the cap above her head.

The first shockwave impacted Canterlott.

***

Twilight had found and read Mary's reply to her letter just where she had asked her to leave it. She loved it when things were going according to plan, especially so when it was one of her own plans.

The young unicorn sat in thought, considering Mary's challenge. Her face suddenly lit up. "That's it!" she exclaimed out loud. She had an idea to convince Mary. She would have Mary give a piece of information to Dr. Connor, who would then communicate it back to Mary in this universe. She just hoped that this could be done expediently, wondering if the humans had some equivalent of the 'fire post' system used to correspond with Princess Celestia.

Twilight wrote down her suggestion in a letter to the human as she had done previously. She just managed to place it on the desk when her eyes began to droop and the lights faded to black.

***

Celestia was satisfied with her afternoon's work. She had managed to collect several dozen 'objects of power', each a repository of the energy that might be needed to make the two approaching universes repel. Key among them were the Elements of Harmony.

She observed as her carriage approached Canterlot Castle, landing in the courtyard. Out of it disembarked five very special mares from Ponyville. She had sent for them immediately after her lunch meeting, as it appeared things were progressing even faster than she had feared. Immediately, she could tell something was wrong.

With a look of concern the Princess approached the five. "Hello, ladies. I hope there were no problems in your flight to Canterlot."

The ponies bowed to the Princess, and Applejack spoke, looking more than a bit spooked. "Hi there, yer Highness. We don't know fer a fact that thur's a problem, but ya see it's Pinkie Pie. Her Pinkie sense has been going off like gangbusters in the last few hours."

"I've got knocky hooves and twitchy fetlocks, and flappy ears AND a pinchy tail, and I've never had all those at the same time before! Something tells this one's a real doozy. It's gotta be the doozyest doozy that's ever doozied!" offered Pinkie Pie, quite obviously frightened.

"Yes, and we have learned to exercise the utmost caution when Pinkie Pie gets these strange feelings," said Rarity.

"Is there anything that maybe we should know about?" asked Rainbow Dash, with Fluttershy trying her best to stand inconspicuously behind her.

Celestia looked at the group of brave young mares. "Yes, there is, and we shall discuss it inside the Castle as soon as we can assemble everypony together. Thank you so much for having come on such short notice, my little po..."

The shockwave hit.

Celestia screamed.

Chapter 13: Hugs and roses

Mary put down the phone. She called up the security station for her section of the White House. After two rings a familiar voice answered.

"Security. How can we help you Ms. Lachance?"

"Hi Bill. I need you to trace the origin of the call I just completed, as well as get me a transcript of the first two minutes of the call. Could have an agent come to my office with a printed transcript as soon as possible?"

Bill replied, sounding as if this was an everyday occurrence at the White House. "Certainly, Ms. Lachance. It'll be less than ten minutes."

Mary needed one last proof this this was not a fabrication of her imagination. The letters from Twilight she could have written herself. Come to think of it, she had written them herself! At least it was physically her hand that wrote them. Having a transcript of the call was physical evidence of another person being involved that she could not easily fake, if she was indeed deluding herself.

A few minutes later there was a knock at her door. "Come in!" she called out. A secret service agent - a woman she knew - entered.

Mary smiled in greeting. "Agent Dunham. Were you able to track where the call was from, and could you read me the transcript?" The young agent nodded.

"The phone number is that of a cell phone registered in France to CERN, assigned to a Dr. Laura Connor working at the Large Hadron Collider facility." She began reading the transcript. After a minute Mary interrupted.

"That's good enough. Thank you, and please also thank Bill for me!" The agent left. Now there was no denying the 'pony dream' was not a dream, but an actual fact. She picked up the phone again and dialed.

A young man answered sounding flustered. "Office of the Presid.., oh, hi Mary!"

"Hello Jim. I assume all hell is breaking loose regarding the event that happened half an hour ago."

"Yep. The boss has called out the VP to set up a threat assessment meeting with the joint chiefs. But so far it looks like the military has no idea what this could be."

"Well, please tell her that I do, and that I have evidence to present to back up my claims."

"Will do. Mary, are you sure about this?" He sounded concerned.

"Absolutely! And you'll know I was right if I'm still working for the boss tomorrow." She couldn't resist throwing Jim a bit of gallows humor. She knew he might also get into trouble if her arguments weren't taken seriously. One doesn't intervene lightly in cabinet level politics, and the vice-president was a woman who did not suffer fools gladly.

"Ok, I'll forward you the meeting invite provisionally. You should expect a call from Mrs. Walker and be ready to defend your participation in the meeting."

"I hear ya', Jim. Thanks a bunch." She hung up and started putting her notes in order. She also decided on a contingency. Picking up a paper she wrote a note to Twilight Sparkle.

Dear Twilight,

Dr. Connor has contacted me and confirmed the contents of my discourse with the Princesses. My national government is now putting together a response to the dimensional shock wave that occurred earlier. I already have scientific evidence in the form of gravity waves. I have been asked to participate in a meeting at eleven PM local time, so I would much prefer we not be in a swap at that time, unless you want to explain the situation to the president and cabinet in my place! Just kidding.

Regards,

Mary

She sat waiting for the call from the vice-president.

***

Sunset Hoofing called the meeting to order in Twilight's quarters. Princess Luna was sitting beside her. In a circle around them, the Elements of Harmony, Glowball and Spike sat on cushions, anxious for news of Celestia. The minister gestured to the Princess and all eyes focused on the dark mare.

"Ladies and Spike. You are no doubt concerned with my sister's condition following this afternoon's event. After bringing her to her apartments I was able to continue her restorative treatment and she is now resting well. We spoke briefly beforehand. She asked me to commend everypony present for some very quick thinking when she was incapacitated. She was both touched by your concern and very proud of how all of you acted in harmony when it truly mattered."

The old mare saw relief spread amongst the younger ones faces. With everypony's main emotional concern now addressed, it was time to get down to business.

"We have called this meeting in order to form teams working on each aspect of our efforts to avert the impending catastrophe. I will lead the team tasked with finding the focal point of the convergence. With me will be Glowball, and her human counterpart Dr. Connor." She turned towards Luna.

"During my sister's recuperation, I will lead the team preparing the release of magical energy to prevent the convergence. The Elements of Harmony other than Twilight Sparkle will join me."

"And I," said the lavender librarian, "will lead the team to coordinate activities in both universes. The human Laura Lachance will join me in this, and of course Spike will help both myself and Glowball with the sleeping cap."

The Princess spoke once more. "By the way, I will require the presence of Elements of Harmony and minister Hoofing for a meeting of the Equine Assembly in an hour. I will also have you ladies from Ponyville assigned rooms in the castle for the duration, so we can move quickly if needed. An attendant is waiting to assist you as you exit this meeting."

Hoofing was amused when the five mares started whispering to each other excitedly. They were obviously pleased at the honor, none more so than Rarity whose expression could only be described as ecstatic verging on silly.

"Are there any questions?" asked the minister. She nodded when nopony raised a hoof to reply. "We will meet up again here in three hours for group reports and dinner. This meeting is adjourned."

***

Laura and Peter left the meeting room together and walked back to their offices. She noticed him giving her the strangest look.

"Well, that was a bit of a bomb-shell to drop onto the meeting. An m-brane collision? You've been with me all day and acting strange, even for you. When did you have time to go investigating something like that? And on top of everything else, why did you call a number in the United States just before the meeting started?"

Looking at her perplexed assistant. She didn't know whether to be pleased that Peter had noticed the change, or vexed that he hadn't figured out that her body had been inhabited all day by an interloper from another universe!

"Peter, we need to talk." As they had just arrived back to their offices she gestured to her door. She gathered her thoughts for a moment as they sat down, and gave him one of her patented I-know-something-you-don't infuriating smiles.

"Oh, oh. She's baa-aaack!" said Peter. "Okay, so who did I spend the day with? You have a long lost twin you've never told me about?" He raised an eyebrow, both annoyed and intrigued.

"Would you believe you just spent the day in the company of a light grey unicorn called Glowball?" She grinned even wider. "And that our universe narrowly escaped annihilation only because of the efforts of a large white unicorn-pegasus by the name of Princess Celestia? And that both she and Glowball are from the universe potentially colliding with ours? And that while you spent the day with Glowball in my body, I spent the day in hers, in that other universe, where science includes a discipline called magic? While I was there I also had a chance to visit their ministry of science, meet the co-sovereigns of their nation of Equestria, and talk with another human from our universe, inhabiting the body of a lavender colored unicorn call Twilight Sparkle. Oh, and by the way that human is the person I called in Washington DC. She's actually the science advisor to the president of the United States."

She stopped to breath for a second, saw Peter's expression, and burst out laughing. "Oh, man. You should see the look on your face!" Peter was now becoming even more annoyed, which just made her laugh harder. Between gasps for breath, she decided to take pity on the poor man. "Peter, I swear it's all true." She took a breath. "I can prove it. Please check with the GEO 600 project." Another breath. "Confirmed detection of gravity waves."

"OK, Laura. I believe you. If only because having this Glowball unicorn in your head does explain your strange behavior today, and some of the questions you asked." His eyes grew wide. "Oh, and it explains why you didn't seem to know how to use your cell phone, nor recognize Abigail when she called."

"What! Did she do something to get me in trouble with Abigail?" Laura was suddenly very serious. Now it was Peter's turn to laugh at her expression.

"Don't worry, I'm used to covering for your social handicaps! That reminds me, you've got half an hour to tell me everything before I escort you to the entrance so Abigail can pick you up for your anniversary dinner." He pointed to his watch. "The meter is running. Tick, tock, tick, tock."

Dr. Connor began summarizing her day in Equestria, this time leaving out no significant detail.

***

Spike raised the sleeping cap above Twilight's head. "Assume the position!," said the baby dragon.

"Very funny, Spike," said the lavender mare, as she fully reclined on the cushion beneath her. She saw the cap descend, and then darkness...

***

The first thing Twilight noticed when she opened her eyes was the dark device she held to her face, from which an irate voice could be heard coming out of the part touching her ear. "Mary, are you still there?" said a rather tough female sounding voice.

"Uh, yes, of course." Twilight was aghast. They had effected the exchange in the middle of a conversation. The young mare had feared might happen sooner of later. She scrambled for time. "But, I was unfortunately distracted when I dropped my to-do list. Sorry about that. Could you repeat what you just said?" She cringed, hoping Spike would remember what to do and that she had given him enough time.

***

Mary woke in a panic. She was just on the phone with the VP when everything went black. Noticing the look on her face, the cute little dragon asked: "Was this a bad time? Do you want to switch back?"

"Yes! Now!" said Lachance, hoping that her chances at convincing the VP had not just been ruined. "Tell Twilight no more exchanges for at least 90 minutes. I'll leave her written instructions."

Spike nodded, and dropped the hat onto her head...

***

"I said, what evidence do you have for your rather extreme claim, Mary, and I don't appreciate my time being wasted," said Walker's voice.

With a gulp, Mary replied. "I have reports from a Dr. Laura Connor from CERN and results of the leading gravity wave detector in Germany. Together they are highly convincing. I sent you the data from both by email a few minutes ago."

"You know very well I need more than just speculation here. This is a matter of national security."

"I felt the tremors as well, madame vice-president. And to be frank, have you gotten results from any other avenue being explored?"

There was silence on the line as the VP paused a moment. "No. Not really. Or at least nothing that I would care to share with the joint chiefs and the boss."

"Well then, looks like I'm the only game in town," said Lachance.

Again there was a pause. "Okay, you're in. Be at the 'war room' in fifteen minutes, and be ready." The other end of the line hung up.

Mary hung up as well. She took a deep breath. Marshaling her courage in the otherwise empty office, she said out loud: "Here we go..."

***

Glowball hurried back to the Ministry of Science. She desperately wanted some time to get ready for her anniversary dinner with Time Crescent before the mare showed up at the reception. Luckily there were showers in the building for staff use, and she was able to get herself presentable as the appointed time neared.

Spotting her leaving the showers, Rock Candy cantered up to her, looking miffed. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you."

"And I'm even ready on time for my anniversary," said Glowball with a guilty smile. She was sorry she hadn't thought to locate Rock Candy before going to the showers. Her boss had told her of Rock playing host to Laura Connor most of the day.

The stallion stood before her. "Let's see. You're ready on time, you're cleaned up, and you even apologized for making me frantic." He looked her up and down as if he was examining a particularly strange specimen. "Is this Glowball or is this the human Dr. Laura Connor again?"

"Oh ha, ha," deadpanned Glowball. "I spend the whole day away and this is the welcome back I get. Maybe somepony isn't interested. Maybe I just won't tell a certain foalish colt about what the human world was like, and the amazing tools they have there to do science."

Rock Candy lowered his ears in defeat. 'I can play him like a fiddle!' thought Glowball smugly. "Okay, number one assistant. How about you escort me to the reception so we can both be there on time and meet a certain librarian? On the way I can tell you about something called the Internet."

Her assistant's ears surged back up. They walked together to the reception, Glowball speaking animatedly of computers, screens, mice and the world-wide-web.

***

Laura and Peter arrived at the main visitor entrance of their office complex at CERN. Peter asked her to wait for a moment and went to ask the receptionist a question. She left for the internal office and returned a moment later with a wrapped bouquet of roses, which her assistant handed to her.

"This is for you to give Abigail." Laura was very touched at Peter's thoughtfulness.

"You know, Peter, if I haven't said it before, I'll say it now. You're the best pal a gal could have!" She gave him an uncharacteristic hug.

"Ahem!"

They turned around and there was Abigail. "Do I get one those too?"
They both hugged the new arrival. Peter watched as Laura gave her girlfriend the flowers and waited for the fuss to die down.

"Now Abigail. I kid you not, we are working on a matter of national importance, so please don't feel bad if Laura has to take a call or two. It really is that important to all of us."

"Well, of course," said Abigail. "That goes twice are far if you say so, Peter!" She winked at the man, to show she really had no hard feelings. Arm-in-arm, the two left for their dinner as Peter made his way back to his office and a special task Dr. Connor had asked of him.

***

Minister Hoofing and the Elements of Harmony huddled together in the ante-chamber of Princess Celestia's apartments. She had woken and requested their presence for instructions before the meeting of the Equine Assembly. The door opened and Luna beckoned them to enter. They gathered around the bed in which lay the elder Princess, smiling at them reassuringly.

"Welcome, my little ponies, and thank you for your help earlier today. Equestria has yet again been well served by her Elements of Harmony." She paused a moment and took a breath. "I have called you here so that you could hear this directly from me and attest to that effect before the Equine Assembly. I will need a period of time to recover my energies. During that time my sister Luna will run affairs of state and Minister Hoofing will lead the efforts to prevent the convergence. Twilight Sparkle is also appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary to the human universe and is empowered to represent Equestria and its government in negotiations thereto."

Twilight appeared the most surprised at this last, and not a little frightened at the prospect.

"One more thing..." she said with a twinkle in her eye. "I have objects of power for each of you wield in addition to the Elements of Harmony themselves. Minister Hoofing will distribute these to you in a bit. It will be your duty to use these to help provide magical energy for the final push to end the convergence."

She looked with affection on the faces gathered around her. "I am counting on you to support Luna and Minister Hoofing in the meeting of the Assembly, and help reassure all Equestrians that this threat to their lives and happiness is being dealt with."

Heads nodded vigorously all around her. "Good. Now ladies, I must bid you an early good night. I really need my beauty sleep!" She dismissed them with a wink, and they left her quarters in silence.

***

Princess Luna led them to a room below the main floor of the Great Hall of the Herd. Steps led up to the Hall itself. She paused at the bottom of the steps, looking up.

"Are you nervous, your Highness?" asked the minister.

"More than a little," admitted the Princess. "With Celestia incapacitated, we may need the support of the assembly in order to rally all the resources of Equestria in this cause. There are a lot of ponies out there who will not relish my return to an executive role."

Twilight Sparkle spoke up. "We'll be there to back you, Princess. I'm sure the assembly will see reason."

Minister Hoofing started to cackle. "Well there's only one way to find out!" she said, and indicated with a hoof that it was time to go.

Luna strode up the stairs, the other mares following close behind.

Chapter 14: Onus Procedendi

Princess Luna took a deep breath and climbed the stairs to the Great Hall of the Tribes. To a musical fanfare and a smattering of applause, she emerged from behind the two thrones at the focal point of the huge room. Luna had rarely felt so exposed, despite being followed closely behind by Science Minister Hoofing and the Elements of Harmony. The applause gathered momentum as the Elements of Harmony appeared, and so did the buzz of voices as ponies remarked on the unusual occurrence.

As previously instructed, Luna's entourage formed a dignified line to her left, with only Pinky Pie breaking decorum by waving to both William Pies (the elder and the younger) who were apparently distant relatives. The elder Pie's expression froze in dismay as the pink mare waved at him, while his nephew the younger Pie couldn't prevent himself from face-hoofing in embarrassment.

The Princess ascended the single step up to her throne. By this time members of the Equine Assembly began to realize that Celestia had not yet emerged in her turn, and the buzz quickly gained in volume. Realizing that nothing would be gained by further delay, Luna sat, signaling the beginning of the session. The buzz became an uproar.

Hoofing glared at the ponies in the cabinet and the section of the hall were she usually sat. Under her stern gaze they began to sit, a gesture that was repeated in slow waves through the room until the assembly was finally fully seated, the crowd's noise abated but not entirely gone.

"Citizens of Equestria," said Luna in her royal voice, "We bring ye important news, so harken well onto Our words, and those of Our Sister, Her Royal Highness the Princess Celestia, who now lies resting from weariness after great deeds." She again took a deep breath. She knew she was sounding archaic in her choice of words, but she was too nervous to risk making mistakes before the entire governing body of the land.

"Scant days past, Her Highness Our Sister bade ye rejoice in Our return, in this, Equestria's time of need. Her Majesty did not then elaborate on the nature or substance of this need. This will be Our task this eventide. We shall also bestow Our Royal Sister's words that ye be at rest and hold her words to thine bosoms." She paused again briefly, scanning the crowd and seeing many more hostile faces than friendly ones. She gathered her courage and resumed speaking.

"Her Majesty Princess Celestia this very afternoon saved this nation and indeed the very world itself from a major catastrophe that would have ended the lives of all who live upon it. The prevention of this disaster required the expenditure of the very life force of Her Highness Our Sister, to the extreme extent that it might have caused her extinction, if not for the quick thinking and valiant efforts of the Elements of Harmony here before ye." She rose and the members of the assembly quickly followed suite. The ponies on the dais turned to face her.

"Elements of Harmony, Equestria is again in thy debt, and We, the Royal Sisters, Rulers of Equestria, give ye our gratitude for thy stalwart service to crown and country." She hesitated a moment, then looked directly at the six mares in question. "And, I... want to thank all of you personally... for saving my Sister." Rarity and Twilight Sparkle took a half step forward, which the other mares immediately imitated, and the six made a generally synchronized bow to the Princess. She sat down again, the assembly also resuming their seats.

"Our Sister also gave these instructions to Us before Her repose: that We the Ponies of Equestria immediately engage in reparatory activities to prevent further devastation of our world. We command that all citizens of Equestria forthwith render all assistance required by the Minister of Science here before ye in locating the rift that threatens our world, and that all Unicorns be ready to lend their aid to Us, Princess Luna, in the repairing of said rift once it is located."

The crowd was growing restless. Luna decided it was best to be brief, especially with the next part.

"It is also the wish of Her Royal Highness Our Sister that during Her convalescence, We shall endeavor to fully execute the ruling functions of this government and attendant duties, including the proceedings of the Royal Court and the raising of the Sun and Moon. Due to Our recent return to these tasks, We humbly ask your kindness and patience."

The assembly was becoming noisy again, almost beyond the bounds of respectful behavior with a monarch present. Luna stood.

"Citizens of Equestria! We are fully convinced that together We can overcome these trials, and that soon Our Beloved Princess Celestia will again be seated at Her throne. Let Us all strive together towards that most happy day." She signaled to the herald, and horns blasted the closing fanfare. Luna led the Minister and six mares from Ponyville behind the thrones and back down the stairs.

On the way, Pinky Pie again waved to her relatives, just to see if they would react the same way as they did when she entered. Yep, they did!

***

Laura tuned the radio to the BBC World News frequency while Abigail navigated her way back out through security and onto the autoroute.

"So what's so important Peter was begging my forgiveness for possible interruptions tonight? He wasn't just trying to cover up for you as usual, was he?" Abigail smiled at Laura's obvious embarrassment.

"I really wish it was just my usual OCD, but this time it's very serious," said the scientist. She suddenly raised the volume of the radio, filling the car with BBC english.

We report that the incident that occurred at four twenty one PM today has been confirmed as a massive gravitic shock wave, the first such ever scientifically recorded. The gravity wave was felt all over the planet, but seemed to be most intense in the heart of the european continent. Scientists at gravity wave detectors all over the planet are pooling their readings to determine where it came from and what might have been its cause.

The shock wave has also caused a degree of alarm with many national governments, including the United States which amongst others has placed its military on high alert.

In other news...

Laura lowered the volume. "I was wondering what the media would make of this."

"What?! Do you mean CERN has something to do with this?" asked the librarian. "Is this dangerous? Should we be getting away from CERN as fast as we can?"

Laura debated how much to tell her girlfriend. She didn't want to ruin their anniversary with gloom and doom, but neither did she want to lie.

"Gail...it's both not as bad and worse than what you could imagine. What happened this afternoon was the consequence of a near collision between universes. And it might involve something we are doing at CERN, but we just don't know for certain. I have some really bright people working on resolving that issue right now. That's why I might get some calls." She looked up as Abigail parked the car on the shoulder of the autoroute.

"Gail, this is something nobody can run away from. I can't do anything more by staying at the office. If the Universe ends tonight, I would much rather it be while I'm with you."
She and Abigail hugged silently for a moment, starting to tear up as she finally came to realize what was at stake.

"And if the end of the world comes, what better place than at Chez Chiquette," said Abigail through her tears.

"As long as we get the chance to have at least one bite of dessert first!" replied Laura, with a chuckle.

Her girlfriend put the car in gear and drove back out into the sparse traffic. She considered for a moment then decided not to hold anything back.

"By the way, as a bonus I got to speak with intelligent creatures from another universe today."

"No way!" cried Abigail.

"Way! And they were, get this, ponies."

"You mean like small horses?"

"Exactly. They have three, races I guess you could call them: regular ponies, unicorns and pegasi. Oh, and their royalty seems to be all three at the same time."

"OK, now you've got to be pulling my leg." She gave Laura her sternest librarian's glare.

"No, it's the unvarnished truth. The reason I know is that for a while today I actually exchanged bodies with one of them called Glowball, with whom you had a phone conversation. Didn't you notice me acting strange?"

Abigail thought about it for a moment. "Well yes, a bit. But it wasn't very far out of your usual self. It just seemed like you weren't sure who I was."

Laura's smile was smug. "I knew you'd notice."

"Well I almost didn't. Wow. I spoke with an alien today! But maybe you'd better tell me the whole story. It'll take us another twenty minutes to get to Chez Chiquette anyway."

Laura told Abigail about her day in Equestria.

***

Glowball and Rock Candy entered the reception hall at the Ministry of Science. Time Crescent was chatting animatedly with the receptionist, waiting for marefriend to arrive.

"... and then everypony in the library just started talking at the same time. I'd never heard such a ruckus at work! We noticed that some of the unicorns seemed to have taken it harder, especially the more powerful ones. So we went to check in the spell archives and there were six big-wig wizards from the Ministry of Science passed out between the stacks..." She noticed the pair's arrival. "Hello Rock, thanks for making sure she got here on time!"

"To be honest, she actually got prepared all by herself today. I had to check her name tag to be sure I had the right mare in tow," replied the stallion with a wink to Glowball.

"Oh sure. Yuck it up." Glowball looked up at the ceiling and sighed.

"Awe, isn't she just so cute when she's feeling offended?" inquired the light blue mare.

"I can't really see it the same way you do. She usually works out her offended feelings by pounding on me. Or giving me piles of work to do. Or both." This time Rock was the one sighing.

"Since today is a special occasion, you're both off the hook. But don't expect me to make this a habit." Glowball tried to maintain a stern look for effect, but couldn't keep it up when all the ponies started laughing. She chuckled for a moment, and then her horn glowed as she levitated a bouquet of flowers from behind the reception desk, holding it in front of Time Crescent. "This is for you TC."

While her marefriend made of fuss and showed off the flowers to the receptionist, Glowball leaned over and whispered to her assistant. "Thanks, Rock. I owe you one." In her normal voice she said: "We have just enough time to walk over to Chez Squeezee's if we cut through the Royal Gardens. Let's get going!"

The couple said their goodbyes and left the Ministry of Science. As they walked Time Crescent resumed describing the impact of the afternoon's event on the library staff and patrons. "By the way, is this in any related to all the problems Rock said you were having at the Ministry today?"

The pony scientist was quiet for a moment putting together her thoughts. She hadn't had a whole lot of time to just think about things, but she decided to give it her best shot and try to explain it all to her number one librarian. It suddenly hit her that this afternoon the world had come awful close to ending.

"Yeah, we think these were all linked. Ticky, I have to tell you something you can't spread around, not yet anyway. Today Princess Celestia almost died while saving the universe."

Glowball only used her special pet name when she was being very serious. "Is that why you were so distracted when I came by the Ministry earlier?"

"Well, yes and no. I had been investigating the strange phenomena of the morning, but by that time I had involuntarily exchanged bodies with a being from another universe. They're called humans. You actually spoke to one of them inhabiting my body when you visited before lunch."

Glowball saw the shock in the pale blue pony's eyes. "Oh, and while the human was in my body, I was in hers, walking around on two legs like a bird, with hands and fingers instead of hooves." She chuckled, as she caught a glimmer of humor in TC's face. "And, by the way, they do amazing things with their fingers. And they have this incredible universal library thing called the internet!..."

The scientist enthusiastically described her favorite parts of the human world. She smiled as her marefriend's concerned expression was gradually replaced by wonder. She was determined to make this a great dinner full of happy memories for her special somepony.

***

The war-room was a medium sized conference room with a big table at one end and several smaller tables with chairs at the other. The walls were alternately huge display screens and floor to ceiling whiteboards. Next to the big table, Mary put down her whiteboard marker and turned to face the assembled joint chiefs of staff, the Vice President and a few 'advisors' who had not been introduced. She had done her best to explain coherently what she understood about the situation. She had left out certain facts that would probably not serve to get her story accepted, such as the aliens being ponies, having magic and communicating by spirit exchange with the help of a sleeping cap. She launched into her closing arguments.

"With Dr. Connor I have been able to establish a communications channel with the inhabitants of the other universe. This includes access to the head of state of the largest and most powerful nation on their planet." Mary winced as the VP seemed to frown at this. She figured the old lady did not enjoy having diplomatic contact with the other side managed by a pair of scientists.

"I have been assured that today's event, severe though it was, would most likely have led to the extinction of life on earth were it not for a heroic sacrifice on the part of our counterparts in the other universe. However, their actions have gained us only a short respite." The chiefs were not any friendlier in outlook than the VP. Despite the less than cheery audience, all she had left was to go for the close.

"They have requested our assistance in being able to definitively end the threat of m-brane collision by a coordinated application of energy at the focal points of the convergence in both universes. This requires two actions on our part. First the location of the focal point - which activity Dr. Connor is leading from CERN. Second, the marshaling of our ability to apply the most powerful and tightly focused energy at the required place and time." She took a breath.

"I propose we use the strategic defense laser grid to do something that has never been done before: deliver a concentrated blast of high energy laser light from all the lasers that can be brought to bear on the dimensional convergence focal point. I know that this risks exposing the secret of the SADL Grid to our enemies, but we have no alternatives. Even nuclear weapons may not provide sufficiently focused energy to close the rift, and their use may be problematical if the focal point is near a population center, or in near earth space for that matter."

The room was deathly quiet for a moment. The Secretary of Defense scratched his head. "You know that those things need to power up for a while first. And maybe contrary to your knowledge, most of our enemies are perfectly aware of the location of many of the SADL lasers." He smiled cynically. "Many, but not all, that is. So the problem is how do we avoid setting off a laser tag war with the Russians and Chinese when we start powering up those beauties?"

"Mister Secretary, I would not presume to tell you or the Vice-President how to manage relations with the Russians or the Chinese, but as the call to take this action might happen at any moment, I do hope you have some idea how to pull it off." Mary smiled weekly, a queasy feeling growing in the pit of her stomach. That was the best that she could offer, and she could see that Madame Walker wasn't buying any of it.

The Vice President stood. "Thank you Ms. Lachance. We will advise you if we have further need of your assistance."

Summarily dismissed, Mary left the room. Outside she saw Jim and a few other White House staffers gathered around his desk.

"You look like a car wreck's idea of a bad day." His smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

"It wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, but certainly not as good as I had hoped," replied the science advisor. "Now, all I can do is wait. Which I can do perfectly well in my office. Give me a buzz if they need me." She waved a brief goodbye and walked back to her office. She entered, sat, and took out a sheet of paper and began writing.

Dear Twilight,

The meeting with our government officials has failed to produce the desired results so far...

***

In the ante-room under the Great Hall of the Tribes, Princess Luna met with the Pony Cabinet after the general meeting of the Assembly.

"I am simply saying, your highness, that we would like to have a direct confirmation from Princess Celestia herself that the situation is in hoof, and that she has appointed you to act as regent during her absence from office," said Prince Blueblood.

"We understand thy request, but do remind thee that Our Sister is resting and cannot be disturbed, lest her health be imperiled and Our prospects to avoid this catastrophe along with it." She was growing annoyed at this foalish unicorn. How she wished she could just send him back into the fountain in the castle gardens! She was considering what to say next when rescue came from a quite unexpected source: the little blue pegasus.

"Oh, cut the hoo-ha, Prince! We were there and that's exactly what Princess Celestia told us," said Rainbow Dash.

"Yer darn tooting!" agreed Applejack.

"Indeed, she did!" said Rarity, who had been doing her best to ignore Prince Blueblood from the moment he arrived. Now she glared at him in a distinctly unfriendly fashion. The Prince looked back at her and swallowed.

Twilight took up the cause. "I assure you that Princess Celestia has instructed us in what needs to be done, and has full confidence in all of us including Princess Luna.

Pleased and humbled by the show of support, Luna reminded herself of her altered circumstances and changed her tone. "I... remind you all that Minister Hoofing and especially the Elements of Harmony have no reason to favor me above my sister." She swallowed the lump she felt rising in her throat. "Please, we need all of you to help, or Equestria may be doomed."

"I am still unhappy that none of the members of the Tribal Council were there to receive instructions. In the past one of us was usually declared regent in her majesty's absence. This is most unconventional," complained the monocled stallion.

Hoofing was also running to the end of her patience with the leader of the unicorn tribe.

"I remind the Prince of Her Majesty Princess Celestia's declaration at the prior meeting of the Equine Assembly concerning Her Majesty, Princess Luna." The old mare deliberately emphasized the title as a reminder. "She is co-ruler of Equestria, and so there is no call for a regent unless both ruling princesses are absent from court. As you can well see, my Prince, Her Majesty Princess Luna is right here."

Blueblood's eyes shot daggers at the Minister. She knew she would have Tartarus to pay for this later, as the Prince was at least nominally her boss. William Pie the elder looked at Commander Weathertop, who nodded.

"We agree with Minister Hoofing to support Her Majesty Princess Luna's proposals, and that these both represent the will of her Majesty Princess Celestia as well as being in accordance with the new governing structure she has recently decreed," said the elderly earth pony. "Are there any dissenting opinions?" None of the Pony Cabinet members voiced disagreement.

"Very well," said the Prince. "Then we are all agreed." It was patently obvious he was less than pleased.

"We thank you for your service," said the lady of the moon. She nodded her head. The members of the cabinet bowed and left, Prince Blueblood first in line, the Chancellor of the earth ponies last.

Just as he was to exit the room, Pinkie Pie rushed up to offer him a bro-hoof. He looked at her pink hoof hovering in the air before him. He sighed and touched his hoof to that of his distant cousin's, as he had been instructed to do by his youngest grand-colt. He gave her a pained smile and departed, glad that no other member of the cabinet other than Minister Hoofing had witnessed the scene.

Pinkie Pie turned back to the Princess and her entourage. "We did it! Good job everypony!" The other Elements of Harmony began congratulating each other, bro-hoofing and chatting happily.

Luna exchanged a glance with Hoofing. They both knew this victory had come at a cost.

Chapter 15: Just Desserts

Peter was having a sandwich for dinner at his desk when his phone rang. The name in the display read 'Etienne Dumoulin'. This was the name of the technician who had figured out how to plot the anomalies inflicting CERN during the day.

"Bonjour Wind!" He used Etienne's nickname and most of the very limited french he had picked up in nine months at CERN.

"Bonjour Pete. Guess what? I've managed to track down the apparent focal points of the anomalies."

"Focal points?" Peter was surprised.

"Oui. Points, as in more than one. There is one from before the shock of this afternoon, and a new one after. Before the shock the epicenter was located in the target block of the Celeste project. BTW Peter, we did a run on Celeste and target time was exactly the time of the shock. We are beginning to think these two occurrences may be connected." The french researcher paused to let Peter digest the implications of his investigation. "Peter, we have to shut down Celeste, at least until we can verify this."

"Yes. of course." Peter felt devastated. And he knew Laura would feel even worse. Project Celeste had consumed most of the last two years of her life. "You mentioned that there is another focal point?"

"Indeed. But it would be more precise to say that the focal point has moved. Anomalies after the shock were very much weaker. When I first started plotting the results, they showed that the focus might be still centered about four hundred and thirty kilometers to the south east of CERN. But still there was something strange about the data, so I gathered reports on electronics service requests and of equipment failures in the area and discovered something quite disturbing." He paused dramatically.

Peter sighed. Wind could do amazing feats of analysis, but he did love the 'grand disclosure' a bit much. "Well, go ahead, tell me what is so disturbing?"

"After including flight and satellite data, it appears that the focal point has moved to somewhere close to Cannes and at approximately six kilometers altitude above the earth. And it is slowly drifting back to its original position."

"It's moving?!" Peter was shaken.

"Yes, at about forty-two kilometers per hour, and it is tracing a perfectly straight line back towards the target block of Celeste," replied the technician. "It should be back in almost exactly six hundred and 3 minutes, assuming it does not change speed or direction.

"How accurately can you plot its position?"

"With current data to within two hundred meters or so." Etienne looked up with a crooked little smile. "But I can build a device to track it down to within ten centimeters, assuming I can get the device to within one kilometer of the focal point."

"How soon can you put the device together?"

"I already have the components. It can be ready in two hours."

"Good. Please get to it immediately, and call me as soon as it is ready, or if the focal point changes velocity."

"Yes , Peter. Good bye." The technician hung up.

Peter immediately called his boss. After three rings she answered her cell phone."

"Hello Peter. I assume you have important news." She sounded more anxious than miffed.

"Yeah. And it's a good news, bad news deal. The bad news is that the Celeste project may somehow have triggered today's shockwave. I have already given the orders to power down the detector block." There was only silence at the other end. "I'm sorry Laura. This will set us back for a month at least."

"When I was in Equestria and saw the plot of the anomalies on their side, somehow I knew Celeste was to blame. It reminded me so much of the ring tunnel."

Her words were calm, but Peter felt the heartbreak in her voice. "Now the focal point has moved almost to the Mediterranean at an altitude of just under twenty thousand feet, but it's already making its way back to CERN and should arrive in almost exactly ten hours. The good news is that Wind has come up with a way to track it as it moves. He'll have the device ready in two hours. I think we need to call your friend in Washington, as well as get news of this to your counterparts in Equestria," said Peter.

"Your absolutely right. I'll be back to the office in an hour." Laura sounded better, having something concrete to do.

"I hope I haven't ruined your dinner," Peter apologized.

"We just got dessert. We'll have it and be on our way. And Peter, thanks for making sure we had this much time together. I really appreciate it. Bye for now." She hung up.

***

Laura put away her mobile phone and looked across the table at Gail. They were sharing two different pastries, a tradition established on their first date. She smiled in apology. "Well at least we were able to have dessert. Happy third anniversary!"

"I guess I shouldn't be too greedy. Coffee can wait until after you've saved not one but two universes, if I understood all that." Abigail reached over and fed her significant other a forkful of a triple chocolate confection appropriately called 'La Fin du Monde'. As her sweetheart chewed the bite with a look of bliss on her face, she signaled the waiter to bring the check.

***

Mary was sitting in her office debating with herself the wisdom of drinking yet another cup of coffee. The clock display on her computer had just passed three in the morning
when her phone rang. It was Dr. Connor.

"Hello Mary. I'm going to give you the number of my assistant Peter Tobler." She read off a phone number in France. "Please call him as soon as possible. Our team have determined that the event earlier today has moved the anomaly's focus by several hundred kilometers, but it's heading quickly back to CERN and should reach it in just under ten hours. One of our techs is putting together a device to track the focal point and pin down its location, which I hope will then allow us to implement the Equestrians' plan by having a massive energy discharge at the focal point. Have you made any progress in securing an energy source? And please tell me it's not nuclear."

Mary smiled at Laura's cool delivery of the rather startling news. "Does this mean that we have less than ten hours to avert the m-brane collision?"

"That's what we think. And Mary, it may have been one of the experiments we were running that created this situation in the first place. The initial focus, and its current destination is smack-dab in the middle of the detector stack of the Celeste project. We doubt this is just a coincidence. And today's shockwave happened just as we ran an experiment with that stack as the target."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Mary. "But on the other hand locating the focal point is the key to preventing the brane collision. Rest assured, I have figured out a way to provide the energy needed without having to nuke Geneva! However, it's classified, and in any case I still have to convince my government to sanction the effort. Having an instrument to track the focal point will go a long way towards providing hard evidence to back our assertions."

"I have asked Peter to e-mail you all the pertinent information, design of the instrument and a link to our website where we are tracking the focal point's current position. We have very little time, and we still have to communicate this to the Equestrians. When is your next expected contact with our allies?"

"Actually, it could be at any moment now." She quickly began scribbling a new note to Twilight Sparkle.
"Good. I'll be back in my office in thirty minutes. Let me know as soon as you have news."

"Will do, Laura. And thanks, we have a chance now." The sound of a car engine running in the background stopped as Laura hung up. Without hanging up Mary spoke again.

"Bill, please advise the Vice-president of my discussion with Dr. Connor and inform her that I would like to see her as soon as possible, and that this is a code alpha emergency. Also, please forward all e-mail I receive from CERN addresses directly to Jim and the VP as well." She heard a chuckle on the line.

"Will do Ms. Lachance" said a voice.

She looked down at the note she had written.

Dear Twilight,

Please read the notes I have left on the computer screen on my desk. I have found a way to apply energy to the focal point and Dr. Connor's team has succeeded in devising a way to locate and track it. It's location changed during the 'event' and is currently on the move, at least in our universe. I suspect it may be the same in yours. Anyway, we should resume the fifteen minutes swap schedule ASAP unless I notify you otherwise. Also, if you get into trouble while on this side, seek out Vice-President Walker (the nice lady you briefly spoke with last time!) and tell her this: 'Code Alpha verification Tango, Three, Mary, Bravo.' and explain our situation. You can also ask to call Dr. Laura Connor at the phone number written on the little yellow sticky note at the bottom of this letter. I have put a similar note in my pocket for if you leave the office.

Your friend,

Mary

Her phone rang again. It was Mrs. Walker.

"Be in my office in ten minutes." She hung up.

Mary was starting to get nervous about the timing, when the world began to fade...

***

... and brighten again, to a view of Spike lifting the sleeping cap away from her (Twilight's) supine body. She smiled. "Hiya, handsome!"

"Hello, Mary," said the dragon with a blush.

"Spike, I have important information and not a lot of time. Can you get either Minister Hoofing or one the the Princesses here ASAP?"

"Absolutely!" He saluted and ran off on his cute little stubby legs. She didn't have long to wait, as Sunset Hoofing arrived.

"Hello Madame Minister," said Laura, a bit surprised. "That was quick!"

"Good day Ms. Lachance. Spike advised Princess Luna, who teleported him directly to my office in the Ministry of Science and I teleported us both into the antechamber of this apartment. It took but a moment."

The baby dragon stumbled in, clutching his belly and looking a bit greener than he had just moments earlier.

"Two long distance teleports in a row! My stomach isn't made for this."

"Thank you Spike. You're my hero!" She couldn't resist giving him a hug as he waddled into range of her hooves. His bashful blush reduced the excess green in his complexion.

"Ahem. Spike said you had something urgent to tell us."

"Yes, indeed!" said Mary, abashed in her turn. "I have been in contact with Dr. Connor. The location of the convergence focal point in our universe has changed. But I am pleased to report that her team have found a way to locate and track its movement. It is moving back towards its original position and should be there in a bit over nine hours from now. Laura surmises that if it reaches the location of the old focal point again, then we may experience another incident, and this one may be terminal."

Hoofing's expression became grim. "This is a disaster, Ms. Lachance. If it moved as well in this universe, we may no longer be able to find where to focus our own energy blast. It was through coincidence that we were able to locate it in the first place."

"I may be able to rectify that," said a new voice. Mary looked up as Princess Luna strode into the room. Spike and the Minister bowed, so Mary did as well.

"That is a great relief your majesty. Could you please explain how?" asked the old mare.

The Princess looked at Mary, as if deciding how much she could disclose to the human.

"When an individual is in a perceptual exchange, their spectral presence creates a resonance that leaks into this universe. This is how the exchanging parties' brains connect. I can feel the location of Equestrian party resonating into this universe."

"But your majesty, how does this help us locate the focal point on our side?" asked Spike.

"All we need to do is have an Equestrian in perceptual exchange use the device Dr. Connor mentioned to locate the focal point in the human universe. From the leaking resonance I will be able to find the equivalent location in ours. Once I get close enough I will be able to feel the location of the focal point directly, and apply the magical energy. This last must be done in synchrony with a similar energy discharge in the human universe." The Princess looked to Mary in expectation.

"That's a relief! And I have some good news. I have devised a way to get an extremely powerful energy discharge to the focal point, as long as it stays above ground level on our world. But I still have work to do in convincing my government to allow this to take place, so I need to get back immediately." She looked at Spike with some regret. "I suggest you get Glowball here as soon as possible and do an exchange with Laura so they can help you locate the focal point in Equestria."

"I concur. I know where Glowball is and I will bring her here. Good day Ms. Lachance," said Princess Luna. She nodded to Hoofing and Spike, and then disappeared with a pop.

"Wow. What a way to travel!" said Mary, impressed.

"Yeah, but don't try it on a full stomach, especially if Twilight is doing the teleporting," the little dragon complained, causing the Minister to cackle in sympathy. As he approached Mary with the sleeping cap, she again gave him a brief hug.

"Now you take care, Spike!" She nodded to the old mare, and lay prone on the cushion. The cap descended on her head, and darkness...

***

Glowball and Time Crescent had had an excellent meal at Chez Squeezee. They had just finished sharing two different desserts as they usually did, when the restaurant suddenly became utterly quiet. Time Crescent's eyes grew big staring at something behind her marefriend, and the only sound she could produce was "P, p, p, pri..."

The scientist pony turned around in her chair find herself muzzle to muzzle with Princess Luna. Everypony in the eatery started bowing at the same time, except for Glowball, frozen in the awkward position.

"Hello your majesty. Care for dessert?" said the grey mare, feeling quite lame immediately after she had said it.

Luna took a step back, trying to maintain a dignified expression. "Good evening Glowball. I am sorry to interrupt your dinning, but we have urgent need of you back at the castle." She nodded to Time Crescent. "Please accept my hospitality in apology. And take a nice cab ride home." She tossed a purse to a waiter nearby. "Please make arrangements for the lady. Good evening all." She nodded as she scanned the flabbergasted diners. Then with a double pop she and Glowball disappeared.

The Maitre d' suddenly appeared at Time Crescent's side. "Would Madame care for a digestif before her carriage ride?" She smiled as the full extent of the situation sunk in. She had just gone from librarian to VIP in less than a minute. Might as well enjoy the ride while it lasted.

"Yes. A glass of Zapp-Apple brandy. And an order of crepes suzette, if you please." She has always wanted to try them but could never afford either one. Tonight, she would have both!

"But of course, Madame." The Maitre d' galloped off as if he was serving the Princess herself.

Her smile waned a bit. It was too bad Glowball had to leave. This would have been even better together.

***

Glowball and Pincess Luna popped into existing right next to Spike as he was taking the sleeping cap away from Twilight's head. He jerked back in surprise, smashing into Sunset Hoofing. The sleeping cap fell square onto her head and the elderly mare dropped like a stone. Fortunately, she dropped mostly onto one of the large cushions, next to the one on which Twilight was just in the process of waking up. The baby dragon ended up on the floor between them.

The lavender mare jumped up, an expression of panic on her face. "Did Mary speak to the Princess? And Spike, what are you doing on the floor?"

Spike picked himself up, then gingerly removed the cap from minister Hoofing's head. She was snoring slightly.

From behind her Twilight heard a laugh. She turned to see Glowball still snickering and Princess Luna, who was looking a bit distracted.

"Now I understand why you needed me so badly Princess Luna. Everypony else here is just lying down on the job!" said the grey mare.

"Twilight Sparkle," said the Princess, "what happened while you were in the human universe?"

"I read some messages from Mary and a document on this strange screen that glowed."

"That was a computer screen," interrupted Glowball. "Did you surf the 'net?"

Twilight's look of perplexity answered her question.

"What... did Mary's messages... say?" asked Luna in a somewhat stilted voice.

"She informed me of the human's success in tracking the focal point, that she has found a way to provide the human contribution to the energy discharge, and that we have less than ten hours to get set up or it's curtains for both universes."

"She told us the same. Did she say anything else?" asked the Princess.

"Yes, she told me that if I got into trouble in the human world to ask for Vice-President Walker and to tell her 'Code Alpha verification Tango, Three, Mary, Bravo' whatever that means. What did Mary say to you?"

"Very much the same," said the princess. "Now, I have a plan and we need to get Dr. Connor here so we can brief her and get Glowball into position. Spike, could you please help effect the exchange?"

"Yes, your highness," said Spike. Raising an eyebrow he addressed the scientist pony. "Glowball, if you would lie down on the job please?" This time Twilight snickered as Spike lowered the cap onto Glowball's head. A moment later he removed it, and the mare woke up.

"Hello Princess Luna, Spike, and Twilight Sparkle I presume?" she said, confirming this was indeed the human. She looked at the form sleeping on the cushion next to hers. "Is the Minister indisposed?"

"At her age she needs her rest. Let's let her be." Princess Luna answered hastily. While the minister snored and everypony else paid rapt attention, she described her plan.

"Ingenious!" said Laura. "I will need to switch back with Glowball for an hour or so to make arrangements and instruct my assistant Peter."

"That would indeed be wise," answered the Princess. Spike went through the hat ritual again.

Glowball woke up, looking upset. "Darn, that was short! I was in a vehicle with Laura's girlfriend going amazingly fast on the road. Now I understand the thing some pegasi have for speed: it was such a blast! Oh, and for some reason she knew it was me, and not Dr. Connor. She even called me by my name, and she kinda did remind me of Time Crescent. That part was kinda weird!"

***

Laura woke back up in the car. Abigail glanced at her and smiled. "You're back. That Glowball person was as excited about being in a car as you were when I took you hang-gliding on your birthday."

Laura was not entirely comfortable with the idea of Glowball spending too much time with Gail. It must have shown on her face.

"You're jealous!" Her girlfriend chuckled. "Don't worry hon. I won't be coming on to her when she's in that pretty head of yours. At least not much, anyway." She smiled mischievously.

"Ha ha. Very funny. Well, you'll get to test your restraint, because it looks like Glowball and I will have to exchange bodies for a prolonged span of time during the next ten hours." Laura grew serious. "It looks like the only way to locate the focal point on their side is that we find it on this side first, and then have a person in perceptual exchange go to that location. That means Glowball and I have to stay in a swap until we get that done." She paused as Abigail drove on.

"If we fail, we might not be able to get together before the end comes. Will you wait with me in my office?"

"Sure, love. But I don't doubt you. You'll pull us through," said Gail. She offered her right hand to Laura who clasped it in her left. Feeling a bit more determined, she took out her phone and called Peter.

"Peter, I need a helicopter, something that can go up to twenty thousand feet, and I need it within hour on the CERN helipad."... "Yeah, the usual VIP service, and don't worry about the costs."... "How's the detector coming along?"... "Good, have it and Etienne waiting at the helipad and call me as soon as the chopper has arrived." She hung up and dialed another number.

"Hello Mary. We have a plan..."

***

On a chair in the Vice-President's waiting room, Mary put away her cell phone. She was relieved that Laura and the Equestrians were on their way to finding the location of the focal point in both universes. She looked up expectantly at the Vice-President's door, then at her watch. Being ten minutes late was not in the formidable politician's habits. She got up and walked to the door. Hearing no noise from inside, she dared open the door a crack and peeked in.

Mrs. Walker looked up at her from her desk and said with a smile "Hello Ms Lachance. Please do come-in and have a seat."

Mary swallowed and complied. Nice was also not part of the old lady's style. Usually with her it spelled trouble.

"Madame Vice-President, have you come to a conclusion about my proposed usage of the laser defense..." she stopped when Walker started chuckling as if she had told a good joke. She had to try again, the fate of the world depended on it. "Really, Mrs. Walker, this is a matter of life and...," more cackling, "... death."

"I had not imagined," said the VP, "that this is what it would feel like to be human." She stood up and did a slow pirouette. "And then the first real human I meet is one I already know! How rich!" She laughed again.

A sudden realization hit Mary like a ton of bricks. "Minister Hoofing?"

***

Prince Blueblood had gathered all the highest ranking noble Lords and Ladies of the House of Magic, despite the very unconventional hour. All of them but Sunset Hoofing.

"You may wonder why I have called you here." He turned his back to them and looked out the window. "It has come to my attention that Princess Luna seems to have suddenly acquired executive power in Equestria, again..." He let the implications of that sink in.

"I believe that we, the unicorn tribe, have a special responsibility in ensuring that the primal role of our true sovereign, Princess Celestia, is never again so easily compromised as it was a short while ago." He turned back to the assembled unicorn nobility. "Tonight I call the Unicorn Estates General, to meet here in Canterlot in two hours. Please advise all unicorn sorcerers, mages and magicians that they are required to attend. They are not to cooperate with Minister Hoofing or Princess Luna's plans until the House has voted. Is that clear?"

Nopony among the Lords and Ladies dared dissent, he noted. He left the room satisfied.

Chapter 16: An accidental tourist

"Twilight Sparkle and Spike, I have a special favor to ask of you," said Princess Luna. The two approached her. She bent over and whispered a few words so only they could hear. The little librarian's eyes grew big at her words, but then she nodded once.

Luna continued aloud. "Please go advise the Elements of Harmony of our plan, and brief Miss Dash of her specific role in the energy discharge. I expect your return within a quarter hour."

"Of course, your highness," said the lavender mare. Spike nodded and jumped onto her back. The pair moved out at a trot.

"I also have a favor to ask of you, Glowball," said the Princess.

"Sure, your majesty. What do want me to do?" replied the grey unicorn.

"Only the royal carriage will be big enough to carry so many ponies to within visual range of the focal point. Could you please arrange a team of the royal guard to pull the carriage, and have the Captain request the Wonderbolts to act as scouts. You must also be back within fifteen minutes."

"Yes maam, your majesty!" Glowball departed with a grin. "I'm gonna meet the Wonderbolts!" she exclaimed in wonder on the way out.

The Princess turned back towards the apparently slumbering Sunset Hoofing.

"You may cease this charade now," she said to the pony on the cushion, who cracked one eye open.

Seeing that she could no longer maintain her subterfuge, the old mare slowly rose to all fours. She froze midway, when she happened to look down. After a moment she brought one of her forelimbs up to her eyes inspecting its hoof very closely. "Am I dreaming?" She looked up at the Princess.

"No, you are not, Madame Vice-President."

The human started when Princess Luna replied to her by name. "How do you know who I am?" she asked in a commanding voice.

Luna's nostrils flared. "A Royal Princess expects and deserves a certain degree of respect and decorum when addressed by a representative of another government, don't you think?"

"Yes, of course, your majesty. Please forgive me." The words were far more placating than was the look in her face. The Alicorn smiled cooly. The being before her was without a doubt an experienced politician. This was not a being who could be trifled with.

"If I understand your government structure correctly, you and I seem to hold a similar positions in our respective hierarchies. You may call me Luna as long as we are alone together, Mrs. Walker."

"Very well, Luna. I must admit, I had not imagined the aliens described by Mary Lachance as being fantasy horses. Nor do I understand why I am here and apparently in the body of a horse as well."

The Princess waved a hoof and a full length mirror appeared before the human. She jumped back at the sudden apparition, but quickly regained her composure and began examining her alternate self.

"By the way, that is the body of our Minister of Science, Sunset Hoofing. You are currently engaged in what we call a perceptual exchange with her. This means she is at this moment walking about in your body back in your own universe." This raised a look of alarm in the visiting dignitary. "Rest assured, Minister Hoofing is exceedingly canny and will not jeopardize you or your position in Washington. In all honesty, we need your cooperation to save both our universes."

"Your Majesty, there is much that Mary Lachance did not disclose to me in her report. I do not enjoy being given only part of the truth."

"Miss Lachance did not consult me as to how she would proceed in getting your government's cooperation. She is not our agent, and is acting entirely of her own accord. Nevertheless," the Princess finally did smile, "I can only imagine how peculiar the society we have built here might seem to beings from another universe. Tell me honestly, if she had disclosed everything would it have helped or hindered her credibility?"

Walker was pensive a moment. "I see your point. Perhaps what she did was wise. However, I am not pleased at having been brought into this situation involuntarily. Why have you engaged me in this exchange?"

"It truly was an accident, but indeed a fortuitous one. The exchange only happens between highly attuned minds, and we had no idea you and the Minister were two such. Also, the link may have been forged as a result of this afternoon's near collapse. Catastrphy for both our worlds was averted only through a herculean effort by my sister Princess Celestia. For your further edification, we effect the exchange by forcibly inducing sleep in the party in our universe, by use of that large hat yonder." The Princess pointed to the sleeping cap resting on one of the cushions.

"Now time is short, and I wish to leave no doubt in your mind as to who we are and our sincerity. I will teleport us to my sister's bedside for a quick visit. While explaining the situation at hand will show you enough of our land that you will doubt neither our existence nor the facts presented to you by Miss Lachance." There was a double pop and the room was empty.

***

Mary stared as Minister Hoofing enjoyed experimenting with bipedal locomotion in the Vice-President's office.

"Minister, I don't think it's such a good idea for you to do this," said Mary appalled.

"Nonsense! Nopony can see us here and I find this form of movement quite stimulating," she smiled mischievously.

"No! I mean switching places with the vice-president," said Lachance.

"Oh. I believe that was both unintentional and entirely unforeseen. Spike must have accidentally dropped the sleeping cap on my head when he bumped into me."

The younger woman thought hard for a moment. "Okay, we need to reduce your risk of interaction until you switch back. If the Vice-President is discredited there is no way we can enact the energy discharge in time." She grabbed the minister by the arm and started to lead her out.

"We'll go back to my office and hide out there as long as possible. If anyone interrupts us along the way tell them you must speak with me urgently. And stop smiling! This isn't funny, and Mrs. Walker is a serious and scary person. So act serious and scary!"

"I can do that exceedingly well, just ask any of my staff at the Ministry," said Hoofing. She then adopted a demeanor as intimidating as any Mary had seen from the VP even at her most formidable. She led the minister back to her office without incident. The only two people they crossed paths with wisely chose to keep their distance.

***

Twilight Sparkle's apartment again bustled with traffic as the various ponies came back from their assigned tasks. Last to return were Princess Luna and the Minister of Science.

"Did you get a good rest, Minister?" asked the lavender mare.

In lieu of the old unicorn, the Princess responded. "Everypony, I have an announcement to make. I would like to present her excellency Mrs. Walker, Vice-President of the United States of America." The bustle ceased abruptly.

"As you no doubt have already guessed, she is in perceptual exchange with our Minister Hoofing. I would like to demonstrate the mechanism to her by using the sleeping cap to put both Twilight and Glowball into exchange with their human counterparts. Spike, could you start with Miss Sparkle."

The dragon fetched the hat while his guardian took her position on one of the cushions, then placed it on her head. A moment later, he removed the hat and Mary Lachance woke up. She looked at Minister Hoofing. "Mrs. Walker, I presume."

The old mare nodded. "And you are Mary, I take it."

"Yes, ma'am. By the way, I convinced Minister Hoofing to come to my office in order to stay out of contact with the White House staff. So far as I can tell I am the only one who has interacted with her since the exchange began."

"Good thinking, Mary. The Princess has brought me fully into the loop here. I believe I can get you the approval for the use of the laser defense grid."

"Good," said Luna. "I have one more person to introduce to you. Spike, could you please effect the exchange for Glowball as well."

The dragon and grey mare repeated the process at another of the cushions. When Laura woke up, the Princess introduced her to the American politician.

"It's an honor, madame Vice-President." She turned back to Luna. "All is ready. I have a flying machine ready to take off with the tracking device inside. We will be transmitting the coordinates from the device directly to Ms. Lachance and her associates in Washington. They now only wait for Glowball to arrive."

"That is excellent news. I will have the Equestrian contingent ready within thirty minutes as well. Mary, madame Vice-President, do you have any further questions?"

Mary shook her head, then went to give Spike a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He blushed cutely as usual. "What was that for?" he asked.

"If Princess Luna's plan works, this might be the last time I ever see you, and I for one will miss you. Promise you'll remember me?"

"Of course I will. I'll miss you too Mary, even if it's confusing to have you living in Twilight's body.

The Vice-President approached the pair, looking intently at Spike. "You're not a pony," she said.

"No ma'am, I'm a dragon." Spike puffed out his chest and beamed up at her.

"How very interesting indeed. Now I wish I might have seen more of this world. But time is wasting." She lay down on an empty cushion. "Well, dragon, the hat please!" she commanded. "Goodby everypony, your majesty." The sleeping cap descended onto her head. Spike removed it and brought it to Mary, who lay her head down.

"Goobye, handsome!" The hat came down once again.

An instant later both Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Hoofing woke up.

"My what an interesting experience!" said the old mare.

"Now that our team is assembled, it is time to head out. Twilight, please fetch the Elements of Harmony and have them ready in the central courtyard in fifteen minutes. Dr. Connor, please follow me. Spike, please bring the sleeping cap in case we need some last minute communications."

Moments later the room was again empty.

***

Rock Candy was downright intrigued! Prince Blueblood had called a meeting of the Unicorn Estates General, the first one one years. As the scion of the Candy clan he received the magical invitation when it must have been refused by his father, Baron Hard Candy. His parents lived in Fillydelphia, rarely leaving their famous estate and confectionery called Candyland. Since moving to Canterlot to work at the Ministry of Science, Rock had become accustomed to periodically representing his family in governmental matters.

He arrived at the House of Unicorns, one of the oldest buildings in Canterlot, and began scanning the assembled lords and ladies for Sunset Hoofing. He was hoping to get more details on the day's events and their strange visitor. The Minister, despite being a very senior unicorn, was nowhere to be found. Neither were any of the senior staff of the Ministry of Science, many of whom were high ranking unicorns. How odd! He was considering a quick 'port back to the office when the Sergent-at-Arms called the assembly to order. He quickly made for the bench assigned to his family.

A minute later Prince Blueblood was led by the Chamberlain to the Throne of Horns, welcomed by a somewhat anemic smattering of applause. About half of the benches were empty, a not unusual turnout as the House members tended to be generally much absorbed in their own affairs. The Prince sat, and the Chamberlain officially called the assembly to order.

"Lords and Ladies of the Unicorn Tribe, our leader Prince Blueblood has called a meeting of the Unicorn Estates General in response to recent events and the possible renewed usurpation of executive authority by the Alicorn Princess Luna, with the collusion of the Ministry of Science." A buzz grew as ponies began to work through the implications of the Chamberlain's announcement.

'Oh oh,' thought Rock with a sinking feeling. 'This is not good.' He watched as the Prince stood to address the House.

***

Glowball clutched Peter's arm as they approached the huge flying machine called a helicopter. It superficially resembled the magically powered autogyros built by pony flying machine enthusiasts, but much bigger and with an enclosed cabin. Another human called 'Wind' held the door open for them and shut it with a bang after they entered the machine.

"I love these machines!" said the grey mare, moving forward to examine the cockpit with all its wonderful switches, dials and displays. "Can you get the internet in this thing?" she asked with a crooked smile.

"Yes, it has on-board WiFi," replied Peter cryptically, but at least in the positive, so Glowball was satisfied. He handed her a large tablet shaped device, of which most of one side appeared to be a screen. "Here, you can use this iPad." He showed her how the use yet another amazing human device and she sat happily on a bench to do more web surfing while she still could. He went to see the other occupant of the cabin.

"Hey Wind, how does the detector check out?"

"Everything seems to be in order," replied the technician. "From this range the device can only provide our GPS coordinates and a general direction to the focal point. When we get close enough the display will also provide distance to and calculate the coordinates of the focal point. This is all mirrored on the website in real time and accessible to our friends in Washington."

"Okay then, let's get this show on the road!" He sat next to Glowball and buckled them both in, while Etienne did the same on the other side of the cabin. Peter signaled to the pilot and the helicopter took off.

***

"They have taken off, Mrs. Walker," said Mary, rotating the screen on her desk so that the VP could see it. "They should be within range of the anomaly in two hours."

"Then we have work to do with the joint chiefs and the President." The formidable lady rose and beckoned to Mary from the door. "I'll bring you to the war room and explain that your have the President's full confidence and authority to set targets and engage the laser defense system. While you explain what to do to the nice generals, I'll go get the old man to actually agree to all this." She smiled at the younger woman, but the expression in her eyes remained cold.

"As to my visit with the Princess, that matter will remain strictly between us. Is this clear?"

"Crystal clear, madame Vice-President."

They left Mary's office to go save the world.

***

The Canterlot contingent boarded the royal carriage, with the exceptions of Princess Luna, the Wonderbolts and Rainbow Dash. Inside the carriage the ponies took their seats, surrounded by various 'objects of power' including the physical elements of harmony. Spike held the sleeping cap in his paws very carefully, not wanting to be responsible for any further accidental exchanges.

Sunset Hoofing stood and addressed them.

"We are now entering the final phase of our plan, with our allies at CERN and in Washington making ready their own contributions. Our role will be to unleash the magical energy we command in ourselves and stored within these objects and apply it to driving the colliding universes apart. Princess Luna will act as a focus for this discharge, so we must be ready on her signal. Are there any questions?"

Nopony raised a hoof or even a murmur. "Good!" She went to the door. "We are ready your majesty," said the old mare.

"That is most excellent, as I can feel through Glowball that they have begun moving very fast indeed. I will fly in the lead to allow us to mirror their motion in our universe. Coachpony, we fly!" She took off into the air with the blue pegasus and flying acrobatic team in formation, the carriage following immediately after.

***

"We are concerned that the severe debilitation of our rightful ruler, Princess Celestia, is being taken advantage of by a small group of power hungry ponies." Prince Blueblood looked out over the shocked and in some cases angry, faces of the assembled unicorns. "These misguided individuals have made common cause with Princess Luna, whom we feel has yet to prove her loyalty to the legitimate crown. Unfortunately, the Minister of Science seems to be chief amongst these, which is why she and her accompli... er, her associates, have not been informed of this meeting."

Seeing that the gathered unicorns were becoming more agitated, the Prince felt emboldened. That little 'accidental slip of the tongue' had been his own idea, a masterful stroke of rhetoric!

"We also believe this so-called emergency described by Princess Luna and Minister Hoofing to be the flimsiest of excuses for her to insinuate herself into the workings of the government, and to elevate those sympathetic to her cause. This is why we have seen fit to call this Unicorn Estates General. We wish to propose a tribal decree, one binding on all unicorns, to withhold any and all cooperation with Princess Luna's emergency measures until such a time as we are satisfied that the proper process has been followed and that we are acting in accordance to the will of our beloved Princess Celestia."

The Prince sat, satisfied that the assembled unicorn tribe would see the good sense of his arguments.

Rock Candy's anger grew as the Prince spoke. This was 'the old mare' he was talking about. Sure she was tough and had no patience for incompetents, but she was fair, and most of all he was sure she was loyal to Equestria.

He rose to indicate he wished to speak, something he had never done in the Unicorn or Equine Assemblies so far.

The chamberlain spoke "The house recognizes Lord Rock, Baronet of Candy."

The young scientist fairly trembled in anger. "The Prince urges caution, however there are several holes in his logic. First," he raised a hoof, "the emergency is real - I have incontrovertible proof as I am part of the team investigating the convergence. I tell you, not only is it real, but so is the risk is to our very lives. To withhold our support is to condemn our world and everypony on it to certain death."

Many ponies present recognized him as his family was quite well known all over Equestria for its confections, and amongst unicorns as one of the tribe's oldest and and noblest families. Although young, he was an 'important pony' and his words could not be ignored.

"Second," he raised his other hoof, "it is ridiculous to accuse Minister Sunset Hoofing of betraying her loyalty to Equestria or to Princess Celestia. Must I remind you that Minister Hoofing is one of the few who dared confront Nightmare Moon personally during her usurpation? A claim that nopony else in this assembly can make." He made sure everypony knew the target of this statement by glaring directly at Prince Blueblood.

"Third", he raised an ear, "I notice that none of the cabinet level members of this assembly are present. There may be an usurpation of power happening right here in this assembly. Mr. Chamberlain, why is the senior echelon of the unicorn tribe not here?"

The floor erupted into vociferous argument. Rock Candy had given voice to the misgivings of many unicorns present. Still, he could tell from the hostile glares of his closest neighbors that most of the crowd was still favoring the Prince.

"Mr. Chamberlain!" shouted a voice above the din. One of the biggest unicorn stallions Rock had ever seen entered the hall, dressed in the uniform of Celestia's Royal Unicorn Guard. It was the Captain himself, Shining Armor!

The newly arrived stallion spoke. "I am here on behalf of Princess Celestia and at the request of my sister, Twilight Sparkle, the Element of Friendship, who was instrumental in defeating Nightmare Moon and restoring our Princess Celestia. I was with Princess Celestia shortly after the event today, and can confirm that it is her express wish for all Equestrians and especially the unicorn tribe to cooperate fully with the emergency committee as directed by her sister and Minister Sunset Hoofing. Does anypony here doubt my loyalty?"

The Prince could tell that his view was fast losing favor with the assembly. If another influential pony expressed a contrary opinion he might not prevail! He quickly signaled to the Chamberlain to call the vote.

"We call all unicorns in this assembly to vote." Using telekinesis, he raised a large black and white ball into the air above his head. "I will now release the ballot. Vote now."

The ball rose and trembled as opposing wills tried to push the ball towards the basket that indicated 'Yea' at on end of the hall, or towards the other basket labelled 'Neigh' at the other end. As this was a close vote the ball seemed to vibrate first going slightly towards 'Yea' and then towards 'Neigh' and then back again. Finally, the momentum of the vote began to favor 'Neigh' and the ball travelled tentatively, and then with greater speed to land definitively in that basket.

Ponies cheered the result of the vote, Rock Candy and Shining Armor among them. The Prince scowled, as the Chamberlain stood and made the result official. "The 'Neigh's have it. The Prince's motion is defeated. All unicorns are to cooperate fully with the requirements of the Emergency Committee led by Princess Luna and Minister Hoofing. This assembly is hereby dismissed."

The unicorns stood as the Chamberlain led an angry looking Prince back out the door.

Rock Candy heaved a sigh of relief. He went to see Shining Armor to thank him for his timely intervention.

***

The helicopter circled as the scientists huddled around the screen of Etienne's laptop computer.

"There! We have it!" Peter clapped Wind on the back. He went to the pilot. "Please go forward half a kilometer and maintain a constant speed on this heading." He gave the pilot a piece of paper with the coordinates. The chopper banked and then slowed to assume the speed and heading indicated.

He called Mary Lachance on his cellphone. It connected on the first ring.

"Hello Peter. We can see you have the focal point in sight. Excellent work! Our guys are working out a targeting solution. Please keep your position relative to the target constant. We don't want to accidentally fry all of you in the process!"

"Gee, now that's reassuring," said Peter somewhat caustically. "We really hadn't thought there was any risk in this. But we can get a bit further if necessary without losing target lock."

"Eh, Peter, I am not so sure about that," said Etienne. Peter moved closer to see the screen and saw that the estimate on the position of the focal point had started to fluctuate by several meters.

"Hold on," he said to Mary on the phone. He turned back to Etienne. "Okay, so why are we seeing these fluctuations?"

"I think it might the same issue that was causing all those glitches in the morning. Proximity to the focal point must have an effect on electronics."

Peter thought fast. "Okay, then how far do we need to be to avoid this effect?"

"We're at a half kilometer now. So we can go back a bit." The technician looked up at Peter. "But we'll have to act fast," he added, looking a bit scared.

"Why's that?" Peter felt a cold wash of fear in his belly.

"The effect seems to be amplifying. I estimate we have maybe fifteen minutes before the detector becomes useless."

Peter looked grim as a realization hit him. "Wind, this is very important. Will the helicopter's electronics be effected by the focal point."

The young technician's face paled visibly. "That is a very real possibility. I suggest we take some distance just to be sure."

Peter turned back to the cockpit and asked the pilot to drop back a further 200 meters behind the focal point. He picked up his phone again.

"Mary, we have a problem."

***

Princess Luna approached the collision focal point by tracking the energy leakage of Glowball in the human universe. She began to feel something familiar at the edge of her perception. She allowed herself to spare a short moment of attention to the feeling. It was the focal point. She was close enough to feel it directly!

A quick surge of triumph was followed by another strange feeling, this time of sudden movement. Glowball. She felt the presence of the scientist begin to recede downwards rapidly. However, she had to stay with the focal point now or risk losing it. She wondered what was going on in the human universe.

Chapter 17: Mergers and acquisitions

Chapter 17: Mergers and acquisitions

Prince Blueblood left the meeting of the Unicorn Estates General. He was angry that good sense had been betrayed by just a few misguided unicorns. How tragic it was that one of his more foalish remote ancestors had signed the Great Charter, turning the Unicorn tribe's ancient and storied monarchy into a common parliamentary democracy. At least they all still pledged their allegiance to a proper monarch: Princess Celestia.

He did allow himself a brief feeling of pride restored in his one consolation, a secret of which Princess Luna and even Minister Hoofing would not be aware. No matter what the usurping Princess really had in mind, she would have to do it without the last remaining unicorn Magical Relics. He smiled in satisfaction.

***

Glowball felt her stomach lurch upwards as it attempted to pass through her throat and exit her mouth, a thoroughly unpleasant feeling. From the cockpit she hear a piercing whine. "What's that awful noise?" she asked her companions.

Peter grabbed a seat and started buckling-in. "That is a stall alarm, and what it means is that this helicopter is not doing a very good job of staying in the air right now. We are currently plummeting back to earth." He looked at Glowball and did a double-take when he saw her smile. "What do you find so funny?"

Glowball held out Laura's cellphone at arms length and opened her hand. It felt a bit more slowly than normal. "We're not in free fall," she said still smiling, "but we are dropping fast." She picked up and re-pocketed the phone.

The intercom crackled and the pilot's voice filled the cabin. "Don't panic folks. We've had some strange electrical problems with the engine, so I set it to auger for a bit. Looks like the problem
has cleared up so I'm restarting now. Hang tight!"

The helicopter lurched and Glowball also discovered how it felt to have her stomach try to pay a visit to her lower intestine. This upright posture of humans certainly had its disadvantages, even if fingers and thumbs were pretty cool.

"We've lost the lock on the focal point!" shouted Etienne from the other bench.

"Can you project its expected current position and track?" asked Peter.

"Sure, give me a minute." He began typing furiously at the keyboard of his laptop. After what seemed like an hour but was likely at most two minutes the tech looked up. "Here it is." He pointed to the laptop screen. "They can also see this in CERN and Washington."

"Give me the iPad, please." Peter held out a hand to Glowball.

Her smile turned into a frown. "Now?" When Peter nodded she scowled and handed over the device.

"Sorry!" said Peter, "but we need it." He hit the intercom button to speak to the pilot. "We
can produce an estimated position of the target. Can you get us back on our old vector but two kilometers behind, and slowly catch up with the coordinates on an iPad?"

"We can give it a try," replied the voice from the cockpit, "but if that thing caused the problems with the electronics then maybe we should keep our distance."

Peter unbuckled, opened the cockpit divider and handed the pilot the iPad. "It's imperative we get as close as possible. But if you notice any electrical or electronic glitches then immediately back a hundred meters."

The pilot nodded, and the aircraft banked and lurched as they resumed their former course and altitude.

***

"Damn!" The Air-force Lieutenant was sitting in front of a huge screen with multiple open windows. One of these was the website from CERN, and the feed on the position of the focal point had suddenly gone haywire. "The feed from the chopper has turned to garbage."

Mary was standing behind him with the Vice President and half of the joint chiefs. The young military man looked back at her, obviously very nervous at having so much brass looking over. "Did we get enough data for a targeting lock on the focal point?" she asked.

"Yes, maam. But now we're running on projections, not live data. The longer this continues the less likely we'll be to stay on target. The array is charged. When can we fire?"

"Not until I give the signal, lieutenant. How wide will the strike zone be?" asked Mary.

"About a three millimeters," said the man with a grin. "This weapons array is all about precision!"

"Let's just track the estimated position for a bit. Don't fire until I say so."

"Yes, maam." He turned back to the screen. A moment later the window from CERN flashed and target numbers changed, and more numbers were presented than before. "Maam, the chopper's numbers are back, but unfortunately it says that this is only a projected location. Looks like they've lost the ability to track the target in real-time."

Mary bit her lip in frustration. She was beginning to get very nervous. Walker was scowling, and the generals and admirals behind her began to murmur and glance skeptically in her direction.

***

Princess Luna felt increasing anxiety from Glowball in the human universe, but dared not spare much attention to anything other than tracking the focal point. "Rainbow Dash!" she shouted out to the blue pegasus, who approached close enough to converse despite the noise of the wind. "I feel something strange happening with Glowball. Have Dr. Connor change back with her and report back to me quickly."

"Yes ma'am!" Dash peeled back and flew beside the carriage, knocking on the door with her hoof.

Twilight opened the door and she flew into the carriage, landing more or less on top her friend. "Sorry, Twi! Hey Spike, get the hat onto Dr. Connor, the Princess needs a report from Glowball."

The passengers in the cramped quarters made room for the dragon and pony to do as instructed. A moment later Glowball raised her head. "Hey, tell Princess Luna we got a problem using the tracking device. The flying machine can't get too close to the focal point or it starts having problems."

"Got it," said Dash. She opened the door and flew back to the Princess of the night.

"Princess Luna, they are having a problem. They can't get the tracking device close enough to the focal point because their flying machine starts having problems."

Luna pondered for a moment. "Get the carriage to come closer to me so I can board."

Ponyville's chief weather mare flew back to the carriage. It soon edged in closer to the Princess with the door open. Luna boarded in one graceful movement and looked out over the cramped group.

"We have a few challenges my friends, but they are not insurmountable if we all work together. The first is to get an accurate location for the focal point. Glowball, please tell them this exactly. Get into a safe position as close as they can, but then maintain a constant speed and direction. Via hat exchange, we will then tell them the exact position of the focal point relative to them, from which I believe they can compute the correct position in their world. Second is to synchronize our efforts. Twilight Sparkle you must switch with Mary, I need to get her report the human's status and instruct her as well on the timing of the energy release. We will attempt this in ten minutes if all is well. Everypony, let us make ready for the time for us to act is nigh."

Spike rushed over to Glowball do as requested.

***

Laura woke in the helicopter and looked to her assistant. "I'm back. Quick what is the status?"

She listened with dismay as Peter described the effect the focal point was having on the tracking device and the chopper, and the compromise he was able to work out with the pilot.

"Damn! The good news is that the Equestrians now have a lock on the focal point's position in their universe. The bad news is that this doesn't help us in ours. Any ideas, guys?" She looked at her two companions in the cabin. Her expression at first grim seemed to go vacant for a moment and then she shook her head, looked around and grinned as she spotted Etienne's laptop.

"I guess you must be Glowball again," said Peter raising an eyebrow.

"Yep!" she replied, still with a smile. "And I have instructions for you. Can you guys keep an absolutely constant course and heading?"

"We're already doing that, essentially following the previous vector of the focal point."

"Good! Then just keep doing it. The Princess can tell you where the focal point is relative to my position. Can you calculate the focal point's position in this universe based on this information?"

The tech nodded. "Sure, but I have a question. How far from the original site of the convergence are you in the other universe?"

Glowball thought for a moment. "Hmm. I'm not exactly sure, maybe a bit over two hundred kilometers. Why do you ask?"

"Because I have a thought that maybe the two universes do not have exactly the same scale of measurements. If that is the case, we will need to do a triangulation so we will need three readings from the other side. We'll instruct the pilot to go to two other spots at two minute intervals two minutes after the next exchange."

Glowball's smile reappeared. "Hey. That's really clever! I'll tell the Princess. They should be changing me back any minute..." Her eyes became vacant again. Peter moved to catch her just as she started to fold.

***

Twilight Sparkle looked out at the assembled humans, some wearing strange uniforms, and none of them smiling.

A burly man in a business suite spoke up in a decidedly sarcastic manner. "Are you having a hard time staying awake for the end of the world, Ms. Lachance?"

"Forgive me," said Twilight, thinking fast. "I just... closed my eyes to do a calculation." She breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes, I calculated that we'll be firing in about ten minutes. Is that okay?" She looked around at the humans to see who might be the main recipient of that message. A human in uniform sitting before a computer screen, nodded.

"Yes ma'am. Same coordinates as the current projected track?"

Twilight thought furiously. "Yes, but I might provide some further refinements in the next few minutes. So you had better be ready."

The human at the computer screen stared at her for a moment before again saying "Yes, ma'am."

Twilight grinned sheepishly at the serious faces around her, wondering how she could possibly manage to keep this up for even another few minutes.

"Ms. Lachance. Might I have a brief moment of your time please?" It was the Vice-President, coming to her rescue!

"Absolutely, Mrs. Walker." She followed the human out of the war-room.

Once in the corridor the elder lady took her by the elbow. "Steady there, Twilight," she said with a wink and a grin. "You're doing fine. And do keep in mind that military folks aren't impressed by smiles. Just be calm. Is there anything you should tell me?"

"Princess Luna thinks she has a way to overcome the problem with the CERN tracking device. We should be ready to fire within ten minutes, or a bit less now. At the next exchange we'll have exactly one minute before firing." She looked at the the human leader she had only met briefly. "I guess this is goodbye, either way, Madame Vice-President. It was a pleasure meeting you." She took a breath. "And please tell Mary the same. I feel so close to her, even if we could only ever be pen pals." Twilight held out her hand as she had observed several humans to do at partings.

Mrs. Walker nodded and shook the preferred hand. "I feel much the same way about Minister Hoofing. Do give her my regards."

They went back into the war-room.

***

Abigail sat in Laura's overstuffed office chair, trying to stay awake. She looked for the upteenth time at the display showing the projected location of the point where the universes might collide. The red dot on the map was inching ever closer to Geneva. Who would have thought the end of world could be so boring?

But she was glad to be here in Laura's chair which smelled ever so slightly of her. It made her feel as if she were wrapped in Laura's embrace. Not a bad place to be at all, even if she was still miffed at her for not letting her onto the helicopter. She felt a twinge of fear thinking about it, but consoled herself in that at least she would be there when Laura returned.

So she sat in Laura's chair, watched the screen and tried to stay awake.

***

"So how accurately can you judge the distance and direction of the focal point?" Laura asked the Princess.

"To within millimeters. It is the actual position of Glowball's mental energy leakage from the human universe that is a bit more diffuse, on the order of several centimeters. Unfortunately that will be the best we can manage," replied Luna. "That reminds me." She turned to Sunset Hoofing. "Twilight Sparkle's brother was successful in derailing our dear Prince Blueblood. Please send out the general call to all unicorn mages, wizards and sorcerers to be ready to join in the energy discharge spell.

"That is indeed good news, your majesty," said Hoofing. "I will also get the Elements of Harmony and other magic sources ready." She left Luna and Laura to go speak with the mares in question.

"And now Dr. Connor, I need you to change back with Glowball for a final preparedness report. Spike, please bring forth the sleeping cap and send Dr. Connor back."

The little dragon approached as instructed. Laura lay down on the deck. The cap came down. Spike lifted it off and Glowball awoke immediately.

"Princess Luna! The humans propose we get three vectors, not just one, in order to do a proper triangulation so we can account for differences in scale. The first reading should be now, the second reading in two minutes and the third two minutes afterwards."

"These humans are indeed very clever. I should have thought of that possibility," said Luna. She quickly went to the carriage door, opened it and flew out.

***

Time Crescent was at home, crashed on the sofa and recovering from way too much dessert, when the 'General Call to Unicorn Magicians' manifested as a scroll levitating in the air before her. As a librarian she was more into the scholarship of magic than most unicorns, which might explain her receipt of the summons. It certainly was not because of her power, as magically speaking she was more about finesse than brute strength.

Royal Summons to Unicorn Magic Users

You have been selected by the crown as a unicorn of uncommon magical ability, and are requested herewith to unite in a common spell casting in order to save our world from catastrophe.

This effort will be led by Her Royal Majesty Princess Luna and assisted by Minister of Science Sunset Hoofing, who have been appointed to this office by Her Royal Majesty Princess Celestia.

Unicorns are to be ready to focus their magical energies in response to the call momentarily, and so are instructed to assume a safe and relaxed posture if possible for the duration of the summons.

By participating in this action your are contributing to not only to your own survival, but that of every single creature in our world. The Royal Sisters, as well as all of Equestria, thank you for your contribution.

This Royal Summons was issued under Royal Decree by Minister of Science Sunset Hoofing

TC wondered if this had something to do with the Princess' sudden appearance in the restaurant. It certainly sounded quite dire if the survival of everypony in Equestria was in question. No wonder Glowball had been so sentimental at dinner. She did a few mental exercises to try to calm herself and clear her mind while she waited.

***

Mary Lachance had a purple foreleg wrapped around Spike, much to his embarrassment and to the amusement of Twilight's friends. He hoped Rarity hadn't noticed, a thought that made his feelings about Mary even more confusing.

There was the sound of a hoof knocking on the carriage door. Glowball opened it to let Princess Luna enter. Her horn glowed as she wrote a list of coordinates on a sheet of parchment. As she gave the document to Glowball, her horn continued to glow and so did the grey mare's head. "Now you will remember this list perfectly. In a moment you will switch with Dr. Connor and give our human friends these coordinates. You will have one minute and then be returned immediately to help with our spell casting, but first Miss Lachance."

She beckoned to Mary and Spike, who approached, the latter with the sleeping cap. "We are ready and will engage the magical energy barrage two minutes after your consciousness is returned to your own body. Goodbye Ms. Lachance and good luck."

The Princess lifted a hoof before the human, who raised one of hers in response. Spike whispered to her: "You're supposed to tap hooves." Mary smiled and complied.

"Good luck your majesty, and goodbye." She lay down and blew Spike a kiss as he placed the hat on her head. He lifted it up and a moment later Twilight rose quickly.

"Welcome back Twilight. Now please go join the Elements of Harmony in preparing the energy discharge. Spike, exchange Glowball with Dr. Connor, wait one minute and then bring her back."

Glowball lay down before Spike and the hat fell and rose again. She looked up. "Did you succeed in securing the coordinates? We have the program ready to compute a precise location based on your inputs."

Luna answered. "Yes indeed. Glowball is relating the information to your comrades in the flying machine as we speak. We will return you momentarily, and begin the energy discharge one minute thereafter. Please advise your pilot to to leave the area as quickly as your conveyance allows. Dr. Connor, we thank you and your colleagues from the bottom of our hearts. Without all of you we very likely might not have been able to survive this day. You have our gratitude, and long will we remember you."

"It truly was an honor, your majesty. I also will never forget my day in Equestria and all the wonderful beings I have met. Good-bye all." She bowed to Princess Luna the way she had seen the other ponies do, then lay down next to Spike. Luna nodded and the dragon placed the cap on her head.

Glowball rose quickly. "The coordinates have been transferred, the vector of the focal point computed and the targeting information sent to washington. They are ready, your highness."

The carriage became quiet as Princess Luna looked at the serious faces around her. "This is the moment we have worked towards. The survival of all that we love depends on what we do today, and we shall need nothing less than everypony's utmost efforts. We owe this to ourselves, to our loved ones, and not least to Princess Celestia, who almost expired when she stood alone in our defense. Long has she been alone, a part of which was my doing and regret. But she is alone no longer. Let us now return the favor, and show my sister what her subjects can do!"

The carriage resounded as the gathered ponies cheered the Princess of the Night.

She gestured to Sunset Hoofing. "Please begin the spell casting. Elements of Harmony, join yourselves in power. Rainbow Dash, fly with me to target area. Miss Dash will focus the Elements of Harmony and I the remainder of the magical energies in our possession. Less loose in thirty seconds. Dash, you are with me." She opened the door and flew out, the blue pegasus following tight on her left wing.

***

Mary awoke in the war-room. "We have two minutes until we have to engage the array. Do we have target lock?"

The officer at the targeting station cast an annoyed glance in her direction. "Yes, ma-am. As I just informed you."

"Um, yes, thank you. Can you set up a countdown timer to shown the remaining time?"

"Yes, ma-am. We are at one minute fourty-five seconds and counting." A new window on his screen displayed the countdown.

She sat in silence, awaiting the possible end of the world, and all she could think of was how terribly clichéd the situation was. She tried not to let go a nervous laugh.

One minute thirty seconds and counting.

***

"Let's get out of here!" shouted Laura, forgetting that the pilot could hear everything going on in the cabin via a central microphone. In lieu of a verbal response the helicopter immediately banked hard to the right and raced away from the current position of the convergence focal point. The engine noise in the cabin became deafening, and she felt the belts across her waist and chest tighten as g-forces increased uncomfortably.

The sensation began to ease as the pilot leveled out at a much lower altitude. The engine noise receded enough that Laura could hear her heart-beat racing. She glanced up. Peter and Wind were looking at the laptop screen. It showed a countdown.

One minute and thirteen seconds.

***

Minister Hoofing sent out the signal initiating the gathering of energies for the spell. Her horn glowed progressively brighter as the signal spread throughout Equestria. She felt an incredible surge of magical power as thousands of unicorns joined-in.

The feeling of gathered might was incredible, so intense it was almost painful. Was this how it felt to be one of the Princesses? Yet the feeling continued to amplify further as more unicorns joined the spell casting.

Bright as Sunset's horn had become, it was outshone by the light coming from the Elements of Harmony, who were floating suspended in the air, their eyes projecting beams of light.

She momentarily marveled at the sight, and then shuddered as first the Elements and then Princess Luna joined the merger.

The sensation was like being on a train in a deep, dark mountain tunnel, turning a bend to see ahead the bright light of day, and then emerging onto a trestle bridge spanning a mile high chasm with nothing but sky on all sides. The minds of the unicorns in the merger seemed tiny and confining when compared to the collected Elements of Harmony. But even these were small when compared to the incredibly vast intellect of the Princess.

Sunset felt in Luna's mind so much power, a terrible beauty, and a deep remorse. But the dominant emotions projecting from the Princess were unflagging determination and heartfelt hope. Sunset felt herself carried aloft by feelings that were much stronger than any the old mare had experienced in many, many years. She also felt the attention of the Princess focus on her own much smaller presence in the merger, and was further uplifted by the unmistakable feeling of affection contained in that regard.

"It is time, Sunset Hoofing, prepare the objects of power," came the mental command. Then Luna's voice boomed like thunder through the merger. "Unicorns of Equestria. Bind your energies to this spell, and prepare to release it upon my command."

The magical artifacts that had been loaded into the carriage began to glow as Sunset grasped them with her magic, and concentrated on releasing their stored magical energy. She frowned as she encountered resistance. For some reason the objects were denying her!

Hoofing redoubled her efforts. Suddenly she was hit with a blast of pain so intense she was forced to let go. 'Why is this happening?' She thought furiously. Perhaps they would only respond to royalty.

She called out to Luna. "Princess, we have an issue with the Magical Relics. They are rejecting contact with me. I recommend you try."

There was a brief moment when the objects began to glow again. Then an incredible screech of pain reverberated through the merger.

"The objects have been cursed!" said Luna. We do not have the time to repair this now. We will have to proceed without them. Unicorns! Strike now!"

Sunset felt waves of power building as the collected magical energy poured into the vastness that was the Princess. The waves grew in intensity, and yet they were easily absorbed by Luna's presence in the merger.

"Elements of Harmony!" commanded the princess. The incredible power of the six young mares was like a tidal wave, and she felt the immensity of Luna shudder as it washed over her and was absorbed.

Everything quieted for a moment, and then Sunset has to fight for her balance as the universe quaked and trembled as Luna released the energy into the focal point of the convergence.

Dismay washed through the merger. "THERE IS... NOT ENOUGH... NEED MORE..." shouted the Princess.

Sunset felt the size of Luna in the merger start to shrink. She was consuming her own life force to bolster the energy discharge!

"No, Princess Luna!" Sunset felt tears in her eyes, realizing what would happen if this continued. She desperately tried to think of any alternative source of power. The only such she could feel in any proximity were the Magical Relics in the carriage.

Sunset realized that she had no other choice. She decided to break the curse by brute strength alone no matter the consequences.

Her horn glowed brighter as the objets started to levitate again. Sunset reached into them to unlock their magical power, and staggered as she was struck with massive pain. 'It will take more than a little pain to push this old mare off her course!' she thought to herself, and redoubled her determination.

The pain grew excruciating, but still she pushed on, nearly at the end of her own reserves. Finally, she began to get some energy feeding from the objects. One... more... push...HARD!

The energy became a deluge, pouring through her and into the merger like a torrent of fire. Sunset felt her hair start to singe with the heat. She could no longer breathe. Still, the energy coursed through her and burned in its passage. Through the merger she felt Luna's dismay at the damage Sunset was enduring, and still, the energy discharge was not enough.

Hoofing was finding it hard to stay focused. The humans... if only...

A new source of power washed through the pain, and she felt... release.

Sunset smiled. The pain went away. And then darkness.

***

The countdown timer in the war-room display hit zero. "Firing all units," said the officer at the console. Of course, in Washington no-one could see or hear anything of the incredibly focused pulse of energy being unleashed into the late evening sky not far from Geneva.

Mary bit her lip, and hoped.

***

They had a camera pointing backwards from the helicopter as it flew at top speed away from the convergence focal point. On the laptop screen showing the view from the camera, Laura, Peter and Etienne stared as a new star appeared. The light grew brighter and brighter as the most powerful lasers ever built all pumped energy into the same tiny spot of sky.

"How very beautiful!" said Laura. But would it be enough?

***

The energy discharge from the humans poured into the focal point. Luna felt the universes drawing apart through senses she would not even try to explain to Equestrians. She continued to pour more of herself into the discharge, until she was sure there was sufficient moment to keep the universes away from each other for a very long time. She let the merger spell dissipate.

She had not noticed how drained of energy she had become. How silly of her. No doubt Celestia and Sunset would give her a good tongue lashing... but first, she needed just a little rest...

Rainbow Dash saw Luna's wings fold and and the Princess start dropping like a stone. She quickly retrieved the unconscious alicorn from the air, and with some difficulty carried her back to the royal carriage.

The door opened at her knock and she flew in to a somber scene. Rarity was tending to Fluttershy, who seemed unconscious. The others were gathered around Twilight and Minister Hoofing. The younger mare was cradling Hoofing's head in her forelegs, with tears falling from her eyes as she rocked back and forth. Everypony else was doing their best to try to console the weeping mare.

A tearful Twilight looked up as Rarity helped lower Luna to the floor of the carriage. "Is the Princess okay?" she asked in a husky voice.

"Yeah, Twi. She just fainted I guess. Anyway she is breathing good an' strong," replied Dash. "What about the Minister? Is she..." She couldn't say the words out loud.

Twilight only nodded. After a moment she spoke to her friends. "Minister Hoofing decided to take on herself the entire impact of the curse on the Magical relics. She broke the curse, but at such a cost. In the end she had nothing left."

There was a noise as Princess Luna awoke. She looked on in dismay, slowly approached the pair on the floor, lay down next to Twilight and put a wing over both her and Sunset. "Miss Dash, please tell the coach ponies to bring us back to Canterlot," said Luna in a whisper.

The pegasus left without a sound. The carriage banked slightly and turned back towards Canterlot. Everypony silent, as a Princess sobbed in mourning.

***

"Have you recalibrated the detector?" asked Laura when Etienne had finished his feverish typing on the laptop keyboard.

"Yes, is should be working, but it can detect nothing." He opened another window on his laptop, typing a few quick strokes. "I have also check my filters for reports on anomalies on automated equipment. All levels have dropped to the usual background levels."

"Are you tracking all of Europe?"

"No. All of the Earth and near Earth devices. It would appear the focal point has disappeared entirely."

Peter rubbed his hands over his face. A huge grin cracked his otherwise exhausted countenance. "Wind, send a message to Washington that preliminary results indicate a strong likelihood of success. We will keep them posted in the coming weeks of any changes."

He knocked on the partition to the cockpit to get the pilot's attention. "Take us home."

***

Mary read the dispatch from the CERN helicopter aloud. The room erupted in cheers and a few generals even clapped hands. She practically flew to the VP to congratulate Mrs. Walker, who was shaking hands with the chiefs of staff. But she looked pale and something in her eyes brought Mary up short. "Congratulations, madame Vice-President," she offered in a subdued voice.

The old politician nodded and then took her arm. Her clasp was firm, but Mary could feel her trembling and the desperate need in that simple gesture.

"Thank you everyone, and thank especially you, Ms. Lachance, for bringing this important news to the right place. All of you have done your country and humanity proud!" Walker paused to let the renewed round of cheers and clapping die down. "Now Mrs. Lachance and I need to prepare our report for the President. Good evening all."
She clasped Mary's arm as the young woman led her back to office at a slow but steady pace.

When she closed the door to her office the Vice-President sank into a chair by the door. She was obviously upset.

"Are you alright Mrs. Walker? Should I call the House doctor?"

"No, Mary. Please sit with me," she replied, as tears started rolling down her face.

She held on to Mary's hand for a minute, as she visibly worked to regain her composure. "Mary, I must report that I felt what can only be the passing of Minister Hoofing."

Mary was shocked. She had no idea what to say. "How can you be sure?"

"In the final seconds before we fired the array, I began to feel as I did earlier when we exchanged. But this time, the process did not complete. It was as if I was half there, in a small wooden room with benches. There were some objects floating in the air before me, and I felt as if I was on fire. Then I heard the discharge and I felt Sunset Hoofing... leave." She covered her face in her hands, and wept at the memory.

Mary held the Vice-President of the United States of America in her arms, and mourned with her the death of a wise old pony.

After a few minutes, Mrs. Walker took a deep breath. "Please tell me something about her," she asked in a quiet voice.

Mary thought a moment, and smiled. "Well, the first time I met her she started dancing in office." She chuckled at the memory, and told the brief story of Sunset Hoofing's adventures in the White House.

***

Abigail waited at the edge of the pad as the helicopter landed and rotor stopped turning. The door opened and she ran headlong into Laura, grabbing her in a hug and giving her a very rare public kiss on the lips.

They waked arm in arm back to the VIP entrance of the CERN facilities, Peter and Etienne following closely. "Nice, but what was that for?" asked Laura.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe it was for saving the universe," said Abigail.

"Well, actually it was two universes. But who's counting?!"

"I knew it," said Peter from behind them. "Somehow, I suspected this would end up with the further expansion of Laura's ego."

"Yes, but this time is it truly cosmic inflation, no?" deadpanned Etienne.

They were still laughing as they entered the building.

***

It was a simple monument in the Royal Canterlot cemetery: an elderly unicorn mare, sitting on one flank, one foreleg supporting her upright torso, gazing down with affection at two identical orbs cradled in her other foreleg. The mare was elevated on a simple stone cube, with the words 'Sunset Hoofing: Minister of Science' inscribed on the front.

"I wonder how many ponies will see this statue and ask why she is holding two globes," said Twilight Sparkle.

"In my experience, one never knows how such stories will evolve over time. Perhaps they'll come to think these are the sun and the moon, and that this is a statue of our mother," replied Princess Celestia.

"Indeed," said Princess Luna, with a sniff. She had wept again at the funeral. "But I don't mind. I think Sunset would have found that amusing, as she had no offspring of her own."

"We were all her family," said Glowball. "She was tough on everypony at the Ministry, but she never, ever let us down. Never. It's like Twilight said, she gave everything so that we would live." Time Crescent nuzzled closer to Glowball. Her marefriend had been in turns cranky and inconsolable since returning to Canterlot. In lighter moments she joked about missing 'computers' and 'internets', but it was obviously much more than that.

The ponies stood quietly, each one recalling their own memories of Sunset Hoofing.

"She was the first new friend I made since returning from the moon," said Luna, breaking the silence. "I had forgotten the joy of simple fellowship, as I had the heartache of missing friends departed." She looked tentatively at the three unicorns standing with the princesses. "But I will carry on trying to make new friends. Sunset would have approved."

"Yes, she would," said Twilight, looking sideways at Celestia. "Someone has also recently made efforts to teach me the magic of friendship, for which I am truly grateful. Maybe we can compare notes once-in-a-while, Princess Luna."

"That sounds like an excellent idea. I believe I just might do so, Twilight Sparkle," replied Luna.

Over the trees they saw the Royal Carriage descend to the Castle courtyard. It was time to go, the Elements of Harmony were waiting to return to Ponyville. All the ponies but Luna turned to go. "I should like to stay a while. Pleasant travels and good bye, Twilight," said the Princess.

Twilight, Glowball and Time Crescent bowed, and departed with Princess Celestia.

Luna sat quietly before the monument. Soon, the sounds of birds and forest creatures
provided their gentle music as a background for her thoughts.

'The day can sometimes be as peaceful as the night,' said Luna in her mind, imagining she was conversing with Sunset. 'I had forgotten that the day is not always busy and full of hurry and noise. Your new home is quite pleasant. Perhaps I will come visit you upon occasion.' The face of her friend stared down at her from the monument, in mute approval. The face of her friend...

Luna's horn glowed. Text appeared on the monument's face below Sunset's name. "A True Friend."

The Princess of the Night smiled up at her friend, and enjoyed with her the peace of the day.

***

The two Princesses reclined together on cushions near the hearth in Luna's quarters. The elder Princess had recovered quickly in the three days since her overexertion, and was now ready to resume her duties.

"I can no longer feel the convergence. Barring further triggering events from the human universe, the situation should remain stable for the foreseeable future," said Luna.

"I agree, Luna dear. But I shudder to think what might have happened had you not been there," replied Celestia.

"Tia, the simple truth is that I could not have sufficed alone. That Equestria survives is entirely due to the wonderful progress you had made in bringing our subjects along the path to self-sufficiency."

"Nevertheless, there were some unfortunate gaps in my preparations." Celestia's ears drooped downward. "And somepony we both loved was lost."

"Do not blame yourself, sister. Had I better handled our dear Prince Blueblood he might have voluntarily informed us of the curse. Much of what I know of governance is so hopelessly outdated."

Celestia's ears shot forward. "Nonsense, little sister mine. You showed amazing adaptability and leadership under extreme pressure. And you earned the admiration of many of our subjects in the process."

"Truly?" Luna looked at her sister. Her expression showed both lingering sadness and fragile hope.

"Truly!" said Celestia. "Many of the officials that had doubts about my bringing you back into the center of Equestrian life have already told me so. Even more important, common ponies have been saying so as well. And little sister, even if it it selfish of me, I am so glad to no longer be alone!"

Celestia moved closer to her younger sister, sharing the simple comfort of closeness to those beloved. "And as for making friends, you saved not only our world but the human world as well. Not bad for a former convict!" said Celestia with a wink.

The sisters chuckled and shared being a family again, before the gently crackling fireplace.

Epilogue: Fountain and Pen

Prince Blueblood oh-so-nonchalantly trod around the Corner Candy Shop at Castle and Main, and flattened his royal self against the wall. He was breathing hard and his eyes were wide with fear. At the cafe across the street, ponies sitting at tables on the sidewalk were staring at the unusual spectacle.

He peeled away from the wall, and dared poke his muzzle and one eye around the corner to see if he could spot his tormentor. The ponies at the cafe remarked on the wet imprint the soggy colt left on the wall of the candy shop.

The Prince calmed down a bit as he could see nopony suspicious, just the usual pedestrian and aerial traffic typical of Castle street. He began to relax. Maybe it wouldn't happen again. After all as the commoners say: 'Once is an accident. Twice is a prank. Three times and somepony is out to get you.'

'Surely it must have been more than half hour since the second time. Surely!' thought the Prince. The second was precisely half an hour after the first. He knew this because there was a clock tower in the Royal Gardens. It had rung just after each time, causing him to look up from the Royal Fountain.

He had lost his pocket watch at some point between the first and second times, and from his current position he could not see a clock. Stopping a passer by to ask the hour would not do at all! Somepony might recognize him in his sorry state. How could he explain being all wet whilst being out and about the town?

Surely it was more than a half hour now. Relief washed through him like a wave. In its wake came anger. 'If I ever discover who is responsible they will be severely punished,' thought the Prince indignantly. 'Why, I should have Princess Celestia turn him or her into a statue.' He chuckled with glee at the thought, still dripping water on the sidewalk.

The stares from the customers of the cafe had changed from mere interest to amused or (even worse!) pitying. He glared back at them. 'Yes, I must ask Celestia to turn the perpetrator into a statue in the garden.'

The Prince decided to remonstrate these disrespectful ponies laughing at his expense. 'Yes, in the garden.' He chortled. 'In the garden next to...' He stepped down from the sidewalk into...

'... the fountain! Again!' Prince Blueblood spluttered and splashed his way out of the fountain in the Royal Gardens, in a rage. He heard the bells in the clock tower ring.

***

Up in the clock tower, two sisters laughed hysterically as the Prince huffed and puffed his way out of the Garden, mad as the proverbial wet hen.

"Okay, that was fun, but it was the last time little sister. For your sake and mine as much as his. I'll have a talk with him to make sure he understands the new situation in Equestria. I'm sure he will be a more reasonable stallion from now on."

The sisters looked on, chuckling as the Prince stamped around the Castle Grounds, looking to find the pony or ponies that would dare pull such a prank on his royal self.

***

Twilight was walking in a strange room that somehow was familiar, but she couldn't remember why. It was strange in that she saw the other room and her room at the same time, as if they were superposed images. There was a bed, and a dresser/reading stand with a mirror... and reflected in the mirror was her face... and that of a friend... Mary Lachance!

She waved a hoof and saw Mary's hand do the same. The connection wasn't lost!

But it was different, somehow, weaker. She touched her hoof to her muzzle and felt the hard edge of the hoof as well as the soft touch of Mary's fingers. There was a visible difference when her movements and Mary's didn't sync up exactly. Yes, this was a weaker form of exchange. But she could see both universes at the same time, just like in her original dream with Mary.

Both universes at the same time... Twilight suddenly had an idea! She sat at the dresser and opened a drawer. Jackpot! Sheets of paper and ball-point pens. Or was it parchment and quills? She saw both. She grabbed a pen/quill and put a sheet of paper/parchment on the desk/reading stand, and began to write.

Dear Mary,

I'm so happy to see you.

Twilight looked up to the mirror and smiled at Mary, who wrote in her turn.

Dear Twilight,

I am happy to see you too. Please tell me, how are Spike and the Princesses?

Twilight grinned from ear to ear and composed her thoughts. Her quill moved across the parchment.

Chapter 1: Family

Princess Celestia paused before an ornate door in the residential wing of Canterlot Castle, worried for her younger sister. Princess Luna had only just been released from her imprisonment as Nightmare Moon for a week; she was not yet on firm hooves, not emotionally in relation to her elder sister nor in her place in a kingdom so changed during her incarceration in the moon.

For an Alicorn to be unbalanced was not a trifling concern. Being a goddess certainly had its privileges, but at the cost of constant vigilance. Protecting the peace and happiness of the kingdom required absolute self-discipline. The temptation to use magic to do a convenient quick fix every time a problem appeared often led to unforeseen consequences, as did 'disappearing' somepony that had become bothersome to the monarchy or dangerous to their fellow citizens.

Celestia was relieved to no longer be obliged to carry that burden alone. She loved her sister and would have spared the younger princess the weight of sharing it so soon after her return. Unfortunately Celestia was sure that Luna must already have had some perception of the trouble that was coming, trouble that even their combined resources might not be able to overcome.

She knocked on Luna's door. A smile blossomed on her face as she recalled the countless times she had done this so many years ago. A moment later the door opened revealing a smaller dark blue alicorn mare. Luna's face lit up as she noticed and mirrored Celestia's countenance, although the elder princess did not fail to see how fragile and tentative the expression was upon Luna's.

She addressed her sibling in a gentle voice. "Luna dear, do you have a moment?"

"Certainly, Celestia."

She paused for a moment. "Remember how you used to call me Tia? I used to complain to you about it, but I must admit that I've missed it very much these past years. Would you please do me a favor and just call me Tia from now on? It would really make me happy!"

Luna's smile doubled in brightness. "I would like nothing better Tia! Please come in and make yourself comfortable."

She led her sister to some large stuffed cushions near the fireplace. Its cheery glow provided a warm place to sit and light to read by, as evidenced by a book resting open on a short table next to the cushions. Celestia noticed the thick tome, a history of the last century, and joked as she sank into one of the cushions. "I can see you're catching up on recent politics. I hope you chose a historian who sees this absolute ruler with a more sympathetic eye."

Luna responded to her sister's humor. "Indeed. I find myself most convinced of your glorious munificence!" She grew more serious. "Tia, you have moved Equestria forward so much in the last few hundred years. You've managed to build a highly rational and compassionate society while keeping magic alive and even more vital than ever." She looked down with a solemn expression. "I cannot help but wonder if Equestria and you might be better off if... I were still in my prison."

"Nonsense!" retorted Celestia earnestly. "Luna, I can't tell you how much I've missed you, your counsel and your company all these years. Even with the companionship of my subjects, I have been so terribly lonely!"

Celestia looked down at the floor before her folded forelegs. "This past week has reminded me how sweet our lives together were and how empty my life was without you." She raised her head and the expression in her eyes became intense and vulnerable in a way Luna could not recall ever having seen before. "It would break my heart beyond repair to lose you again. So please don't ever speak of leaving me, little sister!"

Luna's eyes grew wide, shocked at the admission. She went to her sister and tentatively placed a single hoof on her shoulder. Celestia wasted no time and encircled Luna in a fierce hug. Both of them sniffled tears of happiness as they enjoyed this simplest of pleasures denied them for so many years.

"I have missed you so much and I... I wish I'd never... oh, Tia! Please forgive me." Luna wept in Celestia's embrace, her chest heaving as she was wracked with sobs.

After a while, the younger princess stopped trembling. Her sister gave her a quick lick on the muzzle just as she had when they were young fillies. It reminded her of their mother doing the same when either she or Celestia was sad, one of the few clear memories Luna still had of her.

"Hush, dearest. Of course you're forgiven. And I want to again rule with you as sisters as we did before, sharing our joys and burdens and living like a family. This means we also need to bring you back into the hearts and minds of our subjects and the workings of the government. I will try to make this as easy for you as possible, but I'm afraid it will be neither simple nor quick to do so."

With one golden hoof she raised Luna's muzzle, to again look into her eyes. "So what do you say, co-ruler and princess of Equestria?"

"I will do my best to meet your expectations and theirs," said Luna with quiet determination. "I won't let you down!" she added firmly, more like the Luna of old.

"That's the sister I remember!" Celestia's expression grew bittersweet. "And I must admit that I am afraid our rediscovered resolve may soon be sorely tested."

Luna was confused for a moment, then her eyes widened as she connected her sister's words with an uneasy feeling she had been having in the past few days. At first she thought it was the result of guilt from what she had done as Nightmare Moon. Now that she could focus more on the feeling she grew increasingly convinced otherwise.

"Tia, it feels like... pressure from outside Equestria's universe. It feels like - a convergence!"

Celestia nodded. "That is what I fear, little sister. And I am not at all sure that this time I can handle it without your assistance. Even together we may not be able to prevent a full convergence. I have just got you back, and already I must ask you to face mortal peril!" She sniffed as tears threatened to flow.

"We have overcome convergence before, and we can do it again! The Equestria you have built is strong and can help; we do not have to face this by ourselves. Together we can surpass any trial, Tia, of this I am sure!" Luna's passion was almost palpable, as was her desire to please the sister who chose to forgive her transgressions.

Celestia's expression brightened, her eyes showing a glint of humor. "Then I suppose we need to get you re-introduced at court. But first," she added with a playful smirk, "we'd better get the snot from all this crying off our muzzles. And my neck!" They shared a quiet laugh and rose up to face the future of Equestria together.

Chapter 12: Is there a doctor in the house?

Twilight Sparkle was just waking up into her own body, when the universe... bucked. She felt a shock over her entire body, as if she had just galloped headlong full into a brick wall. It all happened in total silence. She opened her eyes just in time to see and hear Princess Luna scream, white light beaming from her eyes.

Spike stood frozen, still holding the sleeping cap just above Dr. Connor's head, as the dark alicorn collapsed to the floor. "What was that?" asked the human, alarmed, but otherwise seemingly unhurt, as was the baby dragon.

"Help... the... Princess," said the lavender unicorn. She scanned the room to see whom else might be present and spotted Minister Hoofing on her foreknees. The old mare shook her head and slowly got back on all fours.

Spike dropped the hat to the side and ran to the Princess's side. Laura Connor immediately did the same and together they tried to hold Luna up as spasms shook her body.

Minister Hoofing's horn began to glow as did the Princess. The spasms immediately began to abate and the glow in her eyes as well.

"I repeat, what was that?" asked Laura.

The lavender mare who until mere seconds ago had hosted the mind of Mary Lachance replied: "I assume that was just a taste of what will happen if the universes actually touch. Spike, are you okay?"

"It was like being bumped from every direction at the same time, but not too hard. I'm okay, and you?"

"I feel like I had an argument with a wall, and the wall won," answered the librarian.

She walked gingerly over to Minister Hoofing, who was still magically tending to the Princess. The alicorn was finally able to support herself unassisted, still gasping for breath as if she had just finished racing a marathon. Sunset Hoofing's horn stopped glowing. She trembled and fell back onto her cushion in apparent exhaustion.

"Whatever it was it seems to affect magic users worse than other ponies," said Twilight looking at Luna and the Minister, "and it would seem that the more powerful are more susceptible." Twilight's eyes grew wide. "Oh my gosh! Princess Celestia!"

"The central courtyard below... Twilight, go now!" whispered Luna, eyes shut tight in obvious pain.

The lavender mare teleported away with a pop.

***

Celestia crumpled to the ground.

Rarity felt like she had been bucked in the head. Along with the other mares she was frozen in shock. Applejack was the first pony to get her wits back. "Fillies! Form a circle 'round the Princess! Dashie, get in the air and scout! We dunno who done hurt the Princess or how, but we ain't gonna let 'em get a second whack at 'er."

The white unicorn moved into position as royal guards scrambled to come protect the Princess, adding to the circle of ponies around her. Applejack saw that the security situation had improved. "Fluttershy, Rarity, see if you can help the Princess." The two mares went to the stricken white alicorn.

"She's barely breathing," said Rarity, "and I don't know any healing spells to help!" Fluttershy began to whisper in her ear. "But will that work?" The fashionista feared that an unschooled attempt at healing magic might make things worse, not better.

"We have to do something!" said Fluttershy. "I know that healing spell because I've heared it so many times. And there's nopony else here. Rarity, you have to try."

The white unicorn gathered her resolve, and her horn began to glow, its light encompassing both the yellow Pegasus and the white alicorn. Rarity gasped as pain engulfed her. She also felt through the magical link Fluttershy's bright presence and determination to help, somehow providing a huge boost to her normally weak magical abilities. Together, their effort to help the Princess began to have an effect, but it soon became obvious that the energy required by Celestia was way beyond what the mares could provide. They moaned and slumped as if under a great burden.

Just as Rarity felt her limited magical ability begin to falter she heard a pop and felt an incredibly powerful and familiar presence insert itself into her spell, shoring it up with a truly mighty torrent of magical power. The white mare opened her eyes to see Twilight Sparkle's aura sounding her, Fluttershy and Celestia. She concentrated on feeding what energy she could to the Princess.

Finally, she felt the Princess's aura awaken. It was like emerging from a dark cave into bright sunlight: too incredibly bright to bear. Rarity immediately withdrew from the spell, taking Fluttershy with her. In exhaustion they plopped down onto the dusty cobblestones next to Twilight and Celestia.

There was another pop, and Luna appeared. "Tia! Is she okay?" asked the younger Princess.

Twilight's horn finally stopped glowing, as did Princess Celestia. The little librarian was breathing hard. "She's stable, but weak. ...Gasp... She has only partially recovered. ...Gasp... We need to get her into her quarters. Can you handle that Princess Luna? ...Gasp..."

Her only answer was a popping sound indicating that Luna had teleported herself and her sister into the castle. "Oh, good," said Twilight. She looked around at her friends in various states of alarm, attention and fatigue. "Okay, team. I need to bring you ladies up to speed and introduce you to some new friends. Can anypony help me, Rarity and Fluttershy up the stairs to my rooms?"

***

Glowball felt the universe do a cart-flip around her stomach. Everybody in the corridor froze, as various alarms started sounding all at the same time.

"What the hell was that?" asked Peter. He took out his pocket talking device and began typing numbers on its little screen. As he was talking, the alarms progressively turned off one by one until there was only an eerie silence, other than's Peter's voice.

"Ahem," said Glowball. "Maybe we should head to the meeting room and see if we can't figure out what just happened."

Peter looked at her oddly for a moment. "So now you suddenly start to feel like your normal self? Okay, let's get the departmental meeting going again." He again used his phone and they started walking down the corridor in the same direction as before the 'event' happened.

Glowball was finally starting to worry about her situation. This was no longer a game. Whatever had just happened was a serious event, something way more dangerous that a bunch of experiments and spells going awry. She felt that somehow these phenomena must be connected. But how? After meeting these 'people' today, she did have some hope that they may be able to shed some light on the situation. They had proven themselves to be very competent scientists.

They reached the meeting room and went inside. There were already several people seated, talking animatedly about the 'event'. She and Peter took seats not far from the door, waiting for the other participants who had been delayed by the initiation of alarm protocols before these had been turned off. She was still waiting when the room went dark.

***

Mary Lachance woke up in her office. She barely had time to see a new handwritten note on her desk before her when she felt what at first she mistook for an earthquake, but then noticed that there had been no physical evidence of tremors or seism of any kind. Alarms began to blare, and the PA system announced DEFCON 3 had been initiated. So much for an early evening at the White House. Now she would be lucky if she could manage to get out of the office before midnight.

Suddenly, it hit her. The warnings from Twilight Sparkle and the Princesses about an impending brane collision. She thought for a moment. It should be mid-afternoon in Europe. She looked up in her address book a contact in Sarstedt, Germany who was working with GEO 600, a gravitational wave detector, and dialed the number.

After a moment a voice answered in German. "Hello Roman, this is Mary at the White House. I was wondering if you had detected any anomalies in the last 10 minutes." There was silence at the other end of the line.

"Ya... I mean, yes, we did, Mary. But we are still working to verify it what it was. Did you feel it also?"

"Yes, we felt it here in Washington. I was actually in my office when it happened and now I am trying to determine its nature. In your best estimation, do you think it could have been a gravitational wave?"

"Ya, I think so. As I said a moment ago, this is highly speculative at this time. But it does indeed have all the earmarks of a genuine gravitational wave."

"Good. Do you think you could keep me posted? Please send the updates to my e-mail." She thanked Roman for his assistance and hung up.

Now she was really becoming worried. She wondered what was holding up the call from Laura Connor. Unless she received that call she still had no basis for trusting what the pony Princesses had told her.

***

Twilight faced the gathered Elements of Harmony along with Spike, Minister Hoofing and Dr. Connor.

"Ladies and Spike. I had a brief moment of communication with Princess Celestia, before she blacked out. This shockwave we all felt was a very close call averted only by a huge effort from Princess Celestia. This is a good news, bad news scenario." The ponies visibly relaxed at Twilight's words. At least the situation wasn't all bad.

"First the good news. Princess Celestia's intervention has prevented the end of the world as we know it and reversed the momentum of the universe collision, at least for a short while. This gives us a bit of time to work on a more permanent solution."

"You said 'a short while'. How long do we have, and what do you mean by a more permanent solution?" asked Laura Connor.

"Well, that's the bad news. We don't really know how long we have yet. Nor do we know what was causing the universes to converge in the first place. So what we have to do is the following:" she pointed at a chart that had appeared behind her, " A- as quickly as possible find the focus of the convergence in both universes, B - identify and stop whatever is causing the convergence, and C - concentrate sufficient energy at the focus to permanently drive the universes apart." She turned back to the group.

"The Princess gives her profound thanks to Rarity and Fluttershy. They may have saved her life. If they had not intervened when they did she might have depleted her magical energy to the point where she was not able to regenerate it, ever. As it is, there is no telling if Princess Celestia will have recovered by the time we need to push the universes apart, so Equestria might have to rely on just us and Princess Luna to get the job done. Any questions?"

"You have more resources available than you let on Twilight Sparkle," said the human. "We in the human universe may also be able to help. But for that to be possible, I need to be returned to my own universe immediately, as I am sure the shockwave must be causing some consternation there as well. I need to get back and ride that wave, as well as to fulfill my agreement with Mary Lachance. That may get us the cooperation of the most powerful nation of my world, and It seems to me we may need all the help we can get."

"You're right - I forgot all about Mary! Okay, let's do the same regular switcheroo type of arrangement with you and Glowball," said the lavender unicorn.

"Good, but give me an hour before my next switch, so I have time to contact Mary and get the lay of the land."

"Okay. Spike, please get me the sleeping cap. Dr. Connor, please recline so we don't give Glowball a concussion doing this."

The human lay down fully on her cushion and Twilight placed the cap on her head. She immediately went to sleep, to the amazement of the other Elements of Harmony who had yet to see this process. Twilight removed the cap and placed it on the floor beside her.

***

Glowball woke up with a start. She looked around her in amazement, surrounded by a group of ponies she ddidn't know, a baby dragon, and her boss, Sunset Hoofing. She immediately focused on the latter's serious face. "Oh, hi boss." She tried to play it cool. "So, like, I was doing an experiment in my lab this morning when..."

"When you fell asleep!" interrupted the old mare severely.

Glowball cringed. "But I can explain! I was in another place...and..." Glowball hesitated as she suddenly realized how silly her explanation would sound. She was thinking hard when the Minister continued.

"And you were at a place called CERN, surrounded by humans, and you were a human yourself."

Glowball's opened her mouth to defend herself, when Hoofing's words reached her forebrain and she froze again.

"And you found out that they also were having anomalies this morning just as we were at the Ministry," said her boss.

"Uh, yes. How did you know?"

The Minister summarized the events of the day so far, described the crisis, and outlined the plan to resolve it.

"Whoa, cool! It was all real! Oh, and I have to tell you about these things they have in the human universe. Computers and the internet and the world-wide-web. It's absolutely amazing!"

"Very good, Glowball. I would like to hear it all, but we have only an hour and I want to properly debrief you. Twilight dear, would you terribly mind if I and Glowball could speak privately in your bedroom for a bit?" asked the Minister.

"Please, be my guests." Twilight pointed to the door with a hoof. The Minister and her staff member exited the room.

"Finally, it's just us." She heard a thud as somepony dropped to the floor. The lavender unicorn took a deep breath and covered her face with a hoof. "Spike, please keep the sleeping cap away from Pinkie Pie. And by the way, whose bright idea was it to try to save Princess Celestia using a veterinary's spell?"

***

Laura Connor woke with a start. She felt a familiar hand on her shoulder, turned to see Peter on her left. "Yo, that almost looked like you nodded off for a second there."

"Give me a moment, I need to make a call." She took her cell phone from her pocket and dialed a number she had only heard in another universe.

***

In Washington DC, Mary Lachance picked up the phone with a smile and said "Hello, Laura."