I know not how many hours or days passed inside my mind it all felt as if one – I thought I had seen light or colour once but alas I had not the mind I had felt like It was tearing itself apart just to keep it together.
Eventually as promised the day came when I felt for the first time in what felt like eons – I could feel wind on my hair I almost didn’t believe it until I started feeling heavy I could feel gravity directly effecting me in ways only moving malleable tissue can I distorted different parts moving oddly in relation to solid stone or cells and blocks of living matter.
I started to crumble only to be held up by magic the faint sensation of tingling on my slowly growing cells was the only way to know it was magic rather than another holding me up.

I could feel my eyes slowly revert to cell and flesh I tried opening them only to find a blindfold or my own eyes not yet working I could feel and knew my eye lids were opening and closing and as my body reverted I perhaps knew it was something covering my eyes than anything else.

Slowly I was allowed to fall controlled forward until I was laid on the floor which has soft thick carpet I was a little confused about where I was due as Ponies do not seem to have much use for it; being that they have little use for boots outside muddy, snowy or extreme conditions.

I slowly raised myself onto my knees pushing back changing my stature and posture. And as I reached to my head a voice called out to me “please do not remove it yet it will be some time before you can see,”
I recognized the voice Twilight Sparkle it was music to my ears the first noise I fully registered a grin split my face and as if by prompt other senses started to fill into my mind I could smell tarmac and grass, I could feel the rough thick carpet and wood beneath it; I heard her voice the slow and silent intakes of breath and in the distance I could start to hear voices, nature and … metal? I shouldn’t be all that surprised if my last moment of ‘living’ memory would serve.

I felt around before making at least two sets of hooves move out of the way, the owners themselves did not make a sound and instead of caring I made sure my target was clean and slowly lay down rolling onto my back and stretching my body.

“Rarity please close the curtains so we can remove his blindfold,”
I knew that voice too and if that were any indication I would assume we are inside probably with the mane 6 and Celestia the owner of the voice. I could hear the ‘swish’ of fabric curtains closing across the space and several sets of hooves moved about slowly my vision got a little lighter as a soft magenta glow enveloped my blindfold lifting it off my face and allowing my eyes for the first time in months to see my surroundings.

It was dark but light spilled around the curtains behind me and in front of me stood Twilight, Tia and Luna. I started visually taking in my surroundings I could see this wasn’t one of their houses in fact I was back in my own home my living room to be precise; I rose to my feet inhaling deeply.
I looked around finding my balance again RD and Applejack happened to be on my sofa RD giving me her standard glare while AJ happened to be neutral, Rarity was looking a little like Fluttershy next to my curtains and I couldn’t see spike.

Tia was the first to talk I turned on my foot to speak to her “I’m glad to see you did as asked for your first punishment, however there are things to be discussed,”
I nodded then began cutting her off
“yeah... like how I was imprisoned in stone and what no one explained while in there was that my mind was left active! I have not felt, breathed or done anything in a month I swear my mind fell apart and put itself back together in there! – you need to seriously consider removing it as a punishment and before you ask I am angry but I am not I am confused as much as you are,”
Luna and Twilight immediately stopped looking stern when I confessed how invasive it was to my mind Tia looked on stern but softened before she could begin Luna began
“we are sorry we… I had no idea you would be in there alone and active for all that time… Tia… did you know?”
all eyes I could almost feel staring at the princess.

“yes… I did know another complained about it before that is why it is the highest punishment.”
Twilight splayed her ears back Luna was caught she began to raise her hoof then it dropped as if all her energy depleted a silence filled the air before Tia began.

“Unfortunately I knew this would be… painful and I have further news of your ongoing punishment. Firstly since your … appearance with Discord we have been coerced to reveal you to other nation leaders and as such much of your privacy has been revealed to stop certain nations taking actions against you and us. It also in the least help explain our little burst in technology and moon colony.
Secondly the time you will be spending in ongoing service has been placed as 2 years work. Which may be reduced for ongoing good behavior.”

I mulled over the information Tia told me slowly, 2 years was an awfully short sentence for murder but long for a person not guilty…

“furthermore to protect you; you have become an honorary citizen to our nation we will discuss this further but for now I want to tell you what will be happening here.”

Tia made a motion to the window and I followed her noticing Rarity and Fluttershy slowly move out of our way from the window, slowly pulling them open my eyes adjusted once more to the brighter light – My home was no longer in the hanger, no it was what I would guess as a hilltop overlooking a small military camp and beyond that was ponyville itself I drank in the view noticing it was perhaps midday or there about, there were many guards in full armour a small wall had been built around the house and further towards the town I could see ponies going about business I instinctively reached for my glasses only to remember my lack of need when my fingers brushed my nose.

Unfortunately for me I could now quite clearly see I was still perceived as a threat.
“After your 2 years sentence you will be allowed back onto the colony development but unfortunately your public image will need to be changed before then. We have had difficult times from the public and elite after your existence was confirmed and a leak told the news you were alien to the planet.”

Luna explained Slowly I could hear shifting and hooves catching Twilight motioning her friends out of the living room only for her to walk back to between her mentors;
“politically you’re an active charge so we will have to introduce you to leaders and you will have to endure them questioning you extensively, I am sorry about that however there were certain nations willing to go to war for such a reason and I will not justify it; in return we have given you our nationality to ensure they cannot take you or do anything against your will or consent to do so would violate a peace treaty.

And finally you will remain here in ponyville for now – you will do the tasks assigned by Twilight, Mayor Mare and us. The guard is here to retain you but also protect you… I never wanted this to happen Dex I hope you can forgive me and remember I am a friend even if I seem like an enemy…”
I stared down Tia as she spoke the last part I didn’t associate her as an enemy I felt hate for the punishment and how she treated me but I also still felt … cold from my now invisible blood upon my hands.

I nodded not looking her in the eye unable to figure out my mind just yet, “now unfortunately Myself and Luna must leave you with Twilight while we meet the dignitaries before bringing them to here; please get dressed smartly for tonight the guards will cook so do not worry about that however you will be in a hot seat of sorts so please get your mind in order.”

With that Tia moved as if to get close I moved without thinking away if she was hurt by that she didn’t show it; Luna on the other hand reacted her eyes widening a little her face showing hurt before both of them teleported out.

Twilight and I stayed still for a moment I was not thinking but I think from her far away stare that she was. I snapped my fingers in front of her face making her panic accidentally

“DON’T… sorry just avoid doing that Discord did that a lot I’m kind of jumpy around that now,” as she finished RD flew around the door only to be dragged back by AJ who was soon followed by spike, Rarity and Fluttershy. \

AJ simply gave Dash a look when she was about to complain shutting her up, so Twilight continued, “so tonight dignitaries will be here to meet you and I’m assuming to question you as well; so Rarity has chosen some suitable attire from your closet to wear and as already mentioned the guards will be providing catering for the evening.” I grimaced and nodded wondering what was now in store for me in terms of outfit and the other VIP’s.

“Follow me then, we’ll be out of here and you can talk to Twilight after we’ve finished making sure the outfit is right,” Rarity called out to me I raised an eyebrow but followed nevertheless up the stairs and into ‘my’ bedroom.
Before me laid out was basically my work clothes, a pair of dark trousers, shined boots a short sleeve shirt which was a light blue colour and a jacket with sapphire blue interior silk. “I must say I do adore simple but classic designs at times and as much as I admit to be nervous around you I am constantly surprised at your culture Mr Fury,”

I looked to Rarity who was to say the least showing me her mature and fearless side though it confirmed that they were either scared or disgusted by me; whether it was my fault or not.

“Thank you for the compliment in my fashion prowess then, should you wish there is a closet here in the larger bedroom is has much more clothing from larger fashion designs feel free to look inside.” Rarity paused flashing a brief smile “…Thank you I will,” with the clothing choices confirmed we made our way back downstairs Spike ran to meet with Rarity giving me a quick look I wasn’t expecting from such a young one I rolled my eyes as Rarity met with the group outside where two guards had started to build their rain protectors for guard duty outside the front door, as I approached they both flinched turning to me with spear and sword drawn I raised my hands defensively until Twilight stepped out “please put them down – remember your brief,”

They nodded sheathing weapons and allowing me to step out into the garden I watched Twilight as she spoke to her friends further down the path before waving them off and trotting back to me.
“Sorry well lets get back to where we were before all this mess a few questions please,” I smiled briefly “indeed,” it was… nice for something normal out of this mess to come back to me.

We sat and discussed slightly more extensively into our past I think she was trying to find a reason to explain our … murderous nature I wished her luck in her endeavor many a great mind has tried to reason for killing. We spent a few hours discussing our military history of the nations I knew enough about to actually answer her questions in depth such as the USA, Japan, UK and Germany.

It was quite enjoyable to just have a normal discussion after the madness of discord, the trial and my imprisonment in stone, but as most good things; it came to an end Twilight shooed me off to change and she explained she would be back later for the dinner I suppose I’m still living in my head – I’m paying little attention to things as they happen but rather after the fact and I hope no… I will aim to be better for the evening’s guests if at all to make my own race seem better than the one probably they think of now.

I was finishing up my suit when a pop alerted me to a guest, “Princess Luna, do make yourself at home the guards have the kitchen and dinning room to themselves though, they shooed me out of it earlier… is there anything else I can do to help?”

I couldn’t see Luna but she was trotting up behind me and before I could turn she hugged me from behind two warm legs two feathery wings and her warm body was the first contact physically with the living for what I thought an eternity I felt a small lump in my throat grow I sputtered out “thank… you…” Luna on the other hand didn’t respond and instead just gripped harder eventually she released me,

“You will grow from this as did... I... but I feel for you all the same I will see you downstairs, Tia will be along soon you may call me Luna as I asked when we first met…” I nodded forcing the lump back down reaching out for the tissues and wiping my eyes before composing myself and following Luna downstairs.

I was surprised at the Guard my dinning room had changed to a lower but slightly larger table there were some slightly elevated chairs and a lot more large pillows reminding me of the table design of japan, I wandered through to the kitchen where I could smell something wonderful – I poked my head around the door to find several different dishes being made from what looked like a fish platter to a dish that looked like pot dumplings and stew a guard on catering duty noticed me, he quickly closed the gap “ye best be out of here lad the guests will arrive any minute and my team will be back in a moment.” There was some finality and warning in his voice so I followed his advice and left for the front garden in which Luna was greeting her sister and Twilight who were all dressed for the occasion.

Twilight spotted me first waved me over as I approached the three of them turned to meet me. “So we should be expecting guests soon and I apologise for some of them in advance,”
Tia started she spread her wings encouraging us back into the house
“so who are we expecting?”
I was curious after all and Twilight answered,
“well of course there are the two biggest noble houses; Blueblood and Fancypants; then we have dignitaries from the Griffin, Minotaur, Zebra and the Deerfolk the further nations have decided not to send them for today and there are a couple of nations not interested such as the breezies.“

While Twilight finished explaining we entered the house a duo of guards bowed showing us to my own living room I think they were taking the piss if you ask me but never mind I feel like I will have a long time before they will treat me neutrally. But at least Luna and Twilight treated me Kindly.

Our First visitor was the dignitaries from the Griffin Empire, a large Griffon the muscles of the lion part obviously bled through to all of his body you could see them move and twitch beneath the fur, he had a terrible chipped eagle beak which somehow moved though it looked solid. Two golden eyes regarded me as something of a piece of meat I thought as the eyes wandered… a moment later they seemed to relax and he introduced himself.

“I am Eldric Voltza I am Brother to the King of the Griffons it is a pleasure to meet another Predator sentient race…. However unlikely you seem to be a meat eater…” he smirked looking slightly up to me but if he was on his hind legs he’d be much taller and possibly wider in terms of shoulders, a fantastic autum brown made his coat whilst gold and auburn filled his feathers Twilight gave him a look but the ‘niceties’ soon passed as he moved to talk to Celestia instead.
Thankfully moments later the dignitary of the Deerfolk arrived, a quiet race if the guard had not alerted us to their presence I would not of heard her at all, I was eye to eye with this deer, her legs tall but muscled a touch of red to her coat of brown and as with most creatures in this world huge eyes with bright blue iris’s.

“I am from the forests and jungles of the south the Deerfolk are interested in the new sentient I am sure it will be an experience to remember meeting and knowing you.”
He bowed to us Twilight and Luna started to bow in the same way a hoof in front and a long sweeping head down until the nose brushed the floor I tried to copy it in a way bringing my arm as low as I could but not my head by the time I looked up she had gone without a sound.
“they’re like ninjas…” both Twilight and Luna looked confusedly at me before shrugging and looking to the guard who quickly spilled that the Minotour dignitary was approaching, the huge beast could hardly fit through my door his horn scraping through the doorway I really had to look up this time, his voice boomed in traditional greetings.

“Heill Ok Seal! By the Axe! They do look similar but much smaller and you look like you need to eat!”
He pushed his huge arm towards me gripping in what I know as a warrior’s shake each hand halfway up the forearm gripping and shaking from there I grinned and put a good squeeze on the arm whilst shaking thinking it would be a good start if I could pull off a good handshake. I’m an idiot he began to squeeze harder eventually he laughed and pulled his arm back – we both had bruises forming where our fingers dug into each forearm.
“HAHA! I like you! I shall speak to you later little scarab!”

I look at him as if he’s mad I think he nearly broke my arm and I think I nearly broke mine by trying so hard as well and he called me an Egyptian dung beetle! Twilight managed to catch my attention waving my anger off
“you won’t know this but the Minotours believe that the Scarab are sacred for being so small but so strong… you must of impressed him, which is good because I don’t think we impressed the Deer or Griffon…”
I almost smacked my face in frustration and absurdity of it all. Instead I place it over my eyes, quickly rub the bridge of my nose then try and fail to push my non existent glasses up and carry on with the night.

Shortly after our last 3 expected guests arrive the Zebra, Blueblood Senior and Fancypants himself; they managed to arrive at the same time introducing themselves before meeting us as a group.
“Miziki this is Dex Fury our alien guest and obviously you would have met both Twilight and Princess Luna before?” Fancypants explains and motions us into the house further as the guards close the doors.
“Actually I don’t think we’ve met I am Miziki from the republic of tribes a pleasure I’m sure,” she motioned her hoof to her temple then towards myself and then again at Twilight before continuing “as always it is a pleasure to see you again Princess Luna,” again making the head motion to her.

“A pleasure I look forward to your questions Misiki, and I assume you’re Fancypants and one of the blueblood’s house correct?” I replicated the head movement for Misiki before addressing the Nobles Fancypants lifted a hoof then nodded taking in my form they had met me before but not in such personal levels before.
“Yes… well I am Fancypants the head of the house and this is Gold the eldest of the house but no longer a prince as such.” I looked to Twilight only to get a shake of a hoof of which I guessed meant later or not to worry…

A call came from the dining room “as all the guests have arrived may you please take a seat in the dining room for dinner is nearly ready” one of the catering team explained and somehow we managed to fit the mixture of sentient beings around the table, in front of us was a small selection of appetizers, from cheese topped brioche bread with a selection of vegetables to dainty hay shapes with fruit in the center.
Several items were whisked away by magic to Luna’s, Celestia’s and Twilight’s plates while the Minotaur sat without interest and others reached out for the goods in front of them; I reached out for some of the brioche being a sweet tooth type and found it an interesting flavor of savory and sweet between the creamy melted cheese to the sweetness of the carrot and brioche and the savory flavor of spinach and kale.
I stopped chewing to notice the eyes of the collected group were on me … “erm… sorry should I have waited?”

A collection of rapidly changing focus points happened especially as Luna gave some of them a look “ahem…” Eldric started looking over me with his eagle eyes, “we were simply curious as to what food you would eat, we had heard you were a predator species…?” I looked closer to him was a selection of fish dishes cooked and raw like sashimi whilst the rest of the table was teaming with vegetarian dishes.
“Well I have to say our species is Omnivorous, we can eat both meat and vegetable alike, with cheeses, milk, eggs and sugar between it so there’s a lot I can enjoy from the selection before us… I just happen to like brioche and new things so I took an interesting piece before me.”

I finished with some finality before deciding to reach with a fork and grabbing anything I thought I could eat, from the sashimi to broccoli to bread items leaving little room on my plate.
“Well at least he eats hearty! Lets not bog down on the smaller questions and instead enjoy the evening!” Thene (the minotaur) announced as he finally reached towards the brioche and then proceeded to pile the hay pieces onto his plate, luna smiled and silently thanked him as we each added a little to our plates.

“So, I’ve been told your world has no magic but instead the world is powered by physics and other natural power?” Gold had quizzed me he seemed a lot more patient and polite than his son… I guess but of course this world seemed a little different than the show, who knows maybe Blueblood isn’t an absolute ass here.

“Yes, we do not have nor contain any magic, it's mostly mirrors and shadow used for entertainment or telling stories… it's not real to us. Within the natural world though we find ourselves learning a lot about each part of the world from the particles that build atoms to understanding how the universe began…” there was a huff of disbelief from Eldric and surprisingly the long quiet Deer. I raise an eyebrow at the rude interruption from them both, an odd glance from each of them to each other could be seen too. “Something amiss to you?” I quiz the unlikely pair.

“Outrageous no species knows exactly how the universe or time began nor does any species get to sentience without magic,” Eldric commentated I began to build my counter argument when the Deer (Ellias) also dived into the conversation “whilst I do not always agree with our Griffon delegates, it is hard to swallow such filth in the face of our beliefs you cannot fathom the beginning as you cannot fathom the end it is only the spirit of goddess that can cause and understand all… you dare to say you are as wise as our goddess?”

I looked to the Deer then to the griffon chewing slowly on the salmon before swallowing and starting slowly.
“You know… often in times of change we have people who don’t understand and whilst I am not able to explain every detail to you I can assure you our people through scientific endeavor have come to several theories of how the universe began, I can explain some of our natural world and laws how science works… I’m no PHD but I can give you some answers. But let me make it clear to you I care not for what you believe, I know that when I add 2 to 2 I get 4, this is the structure for all science to observe, test, build a repeatable explanation and have others test it.”

I catch myself glaring at both the Deer and the Griffon they twitch as my gaze changes from one to the other I immediately change my gaze forcing a smile looking to Twilight she smiles innocently but Tia I think saw my glare and whilst she smiles her eyes tell me different.

The catering team quickly cleans up the first course as we finish our plates enjoying the odd combinations and fish was fantastic. I could see Misiki toy with a knife before she stares at me.
“So Mr Fury, your species are Omnivores, Predators, Scientific and as I understand it you’re alone in your universe… tell us if we could open a bridge between our worlds… what might you think happen?” She finished whilst the light clatter of plates came down in front of us signaling the 2nd course, I could almost feel my head heat up in trying to think of a few possibilities.

“Well I’m not sure to be honest… I’d like to think that we as a species would band together, form new ideas of what it means to be human, but at the same time I think there would be those who seek war, those who would seek to make money and those who would seek to conquer magic. Within all of this represents the chaos of the humans, we have so much to offer and yet some of us would rather fight for fear as like yourselves they have religions, traditions and would certainly be afraid of creatures that have control over mental powers like telekinesis…” I could almost feel the questions being thought by the individuals around the table.

The Deer Ellias was first “So… lets go with the most concerning question first in your opinion who would win in a conflict?” I nearly choked on the delicious pasta dish in front of me when I heard the question…
“You want me to answer that?” a few nods including Celestia, “well I don’t know your fighting capabilities and I don’t know if all humans would become like me on arrival…” there were some looks between them.

“Dex can regenerate his body quicker than me…” Celestia announced to the room there was gasps from this a slight fear could be seen in Eldric’s eyes.

“If all humans could regenerate like I can… then a war would only last a few weeks and we would win. However on the basis that we cannot we would win but with huge casualties and that’s only if every country in the world decided to join in the war, there may be 7 Billion of us but there’s at least 130 countries with different agendas…”

The room went quiet you could see my prediction rocked them to the core, numbers or technology we had them beat but magic put them at an equal footing with us and so it becomes a numbers game to which I think they just answered themselves.
“How… how are there so many of you?” Thene asks surprise takes his normally brash features,
“I’d suggest that without a predator greater than us on our planet our population exploded, it is due to our advancements in science that we’ve learned to live better, stop disease and to make any climate our home.” I let the words sink in as I try again to enjoy the light pasta dish; it had a light creamy sauce with lumps of hard cheese and basil throughout.

Twilight in her wonderful self asks a great question “ so if your species advances as science does, what is a discovery that helps a lot for your world?” I grin at her question even Luna and Tia look interested.

“One of the best? That would have to be the Internet for sure, you see imagine all the knowledge, opinions and creative content of your entire world, all species and all creeds…. And then make it instantly accessible anywhere, anytime and without permission not only that allow it to instantly send video, data, audio, pictures anything that can be taken apart and turned into data and collected and used by a computer a electric brain if you will. . . Imagine the countless uses from communication anywhere on the planet to teaching people the entire knowledge of the sum of all the planet!”

I watched them soak in this information some like Tia, Luna and Twilight look overjoyed (especially twilight who practically has stars in her eyes) whereas Thene looks a little less interested to surprisingly Misiki looks … unsure.

Eldric surprises us all by speaking up first “this… Internet allows all of your people to find and use any and all information your entire species has discovered and communicate all over the planet? It all sounds like … fantasy however if you are serious about that it would certainly is monumental achievement.” I nod thanking him for the compliment of our species Misiki speaks next.

“So if your knowledge is so free I suspect you would have those who would find and build weapons from this freedom and use it at others?” I stare flatly at her annoyed she took this debate,

“Yes I could build some weapons from the knowledge most of our modern weaponry needs dedicated laboratories or machine tools to build so there’s a lesser chance of that. Furthermore we have police and detection systems for such hazardous materials.” She nodded I looked to Luna to change the subject only to have Eldric ask me another question.

“So upon your arrival here we saw some changes in the technology and capability of Equestria, what is your education if you can design and explain long term spaceflight and colony bases to us?” I finished the pasta rolling the idea on my head for a moment,

“I have no formal education however I did well in physics, chemistry, design and math I am a business owner back in my home world…” I pause thinking of home and my old business… I wonder if mum took over…. “ahem yes so in all honesty I was a muse to Luna and some of the scientists here, somehow you understand the ideas and math but have not yet found it on your own”

Misiki looked to me cautiously “what is on your mind? We only know you as a demon, engineer and alien but you had a face just then of one whom has lost much tell us about your home please”

I looked to her dropping my façade Luna shot her a look as if to drop it but I opened my mouth anyway “On my mind? There is a lot here at the moment if I’m honest, but let me answer your question; My home was the capital of the United Kingdom – a small but fairly powerful country in the world I owned and ran a large food company I wanted to do so much and money is awfully powerful and unbiased.”
I think back to my goals and plans...
“As I did for your world here I wanted to colonize the solar system let mankind expand out to the stars it would cost billions and take years but it was a worthy cause, we had so much on earth but it was so fragile it made sense to expand our reach… but I happened to do it here instead and I do not know how my business, family or friends are now doing… if anyone has taken up the torch of my dreams or if they have mourned the passing of its flame.”

I felt a hoof softly touch my back to my surprise it was Tia I managed not to flinch a moment of silence around the table before the Deer spoke up “how do you not know of the goddesses? Your life did not describe anything similar is your universe lacking the knowledge?”

I bark a laugh one of my terrible belly shaking laughs that makes the Deer shrink in its seat and the guards point spears at me,
“We have …. Oh dear excuse me” I push a spear point away from my neck not noticing the other behind me.

“We have religions… by the dozen… honestly if you told the human race about another divine goddess or god there would be someone who would believe but we have many religions, dead and living, large and small… it is a smelting pot of ideas about how things began, where we go after and what is right. As for me I am agnostic I will be on the fence, as I have no proof for or against the idea although I hardly think the creator of the entire 14 billion year old universe actually speaks to the individuals religion says they do… so we have the knowledge but if we ever open up a way home I’m sure you will be allowed to discuss the idea of your religion…”

The deer looks flabbergasted and slightly upset “I’ll have you know it is the only religion as its true!” I can’t get my head around this type so I decide to move the discussion back to another topic.
“anyway…" only to get cut off from Eldric to ask another question as I finally finish my pasta.

"so if you're willing to help Equestria I'm assuming you'll help all of our countries with your 'science' correct? it would be an awful advantage to have one country with your knowledge and science at their disposal..." at this several gazes become hard the main issue had surfaced I could see Thene and Eldric looking over to me.

"Well I have no issue consulting with any issues you have I'm a problem solver however I expect to be paid I've arrived in a strange world with no funds and this would be a fantastic way to both keep you all happy and to give me a source of income wouldn't you agree Luna?"
I think I caught her off guard as she was happily chewing on the last bite of her pasta she quickly swallowed it only to nod vigorously. Tia spoke up next
"yes a fine idea however I will not tolerate any unsuitable behaviour towards our citizen he is under our protection understood?" Tia had a pointed glare at Thene who calmly relaxed from the hard glare he had before the tension seemed to melt away in the room.

A soft clatter of plates announced the main course was leaving several guards in no uniform collected plates whilst several others wiped away any remaining mess and the older Guard in the kitchen walked out with several behind him before explaining:
"our dessert tonight is a choice of home made gelato, selection of cheeses or a baked peach with biscuit stuffing please tell my staff and they will dish out your choice for you I hope you've enjoyed the taste of the Equestrian Boarders," with that he walked back out leaving us with choices of dessert and several guards came and took the orders from around the table with that they each disappeared back into the kitchen I could almost hear the head chef shouting orders as they came in.

Tia spoke up surprisingly " so tell me of your world's culture and art we've heard of business, war and population but I am fascinated of your culture I had the research of your home stopped after... the incident..." I smiled building bridges with my two heads of state perhaps I was a little harsh on her earlier.

"well there is an awful lot as you can imagine more than 130 countries with 7 billion people... there's a lot of creative people to make and drive content we have so much music you could listen to all of our music and still have more after 1000 years I reckon and its getting even more now with the internet - people use computers to create music, text, videos and art its... a golden burst of creativity" there were murmurs of interest expressed and dessert followed suit to our table.

Gold and Fancypants were looking at me intently after a hushed discussion as I dug into my gelato. saving its cold and berry-full flavour, Fancypants began asking another question.

"So you were a business owner in your own world? - apart from your consultancy to the nations would you be interested in any other ideas? " I grinned I think I knew where these two were going with this, "I like your thinking, like I said I'm a problem solver perhaps we should have a discussion about business and problems around this globe after this meeting to discuss it further." they smiled back the type of smile Directors of large companies get when they know they've found got the bleeding edge of an entire economy.

Thankfully the rest of the short lived evening went well although there was some ongoing tension between myself, Eldric and the deerfolk who had yet to give his name lastly we were left as a group of species in my living room slowly the small chatter fell silent and Tia approached the centre of the room.

"Thank you all for your questions, input and of course your time tonight, we have the pleasure of greeting our first visitor from another world into our world in a real sense for the first time... whilst there are many questions left unsaid I hope you have come to see our guest is not as different from us as we first thought with a little hope, a cooperation and growing friendship between us... perhaps a grand new day is dawning with many new adventures ahead I bid thee goodnight." Tia smiled upon her guests as they applauded softly heartily agreeing in diplomatic truce, a moment later and I found myself at the door seeing off the odd dignitaries from my home.

"Goodnight Scarab expect our letters soon there is much to discuss and many an issue you may be able to help with," Thene seized my arm and once again we struggled for strength he left booming in laughter as both our arms visibly shook from the exchange I waved him off before turning to Eldric, "I am glad in a way to have another more civilised predator at the table the dragons rarely make much effort in government or world politics I suppose; we will be in touch as well after I advise the King... I will expect swift responses." he with no hesitation shook my hand "I'll look forward to looking over your issues," he nodded shortly walking off then taking off north.

I turned back only to nearly jump out of my skin to find the deer standing next to me, "farewell one without knowledge I do not think our lands will need of your 'science'," I slumped my shoulders a little annoyed I had made a bad impression so early; I decided to bow leaning forward to impersonate his bow earlier in the night raising my head he had already gone without so much as a curtsy.

Misiki, Gold, Fancypants, Luna, Tia, Twilight and I were now left in my house Misiki was doing her ritual farewells to them especially the princesses her eyes would dart to me though and once she had finished she approached me. "I am glad to have met you Dex its will be interesting to see where your life will go from here should you need a new home the republic of tribes will give you it, until we meet again," I bowed as she bowed in her fashion leaving through the door a guard directed her to a waiting carriage.

with that I closed the front door leaving just the pony populace of the meeting inside, Tia motioned me over to the sofa where from somewhere they had teas, coffee and Luna had a can of coke for herself and I. Stepping over I sit next to Twilight and Luna where the unopened coke sat opening it Twilight got curious and stared at the product "don't give it to pinkie..." Luna sagely warned I nodded along too I don't want to think of her on coke...

"well I think tonight whilst it had its issues also had its positives, for one Dex has now been introduced and the Griffons didn't make any fluffed up demands and Thene didn't break anything, which is a first I think..." I smiled at Tia chugging the sweet bubbly drink, I made my own statement "well another positive is that I might of found a nice income stream to help me live and I think I've found another two..." I looked over to Gold and Fancypants who were nursing cups of coffee fancypants' ears twitched as his eyes were shut inhaling the bitter but warm aroma.

"Yes we'll obviously have to talk in much greater detail but the idea of bringing some of the luxury and ideas from your world to ours is something we've discussed and are very interested in. Would you be free to discuss this on ... lets say the Saturday coming?" I looked to Tia then to Twilight as they had my schedule not me as I was still on parole as it were.

"I think we can squeeze in a meeting on Saturday as long as you give me a weeks notice I'll be able to rearrange the schedule to fit you in or others in the future," I grinned at Twilight of whom had currently a daily calendar in her magic marking a day for the meeting, I leaned over finding the day was the 2nd of the 4th month 1005 AN and it was a Tuesday. Somehow it felt good to just even know that information on top of the evening I just had.

With our drinks drunk, our bellies full and after a eventful evening Gold and Fancypants bid their farewells to us leaving getting into their private chariots towards Canterlot. I waved them off before returning inside with the princesses and Twilight, Twilight stifled a yawn before slowly explaining "well... I'll be along tomorrow to get you started on the service and reformation program but now I really need to sleep." she yawned gently again I managed a tired grin at her lack of energy before waving her goodbye as she left too. I was now left with Luna and Tia... it was a little uncomfortable and a little friendly like before it was... odd in terms of atmosphere.

"I'm proud of the way you handled today they are a little strange and pushy at times but you have proven once more you are a fine person I'm... sorry about what he made you do before... " Tia had a good poker face but it was obvious she was feeling guilty her shoulders on both forelegs and wings slumped her entire body slunk as she explained her apology to me I wanted in some small way to be angry at her but it fell without conviction.

her wings puffed out in surprise as I held her in a tight hug I had sneaked forward whilst she closed her eyes "You don't need to apologise not anymore I understand the weight on your shoulders... both of you. We all got twisted into his power and games and whilst I am angry it is not placed with you Tia or you Luna, in truth you are both still my best friends here in this new world." I felt warm wings and another body behind me placing me in a tight feathery hug.

"As much as I love this I'm way too hot in all this feather wrap," I chuckled slowly two sets of wings retreated "well you could always just strip nude for me; my little human," I'm a flush of red and so is Luna who looks a little pissed off too.

"TIA!"

Author's Note

AAAnd I'm back!

madness abound

I'll be trying (desperately) to finish a chapter every month and a half I tend to get my saturday mornings to myself to write but alas director of a finally successful company is rather hard

good news is that it comes with privacy - I moved out of shared rental and bought a place and it even has a weight bearing beam in the garage so I can do more suspension work! hehe

anyways I will endeavor to keep writing this out ... its so much easier in my head!!!

bah

cyas!