A Light in the Grim Darkness

by Chivalric Moon

Chapters

Prologue: Discovery
Chapter 1: Strange Stars.
Chapter 2: Welcome to Equestria
Chapter 3: Introductions and Lodgings
Chapter 4: Breakfast and History Lessons
Chapter 5: Of research, meetings and parties.
Chapter 6: New Lodgings and Shocking Discoveries
Chapter 7: Reinforcements
Chapter 8: Door to the Past.
Chapter 9: Negotiations
Chapter 10: Confession.
Notice of Hiatus

Prologue: Discovery

Transmitted: Adeptus Mechanicus Explorator Mission 948251 Deep Space Probe 099721

Forward To:LordInquisitor Torquemada Coteaz.

Destination: Holy Terra. Received: Holy Terra.

Telepathic Duct: Astropath-Terminus Kabel REF: ADMECH/ 095562397719

Date: 855001.M41 Author: Archmagos Alonzo Tharator

Subject: Planet Exploration. Thought for the Day: The Emperor Protects.

Upon achieving geo synchronous orbit with unknown planet, probe 099721 released skull probe pods to the planet’s surface. The probes scattered over the surface but only one remained operational after making planet fall. The remaining probe discovered that indeed there is life on this unknown world, but it is hard to say whether this life is Xenos, abhuman, or otherwise. The inhabitants that were discovered bear a resemblance to Terran horses, but are much smaller, and appear to be divided into three main races. There are standard equines, there are winged equines bearing a resemblance to the Pegasi of ancient Terran mythology, and also equines bearing a horn similar to the unicorns also of ancient Terran mythology.

The intriguing thing here is that all of these “ponies” appear to have the intelligence of humans, and appear to have a peaceful society with a monarchial government of some sort. The creatures’ technology is in the steam era and they have not mastered space flight nor are they even close to doing so. They also appear to speak Low Gothic and may thus give us an opportunity to communicate with them. It may be going out on a limb, but I seriously believe that the mission has discovered the world of Equis Prime, from the old children’s fairytale about the Emperor’s Alicorns, after all, there is usually some truth behind legends and fairytales. I highly recommend further research into the matter as the skull probe was captured and is feared destroyed.

I remain your obedient Servant;

Alonzo Tharator

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Ordo Malleus Fortress, Holy Terra.

Inquisitor Torquemada Coteaz smiled as he read the letter. He too had heard the stories of the Emperor’s Alicorns, a children’s fairy tale about the Emperor finding a planet inhabited by intelligent ponies split into 3 races whom he united by creating through genetics, the Alicorns, a race of ponies combining the characteristics of the three. The flight and agility of the Pegasi, the strength and stamina of the Earth Ponies, and the awesome magic of the Unicorns. He had created the original two Alicorns, from not only the genetics of the ponies, but his own holy blood. At first Coteaz had thought that this report was some kind of prank, until it was decoded for the fifth time and the adept who had sent it was a very reliable source of his. He decided that attempting to parley with the creatures would be interesting in the very least, and he knew just the man to entrust with this mission…

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Canterlot Palace, Equestria, Planet Equis Prime

Princess Celestia looked in shock at the object that had been found in the city. The last time she had seen such technology on Equis, was 10,000 years ago, when her father had brought her and her sister along with 1000 other Alicorns to the planet to unite and rule the populace into an era of peace and kindness, and do for the ponies of Equestria what he could not do for humanity: protect them from the violence and horror of space. The object before her was a human skull, which had been modified with anti-gravitational motors, cameras, and a transmitter. On the forehead of the skull was a two headed eagle.

“Wake my sister and summon the Element Bearers and the commanders of the Royal Guard!” She commanded with the authority of an Emperor’s daughter.

“Yes Majesty.” Came the reply of the royal guards.

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Imperial Library, Holy Terra, 2 days after the messages reception.

Inquisitor Ian Ludones was busy at work doing some reading. His master, Torquemada Coteaz had given him the task of researching a child’s fairy tale. It was one that he was familiar with, as his mother had told it to him many times when he was young; and he had believed it was completely true, right up until her and his father had died in the exterminatus. He had kept this belief secret all through his time of learning from his teacher, and even after he had attained the rank of Inquisitor five years ago. His first assignment was to go to his home planet Laureus IX, a huge agri- world home to fifteen billion souls, and which had come under assault from the forces of the Word Bearers Chaos Space Marines and a horde of daemons that they had summoned from the depths of the warp. Unfortunately, there was no way to save the planet from the taint that the traitor marines had brought.

Two billion had been rescued after Ian had organized a mass relief effort, allying with the Eldar of Craftworlds Ulthwe and Biel-Tann, but another 3 billion were dead, horrifyingly sacrificed to the dark gods of Chaos and the rest of the planet was either enslaved or holding out in small pockets of resistance, including his mother, a former Imperial Guard Commissar, and his Father, a former Inquisitor. Ian had tried to convince them to come with him, but they had both refused, saying that they would rather die here with the good memories they had, than see them destroyed. And so, Ian had on his first mission, ordered the death of his own home. It was an event that had haunted him for the past five years of his life; and one that had haunted his nightmares.He would be standing there in the midst of a burning city, with the screams of fifteen billion souls being torn from their bodies echoing in his ears, and turn to see the billions of faceless people pointing accusingly at him, some of them however did have faces. His parents, his friends, and his beloved fiancée Mina, who had been executed by the twisted traitor marines for refusing to deny her faith in the God-Emperor. They all pointed at him and shouted:

” YOU! YOU KILLED US! YOU COULD HAVE SAVED MORE OF US!

CURSE YOU! DAMN YOU!”

Ian was so deep in thought he failed to notice his master enter the room behind him.

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“Ian… IAN!”

Ian snapped out of his thoughts and nearly fell out of his chair as he suddenly realized that his master was in the room.

“Yes milord!” he said standing and inclining his head.

“Are you alright Ian?” asked Coteaz, a look of concern for his former student written on his face.

“Yes milord, I am fine.” Ian wrinkled his nose a bit as he tasted the lie he had just told, a gesture that his master caught right away.

“You were remembering Laureus IX again weren’t you?” said Coteaz cocking an eyebrow

“Aye, master.” replied Ian.

Coteaz calmly walked over and placed a hand on his former student’s shoulder and spoke in a fatherly voice.

“Ian, we both know that there was no other way. You cannot go on blaming yourself over it; if you hadn’t given that order their souls would have been lost to the dark powers. It wasn’t your fault Ian.”

These were all words that Ian had heard before, but it never helped him feel any better; so he did what he did best when someone was trying to help him get his mind off of the memory: he changed the subject.

“I assure you master, I will be fine, but you must have come here for something other than to chat?” Ian asked. This slightly annoyed Coteaz but he let it go; he hated it when someone tried to change the subjectlike that, it was his job as an inquisitor to catch heretics and daemon worshippers, and this was a tactic that they turned to frequently to avoid their interrogator’s questions.

“Well, a few days ago, an Adeptus Mechanicus probe found a planet we thought was a myth in a children’s story book turns out, there may be complete truth behind this myth.” replied Coteaz.

“You don’t mean ponies milord, do you?” responded Ian, a note of disbelief in his voice.

“I do indeed mean ponies Ian.” said Coteaz matter-of-factly.

“So then why are we, the Ordo Malleus, the great hunters of daemons looking into this rather than the Mechanicus?” asked Ian somewhat sarcastically.

“Tell me Ian, do you know the story of the Alicorns, how the Emperor loved them like his own children?” asked Coteaz.

“Yes.” replied Ian.

“Do you also remember the weapons that the Emperor gave them in that story to ward off the evils of the dark powers, and how the power within them could defeat any and all evil?”

“The Elements of Harmony, correct milord?” asked Ian.

“Yes Ian, the Elements of Harmony. If the elements that the Emperor created are powerful enough to do that, they may be powerful enough to revive him from his slumber and usher in a new era where the Emperor can again be among us and strike down Chaos once and for all!” said Coteaz enthusiastically. These words rang in Ian’s head. He wanted to see the Emperor back from his 10,000 year slumber just as much as anyone else.

“So where do I come into this milord?”asked Ian.

“I am sending you to find out more about these creatures. I worry that some other fanatical fool would bomb the planet from orbit and destroy everything that our Emperor loved, and I believe that if these creatures are as peaceful as they are in the fairy tales, they need to be protected. If we found them with a probe, someone else can find them as well, and if they do, who knows what will happen.” replied Coteaz.

“But why me master?”

“Because Ian, you can get along peaceably with xenos, we would never have saved as many lives on Laureus IX had you been unable to get the Eldar to help, and they spoke very highly of you even before that. If you can befriend xenos, you can certainly get along with ponies. Also, your faith in the Emperor is unshakeable.” said Coteaz; This was all Ian needed to hear.

“So, just one more question master.”

“Yes Ian?”

“When do I start?”

Chapter 1: Strange Stars.

1 week later, Inquisitorial Black Ship Tannenburg: Location: Segmentum Pacificus.

Ian sat at his weapons table in his quarters tending to the smalll arsenal that he carried with him. Before him on the obsidian surface sat his powered bowie knife, master crafted bolt pistol, and his personal favorite, his modified Arbites Pattern III Lawbringer shotgun. The shotgun is a greatly underestimated weapon in the Imperium and beyond, and many Inquisitors scoff at the use of a weapon that they consider "ugly and unbefitting of their rank" as one had said to Ian long ago. However, Ian loved his shotgun, the weapon's pump action meant it rarely, if ever, jammed and when it was racked, the weapon was intimidating in the extreme. The thing he loved most about this weapon was the custom ammo that he'd had built for it.

The round was the brain child of a techpriest he had worked with about 2 years ago; it was a specially built armor piercing slug to be fired from the 10 gauge barrel, that was much akin to a bolt fired from a boltgun, and the shotgun combined with these "slugs" had been the bane of at least 5 overconfident chaos space marine champions and many other enemies of the Imperium. Ian's attention then shifted to the open cherry wood case on his dresser. Layed reverently in the velvet interior, was Dread Bane, his daemon hammer. The weapon carried great meaning to him; not only was it a holy relic revered by daemon hunters, but it had been carried by his father who right before the destruction of Laureus IX, had thrust the weapon into Ian's hands and told him:

"Son; this is your's now, wherever there is evil, use this to crush it, wherever there is fear use this to shatter it!"

Ian was snapped from his memories by a buzz, the sound that meant someone was at his door. Ian walked over and opened it to reveal a man in an Imperial Guard uniform. He wore his gray hair in a buzz cut as is common in many regiments of the guard.

"We're in veiw of the planet milord, the captain wanted to know if -" the veteran was cut off by Ian's hand on his shoulder.

"Emil, how many times have I told you; don't need to call me "milord," you and I have been through alot and I would prefer you just call me Ian or failing that sir."

The old guardsman knew that Ian was right. Emil had been the first member of Ian's retinue after he'd stopped him from drinking himself to death. He had been the only surviving member of Governor Lukas Alexander's Kasrkin bodyguard, and had borne the regimental banner of the 1st Kronus regiment with pride; until Kronus had fallen to the Blood Ravens Space Marines under command of Davian Thule. The governor had died as Emil had tried desperately to save him, but considering the ammount of blood the governor had lost from his severed leg, there was nothing to be done, and after being discharged with PTSD he turned to drinking. One night he was at the bar when he met someone else trying to drown his bad memories. As the two had talked that night and shared their stories, they became friends and Ian gave Emil a job on his, at the time, non-existant retinue. Both men had since that time given up alchohol and had saved eachothers lives on multiple occaisions, they were like family to eachother.

"Of course sir." replied the scarred up veteran.

"Good, tell the rest of the retinue to get ready and have my pilot notified to prepare for take off in one hour. I want them in the shuttle bay for a briefing" said Ian.

"Yes Sir." replied Emil.

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Shuttle bay of black ship Tannenburg, 30 minutes into mission.

Ian's retinue had assembled in the bay near Ian's Aquilla shuttle, and stood in a line as Ian handed out folders to each member of his retinue. All of them were ready to go on whatever mission that their lord had planned were dressed and armed for the occaison, what the 12 henchmen were not ready for was what was in the files. A few minutes after Ian allowed the assembled retinue to open the files, nine of them burst out laughing with the exception of Emil, a techpriest, and a tall warrior dressed in the armor of a cardinal's pontifex guard. Emil for one was nervous, he knew that he could get away with laughing had he wanted to, Ian was like a son to him. It was the others that he was nervous for at the moment. Emil had learned 5 years ago, that despite being a very laid back man and unorthodox for an Inquisitor of the Ordo Malleus, Ian Ludones had a lightning fast and sometimes lethal temper when it came to serious matters. He had once seen Ian hurl an uncooperative planetary governor through a window to his death from the upper most balcony of his own palace after the governor made one too many snooty remarks about the mission Ian was on; and right now Ian was getting the same angry look that he'd had when he had defenestrated the governor.

"Are you all quite finished acting like fools?" Asked Ian in a very dangerous tone.

The room went quiet as Ian adjusted his glasses. He disliked wearing them, but being

near sighted could be a bit of a problem at times. One memberof the retinue still had a

grin on his face, he like Emil was a former Imperial Guardsman, but no where near as

close a friend. Ian's aquiline features hardened in anger at the sight of this.

"Corporal Vrens I am near sighted, not blind, now wipe that stupid looking grin off of your face

before I strangle you." said Ian dangerously. This was all that it took to make the Corporal's

grin fade. Ian then continued his briefing.

"Comical as this may seem, this mission was entrusted to me by my master, Lord Coteaz, and is of the utmost importance. These ponies may well be the ones that many of our parents told us about in fairy tales, the ones that our Emperor loved like his own children, and if that is the case, then we must protect them. This however is not the only reason we are here. In the story, the Emperor gave the ponies six very powerful 'devices' known as the elements of harmony. These devices, if the stories are true, contain massive power; they can be used as a weapon, and maybe more, and ladies and gentlemen what I am about to say cannot leave this room." All eyes were on Ian, he had their undivided attention.

"These elements may be able to return our Emperor to us in the physical realm." finished Ian.The cargo bay broke into an excited commotion, that silenced suddenly as Ian raised his hand.

"Unfortunately, you cannot accompany me on this mission.The reports and stories say, the ponies are peaceful creatures, and Part of my mission is to study them and find out what they are. It is confusing to many of my collegues because they look like animals, but have the intelligence of a human, nor can they be considered xenos. My studies could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, and I cannot ask you to stay along for this, as I study better on my own.I release you all from my service. It has been a pleasure and an honor serving along site of you all these past years. Maybe, when these studies are done, Emperor willing, we can serve togeather again; May the Emperor watch over you

all."

Ian's speech had shocked them, and there were more than a few teary eyes. As one the retinue saluted their master. "And may he watch over you." came the reply. Every person there respected Ian, and would take the information he had given them to their graves; and Ian Ludones, Inquisitor of the Ordo Malleus, forced his tears to stay away.

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Canterlot Palace, Princess Celestia's balcony.

Celestia and Luna stood on the balcony admiring the night sky that the princess of the night had wrought. No one would argue that of the two sisters, Luna was the artist. Celestia looked through her telescope and marvelled at her sister's work, but noticed somthing a little off:

"Sister, when did you create a moving cluster of stars?" asked Celestia.

"We, I mean, I made no such thing sister, what are you talking about?" asked a very confused Luna. Celestia moved and allowed Luna to take a look. Luna peered through the lense and sure enough saw the cluster of stars she was talking about, but as she looked closer, she noticed that these were no stars, they were lights, and that they were in a shape, and that shape was moving slowly towards the Equis.

"Tia, I think we may have company."

Chapter 2: Welcome to Equestria

Shuttle bay of Black Ship Tannenburg.

Each of the Retinue was strapped into their seat of the Aquila shuttle to

accompany their master on one final mission, his journey to the surface of

Equis Prime. They would stay until Ian made peaceful contact with the

ponies, and then they would leave after unloading Ian’s equipment from the

shuttle. They were also there in case things went sour and they had to shoot

their way off of the planet. The Tannenburg’s scanners had found a suitable

landing space for the shuttle in what the explorator probes had identified as

the capital city, but Ian’s head was not in the mission. He looked into the face

of each member of his retinue, and the memories flooded in.

He knew each of them by name, and had shared in their joys and sorrows over the

past years, they were the closest thing he had to a family, and now he had to

say goodbye. The life of an Inquisitor, glamorous as many Imperial citizens

believed it to be, was dangerous, depressing, and hard. As Ian went through

his memories, the flight deck crews cleared the shuttle bay. The airlock

opened as soon as all personnel were out of the bay, and the landing gear

of the Aquila retracted and its engines kicked on and the shuttle moved out

of the shuttle bay and headed towards its destination at full speed. Ian

meanwhile fell into an uneasy sleep as the shuttle hurtled towards

its destination: the city of Canterlot, the place that the Tannenburg’s scans

had determined to be the best place to land, and the ponies’ capital.

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City of Canterlot

Citizens closed their shutters and locked their doors; the princesses has

declared a state of emergency, no citizen was to be out except for police and

members of the royal guard. Luna was head to hoof in pitch black steel plate

armor walking through the streets surrounded by a protective circle of her

elite lunar guard and Captain Shining Armor at her side. When it came to

Equestria’s military matters and defense, the princess of the night was

subordinate only to her sister, who was rare to over ride her on such matters.

In her past, Luna had been the heroic war leader of Equestria, so dread in

fact was her reputation as a commander that it was rumored that the

corrupted Unicorn king Sombra had soiled himself upon hearing that she

was at the head of an army sent to invade the Crystal Empire and remove

him from power. Those however were bygone days that were painful for

Luna, right now she had other matters to worry about such as making sure

that all the citizens were safely in their homes and in their shelters.

Only Luna and her sister knew what these “aliens” were truly called: They were

humans, and the last time Equestria had felt the touch of human feet had

been ten thousand years ago when the Emperor had brought the Alicorns to

the planet’s surface.

“Captain, is everyone safe in their homes?” asked Luna

“Aye milady, all the houses have been checked out and everyone who is not

security personnel is in the basements of their home, it’s the best safety to be

offered at this point.” replied Shining nervously.

“Calm captain, you are doing well. Go now to my sister in the palace square

and tell her what thou hast told me; see her safe.” finished Luna.

“On my honor your majesty.” said Shining bowing his head and taking his leave.

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Palace square, Canterlot.

Princess Celestia looked into the sky and realized that one of the “stars” was

moving at high speed away from the ship that she and Luna had discovered…

and was headed towards the city. As the object came closer however, she

realized that the “star” was merely a light attached to what was a small flying

machine.

“Princess, what is that thing?!” Celestia had not noticed Twilight and her

friends had come out of the palace.

“It is a shuttle Twilight, a flying machine used by humans.” Although this

was a major understatement, she did not have time to give a full explanation.

“Humans? I thought they were just an old mare’s tale?” Asked Twilight.

“No, they are very real, and very dangerous. The last time they set foot in

Equestria was 10,000 years ago, that is not something I wish to speak of

now.” finished Celestia.

The shuttle came in low and began to hover over the square that Celestia and the

Element bearers, and two landing struts descended from within and the shuttle began

to float lower. Guard ponies scattered away from the now designated landing area to

avoid being crushedby the landing craft, which finally touched down with a clunk. As this

occurred Shining Armor arrived to his princess to report the safety sweep,

but was momentarily distracted by the lander, before being snapped out of his awe by the princess.

“Everyone is locked down your majesty”

“Very well, get the Element Bearers inside.” ordered Celestia.

“Yes Majesty!” Shining wasted no time in getting the 6 element bearers

inside the palace.

Just as the doors closed, Luna and her bat winged guards arrived.

The Guards encompassed both royals with a stoic look on their faces.

The princesses observed the craft. It was rather large for a small

landing craft, and had a black paint job. The pilot and gunner could be

clearly seen and were sitting in the cockpit and upper dome flipping

switches. The craft had a tall “tail” and wings that had folded downward

upon landing, as well as a chin mounted weapon of some sort.

What it was Celestia could only guess. Painted upon the craft was a letter

stylized “I” with three smaller “I’s” crossing it.Then, the ramp opened and out they

stepped, silhouetted by the light frominside, a dozen tall bi-pedal figures walking

purposefully into the open and clear night air, wind blowing the cloaks of those who

wore them: humans. one race in the universe that appalled Celestia with their acts

of barbarity and on the same token, awed her with their capacity to do good, and

now they were here for the first time in ten thousand years. She may live on a

planet with no space travel, but that did not mean she couldn’t use her magical

talents to look outside at the universe around her world. She had seen the

Imperium her father had created tear itself apart in a civil war that had put him

into a comatose state, she had seen the rise of the insane lord Vandire and wept

for the innocents whose blood he had shed, she had wept for the countless souls

who had died horrifically on the ash wastes of Armageddon, and she had wept for

all humanity as it lost its humanity, abandoning tolerance, kindness, love, and

generosity for hate, fear, cruelty, and suspicion.

As the humans advanced she noticed the one who was front and center and appeared to be

the leader.He was tall, at least Celestia’s height and wore a black cloak over a finely crafted

suit of bone white armor and a wide brimmed hat that reminded Celestia of the hats worn by

the witch hunters of medieval Equestria. Hanging on his belt was a large tome and a rosette

that bore the same insignia as the shuttle. On his back hung the biggest hammer Celestia

had ever seen, and both the hammer and its wielder radiated with immense power.

The thing that Celestia noticed most about the man however were his eyes; those piercing

green eyes held within them great qualities. In them she saw a desire to do right, kindness,

dedication, faith, and also a stoic and unrelenting resolve. She also saw feelings she did not

expect; regret, self loathing, and incomprehensible sadness that made her want to weep.

Despite this, the princess of the sun kept her composure, the man was now within range

to hold a conversation. Each of the people with him were armed, but had their weapons

sheathed and holstered. The leader stepped forward from his followers and inclined his

head politely, a gesture which Celestia returned.

“Greetings, son of the Imperium.” said Celestia. If this greeting surprised the

Inquisitor, but he did not show it. “I am Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria,

and This is my sister Princess Luna, co-ruler of Equestria and commander of

its armies.”

The leader removed his hat revealing a high and tight head of dark hair, and

spoke, in perfect equestrian no less.

“Greetings your highnesses, I am Inquisitor Ian Ludones of the Emperor’s

Holy Inquisition.” replied Ian with a polite bow.

“Ah yes, I have heard of you before, the human’s with the authority to burn

entire worlds to cinders. Tell me Inquisitor, what are your intentions here?”

The surprise in Ian’s eyes showed, but it was more hurt than surprise at the

very mention of the use of exterminatus. The screams of the dying on

Laureus IX echoed through his head; despite this Ian kept his composure.

“I come here with nothing but peaceful intentions your highness. I have been

sent here by my superiors to study Equestrian traditions and way of life and

write down what I see to present them with a missive that will prove that

Equestria means no harm to the Imperium or her subjects. I am also here

because it is said that you possess certain items of great power known as the

Elements of Harmony, these I wish to study as well.” said Ian.

Celestia and Luna were shocked, how could an outsider with no prior knowledge of the

elements know they existed? The probe had been captured before it had

gotten into the palace, and even if it had, the vault where the elements

were kept was guarded full time and it would have never gotten near them.

“How do you know about the elements Inquisitor?” asked Celestia not

showing her surprise. The inquisitor allowed his expression to lighten up a

bit.

“You see princess, in the Imperium, this place, your kingdom, you, and your

sister are known; but as a children’s fairy tale thought only to be myth. The

story states that the Emperor arrived here ten millennia ago and created you

and 1000 equines like you to rule over the rest of the equine population here

and bring about unity and peace among them, and that to defend this world

from the darkness and horrors of space, the Emperor created the elements

to be wielded by the equines who exemplified them the most.” replied Ian.

“What you have said is very true, but I ask; why do you wish to study my

father’s relics?”

“To find out if they can return your father and our Emperor to us and save

us from the darkness and evil of chaos once and for all.” said Ian.

Celestia was still not completely convinced. In her visions, she had seen

the way inquisitors worked. While some were direct and honest men, there

were also many who were duplicitous, scheming backstabbers who as soon

as they got what they wanted, left their erstwhile allies to die or killed them

themselves.

“Inquisitor, I have but one more request.”

“Name it your majesty.” replied Ian.

“May I look into your mind and your soul? I need to be sure I can trust you

before I allow you among my little ponies.”

This request caught Ian off guard. His training as an inquisitor screamed no,

but his dedication to his mission and the sheer possibility that he may be

able to aid in the return of his emperor were more powerful.

“On one condition.” said Ian

“Name it” replied Celestia.

“Allow me to look into yours as well.” said Ian.

Ian had some very interesting psychic abilities, including telepathy and the ability

to look into someone’s mind in search of the truth, and the schola progenium on

Laureus IX had taught him well how to use these abilities.

“So be it. Fair is fair.” replied Celestia offering Ian a hoof.

“Sir, you’re not seriously going to go through with this!? Asked Emil with

concern written on his face.

“If there is a chance to bring our emperor back, then yes I will. If I must die,

I shall welcome death and wrap my arms around it if I were greeting an old

friend.” replied Ian resolutely turning back to Celestia.

Ian took the sable alicorn’s hoof in his hand to shake it as one would shake someone’s hand in

the Imperium, and noticed her eyes glowing an ethereal white, and knew she

was searching his mind and his soul. Ian closed his eyes and looked into her

mind and soul in return. After about a minute both withdrew from what

they were doing. Tears rolled down Celestia’s face at what she had seen, and

the torment and anguish that Ian was constantly going through and spoke to no one about.

She wanted to throw her hooves around the tortured soul in front of her and tell him that he

was not a monster, but right now that would be most inappropriate. He was definitely telling the truth at least.

“Welcome to Equestria, Inquisitor Ludones.” said Celestia.

Chapter 3: Introductions and Lodgings

Ian and the princess conversed a while longer before he turned back to his retinue

and nodded to them. All of them gave a final salute to their beloved master, and Ian

approached them and one by one embraced them as if they were family. Emil was the

last one in line. The old Kasrkin had been his closest friend and confidant, and was more

like a father to him than a friend and had faithfully born the Inquisitorial banner into the thick

of some of the worst fighting that Ian had been in. He and Ian had fought and bled together,

and whenever Ian was brooding on the horrors of Laureus IX, Emil had been there to help him

through it.

“Take care Emil, Emperor bless you for your service and kindness.”

“You too, Ian.” Emil replied choking down the tears threatening to expose themselves to all present.

The two old friends embraced as the last of Ian’s gear was removed from the shuttle by

inquisitorial servants and picked up by ponies dressed in bellhop like uniforms. Ian

walked back towards the palace as his retinue boarded the shuttle. Ian whispered them

a prayer as he walked.

“Emperor, protect them on their journey home, and watch over them I beg of you.”

The shuttle’s door closed as the engines once again rumbled to life. The landing struts

retracted as the shuttle lifted off the ground, turned about, and shot into the night sky and

back towards the Tannenburg. Ian walked back to Celestia’s side, and they walked into the castle together.

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Twilight and her friends watched from the window as the human bid his comrades goodbye.

“The poor dear, I couldn’t imagine having to say goodbye to any of you under similar circumstances.”

said Rarity feeling genuinely bad for the human.

“I know what will cheer him up! A party!” squeaked Pinkie Pie

“Just remember that what Princess Celestia said to us earlier still applies, do not do anything

that might frighten him, and that means nothing that would be considered odd.” said Twilight.

The princess had given them a quick overview on how to treat with visitors from outside

Equestria when she had summoned them to the palace a few weeks ago. All eyes in the

room immediately glared at Pinkie Pie.

“What?!” she asked innocently.

“Ah think ya know what.” said Applejack face hoofing.

“He seems nice enough, maybe he will be friendly.” Said Fluttershy hopefully.

“I don’t trust him Shy, I mean look at him! He showed up here in armor and wearing weapons.”

replied Rainbow Dash.

“Which he kept sheathed.” replied Applejack.

“Yeah, and my dad was a Royal Guard, and he always said that when a foreign dignitary

shows up armed to the teeth and in a suit of armor it is to put on a show of force, even when

they keep the weapons in their holsters.” Shot back Dash.

The two were on the verge of an argument when Twilight’s brother walked up to them.

Twilight used the opportunity to distract from the argument.

“Hey Shiny!” she said giving her brother a hug.

Shining returned the hug with a smile. He was very proud of his little sister, and had great

reason to be. She had started as Celestia’s student and was now a princess of Equestria

and the bearer of the element of magic.

“Hey Twily!” he said returning the hug and continuing. “You guys can come downstairs and meet

our new guest now.”

“Who is he?” asked Twilight.

“Well from what I gathered his name is Ian Ludones and he is an Inquisitor from a place called

the Imperium of Mankind.” replied Shining.

The word inquisitor made most of the ponies very nervous, all of them had remembered

their high school studies of medieval Equestria. The times then had been incredibly turbulent

and Equestria had not been the utopian society that it was today. Some unicorns had practiced

black magic, and the princesses had been forced to create the Equestrian Ministry of the

Inquisition and Witch Hunting. This group was a ruthless agency built with the intention to

curtail and eventually destroy those who used black magic. Unfortunately, the agency had

gotten out of hand and its leaders were corrupted by their power and had to be brutally

disbanded. Many innocents had died by the hooves of the witch hunters before Celestia

and Luna had them shut down and their leaders executed for the murders and shady dealings

that they had committed.

“Is he anything like the old witch hunters we had?” asked Twilight.

“I honestly don’t know.” replied Shining.

“See, I told you he’s not to be trusted!” said Rainbow Dash glaring at Applejack.

“We haven’t even met him yet, how can ya say that? And besides, his job may have a

different meaning where he is from, so how do ya know he is or aint trustworthy.”

replied Applejack with a glare of her own.

“Girls! Both of you calm down, we are about to meet a visitor from another world, we need

to be as polite and open minded about this as possible. Who knows what his home is like

or what he has been through, we need to be understanding to find out.” said Twilight.

The two agreed to end their argument; for now at least, as the element bearers and Shining

Armor made their way to the great hall of the palace.

*****************************************************************************

Although it may not have held a candle to the Imperial Palace on Holy Terra, the Canterlot

Palace was a sight to behold. Ian could not help but be impressed by the beautiful tapestries

and gold and silver ornaments that hung on the white marble walls. The architecture was

breathtakingly bright and used a lot of stained glass windows, which while used in the

Imperium’s Gothic architecture, were not used in such large amounts except in Ecclesiarchy

buildings. The last time he had seen so much stained glass was in the convent of the Adepta

Sororitas during a pilgrimage to Holy Kaurava. The buildings here were just beautiful.

As Celestia and Ian reached the staircase of the great hall, they were met by seven more

ponies, who Celestia introduced.

“Inquisitor Ludones, these good ponies are the bearers of the elements of harmony, I will

allow them to introduce themselves to you.” said Celestia.

Ian first met the lavender alicorn, who introduced herself as Princess Twilight Sparkle,

element of magic. Ian gave a polite bow of his head to show her the respect due

her office.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance your highness.” said Ian.

“The pleasure is all mine Inquisitor, and please, just call me Twilight.”

“As you wish Twilight.” replied Ian.

He could sense an immense amount of power emanating from her. He then met Rarity

who offered him her hoof.

“Pleasure to meet you.” said Ian shaking her hoof.

“Charmed to meet you as well Inquisitor I’m Rarity, element of generosity.” she said in a

high class accent that reminded Ian of the wives of some of the planetary governors he

had dealt with over the years.

The next to introduce herself was Fluttershy. Ian could tell even with a quick glance that

she was extremely timid, even her mane gave it away as it appeared groomed for the

little Pegasus to hide her face behind. Ian removed his hat to appear less menacing

and with a kind smile, and slowly extended his hand.

“h-hi, I’m Fluttershy, element of kindness.” said the yellow Pegasus in a very quiet voice

as she lay her hoof in the Inquisitor’s gauntleted hand.

“It is good to meet you Fluttershy, don’t be afraid of me, I’m not here to hurt anyone.”

said Ian in a kind and friendly manner as he lightly shook her hoof.

Pinkie Pie introduced herself in her normal excited manner, rapidly shaking Ian’s hand

and talking a million miles a minute.

“HI! I’m Pinkie Pie element of laughter it’s great to meet you!”

“Good to meet you too Miss Pie.” Replied Ian whilst thinking to himself

“Sweet Emperor, this must be what they mean by ‘this is your brain on

chems’.” And her pink coat, it was just so bright. Even her mane was pink.

it vaguely reminded him of a Slaaneshi cultist… He would have to keep

an eye on this one…

Rainbow Dash, despite her mistrust of the human, knew better than to act rude.

The princess had been very clear about treating foreign dignitaries with respect,

and she offered her hoof.

“It is a pleasure to meet you miss…?”

“Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in Equestria, and element of loyalty.” said Dash with

great pride as she flew up and hovering at Ian’s eye level.

“Loyalty, a trait we admire greatly in the Imperium, I think you and I will get along

well.” said Ian.

The Pegasus smiled, although she thought to herself: “Yeah, we’ll just see about

that.” Ian could tell that she did not trust him one bit. Then again he could not

blame her; he, a stranger had shown up on her world out of the vastness of

space armed to the teeth and wearing armor that made him seem like he was

more machine than living being. The last pony he met was obviously either a

farmer or a cow mare. He was pleased with himself that he did not laugh at the

sight of a pony wearing a stetson.

“Nice hat.” said Ian holding out his hand to Applejack.

“Not a bad one yerself.” replied Applejack accepting Ian’s offer of a hoof shake.

“Name’s Applejack, element of honesty, but you can just call me AJ.”

“It’s good to meet you AJ, my name is Inquisitor Ian Ludones, but you may call

me Ian.” he replied. Ian then turned to the rest of the ponies, the princess

included.

“That goes for all of you; just call me Ian, no need for formalities.” said Ian.

The last pony that Ian met was Shining Armor, captain of the royal guard. Ian could

tell that Shining had a fierce sense of martial pride that was reminiscent of an imperial

general. Ian snapped into a salute, which Shining returned with the same enthusiasm.

“Pleasure to meet you captain.” said Ian.

“Likewise inquisitor, likewise.” replied Shining.

“So Ian, what exactly does an inquisitor do?” asked Twilight with a quill and parchment

levitating in front of her in her magical grasp. Before she could get an answer,

Applejack cut her off.

“Uh, Twi, he just walked through the door after a really long trip, ya think that the questions

can wait til mornin’?”

Twilight blushed with embarrassment and put away her quill and parchment. It was common courtesy

not to bombard a visitor with questions right after they had just walked in, especially after a journey as

long as Ian had been on.

“Uh, sorry.” said Twilight sheepishly.

“It is perfectly alright, knowledge is power after all. If you wish we can have a meeting

tomorrow in which I will answer any questions you have as long as they are not about my

personal past.” said Ian.

“Why can’t we ask you about your past!?” asked Dash in an argumentative tone

completely forgetting her composure. Ian’s previously calm face hardened.

“Because it’s like a dragon’s tongue; it’s long and it’s nasty and thus should not be

known by anyone.” said Ian revealing some of his nasty temper, which quickly subsided

after the cyan Pegasus backed down.

“Yes, I was thinking the same thing as well; we can hold a private court for about an

hour from nine inthe morning until ten, maybe you can answer some questions

then?” asked Celestia, who had just finished giving Dash a “to the moon” glare for her

tone with the visitor.

“That sounds good, and it was good to meet all of you, but I tire. Where am I to stay

your majesty?” asked Ian.

Celestia looked up at the clock, the shuttle had arrived around nine p.m., and it was

now almost midnight.

“Oh dear, I had not figured on having a long term guest.” said Celestia racking her

brain as to where she could room a six-and-a-half foot tall human comfortably. The

bellhop uniformed servants were standing around waiting for direction from her.

That was when a heavily accented southern voice spoke up.

“Aw hay princess, he can room with me, ah was the only one without a roommate

and the room has two bedrooms with beds big enough ta hold a cow, he can have

one of em’. said Applejack.

“Are you sure Miss Applejack? I don’t want to be a bother to anyone.” replied Ian

astonished at such a selfless act.

“Oh its fahn, you won’t be botherin’ me so long as ya don’t play loud music.”

replied Applejack glaring at Rainbow Dash.

“What!?” asked the cyan pegasus.

“You and your loud rock n’ roll music, we heard it all the way down the hall!”

said Rarity with an aggravated look.

“Oh, oops! sorry.” replied Dash.

The servants looked once again to Celestia for confirmation of this plan and she

nodded; that was all the servant’s needed to begin taking Ian’s baggage up the

stairs towards Applejacks suite. Everyone said goodnight and went to their rooms,

and Ian and Applejack walked together towards the suite.

“Thank you Miss Applejack, this is very kind of you.” said Ian.

“Aw shucks it’s nothin’ all, and don’t call me miss Applejack sugar cube, it’s

Applejack er AJ.” replied the farmer meekly.

*****************************************************************************

Ian and Applejack got to the large room with the servants in tow. Applejack had not a

t all been joking when she said the suite had been huge. There was a common living room

complete with a radio and several shelves of books, as well as a very large balcony. There

were two rooms, each had a very big bed, which was indeed large enough to comfortably

hold a Black Angus bull, and both had attached bathrooms and walk-in closets, as well as a

wardrobe and dressers.

“Room on the right is yers, ahm on the left.”

“Thank you again AJ.”

“Think nothin’ of it, but there’s a few ground rules ah’d like ta go over if ya don’t mind.” said Applejack.

“Of course AJ.” Ian said suppressing the laughs as he was very sure he knew what was coming.

Applejack waited until the servants were out of the room before she began ‘laying down the

law’ as it were.

“Alright, first rule; knock at the door if its closed, don’t just barge in, I wouldn’t just open the door

ta yer room without askin’ so don’t do it ta me.”

Ian shook his head as this was a very agreeable rule.

“Number two, no funny business, ahm already seein’ some pony".

Ian burst out laughing, it was just too much. He thought to himself “Totally called it!”

“What the hay is so funny!?” asked Applejack somewhat confused and a bit miffed.

“No offense Miss AJ, but you’re not exactly my type.” said Ian still laughing.

Applejack didn’t know why she was blushing or why she suddenly felt angry, or in fact

why what she said next came out of her mouth.

“Oh ah see, the likes of me aint good enough fer the likes uh ya’ll! Well what exactly is

yer type Mr. High Class!?” asked Applejack in a frustrated tone.

Ian stopped laughing and straightened his face with some difficulty.

“Let’s see, I like blondes, you do have that going for you, but I like my women a bit taller

and more uh, how should I say it? Human.” replied Ian before continuing to laugh.

Applejack felt very embarrassed, she was still figuring out why she had gotten so upset

about his reaction. Once Ian calmed down, he apologized for his reaction and

explained why he had reacted with such laughter.

“I am sure that here in Equestria, you are a very attractive young mare by equine

standards, but to humans like me you resemble a horse, a beast we have in the

Imperium that we use for farm work and even as a mode of transportation. They

don’t talk, they are loyal, and they are not highly intelligent such as the ponies

here. It would go against everything I stand for to try any ‘funny business’ with

you or any other pony here. I would be considered a freak at best and never be able

to show my face back home again, or a heretic at worst and burnt to ash by one or

more of my fellows.”

“Oh.” was all the still blushing and now somewhat horrified Applejack

could respond with.

“Yeah, the Imperium really does not encourage inter-species relationships of any

kind; in fact it is usually an offense punishable by immediate execution. So you do

not have to worry about any funny business.” finished Ian.

“Oh crabapples ah don’t even know why ah acted like that or said that stuff.” said

Applejack deeply embarrassed.

“It’s alright AJ, many women in the Imperium would have reacted the same way if a

man had reacted the way I did to your rule. You seem like a very moral young la-

mare.” Ian said whilst correcting himself and patting her on her shoulder.

“Well, ah try, and ah’m glad were on the same page.” said Applejack.

“Likewise AJ, likewise.” replied Ian.

*****************************************************************************

Ian was in his new room, and he loved it. There was plenty of space, a huge

closet, and who doesn’t love a bathroom. In the corner nearest her bed Ian had

set up his armor stand, while all his clothes were in the dresser and wardrobe.

He put his weapons in the huge walk-in closet, except for Dread Bane. The

ancient heirloom was in its velvet lined cherry case atop the dresser, the machine

spirit within hummed contently, causing Ian to smile and pat the old hammer.

“Glad you’re happy old friend.” said Ian.

Ian was easily by far the 9500 year old hammer’s favorite wielder to date, and it

had been wielded by a member of the Ludones family ever since it was forged.

Ian finished polishing his armor and put it on the armor stand, complete with its

helmet, which resembled the helm worn by a medieval knight. He then grabbed

one item that no one had guessed he would have carried: a crutch. Ian sat on the

bed and rolled up the leg of his slacks, revealing the prosthetic limb that had

replaced his left leg. He reached took the key from around his neck, reached

down and found the release, and with a light pop, the leg released.

Ian then put on his pajamas, the left leg of which was tied off just above the knee where the

stump of his leg ended. Ian looked at the prosthetic. He had several that he used and had

brought with him, but this one was his favorite by far. It had been built by the same genius

tech-priest who had created his shotgun rounds, from the leg of a vanquished Necron lord

and when he wore it, it was indiscernible from a real limb. The living metal was impressive

to say the least and made a great interrogation tool in the rather unorthodox methods he

used on male suspects. No man that Ian had met liked a metal object going at high speed

smashing into them, particularly in an areaas sensitive as the groin.

He would have worn the leg to bed, but it was very uncomfortable, and if he needed to

use the bathroom, he was not going to bother putting the leg on only to remove it

again minutes later. Ian was removed from his thoughts by a knock at the door.

“Yes, come in, the door is unlocked.” said Ian standing and leaning on the crutch.

Applejack opened the door and walked in, her mane was no longer in the pony tail it

had been earlier, it was long and ungroomed, and she was not wearing her stetson.

“Ah just wanted to apologize fer earlier and say- Oh my sweet Celestia! Ian what

happened ta yer leg!? she asked with a very shocked face upon noticing Ian’s

missing limb.

Ian got a somewhat annoyed look on his face.

“Applejack, what did I say about asking questions about my past?”

“Long, nasty, and shouldn’t be known?” she asked sheepishly.

“Yes. However, I will make an exception in this case. I lost it in a battle seven years

ago. It was well worth it though.” He said.

“How could it be well worth it?” she asked very puzzled.

“Because I lost my leg, but I was able to save a fellow inquisitor and friend from the

enemy that would have taken his life.” replied Ian with a smile.

Applejack then noticed a picture on the nightstand next to Ian’s bed. He was smiling

and happy, andnext to him was what must have been a female of the human species.

She was very happy and had long blonde hair; she and Ian looked like the perfect

match.

“Ian is that yer very special some pony?” she asked excitedly.

She soon regretted asking the question, as Ian’s face sank from one of happiness

at the fond memory of saving the life of his old friend, to a sadness that made her

want to cry herself.

“She was my very special someone.” he replied sadly.

“What happened?” asked Applejack

“She died.” Ian finished.

The wall clock read 1 a.m. Ian wished Applejack goodnight, and she went to

her room to go to bed herself. Ian shut off the lights and drifted into an uneasy

sleep, hoping that morning would bring a new day that would bring some sort

of reprieve from the bad memories of his past.

Chapter 4: Breakfast and History Lessons

Applejack awoke feeling well rested despite having some disturbing

dreams the previous night. Feeling a bit cramped she stretched her hooves

and got to her feet and went in to wash up. The clock read 7:45 am; if she

hurried she would be on time for breakfast before the private court where Ian

would explain everything to them . At the thought of the human visitor, she felt

sadness for him; he had lost his special someone, and she could also tell that he

was still very much brooding over her loss, but Ian had flatly refused to talk more

about his past with any pony, and Applejack was surprised he had told her as much

as he had. This had very much peaked her curiosity about him, and if she couldn’t

find out about his past, she was at least eager to find out more about where he came

from, and what his job was in his society. She walked over to the door to Ian’s room and

found it opened, and Ian was nowhere in sight. His armor and cloak were still standing in

the corner, while the massive hammer was resting on the dresser still in its velvet lined

cherry wood case. She did however notice that there were no signs of Ian’s prosthetic leg,

which meant he was probably already at breakfast. She grabbed her stetson from her room

and began to walk down to the dining hall to meet the princesses and her friends for breakfast.

*****************************************************************************

Applejack made it just in time for breakfast, but much to her surprise, Ian was nowhere in sight.

“Mornin’ every pony, has anypony seen Ian? Ah didn’t see him this mornin’.” asked Applejack.

“Good morning Applejack, he’s in the kitchen making some drinks from the Imperium for us,

he told us that he wanted to repay us for our show of hospitality.” replied Celestia from her

seat next to Luna at the head of the table.

“Let’s just hope he doesn’t poison us.” said Rainbow Dash with a glare.

“Ya know RD, ya should be a lil’ nicer, he and ah talked some last night,

and life aint been to kind to him.” spat Applejack.

“Really? He told you some about his past?” asked Twilight with some interest.

“Yep, he did.” returned Applejack.

Before the conversation could go any further, Ian came through the door to the

kitchen with a tray in both hands and nine large cups of liquid each with a sugar

bowl and a small cup of cream next to each of them. Ian himself was in a black

greatcoat and wearing a black tunic shirt and dress pants with knee high black

leather riding boots. At his right side was his pistol and on the left side was his bowie

knife while on his head was the wide brimmed witch hunter hat that he’d worn the

previous night. Applejack had to admit to herself he was still rather imposing even

without his high tech armor.

“Coffee’s served!” said Ian setting the tray on the table. “Now, probably the best

way for trying coffee for the first time is take a single sip, it is a rather bitter drink,

hence the cream and sugar.”

The cups were passed around and the ponies each took a small sip. Twilight, Luna,

and Rainbow Dash seemed to enjoy the dark liquid just the way it was, while Celestia,

Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack quickly added some cream and sugar. Pinkie Pie meanwhile

dumped the whole sugar bowl and all of the cream into her coffee cup, drawing strange

looks from her friends, and an amused stare from Ian. After making their adjustments to

the drinks, Rarity spoke up.

“So Ian darling, where did you get that handsome ensemble? It looks very dashing on you.”

asked the fashionista looking the uniform up and down.

“Oh, my clothes? This is garb more commonly worn by inquisitors from the Ordo Hereticus.”

replied Ian stirring at his coffee.

“Ordo Hereticus? What is that?” asked Twilight.

“They are one of the major offices of the inquisition; they have the job of rooting out traitors,

heretics, and rouge psykers. They are also known as witch hunters.” said Ian suddenly taking

in the silence in the room and six sets of eyes staring at him with a mixture of fear and confusion.

“Is it something I said?” asked Ian with a confused look of his own.

“Yes actually. We used to have witch hunters here in Equestria; they were a cruel bunch that

got out of control and had to be destroyed.” said Luna. This was the first time that Ian had

heard the princess of the night speak.

“Worry not, I am no witch hunter, and our witch hunters merely perform the duty

of their office.” replied Ian biting his tongue. He had little trust for most members

of the Ordo Hereticus, save for one or two.

“Well then what are you?” asked Rainbow Dash a little more rudely than intended;

Ian just shrugged it off however, much to the relief of everyone in the room. It was just

too early to argue.

“All will be explained after breakfast Rainbow Dash.” Celestia answered giving the

cyan pegasus a rather annoyed glare.

Breakfast was soon served. It was mostly raw fruits and vegetables, but Ian did not

complain, he was just glad that there was food. There were also some eggs and cheese,

as well as a special treat for their human guest, and that was bacon.

“Wow, I wouldn’t think that you would have meat here.” said Ian trying to hide his excitement

as bacon was indeed his favorite food.

“It is imported from our neighboring kingdom, the Holy Griffon Empire, we keep it for

ambassadors and guests who are either carnivorous or omnivorous, is it to your

liking?” asked Princess Luna. Ian bit into bacon strip, and immediately felt as if

angels were dancing on his taste buds.

“This is the best bacon I have ever had.”

Before Luna could respond, Rainbow had flown up to him with a suspicious glare.

“So, he not only shows up armed to the teeth, but he’s also a carnivore! That’s just

gross! Great, his whole species could show up here and turn us into food! Is that

what your plan is? Huh? Is- mhmhmhmhm!” Before she could continue she noticed

that Ian had stuffed a handful of bacon in her mouth.

“First off, humans are omnivorous, we eat both meat and plants, second off, don’t

knock something until you’ve tried it” said Ian with a devious grin on his face, “and third,

horses, the creatures that you lot resemble, we do not commonly eat, so you should be

safe. Also I am here alone, and will be until I complete my report and contact the nearest

Imperial world for extraction, so no one will show up to bother you or your friends.”

Rainbow Dash thought she was going to be sick at first but as she let the taste seep in, she

realized why the human liked the meat so much.

“Oh my gosh this is really good! Wait a minute… does this make me a cannibal?!” asked the

now confused Pegasus.

“No, if you were a cannibal, you would technically be eating another being who can think

logically for themselves and make their own decisions, what you are doing is no different

from how these griffons as the princess called them, eat.” replied Ian reassuringly.

“Uh, thanks, but don’t think this means I trust you.” replied Rainbow Dash.

“Fine by me, but uh, are you going to leave me any bacon?” asked Ian chuckling.

“Fat chance!” replied the cyan Pegasus, causing everyone to laugh, albeit a bit

nervously, as ponies eating meat was though not uncommon, it was not normal either.

“Behold; the power of Bacon.” said Ian drawing a few more laughs.

When Ian bit into the fruit he had been offered, his eyes widened in awe. This

was the freshest fruit he had ever tasted; not even the Imperium’s best agri-worlds

could produce fruit this fresh, and he had grown up on a farm. Ian finished his

breakfast and thanked his host.

“Thank you once again for your hospitality your majesties.” He said bowing his head

to Celestia, Luna, and Twilight.

“You are most welcome Ian” said Celestia in a motherly and kind tone.

“Not to be rude Ian, but what is in this drink? I feel much more alert and like

I have alot more energy.” asked Twilight stretching her wings out a little.

“Coffee is made from coffee beans, a small bean that is grown on agricultural worlds

in the Imperium, it contains caffeine, which is like a natural energy supplement… why

are you all staring at me like that and where is our pink friend?” And that was the day Ian

learned why one should never ever, ever give caffeine to Pinky Pie; he found this out quickly

as the pink party pony popped up suddenly beside him, causing him to yelp rather loudly in

surprise and tumble backwards in his chair.

“OhmygoshthisissoawesomecanIhavemore!!?” said the now overcharged pink ball of energy.

Celestia along with everyone else now wore very worried looks on their faces. Pinkie Pie

had just scared the daylights out of an armed alien visitor and there was no telling how he

may react. To everyone’s relief Ian calmly got up, dusted himself off, fixed his glasses

and smiled.

“Ok, I get it now; don’t give Miss Pie anything with caffeine or sugar.” said Ian with a light chuckle.

“Are you alright Inquisitor?” asked Luna.

“Yes of course your majesty, it would take much more than that to hurt me. Shall we go into

the throne room for our little meeting then?”asked Ian.Celestia looked up at the clock. It

was nearing 9am.

“Of Course Ian, lets head on into the throne room, the servants will take care of the dishes and

clean up the table.” Said Celestia still relieved that Ian had not pulled his pistol and started

shooting.

*****************************************************************************

The throne room was indeed a sight to behold; large glass windows allowed the light to fill it

revealing a pure white marble floor with a red carpet going up the middle and a triple throne

at the end which was raised up off of the ground. The beauty of it was breathtaking; it certainly

blew all of the governors’ palaces he’d been in out of the water. Ian walked to the center of the

room, knelt down, and placed a small hologram projector on the floor.

“What is that thing?” asked Dash pointing a hoof.

“This” said Ian standing back up “is a hologram projector. It creates a 3 dimensional image to

better show something.”

“How do we know it’s really not some kinda weird thing that’ll kill us?” asked the cyan

Pegasus rudely.

“Yes, I flew here all those trillions of miles through the daemon infested warp and landed

to stay here alone, just to harm the most peaceful beings in the galaxy whom I was sent

to learn about in the first place.” replied Ian with a sarcastic and very annoyed tone while

giving Dash a look that just said ‘seriously?’

Rainbow backed off at sensing Ian’s less than happy mood towards her. As soon as Ian had

set the device up, he requested the window shades be pulled, which was done. Shining and

his wife Cadence walked into the room just before Ian began. Cadence and Shining were now

expecting their first foal and both of them were in high spirits.

“Ah, good of you to join us captain and miss?” asked Ian.

“Oh, this is my wife, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” replied Shining introducing his wife.

“It is a pleasure to meet you your majesty.” replied Ian with a slight bow of his head while

thinking to himself 'Good God-Emperor, how many princesses does a realm need?'.

“Oh please Inquisitor, no need for formalities, you may call me Cadence.” She said

offering a hoof which Ian shook firmly.

“You may call me Ian; it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Cadence.”

With Further introductions finished, Ian activated the projector, which created a three

dimensional map of the Imperium. The map filled the entire room and had labels that

identified all of the major worlds of the Imperium. Some of these worlds Ian had visited

others he had not, and many more he wished to visit. Ian began his little history and geography

lesson.

“This is the Imperium of Mankind; as you can see it is a galaxy spanning empire. It

consists of one million worlds more or less and is protected by innumerable legions

of soldiers and mighty fleets of starships, as well as genetically altered superhuman

warriors and is run from the SegmentumSolar.” The map zoomed in on the huge territory

in the center of the map. “Here lays Terra, known in ancient times as Earth; it is the capital

of the Imperium and the seat of His most Immortal Majesty, The God Emperor of Mankind.

It was here that I first began to research the evidence of the existence of your kind.”

said Ian.

“So where are we located in all of this?” asked Twilight with a look of awe still

plastered across her face.

“We are here” said Ian tapping the control pad and moving the map to another large

section of the map, “this is the Segmentum Pacificus, and you are located here on

the world of Equis Prime.” The planet was now in full view for all to see.

“So any questions?” asked Ian. Everyone shook their heads no; it was after all a very

straight forward explanation.Ian then proceeded to tap a few more times on the control

pad and began a very brief explanation of the history of the Imperium and the Inquisition,

beginning with the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy and going into the founding of the

Inquisition as well as its mission and the duties of its office. He did well to leave out any

information about the Grey Knights, as due to their classified nature, only bad things would

come of revealing their existence. The expressions of the various ponies varied. Luna and

Celestia sat with unreadable faces, Twilight, Applejack, Cadence, Shining Armor and

Rainbow Dash all had looks of utter shock and horror etched upon their faces. Pinkie

Pie’s mane had deflated, while Fluttershy and Rarity had fainted at the explanation of

what Exterminatus was and how and why it was performed.

“Any questions as I am all sure you have some?” asked Ian.

“Yes, I have a few Ian.” said Shining, his face no longer that of an excited parent to be,

but someone who has just learned of how cruel life can truly be. “How in can you just

annihilate an entire world? All of those lives destroyed at the press of a few buttons?

How does someone live with the burden and guilt of ordering something so horrible?”

Ian could understand the Captain’s shock. Ian took a deep breath in, and answered.

“Think of planets in a system as patients in a hospital. The taint of chaos is as a virus

that will infect a patient, and thus must be rooted out by any means necessary. If the

infection is not treated, it will then spread to the other patients in that area and they will

die. Once the taint of chaos infects something wholly, it can never truly be returned back

to normal, and must be destroyed whether it is a living being or an entire world. The

destruction of an entire world is no light manner, and very few men and women have the

power to order such an under taking. As to how we deal with the guilt, it all depends upon

the individual. Some are so convinced that there was no other way they do not dwell on it;

some bury themselves in their faith; Some however have little to no trace of humanity left

and do not even care; most of us turn our grief to strength to continue the fight against Chaos.”

“Ian, are you alright?” asked Celestia in a concerned voice.

“I am fine.” replied the young Inquisitor taking off his glasses and wiping a

sleeve across his face “I just had something in my eye.”

“So, uh if these chaos guys are so dangerous, why don'y you capture their stuff

and turn own weapons against them?” asked Rainbow Dash still in horrified awe

from the Inquisitor’s history lesson.

“To do so is to tread the path to damnation. Being in the mere presence of some

of these traitors and daemons can corrupt people, what do you think wielding

their weapons would do?” replied Ian thinking of the story of Inquisitor Quixos

and his road to damnation. Being a member of the Amalthian sect, he despised

the use of the weapons of the great enemy and held firmly to the ideal that no

true servant of the Emperor would use such methods, that being said, Ian also

saw no problem in working with certain Xenos cultures such as the Tau and

Craftworld Eldar, making him fall on the center of the line between the puritan

and radical groups and cementing himself as very unorthodox, however his

results and legendary temper usually silenced his few enemies within the

Inquisition.

“So in other words it’s like playing with fire.” said Rainbow Dash now understanding

the severity of the treat that chaos posed.

“Exactly.” replied Ian.Pinkie’s mane suddenly reinflated and she began waving a hoof.

“Oooh! Oooh! I have one pick me!”

“Yes Miss Pie, what is your question?” replied Ian with a somewhat confused look

on his face. Not even a minute ago she had been depressed about how life was lived

in the Imperium, now she was happy as she had been at breakfast.

“What is that beaded thingy hanging on your belt?” she asked excitedly.

Ian looked down at what the pink party pony was pointing at an immediately noticed that

she was pointing at his rosette. It was a finely crafted one as well, incorporating the stylized

letter I of the inquisition and the chapter insignia of the Blood Angels Space Marines, a

chapter that his family had an extensive history with and was made of adamantium. Several

of his ancestors had been battle brothers in the illustrious chapter, and his older brother, the

only other living member of his family was currently counted amongst their ranks, a fact that

made his heart swell with pride.

“This is an Inquisitorial rosette. It is a badge of office that lets people know who I am

and not to get in my way. Every inquisitor has a rosette, and no two are really the same.

Mine for instance has prayer beads on the chain, and also the symbol of the Blood

Angels Space Marines, as my family has a long history with them going back many years.”

replied Ian.

“So it is sort of like a badge worn by police ponies?” asked Twilight.

“Of sorts, but it carries a lot more power than the badge worn by a police agency, this little beauty allows me to requisition entire armies and war fleets.” said Ian. Twilight was the last to raise her hoof with a question.

"Yes your majesty?" asked Ian.

"Do you humans make friends easily?" asked the lavender Alicorn.

The question made Ian smile.

"That is one of the few luxuries we can afford in the Imperium. Unfortunately it is inevetable

that through the bitter event of death or the journies that we are sent on in life; friendships

do not always last. I consider myself blessed as I have some very good friends back home.

But in general, it is easy to make friends for most of us, however, being an inquisitor does

make it a bit difficult. People tend to be very afraid of us, and are rightly so." said Ian.

The clock had reached 9:50 A.M. and Ian knew he needed to wrap things up. He looked

to Celestia and nodded to her:

“Your majesty, do you have any questions for me?” he asked.

“Yes, I wanted you to confirm why you are here for us, so everyone can be at ease

in the knowledge that you mean us no harm.” replied the sable Alicorn.

“Very well, I am here to study the history and culture of Equestria as well as

investigate any historical, ideological, political and or religious links to the Imperium

as well as confirm you are no threat to the Imperium or her people. I am also here to

study these ‘Elements of Harmony’ which are thought to have been created by the

God-Emperor himself nearly 10,000 years ago and brought here to Equis Prime.”

replied Ian.

“Wait, you are thinking that Equestria and the Imperium have crossed paths before?”

asked Twilight.

“Yes, I indeed do believe it. In the Imperium, this place and your princesses are actually

a children’s fairy tale that is known throughout the Imperium, however, as with all legends,

there is usually some truth behind them.” said Ian.

“I would very much like to hear this fairy tale.” said Twilight.

“Well you are in luck because I happen to have a copy of it with me in my quarters.

If you like I will loan it to you, on the condition that it is returned in as good shape as

it was when it was loaned to you.”

“That’s no problem Ian, Twilight here was a librarian before she was a princess and

she still is really big on keeping books in tip top shape.” said Rainbow Dash.

“Alright then, let’s go get the book, I am sure that her majesty wishes to get to her royal

duties and I am sure a few of you have some more questions.” replied Ian.After saying a

quick goodbye, Ian, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity all headed up towards

the suite while Pinkie, Cadence, and Shining Armor woke up Fluttershy to take her back to

her room. Ian still felt like a monster for making the poor little Pegasus faint, as she is a

very timid mare and the history of the Imperium and the Inquisition was a brutal one at best.

*****************************************************************************

“Those Space Marine guys sound completely awesome!”said Rainbow Dash.

“They are not called the Emperor’s finest for nothing. They can survive wounds

that would kill a normal man thrice over.” replied Ian.

“And your brother is one of them?! That must be just awesome!” she continued

“My family has served the Emperor for nearly 10,000 years; I can trace my lineage

back to Roderick Ludones, who was the first of our family to join the ranks of the Ordo

Malleus 9500 years ago. Ever since then, my family has faithfully fought the enemies

of the Imperium. Some of my family was recruited into the Blood Angels chapter of the

Adeptus Astartes, or we became Inquisitors.” said Ian.

“So it’s always the military lahf fer yer family?” asked Applejack.

“Aye, that it is.” replied Ian proudly.

“So darling, what are the clothing fashions in the Imperium like?” asked Rarity.

“Well they vary from planet to planet. Each planet of the Imperium has its own culture

with different fashions, though being at constant war has had a very militaristic effect on

our clothing fashions. Most common men and women wear a tunic of some sort with boots

and slacks or a skirt.” replied Ian.

“Oh dear, it sounds absolutely dreadful darling!” said Rarity.

“Well what can I say, when one is under the constant threat of death and war, we really

don’t have much time to think on what looks nicest. In all my years I have never once seen

an Imperial citizen ask a pissed off alien monster how he or she looks when it is trying to rip

their head off and eat them.” replied Ian bluntly.Rarity looked like she was going to be a little

bit sick and swallowed hard as if she were trying to force herself not to lose her breakfast.

“You make an excellent point Ian.” She replied a bit green in the face.

“If you wish however, I do have a catalogue with some of the fashions that are popular

amongst the upper crust men and women of the Imperium you can borrow. I must ask

though, why are you so interested in fashion?” asked Ian.

“That would be marvelous, and I am a fashion designer dear. My dresses are worn by some

of the most important ponies in all of Equestria.” she said proudly.

“Ah, that explains that then.” replied Ian.

“So Ian, what’s yer family lahk?” asked Applejack hoping to goodness she would not make

him feel sad again. She soon felt like kicking herself as Ian’s face was as sad as she had seen

it the previous night.

“I had my Father Raymond, my mother Kyrie, my little sister Alice, and my older brother

Malachi, though I only have known him a short time. Malachi and I are the only ones left.

I would rather not talk about this anymore if you do not mind.” said the Inquisitor sadly.

Everyone seemed to understand and backed off on the topic. Rainbow felt suddenly horrible

for how she had been acting towards him and made a mental note to apologize to him later.

They had soon reached the suite and Ian led them to his room. He handed the fashion

catalogue to Rarity, and the old story book to Twilight.

“Be very careful with this princess, it was my mother’s book from the time she was a child,

and my grandfather read it to her.” said Ian.

“I will not allow any harm to come to it.” promised Twilight.

“Now Miss Dash, You seemed very interested in the Astartes, I will loan you this book,

just take care of it, they are not exactly easy to find.” he said placing a book in her hooves.

The title read “Index Astartes” and had pictures of Space Marines on it.

“This will show you some of the various chapters of the Emperor’s Space Marines, and

give a brief history on each of them. If you want to know more about the Blood Angels,

I have several tomes on them.” said Ian.

“Wow! Thanks Ian, I'll take good care of it! Also I’m really sorry for how I acted

earlier and last night.” said the Cyan Pegasus earnestly.

“Hey, if someone showed up armed to the teeth on my doorstep out of the blue saying ‘hi!

I am from a galaxy spanning empire that can burn planets to ash’ I would have most likely

reacted a lot more… how shall I say it, violently. I forgive you, we’re all good.” replied Ian.

“So Twilight, where does one gain knowledge of Equestria’s history around here, particularly

from documents from the past?” asked Ian.

“Well, that would be the Royal Archives, unfortunately a lot of it was destroyed during the

Lunar War, the old palace was where everything was housed and it was burnt to the

ground. Very little was able to be saved.” said Twilight

“Ah, that is unfortunate, but on the upside, it may make my job go faster.” replied Ian whilst

making a mental note to research the Lunar War when he got a chance.

“Well, Princess Celestia will probably drop by tonight to speak with you about that, and she

will probably want to introduce you to the press and nobility at some point as well.” said

Twilight. Ian’s nose wrinkled in discontent at the mention of the press. “What’s wrong?”

she asked.

“I really hate the press. Even in the Imperium, where our news media is heavily censored,

you always get some damned reporter trying to make a name for him or herself in one way

or another. I take it from how peaceful you lot are they have free reign in what they publish?”

replied Ian.

“Yes.” Twilight sighed in an annoyed manner, “They are a real pain in the flank. I honestly

wouldn’t mind seeing some of them censored or better yet, seeing Princess Celestia send

them to the moon.” replied Twilight.

*****************************************************************************

After a brief chat, Ian and Applejack sat in the common area of the room and talked.

“Ian, ahm sorry ah made ya sad.” said Applejack.

“It is ok AJ; don’t beat yourself up over it. I am not angry at you. It is just a very touchy

topic for me that I really do not like discussing.” replied Ian. He got the surprise of his life

when the orange farm pony threw her hooves around him and gave him a hug.

“If ya ever need ta talk, ahm here fer ya. Ah lost my ma and pa four years ago.

Ma got really sick, and pa died from a heart condition not long after. You can call

me a friend if ya want too.” said Applejack.

“Thank you AJ.” Ian said returning the hug. Normally he would be suspicious, he had

never had a local give him a hug before, in fact most cowered at the mere sight of him;

however, something about her just screamed honesty, it was after all her element.

*****************************************************************************

Later that day:

Celestia knocked on the door to Ian and Applejack’s room. The door was quickly

opened by Ian.

“Everything going well Inquisitor?” she asked.

“Very well thank you your majesty, Twilight said you would be by. Something

about a press conference and granting access to historical documents and

information about the elements.” said Ian.

“Yes indeed, I was also wondering if you would like to walk with me, for I desire

to speak with you alone.” said Celestia.

“Of course majesty.” replied Ian. He then turned and spoke to his roommate. “AJ I

am stepping out for a bit, I will be back soon.”

“Alright, ah should be here, see ya later.” said Applejack. As He and Celestia walked

down the halls and corridors they spoke a little of the day and what tomorrow would bring.

“So tomorrow I am going to be introduced to the press?” asked Ian

“Yes, there will be a press conference that will let the citizens of Equestria know that

you are here peacefully, that is all it is about.” said the princess. Ian suddenly stopped and

began looking at the ceiling. His actions confused the solar princess.

“Ian, what are you doing?” she asked.

“So, where can I hang myself?” he asked sarcastically, and succeeded in catching

Celestia off guard.

“What?!” she asked nervously.

“I was not being serious, I just hate reporters. However, I will do this to put your citizens’

minds at ease; you needn’t worry yourself about it.” replied Ian. Celestia nodded in

acknowledgement and they continued on.

“I am also granting you access to the few historical documents that survived the fire.

We were able to save the documents on our founding, and they talk a great deal about

father and his experiments; however, much was lost after the civil war 1003 years ago,

as well as a fire in the archives about 6 years ago, but those are memories I do not wish

to dredge up; they are… painful.” said Celestia.

“Sometimes we just cannot let go.” said Ian sadly. Celestia had seen his past when she

had read him. She felt nothing but sadness for him; no one should have to put their own

home and loved ones to the torch, but Ian had had to. She quickly changed the subject

to keep off of the topic.

“There will also be a welcoming ball for you next week where you will be able to meet

some of the Canterlot elite and the nobility; it is being organized by Miss Pie, she wants

to throw you a proper welcome.” said Celestia with a smile.

“By the Emperor, that pink chem addict is organizing a ball?!” he said in a surprised and

confused manner causing the princess to chuckle.

“She is actually very good at it, she is after all a professional event organizer.”

replied Celestia smiling.

“I will take your word for it then.” said Ian with a sigh.

*****************************************************************************

While Ian and the Princess were out, Applejack received some visitors. Twilight,

Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy had all showed up to see their

friend. After they all talked a little, the conversation drifted to Ian and explanation

of the Imperium and the Inquisition.

“Ah feel so awful fer him, and every livin’ thing in the Imperium. They have ta fight

just ta survive. said Applejack sadly.

“Makes me glad we’ve lived here quietly; reading about some of those Space Marine

guys in the book Ian loaned me, it’s like not a day goes by where the Imperium isn’t

attacked by traitors, alien monsters, or suffers some catastrophe.” said Rainbow.

"Although some of their clothing looks just stunning!" said Rarity entusiastically.

Everyone in the room gave her a blank look.

"What?! Can't a mare admire some clothes?" she followed up causing everyone

else to face hoof.

“Moving on; the really crazy part is that we may have connections to the Imperium

through Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Apparently, they were created by the

Emperor to rule over all of the ponies and stop them from fighting each other.” said

Twilight.

“Where in the hay did you find that out?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“The book Ian loaned me, it also claimed that the Emperor used his own blood to

create the princesses, and that there were a thousand other Alicorns that arrived

with the princesses to form a nobility, and that the Emperor created the Element’s

of Harmony to be a weapon against anything that wanted to harm us.” said Twilight.

“S-so the princesses are technically-” began Fluttershy timidly.

“His daughters; if this is all true. Princess Celestia was very shady about her origins,

and Princess Luna has never brought it up. There may exist something about it, but if

there does I sure haven’t seen it yet.” said Twilight.The six ponies moved out on the

balcony watching the beauty of Luna’s jeweled sky and bright moon; she was such an

artist, which was when Pinkie spoke up.

“Hey guys! Look down there in the gardens!” she said excitedly but quietly for once.

There in the gardens sitting on a bench was Princess Celestia and Ian having a

conversation and completely unaware of their audience above them. The six of

them listened closely as the two talked.

*****************************************************************************

After a good bit more walking, Ian and Celestia arrived in the Canterlot gardens and

found a bench. The sun princess’s bright demeanor suddenly faded as she spoke to

the young inquisitor.

“Ian, when I looked into your mind, I saw your memories and felt your feelings. I saw

your past and I also saw what happened with your home world. I had some questions

about what happened.” she said concerned. Causing Ian to release an aggravated sigh.

“What of it princess? What do wish to know? How I felt as I watched my own home burn

from orbit? For me to describe how the simultaneous scream of ten billion souls being

ripped from their bodies so horrifically, drove me and every other psyker in the area to

our knees? Or maybe you wish to hear about the night terrors? How I awake to the

faceless billions and my loved ones and friends who died, all of them leveling their

fingers accusingly at me because I failed them and in doing so failed The God- Emperor

by allowing some bootlick of the dark gods to invade one of his worlds and butcher his

citizens. Or maybe you wish to know how I felt as I gave the order to burn my own home

to ash while I heard the laughter of that bastard Dark Apostle echo through my mind.”

replied Ian.Princess Celestia felt nothing but sadness for the young man. It was clear

to her that he wanted to avoid the topic, but she was bound and determined to try

and help him.

“Ian, you had no other choice. You gave them a mercy rather than leaving them to the

daemons and besides, talking about it may give you some feeling of closure.” she offered.

“The only closure I will get, the only relief to my sadness will be when Kol Agilor, the Butcher

of Laureus IX along with that whore of a sorceress that travels with him is dead by my hand,

and his head taken to Formosa and presented to Lord Coteaz, or I lie dead upon the field of

battle. Only then will I have peace. Also I did have a choice. I could have stayed behind and

died fighting, died with honor; but I left because my father told me that the Emperor had a plan

for me and dying there was not it; and then he knocked me out cold and put me on. The place

I took on that shuttle could have been given to someone who deserved to live more than I did.”

said Ian ashamed of himself.

“Ian you-” began Celestia before the Inquisitor cut her off.

“Princess, I do not wish to speak of this anymore. Please, just let it die, and do not bring it up

again. I let you into my head to show you that I am not here to harm you or your subjects. Do

not make me regret doing so. I shall see you in the morning for the press conference. Good

night Princess.” finished Ian before taking his leave. Only one thought came to Princess Celestia’s

mind.

“That poor soul.”

*****************************************************************************

The six mares had moved back inside after hearing the short conversation between

Celestia and Ian. All of them wore sad faces as they realized why Ian had looked so

upset when he was answering Shining Armor’s question.

“Poor Ian.” Said Rainbow Dash She now felt even worse about how she had treated him,

even though he had forgiven her.

“I Just can’t imagine how he feels.” said Twilight shakily.Pinkie Pie and Rarity were trying

to comfort Fluttershy, who was crying on the couch after hearing the conversation, both of

them also had tears forming in their eyes. Applejack was just sitting out on the balcony. Try

as she might, she could not stop her eyes from letting the tears fall. A few minutes went by a

nd the door opened. Ian stood there and took in the sight before him.

“Hi girls, what’s with the water works?” he asked with some confusion. When he received

no answer he went out onto the balcony to ask Applejack what was going on, however as

he approached the banister, he got another surprise hug, this one from all of the six element

bearers. He then looked over the edge of the balcony and saw exactly where he had been

sitting below. It then suddenly dawned on him that they had heard him and the princess talking.

“Oh what have I gotten myself into?” Ian thought to himself. He now knew he would be facing

an inevitable barrage of questions about his least favorite subject: The exterminatus of his

home world, Laureus IX.

Chapter 5: Of research, meetings and parties.

The Next Day:

Much to Ian’s relief, the six mares did not question him about or

bring up Laureus IX; they had heard enough from their perch on

the balcony to put two and two together and just wanted Ian not to

be upset. Ian arose the next day at seven AM and put on a Cadian

dress uniform that he kept with him in his luggage, along with his great

coat and glasses. He left his hat in his room as he figured that the witch

hunter type hat would raise unwanted attention at the press conference.

Once he was done shaving, grooming his hair, and brushing his teeth;

he and Applejack went downstairs to meet the Princess Celestia and the

other element bearers for breakfast. Princess Luna was sleeping as she

was after all the princess of the night and thus slept most of the day due

to her nocturnal duties.

Breakfast was a quiet affair as no one felt like speaking about the previous

night’s events. Once breakfast was over, Ian walked with Princess Celestia

to where the press conference was to be held. On the way to the conference,

Celestia and Ian spoke of what had happened.

“Ian, I apologize for bringing up your past last night. It was wrong of me to

intrude in such a way after you told us all right out not to ask us about it.” said the

sable alicorn apologetically.

“I have already forgiven you princess; just do not bring it up again is all I ask.”

replied Ian.

“I will not do it again. Please just remember though, if you ever wish to talk,

my ears are open to you; and I will not tell anyone else.” said Celestia.

“If and when I decide to do so, I will speak with you. Not one moment before.

Now let us not keep the buzzards waiting.” said Ian with a small smile.

***********************************************************************

Despite Ian’s deep hatred of the press, he knew how to deal with them

quite well: especially when it came to avoiding topics that could cause panic

or revolt amongst the populace. The area in which the conference was to be

held was a courtyard. The press would be on the floor of the courtyard while

Ian and Celestia would be on the balcony overlooking the courtyard. The courtyard

was full of reporters from all over Equis Prime. Ian saw not only ponies, but griffons,

minotaurs, hyppogryphs, and many other creatures that had been thought only to exist

in mythology. Celestia introduced Ian in a quick speech before allowing Ian to take center

stage. As soon as Ian stepped onto the balcony next to Princess Celestia, he was

barraged with questions.

“Please, please. One at a time; raise your hand, claw, or hoof and I will answer

your questions.” said Ian calmly. The first one to raise a hoof was a green pegasus mare

with a midnight blue mane, and Ian called on her.

“Inquisitor Ludones I am Truth Writer, with Equestrian Royal News; We would like to know:

where are you from and what brings you here to Equestria?” she asked.

“I am from a star spanning interplanetary empire that consists of one million worlds

and quadrillions of subjects known as the Imperium of Mankind. I am here on a

diplomatic mission to learn more about Equestria, as it has recently been discovered

that there may be a link between this world and the Imperium that was forged 10,000

years ago by our emperor. In proving this link, I will be able to show my leaders that

this world is not a threat and hope that relations between this world and the Imperium

flourish.” answered Ian.

The next to raise an appendage and be called on by Ian was a griffon with a black

coat and gray feathers.

“Artemis Von Griffonstadt; Griffon Imperial News; The princess called you an inquisitor,

what does your job entail?” he asked.

“Well, I am inquisitive.” said Ian with a smile that drew a few laughs. “In all seriousness

I am a combination of a detective, a diplomat, a soldier, and a scholar. It is an occupation

that requires years upon years of schooling and gives one a great deal of influence and power.”

Ian knew he was grossly understating and even avoiding telling the reporters more about the

duties of his office, but the last thing he wanted was an entire world in fear of the Imperium

when he was trying to gain the cooperation of its inhabitants. Telling the entire world that his

empire’s military could burn a planet to ash would most likely cause a panic of epic

proportions; he remembered all too well how Fluttershy had fainted. The press conference

went on for about an hour. Ian found himself answering questions mostly about the Imperium;

its religion, society, politics and the relations between Equis Prime and the Imperium in the

past. Relatively few questions were asked about the Emperor himself, but Ian figured that the

idea of a divine immortal monarch did not surprise these creatures; seeing as Equestria had

two of them and therefore it must not be a new concept for them. A nudge from Celestia told

him that time was up.

“Well, it has been good speaking with all of you, Emperor bless you and watch over you.” said Ian.

************************************************************************************************

Ian was relieved to be away from the reporters. He let out a sigh as he found a chair to sit in.

“Good job Ian, you really handled that well.” said Celestia.

“Thank you princess.” replied Ian.

“By the way, my nephew, Prince Blueblood will be in the library this afternoon with the

documents you will need at around two pm.” said the princess.

“Ah; well then I shall meet him in the library at two then.” replied Ian.

****************************************************************************************

When Ian got back to his room, he was met by Applejack, who had a rather sour look on

her face.

“Why did ya lie ta them reporters? Why didn’t ya tell ‘em what ya told us

yesterday mornin?” she asked.

“Tell me AJ, do you remember how Fluttershy and Rarity reacted when I told them about

the duties of my office?” he asked very seriously.

“They fainted.” replied Applejack.

“Yes. It was very scary for them, and tell me; what was going through your mind when

you heard that I have the power to order an entire planet burnt to ash?” continued Ian.

“Ah was kinda scared.” replied Applejack.

“Exactly; now, how do you think that an entire planetary population would react to what

I told you? They would be terrified. They may even react with violence. I am not here to

spread violence and fear. I am here to learn and prove to everyone back home that you

are just as much sons and daughters of the Emperor as we humans are.” finished Ian.

“Ah guess ya made yer point. Sorry again.” said Applejack feeling somewhat foolish.

“No AJ, do not be sorry. You are the element of honesty, and lying is a detestable course

of action; it is however necessary at times. To be perfectly honest, I hate liars. I hate lying

even more, but there are times when one must lie to save lives.” said Ian with a sigh.

“Ah understand.” said Applejack.

“So anyhow, will you be at the welcome party next week that the Princesses are

throwing me?” asked Ian.

“Eeyup, Ah’ll be there. Rarity also wants ta see ya, she’s probably gonna make ya a

new suit er somthin’ so be prepared.” warned Applejack.

“Why? Should I be worried?” asked Ian.

“Let’s just say Rarity can get a lil bit melodramatic when she gets in her “zone”.” said

Applejack remembering all too well one time of getting roped into trying on dresses for

Rarity.

“I will keep that in mind. In the mean time however, I need to get to the Library.

The princess told me on the way back that I was going to be meeting her nephew

in the Library and that he was going to get me started on my research with some maps

and old documents.” said Ian

“Wait, her nephew?” she asked with concern.

“Yes, you say that as if it were a bad thing.” said Ian questioningly.

“Sit back and let me tell ya about ol’ Blueblood.” said Applejack.

*************************************************************************************

Prince Blueblood sat anxiously in the library. All of the old charts and maps of

Equestria were laid out before him for the human to look at. To say he was nervous

about meeting the visitor would have been an understatement; he had overheard his

aunt speaking with Twilight about this ‘Inquisitor Ludones’ and had heard them saying

that he had the authority to burn entire planets into a barren rock. The last thing he

wanted to do was to offend someone with that kind of power. A maid approached him

with a huge tray bearing a teapot, some sugar cubes in a fine bowl, and a pair of tea cups.

Blueblood looked at the tray and then cast a critical gaze on the maid.

“I asked for the blue and red tea set not the red and blue one you simpleton!” snapped

the pompous royal. The maid grimaced from the insult.

“I-I’m sorry your grace, I am color blind; I didn’t notice.” replied the mare.

“Then I am sure you will not notice when I have you fired! I shall see to it that you

never find a respectable job again!” ranted the prince.

“P-please your grace! It’s my first week on the job!” she pleaded.

“Well then you will not have grown too comfortable in the servant’s quarters, now

off with you, before you make a mess of something else!” he said cruelly.

The maid, a young mahogany colored earth pony mare turned and walked away

crying silently. Blueblood sat back muttering to himself about the poor mare’s stupidity.

The whole time he had been waiting for the inquisitor though, Ian had been up on the

second story observing the situation with the maid. He was less than impressed.

“Wow, he reminds me of a certain pompous ass I defenestrated.” Ian thought to himself

as he descended the winding staircase. He was wearing his greatcoat over at his fine

uniform he had worn to the press conference, as well as his menacing Witch Hunter hat.

The thump-thumping of Ian’s boots on the stairs caught Blueblood’s attention rather quickly.

The prince stood to welcome his guest as the towering human crossed the floor and stood

before him.

“H-hello, I am Prince Blueblood, it is a p-pleasure to meet you Inquisitor.” said the prince

offering his hoof. The human took his hoof in his hand, stared him dead in the eye, and

squeezed. It was the most painful hoofshake that Blueblood had ever experienced.

*****************************************************************************

Ian was very much enjoying the look of pain that had come over the face of the

pompous unicorn. He could see the pain in Blueblood’s face as he gave the young

prince a handshake from hell; a tactic he used on bullies when he was young and in

school. Ian was strong enough that it took little effort to cause a lot of pain and it was

the least he could do for the way he hadjust treated the poor maid as well as Applejack

and Rarity in the past.

“That is one strong grip you have there! But I have those papers you requested sir! said

Blueblood in a rather high octave.

“Of course your grace, one can tell much about a man from the firmness of his hand or

in your case, hoof shake please lead on.” said Ian while preparing phase two of ruining

the young noble’s day. Ian reached out with his telepathy towards Blueblood’s mind.

******************************************************************************************

“Geeeeeet oooooouuuuuuut!” said a voice in a creeping whisper that made Blueblood’s

blood run cold.

“D-did you hear that!?” asked a now terrified prince.

“I have no idea as to what you are talking about your grace, are you alright? You seem;

jumpy.” replied Ian, masterfully keeping any hint of his part in causing Blueblood’s fear hidden.

“Who me?! Of course not Inquisitor of course not!” he replied all too eagerly.

“I’m going to devour your soul.” came the voice again making Blueblood’s hair stand on end.

“You are sure you do not hear anything inquisitor?” asked Blueblood.

“Aside from the wind outside, no your grace.” replied Ian.

“I can taste your fear…It is delicious!” whispered the voice again. This time, it was just too

much for the pompous unicorn to handle; he screamed, rather lady like, and fainted.

*******************************************************************************************

Ian let out a hearty chuckle when the arrogant young noble fainted. Such tricks were one of

his favorites to use when he broke someone of weak will for information; but for this little

prank, it had worked perfectly. A door opened and the maid walked in, obviously alerted to

something amiss by the rather effeminate scream from the prince, and froze with fear at the

sight before her of the human, standing over and laughing at an unconscious Blueblood.

“Fear not, the prince has scared himself silly and fainted. He claimed he was hearing things,

screamed, and fainted. Tell me madam, is he always so paranoid?” said Ian chuckling.

“N-no sir. He is normally very-” Began the maid nervously.

“Cruel, uncaring and selfish. I saw how he treated you miss?”

“T-Tealeaf milord, my name is Tealeaf.” she said nervously.

Ian brought himself down to eye level with the young mare and adjusted his glasses.

“You needn’t call me milord or your grace; you may call me Ian. It is very nice to meet

you Tealeaf.” said Ian offering a hand. Tealeaf shook laid her hoof in his hand and

he gave her a gentle, yet firm hoofshake.

“It is a pleasure to meet you Ian.” she said with more confidence.

“There you go, now, if you would kindly fetch a few guards to take sleeping sleaze

ball here to his room before he begins to stink up the place? I would be much obliged;

oh, and if he pushes having you fired, let me know and I will stand up for you.” said Ian.

“Thank you Ian!” she giggled before trotting off to get some guards. Ian just chuckled to

himself, sat at the table, and began to read the documents before him and take notes on

a data slate he had brought with him. Thus began the arduous task of researching the history

of Equestria and the search for its links to the Imperium.

************************************************************************************************************

The next day, Ian arose at eight in the morning: for Ian, this was sleeping in, and after the

long night of research, he did not mind sleeping in at all. The first thing Ian decided to do

was check up on his roommate. He grabbed his crutch and proceeded to the living room.

Upon entering the living room he was greeted by the sight of Rarity and Applejack sitting

on the sofa chatting. The soft thumping of Ian’s crutch on the floor as he walked caught

their attention.

“Hi Ian!” said Applejack in her friendly manner quite used to the sight of Ian using his

crutch and without his prosthetic limb. Rarity on the other hand was staring agape.

“Miss Rarity, are you attempting to catch insects?” asked Ian mischievously.

“I’m sorry darling, it is impolite to stare I know, but what happened to your leg!?”

she asked with concern.

“I lost it a long time ago to save the life of a friend; so it was well worth it in the end

and I would gladly give any limb or even my life to protect one of my friends.” replied Ian

matter of factly.

“How can ya be so fearless? Ah mean hay, even Ah would be terrified facin’ off against

some of the stuff you do, and Ah don’t scare easy; you can ask any of mah friends.”

admitted Applejack.

“I would give my life willingly because I know that when I die, I will see my family again;

and we will all be by the Emperor’s side in the final battle against the dark powers.”

said Ian nostalgically.

“That is just; beautiful. Sad, but beautiful Ian.” said Rarity.

“Ah agree, but don’t get yerself killed Ian. None of us wanna see ya dead.” stated

Applejack with some worry.

“Worry not; I do not plan on dying anytime soon. Besides; the Emperor has a time

and place planned for my death and thus I do not concern myself with it. I leave it

up to him.” replied Ian with a smile whilst thinking to himself 'If you really want to make

the Emperor laugh, tell him what you're plans are'.

“Off such a depressing topic as death, are you going to meet me for measurements

today Ian? I would like to make you a nice new uniform for the ball next week.” asked

Rarity with a smile.

“Yes of course. Just allow me to get my leg on and get dressed and ready for the day

and I will meet up with you at breakfast. By the way do you take gold bars for payment?”

asked Ian.

“Please darling; do not worry about payment. Consider this a welcome gift from me.”

she said smiling sweetly.

“Ah, well um, thank you very much Miss Rarity.” replied Ian a bit stunned.

“Please darling, just Rarity will do. All of my friends call me Rarity, and you can consider

me a friend if you want to.” she said kindly.

“Thank you then Rarity. I will go and get cleaned up and assembled; then I shall meet you

two at the breakfast table.” said Ian.

“Sure thing Ian, see ya there!” said Applejack.

Ian moved back towards his room while Applejack and Rarity left to go to the dining hall. It

was a long walk and the two mares decided to chat a bit on the way.

“So Applejack, what do you think of Ian?” asked Rarity.

“He’s really nice. Ah feel really bad fer him and all; no one deserves to go through

what he’s been through.” said Applejack.

“Oh no dear; I mean do you find him handsome?”

“Rarity! What the hey kinda question is that! Ah’m already seein’ some pony, plus

he’s only been here a few days! And on top of that ponies and humans don’t go together!”

replied Applejack.

“Applejack dear, you are blushing!” said Rarity with a ladylike laugh. Rarity was right.

Applejack’s cheeks were red as a ripe apple.

“Oh crabapples! Cant ya just leave me alone about it!?” snapped Applejack.

“I’m sorry darling I was just curious.” replied Rarity with a snicker.

**************************************************************************************

When Ian finally got to the dining hall, he found the element bearers and Princess Luna

waiting for him at the table. Celestia was not present as she was at court. The princess

of the night smiled at the inquisitor’s arrival. He was dressed in another Cadian style uniform,

complete with a peaked cap, jodhpurs, riding boots and a glimmering gorget. The Imperial

Aquilas had all been replaced with stylized inquisitorial letter “I’s”.

“Good morning Ian, I take it your study session went well with our obnoxious and disliked

nephew?” asked Luna with a smile.

“Oh it went well even without him. You see he began acting rather strangely and then he

just shrieked and fainted. It was really the strangest yet most hilarious sight I have seen

in years.” said Ian with a mischievous chuckle.

“Wait, what happened?” asked Twilight.

“Last night I came upon Prince Blueblood mistreating one of the maids. He even made

her cry. After what AJ had told me about him and how he managed to offend her and

Rarity, it was time for him to pay the piper.” said Ian.

“But Princess Luna, didn’t you say he was claiming to hear voices in his head or something?”

asked Pinkie Pie.

“Amazing what one can do with telepathy and years of physical training.” Ian

answered for her, still grinning.

“Yes, he did say you had quite the grip.” chuckled Luna.

“So you have magic where you are from?” asked Twilight.

“To those who do not understand the mysteries of psychic power, I suppose it would

be magic. And yes, I am a psyker. My abilities are telepathy, and the ability to look into

the mind and soul of an individual. This makes it very easy to tell if someone is lying or

what they are thinking.” replied Ian sipping at his coffee.

“Oooh! Oooh! What am I thinking about! said Pinkie Pie appearing suddenly in front of

Ian on the table making him nearly spit his coffee in surprise. Ian focused and narrowed

his eyes at her.

“Chocolate Chip Pancakes.” replied Ian.

“Oooh! He’s good!” said Pinkie clapping her hooves together excitedly.

“So what exactly happened with our royal pain in the flank nephew?” asked Luna with a

wide grin.

Ian proceeded to tell the whole story from when Applejack had told him about how Blueblood

had treated Rarity and her to the part where Ian had scared him witless. It drew a lot of laughs,

especially from Luna and Rarity. After breakfast, Ian went with Rarity to get his measurements

taken before he continued on with his research. Rarity was very good at her work, and had Ian

measured perfectly in under an hour. After the quick measurement session, Ian went to the

library where he found Twilight waiting for him with the materials he had been studying the

previous day.

“Good morning again princess.” said Ian with a curt bow.

“Oh, Hi Ian. I got this stuff ready for you to continue researching; do you think I could join in?

It would be nice to have a study buddy.” said Twilight.

“It shouldn’t be a problem; I am already a good way through the texts that Princess Celestia

gave me access to. She was not joking when she said not much survived.” said Ian

motioning to the ten leather-bound books in front of them. They were not very large books

either, and Ian had read through the first five rather quickly and easily.

“I must ask, what happened with the fire about six years ago. Celestia seemed very distraught

when she mentioned it?” asked Ian.

“It was awful. Several ponies died before she could save them, and she felt she could have

done more. The fire itself was an accident; some pony accidentally dropped a lantern one

night before closing hours and the fire went almost out of control.” said Twilight sadly.

“That is a great tragedy in deed. A crown can be such a heavy weight to bear.” replied Ian

sadly making a note on his data slate.

“Yeah, tell me about it.” sighed the lavender alicorn. Ian and Twilight studied at the table until

sundown, when dinner was served.

****************************************************************************************************

When Ian and Twilight arrived at the dinner table they were greeted by the

sight of the element bearers, Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, and Princess

Celestia; with Luna running her night court, she was not present.

“Welcome Ian, it is good to see you well. I owe you a debt of thanks for putting my nephew

in his place. Poor Tealeaf has enough trouble without him tormenting the poor dear.” said

Celestia, clearly disappointed in her nephew.

“It was really nothing. I hate bullies.” said Ian seriously.

The conversation at dinner was nice and lighthearted. Rarity told Ian she would have his

uniform complete in the next few days, while Rainbow Dash asked him some questions about

the Astartes that she had been unable to figure out in her readings in the book that Ian had

loaned her. In all it was a very nice and peaceful little dinner. Cadence and Shining were also

trying to figure out names for their foal that was due in a few months.

“Ian, Cadence and I are trying to decide upon names for our little one when he or she is born,

any suggestions?” asked Shining. Ian thought for a minute before voicing his thoughts.

“For a girl, or filly, Celestine, and for a boy, or colt, Dante; those are the two names that come

instantly to mind.” replied Ian.

“Very interesting, are they popular names in the Imperium?” asked Cadence.

“They are the names of two of mankind’s greatest heroes. I can tell you their stories if you

wish, and with her majesty’s permission.” said Ian. Celestia gave him a nod that signaled

to go ahead, as did Cadence and shining. Twilight pulled out a pen and quill as Ian told

the story of Lord Dante of the Blood Angels, and then the story of Saint Celestine of the

Sisters of the Order of Our Martyred Lady. At the ending of the story of Saint Celestine,

several ponies had tears in their eyes.

“So… she just died? Just like that?” asked Rainbow Dash trying not to cry.

“No one knows Miss Dash. They never found her body.” replied Ian.

“So she may still be alive?” asked Rarity.

“It is a possibility; I for one certainly hope she is. She was truly touched by the Emperor.”

said Ian with a hint of awe in his voice.

“I would certainly like to meet this Lord Dante someday.” said Shining Armor.

“Who knows, maybe someday you will.” said Ian with a smile.

“So you said that Lord Dante is head of the Blood Angels? Isn’t your brother a Blood

Angel too?” asked Rainbow Dash excitedly.

“That he is, and actually Malachi is my half brother. Father was an Inquisitorial representative

to the Blood Angel’s home world of Baal as he had been a native of the planet just as my

entire family line. In his younger days, dad was quite cavalier…” said Ian with a chuckle.

“Uhm, what does cavalier mean?” asked Fluttershy innocently.

“It means he was quite popular with the mares.” said Rarity with a ladylike

chuckle that made Fluttershy blush beat red, making everyone laugh.

“That was until he met my mother later on. She was a commissar in the Imperial Guard. The

Guard is the Imperium’s main military force; and she was attached to the 117th Death Korps

of Krieg regiment to be precise. They met when my father requisitioned her regiment to bring

down a Chaos cult. Dad said it was love at first sight. They got married about a year after they

had finished the mission and nine months later I was born on Laureus IX, where dad taught at

the Schola Progenium, the school that trains future inquisitors, commissars, and other agents

of the emperor; and mom ran the family farm. She had been discharged after dad had recruited

her for his retinue.” said Ian with a smile.

“So, did you take after your father and chase the ladies around?” asked Rarity with a grin.

“No, I was always the more bookish type, but back to my brother. I did not know I even

had a brother until about 7 years ago when I was lying on a battlefield dying of exsanguination,

or blood loss; it was right after I had lost my leg. I had fainted and woke up aboard an Astartes

vessel and came eye to eye with a young battle brother. Little did I know he was also my

brother. He and I talked for a long while; when we happened to land for refueling on Laureus

IX, dad cameand introduced us. You see he had kept in touch with Malachi’s mom after he

found out they’d had a son, and she let him know that Malachi had been recruited by the

Blood Angels.” said Ian.

“That’s so awesome!” said the cyan pegasus.

“It makes my heart swell with pride; the Astartes are the finest warriors we have.” replied Ian.

This was the first time he had told anyone this much about his past, but these were good

memories: memories worth remembering.

*******************************************************************************************************

A few nights later.

The massive ballroom was packed with the upper crust of the Canterlot elite, as well as

foreign dignitaries from the Holy Griffon Empire, The Diamond Dog Kingdom, Saddle

Arabia, and other realms around Equestria. Ian stood between Celestia and Luna in

the new suit that Rarity had made him. It was more of a uniform than a suit, with a white

tunic and gloves, and black slacks. The buttons, cufflinks, and gorget that Rarity had built

to go with it were made of gold, and set with green gems that matched Ian’s eyes. The boots

had been tricky for Rarity but she had been able to find some faux leather and made a fine

pair of dress boots that went perfectly with the suit. On his belt hung Ian’s ever present

Inquisitorial rosette, and on his chest was an inquisitorial pin made of adamantium as well as

several medals that he had been awarded by various imperial guard regiments out of respect

for his bravery. The ponies and dignitaries were all formally dressed; even the princesses

were dressed up for the occasion. Celestia wore a fine white dress, while Luna wore a dark

blue dress uniform that displayed her position as commander of the Equestrian military.

Ian had finished a great deal of his research on Equestrian history and had indeed found that

the Emperor had been responsible for the creation of the Alicorns; he was ready to begin

phase two of his research; the study of Equestrian culture, philosophy and religion. Tonight

however was a night to meet the other races that had inhabited the world of Equis Prime. As

Celestia and Luna greeted the various guests, they introduced Ian to them. Many of the

attendees were stuffy Canterlot nobles and upper crust merchants that made Ian want to

gag in disgust at the sheer aura of superiority they believed they possessed.

“So Ian what do you think of the ball Pinkie Pie organized for you?” asked Luna.

“She went to a lot of trouble to do this didn’t she?” asked Ian.

“It was difficult for her as she normally organizes informal events such as surprise parties,

but she did it. She also has an after part planned as well that is much less formal.” replied Luna.

“That I look forward too. While I can respect pomp and pageantry, I do not like it much.” said Ian.

Ian was soon introduced to another visitor; the ambassador of the Holy Griffon Empire,

and his daughter.

“Ah, Ian; this is Ambassador Honoris of the Holy Griffon Empire, and his daughter Gilda.”

said Celestia introducing the two griffons. The Ambassador was a large griffon, just a

bit smaller than Princess Celestia; he had dark brown feathers and a white feathered head.

He wore a dark blue uniform with shining polished gold buttons and hung with various medals.

On his head polished silver spike helmet that reminded Ian of the ones worn by the Prussian

Cuirassiers of ancient Terra. His daughter was wearing a dark blue ballroom dress.

“It is an honor inquisitor, our news griffons covered the conference well.” replied Honoris.

“I am glad to hear it; it is an honor to meet you as well ambassador.” replied Ian as the two

shook hand and claw. After a bit of chatting, the ambassador took his leave to hit speak with

the other dignitaries.

Ian and the princesses were joined a bit later by the element bearers; all of whom were

wearing high quality dresses. There was also another pony with them; standing next to

Rainbow Dash was a stallion with a light blue coat and dark blue mane.

“Well howdy Ian, yer lookin’ mighty spiffy! said Applejack looking at Rarity’s work.

“Why thank you AJ, Miss Rarity does an excellent job.”

“Absolutely, she designed all of our dresses, no one beats Rarity when it comes to fashion.”

said Twilight.

“Oh Twilight, you’re too kind.” said Rarity.

“I don’t know, I do not see any dresses as nice as the ones you are all wearing.” offered Ian.

“Hey Ian, I wanted you to meet my coltfriend.” said Dash introducing the stallion standing

beside her.

“Ah, it is good to meet you. I am Inquisitor Ian Ludones, but you may call me Ian.”

“It’s good to meet you Ian. I’m Soarin of her majesty’s Wonderbolts Aerial team.” replied the

stallion.

After a bit of talking Ian sat down with the element bearers at a table and watched other

ponies dance. No one but Ian had noticed the nobles at the table behind them giving

them disapproving looks… and being none too subtle in conversation. It did not take

long for the conversation to be heard by the rest of Ian's table.

“My my, why does Miss Rarity, Princess Twilight and the Inquisitor sit with those ruffians?”

asked a unicorn in an arrogant accent.

“I know! That pink one is a complete fool and that rainbow maned one is nothing short of a

barbarian!” said a well dressed earth pony.

“Ugh, and that one that runs the farm! Farm work is soooo dirty and farmers are the most

uneducated and stupid lot around!” said a third noble. Ian by this point had heard enough,

and he could sense the aggravation and embarrassment from his friends.

“We sit with them because they are good honest folk; unlike the pit of vipers I see before

me. Do you think I was always an Inquisitor? I was born and raised on a farm you

pompous windbag.” he said standing and rounding on the now terrified nobles. "What?

did you think I couldn’t hear you? I may be near sighted but I am by no means deaf.”

said Ian adjusting his glasses.

“B-b-b-b-” began one of the nobles.

“No, you will listen. The ‘pink fool’ as you have called her, went to a great deal of trouble to

prepare this ball, and miss Rainbow Dash may be a barbarian in your eyes, but her

bravery and loyalty to her friends would impress many of my colleagues back home.

You, however, are naught but spoiled children who get everything handed to you!”

said Ian with some well controlled anger.

“You cannot talk to me like that! I am a noble!” said a red unicorn with a purple mane.

Ian stooped to eye level with the stallion and fixed him with a very serious gaze.

“Let me tell you something about nobility; I have executed more arrogant nobles who got in my

way than I can even remember: the last one to cross me was the governor of an entire planet.

He learned how to fly without wings and it was the last lesson he learned. What makes you

think I give a damn and a half about your titles and ranks?” spat Ian. The nobles sat in

horrified awe as the inquisitor’s unflinching gaze swept over them, his green pupils burning

with anger. No one happened to notice Princess Celestia approaching the situation.

“What is going on here?” she asked raising an eyebrow.

“Why don’t you ask them your majesty? I need some fresh air; there is a foul stench emanating

from their table.” replied Ian turning back to the element bearers and fiddling with his

spectacles. “Anyone care to join me?”

While Celestia scolded the rude nobles, the small party moved out to the gardens where the

after party was to begin.

“Wow Ian, you really don’t take guff from anyone!” said Rainbow Dash hovering next to him

with Soarin next to her.

“When someone insults my friends or the company I keep, they insult me as well.”

replied Ian.

“You really consider us friends? Even though you have only been here about a week?”

asked Twilight.

“Well, yes. You six, the princesses, Shining and Cadence have shown me great kindness

where I am normally met terrified awe, complete incompetence, or a hail of gunfire: so yes

I would consider you lot friends.” replied Ian. The six friends felt their hearts swell with joy

at Ian’s admission.

“So, I heard something about an informal after party?” asked Ian.

“Yeah! We can start right away if ya want Ian! replied an excited Pinkie Pie.

“That would be best I think; if I go back in there I may not be able to take responsibility

for my actions.” said Ian with a smile.

“Wow, ya really don’t like nobles do ya?” asked Applejack.

“It’s not that at all AJ, I just dislike rude, pompous fools who believe themselves better

than everyone else because of their position in society. Back in the Imperium I have a

quite a few friends in the nobility. Replied Ian

“Hey, uh, guys?” came a voice from behind them. Ian recognized it was the voice of the

daughter of the Griffon ambassador. The element bearers gave her a rather disapproving look.

“What do you want Gilda? To be a jerk to me and my friends again?” asked Rainbow Dash

flying up and getting in the Griffon’s face.

“No; I wanted to say I’m sorry for how I acted back then. I was going through a really hard

time; and I just… I just became a total jerk. How I treated you guys is inexcusable. If you

don’t forgive me, I’ll understand.” said Gilda closing her eyes and preparing to be turned

away. What she got was a hug from her old friend.

“Gilda; I forgave you a long time ago; heck I’m pretty sure everypony has.” said Rainbow Dash.

“It’s like water under the bridge!” added Pinkie Pie.

“Really Gilda, we forgive you.” said Fluttershy in an unusually outgoing manner.

“See? Now come on, we’re gonna have a kick flank after party away from those stuffy nobles

before Ian launches one through a window!” said Dash.

“A sight I would not mind seeing myself.” said the motherly tone of Princess Celestia whose

arrival no one had noticed. Beside her stood Princess Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor.

“Your majesty-” began Ian, but stopped when the sable Alicorn held up a hoof.

“No need to explain yourself Ian. What those nobles did was wrong, and I am

glad that you put them in their place and they have been sent home for their bad behavior.

Now, how about we get this party started.” she said happily.

The rest of the night was just as fun and informal as Ian could have asked for. The music was

good, the food was great, and on top of it all, it was a great relief for Ian from the constant

researching the history of Equestria. Unfortunately for Ian, sleep that night would be a torment

far worse than anything employed by the Ordo Malleus.

****************************************************************************************************************

Later that night.

The halls of the Palace were silent. The party had ended at one in the morning and everyone

in the palace save the night shift of the royal guard and Princess Luna with her nocturnal court

were asleep. In the shared suite, Applejack awoke to loud noises coming from Ian’s room. She

got out of bed and went to investigate. When she reached the door, she knocked.

“Ian? You alright in there?” she asked.

*****************************************************************************************************************

Ian looked around at the destruction before him. He stood at the center of a city that looked

as if it had been smashed asunder by the fist of the God-Emperor himself; all around the city

was a barren, ashen, wasteland. As he looked however, shapes stirred from within the

buildings; shapes he recognized: humans, but made from ash. He saw PDF troopers, members

of the enforcers, farmers, doctors, and citizens from all walks of life. They were surrounding

him and pointing accusingly at him; but that was not the worst part of it. Front and center were

his mother, father, and sister; all of them leveling their fingers at him.

“THIS IS YOUR FAULT! DAMN YOU! CURSE YOU! YOU KILLED US! screamed a chorus of

thirteen billion souls. Ian felt the tears fall involuntarily from his eyes.

“I’m sorry… I am so sorry.” was all Ian could say.

The shapes of the dead disappeared before him, and the city turned to ash blowing in the wind:

the bits of ash became a whirlwind that made the unmistakable form of a space marine. This

however, was no loyal space marine: his armor was a deep red with worn silver trim, and

spikes and horns had formed on its surface. The cloak that the traitor marine wore was made

from human leather, and in his hand he carried a great mace. The helm he wore had two sets

of horns, and his left pauldron bore a silver eight pointed star, while the right bore the ensign

of a screaming daemonic skull wreathed in flame: the Latros Sacrum; insignia of the twisted

Word Bearers Legion.

“Apologize to them all you wish. You will never have closure. You failed to protect them,

just as you will fail to kill me; and you shall live in the knowledge of your failure, and I

shall continue to bask in the glory of my masters.” said the cruel voice of the dark apostle.

“YOU ARE A DAMNED COWARD KOL AGILOR! You fled like a coward when I

challenged you! You fled like a coward when the God-Emperor’s fleet arrived! I

swear to the God-Emperor, I will kill you one day you bastard!” Ian yelled angrily

at the dream apparition before him.

“Swear to your false emperor all you wish, it will do you no good. I am done speaking to you,

have a free trip back down memory lane on me.” said the twisted apostle before he turned

once again to ash on the wind.

“I WILL KILL YOU!” roared Ian.

“We shall see little man. We shall see.” were the last words uttered by the chaos lord as

he faded to dust.

************************************************************************************************************************

Normally Applejack did not break her own rules, but upon hearing Ian’s yelling, she opened

the door to find the inquisitor tossing and turning, and yelling in his sleep. Applejack trotted

over and began shaking the human in an attempt to wake him from his nightmare.

“Ian, Ian wake up!” she said shaking him. After about a minute of shaking him,

Ian sat bolt upright and wide eyed in the bed. He was dripping with perspiration and

tears ran down the sides of his face and gasping for breath. The orange farm pony

put her hooves around the distressed man and gave him a hug.

“It’s alright Ian. It was only a nightmare. Yer okay.” she said softly. Ian returned the

hug still breathing in short gasps.

“Thank you AJ. Thank you.” replied Ian.

Chapter 6: New Lodgings and Shocking Discoveries

Three months had passed since Ian’s arrival, and his research was developing

into an excellent preliminary report that he would hopefully soon present to the

High Lords of Terra. Applejack had visited him at the palace every now and again

on the weekends and Rainbow Dash was in Canterlot regularly to visit with Soarin.

He also met with Princess Twilight quite often as she was in the capital quite a bit.

Celestia and Ian walked through the serene peace of the Canterlot gardens; it was

a beautiful spring morning and perfect for a peaceful walk. Canterlot was such a

bustling and busy city that one could easily get lost in the busy routine of politics;

especially in the royal court.

It had been a long two months since Ian had arrived. He had visited the major

population centers of Equestria with the princesses and had also gotten to review

the Royal Guard. However, Ian and Celestia both agreed that the best way to learn

about the culture of a nation was to experience it firsthand amongst normal everyday

down to Equis ponies rather than the stuffy Canterlot elite that he had been living amongst.

The princess had decided to direct him to the town of Ponyville, which was just in sight of

Canterlot. It wouldalso give him an opportunity to learn more about the Elements of Harmony

by spending more time with the bearers of the elements.

“So, you are sure I will not frighten your subjects just by my sheer presence Your Majesty?”

asked Ian.

“The reception of the newspaper articles were very good, I doubt you will scare them Ian

as long as you don’t do anything brash.” replied Celestia.

“That’s plenty easy enough princess.” said Ian, suddenly noticing a white Unicorn standing

near some rose bushes.

“What is it Ian?” asked Celestia noticing a mischievous grin come over Ian’s face.

“Wait just a tick your majesty.” said Ian halting and reaching out with his telepathy towards

the unexpecting Prince Blueblood.

****************************************************************************

Prince Blueblood so enjoyed the garden. He loved to sniff the flowers and take in the

weather was nice and the spring was his favorite time of the year. He looked at his

favorite plants, the roses. They were so beautiful, and beginning to bud. This was also

the only place he found where that terrible voice left him alone. That was when his face

paled as he heard an eerily familiar voice.

“Roooosebuuuuds….” it whispered ominously. The prince paled and let out a high pitched

shriek before fleeing so fast he ran into the door and dazed himself, but quickly got up and

ran back inside. As soon as he was out of sight, Ian turned around with a wicked grin on his

face; and both he and Princess Celestia burst out laughing.

“Let me guess, he was harassing the staff again?” giggled Celestia.

“Nope, just figured I would give him a parting gift.” chuckled Ian.

****************************************************************************

It was just another day in Ponyville town square. Applejack stood behind her apple stand

selling fresh apples and baked goods that had made Sweet Apple Acres famous across

Equestria. Sales were good, and that was a good thing because it kept the farm going. A

shadow passed over the apple stand and she looked up to see a sky chariot with two familiar

faces. One was Princess Celestia, the other was Ian. Many of the townsponies had never

before seen the human up close and some were rather scared of the Inquisitor.

“The horror! The horror! Shouted one mare with a trio of lilies on her flank.

“Oh come now, I can’t be that ugly.” said Ian with a friendly grin that drew a few laughs from

some of the townsponies. He and the princess then hopped off. Ian’s other supplies would be

arriving by train within a few hours. He was wearing his witch hunter hat and long coat over

his Cadian uniform, and on his belt was the ever present trio of the inquisitorial rosette, bolt

pistol, and powered bowie knife, while under his arm was a beautiful but heavy looking

cherry wood box that Applejack knew contained Dread Bane. He and Celestia were soon

greeted by the element bearers and a tan earth pony with the “heraldry” as Ian had dubbed

it in his reports, of a scroll on her flank. The term “cutie mark” in the final copy of a formal

report to the High Lords or Lord Coteaz would make him a laughing stock at best, and most

likely dragged out and beaten at the worst; and so he had changed it for formality’s sake.

“Hey Ian! Good to see ya finally decided to visit us here in Ponyville.” said Applejack with a smile.

“Actually, I will be continuing my work here in Ponyville, as per the advice of Princess

Celestia.” replied Ian.

“So what will you be doing here?” asked Rarity.

“I will be studying the life and culture of the average citizens of Equestria. I can only learn so

much from the upper crust ponies in Canterlot. I also wanted to learn more about the Elements,

and the princess suggested the best way to do so was to spend more time around the Element

Bearers. Besides it will get me away from Blueblood.” replied Ian.

“Was he giving you trouble?” asked Twilight rolling her eyes in disgust at the sheer mention of

the prince’s name.

“Nope, he just needs a vacation from the ghost that’s haunting him.” said Ian with a smile that

drew laughter from the element bearers.

“So, where are ya gonna stay?” asked Applejack.

“Well, I will be staying at the inn. The princess was kind enough to give me a small weekly

stipend for my stay, it should take care of food and boarding until I am finished with my work

and return to the Imperium.” answered Ian.

“Aw shucks Ian, why don’t ya come with me over ta the farm and Ah’ll see if we can’t set ya up

in the guest room.” offered Applejack.

“Are you sure about that AJ, I do not wish to intrude.” said Ian.

“It shouldn’t be any trouble at all. We just need ta clear it with mah family is all.” said Applejack.

“Princess, what are your thoughts?” asked Ian.

“I think it’s a good idea, you will get to see how ponies live at home and see our real culture

first hand, and you will be living with one of the element bearers.” said the Princess.

“Alright then, sounds like a plan, lead the way AJ.” said Ian.

Before they could leave, the tan mare spoke up.

“Welcome to Ponyville inquisitor, we are glad to have you.” said the tan earth pony.

“Glad to be here, and you are?” asked Ian.

“Oh, how rude of me, I’m Mayor Mare, it is a pleasure.” said the mayor offering a hoof.

“Likewise Mayor, likewise.” replied Ian taking the hoof and shaking it. If there was one thing

that Ian trusted and disliked less than the likes of the Canterlot nobility it was politicians.

Bureaucrats in particular made him especially angry at times due to their bumbling nature.

He had once had to wait a full month to finalize a death sentence for the head of a daemon

worshipping cult that he had captured because one of the bureaucrats in the Adeptus Terra

building on Formosa had lost the paper work. However, the mayor seemed to be kind enough,

and he kept his opinions to himself.

*****************************************************************************

Ian and Applejack talked with the other element bearers as they walked towards Applejack’s

farm. When they came into view of the farm, Ian was impressed by the sheer size of the main

barn of Sweet Apple Acres. His family’s barn back on Laureus IX had been a very impressive

one but had lacked the beautiful architecture that was seemingly common place here on Equis

Prime.

“A very nice barn AJ, I have never seen such beautiful architecture.” said Ian.

“Why thank ya Ian.” said Applejack with a smile. When they finally reached the farmhouse,

they were greeted by a large red draft stallion with a green apple on his flank and a rickety

looking old pony sitting in a rocking chair. A border collie also sat on the porch growling at

Ian.

“Ian, this is mah brother Big Macintosh, and mah grandmother, Granny Smith. Granny, Mac;

this is Ian Ludones, he’s the human y’all read about in the papers, and this is mah dog

Winona.” she said.

“Nice ta meet ya Mr. Ludones.” said Macintosh offering a hoof to the human.

“Good to meet you as well, and please; just call me Ian.” said Ian shaking the big stallion’s

hoof and looking him in the eye.

“Quite a grip ya got there Ian.” said Big Mac surprised by the strength of the human.

“Father always said that when you shake on something, even when meeting someone,

you do so earnestly and look them in the eye.” said Ian.

“Eeyup!” said Mac with a smile.

Next he met Granny Smith. She was less welcoming, although she put on a good front,

Ian could tell that she was very mistrustful of him. In his short career as an inquisitor, Ian

had learned well to read body language; and this had been no different here on Equis

Prime.

“Welcome ta Ponyville Mr. Ludones.” said the old mare.

“Please marm, there’s no need for formality. Ian will do.” The old mare nodded but still had

the look of ‘I got my eye on you’ on her face. Winona kept growling, but Ian offered the back

of his hand, which she sniffed before proceeding to give his hand a bath.

“Ah was wondering if we could open the guest room up ta Ian. He was going to be staying

at the inn, but Ah figured we could offer him some Apple Family hospitality.” said Applejack.

“Well, AJ looks convinced. Big Mac, you have any problem with him stayin’ here?” asked

Granny.

“Nope.” said the big stallion.

“Well Ah guess Ah’ll give ya a chance. AJ, take him up and show him the guest room.” said

Granny, clearly not pleased but not wanting to show a lack of hospitality. Applejack showed

Ian into the house, unfortunately the rather tall human had not figured on the rather low

clearance, especially after such a long time in the palace where the doors and ceilings were

very high.

*WHACK* “Ouch!” griped Ian.

“Watch yer head sugar cube, yer a might taller than any of us.” said Applejack with a

chuckle.

“Yeah, I will have to keep that in mind.” replied Ian rubbing the knot on his forehead and

fixing his glasses.

Applejack took Ian up to his new room. The bed was large and there was plenty of room,

and against the wall at the foot of the bed was a dresser on which Ian set the cherry wood

box and opened it, revealing the huge hammer. Dread Bane’s machine spirit hummed

contently, bringing a smile to Ian’s face.

“Glad you’re happy old friend.” said Ian.

“Uh, Ian; is that hammer alive?” asked Applejack with some confusion.

“In a way yes: all machines have a machine spirit that lives within them. Even my bolt

pistol, knife, and armor.” said Ian. Another metallic hum issued from the hammer.

“Yes, we are talking about you old friend.” said Ian to the hammer, before changing the

subject.

“I must ask why you invited me into your home on such short notice AJ?” said Ian.

“Uh well ya see last time ah had relatives come ta town, their stay at the inn wasn’t too

good. They complained about the rooms being messy and roaches everywhere. That

place has gotten in trouble quite a bit fer health code violations. Ah couldn’t let a friend

stay there knowing that; plus yer a friend.” replied Applejack with a smile.

“I very much thank you for your kindness AJ; I just hope I won’t be a bother to you

and your family. Your grandmother seems less than pleased with my presence at

this point.” said Ian.

“Oh don’t worry ‘bout her, once she gets ta know ya she’ll warm up ta ya.” smiled

Applejack. Ian was sure he heard a “squee” noise when she smiled but dismissed

it as being in his head.

“Well, I certainly hope I won’t be a bother, fish and company start to smell after

three days.” said Ian.

Just as Applejack was about to ask what he meant by the odd saying, Big

Macintosh walked up the stairs with a piece of paper in his teeth.

“Ian’s luggage just arrived at the train station.” said the red draft pony through

gritted teeth.

“Ah, thank you good sir, I will get under way. It will take me a few trips and I

haven’t all day.” said Ian taking the dispatch.

“If ya want ah can hook up the cart and we can get it all in one go.”

offered Big Mac.

“I would be most grateful.” replied Ian.

*****************************************************************************

Thankfully the cart was large enough to hold Ian’s entire collection of luggage and they

got everything to the farmhouse by that afternoon. Ian got everything set up in the room

within a half hour and soon found himself being given a tour of the property. The fields

were in the process of being plowed and the apple trees were in bloom. The property was

well kept; it would have made his parents proud of the Apple family for their devotion to the

upkeep of their property.

“Ian, follow me; there is a great place we can watch the sunset.” said Applejack.

“Okay, lead the way my friend.” replied Ian.

Applejack led Ian to the top of a hill, and they sat down under the shade of a tree.

The hill overlooked all of Ponyville and the surrounding valley; a sight that took Ian’s breath

away, and in the distance, the sun was setting, and Luna’s moon was rising. It was beautiful.

“AJ.”

“Yeah Ian?”

“Thank you for showing me this place.” said Ian. The two sat for a while chatting and

looking at the constellations before Applejack asked him for the time. It was 10 pm.

“We need ta be getting back. We have an early mornin’ tomorrow and Ah need mah sleep.”

said Applejack with a yawn.

“Of course, let’s get going.” replied Ian.

Ian and Applejack walked back to the house; on the way back he told her about

his family’s farm back on Laureus IX. Unfortunately, when they got back to the

house, something was off. The lights were all out, but the front door was wide

open. Applejack went to go through the front door, but was instantly stopped

by Ian, who unsnapped his holster and drew his bolt pistol, which made a slight

click as he took the safety off. Ian then reached into a small satchel on his belt

and took out a pair of odd looking goggles.

“AJ, please hold this and stay behind Me.” he said giving Applejack his hat and

removing his glasses, storing them in his satchel. Next he put on the goggles and

then flipped a switch on the side and the lenses turned green. Ian put a finger to

his lips for silence.

He entered the house quietly, sweeping left and right with the massive pistol.

The living room and entry way were clear, and Applejack was right behind him;

that just left the kitchen. As the two approached, they could hear a male and

female voice whispering unintelligibly in the darkness. Ian put his back to the

wall while Applejack got in close to the wall as she could. He gave her a nod

before swinging the corner with the pistol aimed at the two ponies behind

the counter.

“Hold it right there you- wait:” Ian clicked the safety on his pistol back on. “Big Mac what are

you doing with-” Ian’s world suddenly became a burning white light as Applejack flipped on

the light switch, not knowing the consequences for Ian.

“GAAAAHHHHH! MY EYES!” yelled Ian, who due to his temporary blindness did not

see Winona come sprinting out of the other room alarmed by his yell, but he did feel

her bite his leg…

“MY LEG!”

****************************************************************************

Ian sat in the chair rubbing at his eyes, it had been an hour and he was still seeing little black

dots. In the room with him were Applejack, Big Macintosh, and none other than Princess Luna,

who was still blushing bright red. Ian took his glasses back out and put them on,Winona,

who now sat with a rather sad look on her canine face. Applejack felt terrible for blinding Ian,

and even worse that her dog had bitten him as an indirect result. She was however happy that

Applebloom was spending the night with her friends at Fluttershy’s house and that Granny was

a sound enough sleeper that she hadn’t heard Ian yell. It was also good that no one had been

seriously hurt.

“Ian, ahm really sorr-” began Applejack, who was cut off by Ian holding up a hand.

“Don’t be. You didn’t know what would happen.” said Ian.

“So yer not mad?” asked Applejack.

“Oh, don’t think I am not mad. I am quite angry right now, just not at you.” he said glaring at

Big Mac and Princess Luna the latter of who gave him a sheepish looking smile. He could have

sworn he heard a squee noise again.

“Why are ya so mad at us?”asked Big Mac innocently.

“Leaving the front door open ya big lug! We thought somepony was breakin’

into the house, and with how sound you sleep I was pretty worried mahself!”

answered Applejack with a cross look on her face before Ian could start.

“Well Granny’s upstairs reading” said Mac in his defense.

“Mac; you know as well as Ah do that she couldn’t hear a dump truck crashin’ into a

dynamite factory.” stated Applejack with a look that said ‘you should know that’.

“Sorry AJ.” said Big Mac.

“So Princess Luna, how long have you and mah brother been seeing each other?”

asked Applejack.

“We have been dating since a few weeks after the Hearths Warming Eve pageant; we

have been friends since Nightmare Night when we- I visited.” said Luna.

“Mac, Is this true?” asked Applejack.

“Eeyup!” replied Macintosh with a smile.

“And ya didn’t bother tellin’ anypony in yer family?!” Applejack spat with some anger.

“We were both… worried. The press would hound you relentlessly, and I would feel bad if

they were to do so.” replied Luna.

“Well just imagine what’d happen if Applebloom saw y’all kissin’ here in the kitchen! The

whole town would know by the end of the next day!” said the orange farm pony with ire.

A bit of arguing between the ponies broke out until Ian cleared his throat.

“If I may interject here?” asked Ian raising a hand. Everyone looked at him. “Next time

you two are going to neck in the kitchen; For the love of the God-Emperor, close the front

door; maybe even hang a towel on the door knob so we know it’s you and I don’t come

through the door ready to shoot someone.” finished Ian, holding an ice pack to his leg.

After a moment of awkward silence filled the room everyone in the room burst out laughing

at the comedy of the situation, even Ian. With that the conversation ended and everyone

went to bed, and Luna, with a kiss to her coltfriend, went back to the palace, while

Applejack and Ian walked up the stairs.

Applejack found herself admiring the young inquisitor. He had gone through the door ready

to protect her family and property from harm at the risk of his own life; and she had to admit

to herself: she did find him attractive. He was kind despite the cruelty of the universe around

him; he felt guilt over the lives of the innocent that were lost; and despite the great tragedy in

his past, he continued to soldier on, and she admired that about him. She found herself

blushing quite a bit as she got into her room, and remembered Rarity’s teasing at the palace

a few months prior.

“Gee thanks a lot Rarity!” she thought to herself as she saw her cheeks turning a bright

red in the mirror. Applejack suddenly shook her head; what in the name of Celestia was she

thinking! He wasn't even a pony and he had had told her right out his first night the

consequences such a relationship would bring; and besides that, she had a good coltfriend

that she loved. She looked at the picture of her and Caramel on her vanity and smiled.

Tomorrow, maybe she would introduce him to Ian.

*****************************************************************************

The next day Applejack awoke early to find Ian in the kitchen with a mug of coffee and

surprisingly dressed in blue jeans and a button down shirt with a light jacket.

“I figured I would help you out this morning, Mac has a head start, so we best get

moving.” said Ian.

With Ian’s help, the morning chores were done in half the time that it normally took and

soon Ian and Applejack were sitting on the porch. Ian had changed back into his uniform

and greatcoat complete with hat, rosette, knife and pistol.

“Hey Ian, you up ta goin’ in ta town with me today? I wanna introduce ya to Mah

coltfriend.” said Applejack.

“Why not? I need to go into town as it is and meet Princess Twilight in the library.

She has some books for me about the elements and their history, maybe we can

swing by the library and then you can introduce me to him. By the way, why does the

princess live here rather than in the palace with Princess Celestia and Luna?”

asked Ian.

“Well, Twi prefers us regular ponies to them fancy Canterlot ponies. She goes

there fer court duty sometimes, but that’s about it.” replied Applejack.

“Ah, that explains it. I cannot blame her myself.” replied Ian.

The walk to town was about 20 minutes and went by fast as Applejack told Ian

about how she had met Caramel and how they had started dating right after Twilight’s

first Winter Wrap Up, a holiday which she had to explain to Ian. The visit to the library

had been quick as Twilight was up to her ears in paperwork for the weekend. Ian and

Applejack then made their way to Caramel’s house and noticed the front door ajar.

Applejack looked at Ian, who shrugged and then pushed the door open, which slightly

groaned; but not loud enough to distract Caramel from what he was doing. There, to

Applejack’s shock was another mare, her lips locked with those of her now ex-coltfriend.

Caramel broke the kiss just in time to see Applejack’s eyes fill with tears as the normally

tough as nails mare’s heart broke, before she turned and galloped off, leaving Ian behind

giving Caramel an absolutely disgusted stare.

“What are you, and what are you looking at?” asked Caramel in a put out tone.

“What I am is a friend of the mare whose heart you have just shattered, and as for what

I am looking at; not much apparently; just another fool who didn’t know or care how good

he had It.” said Ian before turning on his heel and walking off.

*****************************************************************************

Applejack sat under the tree on top of the hill where she had shown Ian the sunset the day

before. She felt awful for abandoning the inquisitor, but the shock and grief had just been

too much. She had been seeing Caramel for a little over a year; she thought that he had

been the best coltfriend a mare could have ever asked for. She had been proven wrong today.

The tears rolled down the side of her face as her grief overtook her. What had she done?

What had that other mare had that she didn't? She asked herself these questions and more as

she sat alone. Applejack sat like this for about a half hour before she noticed Ian’s shadow

looming over her.She turned around to see Ian knelt down to her level with a sympathetic look

on his face, and he pulled the orange farm pony into a hug. Applejack kept crying, but it felt

better that she had someone who was there for her.

“Let it out AJ. Everything will be alright.” said Ian.

“Why? Why did he do that!? What did she have that I don’t?”

Applejack asked through her tears.

“Well for a start, her taste is all in her mouth.” said Ian.

“Wait, what?” asked Applejack.

“In other words, she has poor taste in stallions. If he cheated on you, he will cheat on

her. You should be glad to be rid of him AJ: one day a good, honorable stallion will come

along, and you will know if and when he is the right one. The best thing you can do is forget

about Caramel. He’s a fool for even thinking of cheating on you like that; get out there and

live your life; somepony will come along when you least expect it.” said Ian.

“Thanks Ian.” said Applejack.

“Not a problem.” replied Ian.

*****************************************************************************

Dread Bane hummed menacingly at the three little fillies that were gathered around it.

“Whaddya thank it is?” asked Applebloom.

“Well, it’s obviously a hammer.” said Scootaloo.

“Yeah, but it seems like it makes noises when we get close to It.” said Sweetie Bell.

“Well, big sis said one of the older barns needs to be torn down, maybe we can use this ta do

it! We might even get our cutie marks!” said Applebloom excitedly.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS DEMOLITION EXPERTS!” The three fillies revelry didn’t last very

long when they heard someone’s throat being cleared. Standing in the doorway was Applejack

and Ian; neither of them looking too pleased.

“About using my priceless family heirloom and weapon as a sledgehammer to tear down a

barn; the answer is no.” said Ian calmly.

“S-sis… Who is that?” asked Applebloom pointing a hoof at Ian nervously.

“This is mah friend Ian. He’s the human y’all leaned about in high school and in the

newspapers: and what did ah tell ya about not snoopin’ around!?”

said Applejack strictly.

“Uh, that it’s bad manners.” said Applebloom.

“Eeyup, now you can apologize ta Ian and accept whatever punishment he’s gonna give ya.

So long as it’s within reason” said Applejack looking to Ian. She almost felt sorry for the fillies

when Ian smiled mischievously. She could almost see cogs and wheels spinning in his head.

Ian already had a punishment in mind.

“We’re sorry.” said the three fillies with an adorable look that would melt anyone’s heart; well,

except maybe Ian and some of his colleagues.

“Well, when I opened the hammer’s box up without permission, my father tanned my hide

with his belt, but that was my dad and I was his son. You three on the other hand are not my

children. I do however have a task for you; and it may even help you earn your cutie marks.”

said Ian deviously.

“Really!?” asked Scootaloo and Applebloom enthusiastically hopping up and down.

“Oh yes.” said Ian rubbing his hands together.

“We’re not going to like it are we?” asked Sweetie bell with a worried look on her face.

“No, no you are not.” said Ian looking at his power armor standing behind them.

*****************************************************************************

“This stinks.” stated Scootaloo with a look of boredom on her face.

“Awww, and here I thought you three would love my idea for Cutie Mark Crusaders

armor polishers; and I really did mean it when I said I don’t want to see one fleck of

dust on that armor or you will do it over again.” said Ian raising an eyebrow as he finished

polishing Dread Bane. He had recited the litanies of cleaning for his armor before the three

little fillies had started; better not to offend the machine spirit within the armor further.

“Yes Inquisitor.” they replied in unison.

“Very good, now keep working. The Emperor rewards those who work diligently with

release once their toil is over.” said Ian with the best shit eating grin he could muster.

***************************************************************************

Later that night.

The Books that Ian had borrowed from Twilight had very descriptive information about the

elements, but to Ian, this was just not enough: He needed more of an explanation as to what

the elements could do. He read how they had freed Princess Luna and how they had trapped

daemons in stone, but the question on Ian’s mind that was really nagging him was could it heal

someone. If the elements turned out to be a bust, then the Emperor would remain imprisoned in

the Golden Throne, and he would be banished here and look like an absolute buffoon at best or

be shot at the worst. He was pulled from his thoughts by a knock on the door.

“Come in.” said Ian, who was sitting on the bed with his leg removed and with no shirt as he

had just gotten out of the shower. When Applejack stepped in, her jaw dropped at the sight of

Ian’s upper body. Applejack had not been expecting to see Ian in such a state. It was not the

fact that he had no shirt; that did not bother her one bit; it was that Ian’s body was a mass of

muscle and scar tissue.

“AJ, you look as if you have seen a ghost, are you alright?” asked Ian.

“W-Who did that to ya!? asked Applejack pointing at his scarred body.

“Well, my memory is not that good, and I really didn’t stop to ask any of them their names;

I was too busy trying not to get killed by them.” said Ian.

“So ya got all of these-”

“In various battles Applejack: some I remember better than others. This one was from a chain

sword wielded by a chaos space marine,” he said pointing to a terrible looking scar on his left

pectoral muscle: “this one was from a cultist who got a lucky stab at me with a bayonet,” he

said pointing to a scar over his ribs: “and this one was from a bolter round fired from a chaos

champion’s pistol; The Emperor had his hand on me with that one; bolter rounds normally

explode once they hit their target: that one malfunctioned and one of my friends on my retinue

dug it out of me.” finished Ian pointing to an ugly looking scar on his shoulder.

Applejack looked at the menacing suit of armor in the corner and then back to Ian.

“How did any of that get through yer armor?” she asked.

“I have only owned that armor for about a year now. Before that I wore what is called carapace

armor; it is effective, but not nearly effective as power armor like what I wear now.” said Ian.

“It must’ve hurt really bad.” she said still staring at the scars.

“Most of them did; but the Emperor judges our worthiness by our scars; not by our medals,

titles or diplomas.” replied Ian.

“Yer awfully optimistic fer someone who’s lost his leg and been cut up.” said Applejack

raising a blonde eyebrow.

“I will take that as a compliment; humanity could use a bit more optimism. Now I know you

didn’t come here just to talk about my scarred up hide and my optimism.” said Ian.

“Well; ya see ah just wanted ta say thanks again fer helpin’ me through that earlier Ian. Yer a

good friend.” said Applejack.

“Thanks AJ. You are a good friend yourself.” replied Ian warmly.

“So, uh, what’re ya gonna do once the research ya need is all written and ready ta go?”

asked Applejack.

“I will probably return to the Imperium and present my findings to lord Coteaz and the High

Lords of Terra.” said Ian.

“Will ya ever come back here?” asked Applejack with a sad look on her face.

“I certainly hope so.” replied Ian.

“I’d miss ya. Yer a good worker and good po- man.” said Applejack correcting herself.

Ian suddenly opened the drawer to his nightstand and pulled out a golden necklace with a

two headed eagle as the amulet.

“Here, I want you to have this.” said Ian.

“What is it?” asked Applejack.

“This is an Aquilla necklace that was made on Holy Terra. It has also been blessed by

Ecclesiarch Decius XXIII; the head of the Ecclesiarchy, which is our church.” he said

handing her the necklace. Applejack looked at the necklace in her hooves and as she

turned it over, found some writing on it, which she read aloud.

“Ah shall fear no evil, fer the wings of Aquilla will shield me; The Emperor protects.”

“Whenever you read that prayer, know that no matter where my travels take me AJ; you

will be in my prayers.” said Ian.

“Thank ya Ian.” said Applejack with a smile.

*****************************************************************************

Canterlot Archeological Dig Site: Canterlot Mountain.

Professor Hoof Pick was happy with the progress the team was making in the old

gem mines; although it was a forgotten part of history for many ponies, it was still a part

of Equestria’s history and should be preserved. It was nearing closing time for the day

at the dig site, and Hoof Pick sat down with one of his assistants against a rock wall.

“How is the digging going?” asked Hoof Pick.

“Very well professor. We have discovered a lot of early Equestrian mining equipment,

including-” the assistant was cut off by a deep rumbling in the earth and the rock wall

behind them beginning to crack.

“RUN!” shouted Hoof Pick. The two ponies got out of the way just in the nick of time

as the wall of rock collapsed causing a huge cloud of dust to rise; when the dust settled,

the rock wall was gone; replaced by a massive steel door, over which was the sign of a

double headed eagle. The professor had seen this insignia in the news paper; it was

worn by the human visitor.

“We need to tell the princess! Now!” said the professor.

Chapter 7: Reinforcements

Ian awoke to knocking on his door. He looked over to the clock on

his nightstand and rolled his eyes. It was eight A.M. meaning he

had unintentionally slept in. The young inquisitor sat up in bed and

cleared his throat.

“Come in.” he said groggily. The door swung open to reveal

Applejack standing calmly in the hall.

“Morning AJ.” said Ian.

“Mornin’ Ian.” replied Applejack.

“Sorry I slept in, I’m normally up two hours ago.” said Ian.

“Not a problem, but ya might wanna get up and dressed; some

royal guards showed up with a carriage and are waitin’ for ya.”

said Applejack.

“What’s going on?” asked Ian.

“Apparently somepony found somthin’ at a dig site in Canterlot, the

princess wants ya there; along with me, Twi, Dash, Pinkie, Shy, and

Rarity.” replied Applejack.

“What did they find?” asked Ian.

“Don’t know, but the guards had a file with them.” replied Applejack.

“Alright, let me get up and dressed. I am going to bring Dread Bane along;

I don’t want it used as a sledgehammer.” said Ian swinging out of the bed as

Applejack handed him his crutch.

“Here” said Applejack.

“Thank you AJ.” said Ian.

“Don’t mention it sugar cube.” she said with a smile.

*****************************************************************************

Upon arriving back at Canterlot, Ian stepped out of the train in his uniform and

witch hunter hat with Dread Bane slung across his back over his great coat,

pistol holstered at one side and knife at the other, and flanked by a small

contingent of royal guards, who took him and Applejack to the dig site where

they were met by Princess Celestia and the other element bearers.

“Ian, I did not expect to see you so armed.” said Celestia.

“Apologies marm, but I did not want my hammer used for demolition purposes.”

said Ian with an exasperated look on his face.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders?” asked Twilight.

“Yes: I even put a trigger lock on the shotgun before I left and sealed it in

an encoded case.” said Ian.

“A very prudent idea with those three.” said Twilight.

“Shall we?” asked Celestia pointing a hoof.

******************************************************************

Ian looked at the massive door before he reached into his satchel and

pulled out a small device with a probe and turned it on.

“What’s that thing?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“It is a miniature computer and scanner that I am hoping will find me a

hidden terminal that will allow me to get an idea of what this thing is.

Anything could be behind that door; could be an armory or an old

munitions factory. The possibilities are really quite endless.” answered

Ian.

A series of beeps drew every one’s attention; the small detector had

found the hidden terminal which Ian was able to get open. Unsurprisingly,

the ancient terminal was not working.

“Well, I cannot get this open.” said Ian

“I would very much like to know what is on the other side.” replied

Celestia with concern.

“I know your majesty, but my computer will not even connect with this one.

This may be a pre-heresy design, which would mean it is over 10,000 years

old, and besides, I would need a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus to get

it back up and running.” said Ian showing Celestia the plugs.

“So this door cannot be opened then?” asked Twilight.

“Oh it can but not by me. I will need to get back to Sweet Apple Acres. I just

need to get my comms equipment so I can call someone who can open this

thing. Also, we need this kept quiet, we do not know what is behind here, and

the last thing we need is curious ponies sniffing around.” replied Ian.

**********************************************************************

Ian and Twilight popped into existence in Ian’s room at Sweet Apple Acres.

The young inquisitor found the box he was looking for in his closet and the

pair of them quickly teleported back. While some humans and some ponies

would have gotten sick from teleportation, Ian was an exception. He had

taken part in his fair share of teleport deep strike missions and was pretty

used to it. The element Bearers and the Princesses followed Ian outside

where he opened the box an set up a small satellite dish like antenna and

turned the device within on; Ian then began turning dials and pressing buttons.

“What are you doing?” asked a confused Rarity.

“I am scanning for any available Imperial vessel in the area.” replied Ian.

“How do you plan on doing that? Didn’t your ship leave?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Yes the Tannenburg left, but knowing my master; he has probably sent a fleet

into the area to extract me once my mission is complete. replied Ian; not telling

the entire truth. The fleet would have also been there if he needed back up in a

situation where the locals attempted anything stupid or a Xenos or Chaos fleet

presented itself, the Imperial Navy could hopefully repel this problem. Ian just

wanted to avoid scaring his equine friends.

“Wouldn’t we have seen them with a telescope?” asked Celestia.

“Most likely not; they are probably a good distance off, and would probably

only appear as stars.” said Ian widening the range. The device suddenly

beeped, and Ian smiled.

“What does that mean?” asked Pinkie suddenly popping up right next to Ian

and nearly making him jump.

“That means that I have found the signal of an Imperial vessel.” said Ian.

Everyone listened closely as Ian hailed the ship.

“Imperial vessel please come in, over.” said Ian. Static hissed through the

speakers. Then, a voice responded back over the vox.

“This is Admiral Korsnetzov of the Imperial Navy warship Aurora; identify

yourself.” ordered the admiral.

“This is Inquisitor Ian Ludones of the Emperor’s Holy Inquisition; requesting

assistance; code word Dervish, over.” said Ian calmly.

“Authenticating…” said a voice. After about two minutes of silence, the

admiral’s voice sounded over the vox channel.

“We read you loud and clear Inquisitor Ludones. How may we be of

assistance?” asked the admiral.

“I need the skills of a particular techpriest down here on my current location;

and was wondering if you could possibly find his location or in failing that find

one that specializes in ancient technology?” asked Ian.

“What is this techpriest’s name?” asked the admiral.

“Jakob Makuroe.” replied Ian. Several seconds passed before Ian

got a reply.

“Well how about that. We have him right here on the Aurora; I will notify him

immediately and we will have him on the planet’s surface as soon as possible.”

asked Korsnetzov.

“That would be much appreciated; I am going to send you landing co ordinance

for the shuttle now.” replied Ian. A smile came to the young Inquisitor’s face; he

knew that his retinue was loyal, especially Makuroe. That tech priest was one

of his most dependable companions. “Also; do you have any troops on board;

I may need some muscle.” said Ian.

“Affirmative; we have a full company of Inquisitorial storm troopers; Lord

Coteaz’s compliments.” replied the admiral.

“Perfect, I need two full squads please.” said Ian.

“Noted, we will send them down with Techpriest Makuroe.” said Korsnetzov.

“Roger, Over and out.” said Ian.

“Over and out.” finished Korsnetzov.Ian turned to the Element Bearers and

the princesses with an optimistic smile on his face.

"Well, the door may be opened sooner than I thought."

************************************************************************

While Princess Celestia was not pleased about Ian’s request for highly trained

storm troopers, Ian explained to her that he had no idea what was behind that

door and thus wanted men who were well prepared to handle the possibility of

an Imperial security system rather than some poor royal guards ponies who

could be killed quickly due to lack of experience in encountering Imperial

technology. Nonetheless, it would take the troops about a day to arrive.

In the mean time, Ian sat and spoke with his equine friends.

“So Ian I heard you and Applejack received an unexpected visit from my

sister the other night.” said Celestia with a happy smile, earning a subtle

nudge and glare from Luna. Ian picked up on this and smirked internally.

He knew that the others did not know of Luna and Macintosh’s relationship

and that the Moon Princess wanted it kept quiet as possible. This would be

perfect payback for the rather embarrassing situation a few nights back until

he saw Luna looking at him with pleading eyes; as if begging him to keep

things quiet. Ian knew what he had to do.

“Aye, your sister was kind enough to come and check up on me and make

sure I was getting settled in alright. For that I thank you your majesty.”

said Ian.

“Oh it was nothing.” said Luna with a relieved look on her face. She knew

that her sister was happy for her, but she still wanted her relationship

with Macintosh kept quiet for the time being.

“You owe me one for that.” said Ian’s voice in Luna’s mind.

“I know; I will up your stipend.” replied Luna telepathically.

“Excellent. That will be sufficient.” finished Ian.

“So Ian, while we are waiting for the detachment to arrive, I have some

folks in Canterlot who are eager to meet you.” said Celestia.

“More pompous nobles I presume?” asked Ian raising an eyebrow.

“No, just the representatives of the other powers that be on Equis

Prime.” replied Celestia.

“Well, it may be my mission to concentrate on Equestria, but the

Imperium will eventually want to learn about the others as well;

never hurts to start early.” said Ian.

***************************************************************************

The meeting hall was alive with conversation. Representatives from all

over Equis Prime were present. Ambassador Honoris and Shining

armor were present representing the Holy Griffon Empire and Crystal

Empire respectively. They introduced him to diplomats from Germaneigh,

Saddle Arabia, the Hippogryph Clans, Gildedale, the Diamond Dog

Kingdom, Minotaur States, and the massive Changelling Empire.

Most of the ambassadors were friendly and had plenty of questions

about the Imperium and its culture, and were more than happy to

answer his questions about their cultures. The Minotaur ambassador

was very impressed by Dread Bane and jokingly asked if it was used

to knock down houses.

The Diamond Dog and Changelling ambassadors however were less

than friendly. The Diamond Dog ambassador, Count Arric De Woof

acted with an air of superiority that annoyed Ian to no end. He talked

about the ponies as if they were an inferior race, which made Ian

chuckle to himself. If the Emperor had favored the ponies; they were

anything but inferior to the other factions of this world. To his credit,

Ian kept his cool and mingled with the other representatives. The

Changelling ambassador was rather aggressive and not at all polite,

even going so far as to call Ian a monkey. Despite all of the insults

and Ian picturing Dread Bane’s massive head smashing the

insectoid’s head to a bloody pulp; the young inquisitor kept his

temper in check.

He decided to mingle with the friendlier ambassadors, and record as

much knowledge as he could on his data slate and wrote down the

Diamond Dog and Changelling ambassadors as “having a misplaced

superiority complex” for his final report. Each culture was very

interesting to Ian. The Changellings, Minotaurs, Diamond Dogs,

Griffons and Hippogryphs were rather militaristic, while Germaneigh,

Gildedale, and the Crystal Empire were all more or less client states

of Equestria and Saddle Arabia relied upon its wealth in trade and

banking to keep its lofty place in the world. Ian knew that Equestria;

despite being peaceful in its philosophy believed in peace through

superior might.

He had reviewed the Equestrian Royal Army a few months ago,

and the discipline of its soldiers and officers was strong as iron; they

were so well disciplined that Ian believed that a Mordian general would

have even nodded his approval, and after seeing how many militaristic

nations surrounded Equestria and her allies; he could tell why they had

to be ready at all times. The army was new however; instituted after the

Changelling attack on the royal wedding in Canterlot. Shining Armor

had explained to him that before this, Equestria had relied on her Royal

Guards to act as a defensive military force; but a drop in recruitment had

left the guard under manned; and coupled with the shape shifting abilities

of the Changellings it had been a recipe for disaster. It had also shown

Celestia and Luna that Equestria needed a disciplined and strong military,

and Celestia had put her sister in charge of that task. Ian realized he had

gotten lost in his thoughts when he got a hearty and friendly slap on the

back from the Minotaur ambassador; who wanted to share some war

stories.

*****************************************************************************

Applejack was walking through the halls of Canterlot Palace. It was

morning, but black shades were over the windows. When she brushed

one of the shades aside and looked out, she noticed that the royal flags

around the city were at half mast; and there was no one in the streets. It

was as if someone important had died. The farmer moved down the hall

until she came to the chapel, where she saw the sight of a long wooden

box on the altar. Standing on the dais upon which the altar was set, were

four human soldiers. They wore forest green uniforms with peaked caps

on their heads and shiny black boots on their feet. In their hands, with

bayonets fixed were rifles of some sort, what they were Applejack could

not tell. As she got closer, she noticed that the box was a casket.

“Who died?” she asked one of the troopers, who looked at her sadly.

“The Inquisitor.” replied the soldier. Applejack’s jaw dropped and she

approached the coffin. Laying within, encased in his armor was Ian, his

unmoving body lying in repose.

*****************************************************************************

Applejack awoke with a sharp gasp and her eyes wide. It had only been

a nightmare, but a bad one at that. Ian had gotten in earlier and spoken

with her about the meeting and both of them had turned in early. It was

after a minute that Applejack felt sick. The thought of losing a friend was

unbearable to her, even if it was just a dream. She got up and walked out

to the living room of the suite to see Ian sitting on the couch in his PJs.

“Can’t sleep?” he asked her.

“Nope.” said Applejack.

“Come on over and have a seat.” said Ian.

The two sat together, and she told Ian about her nightmare. Ian could tell by

her expression that the dream had greatly disturbed her.

“As I have said, I am not planning on croaking any time soon AJ and it was

just a dream. If I worried about my nightmares all the time, I would have lost

my sanity long ago. Dreams can show us what we love or fear most, while

sometimes they are premonitions, these are rare; or so I have found. One

should not concern them self with the future: fate is what we make it, and

what the God-Emperor wills. Flashbacks on the other hand; those are an

entirely different story.” he said with a sigh.

“Ya had the nightmare again didn’t ya?” she asked him.

“Yes. Not as severe as last time, but still nothing easy to relive.” said Ian.

“Do ya wanna talk about it?” she asked.

“Emperor no; I’m trying to forget it; but thank you for asking.” replied Ian with

a ghost of a smile.

“No problem sugar cube. Thank you fer talkin’ with me.” said Applejack.

“We’d best hit the hay, it will be an early morning, and I want to get as much

sleep as I can with Makuroe arriving tomorrow.” said Ian getting to his foot

and grabbing his crutch. “Maybe a quick prayer will help?” he asked.

“Uh, sure.” said Applejack a bit unsure. While she was strong in her faith,

she worshipped Celestia and Luna, but if Ian’s God-Emperor was their creator,

then he deserved at least some veneration in her eyes. Ian and Applejack

closed their eyes and bowed his heads and Ian began to pray.

“Mighty God-Emperor, we come to you in our time of unrest and worry to beg

your mercy. Grant us peace from troublesome dreams; let us not worry what

may come to pass or has already been; let us put our faith in you that we may

rest easy and thus be ready to start a new day tomorrow for your glory. In your

name this we pray: amen.” prayed Ian.

With the prayer done, the two friends went to bed and waited for morning.

*****************************************************************************

The Next morning, Ian arose at eight in the morning and brewed some coffee.

Applejack joined him and the two chatted for a bit before proceeding to the dig

\site where the door was located. Once there, they were joined by the other

element bearers, Soarin and the two princesses. No sooner had everyone

arrived than the high pitched whine of the engines of a pair of Valkyrie gunships

clad in black and red paint and bearing the signs of the inquisition were heard

as they made a low pass over Canterlot before returning and hovering over the

landing spot that Ian had indicated. The side doors opened as ropes dropped

over the sides and the storm troopers repelled down with perfect coordination

and set up a beach head of sorts. As soon as all twenty of the troopers were

on the ground, the Valkyries then dropped the ropes and shot skyward. Once

the area was determined to be secured, a trooper with a vox caster clicked the

speaker on his helmet.

“Area secure, bring ‘em in.” said the trooper. Within minutes, an Aquilla Lander

escorted by a pair of Imperial Thunderbolt fighters flew out of the clouds and

towards the landing point. While the shuttle landed, the two fighters accelerated

their speed and flew a patrol above the city. Ian was just thankful that Celestia

and Luna had briefed the guards about the flying machines. The news had also

been given information about the arrival of more humans, but had been

told that it was to set up an embassy rather than because of an old human site

that had suddenly been discovered.

“Awesome!” said Rainbow Dash watching the fighters bank and turn at high

speeds while Soarin was watching them in awe.

The shuttle’s ramp was dropped, revealing a group of ten figures. Five of them

wore the garb and armor of Techpriest Enginseers of the Adeptus Mechanicus,

easily identified by their sand red robes, power axes and servo arms: Makuroe

was front and center. The old Techpriest was a head taller than the other five and

had a bionic monocle in place of his right eye with his nose down to his chin

covered by a rebreather. Ian knew however that the old Techpriest was probably

grinning under the mask. The other five were faces that Ian knew well. Emil and

Vrens stood with broad grins on their faces, while Sister Irina stood calmly taking

in the scenery, her robes blowing elegantly over her slender body. Ian could tell by

the look on the sister Hospitaller’s delicate, porcelain white face that she felt out of

her element. Also present were Malcolm Hobbes, Ian’s calculus logi, who was

already jotting down notes on a data slate with his dark, gaunt face twisted in

concentration; and father Ivan Potalov, Ian’s confessor, and the only member of his

retinue who was from Laureus IX, and who was currently taking in the situation with

a discriminating eye. Ian knew that the wiry old priest was going to give him an ear

full next confession. Makuroe stepped forward with a large, elongated box in his hand

and spoke to Ian.

“It is good to see you Ian, Lord Coteaz says hello, and sends you an early birthday

gift.” said the Techpriest handing Ian the case.

“It is good to see you too old friend.” replied Ian taking the case with a smile. Ian could

tell by the weight of the case that it was a weapon. He also noticed the other members

of his retinue and waved them over and introduced them one by one to the princesses

and the Element bearers. Irina, Vrens, Emil, Makuroe, and Malcolm he could tell would

get along with the ponies, but Father Potalov on the other hand remained very quiet

and gave Ian a look that felt like it could set him ablaze right on the spot. He had

protested vehemently when Ian had requested aid from the Eldar during the battle for

Laureus IX, and he could only imagine how thrilled the old priest was to be in the

presence of what to him were probably Xenos. Luckily for Ian, the crusty old cleric had

left his eviscerator aboard the Aurora.

“Are you going to open your gift Inquisitor?” asked Corporal Vrens shifting his melta

gun in his arms.

“Sure, why not.” said Ian with a grin and removing the bow and sticking it on the

Kasrkin’s strong, shaved head; which drew quite a few laughs. When Ian

opened the box his chin almost hit the floor. He reached into the box and pulled

out a gorgeous melta-bolter combi weapon; which had gold writing in High Gothic

on one side and a purity seal stamped on its other side. Ian could tell from the

beautiful detail in the High Gothic writing on the side that Makuroe himself had

probably built the weapon.

“Thank you, Jakob; as usual you have outdone yourself.” said Ian.

“Only the best for you milord.” replied the Techpriest.

****************************************************************************

Upon inspecting the door, Makuroe and his Techpriests went to work. Ian had

guessed right; the door was a pre-heresy blast door and the techpriests went to

work on reviving the systems. Makuroe guessed that it would take anywhere

from a few days to a few weeks to get things up and running and was left to his

work. In the mean time, Ian decided to take a personal day, leaving Emil in

charge of the defense of the dig site. The only ponies to have access to the site

were Luna and Celestia; anyone else was to be told to leave by the storm

troopers. Corporal Vrens would keep Ian updated on any developments with his

vox caster. Everyone else was about to head for the train station to get back to

Ponyville, when Ian had an idea. Luna and Celestia took their leaves and

returned to the palace while Ian got Corporal Vrens’ attention.

“How about we get back to Ponyville in a fraction of the time it takes by train or

sky chariot?” asked Ian turning to his friends.

“I can’t teleport this many ponies and you.” said Twilight motioning with her hoof.

“Not what I meant, Corporal Vrens, would you be as kind as to call us a ride?”

asked Ian.

“Of course inquisitor.” replied Vrens clicking on his vox caster with a grin.

“Aurora, this is base camp, request taxi, over.”

“A taxi? Won’t that be a lot of money to go from Canterlot to Ponyville?! asked

Pinkie pulling a calculator out of thin air, earning her a smoldering glare from

Father Potalov. Within minutes of the request going through, another Valkyrie

gunship arrived and landed.

“Hop on in everypony.” said Ian getting in.

“A-a-are you sure this is safe?” asked Fluttershy nervously.

“I have flown in these many times Fluttershy, I am pretty sure they are safe.”

said Ian with a smile. Applejack and Rainbow Dash hopped on right behind him,

followed by Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and lastly Fluttershy and Soarin, who

despite being impressed by the machine was not all too enthused about hopping

in until Dash gave him some encouragement.

“Everyone in?” asked the pilot.

“Affirmative, proceed to the following coordinates.” said Ian handing the pilot

a piece of paper.

“Roger, proceeding to coordinates.” replied the pilot. The ponies all shared

awed looks as they felt the Valkyrie lift off the ground and take to the air. The

gunship’s engines whined as they propelled it through the air towards Ponyville.

****************************************************************************

The residents of Ponyville had stared in awe at the Valkyrie when it landed in

the center of town. A few had run and hidden behind whatever they could find,

but for the most part, the amazing machine had incited more curiosity than fear.

Twilight and her friends had found themselves being asked lots of questions

about their ride after the gunship had left. While the Element Bearers answered

questions, Ian slipped away to Sweet Apple Acres. He had decided to spend

the rest of the day relaxing on the hill side. He sat writing in his journal and

taking some much needed down time. He also looked over the new weapon

that his master had commissioned Makuroe to build: it was a work of art. The

body was blued and protected by a glossy coat of varnish, while the muzzle of

the meltagun was a darker steel color. Applejack found him shortly after she

had escaped the crowd. She had brought a picnic basket with her with enough

food for two, and had also brought something that Ian had not expected: hard

cider.

“So Ian; Ah brought us somthin’ a little bit stronger ta drink.” she said holding

up the bottle with a smile.

“Go ahead if you want, but I must respectfully refuse your offer AJ.” said Ian

shaking his head.

“Why?” she asked with some disappointment.

“I have a rather bad history with alcohol.” said Ian with some shame.

“What do ya mean?” she asked.

“It began shortly after I gave the order to destroy my home. I got very depressed,

and turned to alcohol to try and drown the memory of what I had done. It got bad;

very bad. Til one day I got to my apartment on Formosa to find the door ripped

off its hinges and all of my hooch piled in the fire place. There sitting in one of my

chairs was my master; and boy if looks could kill I would not be standing here today.

He was livid; I have seen him show more mercy to heretics than he did to me that

day. He gave me one hell of a pep talk, and told me to take my sorrows to the

Emperor rather than drown them with liquor.” said Ian.

“Ya mean ya didn’t have any whine at the party? Ah thought ya did.” said

Applejack.

“No, no I did not. I had some ginger ale and orange juice. I have to be careful

as drinking was a hard habit for me to break. Once you stop; you want to keep

as far from the stuff as possible; because if I start drinking again, Emperor only

knows if I will be able to stop again.” said Ian sadly.

“Ah see yer point.” Applejack said feeling a bit awkward and setting the booze

down behind her and grabbing a small bottle of regular apple cider from the

picnic basket and handing it to him.

“That’s better. I apologize if I offended you; I just do not want to go down

that road again.” said Ian.

“Eh, it aint any trouble at all.” replied Applejack with a smile.

“Sun’s getting low, we should be getting home.” said Ian.

“It was nice meetin’ yer friends, most of ‘em seemed friendly enough, but ah

couldn’t tell with yer metal pal in the red robes, but the feller in the black

robes seemed kinda grumpy.” said Applejack.

“Techpriest Makuroe is friendly enough, but be careful; if you get him talking

about certain things, it is like listening to Princess Twilight explain Magical

Theory: I may be a highly educated inquisitor, but I am still a simple farmer

at heart” said Ian making Applejack laugh a little, she knew exactly what he

was talking about. “As for Father Potalov, well, he is rather rough around

the edges. He is one of those who believes that anything that is not human

needs to be destroyed.” said Ian with a sigh.

“Then why do ya keep him in yer uh… what did ya call it?”

“Retinue.” stated Ian.

“Retinue?” finished Applejack.

“Well, he was my family’s priest on Laureus IX, and has served as my

confessor since I was about yea high” he said holding his hand to his hip.

“plus he is extremely loyal and I guess guilt.” finished Ian.

“Guilt?” asked Applejack.

“Yes. He was born on Laureus IX and spent his entire childhood and

most of his adult life there. It was his home long before I was born.

God-Emperor how I wish I had died that day.” said Ian sadly. He

suddenly felt a sharp pain in his good leg as Applejack smacked

him rather hard in the knee.

“Ouch! What the frag was that for?!” asked Ian with surprise, before

Applejack gave him a sudden, and nearly bone crushing hug, which

surprised him even more.

“Don’t ya dare say that! There are people and ponies that care about

ya. It hurts us ta hear ya say things like that Ian. Its one thing ta be

fearless in the face of death but ta actually wish fer it aint healthy.

Ya can’t change the past; ya just gotta keep soldiering on and use

the sadness and anger to make ya strong; aint that what you said

some of you inquisitors do to get rid of the guilt wasn’t it?” she asked

with a stern look. Ian sighed audibly. He knew she was right and that

while death would have been preferable to his failure to the Emperor,

the past was unchangeable and the Emperor had obviously wanted him

to live. The best he could do was continuing soldiering on and tell himself

that in the future he would not fail.

“You make an excellent point, had the Emperor desired my death, I would

not be standing here today. I’m sorry I said that AJ.” said Ian returning

the embrace and mentally kicking himself. He knew that the dream she

had had the other night had bothered her greatly and still most likely was,

and that this had probably bothered her as well.

“It’s ok Ian, sorry fer kickin’ yer good leg.” replied Applejack.

“Eh, it was needed. I was being a dip shit” replied Ian with a smile and

causing Applejack to laugh. The two of them let go and continued

towards home, earning her a rather loud cry of protest from a not

too far off bush.

"AW COME ON!” yelled a small white unicorn filly popping out of one of

the bushes behind them before a small orange pegasus filly grabbed her

and stuffed her back in to the bush, and leaving Ian with a rather confused

look on his face.

“Really?” asked Applejack with a slightly annoyed look.

“What in the name of the Emperor was that?” asked Ian chuckling at the

little ones’ antics.

“Mah lil sis and her friends; apparently they’ve been trying’ ta set me up

with a special somepony fer hearts and hooves day since she heard

about mah break-up with Caramel, and apparently they think that it

would be amazing ta have me hooked up with the alien visitor.”

replied Applejack with a sour look on her face. Ian continued

chuckling at this new development.

“What, I’m not good enough for you miss high class?” asked Ian jokingly

and giving a hearty laugh as he used the same line Applejack had when

she had explained her ground rules to him nearly three months ago

when they had first meant and shared the massive suite in Canterlot.

Applejack blushed a very deep red at the memory before turning around

and shouting towards the Crusaders’ hiding place.

“Y’all better skedaddle on outta here before ya end up tryin’ out Cutie

Mark Crusaders Armor Polishers again!” The three fillies ran as fast

as they could out of the bushes back towards their club house. Ian

just laughed harder. He may have laughed less had he known the

way that Applejack truly felt about him. In all reality, she would give

her front left hoof for a chance with Ian; He was honorable, kind,

and dedicated and she found him very handsome: but she knew

that it would not work. Ian had made that very clear those three

months ago.

“Applejack, are you alright?” asked Ian. She hadn’t even noticed

that she had a sad look on her face.

“Yeah, Ahm ok; it’s just that Ah do feel kinda lonely without having

him around.” she said hoping that Ian would buy it. As honesty was

her element, she was a horrible liar; but she could lie when she

absolutely needed to and pull it off.

“Applejack, you should be relieved to be rid of that two timing

sleaze ball. He would have only given you heartache.” replied Ian

with a stern look on his face.

“Don’t get me wrong, Ah wouldn’t go back ta him if he were the

last stallion on earth, Ah just feel a bit empty is all.” said Applejack.

“Well, why don’t we just hang out that day, that way you will not be

lonely. I enjoy our talks, and I do need to learn more about this

Hearts and Hooves Day as you call it.” said Ian.

“Really? You’d do that just so ah don’t feel alone?” asked Applejack.

“Yes, isn’t that what friends do when one of them is sad?” asked Ian

rhetorically with a kind smile.

“Ah- Ah don’t know what ta say; thank ya!” she said.

“It is no problem AJ; but one more thing: I ask that you do not

embrace me around my fellow humans. While I do not mind it,

some of them may find it…taboo.” said Ian. Applejack felt her

heart drop in her chest. “You can still give me a hug here and

there if need be, just be careful is all I’m asking. I am not sure

how Father Potalov or someone with a similar mindset would

react; and I would be unable to sleep at night if something

happened to you. You are a good friend Applejack; and in my

culture, those can be very difficult to come by: many of us do

not live long enough to create lasting friendships.” said Ian

sadly. This made Applejack feel somewhat sad for the

people of the Imperium, but also a little better that she was

a valuable friend to Ian and made her smile. As the sun

sank in the sky and the moon began to rise; the two made

their way home.

************************************************************************

Upon returning to the house, Ian and Applejack were greeted

by the smiling faces of Big Macintosh and Princess Luna.

“Well good evening, you two seem very happy.” said

Applejack with smile.

“Yes indeed.” said Luna; the princess was about to say more

when everyone was distracted by a sudden beeping.

“Pardon me that will be Jakob updating me on his progress.”

said Ian. He and Jakob spoke in High Gothic over the vox.

The chatter became very excited before Ian turned around

with a look of purpose in his eyes and made for the stairs

with Applejack and Luna after him.

“What has happened Inquisitor?” asked Luna.

“The door is back online and ready to be opened. He just

needs a few more minutes to hack in and shut down the

security systems. I need to suit up and get back to

Canterlot. They have sent a Valkyrie; it will be here within

twenty minutes.” said Ian.

“I must be present with you, I am the commander of

Equestria’s military and defense forces.” said Luna.

“Very well, I will be ready soon” replied Ian.

“Alright, we shall see you in Canterlot then.” said Luna

before going back downstairs.Ian suited up in his armor

in record time, just as the Valkyrie gunship arrived, he

had activated his armor and mag locked his new combi

weapon to his hip and slung Dread Bane over his back.

Ian boarded the gunship after saying a quick goodbye.

Luna had simply teleported home, so Ian would have to

just take the gunship.Ian hopped in, and the Valkyrie

lifted off the ground and took to the sky; its engines

whining as it accelerated towards the distant spires

of Canterlot.

Chapter 8: Door to the Past.

When Ian stepped off of the Valkyrie, he was greeted

by Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, along with

Corporal Vrens. The princesses’ guard pony escorts were

in complete awe of Ian in a full suit of artificer forged power

armor, the likes of which had not been seen in Equestria

for over 10,000 years.

“Report Corporal.” said Ian walking past the Kasrkin.

"Techpriest Makuroe has the door back online. He says he will

have the security system down in the next few minutes milord.”

said Vrens.

“Excellent, now we just need to take a peek inside." replied Ian

checking his gear.Outside of the dig site, the storm troopers had

assembled and stood at attention as Ian approached; weapons

held out in front of them, barrels to the sky. With their masks on,

the troopers were barely distinguishable from one another; the

only differences being the special weapons troopers, vox caster

operators and the squad sergeants. Ian’s retinue, minus

Techpriest Makuroe, approached and saluted. Emil had on

a full suit of power armor; he had replaced the inquisitorial banner

with an Arbites Pattern III Law bringer shotgun loaded with slugs.

Corporal Vrens had on his ever present Vox Caster and a suit of

power armor that matched Emil’s.

When it came to the safety of his retinue, Ian spared no expense;

his father and mother had multiple, large, bank accounts that he

inherited upon their deaths and used this money to make sure that

the men and women following him into the thick of a melee or a

firefight were adequately protected. Each of the warriors in Ian’s

retinue were also equipped with a terrifying adamantine toothed

chainsword, while Vrens, who’s knowledge of Melta Weapons

and vox casters made him exceptionally valuable to Ian; toted

around his melta gun. Sister Irina had already set up a tent in case

there were injuries, and Father Potalov was blessing the soldiers

before they began their work of securing whatever was behind the door.

Just as the old priest finished, Techpriest Makuroe walked out of the

cave and approached Ian.

“The security systems are down milord.” said the techpriest calmly.

“Excellent, prepare to open the door.” replied Ian.

“Of course.” said Makuroe with a small bow of his head before turning

and walking back towards the cave. Ian turned back to the storm

troopers just as Father Potalov finished his blessing.

“Alright, we are going in boys; I have no idea what we will find in there,

and for that reason I want special weapons up front, and I want the

squads together at all times. The techpriests may have the security

systems down but goodness knows if any animals have taken up

residence in there, and from what I have read on the wild life

around here I don’t want to take any chances.” said Ian before

turning and walking towards the cave, followed closely by Corporal

Vrens. Emil then walked up to the Storm Troopers and took over

where Ian had left off.

“Alright ladies, you heard the Inquisitor and you know the drill!

Assholes and elbows let’s move!” barked the salty old Kasrkin.

The troopers didn’t need to be told a second time and jogged

off swiftly after the Inquisitor.Luna and Celestia made to follow

Ian but he stopped them.

“Sorry your majesties, I cannot allow you to come in until we

have cleared the area of any potential threats; please stay back

until we know it is going to be safe.” said Ian. Both princesses

nodded their heads and stood a good fifty yards away from the

cave as Ian and his troopers entered.

******************************************************************

Ian took point with his combi weapon with Corporal Vrens just

behind him, while Emil led the other squad.

“Go to low light: squad alpha, stack on the right side of the door;

squad bravo, stack up on the left side, stay frosty boys.” said Ian

into the vox.

“Yes sir.” came the unanimous reply. Ian then switched the Vox

channel to Makuroe’s frequency.

“We’re ready Jakob, open the door.”

“Of course.” came the Techpriest’s reply.

There was a heavy clicking noise followed by the clanking of gears as

the heavy door opened. The 2 sides split, giving off a cloud of rust

colored dust that would have caused the storm troopers and their

inquisitorial handlers hacking and gagging without their protective masks.

The doors stopped and the dust settled: the eye slits of the helmets

glowed with an eerie red light.

“Squads move in.” ordered Ian. As one the troopers moved in with their

hell guns at the ready, Ian had his combi bolter raised; Emil had his shot

gun at the ready; while Vrens had his melta ready to release a

superheated bolt of death. The inside of the vault was massive; the huge

arches and flying buttresses were clearly of Imperial origin, and every

column and support was carved from granite and decorated with Imperial

Aquilas. The massive chamber took the troopers about ten full minutes to

search before the all clear was given. Ian could tell that this place was no

weapons depot or motor pool; no, it was obvious by the massive, cylindrical,

numbered growth tanks and scientific equipment present that this was a lab;

a big one. Each tank was large enough to comfortably fit Princess Celestia.

As Ian approached the tanks, he saw that all of them had numbers, except

for a certain two. Both were smaller than the others; and one was marked

with a blazing sun while the other was marked with a crescent moon.

A quick count revealed that there were a thousand of them.

“And the Emperor created a thousand nobles to rule them and keep the

peace, while two he made to raise the world’s sun and moon and bring

the war and famine to an end: to bring the kind creatures peace before

he did ascend.” said Ian remembering the passage of the fairy tale.

Ian’s heart was now racing: if the fairy tales were correct; he was

standing in one of the Emperor’s personal laboratories. Ian looked

over to his left and saw a large desk. What was peculiar about this desk

was that it was empty; save for a large book that sat on it. Ian walked

over and picked up the heavy tome: it was an ancient journal;

covered completely in dust.

“Inquisitor, you may want to take a look at this.” came Emil’s voice

over the vox.

“On my way Emil.” replied Ian.

Ian walked to the chamber where Emil was and upon entering, it was very

clear what his old friend had wanted him to see. In the center of the room

was a huge dais, above which attached to the ceiling was a large dome.

“What do you suppose that is Ian?” asked Emil.

“No idea Emil, but maybe this will shed light on it more.” said Ian

holding up the massive tome.

“What is that sir?” asked Emil.

“Well in some circles it is known as a book sarge!” exclaimed Corporal

Vrens, earning him a deadly glare from the old Gunnery Sergeant and

a swift pop on the back of the head from Ian.

“Ow!”

“For the love of the Emperor Vrens, this is serious! This book is a journal,

possibly written by the God-Emperor himself; it may be the proof I need to

finish my report to the High Lords.” said Ian.

“Sorry sir!” said Vrens.

“Forgiven.” replied Ian. Vrens could be terribly obnoxious at times but the

man usually had a good sense of humor and was only trying to ease the

tension. Not to mention he knew a melta gun like the back of his hand

and was always calm on the vox caster. He could not stay mad at a man

who had yet to let him down.Ian opened the old tome and began flipping

through the pages. The ancient tome went into great detail about the

creation of the Alicorns; in particular Princesses Celestia and Luna.

“Interesting, it says here that while the other Alicorns were grown and

matured in the growth tanks and were implanted with the knowledge

they would need to act as the nobility; their majesties. He raised them

as if they were his own daughters.” said Ian.

“So then, what happened to the other Alicorns?” asked Emil.

“Yes, I was noticing there is a distinct lack of them.” added Vrens.

“Let me see.” said Ian flipping through a few more pages. “Ah here it is.”

Everyone listened carefully as Ian cleared his throat and began to read.

****************************************************************************

“I arrived on Equis three weeks ago after receiving a call for help

from my little Tia, only to discover that a warp breach had opened in the

capital city of Alicornople. Daemons had poured into the city, slaughtering

everypony they could lay a wretched claw on. They were in the process of

besieging the main gates of the palace when I arrived with my Custodes.

There were so many of the foul creatures: they were beyond count.

Nevertheless, we cut them down and I personally sealed the rupture;

unfortunately the damage is done. The only surviving Alicorns are my

Celestia and Luna, for which I am thankful, as they are the only two

powerful enough to control the rather unpredictable cycles of this planet’s

sun and moon. Without my daughters; famine would return and ravage the

land as it had in the past."

"I fear however that they have been emotionally scarred by the events that

have transpired and I erased their memories of the horrors that they have

witnessed and have done the same with the surviving citizenry: seeing that

the city has been all but leveled and none of the citizens outside the palace

survived the daemons’ onslaught; I have encouraged the ponies and my

daughters to start anew. The new city will be built on the side of the mountain

in which my laboratory is hidden. I have in addition begun work on a weapon

with which my little ponies may better defend themselves against the horrors

of the warp; which I will explain in a later entry."

That explained why the Princesses had no idea that this place existed, clearing

up one question that he had intended upon asking. Ian flipped a few pages and

found what he was looking for under the page labeled Project Harmony in big

bold letters; and dated about a week after the previous entry.

"I have finally done it! I have contained the psychic essence of six of the most

positive emotions into the same material of which my armor is made. Kindness;

laughter; loyalty; generosity; honesty; and the ‘magic’ friendship as the ponies

call it. I have dubbed these objects The Elements of Harmony, as they shall keep

the world in harmony. The energy within these amulets is anathema to the dark

forces of the warp: they have been field tested and can either turn a malign entity

to stone or send an entire army daemons screaming back to the warp from

whence they came whilst simultaneously sealing a warp rift. They can do much

more than that as well. They can heal fatal wounds and even revive those who

are in a comatose state as I have observed. I do worry about the rest of the

creatures on this world and how they will react if they find out about the elements;

no matter: should they invade; the elements can turn their armies to stone."

"I did not even anticipate this and as a scientist am very proud of this achievement.

I am also having my engineers modify the teleporter off the main chamber to

connect directly to the palace back on Terra itself, with the other teleporter being

just outside of the throne room. It will enable me to watch over my little ponies

easier, I do not believe I have anything to fear by doing this. No one knows

about this planet and with the elements at their disposal; there should be no

complications.”

*****************************************************************************

Upon reading the last line, Ian closed the book and looked up at the doorway

where a dust covered plaque was attached to the thick wall. The young

inquisitor walked over to it, handing the tome to one of the troopers, he took

a gauntleted hand and brushed the dust off to reveal the word ‘Teleporter’ in

big, bold letters. The color drained from Ian’s face. Not because he was

reading notes written by the God-Emperor himself only half a year before

the Istavaan Drop Site Massacres; not because he had just hit the jackpot

for the knowledge he needed: but because of where the teleporter relay led.

“Get Makuroe in here. NOW!” stressed Ian. A trooper saluted and ran out to

find the Techpriest.

“Throne. On. Terra.” said Emil joining several other troopers in making the

sign of Aquilla.

“Well; this has escalated quickly.” said Vrens with a chuckle in an attempt to

break the tension.

“Emil.”

“Yes Ian?”

“Would you be so kind as to give the Corporal a brain dusting?”

*Smack!*

“Ow! Why’d you do that?” complained Vrens.

“You bloody well know why.” Emil deadpanned. The group was so

distracted that they failed to notice the small bat that flew in and

hung directly above them from a carved stone Imperial eagle.

************************************************************************

Despoiler Class Warship Seed of Dissent: somewhere in the Warp.

She had searched far and wide across the planes of real space for the

place that she had been told of when she was a child: the place that

the corpse emperor had his colorful little pets. It had been made easy

by the massive burst of energy that she had detected four years ago

in the Imperium’s Segmentum Pacificus, which had been followed by

a second, massive release of energy. She had remembered the fairy

tales she had been told as a child as her mother and father tucked her

into bed, but now she had found it: but that was before the Word Bearers

had opened her Eyes to the truth. The servants of the corpse Emperor

had found it too, and more. She concentrated the eyes and ears of her

flesh puppet. The small bat’s ears picked up everything that the oblivious

inquisitor was reading aloud; and an involuntary smile crept onto

sorceresses’ flawless face as she saw his face go pale and heard him

call for the Techpriest.

She would have waited longer but the Inquisitor and one of his men’s heads

suddenly snapped up and looked directly at her. The inquisitor pointed and

the trooper brought up his shotgun: He had sensed her presence, what was

more, she recognized his psychic essence. The sorceress quickly detached

her soul from the creature she was possessing and it shot back into the warp

at the speed of light before reaching her body a few seconds later: she gave

a sharp gasp for air, the smile still on her face, she brushed her long raven

hair out of her eyes as she regained her wits and got to her feet from the

meditation mat on the floor of her quarters.

The sorceress opened the door to her chambers and began her walk down

the hall to her master’s quarters. The dark apostle was a source of inspiration

for her: it had been he who had sensed her worth when others had shunned

her for it; he had told her that the dark gods rewarded, rather than shunned

individuals such as her for serving them. She remembered the sweet feeling

of watching everyone who had shunned her or held her back be sacrificed to

the dark gods: yet, in that moment of her master’s triumph; it had all been

stolen away by that damndable inquisitor. Before the warp gate could be

opened and more hosts of daemons be released upon the world of Laureus

IX to finish the great sacrifice; he had burned the planet to ash. She and her

master had left in anger at the loss of souls that he had intended to deliver

to the gods.

Worse yet, the face of the inquisitor she had seen, had indeed been the face

of the man who had robbed her and her master of their triumph. Before she

knew it; the sorceress stood at the door to her master’s chambers. A scream

from within confirmed that he was just finishing with morning sacrifices. She

knew better than to interrupt: to do so would mean harsh punishment at the

best: an agonizing death at the worst. She did not however have to wait long,

as her master; the Dark Apostle Kol Agilor the Desolator, spoke; his powerful

and commanding voice entered her head.

“Come in, my child.” it said in a commanding yet almost kind voice. The door

opened and she stepped in bowing low; staring at her master’s massive

armored feet protruding from beneath his parchment colored robes.

“Have you found it my child?” asked Agilor.

“Yes master, I have found the false emperor’s little pets; their innocent

blood will make a fine sacrifice to the gods.” she said with a wicked smile.

A hideous grin decorated the strong face of Kol Agilor’s powerful shaved

head; revealing pearly white teeth that had been filed to fangs. The dark

apostle’s eyes no longer held irises or pupils, but glowed a constant milky

white: radiating with power gifted him by the gods. In addition to this, his

flesh had been monogrammed with passages from the Book of Lorgar itself.

“Anything else to report my faithful servant?” asked the apostle.

“Yes milord: it appears that they have discovered a teleporter that teleports

directly outside of the corpse emperor’s own throne room; but there were…

complications.” said the sorceress.

“What complications?” asked her master.

“The Imperium is there. They have a massive fleet in the sector and I have no

idea if the teleporter even works or if it can be salvaged. I was; discovered

before I could find out more.” she replied with a frustrated look on her face. No

one had ever found her out so quickly before, this had made her a bit sloppy

and flying into the chamber rather than simply observing longer had cost her

gathering more information.

“Who discovered you?” asked Agilor, his tone dripping with dangerous curiosity.

“It was him milord; that thrice damned Inquisitor who robbed you of your

ascension.” said the sorceress.

“Well, well, well; Ian Ludones: the little pest whose planet I should have given

to the gods had he not intervened and burnt it to a crisp.” growled Agilor.

The chaos lord had been challenged by him and refused to cross blades

with the young man, seeing him as a whelp that was undeserving of such

honor. He had ended up regretting it when the Imperial and Eldar fleets

began shelling the planet from high orbit, before launching a cyclonic torpedo

that turned the planet to ash. He and his young servant had barely escaped

the blast through the warp portal that he had been bringing his daemonic

armies through. From that day on, he had cursed the name of Ian Ludones

with every ounce of his black heart. Never again would he turn down a

challenge from any servant of the corpse emperor, no matter

how insignificant they may seem.

“Master; is everything alright?” asked the arrogant and beautiful voice of

his servant.

“Yes, of course my servant; you have done well little one. Even if the

teleporter does not work, the blood we will spill will please the gods. For

now however we go back to Sicarus.” said Agilor grinning.

“What for milord? Should we not attack them now?”

“To prepare little one; to prepare. We will need a fleet much larger than only

the Seed of Dissent and her escorts to take on an entire fleet of the Imperial

Navy. The gods may be with us, but stupidity is rewarded only with their

mocking laughter in our heads as we perish. Go now and rest little one,

for you have earned it.” replied Agilor with a grin before moving past her

and headed to the bridge.

As the sorceress walked down the hall back to her quarters, she took in the

massive ship’s baroque architecture; looking at the banners made of human

leather and the decorative walls carved in the likeness of leering and

snarling daemonic faces, while steel gargoyles sat atop arches holding up

the symbol of the eight pointed star, with the screaming daemon skull

wreathed in flame upon it. A few cathartes flew over her and perched

above the archway in the hall; the lesser daemons were a common sight on

the massive capital ship; she felt more at home here than she ever had on

Laureus IX, the thought of which made her blood boil. She swore right then

and there that she would make Ian Ludones pay for the humiliation he had

bestowed upon her master; or die trying. The fact that he had complimented

her scrying had filled her with a need to repay him; a compliment from the

dark apostle was difficult to get, and was prized more than the most

valuable medal or trinket.

***************************************************************************

Canterlot, Equestria: Canterlot dig site.

The barrel of Emil’s shotgun was smoking from the freshly spent round.

The slug had virtually obliterated the small bat, leaving very little left.

“Geez sarge! All that’s left are eyeballs and teeth!” said Vrens. Ian let it slide

as the man had a point. There was next to nothing left. Emil racked his

shotgun and the shell casing clattered about on the ground.

“Sir what was it that made you want a bat splattered all over the ceiling?”

asked Emil a bit confused.

“It was not the bat that bothered me; it was the presence that was possessing it

and listening in on us that did.” explained Ian while re-collecting the book from

the trooper he had handed it to.

“It was tainted milord?” asked Vrens with concern.

“Aye.” replied Ian turning and walking towards the doors. He was met by

Makuroe as he made his way out.

“You called Ian?" asked the Techpriest.

“That I did Jakob. There is an ancient teleporter in the other room; I need you to

check and see if its machine spirit is dead or merely dormant.”

“Of course.” replied Makuroe. Ian continued to walk towards the doors.

“So, what’s our next move sir?” asked Vrens.

“I need to speak with their majesties and send a report to Lord Coteaz;

we need boots on the ground fast, and LOTS of them. replied Ian.

“Do you want me to radio the Aurora?” asked Vrens.

“Affirmative. Tell Korsnetzov we need the full company of the storm troops

deployed now.” replied Ian. As soon as the three exited the cave, Princesses

Celestia, Luna, and a recently arrived Twilight approached them with

concern written on their faces.

“Is everyone alright? We heard a gunshot!” said Twilight with concern.

“Everyone is fine, but I must speak with you privately your majesties.” replied

Ian removing his helmet. Taking the hint, Emil walked off towards his tent

while Corporal Vrens went to radio the Aurora.

“What is wrong Inquisitor?” asked Celestia.

“Well your majesty, things have taken an unexpected turn here; and not

necessarily for the better either.” answered Ian. He then explained to the

princesses what they had found and the situation with the tainted bat.

Both Celestia and Luna had many questions on their minds, particularly

about the laboratory and where the Emperor had created them, however,

the fact that Ian had sensed the taint of Chaos and the discovery of the

teleporter made them think first and foremost about the safety of their

little ponies and their comatose father on Holy Terra.

“What do you suggest Ian?” asked Luna.

“We need boots on the ground and lots of them. I have already ordered

the rest of the storm troopers to be deployed to defend the cave and the

lab itself, but what we need are multiple regiments of Imperial Guard

with heavy armor and artillery. Deploy your military in the cities closest to

Canterlot; we need to set up an area denial around the city. Do not let

the press know anything about this.” said Ian. Luna nodded and took to

the air to make her arrangements.

“Princess Celestia, the Imperium will need military access to Equestria;

Need I remind you that most of my colleagues would not ask you at all,

but I am not them.” said Ian.

Celestia hated the idea of allowing such a large number of human

soldiers into her country, and also cringed internally at the shit

storm that the press would create and the possible backlash from

other nations; but she also knew well the horror that would ensue

without aid from the Imperium. Her army’s weaponry consisted of

percussion cap repeater rifles, muzzle loading rifled cannons and

experimental Gatling guns, while the Chaos Space marines and

their servants would be wielding boltguns, lasguns, sorcery and

other terrifying weapons. The princess nodded her head. She also

knew that Ian, while requesting permission from her to land an army;

was merely being polite. Even if she had refused, she knew that the

Imperium would force her to accept. She could also tell by the look in

Ian’s eyes that he was as upset as she was.

“Excellent, I also need you to call the leaders of the surrounding

nations together for a summit. If we can get a united front ready, and

the troopers get here on time, we will have a better chance against

these heretics should they show up.” said Ian. Once again Celestia

nodded before flying off to make the requested arrangements.

“What about me?” asked Twilight.

“I need you to relay this to the other element bearers. They must be

sworn to secrecy: no one else can know of this.” replied Ian.

"I’ll see to it right away!” said Twilight taking wing.

Ian sat down on the nearest stool and put his head in his hands: he

felt absolutely horrible. He had not wanted to bring an army here;

this planet was peaceful, and its inhabitants kind; but he knew that

without the Imperium here, Equis Prime would be doomed to the

same fate Laureus IX had should the forces of chaos arrive. The

thought made his chest tighten.

“You alright sir?’ asked Emil who had just come back from his tent.

“No Emil. No I am not.” said Ian hanging his head.

“Want to talk about it?” inquired the old Kasrkin.

“No, not right now old friend; perhaps later. I need some shut eye.”

replied Ian walking back towards the castle. As he neared the main

gate, more Valkyries came in low over the cities, each one carrying

a squad of inquisitorial storm troopers.

“So it begins.” said Ian sadly.

Chapter 9: Negotiations

WARNING!

This chapter contains rather graphic violence: you have been warned.

Over the course of the next week, things became extremely hectic for Ian.

Things started to become so when Techpriest Makuroe’s diagnostic came

back that the ancient teleporter was dormant, and would only take a few

weeks of repairs for him to have it up and running. Thankfully, the news

of the laboratory’s discovery had reached his master on Formosa very

swiftly and Lord Coteaz had gotten in touch with Segmentum Command.

A report from his mentor informed Ian that multiple regiments of the

Imperial Guard were en route and would arrive within three weeks at the

very latest. The discovery of the ancient text in the lab also aided Ian in

finishing his preliminary report to the High Lords of Terra and his master

as it was indeed the Emperor’s own words written on parchment. Ian

suddenly found himself being appointed The Imperium’s ambassador

to Equestria and Equis Prime by the High Lords.

While his subordinates and Equestrian friends saw this as reason for

celebration; Ian felt a crushing weight upon his shoulders. His nights

were more restless than ever; his nightmares more frequent and

unsettling. Upon being appointed ambassador to Equis Prime, his first

major diplomatic mission was to secure the landing of Imperial troops

in Equestria. While Princesses Celestia and Luna were more than

ready to give the Imperium military access, the other nations would

not be so easily swayed. A press conference had announced to the

Equestrian public the possibility of more humans arriving. Ian had told

the press that it was the way that the Imperium protected its allies

from any potential threats from space. As flimsy a claim as this was,

many Equestrians accepted it as the only human they had actually

seen was Ian who was very friendly and kind to them. As Ian fed the

press this story he wanted to cut out his own tongue for the lies he

was forced to tell.

The truth was that lost technology from 10,000 years ago had

turned up in their peaceful home: which could very well be used

to topple the Imperium if said technology fell into the wrong hands;

and worse yet there was a possibility that the servants of the dark

gods of Chaos may or may not know of said technology’s existence

and location; which would inevitably bring them to Equestria. That part

would come out in the meeting however: No press was allowed; and

Ian now had only to convince the leaders of the various nations of

Equis Prime that the landing of hundreds of thousands of human

soldiers armed to the teeth with advanced technology and devastating

heavy artillery on their planet was not a threat; but he also had to

convince said leaders to fight beside these soldiers against an enemy

that few of them knew even existed. While the leaders of Equestria’s

client states were all but guaranteed to give their approval; Ian knew

that the Diamond Dogs and Changellings would be the sticking points.

As for the other nations: only time would tell. As Ian sat in the meeting

chamber he saw the familiar faces of the many ambassadors he had

met a few nights previous; but they were not alone.

The rulers of every nation on Equis Prime were present; including the

emperor of the Holy Griffon Empire, The Diamond Dog king, Queen

Chrysalis of the Changellings, and Princess Cadence of the Crystal

Empire with her husband Shining Armor; who had just recently

relinquished his position of Captain General of the Solar Guard of

Equestria and now held the title of Prince Consort of the Crystal Empire.

Ian had not expected to see Princess Cadence, as she was due to give

birth to her and Shining’s first child within the month. Princess Twilight

was representing Equestria, while Ian and Admiral Korsnetzov

represented the Imperium. This had been the first time Ian had seen

the old admiral. Vasilli Nikolayevich Korsnetzov had been born on

the Imperial ice world of Valhalla before joining the Imperial Navy

and had built quite a reputation in the Segmentum Pacificus. He was

known for his loud booming voice; his bushy gray moustache, which

was always waxed to perfection; and his rather foul temper. While

many of the men under his command found him a fair man who

rewarded honest work and knew when to turn a blind eye, they

knew better than to annoy or lollygag in the presence of the almost

seven foot tall bear of a man.

Within five minutes of Ian and Admiral Korsnetzov’s arrival, the meeting

was called to order with Princess Luna presiding over the meeting as the

chairpony.

“The chair recognizes the representatives of the Imperium of Mankind.”

said Luna simply. Ian stood from his seat and moved to the front of the

amphitheater while Admiral Korsnetzov began passing out file folders

before joining Ian at the front of the room.

“Esteemed rulers of Equis Prime: I thank all of you for arriving on such

short notice; however the matter at hand warranted the inconvenience.

As you may have noticed in the news papers and over your radios; a

number of Imperial soldiers and personnel have landed on Equis Prime

over the past week and a half. While an embassy has been set up here

in Canterlot, this is not the reason. If you will look in the files that have

been provided for you it will explain why we have established such a

presence here so rapidly.” explained Ian as the various rulers opened

the files and looked at the pictures contained within them.

“About one week ago, an Equestrian archeological team unwittingly

unearthed an ancient and perfectly preserved Imperial laboratory

constructed by our Emperor himself nearly 10,000 years ago. Within

was contained an ancient device from mankind’s Dark Age of Technology

known as a teleporter. It is an ancient machine; and while we have them in

the Imperium, this one is rather different, and teleports directly to the

Imperial capital on Holy Terra. While it may be ancient the device can still

work: thus if an enemy captured this machine; it would prove a lethal threat

to the Imperium and its subjects.” Ian paused to let the information sink

in and heard some murmuring amongst the gathered crowd, which lasted a

few seconds until Luna pounded her gavel to bring silence back into the

chamber.

“My superiors have made arrangements to send multiple regiments of the

Imperium’s main military force; The Imperial Guard; to secure this site from

incursion by the enemies of the Imperium who would seek to employ this

device to cripple our empire so severely that it would literally collapse. I

have been instructed to tell your esteemed majesties that this is a purely

defensive force that will not leave equestrian soil unless provoked to do so.

I would like to break to give all of you an opportunity to ask any questions you

may have.” said Ian. At first there was silence, but then a talon was raised by

the Grand Duke of the Hippogriffs.

“Yes your grace?"responded Ian.

“How many men are in one of your regiments?” asked the elderly hybrid of

eagle, lion, and horse.

“It varies from world to world, however it can reach into the hundreds of

thousands or higher.” replied Ian. The chamber burst into argument at the

mention of the sheer numbers involved.

“And why pray tell Inquisitor Ludones would you need so many troops!?”

asked the Diamond Dog King standing from his seat with an angry expression.

Ian then proceeded to explain to the golden coated canine monarch the

strategy of area denial, this however did not put the king’s mind at ease.

“And just who are you worried about attacking this machine!? It is years

beyond the understanding of any nation on this planet! Besides if this

thing is such a threat, why not destroy it and be done with it?” retorted

the king.

“I do not worry about any of these fine nations seizing it: I worry about

threats from factions not of this world. The Imperium is a large entity and

rules over a million worlds: believe me when I say we have more enemies

than friends. Also, destroying a piece of technology that old would be fool

hardy. While we do have teleporters, they are short distance; this one

could allow us, if replicated, to respond to threats to our planets with

lightning speed. Moving such an ancient device could also damage it,

so the only option we have is to keep it here. ” answered Ian with a sigh.

Arguing exploded within the chamber. Luna pounded her gavel until the

head flew off. Ian sat down next to Admiral Korsnetzov and leaned over

to whisper to the old admiral.

“You may want to plug your ears.” said Ian plugging his own. The admiral

followed suit, and in perfect time as well; for no sooner did Korsnetzov put

his fingers in his ears when Princess Luna cut loose with the Royal

Canterlot voice.

“ENOUGH!” she yelled, bowling over two of the ambassadors who were

arguing on the floor in front of her podium. Silence filled the chamber and

all eyes stared in muted terror at the princess of the night. “Look at yourselves!

Squabbling like spoiled foals! What is this madness?! This man has given this

request in courtesy to you, rather than simply landing an army down here,

and besides, if the Imperium wished to invade us, they would have done

so by now rather than send a representative. I am calling an hour recess

that we may all cool our heads and get some food, and when we return,

I expect a much more civilized debate.” she said with a cross look that

made many of the monarchs and their ambassadors feel like children

who had just been scolded by their mother.

The meeting adjourned for a late; and most of the delegates left except for

Luna and the two humans; who sat and talked.

“Ian, Admiral Korsnetzov; I wish to apologize for the poor behavior they are

showing you.” said Luna. The old admiral smiled kindly.

“Please your majesty, call me Vasilli. No need for formality.” he said in a

gruff but friendly voice while offering his hand; a gesture which Luna

returned by offering her hoof.

“Please, call me Luna.” she replied.

“It is alright Luna, its not your fault; nor can I blame them. My reaction

would have been similar: on that note, nice attention getter.” said Ian

with a smile.

“Indeed, you would make one hell of an admiral with a voice like that!”

said Korsnetzov with a chuckle that got a small laugh from Luna herself.

Princess Twilight, Princess Cadence and Shining Armor returned with

their food and also joined in the conversation.

“How are we going to get them to agree to allow the troops here? They

did not exactly seem thrilled.” said Shining raising a skeptical eyebrow.

“I am going to inform them that I sensed the taint, and if that does not

work, I happen to have a set of holo tapes with me that will most likely

make them change their minds rather swiftly.” replied Ian dryly.

**********************************************************************

1 hour later.

As the ambassadors and their monarchs filed back into the room, the

sun had begun to set in the sky and Twilight took over the meeting as

Luna went to meet her sister and raise the moon. Equestria was

represented by one of the more down to Equis nobles that Ian had

briefly met; a unicorn by the name of Fancy Pants. Twilight called the

meeting to order and Ian was allowed to continue his explanation.

“Aside from the aforementioned reason to have Imperial troops

garrisoned here, a disturbing development made itself known at the

dig site. I assume all of you have heard of the reign of Discord? a

simple nod of the head will suffice.” Heads nodded up and down

before Ian continued. “While he was the avatar of disorder, he was

not truly a servant of chaos; he was merely a creature wielding

immense power. The true powers of chaos exist in a realm parallel

to ours known as the Immaterium, or the Warp. Time there has no

meaning; the nightmares of all living sentient beings are made reality,

and it is filled with foul daemons that are constantly looking to claw their

way into reality and feast upon our very souls.” Ian gave his words a

few moments to sink in before moving on.

“The chaos gods make discord look like a cute teddy bear in comparison,

and they are horrendously blood thirsty. It is the job of the Holy Inquisition

to root them out along with anyone who aligns themselves with them.

That night a week ago when we discovered the lab, a bat flew in; but what

was odd about this creature was that I did not notice it visually. In the

Imperium, some individuals are born with certain psychic gifts; which are

similar to magic, but are not magic: I am one such individual. I sensed in

it the taint of Chaos.” said Ian.

Instantly, the claw of the young Griffon Emperor was raised.

“Yes your majesty?”

“And how pray tell did you know it was tainted by this Chaos as you called it?”

asked the Emperor with a look of curiosity on his white feathered face.

“Whenever the taint of Chaos is near, I can literally feel it; it is like an immense

pressure upon my mind, and I also taste a coppery and or sulfuric taste at the

back of my mouth when those without psychic abilities do not. For every psyker

the warning signs are different, but that is how I know, as every time I have

encountered the adherents of Chaos in the past, these are the sensations

present.” replied Ian.

“So you are saying that because of a headache and a bad taste in your mouth

that we should allow you to land Celestia knows how many soldiers in Equestria,

which they could use as a launch pad to invade the entire planet?” the emperor

asked mockingly; drawing many laughs from around the room save from

Equestria and her client states.

“What’s more, we have no intention of invading anyone here; and yes, I know

how to recognize the taint of Chaos, because I have fought them before on

many occasions.” replied Ian with some annoyance.

“Sir, I believe your tale is fabricated; there is no creature more vile than Discord,

everyone on Equis knows that.” spat the Diamond Dog King pointing a golden

furry claw at Ian.

“Perhaps a little evidence would suffice then?” asked Ian fiddling with one of

the brass buttons on the suit that Rarity had made for him.

“Indeed, please do present us with some.” answered Queen Chrysalis of the

Changellings who had sat silently watching the meeting the whole time.

“Very well, though I must say that what you are about to see is extremely graphic.”

said Ian setting up his holo projector in the center of the floor and inserting a holo

tape. “Admiral, if you would kindly hit the lights please?” asked Ian. The Admiral

got up and turned the lights in the room off and Ian used the remote to activate

an image that showed a mass of security troopers in light blue Cadian style flak

armor and dark gray fatigues kneeling at a stone wall with auto guns and shot

guns at the ready.

“This footage is from a security camera in what was once one of multiple

colonies on the surface of the world of Viltoria XIII: a mineral rich ice world.

A mining team had unearthed marble cube just outside of the colony and as the

cube was being lifted, one of the straps around it snapped. The cube smashed

open, releasing the essence of a greater daemon that had been sealed there

millennia ago. The creature killed everyone at the site, but not before they sent a

distress calls warning the colonies. The daemon then opened a tear in the fabric

of reality and lesser daemons began flooding in. Despite all of this, the colonies

refused to work together due to long standing rivalries. This footage is from the

last colony to fall on Viltoria.” explained Ian pushing the start button and the film

began.

The security troopers had their auto guns ready and an officer walked up and

down the line trying to calm the obviously frightened men.

“Steady boys, steady.” said the officer. Suddenly, reality warped in front of them

and ripped open. Weapons discharged as thousands upon thousands of

nightmarish horrors spilled out of the rend in reality. Hundreds of the vile creatures

succumbed to the very accurate shots that the troopers were firing, but there were

just too many. Ian heard the horrified gasps of the delegates as a trooper was torn

in half in a shower of gore in full view of the camera by a monstrous horror that Ian

not even knew the name of. He heard retching from the ambassador of the

Changelling Empire as one of the daemons began eating a trooper’s innards while

he was still alive and shrieking in agony.

The daemons then swarmed over the breastworks and into the colony out of the

camera, and the sounds of gunfire and screaming civilians soon filled the air,

followed by the tearing of flesh and spilling of blood and organs. The camera was

still holding the images of the dead troopers, whose mutilated corpses lay still

twitching on the ground in pools of blood and viscera. The camera soon cut out and

the admiral turned the lights back on. Luna and Celestia both had quietly slipped in

and were wearing looks of sadness upon their faces: in looking into the universe

with their magic, they had seen such horrors before. Princess Twilight and the

Changelling Ambassador stood at a nearby trash receptacle both losing their dinners

into the large trash can; and Princess Cadence and her husband held each other

whilst shuddering in horror at the film they had just seen. Everyone else simply stared

slack jawed at where the image had been.

“That is why we are sending so many troops: if they show up, we will need every trooper

we can get; and the forces of chaos also use more than just daemons to do their bidding.

Vile is too kind a term for the beings that serve them. If they find this place, they will

unleash that upon this planet; and that is what we must prevent. There is no reasoning

with them, no talking, no silly treaties: they will kill you if they cannot turn you, and even

if they turn you, they may kill you.” said Ian very seriously.

“Ian, what happened to Viltoria XIII?” asked Shining shakily.

“When the nearest Ordo Malleus task force finally arrived a week later; there were no

survivors, and the taint was still strong on that world: We withdrew our personnel, and

burned that frozen hell hole to ash before the taint could spread to the surrounding

worlds and bring more horror and death to the billions who lived in that system. It was

the only way to be sure.” said Ian somberly.

“So, exterminatus?” asked Twilight wiping her mouth with a handkerchief.

“Aye, exterminatus.” replied Ian turning to the assembly. “I shall allow you to deliberate

on this, but know that if the High Lords tell me to, I will land these troops, weather it is

approved by you or not. The moment that the artifact was discovered; the situation

was out of my hands. Our entire civilization will be threatened should it be discovered by

our enemies, so this I ask of you: do not make us into your enemy when we desire

peace with you. We have enough enemies in the galaxy and we do not wish you to be

among them.” said Ian finishing his speech. Princess Celestia took over as chairman

while Luna took over representing Equestria; and Twilight, Ian, and Vasilli stepped out

of the room to allow the rulers of Equis some time to speak amongst themselves and

weigh their nonexistent options.

“Do you think that they will accept the Imperium’s demands?” asked Twilight.

“After the little educational footage I showed them; I certainly hope so. That footage and

the bit I told is very real. I hope that they will even work with us to create trust and

friendship.” said Ian.

“I hope you are right too.” said Twilight.

*********************************************************************

Another hour rolled by before the doors opened and Princess Luna brought the three of

them back into the room. The decision had been reached that the other nations would

not interfere with Imperial interests in Equestria or her client kingdoms but that the Imperium

would not occupy any nation that did not wish for Imperial troops within its borders.

While the Imperium was interested in garrisoning the whole planet; the High Lords had told

him in one of the communications that the nations outside of Equestria were optional. If they

did not wish to accept Imperial protection then so be it; this just freed up more troops to

protect more valuable areas closer to the teleporter. The nations that had refused Imperial

protection were the Hippogryph Duchies, The Holy Griffon Empire, The Diamond Dog

Kingdom, and the Changelling Empire.

“Thank the Emperor for small victories.” said Admiral Korsnetzov.

“Amen to that.” replied Ian. As the delegates filed out of the room, Admiral Korsnetzov

took his leave and headed out to the waiting Valkyrie gunship to be taken back to the

Aurora. Meanwhile, Ian was approached by Luna, Celestia, Twilight, Cadence and

Shining Armor.

“Well that was… enlightening.” said Shining.

“Sorry; I had really wanted to avoid showing that footage.” said Ian honestly.

“So now that this is all over, what are you doing Ian?” asked Twilight.

“Well, I am going to be headed back to Ponyville to finish the missive. My

preliminary report was only an outline of what it is like here. Plus, I made a

promise to a certain apple farmer that I would be in town for Hearts and

Hooves so she wouldn’t be alone.” said Ian with a smile.

“Yeah, she had mentioned that. She seemed really excited about it too.” said

Twilight with a smile. Ian was about to respond when Cadence’s eyes went

wide.

“Oh dear!” said the pink Alicorn with a nervous look.

“Is everything alright Cadence?” asked Shining Armor with some concern

“I think my water just broke!” replied Cadence. With that everyone present

scrambled to get Cadence to the palace hospital.

Chapter 10: Confession.

The morning sun blazed over Canterlot. News of Princess Cadence going

into labor had been released and spread like wild fire throughout the huge

capital city. At the Fortress of the Royal Sisters just outside of the palace

grounds, twenty five breach loading cannons had been loaded with blank

shells and the Equestrian guard artillery awaited the gender of the foal.

One hundred and one rounds would announce the birth of a prince;

while one hundred rounds would announce the birth of princess. The

crowd eagerly awaited the opening roars of the howitzers; the

anticipation was so thick it could be cut with a knife.

Then, just as the massive clock tower in Harmony square struck nine

a.m., the mock barrage began. The loud cracks from the field guns

sounded as one in four massive blasts. Then silence: silence filled the

air until one more final blast announced the birth of a prince. The

crowd roared in approval; while in the Crystal Empire, the Crystal

Ponies received the news over the wireless with enthusiastic

cheering and fireworks over their capital city. It was indeed a

proud day for both Equestria and the Crystal Empire.

*****************************************************************************

Inside of the palace hospital, Celestia, Luna, and Shining Armor, stood

in the hospital room with Cadence who held her tiny foal in her hooves.

The little prince was fast asleep. The door opened and closed quietly

as Ian walked in with a tray upon which sat four cups of Imperial coffee.

Luna, Celestia, and Shining Armor each took a cup while Ian grabbed

the last one.

“So, have you picked a name yet?” asked Celestia.

“Yes, we decided on one of the names Ian suggested.” replied Cadence with a smile.

“You named him Dante?” asked Ian with a kind smile.

“Yes.” said Shining Armor; the stallion practically radiated happiness.

“A good name indeed. Congratulations you two; May the Emperor bless and watch

over the three of you.” said Ian with a smile. The little blue Alicorn foal stirred and

yawned: Ian had to admit to himself; the kid was adorable. The young inquisitor

thought back to his beloved Mina. The two of them had wanted children and a

nice life together on a small farm on Laureus: but all of those hopes had been

literally turned to ash. The inquisitor felt suddenly exhausted and took his leave.

He had stayed with Shining Armor all night to give his friend support as it had

not been an easy labor for Cadence, and Shining had been worried sick

about his wife and unborn child. Ian had prayed aloud to the Emperor for the

three of them: for Cadence and the foal to get through the birth safely and for

relief for Shining’s worries. Within seconds; the white unicorn told Ian that he

felt as if a peace had come over him; as if a divine force had put a hand on

his shoulder told him that everything was going to be fine: Ian knew that such

a peace in times of distress only came from the Emperor.

Ian got to his suite and into his bedroom; it was the same suite he had shared

with Applejack. As Ian got ready for a long and needed nap, he reflected on

the time he had spent with the apple farmer and how she had come up to

Canterlot to visit with him the past three months when he had been doing his

research; and how of all of the ponies, she had been the one who had been

the one who had accepted him the quickest. He also thought of how she had

been acting around him as that time had progressed. He had caught her on

more than one occasion looking at him when she thought he was not looking,

and occasionally blushing; but he had not brought it up as he had not wanted

to embarrass her after the hospitality she had shown him. It was not a look of

admiration or awe, but something entirely different: was it some form of fear?

While he was able to read minds, he could only do so if the will of his target

was weakened or they allowed him to do so voluntarily; and the little orange

Earth Pony had a will stronger than adamantium, thus making her

impossible to stealthily read.

“That mare can be such an enigma sometimes, I will have to ask her why.”

he said to himself as he prepared to catch some sleep.

*****************************************************************************

Meanwhile, two hours west of where a rather clueless inquisitor was

catching some sleep; Applejack had received a visit from a certain

rainbow maned Pegasus.

“So Rainbow, what do you and Soarin’ got planned fer Hearts and

Hooves?” asked Applejack.

“He’s coming to Ponyville and we’re going to go to dinner.” said

Rainbow Dash with a rare dreamy look in her eyes.

“Rainbow, Ah gotta ask: did Soarin ask you out or did you ask

him out on yer first date?” asked the farmer seriously.

“I asked him out.” replied Rainbow tilting her head slightly

out of curiosity.

“How did ya ask him?” questioned Applejack.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hang on AJ: are you into a new

stallion or something?” asked the rainbow maned Pegasus

with some mischief in her voice and cocking an eyebrow.

Applejack’s face blushed beet red.

“Uhhh… Kinda…” said Applejack so quietly that it gave

Fluttershy a run for her money.

“Oh my gosh! Who is it!? No wait! I wanna guess! Is it

Thunderlane!?” before Applejack could say no, Dash

continued on an excited tirade that was more common

of Pinkie Pie; throwing out the names of every eligible

stallion in Ponyville before she finally noticed the blank

stare her friend was giving her.

“Wrong on every one of ‘em aren’t I?” asked Dash

sheepishly.

“Eeyup.” answered Applejack with a small smile.

“Sorry I got carried away, that was totally uncool.”

replied Dash with some embarrassment.

“It’s alright RD.” replied the farmer.

“So, what can you tell me about your new guy huh?”

asked Dash.

“Well; he’s tall: really tall. He has a real dark mane

and eyes that are green lahk mine. He also wears

a stetson lahk Ah do every now and again, and

he has good manners.” said Applejack.

“Wow, he sounds like a good one.” said Rainbow

Dash quite impressed.

“Ah know; Ah’m just hoping he feels the same way.”

said Applejack with some worry in her voice.

“Why wouldn’t he AJ? Half the stallions in this town

would give their left eyeball to have a chance with

you!”

“Well… about that… he aint exactly a pony.” replied

Applejack nervously while drawing circles in the dirt

with her hoof. Rainbow Dash had a confused look

on her face; and Applejack could have sworn she

heard cogs and wheels spinning as her cyan friend

was trying to piece together what she was getting at.

It did not take too long for realization to dawn upon

Rainbow as to whom her friend was referring.

“Sweet juicy bacon! You’re after Ian!? Dash nearly

yelled as her face formed a Cheshire Cat-like grin.

Applejack, despite beginning to worry about her

friend’s addiction to the divine food known as

bacon, she was more worried that someone

may hear them.

“RD, could ya keep it down!? Ah’m really nervous

about this! Ah don’t know how much you know about

the laws where he comes from, but from what he told

me, he and Ah together would be deemed a really

bad thing!” she said nervously. She did not want to

say too much for fear that someone may be listening.

“AJ, come on. I’m sure that you two could have a secret

relationship, just give it a shot, what’s the worst that

could happen?” replied Dash placing a hoof on her

friend’s shoulder.

“A lot of worse could happen.” she said more to herself

than her friend as she remembered what Ian had told

her those three months ago.

“What do you mean?” asked Rainbow.

“Nothing, never mind: everything is perfectly fine.” Applejack

felt sick as she lied through her teeth: she hated lying, but on

the same token she did not want her friend to be worried

about her.

“Come on AJ, everything will be fine! Being a bit nervous is

normal.” said the cyan Pegasus patting her friend on the back.

“Ah hope yer right about that.” said Applejack with a ghost of a

smile.

“Uh, well, I mean; I wasn’t nervous about asking Soarin’ out: I’m

too cool to get nervous.” replied Dash puffing out her chest and

making Applejack laugh. “Just tell him how you feel; Soarin’

and I were friends for a while before we started actually seeing

each other, and that’s how we ended up dating is I told him how

I really felt.”

“Do ya think it’ll work?” asked Applejack.

“Hey, what’s the worst he could do? At worst he’ll say he isn’t into

you like that; and after an awkward moment you’ll still be pals. He

is a pretty level headed guy so I wouldn’t be too worried.” replied

Rainbow with a smile.

“Well, Ah guess Ah’ll give it a shot.” said Applejack with some

confidence.

“That’s the spirit AJ!”

***************************************************************************

Ian’s sleep was restless. He was alone in a very dark dream world:

and there was nothing around: no trees, no buildings no nothing; in

fact that was where he was standing: in absolute nothing. Everything

around him was pitch black, but then he saw something ahead of

him. He walked onwards until he came to a large, marble fountain;

which had water that was clear and clean, so clear in fact he could

see the bottom. It was a very familiar fountain. Ian was distracted from

staring at his reflection by a familiar feminine voice across from him.

“Hello Ian; it’s been a long time my love.”

The inquisitor’s heart skipped a beat as he looked up at the source of the

voice. On the other side of the fountain was a woman with sapphire eyes

and golden hair, and a face that took his breath away: a face he knew

very well.

“Mina.” said Ian eyes wide with amazement. The graceful form of Mina

strode around the fountain and stood before him and took his hand I hers.

Ian looked around him and saw the darkness had been replaced by

beautiful flowers and exotic plants; yes he now knew where he was.

This was the Petrohoff Botanical Gardens in the capital city of

Petrohoff on Laureus IX: the very place he had proposed to Mina

eight years ago.

“I have missed you greatly Ian and would love to stay here with you

forever, but the time that the Emperor has given me here is short, so

please listen to what have to tell you.” she said lovingly.

“Of course Mina.” said Ian calmly choking back emotions.

“You have to let go Ian. You have to let go of the past: you did not fail

us; you did not fail the God-Emperor. You freed us; if you had not

done what you did, then you would have failed; but you gave us the

Emperor’s mercy. I am not asking you to forget, I am asking you to

forgive yourself and let go.” she said with an angelic voice and a

concerned face.

“But Mina, you were my world! You were everything to me, and I

couldn’t even save you! How can I-.” Ian was cut off by Mina’s

finger pressing against his lip.

“Shhhh. Ian, only by letting go can you move on. I want to see you

happy: I don’t want to see you like this! It has been breaking my

heart for the past five years seeing you like this: It has been breaking

all of our hearts, including your mother and father.” she said sadly.

“I also want you to move on and find someone who will love you as

I once did Ian.”

“Why? You were the only woman I have ever loved and ever will

love.” said Ian shakily.

“Ian, my death means that we were not meant to be; as much as

it hurts for me to say it and for you to hear it; we both know that it

is true.” said Mina softly. Ian felt something placed in his hand as

his fiancé let go of his hand: looking down, he saw it was her

engagement ring. The priceless heirloom had been lost to the

flames when Laureus was burned, still on her body behind the

lines of the enemy, but now, here it was.

“Remember Ian, we are always watching over you and will

always be with you; and know that none of the Emperor’s faithful

who died that day blame you for what had to be done, and

remember Ian, there is someone special out there for you, and

she is closer than you think.” finished Mina. As she and the

gardens began to fade, Mina shared one final kiss with the

man who had loved her in life.

“I love you Ian: live well.”

“And I love you Mina, rest in Peace.”

***************************************************************************

Ian sat bolt upright after the dream was over and looked around.

He was in his bed in a cold sweat in the suite in Canterlot Palace.

“Wow, what a dream that was.” said Ian. As he brought up his

hands to rub his eyes, he felt something small and metallic in his

right hand. He quickly grabbed his glasses from the night stand

and blinked a few times as he put them on. As Ian opened his

hand, he could not believe his eyes at what was resting in his palm.

There, as real as real could be sat the ring he had given Mina: the

ring that a member of his family had given to his loved ones since

the time of Roderick Ludones thousands of years ago. This was the

ring that had been burned to ash on Laureus IX: and yet there it

was. Ian could only stare in awe. He remembered Mina’s words

and swiftly dressed himself and put on his leg before making his

way to the throne room, where Princess Celestia would just be

going on her mid day break.

********************************************************************

It had been another long morning for Princess Celestia. Since the

sun had come up she had received her fair share of concerned citizens

and nobles with questions and concerns about the arrival of the Imperial

Guard and most had simple questions that were easily answered.

“Who is next Scrivener?” asked Celestia of her Earth Pony secretary.

“That is all for today your majesty; no more appointments.” replied

the parchment colored stallion adjusting his spectacles.

“Care to join me for some cake and tea?” she asked the secretary.

“I thank you for your kind offer princess, but with the diet my wife has

me on, I would prefer not to.” replied the earth pony with kind smile.

Celestia laughed lightheartedly, but before she could reply, a knock

came at the door.

“Please, come in.” said Celestia. The door opened revealing Ian

dressed in the uniform that Rarity had crafted him. He bowed his head

politely, but his face was pale as paper.

“Ian, are you alright? You look as if you have seen a ghost.” asked

Celestia.

“You could say that your majesty, do you have a few minutes?”

asked Ian.

“Of course Ian.” she said kindly.

****************************************************************************

The next day.

Ian also awoke early after having the most peaceful sleep he’d had in

five long years. His dreams had been pleasant for once as opposed to

the usual night terrors he had; and so he began his day with a prayer

to the Emperor before he got himself dressed and ready to go to Ponyville.

Talking to Princess Celestia had eased some of the pain of his past, but it

was still there; at least he had slept well as a result. As Ian boarded the

Valkyrie he thought more on the dream he’d had during his rest the previous

day and wondered what Mina had meant when she said that there was

someone for him closer than he thought; he pushed the thought to the

back of his head as the Valkyrie took to the sky.

Meanwhile, in Ponyville; Applejack awoke extra early to help Big Macintosh

complete the chores before she got ready for the day ahead. Despite her

excitement, Applejack could not stifle a feeling of dread that seemed to come

entirely out of nowhere. The chores were dealt with very quickly, as both

Macintosh and Applejack had things going that day. Macintosh had an

invitation to the palace to spend the day with his very special somepony,

and that would probably mean that Applejack would have to do the

evening chores on her own. This didn’t bother her as her brother rarely

took a day off, and in her opinion, he could use one. What she worried about

was how she was going to go about telling Ian how she felt. Dash had made it

sound so easy, but if it was so easy, then why did she find it so frustratingly

difficult?

The high pitched whine of engines in the distance told Applejack that Ian was

at most a minute away and that did not make her feel too much better either.

Then she remembered something that Ian had given her; she walked quickly

over to the nightstand and opened the drawer, and there sitting alone in the

drawer was the amulet that he had given her.

“Well, can’t hurt ta ask fer help.” she said to herself. Holding onto the amulet,

she whispered a quick prayer to Ian’s Emperor for courage before putting it

back and walking out on the porch. She looked at her reflection in the window

to make sure she looked normal. Ponytail: check. Hat: check. She was ready

for whatever the day may bring and watched as the Valkyrie gently touched

down in front of the farm house and opened the rear ramp. Stepping out in

jeans and a bomber pilot jacket was Ian. As soon as he was out of the gunship,

the large metal flying machine took back to the sky and went back to Canterlot.

“Hello AJ, happy Hearts and Hooves.” he said with a smile.

“Uh, hey there Ian; Happy Hearts and hooves!” she said with a smile.

“Everything alright AJ, you seem a bit nervous?” asked Ian.

“Nah, everything’s fine!” she chuckled nervously.

“AJ; you are a terrible liar you know?” said Ian with a smile.

“Is it that obvious?” she asked nervously.

“In the words of a certain stallion I know: “Eeyup!”” answered Ian with

a chuckle that made the orange mare blush with embarrassment.

“However if you do not wish to talk about it; that is perfectly alright, you

do have a right to your privacy.” Applejack sighed with relief; she wanted

to tell Ian what she felt but not right now.

“Wanna go fer a walk Ian?” she asked.

“I’d love to.” replied Ian with a smile.

****************************************************************************

The first place Ian and Applejack arrived at was the Golden Oak Library

for Ian to return some books he had borrowed from Princess Twilight where

he met Spike for the first time. Not in the three months he had been on Equis

Prime had he met the small dragon. After a short chat with Twilight and Spike,

Ian and Applejack resumed their walk. By noon they had been all over

Ponyville and decided that lunch back on the farm was a good idea. The

day was going as well as could be hoped for, but Applejack knew that soon it

may take a turn for the worst. Much to Applejack’s shock, it was Ian actually

broke the ice.

“So AJ, why have you been acting so nervous around me the past few weeks?”

asked Ian cocking an eyebrow. The color drained from the orange farm pony’s face.

“Uh…Uh… what do ya mean Ian?” she asked sheepishly.

“Well, you have been blushing quite a bit; and I have also caught you staring at me

when you think I am not looking but I have not brought this up because you have treated

me with a kindness that I have seldom experienced from others. While I am thankful to

you, I hope you are not showing me this kindness out of fear AJ: you are a very good

friend; one of the best I have had the pleasure of meeting: and friends should not fear

friends.” said Ian with a small hint of worry. The secrecy was cracked: Ian knew that

something was up. Applejack mentally kicked herself; she should have known that

Ian would have noticed something was off: the man was from a profession that

employed people of an inquisitive nature and pay close attention to what went on

around them.

“Well, Ah suppose it’s time I come clean Ian.” she said removing her hat. Time

seemed to stand still as Ian sat with a questioning look on his face.

“Ian, there aint no other way ta put this: Ah care about ya…a lot: and when Ah say

care ah mean ah would probably give mah tail to be yer very special somepony.”

Applejack felt as though a massive weight had lifted off of her, but at the same time

she was also absolutely terrified as a dead silence filled the room. She looked towards

the ground and closed her eyes expecting to hear Ian rise from his seat and leave the

house. Her fears were partially confirmed when she heard the chair push away from

the table and heavy foot falls of Ian’s boots: her heart was beating like a jackhammer.

She got the shock of her life when she felt a kiss on her forehead and a hand under

her chin lift her face up. Applejack opened her eyes to see Ian staring back at her

through his glasses with a mixture of concern and sadness in his eyes.

“AJ: I care deeply about you: and I would be honored to be with someone as kind

and honest as you; but unfortunately, as I mentioned when I first arrived on this world,

it just cannot be. The day that the Imperium would tolerate such a relationship is the

day I become a unicorn; and I think we both know that will never happen. I will always

be a friend though.” Ian pulled Applejack into a hug as she let out a sigh of relief.

“Ah was so nervous you would never want ta see me again if ah told ya how ah felt.”

she said with some relief.

“Hey, I would never do that to a good friend. It takes a lot of guts to say to me what you

just did knowing what you know about the Imperium, and that is something I respect

greatly. You are a wonderful mare AJ, and you deserve so much better than me.” he

said kindly. Applejack was about to reply when the sounds of the screams of terrified

children pierced through the air.

“Applebloom!” Applejack shouted bolting from her seat and out the door. Ian

instinctively drew his pistol from its holster and ran out after her.

“AJ wait!” he yelled. Applejack was quickly fading into the distance; he needed to

move quickly.

***************************************************************************

Applebloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo fled in sheer terror, barely keeping ahead

of the huge monstrosity that was chasing them. They had no idea where the manticore

had come from as they had not even been playing anywhere near the Everfree forest.

Now the beast was within striking distance and raised one of its huge paws, razor

sharp claws extending to full length: but before it could strike, two powerful orange

hooves smashed into the side of the manticore’s face, momentarily stunning it. When

the creature shook off the hit it noticed a rather angry looking orange pony with green

eyes standing in front of it pawing the ground.

**************************************************************************

“Applejack!” yelled Applebloom in concern.

“Keep runnin’ and get help! You don’t turn around no matter what ya hear lil’ sis!” yelled

Applejack.

“But sis!”

“GO!” yelled Applejack; her little sister and the other fillies knew better than to disobey

and kept running. No sooner had the three fillies gotten over the hill than the huge and

now very angry manticore had come out of its momentary stupor. Applejack pawed the

ground and charged; as she neared the huge creature, she spun on her front feet and

kicked out with her back legs to deliver a second bone shattering kick; unfortunately;

the manticore was waiting just for this to happen. As Applejack was inches from hitting

her target, a massive paw slammed into her side, sending the mare airborne and

towards the trunk of one of her apple trees. She hit with a sickening crunch and knew

from the excruciating pain that she had multiple broken bones.

The huge cat cast an ominous shadow over her as it approached and raised its paw

with claws extended to finish the job. Applejack’s whole life flashed before her eyes in

moments, and closed them in anticipation for the impact of the killing blow: it never landed.

A loud crack, like the roar of a cannon exploded over the orchard, followed by a secondary

explosion and a shower of red, sticky, liquid and slimy giblets splattering onto her orange

coat. The manticore roared in absolute agony, causing Applejack to open an eye. Where

once had been the manticore’s paw was a bloodied stump with pieces of bone sticking out.

The cow pony made out a faint red dot on the manticore’s head and painfully looked to

where the explosion had come from: running toward the manticore, bolt pistol raised and

yelling at the beast was Ian. That was the last thing she saw before passing out.

**************************************************************************

Another eight explosive bolts turned the manticore’s head and upper torso into nothing

but bloody giblets on the ground as the huge body of the animal toppled backwards twitching

in the grass. Ian ran over with worry painted on his face and checked the mare’s vitals. She

was still alive thank the Emperor, and Ian whispered a prayer of thanks for that. Up behind

the young inquisitor ran the three fillies who had told him frantically what was going on and

led him to where Applejack had found them; all three were crying quietly: Applebloom

especially. She had already lost her parents; she was terrified of losing her sister and role

model. Ian swiftly activated the vox bead in his ear.

“Aurora, Aurora: this is Inquisitor Ludones; I need a medevac on my location immediately.

I have an injured civvie that needs immediate medical attention!” he said loudly into the vox.

“Inquisitor Ludones this is Aurora, Valkyrie is on the way and will airlift you to the nearest

hospital; ETA, five minutes over.” replied a comms officer.

“Roger that, ten four.”

“Ten four Inquisitor.”

Ian hugged the crying fillies and calmed them down and then turned to Applejack’s

unconscious form.

“Hang in there AJ: help is coming.” he said with worry holding her hoof in his hand. A

few minutes later, the Valkyrie gunship landed just outside the pasture and the medics

arrived with a stretcher. They loaded Applejack onto the stretcher and together with Ian

and the three fillies boarded the gunship which took to the air and moments later landed

at Ponyville General Hospital, where Applejack was taken into the E.R. for treatment. Ian

sent Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo to tell the other elements and Applejack's family about

what was going on while he and Applebloom sat in the waiting room. Now came the worst

part: the wait. All that Ian could do at this point was wait; and pray.

Notice of Hiatus

Unfortunately between school and a very bad case of Writers' Block: this story will be on hold until I can get my head on straight enough to where I will be able to get a good chapter out. I will continue to pick at this story and it will NOT be cancelled. I apologize to you my readers for the inconvenience, and hopefully soon the fog will break and I will be able to bring you new chapters about Ian's adventure in Equestria. I nearly had a good chapter going; and it looked like the fog was about to lift until I got half way through and drew a blank. Until my brain discontinues this; I will be working on Ice Veins as that story has been well mapped and changed little from the original idea that I had. Once more I apologize and hope that soon I will be able to post more.

Chivalric Moon