Chapter 5

A Night With the Moon

I opened my eyes and slowly looked around. I saw a room full of computers, desks and file cabinets. It seemed I was in some kind of office, but I have never seen this place before. I walked up to the closest desk and opened a drawer; hoping to find a clue about this place. The drawer was full of files, so I quickly picked out a random file. I placed the file on the desk and opened it. Looking through the papers; I noticed they were all blank. I continued to franticly look through the papers and I quickly got angry.

"What is this!?" I exclaimed while throwing the papers over the floor. "How stupid do you have to be to file blank papers?" I quickly grabbed another file from the drawer. I quickly skimmed through the papers. "Come on, why are they all blank papers?" Not satisfied in my search; I tossed the file on the ground to my right.

I sat down in the chair at the same desk. I looked at the computer monitor for a few seconds. Not knowing if it would work; I looked around for the tower. I quickly found it and turned on the computer. I get up from under the desk and turned the monitor on. Surprisingly enough, the computer started to boot up. The computer quickly ran through the boot up process and came to a blue screen. I stared at the screen for a few minutes.

"You have got to be kidding me," I pushed the monitor off the desk and onto the floor, "I need a damn login and password!" I quickly got up from my chair and flipped the desk over. "This is bull shit!" I yelled as I kicked the computer tower. When I was satisfied with the damage I just inflicted on the computer; I fell back into the chair. "Calm down, James. I have to calm down." I said to myself while rubbing my forehead.

As I calmed down, I slowly got up from the chair and walked over to the open door. I looked down both sides of the hall way and decided to go left. As I walked down the hall, I noticed the room numbers shrinking. This was a good sign, because it meant I was getting close to an exit. Soon after, I came at a cross section in the hall. I looked around and quickly saw a green exit light. I turned left and started to follow all of the exit signs.

I quickly made my way to a room that appeared to be the main lobby. As I looked around, I noticed a few strange things. Down by the door; I could see large metal detectors and a few small conveyor belts. The lobby looked to have very comfortable chairs and the main desk was huge.

"This has got to be a Federal building of some kind." I walked towards the metal detectors and placed my hand over the cold steel. "Why would I ever be in a building like this?" I asked myself as I walked through the metal detector.

I stopped in front of the door and looked outside. It was dark and the streets were lit up by the street lamps. I placed my hand on the door and slowly pushed it open. As the door opened, a cool breeze brushed past me. I walked out of the building and looked around. This place seemed very familiar, but I couldn't place my finger on it. I walked further down the smooth concrete path and turned around. I was shocked at what I saw.

"What am I doing at the Pentagon?" I looked around at the side of the building. "I would have no reason to be here in the first place, so why?"

I looked up into the dark sky. The first thing I noticed was the moon. I continued to gaze at the sky and noticed it had no stars. The moon seemed to be the only light in the sky. I quickly turned my attention to ground level as I got a strange feeling. It was like I was being watched and I couldn't help but feel that this was familiar. I slowly started to back up towards the Pentagon, but a loud Earth shattering voice stopped me.

"Your dreams are filled with fear Human!" I quickly dropped to my knees as the strange voice yelled. "Tell me Human, what is it that you fear most!?"

"I... Don't..." I tried gasping for breath, but the pressure from the voice was too much. "Know..."

"What don't you know Human!" The voice yelled as I continued to fight for air. "Dose thy fear cometh from being in a world with no Humans!?"

"What... Are you talking about..." The pressure seemed to tone down as I continued. "Who are you?" I asked while still trying to catch my breath.

"Answer me Human!" The voice yelled as the ground shook.

"No!" I slowly fought my way to my feet. "You answer me!"

"Hold thy tongue!" The ground stopped shaking as the voice continued. "I demand to know thy intentions!"

"Intentions for what?" I franticly looked around. "I have no intentions." I waited for a reply, but I got nothing for a few minutes.

It seemed the conversation was over, so I quickly ran back into the Pentagon. I stopped in the middle of the lobby and rested my hands on my knees. For some reason; I was shaken up by that voice. I think that I heard that voice somewhere before, but I couldn't remember where. I closed my eyes and stood up straight.

When I opened my eyes; I was shocked at what I saw. It seemed like I was magically teleported to some sort of concrete bunker. One side of the wall was stacked to the ceiling with massive servers. The room had a strange table like thing in its center and a strange pulsating white light leading to the computer servers.

I slowly walked up to the table like object. As I got closer; it seemed to glow blue. I walked up to the ridge of the table and gently placed my hands on it. As I touched it; a blue light shot up and quickly retreated back into the table. I watched as the blue light started to rise slowly. Green and brown dots started to rise out of the blue light and I then knew what it was.

"Wow!" I yelled while excitingly looking around the table. "This is a 3D hologram of a map. That is so awesome!" As I walked around the table. A small holographic screen pulled itself up. I slowly walked up to the screen. "I am guessing this is a control panel?" I asked myself as I tried to find out how it worked.

As I fidgeted with the control panel; I looked up to see it quickly zoon out. I looked back at the panel and a list of options was pulled up. A few of the options caught my eye. I then turned on Weather, Naval Fleets, Geomagnetic Detection and Time Distortion Detection. I didn't know why, but it just felt like the right thing to do.

"Now, let's see what we have off the east coast of the U.S. shall I?" I watched as hundreds of dark blue dots swarm the map. "Okay, I am guessing that is our Naval Fleets." Soon after, the hologram was moved up close to head level. Dark storm clouds seemed to form over the Bahamas. Then thin red lines started to grow out from the ocean. They started to arch over the storm clouds and fall back into the ocean. "What are the red lines?" I asked myself as I looked at the screen. I highlighted the lines and a informational box popped up on the hologram. "What is a Gravitational Time Distortion Array?"

I started to look over more information on the fleets in the Atlantic. I soon found a search bar I could use to find my ship. I typed the USS George H.W. Bush on the holographic keyboard. I watched as the map automatically zoomed out. It then quickly zoomed in by New York. It seemed like my carrier was sailing off the coast of New York State.

I manually zoomed out and focused back over to the Bahamas. I then noticed a dark blue dot was starting to move into the storm, so I quickly focused in on it. I selected the dot and an informational tab was pulled up on the screed.

"The USS Dewey?" I continued to look at the information on the hologram. "What is a Guided Missile Destroyer doing in a storm that large?" I started to dig more into the information on the ship. "That ship underwent some major overhauling." I looked over the equipment on the list. "Gravitational Sensors, Light Sensors and all kinds of Accelerometers. Why would they need all that crap in a storm?"

I continued to watch the hologram's storm progress slowly. It seemed to grow larger and larger. Then the hologram zoomed further into the storm by its self. More and more red lines started to pop up. Then a strange fog seemed to ooze out of the ocean. Soon after the Destroyer came into the picture. The Destroyer seemed to sail side by side with the wall of fog. It was keeping a good distance away, but something didn't seem right.

I continued to watch the hologram change even more. So many red lines were arching out of the ocean now; it almost looked like a dome. I quickly pulled up the gravitational information and all the red lines gained a small tab. Each tab had their own unique number. By the looks of it; they swayed from seventy five to one hundred and thirty three. The worst part about the numbers; I had no idea what they meant.

All of a sudden; red lights and loud buzzing noises sounded off in the room. I looked around in a panic, but nothing seemed to be wrong. I then looked back at the hologram and saw the red lines started to move and warp. It seemed like they started to form some kind of funnel that shot out of the storm. Then a small tornado like cloud followed the red lines. It seemed like the lines were giving it direction.

I looked down into the hologram as something caught my eye. White mist seemed to billow up from the center of the hologram. I slowly backed away as the mist started to pour over the edge of the table. I watched the mist at a safe distance. When it seemed like the mist stopped pouring over the edge; I slowly approached.

"Stay away from the mist Human." A calm, gentle and familiar voice said. "Heed thy warnings this time and stay away."

"Who are you?" I asked while slowly backing away from the mist. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Believe me Human." The voice said before fading. "Believe."

"Why are you avoiding my question?" I looked around the room, but I got no answer.

I then turned my attention to the mist. It was once again taking the form of humans. It wasn't a surprise when five human figures took form around the holograph table. I watched as one of them started to mess around with the control panel. I knew what was coming next, so I stood and waited for the voices.

"Are the preparations ready?" A deep voice echoed in the room. "We don't know how many times this vortex opens, so we need this done right the first time."

"The USS Dewey is in position just outside of the fog. They are awaiting orders." A female voice said.

"So what are we talking about my dangerous misty friends?" I asked while walking over the clear side of the table. I then watched the hologram.

"The vortex seemed to had formed, but it is weak. We are receiving a faint signal from that pilot we sent in." The deep voice said.

"What!" I yelled as I turned my attention to the misty figures. "So this wasn't an accident! Why would you do such a thing!?"

"So by these reading; that pilot is probably dead. Was it quick?" The female voice asked.

"The pull of gravity was equal to ten earths. I have no doubt his death would have been quick." I watched as the mist pointed to the red lines on the hologram. "We sent him under the vortex around the time gravity was pulling upward. We also have confirmation that his Hornet was severely damaged."

"I just hope this was worth it." The female voice said. "Do we have the team picked out to stabilize the portal?"

"We do; we have three of the best killers we could find." The deep voice sounded like he was chuckling. "They will establish the sensors we need on this new world."

"How will we get them there in one piece?" The female voice asked. "If that pilot died; what will stop the mercenaries from dying?"

"We are retrofitting a top secret bomber. It was made to handle forces like you see here." The deep voice said as the misty figure at the control pointed at the hologram.

"So what is the opposition like?" The female voice asked.

"This brave new world is completely void of intelligent life." The hologram quickly sunk into the table and charts quickly replaced it. "We have no R.F. Radiation hits." I watched as the mist walked away from the control panel.

"That is amazing!" The female voice exclaimed as one of the misty figures leaned over the table. "The atmosphere is perfect for human life."

A large gust of wind blew in the room and the mist vanished as quickly as they appeared. I turned around and sat on the edge of the table.

"I can't believe this. Why would they do this to me?" I closed my eyes and relaxed.

I slowly opened my eyes and looked up at the night sky. I saw some kind of faint white aurora shimmering above me. I looked further up and saw a full moon. I then noticed a warm feeling all over my body. I looked down and noticed I had a blanket.

"Another odd dream." I said while rubbing my forehead.

I threw the blanket down and got up to my feet. I looked around, but I didn't see anyone. I then saw a small paper mixed in with the blanket. I walked over to the letter and picked it up to read.

Dear James,

I know you aren't use to things here, but I hope you are safe while you read this. I have to be honest with you. I was thinking about forcing you to stay with me tonight, but I quickly realized that is not the right way to get your trust. I am truly sorry about all of the misunderstandings we had and I hope you understand.

I am hoping you read this before it is too late, but I remembered I forgot to tell you where I live. If you walk back into Ponyville. You can follow the path down the main street. I live in a large tree. Just follow the main street and you can't miss it. I hope that you will reconsider and sleep over with me.

Twilight Sparkle.

"Thanks for the blanket, Twilight," I folded the paper and put it in my pocket, "But I am just fine out here." I looked around the clearing.

I quickly noticed it was very quiet. It was very unusual for any forest. I quickly hopped down off the wing of my Hornet and crouched down underneath it. I grabbed my gun out of its holster and pulled the hammer back. I looked to see if I had a round chambered. When I was satisfied; I got out from under the wing and pointed my gun forward. I slowly walked around and scanned my surroundings.

I quickly stopped when I heard something moving in the bushes. I quickly got on one knee and took careful aim in the direction of the noise. I quickly relaxed; I didn't want to make the stupid mistake I did last time. With my panic under control; I patiently waited. Soon I saw three shadows walking in the bushes.

I gently placed my finger over the trigger. With the hammer already back; I knew it wouldn't take much to place my round where I wanted it. The shadows slowly breached the tree line and became visible in the moonlight.

I saw a large blue horse with wings and a horn. Its mane and tail seemed to sparkle like the stars in a deep blue color. It was escorted by two dark grey ponies with some kind of strange armor on. Both of their tails were a dark purple and they both had some kind of bat like wings.

"Stay where you are, or all three of you will be dead before you hit the ground." I said while steadying my aim.

"You dare threaten a princess with death when she was kind enough to watch over you!?" One of the dark grey ponies yelled as he stood in front of the larger horse.

"That means nothing to me." I watched as all three of them stopped. "What are you doing here?" I watched as one of the dark grey ponies started to talk to the larger one.

"Let us go Princess." The dark grey pony glared at me. "This... Thing doesn't seem to want our help."

"Thing?" I stood up and kept my aim towards them. "Big talk for a freak of nature. At least the tall one you're talking to looks normal. What happened; your mother was a pony and your father a bat?" I asked while trying not to laugh.

"What did you say to me monkey!" The pony yelled while walking towards me slowly.

"Monkey?" I chuckled while aiming at the advancing pony. "Come on Mr. Ed. I am a little tall for a monkey. You want to guess again?"

"An ape then?" He smirked while slowly advancing.

"An ape?" I smiled. "I'm not that hairy. Try again."

"Enough!" The large horse yelled in an Earth shattering voice.

"I recognize that voice!" I yelled as I aimed at the large horse. "Who are you!" I demanded.

"You may call me, Luna." She looked down at the pony in front of her and nodded. "May I get your name?"

"No you may not. You are going to answer my questions." The dark grey pony quickly interrupted me.

"How dare you make demands to a princess!"

"He does not know these lands." Luna said to the dark grey pony. "It is fine."

"How were you in my dreams?" I asked while keeping my aim on Luna.

"The night is my domain. Tis my duty to make sure everypony's dreams are good." Luna smiled at me.

"How much to you know?" I asked

"Everything." Luna quickly replied. "I was watching you the moment you slept in this world."

"So why wait until now to show yourself?" I asked. "Why would you wait so long?"

"You have a dark magic building inside of you." Luna started to slowly walk towards me. "I didn't know if this magic was part of you until now. I saw you multiple times; rejecting the magic." I quickly interrupted.

"What magic?" I asked while lowering my gun. "I honestly have no idea what you are talking about." I put my gun back in my holster.

"The mist in your dreams." Luna slowly sat down in front of me and gently tapped my chest with her hoof. "The mist followed you to this world and is now resting inside you, building and maturing."

"Please don't touch me." I took a couple steps back.

"As you wish." Luna smiled.

"Tell me something," I crossed my arms and looked Luna in the eyes, "Why do I feel like I can trust you?"

"Well..." Luna tilted her head and smiled. "Maybe it's because I understand you."

"You never met me before." I said in a slightly irritated voice. "What do you know about me?"

"I am able to look into your memories while you sleep." I quickly cut Luna off.

"What did you see!?" I yelled.

"Don't you dare raise your voice at the princess again!" Both dark ponies rushed in front of Luna.

"Shut up!" I yelled while quickly pulling my gun out. I grasped it with both hands and kept it pointed at the ground. "Stay out of this, it has nothing to do with you." I looked at both of the dark grey ponies.

"Please, let us speak." Luna said while gently pushing the dark grey ponies aside.

"As you wish princess." Both ponies said while walking beside Luna.

"Now, please calm down Human." Luna said with a smile.

"Please call me James." I put my gun back in my holster.

"As you wish, James." Luna looked up into the sky.

"So," I took a deep breath and calmed down, "Will you tell me what you saw."

"I saw memories of you when you were a child. Now that I think of it; you had that same object you were pointing at me." Luna looked at me and cocked her head. "What is that strange object any way?"

"You looked into my memories and you don't know what a gun is?" I said in an extremely irritated tone.

"When I looked into your memories," Luna frowned and looked at the ground, "I also feel the emotions. I stopped looking into that memory when I was overwhelmed with emotion." Luna looked me in the eye. "I felt fear, betrayal and death. I quickly realized that it was a very personal moment for you, so I cut the memory short."

"I suppose I should thank you for that," I turned around and walked towards my wrecked Hornet, "That was a very personal moment in my life." I pulled myself up onto the wing and sat down on the edge. "I would like it if you stay out of my memories from now on."

"You have my word," Luna got up and walked closer to me, "If you need to talk about something. I will be here to listen." Luna sat down in front of me and smiled.

"Can I get your opinion on some of my dreams? It would be nice for a second opinion." I looked up into the night sky.

"Sure, I would be happy to." Luna sounded pleased to be talking with me.

"My dream when I was back on the carrier." I looked Luna in the eye. "When I was radioing back and they were ignoring me. When I found that out; I wanted nothing more than to go back and kill every one of those mother fuckers, but now. This last dream tells me I am mad at the wrong people." I closed my eyes and tried not to cry. "The people on the carrier saved me."

"It means leaving no witnesses." I looked at Luna's confused expression. "It's so no one can tell the truth of a story. It allows a lot of room for interpretation."

"So you are telling me they will lie about what might happen." Luna put her hoof to her chin.

"I don't know, but I don't think it will be good." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Why?" I asked myself.

"Why what?" Luna asked.

"Nothing, just talking to myself." I opened my eyes and looked at the ground. I then looked at Luna. "The real question is when will they get here."

"What are you thinking about doing?" Luna asked with a worried look.

"They are my only ticket home. The rest will be play by ear." I jumped off the edge of the wing and walked towards the front of the Hornet. "I don't belong here. I have no purpose."

"Everypony has a purpose; even you, James." Luna said while walking over to me.

"I can't say I agree with you Luna." I started to laugh as I remembered today's events. "I got in a fight with three wolves made out of wood." I pointed to the rear of the Hornet. "How does that even work?" I put my hands in my pockets.

"You are okay, so does it matter?" Luna asked as she sat next to me.

"None of this will mean anything when I leave." I started to chuckle. "When I get home; I am going to have to sign up in the closest insane asylum."

"What do you mean, James?" Luna asked in a confused tone.

"Nothing," I started to laugh again, "It was a joke."

"I'm sorry, but I don't understand how that is funny. Can you explain?" Luna asked.

"I don't think I can." I looked down at the ground and saw a large shine object sticking out. I bent down and picked it up.

"What is that?" Luna asked while pointing her hoof.

"This," I cleaned the dirt off the brass object, "Is a bullet for my Hornet." I turned it around and showed Luna. "It is too damaged to use. Its bent in the middle."

"Why is it so big?" Luna asked while looking at the bullet in my hand.

"It just is." I tossed the bullet at the ground. "Why don't you tell me about this dark magic mist thing."

"Well," Luna looked over at me, "I recall memories of a wall of white mist before you came here." I interrupted Luna.

"The wall of fog?" I asked.

"Yes," Luna smiled, "That's it. It was some sort of foul magic on your planet. I can't tell you much for I don't know much about your planet. I can tell you that this magic has found its way inside you." Luna pointed at my stomach. "I believe the stuff you called smoke, was also this dark magic."

"The smoke in my cockpit?" I asked. "Is that how it got inside me?"

"I don't know, but I know it is building inside of you and I have no idea why." Luna turned and looked at the two dark gray ponies.

"Can you stop it?" I asked

"I know nothing of the magic on your world. I am sorry, but I don't think I can help you." Luna said in a disappointed tone.

"Is it hurting me in any way?" I waited for Luna to respond.

"Not that I can tell." Luna smiled.

"Is something wrong, Luna?" I looked at her as she looked around.

"It is not safe out here at night." Luna looked up at me. "Do you have a place you could stay for the night?" Luna asked with a smile.

"I don't understand; I was fine until now." I raised an eyebrow at Luna. "Why can't I stay here?"

"You were fine only because I was protecting you." Luna smiled. "I can't stay here with you all night to protect you."

"Twilight left me a note." I reached into my pocket and retrieved the paper. "She wanted me to sleep over at her place. I guess I could sleep over with her for the night."

"Twilight Sparkle?" Luna smiled at me. "That would be wonderful. My guards and I well escort you out of the forest just to be safe."

"Fair enough." I turned around and jumped up onto the wing of my Hornet. "Hold on a second."

"Sure thing." Luna smiled and got up.

I picked up the blanket Twilight left for me. I started to fold it while I looked around for anything lurking in the bushes. I set the blanket down when I finished. I then slowly made my way to what was left of the cockpit. I gave it a quick look-over to see if I could bring anything with me that might help. Finding nothing in my search; I climbed off of the wreckage and grabbed the blanket.

"Alright," I quickly took the lead and started to walk towards the small path, "Let's get going."

"Stop." The dark grey pony said while blocking my path. "I will lead and you follow."

"Alright chief, you lead." I raised an eyebrow at the guard.

One guard took the lead. Luna quickly trotted to my side and the other guard followed behind us. We walked down the path as I kept quiet. To be honest; I had no idea what to talk about. I got all the information I needed and I wouldn't think Luna knew how I could get home.

I managed to get a hunch from my dreams and it worried me greatly. When I saw that faint white aurora in the sky; I could only think about how I got here. I flew to this place in my Hornet and they are prepping some sort of bomber. The only way to get here is by flying and the last plane didn't land in one piece.

"What are you thinking about, James?" Luna asked with a smile.

"Just thinking about home." I put my hands in my pocket and smiled at Luna.

"Try not to think about it too much. It would be bad if you lost sleep over it." Luna looked forward and continued to walk. "It looks like we are coming up on the edge of the forest." We quickly cleared the tree line and stopped on the dirt road. "Do you know how to get to Twilight's house?" Luna asked with a pleased look on her face.

"Yeah, she left me directions." I snagged the paper out of my pocket and held it up to Luna.

"Then this is where we part ways." Luna smiled and spread her wings out wide. "I believe we will be seeing a lot more of each other in the coming future."

"No offence, but I hope we don't." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I just want to get home."

"Then I wish you the best of Luck, James." Luna smiled and turned around. She then glanced back for a few seconds. "If you ever need help in a dream; you can call out for me and I will be there for you." Luna quickly jumped up and flew off with her two guards close behind.

I watched them as they flew off from the edge of the forest. As Luna flew further away; I could hear strange noises from the forest. It was like the forest just woke up. I decided I spent enough time standing here, so I turned around and started walking towards the town.

I quickly found a large dirt pathway, so I followed it. I could see a large round building off in the distance, so I decided to see what it was. As I walked up to the large building; I looked at the paper that Twilight gave me.

"I am guessing that this would be a main street." I looked over the paper while scratching my head. "So I am looking for a large tree." I looked around and saw a yellow pony with an orange mane and tail. It looked like it has some kind of apron on. It has some kind of bag in its mouth. "Excuse me!" I yelled while jogging up to it. "Excuse me, but can you help me?" I stopped a few feet away from it to give me a little distance. It then put the bag down on the ground.

"What can I help you with?" He asked while smiling.

"Yeah... I am looking for Twilight Sparkle's house." I held the paper up. "By any chance, do you know where it is?"

"I sure do, just follow this street and it will bring you to her doorstep." He pointed with his hoof with a smile.

"Thanks." I waved my hand as a walked off.

As I walked towards this large tree; I couldn't help but laugh. I just couldn't believe my eyes. This large tree had a door and windows on it. It looked to be two or three stories high. It has two balconies and what seemed to be a telescope mounted on the top balcony.

I walked up and stood in front of the door. I looked at the light in the window and could hear someone pacing around. I slowly brought my hand up and knocked on the door. I could hear someone run up to the door. The door quickly swung open and I saw Twilight looking up at me.

"I was worried about you!" Twilight yelled. "Why didn't you come sooner?"

"To be honest; I wouldn't have come at all, but Luna can be very persuasive." I showed Twilight her letter and blanket. "I got your letter and I am returning your blanket."

"Luna?" Twilight looked surprised. "It doesn't matter now. You are here and safe." Twilight smiled and quickly ran outside. Twilight then started to push me inside. "Let's get going inside."

"You don't have to push." I quickly got inside to get away from Twilight. I looked around as I stood in the middle of the room. "This looks more like a Library than a house."

"It is a library; Princess Celestia is having me stay here while I'm in Ponyville." I watched as Twilight walked over to some stairs. Twilight then stopped and looked at me. "Your bed is up here, follow me." Twilight smiled as I followed.

"I guess you weren't kidding when you said you like to read." I chuckled a little. "You must have read all of these books twice already."

"Close," Twilight turned and smiled while walking up the stairs, "I read them all four times already."

"I was joking about that, but whatever makes you happy." I got to the top of the stairs with Twilight. I then noticed something on her rear leg. "Hey, Twilight; can I ask you something?"

"Sure." Twilight said with a smile. "What is it?"

"That mark on your leg," I pointed at the strange mark, "What is it?"

"This?" Twilight turned to show me. "This is my cutie mark. We get them when we find out what our special talent is." Twilights eyes then got wide. "Do you have your cutie mark?" Twilight asked with a smile.

"No," I laughed, "Humans don't get cutie marks."

"Why not?" Twilight asked with a confused look on her face.

"I don't know." I said while I shrugged my shoulders. "So what's your special talent?"

"Magic." Twilight quickly replied with pride. "Do you have a special talent?" Twilight looked at me wide eyed again.

"I guess it would be flying." I held up the blanket I had on my arm. "So where do you want this?"

"Oh!" Twilight pointed her hoof at a bed opposite of the one she was next to. "That's your bed." Twilight smiled.

"Thanks." I walked over to the bed with the pink blanket and sat down. I noticed Twilight watching me from the corner of my eye. I turned to look at her. "Is something wrong?"

"Nope," Twilight smiled, "Nothing is wrong."

"Alright, if you say so." I took my gun out of its holster and put it on the shelf behind the bed. I then started to take my shirt off. I got my shirt off about half way before twilight started to get excited for some reason. "What is it?"

"I thought you said you don't get cutie marks!" Twilight rushed over and touched my upper right arm with her hoof. "That looks like a cutie mark to me." Twilight said with a big smile.

"It's a tattoo, not a cutie mark." I took my shirt off the rest of the way as Twilight moved her hoof. "I was roped into getting it by my friends on the carrier." I balled my shirt up and put it on the floor next to the bed.

"What does it mean?" Twilight leaned in to get a closer look.

"It's just a thing us pilots get, so please don't worry about it." I bent down and started to take my boots off.

"What's that right there?" Twilight poked my ribs with her hoof and made me jump.

"You don't have to poke me so hard..." I sat up straight and lifted my right arm over my head. I looked at my ribs and I quickly remembered. "It's a scar."

"How did you get it?" Twilight asked while raising her eyebrow.

"It's something I don't want to talk about." I bent back down to finish off my boots.

"Oh," Twilight's ears went down and she slowly walked back to her bed, "Why don't you want to talk about it?"

"It's part of my life I don't ever want to remember." I took my boots off and placed them by my shirt. I then bring my hand up to rub my scar. "It is a very sensitive subject for me, so please don't ever ask about it again."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it." Twilight's ears went down as she looked at the floor.

"Don't worry about it, you didn't know." I scooted back in the middle of the bed and laid down. I then looked down and saw Twilight making her way into her bed.

"Well," Twilight's horn glowed and the lights turned off, "Good night, James."

"Yep," I rested my head and folded my hands over my stomach, "Good night, Twilight." I relaxed and stared at the ceiling for a while. I then remembered I forgot something at the hospital. "Damn it..." I whispered while I sat up in the bed. "Forget it, I will deal with it tomorrow." I laid back in the bed and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note

If you see any errors in my story. I would like to know, so that I can correct them. After I finish the corrections; I will be deleting the post. I would also like to hear your thoughts on the story if you have time. I am doing my best to keep the story flowing smoothly, so I hope you enjoyed reading this. I am having a lot of fun with this story, so I don't know when I will end it. If you have any ideas on how I can improve my writing. I would like to hear it.

P.S. This story is a rewrite of my last HiE. I hope that this version has better structure and depth. I would like to hear your opinion on the rewrite. Both good and bad comments are welcome, so don't be shy!