A Light in the Grim Darkness

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.