Morning came to my windows waking me oddly as I had been used to both the base and space based living for my time in Equestria that the sense of day and night had lost meaning, as I rose I looked out of my windows seeing the changes in the guards and the walls beyond them. My evening with the delegates had proven to be useful but now came the path to starting anew with these ponies.

I showered got changed and walked into my living room to discover Spike and Twilight already there making notes and a list by the looks of it, "so... what are we doing today?" Twilight turned towards me as did Spike as they both looked a little uneasy "to be completely honest we will be giving you the full disclosure on what you are and are not allowed to do, what public service you'll be doing and you'll be meeting your ... guards too." I didn't like it but I shrugged no time like the present to get on with a punishment. "Ok... so what is first and have you two had breakfast?" they both nodded so whilst Twilight began to explain I rustled up a jam and peanut butter sandwich.

"so as you know you'll be doing community and public service for 2 years less depending on behaviour, but there are some rules to follow the most glaringly obvious one is to stay within the law at all times so no fighting, damage, theft, breaking and entering etc." I nodded and egged her on "but you also cannot earn more than B200 a week any over that and the government takes it into a bank vault for when you are released, but that is more for the business and nobility who find themselves in trouble for now you have no income." I raise a finger only to hear Twilight start up once more "you'll be given both public work to do such as cleaning, trash collecting etc and you will also be given private work such as working on educational items with myself and other scientists." Spike walked over jumping onto the table to stand somewhere near my head height "you're also going to be tested by Twilight and the Guards," Spike slightly aggressively announced to me. I stifled a giggle he was rather cute.

"Well thats the list of do's don't and chores to start with at least" I chuckle as I finish my breakfast, Spike jumps down to between Twilight and myself glaring at me before we start to walk out into the courtyard of my newish home, which by the way they had used any old stone to fix the damn thing so Discord's destruction of my house was now clearly and obviously visible.

As I wandered into the light of the front of the house I could see several guards turn and then collectively close in on me, a little unsettling but I kept my composure Twilight and Spike went ahead and started to talk to the lead guard I would guess and I caught up soon enough.
"...so we go for plans 1 and 2 then check on the vital signs etc" Twilight finished to the Guard who nodded at the formation of these 'plans' I waved to announce my presence and the guard looked me over. "I'm your warden for the duration of this penalty, I will treat you fairly but with strict punishment for any out of line nonsense you give me you will call me Warden until I decide you have earned the right to call me by name understood?" she certainly had my attention she was strict to the point and by removing my ability to call her by name I'm sure she wouldn't hesitate to do anything to stop me, however she seemed fair though only time will tell I nodded without really thinking watching Twilight and the Warden nod at each other after.

Twilight then grabbed my wrist by her magic and guided me to a large gazebo set up near my home within the perimeter, the Warden opened the tent opening up to a selection of scientists and guard alike. I sat at the table Twilight took me to and placed a written test in front of me, "so we know you can't read Equestrian well however we will be testing your knowledge of this world, science and maths to see your academic IQ, then we'll test your EQ and finally your problem solving IQ." Twilight explained quickly,

"Ok so you'll tell me the question and I write the answers or do you want verbal answers?"
Twilight simply replied
"verbal the test in front of you is for assistance and to test your written equestrian." I nodded and the Warden left leaving two well armed guards in the tent and two outside.

After maybe a few hours I think I was nearly done, it was different to tests at school and university, no calculators made it difficult for maths but I got points for knowing the calculation as well as being able to do it, the abundant paper (parchment) made it easy to jot down notes for longer questions etc. We started from basic algebra to fluid dynamics in maths, we did several questions on biology, chemistry and physics - although we started to see how different the worlds were when it comes to magic. Magic is so universal that when I explained the nucleus of a cell works I was told I was wrong for not including the magic mitochondria which power the cell and allow the body to interact with the magic forces... talk about odd. Not only that but it's a fundamental force here like electromagnetism in our universe, It is physically everywhere no wonder they have some interaction with it.

Well after all the questions I had a good Emotional Quota about 120 about average for a pony, a High academic Intelligence Quota 139 not far off from other intellectual ponies apparently Twilight blew me out the water with 250 she's a natural genius as Spike insisted. However my Problem solving IQ was great 200 - which is apparently the top 0.5% in Equestria which is more than Twilight which I'm a little pleased to hear.

This also has the current issue though... "...As I was saying if his PSIQ is that high I need to increase the security measures he could literally think his way out of this place!" Warden almost shouts at Twilight, "Yes but he's not inclined to do so you know the brief of this more than most of your Guards! also at his PSIQ you'd need to employ half of the Canterlot think tank to plan it which would be a waste of resources and bits!"
I'd had about enough of the argument, "so why don't you place a tracking spell on me that automatically notifies you two when I leave the compound - I have no magic and I haven't read enough about it to figure it out, keep me away from magic books and just keep me on need to know until another time sound sensible and KIS right?" they both looked confused at the last bit - "Oh ... old engineering acronym means Keep It Simple" I smiled as they nodded understanding before Warden went off looking for a mage whilst Twilight shook her head at her and Warden's antics.

"it sounds simple but effective yes I'm sure Warden will set it up in the next few minutes in the mean time we'll take you onto the fitness and power tests ok?" I nodded to the new testing.

My... exercise with the princesses obviously helped as I kept a steady pace doing about 45 min for 5K which is a huge improvement on my part - "well that wasn't as difficult as it should have been I was strong but not necessarily fit back on Earth..." Twilight perks up after waiting for the best part of an hour.
"So thats good you're getting fitter and I have an idea as to why you find it easier because of your new ability I think when you get tired out part of that fatigue is muscle damage and that's what builds muscle but you're doing that almost instantly so instead of getting tired you get more physically fit the more you work." I blinked a little at her thinking power only just catching up after she explained it to me, "that... that sounds plausible Miss PHD.. I guess that also gets rid of the lactic acid build up."

At that Point Warden and a Unicorn Guard arrive and without warning I feel the tingle of magic on my body for a split second I resist before I spot Twilight calm myself and stop much to the appreciation of the Guard who was straining to hold me within the grip of magic, "good that spell has been added to you, it'll last for at least two years and Only two Unicorns have access to the magic core." I nod a little wary at the thought of constant supervision, Twilight took her notes to the Warden who read through it quickly nodding before continuing "Right - if you could send this off to Princess Celestia and I'll take ...Dex... to his next assignment" Twilight nodded before trotting out waving at me as she left.

"so what will I be up to today Warden?" I quiz her as she trots up to me she flashes me a sick smile then explains "we'll get you collecting rubbish today you'll have a group of guards watching you then later Twilight and a few others will question you" I nod standing up and following her out of the tent - already outside there is a group of 5 battle ready unicorns, each one has full armour, throwing knives and a sword.
I roll my eyes slightly at the over-preparedness of them as knives, swords and other weapons had very little effect on my new body as strange as it sounds it would be simpler to simply keep them near me and restrain me with magic but that's for them to decide. I spent my time picking up trash around ponyville I shrugged off stares and stones a pesky Diamond Tiara and her 'coup' decided I was a monster and I should be stoned thankfully as promised the guards did do the job of protection both ways much to the discomfort of the pink brat.

I didn't much care for Warden today she sat on a chair drinking juice whilst I picked trash in the heat with a small heavily armed guard, I must've filled 5 bags of trash dragging it around all day I also began to stink like it but it gave me time to think and that is something I am good at thinking through problems - I was letting my brain flow around ideas for saturday for my discussions with the two business tycoons of Canterlot, from thoughts of improvement to weapons and armour to medical to entertainment ... well I had all my own ideas as well as all of humanity's ideas to rest upon.

I had finished the damn chore at long last Warden looked over my work looked to the clock tower in town and walked over to me jumping me from my thoughts "Dex I thought you were not going to think how to get out - you don't talk much when in thought do you?" I jump a little coming out of the thoughts like that laugh and wipe my brow "Warden - I don't talk much no and I can promise you I'm not thinking how to get out."

That seemed to be enough to Warden she made a notion and my last bag of trash was taken from me the tools too and I was marched back to my home to where Mayor and Twilight were already discussing what I guess was my next day's work.

"...Well we can talk that further now, so how was the first day of chores?" Twilight asked as Mayor turned to look at me.
"Good I probably stink something fierce so I apologise," Mayor did turn her nose a little as I got close only to look me up and down as well, giving me a real bad feeling of how she may think of me.

"Well you are on rubbish duty; anyways Twilight and I would like to discuss your citizenship - normally a test, criminal record etc is done and checked before you become an equestrian however you have had a slightly different path - you will need to learn about our country and world though so Twilight, Myself and Cheerilee will be giving you lessons in everything except magic."

I nod seeing as I had a few small lessons in economics here as well as some writing lessons it would be great to learn the basics as it were, the Mayor continued:
"Mainly this will be something to let the public see so your lessons when possible will be at the school house or in the front of your home outside this will reduce any feeling of resentment actively tie in your learning to trying to be better and using the school it'll show ponies you're not so dangerous I've done PR and government elections for a long time I'll get you through as a reformed citizen trust me,"

I had to admit she did seem reliable, trying to remember to use my words more after my stone prison I spoke up "well I'm counting on your combined experience thank you."

I was dutifully taken by the Warden to my home told to wash up a little and get ready to talk to Twilight I managed a 2nd shower got some vegetarian snacks and wandered into the living room where Twilight had set up a pillow on the lower table left from the dinner the other night.

"what can I discuss with you tonight then Twilight?", she looked at me taking a small bite of the cheese swirl I had before continuing. "I actually thought it would be good for you to ask me questions open the floor as it were I would like to get to know you better and you to know me better - I have learned in my lessons that its best to learn new things from your friends" she smiled softly I was to be perfectly honest a little taken with her friendliness I smiled back softly before asking something to break the ice as it were " ok... so you never actually explained where to and not touch ponies etc?"

she giggled blushing ever so slightly remembering the incident with the tooth "oh yes... well after you'll have to explain why you always wear clothing and your no go zones." she commentated with mirth before starting again.
"So you know about horns obviously due to genitals and our anatomy the belly of a pony, flank, cutie marks and well... genitals are off limits to those who don't know you or anything but in addition many would see it rude to touch anywhere apart from the shoulders for hugs, hooves and the head for nuzzling or such - wings are very much not for touch in the pegasi and alicorns though most ponies wouldn't try to tough Princess Celestia or Luna." I grinned nodding trying to catch this to memory as it may be important once the two years are over or indeed this time inside.

"ok thank you - as for my clothing... well several reasons one we have no fur except our hair and some light body hair - so humans developed clothing to protect them from the environment, predators and other survival reasons. Over the 11,000 years or so it's become a social norm for both those reasons and to stop our... genitals being on show - we don't have a sheath as it were." Twilight blushed a little becoming curious "how fascinating I'm guessing your genitals are mammal but closer to apes than anything else?" I nod trying to think about this scientifically not the fact that they would be rather hung... or would they seeing as they are much more flexible and different skeleton design to our horses they wouldn't necessarily need longer ... ahem anyways.
"there are 'naturists' however who prefer to be naked but usually this is done in camps away from society or in special clubs which are adult only" I explain - Twilight nods sagely.

"I have one for you why didn't you freak out or something when you saw my contents in the bag back home its usually seen as the unusual or at least a little weird," I rolled my hand nonchalant like before Twilight answered blushing a little with a cute nervous smile.

"Well its still seen as a very private affair as you may imagine but there are those who enjoy that here too I just have already met them and to be honest whilst I'm not one who is into it I understand the concepts and the idea that each person have their own interests and relative placement of ... er well interest on their sex life." I nodded wonderfully surprised by the reaction she continued blushing harder not looking at me now " I'm not ... well experienced I was incredibly book orientated until recently but I read and ..." she stopped to look around before leaning close to whisper "well... lets just say there are some ponies who have invited me and allowed me to discuss this with before."

I smile nodding understanding her and also in respect of her belief and ability to retain whom she spoke of whilst also telling me she understands in no uncertain terms. I was about to begin when she asked me another question.

"so if you're up for it could you tell me about your family?" she started sure and ended up sounding like fluttershy by the end of her question I barely heard it I sucked in air and sighed loudly she looked at me eyes wide with anticipated fear instead I grimaced a smile and began.

" Well I'm up for it ... now My Mum is a lovely yet fierce person - she was self employed for most of her life she had me and my sister and bought us up alone... well my step father was 'there' but not responsible or helpful I fought him when I was older I don't miss him but I miss them both terribly My sister was such a pain but she was my pain - terribly clever in an academic way she reminds me of you Twilight" I start to bark a loud laugh as I remember our fights "she would run rings around me in verbal arguments she was arrogant almost but I knew in our world she'd need that - couldn't ever tell her that I reckon she'll go far." I start to well up a little I look up not entirely sure why but within a moment I feel warm fur on my Tshirt and arms Twilight's head rested on my shoulder and quietly she speaks to me " I'm sure she is doing well your sister and mother, it sounds like you have a wonderful family and memories."

I choke a little on that annoying lump in my throat as I nod and hug Twilight back "I gotta ask Twilight and I don't mean no disrespect you've been kind and so have the princesses but I don't know why... I know I can reconcile that it wasn't me it was Discord and that everyone needs a second chance but everypony else doesn't seem anywhere near as forgiving as you three?"

I hold a little longer outside my vision a certain dragon relaxes his features giving way to a slight frown from his previous grim anger plastered on his face he holds the door a moment longer then quietly leaves walking out the house as Twilight begins to explain.

"I... well Princess Celestia and Luna both liked you before, you were kind and whilst you were lost you gave a lot to our community and... well... you made the princesses happy so I wanted to make sure you had someone who remembered you before what happened I'm not naive I can see from you and your interactions with the princesses they are tired of their treatment or at least lonely - so I will try to be better friends to them ... but also you."

I nearly start crying all over again I hug a little tighter before smiling at her and bidding her a very good night as it was getting late as I lead her to the door she squeezed my hand a little before trotting out and waving a hoof as the moon was high in the sky illuminating her path home. I watched for a while before closing the door and going to bed.

Author's Note

Well I'm back

a lot of things have happened in recent times for me - the last company fell into bankruptcy, I left my long term pony girl and brushed myself off.

I'm at it again 5th time the charm - which certainly seems to be the case in 8 months I'm earning more for both myself and my employees than ever before I think all my previous mistakes have finally built a solid foundation on what this new endeavour does. its certainly been a heavy 8 months of slogging away at work and I've missed the writing so I will try to get back into it a bit more

I hope you enjoy the new chapter :)