//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1: The Council 
// Story: The Ambassador 
// by NapoleontheLesser 
//------------------------------//

There is swirling light all around, colors flashing and ebbing, and the sensation of being stretched like taffy. John could feel himself getting somewhat nauseated, but he wouldn't have been able to throw up if he wanted to. After what seemed like an eternity and no time at all, the spinning and flashing quite abruptly, as well as John, sending him to one knee. Of course, the only thing that still felt like it was spinning was his head. After a moment of staring at the ground, John looked up to check his surroundings.

And what he saw took his breath away a second time.

The entire antechamber, for that is indeed what it was, was an odd mixture of styles. The nearest thing he could use to describe it was the melding of night and day. Looking up he saw at the center of the ceiling high above an odd portrayal of the sun, or was it the moon? It was yellow like the sun, but he could see silver swirls going through it. The entire thing emanated a combination of warmth and coolness, and seemed to put forth light of it's own volition.

Looking down from his stupor he noticed a line of people waiting for him. Well, ponies. He recognized princess Celestia and Princess Luna, but with them were about half a dozen armored ponies that, outside of their armor, didn't come much higher than his waist. Also in the group of equines was a couple of ponies wearing garment very similar to lab coats. John figured that these were the scientists in charge of studying the 'rainbow bridge' so to speak.

John stood up, straightened his uniform, and walked confidently over to the princesses, noticing the subtle wariness that covered the otherwise stoic faces of the guards. He came to Celestia and, forgetting where he wasn't, held out his had. The Princess hesitated a moment, and questioningly put out her hoof, holding it in front of her. John chuckled to himself and lowered his hand.

“Sorry about that your highness, I forgot I wasn't on my earth anymore. I'll explain what that was later. For now, allow me to introduce myself to you and your guards. I am the human Ambassador John Smith. I believe your sister Princess Luna and I have already met.” He nods to Luna, who returns the gesture.

“Of course Ambassador, we are pleased to meet you. Though I must say, my subjects and I have never seen somepony like yourself. We are all eager to learn more about you and your kind, and also about your 'earth.' But first, I believe we have a meeting to hold.”

“Ah, yes. My apologies for being late, your majesty. Our scientists had a couple issues with the bridge generator. Lead the way”

With that the whole group (minus the scientists) made their way across the chamber to a large arched doorway. They then exited into a long, bright halway, with many doors on each side. The themes and decorations were much more simplistic than the antechamber, but still beautiful. John also noticed that when the guards thought no one was looking, they would venture glances over at him. Every time he looked, they would snap back into their stoic expressions. He was impressed overall though at the discipline they had. It wasn't quite the level of professionalism the UEA Planet Guard had, but it still was impressive.

John lost track of how many turns they made. Normally he had a good sense of direction, but his brain was a little below maximum power between the teleport and the processing of the new environment. He noticed that he felt a little bit lighter than usual, as if he weighed less. 

The gravity must be slightly less powerful here than Earth. 

The princesses at that point came to a halt before another set of double-doors. The guards stationed themselves on either side, and Celestia opened the doors while gesturing for John to enter. With a nod he did so and walked over to the big oblong table in the middle of the room. 

This must be the council chamber where the summit is being held.

There were already two... ponies... at the table. A white unicorn with a blue mane, sitting next to a pinkish alicorn. Both seemed slightly smaller than the princesses, though not by much. They came up to his chest by first guess. There was also a shorter purple alicorn, who might not of been as tall as a guard. Odd, since all the royalty he had encountered so far tended to be much taller than the 'ordinary' ponies. John stood behind a seat at the middle of the table, and waited for the princesses. Though the table and the chairs seemed much too small for him, as the table barely made it up to his thighs!

Celestia and Luna went and sat at the end of the table.

“Please make yourself as comfortable as you can, Ambassador.” Celestia scrunched her face looking at John standing next to the small chair as she said this. “Unfortunately our furniture was not intended to accommodate your species, but we will do our best to rectify that. For now, feel free to do what feels best to you.” 

“Thank you, your highness. I completely understand.” There seems to be a lot less formality here than Earth. They must not have seen as much strife and conflict. Tribulation breeds strictness after all.

Celestia looked at the gathering and spoke up. “Let's begin. As you all know, my sister  Luna -” Luna tilts her head in acknowledgment, “- contacted Ambassador Smith from Earth through her dream-stride abilities. We invited him here to give us an outside perspective on our... conflicts, and to build a bridge of friendship between us and newly discovered Earth. Ambassador, would you like to say anything to introduce yourself?”

John hesitated, wondering if he should stand up. After thinking about it he decided not to, as the atmosphere seemed much less formal.

“Well, my name is John Smith, for starters. I am a formal general of the United Earth Army, and acting representative of Earth. It's a pleasure to meet you all, and I look forward to getting to know your customs and way of life.” He paused for a moment, I could use this informal nature. It doesn't have to be the dry, impersonal interaction it was on earth, I could actually get to know them. “And please, call me John. I believe in treating everyo-... everypony as equals.”

“Of course, John. If everyony will introduce themselves...”

The pink alicorn spoke up “My name is Cadence, and this is my husband Shining Armor. We rule over the Crystal Empire, far to the north. Though we aren't formally apart of Equestria, we might as well be considering I'm the adopted niece to Celestia.”

Shining Armor adds a “pleased to meet you.”

The purple alicorn then introduces herself. “I'm Twilight Sparkle.” She pauses for a long time, clearly studying John, until Shining armor makes a face at her and nudges her shoulder. “Oh, right, sorry! I'm the princess of Friendship and Shining Armor's sister.” She ends with an embarrassed blush.


After the introductions, the summit went fairly smooth. The princesses gave John the rundown on the 'state of the realm,' and offered him guards. He accepted, with the condition that if it was too awkward or impersonal, or made him unapproachable, he would go without them. He also said he would like to meet up with each of them separately, in order to get to know them better. They agreed, and then Celestia informed him that she had prepared a room for him in the residential quarter of the castle.