4/25/19 12:00pm Equestrian Embassy, Earth
Lyra was busy getting ready for her trip from Nevada to Los Angeles. Typically she would have traveled by carriage, but with three ponies and their musical equipment, including a DJ’s set, a private plane had been charted along with a limousine to escort them to the Gala.
The mint-green mare was using her magic to put on the fancy new gown that Rarity had designed upon first arriving on Earth in anticipation of such an event. ‘You will still be representing Equestria darling, and you must look presentable.’ Lyra couldn’t help but think of the pony that she was quickly building respect for, and whose current position she would never envy. ‘Nonsense. This dress was made specifically for you based off a blend of Earth and Equestrian fashion and will be the first in a new line of haute couture.’ Making dresses was the only thing still keeping the white unicorn sane while her younger sister went through therapy. It had been decided that Sweetie would be going home to Equestria on Saturday. Rarity would be staying on Earth, ever dedicated to her job. ‘There’s nothing I could do there.’ She had practically broken down sobbing. ‘Applajack will keep an eye on her. My…duty…is to stay here and make sure it doesn’t happen to some other pony.’ Celestia would be going back with Sweetie Belle; she still had a job to do in Canterlot and Rarity was still the Ambassador.
Lyra finally finished pulling the dress up and stared at her reflection in the mirror. The xenobiologist had never been one to wear clothing; her job required a full field of motion. The feel of cloth against her skin was alien, uncomfortable. How do humans do this? She pondered, clearing another bunch from her stifle, the area that would be a pelvis on a human. The dress was a wonderful mint-green to compliment her coat that ruffled towards her hind legs with gold lacing around the edges to match her golden horse shoes and her amber eyes. She then pulled out one accoutrement, a pink gem she’d had for almost two years and recently had fabric added to make it look like a flower. It was one of the listening devices she’d bought for studying changelings. Without the time to visit a mage to get the spell matrix renewed, it had deteriorated to the point that all it could do was record sound. But that should be enough for tonight. As she had to keep from bouncing up and down with excitement at the prospect of her first true field study of humans. Finally a chance to study human social structures with first hoof experience! The excited unicorn mare quickly grabbed her last pink listening device and went off in search of the pony she hoped would help her this evening.
Lyra quickly found her target; a white coated unicorn mare with an electric blue-mane sticking up into the air having already been styled for the evening, heliotrope shades already covering her eyes. The black two bridged eighth note she had as a cutie mark denoted her as a skilled musician.
“Hay! Lyra! Long time.” The DJ called out, seeing her friend in the mirror. “Nice dress.”
“Hey.” The xenobiologist responded. “Thank you, but, uh, where’s yours?”
“Heh, this is how I’m going. DJ PON3 has an image to maintain.” Her gravelly voice laughed at Lyra’s open mouthed astonishment. “Besides, I need to move in order to spin discs.”
“Please tell me Octavia at least won’t be naked.” Lyra begged.
“What’s with you?” Vinyl asked, concerned for her friend. “And no, she will be wearing clothing.”
Phew. Lyra lets out a small breath. “Thank Celestia.”
“She’ll be wearing her pink bowtie.” Vinyl stated matter of factly. “She felt it was more dignified.” And, proceeded to stick her nose up in the air. “Besides, she felt going as such would support my decision.”
“Do either of you know how big of a deal clothing is to humans?!” Lyra started pacing. “They use it to separate themselves from ‘animals’, to show how civilized they are, to-“
“Chill, we know.” The DJ interrupted her friend. “That’s why Octy is the best mare ever. But this is who we are. Now is the only reason you came by to see me is to make sure I would conform? ‘Cuz you know that won’t happen.”
Lyra took a deep breath. Don’t let things get out of hoof; she is a dear friend, one of the few who will always help. “Actually,” She started, not knowing how to approach her question. “I need some help with tonight.”
“Just name it. You know I’ll help ya out.” The DJ replied nonchalantly.
“I need you to hide this listening gem in your equipment.” Lyra stated as the second pink gem floated out of her dress towards the other mare.
“No.” She stated flatly. “Nopony but me touches my set.” Her eyes set and voice stern.
“You can put it in.” Lyra tried to coerce. “All I need is for it to record voices while you take a break.” Her eyes growing wider with ears pulled bag, silently pleading with her friend.
“No.”
“Please. It will progress my studies. Just think of what can be learned about their social structure; it’s done all the time. You have to study them in their natural environment without them knowing.” She continued to plead.
“No.” Vinyl replied just as flat.
“Didn’t we always help get each other out of trouble as foals?”
“And into trouble. Octy is taking a big risk here.” Vinyl said, looking to her friend for support. “I can’t let anything happen that could damage her image.”
“No one will find out. It will just look like the rest of the equipment.” Lyra stopped. Let’s try another tactic. “I will owe you one then; or Octavia if you prefer. I can probably even get her a new cello made by human artists.”
“Well…” Vinyl said, considering the offer. “Octy actually really likes her current cello; it’s made by the best in Equestria. However, I was talking to another pony that could sure use a favor.”
Lyra’s grin broke out into a full smile as her ears darted erect. “Anything! Just name it!”
Vinyl grinned, knowing her friend would act before thinking it through. “Ok. You have to go on a date with Bon Bon.” Vinyl had to hold back a raucous laugh as Lyra stopped bouncing, stopped doing anything as she stood there staring. “Oh come one. We both know you like her. Why else would you stay at her place every time you’re in Ponyville?”
“We’re just friends.” Lyra stammered.
“Is that why you blushed when she kissed you at the farewell party?” The white mare couldn’t hold back her snickering any longer.
Lyra had to weigh her options and choices carefully. I don’t want anything to change my friendship with Bon Bon, but I really need this research, and there may not be another chance to get this kind of quality. She’s been my best friend since… She couldn’t think of when they had first become friends, just that Bon Bon was there when she was almost expelled from Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns when Twilight had accidentally teleported the poor lyrist to the bottom of Canterlot Mountain right before giving her thesis on the connection between magic and music. This was the day she decided to pick a career where she wouldn’t have to deal with other ponies.
Lyra then remembered the kiss she had received from the confectioner, the emotions laden within it. She knew that Bon Bon had no part in this manipulation and while not happy, would be fine with just staying friends. No, this reeked of Vinyl trying to ‘help’ out an old friend. Lyra took a deep breath before giving her response. “Fine.”
This time it was Vinyl’s jaw that dropped. “Really?” She asked incredulously
“Yes.” Lyra stated seriously. “I will go on a date with Bon Bon the next time I go to Equestria.” Whenever that may be. I want this to be a surprise, and she’s too busy to get time off to visit here.
“Damn, I owe Octy two bits.”
Lyra looked at her friend in utter amazement.
“What. I thought you’d never do it. We’ve had this wager going since she met the two of you together.” Vinyl stated innocently.
2:30pm
The three ponies walked up the steps to a little aircraft that looked like the one Lyra and Twilight first took to visit the President of the United States. The only difference on the outside being the Equestrian flag on either side of the small jet. This particular Jetstream had been purchased and refitted in order to better transport ponies, part of Celestia’s plan reach out to the other nations of this planet and it set on a small dirt runway only large enough for this single aircraft.
As Vinyl stepped into the aircraft though, it looked much different than anything she had been led to believe. There were no chairs, just sitting pillows on the floor, several having sides for in case of something the humans called ‘turbulence.’ The DJ saw a blue pillow the shade of her hair, just big enough for two ponies to lie on comfortably. Upon sitting, she started patting the cushion with her left hoof. “Come on Tavi,” she whined. “I already found the best seat in the house.” As she called out to her marefriend that had just entered the aircraft.
Octavia was a charcoal grey earth pony, her jet black mane groomed to shining settled on her back. The only color she sported was the pink bowtie worn around her neck by a white cloth and her purple treble clef cutie mark. She took a look at the neon blue fabric and gave Vinyl a quizzical look. “You would have to pick the most garish cushion.” She scoffed, regally lowering herself next to her partner.
Vinyl grinned. “You know you love it.”
“That is quite beside the point.” Octavia stated as she affected the air of her high society birth.
“Whatever you say.” Her partner whispered, right into her ear.
“There will be none of that. There are other ponies present.” Octavia warned.
“And a human.” Lyra interrupted. Both of the other musicians look over at her shocked. “No pony has yet to be checked out on an aircraft. It has to be hired out.”
“Way to kill the mood.” Vinyl lamented.
Lyra felt that a change of topic was in order before Vinyl mentioned a certain bet. “Just remember, this is a human machine an-“
“’And don’t touch anything.’” Vinyl mocked. “I’m not a foal you know.” She stated until Octavia gave her a disbelieving stare. “I promise not to touch anything on this plane that is not mine.” She stated, raising her right hoof. “Relax, this isn’t my first time flying.”
Lyra just grinned and waited until a voice came over the speakers. “This is your captain speaking. Flight 273 to LAX is now departing. Make sure your tray table is in the upright and locked position.” A male voice spoke in Equestrian, the floor giving a quick jerk as they started building momentum.
“Um.” Vinyl stated as a worried look crossed her face. “This doesn’t feel like flying.”
“Tray tables?” Octavia queried
Lyra just smiled. “Human humor. You get used to it.”
Octavia gave the lyrist for the evening a skeptical look as the nose of the plane started to rise.
“Are you sure this guy knows what he’s doing?” Vinyl asked, grabbing on to whatever she could as the ground under her hooves continued to angle upwards. Her eyes darted about the aircraft.
“This isn’t like a flying chariot, or even how a pegasi flies. There is no magic to assist them.” The green mare stated matter of factly.
“SO?” Vinyl said, still not understanding it, as the acceleration, steady upward angle and nearly invisible ground got to her.
“It’s like throwing a stick, just with a lot of force.” Lyra grinned, unable to believe her friend was scared by something so simple, while Octavia just seemed to provide something for Vinyl to grip onto.
“But those things fall unless gripped by magic.”
“They have engines that push the airplane. Those big tanks on either side of the craft you saw? Those were engines. They provide the needed force.” Lyra stated to a still incredulous Vinyl as the plane started to level off. “Just trust me and relax.”
Octavia leisurely stood up onto her hoofs and went over to the nearest window, closing the small blinds over it with the passing clouds. “Now just close your eyes.” She calmly stated to the pony whose own fear was feeding off itself now. As Vinyl did as she was told Octavia spoke again. “Now what does it feel like?”
“Except for the lack of rushing air, it feels just like a chariot.” Vinyl said, her voice calming to a more normal tone.
“Remember, they just don’t have magic. But they aren’t insane.”
“Thanks Tavi.”
Lyra had to keep quiet. She had read up on humans and why they tended to take more risks than ponies, especially the males. And, not always for the better.
4:25pm
David, a short skinny male with black hair and a suit, sat in the driver’s seat, waiting for the little plane to finish taxiing to a stop. He closed The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy as the little door opened on the Jetstream opened and a colorful equine walked down the little steps, a small mint-green unicorn that stood about three foot tall with a fancy matching dress. He had been told his clients would be Equestrians so it wasn’t a surprise. Just like everyone else who had seen Tow introduce Celestia to the world; this was the first time he had seen one in person though. The driver remembered the discussions that started after; the surprise at seeing aliens, at seeing supposedly peaceful aliens. And, it certainly spiced up the movie scene. A movie was in the works titled Eternal Night that was supposed to be the heart wrenching story of Celestia trying to save her people from her beloved sister’s madness.
David quickly got out of his driver’s seat as the last pony, white with neon blue hair and shades, disembarked their aircraft and unloaded their gear from the back of the plane. He hurried over to the approaching ponies. “Would you like some help with that ladies?” He asked, unsure exactly what to call them, or if he could carry the three large boxes and mess of cables that the white one had floating above her head in a pale aqua glow.
“Nah, that’s cool. Just tell me where to put it.” She replied. The other two looked perfectly fine, the grey one had the case for a string instrument of some kind on her back, while the green one had a small case hanging from her neck.
David rushed back to his limousine and opened the rearmost doors, finally understanding why he had been given this particular vehicle where the extended portion was designed for storage and not occupants.
As the ponies finished stowing their gear, David opened up the door to the passenger compartment. They had no trouble getting into the vehicle, hopping in like it was a common practice. He quietly closed the door after them and went around the vehicle to get back in the driver’s seat. After starting the car and finding his way onto the freeway from LAX, he rolled down the window that separated the passenger from the driver’s section and asked, “Is this your first time in Los Angeles?”
“Yes.” The green one replied laughing lightly. “This is actually our first time on Earth.”
“I hope you enjoy your stay then.” He said, returning his attention to the road. I’ll take them the slightly more scenic route; show them some of the taller buildings, that always impress the visitors. I’ll have to talk to them about a trip to LACMA, I’m sure they could have the clout to get a special viewing while in town. As it sunk in, another realization hit. Man. They’re gonna be so jealous when I get back to class.
5pm
Octavia sat on the black plush vinyl seats, staring out the darkened limo windows at the city beyond. The buildings were as tall as mountains; the sky was no longer visible out the sides and could only be seen out the window in the roof. The streets outside the vehicle were bustling with so many humans that the sidewalk could not be seen; there were so many cars that special signals were set up to only allow so many to pass at any given moment. While all technically impressive, it still felt overwhelmingly oppressive to the grey mare. How can they live like this? She asked as they passed a block where the only greenery was the occasional tree designed to break off the monotony of cement and brick, glass and steel. There’s no life here other than them. Where do they grow their food? How can they live so closely together? Her breathing quickened as her eyes wandered further, until they landed on her partner.
Vinyl was excited to see such a throng of people. “Can you believe it? You don’t even see this many ponies at the Summer Sun Celebration. Where do they all come from?” The DJ asked, continuing to stare at the giant buildings in their grandeur.
“They live in those buildings. They are incredibly social creatures, sometimes with several million in a single village.” Lyra stated, joining Vinyl in appreciating the mass of flesh.
As Octavia continued to stare at her friends staring at the city around her. She began to look more closely, to try and understand their fascination; but the more she saw, the less she liked. The buildings while impressive, some that would compete with Canterlot castle itself for sheer height, were covered in a thin layer of dirt not the clean stone of Canterlot or the subtle yellow plaster of Ponyville taken care of with love. In the hustle, people pushed and shoved each other, nobody looked happy, faces dour and eyes set. As they passed another street, she saw two people yelling at each other, shaking fists. While unable to hear what they talked about, they looked violent.
“And at night, all these windows will be lit. It’s magnificent.” Lyra said trying to further impress the two musicians.
But that will block out Luna’s stars! Octavia dreaded; only to remind herself that these weren’t Luna’s stars. There would be no Princess to watch over her. And for the first time in her life, she felt scared at the thought of being out at night.
7pm
Vinyl brought the last of her equipment in, a speaker as big as herself. While the humans had offered to help, nopony touched her gear except her.
“Vinyl dear, what do these cords go to? You forgot them in the limo.” Octavia asked her from behind, holding a set of cables that connected her deck to the speakers.
Well almost nopony. Vinyl admitted. “Just set it by the deck for now.” She said as she struggled to bring the speaker in. It wasn’t that the speaker weighed any more than usual or that it required more magic than normal to interact with like anything found on Earth. It just didn’t want to move; like the air was thicker which in turn made it harder to put up onto the raised platform that was their stage.
The room itself was large and open with several round tables scattered about but it was clear that the main purpose was to let a small group of people walk around and mingle. To make sure they were seen by the right people. The room was clean with red tablecloths and open curtains showing a manicured garden outside. The green appearing vibrant bracketed by the curtains and the antiseptic white of the walls.
As Vinyl started connecting her deck with the giant speakers, she checked the small pink gem that Lyra had given her. It was set into the top of the deck to look like another status light. Octavia was to her right, counterbalancing her weight against that of the cello bow held in her left fetlock as she tuned the hoof-made instrument. Lyra’s small Lyre was back in its case while its owner explored the grand hall.
“Now remember Vinyl, best behavior.” Octavia reminded. “We don’t need a repeat of last year’s Summer Sun Celebration.”
“Tavi, don’t worry. What’s the worst that could happen?” She asked, returning a lewd smile.
“Only if you behave.” Octavia smirked as she set her cello back in case until it was time for her to perform. The grey mare then proceeded to walk over to Vinyl and gave her a quick nuzzle.
9:15pm
The party had been going on for a while. Lyra was still up on stage using her magic to pluck the strings of her lyre. She didn’t feel underdressed; every person there was wearing something just as fancy. Just that she was wearing the wrong type of dress. Every person there was wearing something darker, making the whole situation seem dour, and her more out of place in the subtle green dress. I should have known. She thought. Ponies are multicolored and humans are not; why would they be any different in a fancy situation?
As Lyra played, she watched her two friends move through the different groups, stopping to talk every once in a while. But, they seemed perfectly happy to just be alone. Lyra couldn’t help but admire how they managed to turn a job into a date. If only I could hear what’s being said. As she finished her next to last song, a classic from before the founding of Equestria about the struggles of the three races to finally work together after centuries of fighting; the verses were in one of the oldest known dialects of Equestrian.
Her last song was meant to be a surprise, something from a place called Greece where the humans had a different type of lyre used for music. The vocals were a little hard to sing even using the fancy phonetic alphabet the that humans introduced. The notes however, were written in a matter that any Equestrian musician could read. Lyra found it peculiar that the two societies had so many similarities, but she was certain that with enough study some sort of reason would come to light.
As Lyra’s last song began to wrap up, Octavia and Vinyl came up to the stage so they could switch off. Lyra quickly levitated her lyre back into its case and stepped offstage to greet her counterparts. “How’s the party?” She asked.
To which the DJ scoffed, “You’ll see.” She then stepped on stage, taking her position behind her deck and massive speakers.
“Did you remember to drop the volume on those things?” Lyra asked out the side of her mouth.
“Do you really think Vinyl would be crazy enough to do something that stupid?” Octavia asked a wide-eyed Lyra. “There is no need. Vinyl assured me that she will behave.”
“This is a song I played at the Royal Wedding of Princess Cadance.” Vinyl said into her small speaker as she donned a pair of headphones. Both Lyra and Octavia looked up at the stage just in time to see Vinyl turn a little dial up to max and mouthed to the now spectators, “Let’s drop this base!” in Equestrian and grinned from ear to ear.
Quickly the sound issuing from the speakers built as Lyra and Octavia’s hearts almost stopped. The music however stayed calm and gentle, a quieter affair than was even thought of for the Royal Wedding.
As the music continued, all of it from Vinyl’s standard repertoire of music but calmer, Lyra and Octavia mingled with the crowd. They were stopped rather quickly by a larger woman, which neither could differentiate from any other person there. Even with Lyra’s expertise in dealing with the species, they all looked so repetitive with their fancy gowns and makeup. But, that didn’t defuse her excitement at being able to study a new branch of human society. “Excuse me.” The woman stated with a posh accent. “But what is it like living under an authoritarian government?” She asked.
Octavia started replying before Lyra could think of anything to say. “What’s it like living under a President?” She asked.
“What I meant was, “The woman started, completely unfazed at having insulted their leaders. “What is it like not getting a say in the laws that are passed?”
We have a say. Celestia brings in advisors and takes the time to listen to complaints. Lyra wanted to inform the lady but was again beaten to it by Octavia.
“I don’t know. We have never had a corrupt leader that would want to take away our rights.” Octavia clarified as the woman huffed, only to be interrupted by her husband.
“What do you think of our food so far?” He asked.
“Apart from a few hors d’oeuvres I haven’t had any yet. But the apple slices taste just as wonderful as the ones picked fresh off the tree.” Octavia complemented.
“Only the best.” He gave a slight chuckle as Lyra tuned him out.
I never expected it to be this boring. She thought. It’s the same as parties in Canterlot.
They wandered while Vinyl did her set, stopped by the occasional question. Oddly enough all political banter outside of the first encounter had been non-existent. Out of curiosity, Lyra decided to see what would happen if she brought it up. “What do you think of the initial treaty between our two peoples?”
“I think that only time will be able to tell us if it works.” The man stated.
It wasn’t just him; she tried asking another about the rise of tensions in Asia, only to have the question outright ignored in favor of talking about why she had picked classical Grecian music.
Octavia and Lyra slowly made their way back to Vinyl as her set started to wind down.
“Told ya I would behave.” Vinyl said smugly, nose slightly in the air.
“Yes, and I am very proud of you.” Octavia admitted and leaned forward to give her partner a hug. “But, you will still pay for that little prank later.” She whispered into the white mare’s ear.
Vinyl just grinned back. “I’m counting on it.” She said as Octavia walked up onto the stage and pulled her cello out of its case.
She began with a classic piece by Beethoofen that blended into something by Bach. She had wanted to craft something original that combined two of the most well-known artists from either country.
When Octavia was approximately halfway through her performance, changing from one piece to the next, the sound of clapping issued from the far side of the room. As the different creatures turned the head at the sudden noise, a male human started walking towards the stage. He was shorter and rounder than the average human with short cut blonde hair. “Very beautiful,” He said. “I’m sure the great masters would be quite pride. That is a wonderful talent.”
“Thank you.” Octavia replied, taken aback at the sudden interruption.
“If only you had come here to just play music.” The newcomer continued. “I have to admit, I was originally against the treaty with Equestria, it seemed brash and uniformed. However, no catastrophes have occurred so I assumed myself mistaken and set up this party as a way to mend fences. I even invited some of my greatest supporters.”
Lyra’s eyes widened as her ears fell to the ground as she recognized the human, Senator Stephen Brent who seemed determined to show Equestria as the next big threat.
“When I extended the invitation I never expected the guests to attempt espionage.” He stepped onto the stage and walked over to Vinyl’s rig. “But what do they do the first chance they get?” He stated as he reached towards the status lights. “They bring in listening devices to spy on the guests.”
The Senator ripped a pink gem; the one Lyra had given to Vinyl, off the deck and held it out for all to see. “This is one of their magical gems; we were given a few to study from Princess Celestia.” He stated as moving the gem around in his hand. “It works off of a matrixes and can do many of the same things as our technology can do.”
“How do you know it’s magical?” A person from the crowd questioned.
He then proceeded to pull out a small rectangle the size of his hand and began to wave it over the gem. As the device traversed the gem, it emitted a clicking sound the closer it got to the gem. “That sound is saying that it’s detected thaumaturgical radiation, or magic. So no, it’s not just another gem. The color denotes its capabilities. What other reason could they have to bring a recording device?”
But we never gave them any kind of gem like that to study. Lyra panicked. We only gave them ones to heat up rooms, provide light, or absorb heat. Things to make life easier, never something like that! Besides, color doesn’t signify capability; it depends on the magus. But, Lyra couldn’t remember if the gems handed over were, or if the colors matched a certain time to make it easier on them. Seeing that things may be getting out of hand, she moved back and placed a hoof along the hem of her dress until she found the slight bump. Lyra didn’t want to activate the small stone Rarity had told her was in case of emergencies with force and destroy it, but any aura of magic could alert others to her intent or make things worse by thinking she was up to something.
As these thoughts passed through her mind Vinyl stepped forward to confront the human. “Because we’re musicians.” Vinyl stated flatly, annoyed. “We listen to music. This is so I can listen to and improve my craft, along with that of my friend’s. That’s why it was there before you ripped it off.”
Upon seeing the human not backing down, Lyra placed more pressure on the stone hidden in her hem until it cracked. A small wave of energy, like a pebble being tossed into a lake, spread out from the mint-green unicorn, too faint for any but the most attuned to feel even in the same room. A dud? Lyra panicked. We’re on our own.
The senator appears to think that over for a moment. “That would explain this gem. But, what would happen if we found a similar device on your little friend in the dress? I noticed she has a similar gem in her hair.” He said to the crowd as he stepped off the stage and towards the anthropologist.
Lyra began to back up, fearing that help wouldn’t arrive in time.
“Is there anything you would like to admit before this gets any further out of hand?” The Senator asked politely. “Maybe a reason or an apology?”
Lyra was staying out of his reach. She knew that if he got his hands on her little flower, he would have all the proof he needed, that his façade of kindness would break in that moment. She couldn’t destroy it without people wondering and she couldn’t have destroyed it earlier without the whole room noticing. Some gems reacted violently to being broken. She kept going until she felt the wall at her back.
Brent, with nobody else able to see his face but Lyra, smiled. The green pony had nowhere else to go. It was at that moment, with Brent giving her a wide toothy grin, that she remembered something. Humans had two types of teeth, one for eating plants, and the other for eating meat. They were predators.