1: A Typical Morning

A Typical Morning

Lieutenant Rainbow Dash’s Personal Log, Stardate – supplemental: The Argo is on a diplomatic mission to Draconian 3, which will serve as neutral ground for peace talks between the Solar Federation and Gryphon Empire. Some of the crew has been in uproar about the impending griffon visit. I'm not happy about it either. I have been tasked with tailing the ambassadors around the ship when they arrive, hopefully so we might avoid any incidents that would ruffle either side’s feathers.

Rainbow laid on her back, relaxing on her bed though sleep would not come to her. She rested above the covers, as if not expecting to sleep at all. Since her leave had ended, she found it difficult to fall asleep with the constant presence of the low level security lighting and blazing stars whizzing by her window. Not even the sound of her own audio logs were enough to drive her racing mind into submission.

A whistle broke Rainbow from her trance. Her door begged to be answered, but went ignored. The door whistled again. Rainbow stirred, begging for whoever it was to leave her be.

“Darnit Rainbow! I heard you talkin’ in there!” a mare beckoned from beyond the wall. “Get outta bed and come get some food!” The visitor knocked furiously at the door, showing no indication of leaving.

Rainbow rubbed at her eyes as she sat up at the edge of her bed. “Fine, I’m coming!” She stumbled to her hooves, moving to her dresser. “Lights to medium.” At that moment, light filled the metallic-grey room from every perceivable direction. Rainbow recoiled as her eyes narrowed to slits. Her cyan hoof moved to shield her face from the incoming rays. “Ugh, lights to medium-low.”

“That is not a valid setting,” said an indifferent and disembodied voice.

Rainbow sighed in frustration. “New program, Medium-Low One." The ship's computers could make simple programs on the fly, given proper instruction, and usually used other commands for reference. Still, Rainbow and a few other select technology impaired ponies had trouble phrasing their desires in a way the computer could understand. "Take average of low and medium light settings and add to light level setting selection.”

“Cannot comply,” the voice replied. “That command is already assigned to the low-medium light setting.”

Rainbow stomped at the ground, infuriated. “Lights on low-medium then!” The lights dimmed to half their former brightness, releasing Rainbow from her squinting daze.

“Bucking computers, have to foal ‘em through everything.” Rainbow moved to answer the door, touching her hoof to a terminal imbedded in the wall. The pneumatics mounting the door hissed as the panel retracted into the left side of the archway. An impatient orange mare with lock of golden mane and an amused expression stepped into its place.

The mare bowed past the door frame and scanned the interior of Rainbow’s room. Rainbow’s dirty uniforms and lounge-wear seemed to cover every inch of her floor. Her few clean clothes remained in the suitcase atop her dresser, despite her having moved in months ago.

The ripeness of Rainbow's sweaty laundry filled Applejack's nostrils. She was nearly brought to tears before taking a few steps back. “Now Rainbow, just because we’re in space, that don’t mean you can’t have a somewhat ordinary sleep schedule,” the mare said, "or bathe." There was a brief pause as Rainbow huffed in annoyance, having suffered similar criticism many times before.

“Sorry, Farmer Orange,” Rainbow snapped back as she stretched her legs and back. “You aren't my mother.”

“No, but Ah am your commanding officer, and security chief.” She pointed towards the row of three pins on her red one-piece uniform. Two were a shimmering gold, and the third was filled with a metallic black. “Also, I'm your friend, last I checked.”

Rainbow just glared at her friend with half open eyes. Her cropped mane that shone all the colors of the spectrum seemed duller and more matted than it had any right to. Her uniform was half unzipped and its sleeves were tied about her waist leaving her top covered only by a stained white undershirt and Wonderbolts jacket.

“Since we’re having company, you might want to look somewhat presentable,” Applejack said. “Just because the rest of the crew has grown used to your… youness, that don’t mean the griffons won’t take it as some kind of insult.”

“Who cares what I wear?" she asked. "I’m the grunt… the muscle… the nameless red-shirt… crewmare number 4.” She glanced away, allowing barrel to come to rest against the doorway. “The only time anyone really pays attention to me is when I do something wrong or they do.”

“These are griffons, Rainbow. They value honor n' dignity above all else," Applejack said. "If you greet ‘em looking like you just rolled outta bed, you could start something." She leaned into her friends ear, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I heard you through your door, talking about how even you’re nervous about 'em causing trouble. I figure you’d want to do everything you can to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“Let me clean up a bit, and I’ll meet you down in the mess hall," Rainbow said, turning her back to the hall.

“Just don’t take forever, you gotta job to do.” Applejack trotted over to the end of the hall and called the turbo-lift. As she stepped inside, her head hung out into the corridor, making one final remark. “Just cause I’m your friend, that don’t mean I won’t reprimand you.”

Rainbow leaned her head out of her own door to mimic Applejack's action. “Gee, I’m glad you care so much.” She walked back into her quarters, scuffing her hooves the whole way. She threw her jacket and uniform onto the bed as the door closed behind her, then moved to the bathroom and stepped into the shower cubicle.

“Sonic shower… high." She always used high setting. Everyone told her it would chew up her mane and fur, but she didn’t care. If one turned it high enough they could even get a pleasantly warm sensation as the vibrations created friction on the user’s skin. "Maybe they’re radioactive or something." She hoped the grime on her coat would take forever to slough off, but Star Herd equipment was designed with efficiency in mind, not luxury.

Rainbow stepped through automatic double doors into the mess hall. Her coat was clean, her hooves were polished, and her hair seemed to radiate from across the room. Mares were told to keep their manes tied back, but that took too much effort for Rainbow. She settled on clipping it to just above her jawline before every inspection.

Despite her self professed insignificance in the grand scheme of things, Rainbow always underestimated exactly how invisible she was. Every member of the crew knew her and talked about her, just never talked to her. Members of the crew swiveled their heads in her direction upon her arrival before returning to what they were doing, albeit more cautiously with her head over their shoulders. She received a few indifferent glances, but none that signaled any appreciation of her presence. It was just another day, of another year aboard her star-bound prison.

Rainbow scanned the room, looking for her friend. The mess hall resembled the academy in that the occupants had segregated themselves by uniform color and duty. Since visible cutiemarks were against uniform regulation, color and job title were the easiest ways to find ponies with like interests.

All the blue shirted egg-heads were at two tables pushed together in the corner by the transparent moonstone windows. They would talk about new scientific theories going through the peer review process, and occasionally point out to some anomaly or star formation in the distance before it vanished behind them.

The golden shirted engineers and tech-heads sat near the replicators, talking about research prototypes and ship calibrations. All of their work seemed too meticulous and intricate for Rainbow to care for. The only topic of their conversation that held her interest was of the new Rainboom drive they had installed before their departure.

Finally, the red-shirted tactical crew and security force sat closest to the door, perhaps as a way of garnering attention. Some members of the group were hoof wrestling and showing off their new wing-mounted caner emitters. Others would boast about their record times navigating interstellar courses, or some daring maneuver they pulled while on a previous mission. They laughed and howled while stories and synthetic alcoholic beverages were shared.

Rainbow focused on one of their drinks. The red fluid sloshed back and forth as the stallion flailed his hooves through the air. Rainbow never understood the deal with synthetic beverages. In her eyes, it was a perversion of the real deal, the only worthwhile ingredient replaced with one that offers the same gassy taste with none of the benefits. Rainbow couldn’t help but wish for a large mug of cold, hard cider, real cider. She began to salivate as she imagined the beverage running over her tongue. It was then she noticed an orange hoof shaking out of the corner of her eye.

“Wow, you clean up pretty nice,” Applejack said as she approached Rainbow from the side. "Wish you'd make a habit of it."

“Why thank you… miss,” Rainbow huffed.

“Some stallion might even find you pretty,” Applejack jested as she walked into view from behind.

“Yeah right,” Rainbow replied as the two started towards their table. “We both know I’d be the one wearing the yolk in that relationship.”

“I don’t doubt it." Honest Applejack didn’t have it in her to say otherwise. Rainbow was far two energetic and robust for most stallions to handle. She was never challenged to hoof wrestles or impromptu sparring matches, lest she emasculate her competition.

The two mares moved towards the replicators to grab their meals. They grabbed two trays from a rack beside the stations, and placed them under the dispensers before inputting their orders. Applejack made it her business to keep asking her questions, especially since nopony else would. “So what are you gonna get for breakfast?”

“Same thing as always, carrot daffodil sandwich with a protein patty and orange juice,” Rainbow replied, avoiding eye contact. ”You?”

“Some pancakes topped with some apple slices from the airponics bay.” Applejack pulled an apple from her uniform pocket. For being grown in space, they were atypically red, plump and juicy. Applejack would burn downtime caring for alchemically engineered apple plants and other crops.

With Applejack's talent being a green hoof, the ponies working the kitchen decided her assistance was in everyone’s favor. The crew got good food, and Applejack got a hobby to keep stir-craziness at bay. “They sure ain’t no Sweet Apple Acres apples, but I suppose they’re better than nothing." A shimmering blue glow became a heap of warm, slightly dry flapjacks, filling the prior emptiness of her tray. "I’d say something about your diet, but I don’t think you want another lecture.”

“You said it yourself, these are griffons we’re talking about,” Rainbow elaborated. “You know, the warrior race we’ve been on the brink of war with for the past fifteen years?”

“I think Ah remember why were here," Applejack mumbled through a mouthful of food. "Your point is?"

“You don’t get a race like them to surrender, or agree to peace talks, without mares like me doing our part to be as fit for combat duty as possible,“ Rainbow explained. "Gotta hit all the main... food... groups." Rainbow trailed off as a glimmer caught her attention from across the room.

The eye catching sparkle came from a leg mounted caner array belonging to a hulking, white Pegasus recruit. He had it aimed one of the other guards across the table as a form of intimidating horse-play. The weapon glistened in the artificial lighting, and looked as though it were worth every bit he paid for it. They were all laughing as if it were in good fun, but Rainbow arose when she noticed something the others had neglected. She made her way in towards the recruit and prodded him from behind on the shoulder.

“Yeah, what do you want pixie stick?” he said as he turned to face her.

Rainbow's face wrinkled as her muscles tensed. “That’s Lieutenant pixi - er - Rainbow Dash to you.”

The unimpressed stallion remained motionless except for his mouth. “And?” He stood nearly a foot taller than Rainbow and had at least a hundred pounds on her.

“And last I checked, I outrank you," Rainbow said. "Weapons are never to be off their safety setting unless there is an immediate threat.”

“Like your hair?” he said, eliciting a flurry of snickers from the group. "Relax, it is on."

Rainbow used her hoof to knock the bit trigger near his shoulder causing the weapon to fire into the ground. Some ponies froze and others covered their heads and ear as the weapon discharge echoed through the halls. The room went quiet, and all attention was drawn to the two security ponies and the smoldering carpet. “Would you care to say that again?”

“Go mind your own business," he snapped, gesturing to Applejack with a head bob. "I’m sure your marefriend over there is getting lonely.”

Rainbow Dash immediately wrapped her hooves around left foreleg of the recruit and used the leverage to sprawl him out onto the dining table. She had him pinned with her elbow dug under his chin. She brought her remaining free hoof down hard upon the table, shattering his weapon under her strike. Bits of metal and composite material rained down on the ponies standing around.

“Don’t mess with me,” she muttered under her breath. “Usually I only have to hurt somepony once before they get the message.” She released the recruit and turned away, ignoring his plummet to the floor. She brushed off the food scraps and weapon shrapnel that had been strewn about during the scuffle off of her uniform as she stomped her way to the turbo-lift.

Applejack galloped on over to where the incident had taken place, a satisfied smirk spread across her lips. “Remember, we meet the captain by shuttle bay 2 at 1130!” Applejack turned to examine the recruit clutching his shoulder as the others tried to help him up. “I’m Lieutenant Commander Applejack, the security chief. I can't say I’ve seen your kind of stupid round here before. Would you mind spending the next twelve hours in your quarters while I add your condition to your file?”

The bulky recruit kept his eyes fixed towards the turbolift, Rainbow's threatening gaze severing as the doors slid shut. “How in Equestria did she know?”

“If I were you, I wouldn’t try to get away with anything,” Applejack replied. “With her on duty, you won’t.”

Being a Starship operated mostly by Pegasai, the schematics of the Argo deviated from conventional design. Instead of having four recreational rooms distributed throughout the decks, there were two smaller areas at opposite ends of the ship, and one large arc that traced the outer boundaries of the saucer section.

The rec-room spanned all decks between the two layers of the inner hull and housed a track with adjustable climate control. Here, both earth ponies and pegasai could build their stamina. The pegasai alone could utilize the weather systems to practice cloud busting and obstacle evasion. The inner and outermost sides of the room were lined with kinetic padding for uncommon, but inevitable accidents.

Rainbow panted heavily as she flew headlong against artificial air currents. A member of the engineering staff had made a deal with her raise the safety parameters when her badge signal was present. She had begged to have difficulty raised further, but the staffer ensured that any further increase could draw attention to the tampering, or get her killed.

When in a heated mood, Rainbow would activate the cloud busting practice course. She would visualize the cause of the day's frustrations on her fluffy victims before reducing them to vapor trails. Condensation from her vanquished targets would accumulate on her goggles and then be whisked away by the rushing air.

After a dozen laps and nearly forty clouds later, Rainbow could hear the clacking of hooves against the metallic floor of the semicylidrical chamber over her flapping jacket. As she dashed past the next entrance, she could see that a familiar orange mare had taken to the track. Applejack had shed her red and black uniform in favor of a grey one-piece jersey, with her duty colors relegated to accents on her waist and shoulders.

Applejack struggled against the rapid air, fighting for every inch of progress. Her mane and tail were forced nearly horizontal by the raging wind, growing stringy as water and sweat dampened them more with every step.

Rainbow's head swiveled, focusing on her friend before she vanished behind the winding walls. Rainbow pressed on as cloud after cloud disintegrated in front of her. In no time, she was moving to lap her earthbound commander. Applejack was now bowing into the current, unable to withstand the constant pattering of water against her corneas. Rainbow slowed this time as she passed overhead, her center of attention lingering on the orange mare.

After five laps, Rainbow descended to the floor, touching down by a soggy and shivering Applejack. Both of them were forced to yell so their voices could be heard over the drumming motors and whistling echoes.

Applejack glanced up to her side, her narrowed eyes meeting with those of the lieutenant. "Bit breezy in here, donch'a think?"

Rainbow calmly trotted on before glancing back. "If you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen!" With a small hop and extension of her wings, the whipping air lifted her without so much as a flap of her feathers. With the settings as they were, routine and muscle memory were both crucial, even a small waver or misaligned wing could send Rainbow careening into the wall.

"Computer!" Applejack yelled over the blustery interference. "Restore defaults!" The air came to a screeching halt. The stilling of the air brought about a jarring silence, like that brought about by a deactivated fan.

Just as Rainbow's hooves were about to decimate another synthetic nimbus, it vanished. The sudden loss of headwind caused Rainbow to lurch forward into the duranium wall whose padding did little to soften the blow. A muffled ping and scream broke through the new-found quiet, causing Applejack to cringe. Rainbow slid tail first against the rounded wall onto the floor. Her teeth unclenched, but her eyes remained tightly shut. "Ow."

"Rainbow, we've been over this." Applejack helped Rainbow to her hooves, whisking away some water on Rainbow's jacket. "Those safety parameters are there for a reason." She raised an eyebrow and grinned as she stabilized her friend, that is until a cyan hoof met with her chest. "The track is for everyone, we aren't all Rainbow Dash."

"How am I supposed to get any real practice flying on a course fit for a butterfly?" Rainbow pushed her goggles up from the bridge of her nose. "We're getting soft, chief."

"I'm tired a seein' your name on report." She turned back to the entrance, with Rainbow following close behind. "When its not for conduct it's because you intentionally bypass regulations. You spend more time in here than in your quarters, which is downright unbelievable, considering how much you nap."

Rainbow stretched. "A nap sounds pretty good right now, but I don't think you just wanted to hound me for hogging the track."

"You took off your com-badge," Applejack said. "Somepony had to come fetch you."

"What do you know?" Rainbow said. "I just thought the captain learned to stop whining."

"We can't afford to be late to this thing," Applejack said. "While we're on our way to the hanger, I thought I'd talk to you about that little fiasco in the mess hall. Half the times I've written you up are because you seem to think breaking in recruits requires actually breaking them."

"It's not my fault they all get here thinking they own the place," Rainbow protested.

"Like you did," Applejack tacked on, "and still do?"

Once more, Rainbow was left unable to reply. She settled for rolling her eyes.

"What has me in a fuss is that the one time you have a reason to break somepony's muzzle, you don't do it." Applejack's voice raised suddenly at the end of her statement. She leaned uncomfortably close to Rainbow's face, grasping the lieutenant's full attention. "What did he say that stopped you short?"

"Nothing, ok?" Rainbow pushed Applejack away, almost stumbling due to the insistence and density of her friend. "I just felt like letting him off."

"Horseapples." Applejack stated flatly. "I saw the way you looked at him. You let him off after he called me your marefriend. You don't - "

"No," Rainbow interrupted, stomping in towards Applejack before moving for the exit again.

"Alright, alright." Applejack's head shrunk against her neck as she flashed her hooves, blaming her inquiry on mere curiosity. Applejack followed closely, refusing to drop the issue. "When's the last time you did get together somepony?"

Rainbow flinched at the words as the doors to the rec-room hissed open. "Excuse me?"

"When...is the last time... you got together with - "

"I heard you the first time," she replied grumbled. "I don't know, uh, maybe over shore-leave, I try not to think about it."

Applejack's eyes grew wide. "Rainbow, that was nearly four months ago."

"So?" Rainbow scoffed. "That's the way I've been for years."

Rainbow and Applejack stepped through the translucent double doors into the community locker room. Their personal lockers were on opposite sides of the center isle. After a momentary hoof scan, Applejack's locker door popped open then slide upwards to reveal the contents within. Along with her standard uniform, folded and pressed, her locker held many pictures of family and friends from her home planet.

Canter 4 was home to dozens of pony settlements, including Ponyville. The settlement was founded with the help of Applejack's grandmother, an exploratory exobotanist, for the sole purpose of jump-starting system-wide colonization. Her picture sat above those of a large cherry-red stallion, and yellow filly. Applejack gazed into the pictures, reminiscing of the times in which they were taken.

Her recollection was broken by Rainbow's hoof slamming against the locker behind her. She blenched as the sound rung in her ears. Applejack turned and tapped the pegasus on the shoulder. "Need a hoof?"

"No, I think I've got it," Rainbow replied. She touched her hand to the door's sensor pad. A streak of blue moved down the length of her hoof before fading to red.

"Third unsuccessful entry attempted, thirty minute security lockout engaged."

Rainbow hung her head and rubbed neck at the computer's words, dropping her plot onto the bench between the isles. "Alright, maybe I need help."

Applejack leaned into towards the door, giving it a knock. "Security Override, Lieutenant-Commander Applejack, pass-phrase: Apple." She grinned as the door popped open, unsealing the locker's contents.

"Security override acknowledged."

"Wow, Apple." An irritated Rainbow threw her balled hoof through the opening, and drug out her uniform, ignoring the small pops of ripping seams and thread as it caught against the hard edges of the interior. "Nopony'll think of that."

"I gotta to be the one to say it, remember?" Applejack made her way to the end of the isle, opening a case that book-ended ever row of lockers. "Your wet fur's messin' with the scanner, try havin' a towel on hoof next time." She tossed a towel over the end of the row; Rainbow caught it without even having to look up.

Rainbow stripped down to her coat and rolled her exercise garb into a wad before whipping it into the vacancy. Besides her clothes and the mild the aroma of mildew, her locker was completely empty.

"Rainbow, being a Star Herd officer isn't just a job, it's a lifestyle." Applejack returned to her own locker and continued to change. Rainbow remained quiet, only patting her dampened fur as Applejack spoke. "You can't live your whole life on shore leave."

"There's no time for any of that," Rainbow said, frantically rubbing at her mane with the white cloth.

"You have to make the time." Applejack worked her back legs back into her uniform. "Thunderlane and the flitter-chaser duo seem to find plenty of it."

Rainbow returned her own exercise ware to her locker, shaking her head at the implication, and to flatten her prismatic Afro. "I really didn't need to hear that."

"I think you did." Applejack worked her front legs into the sleeves. She continued talking as she pulled at the torso with her teeth. "I might not appwoove - grh - but vhey are managin' da keeh a healfy social life - grh." Her speech cleared as her uniform went slack. "All while doin' their duties. You're just-"

"In a dry spell?" Rainbow asked, slipping into her mangled uniform without a fuss.

The two mares closed their locker, Rainbow with a bit more oomph that her friend. They met at the end of the bench as tossed their towels into the empty bin at the end of the neighboring row before venturing into the ship's corridors.

"You're just in a rut," Applejack touched a hoof to Rainbow's shoulder. "I can try and help, but you gotta meet me halfway." Rainbow glanced away, but Applejack clenched her cheeks and spun Rainbow around, holding her still with a caring but insistent hoof on her shoulder. "How about it? I won't ride you as hard if you can ride yourself a little harder." Applejack scanned her friend up and down focusing briefly on her mane and tail. "I know this...thing, makes it hard to mingle sometimes, but someday you're gonna find somepony who can't get enough of it."

"Yeah, right." Rainbow replied as she returned the gesture.

"You're darn toot'n." Applejack retracted her hoof as the two mares continued their walk. "Ya just need somethin' ta boost your confidence, which is exactly why, against the captain's recommendation, I requested you for this assignment."

"You did what?" Rainbow gasped.

"Now Rainbow before you-" Applejack was interrupted by a chirp from her communicator. She tapped a hoof to her chest before speaking. "Applejack here, go ahead."

"The griffon delegates have arrived," a stallion's voice responded. "They preparing to dock at Shuttle-bay two. The captain is waiting outside."

Both mares eyes widened in horror. Applejack touched her hoof to her communicator again. "What's the time?"

"Eleven-thirty-three hours," the voice read.

"On my way, Applejack out." Applejack broke into a jog with Rainbow in tow. "We gotta go, unless you we want our pelts on the Captain's ready-room wall."

"Why didn't you tell me we were late?" Rainbow complained.

"You're a Lieutenant, you should know when you're late," Applejack said. "Just something else you're gonna have ta work on if you don't want that Rainbow flank of yours to get transferred." Applejack galloped through the halls while Rainbow used her flared wings for brief bursts of speed and to make sharp turns through the interior.

"If you think I'm thanking you for this," Rainbow said, narrowly avoiding a petty officer on the left, "you have another thing coming."

2: Guests of Honor

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Captain O'shear stood waiting by the shuttle-bay doors. His spotless uniform was adorned with golden accents along the seams and his rank pins were polished to a shine. His wavy black mane flowed like water over the contours of his head. His feathers were freshly preened and his finely buffed hooves could have blinded a Tartarian gorgon.

But nothing could keep the sweat stains growing under his forelimbs and on center of his back from undermining his calm visage. With every twenty taps of his fidgeting hoof, read the time displayed on the nearest hallway access terminal, causing his sweat stains to grow a little larger.

As he prepared to greet his guests alone, his ears twitched at the clip-clopping of hurried hooves down the hall. Two frantic mares tumbled over each other as they rounded the final corner. After exchanging a flurry of insults and curses, the two mares quickly scrambled to attention. Despite the mares' attempts to hold their stiff pose, their heavy breathing betrayed them.

“Ah, Lieutenant-Commander Applejack, Lieutenant Rainbow Dash,” O'shear said, his voice filled with false cheer. “I'm glad you could join me in preventing interstellar war.”

“I'm sorry captain,” Rainbow said, gruffly. “We were tying up an incident in the mess hall.”

The captain paced before the two mares, narrowing his eyes as he examined them head to tail. “You're both damp. Dash, I can't say your tardiness or talents for omitting details surprise me at this point.” His tone of disappointment shifted to a scolding one, his mouth stretching wide with every syllable. “But that doesn't explain why you both thought it necessary to take a detour through the exercise ring.”

Rainbow's eyes softened as her gaze faltered to the floor.

“I realize emotional distress can aggravate your condition, but you have a job, and ponies rely on you to do it.” O'shear's gaze shifted to the orange mare. “As for you, Applejack, I thought you of all ponies would've understood the delicacy of this situation.”

“I do, sir.” Applejack's eyes remained focused and forwards. “Sorry sir.”

Though the captain was unsatisfied with his own handling of the issue, he reasoned this was neither the time nor the place to deal with it. This was typical for Rainbow, and only the exception for the punctual chief of security. “You two will be disciplined, but let’s not leave our guests waiting any longer.” O'shear turned towards the doors and straitened his uniform. He tilted his head to the right, wincing at the release of three loud pops. “Calm down, take deep breaths, and don’t speak unless spoken to.”

“Yes, sir,” the two mares replied in unison, Rainbow with noticeably less fervor than the other.

The doors hissed open. The ears of the trio were bombarded by the sounds of industrial equipment, the pounding of metal, and organized chatter. They approached a bronze colored shuttle with a red symbol resembling an open eagle's foot etched in the side.

The din of the hanger died as a boarding ramp descended from the rear of the shuttle's cabin. Two rows of lights flickered to life at the sides of the ramp as it dropped to the floor. The ominous fire-like glow from the interior was obscured by two large figures stepping down the narrow walkway.

The griffon delegates were fully clad in armor; the griffons' reputation of always prepared for battle seemed to be well earned. The larger of the two wore a mail baldric over his shoulder, brandishing the same Griffon Empire insignia as his ship. A dull metal patch concealed a scar that stretched from above his brow to a chip on his beak.

The smaller griffon had long feathers covering one side of her face. She hunched as she struggled with a cumbersome tote bag saddled over her back. Her eyes flicked left and right, cataloging every detail of her surroundings as a predator would. Their talons scratched at the ramp as if it were a chalkboard, sending a shiver up everypony's spine.

“Welcome, ambassador,” said O'shear stepped onto the edge of the ramp, outstretching a hoof, “to the E.S.S Argo.”

The ambassador studied the hoof before him before ultimately grasping it. “Captain Wind Shear!” He moved his arm up and down with the force of a pneumatic press, every oscillation threatening to dislocate the captain's shoulder. "I might be getting on in years, but I haven’t forgotten you.” His face burst into a wide grin. “I'm glad to finally meet you face to face. I hope your crew can stomach mine.”

“I'm sure they'll manage.” The captain moved to walk beside the ambassador, ushering them off the ramp. “This is Lieutenant Commander Applejack and Lieutenant Rainbow Dash.”

“They seem... sweaty, and tired,” Ironclaw said. “Good. It's nice to see Star Herd doesn't pamper its officers.”

“Yes.” The captain spoke as if reminding Rainbow the Ambassador's esteem would not save her. “I shudder to think what would happen if I went any easier on them. Your journey was a pleasant one I trust?”

Ironclaw let out a groan as he flexed his neck. “It could've been better, the food stores began running low just before we entered the system. We've had to ration for the return journey.”

“If you’re hungry I'm sure we can accommodate you,” the captain assured, “or replenish your stores if you would like.”

“I appreciate your goodwill.” Talon turned back prompting the five officers to form a circle. “I will settle for merely making myself comfortable for the time being.”

O’shear gave the captain a quick look over from head to claws. “The question of comfort does beg the question, is all your armor necessary?”

The female griffon moved to approach the captain, her voice harsh and raspy. “Sir!”

Ironclaw's arm moved to block her companion's advance. “It's alright,” he whispered, as if calming a guard dog. “Forgive her, she is not as versed in diplomacy as I am.”

The captain waved his hoof. “Please, I meant no offense.”

“Bah!” Ironclaw winked. “Think nothing of it.”

“I was only pointing out you are safe here,” O'shear said. “A security detail can escort you through the ship if you desire. Safety is no issue, you have my word.”

The female griffon rolled her eyes and grumbled as she turned away. “I feel safer already.”

“Words are fragile things. We griffon's like to trust our lives to things a bit more” - Ironclaw thumped his chest, a hard gonk sounding from under the black leather stretched across his breast - “tangible. Besides, as an ambassador, one must keep of the appearance of their constituents. You should not expect me to cover myself in spangled cloth any more than I expected you to greet me in steel plating. In situations such as these, culture takes precedent over practicality.”

“Well, I'm hungry,” the second griffon said, seething from impatience and pointless pleasantries. “Can we get a move on?”

The ponies immediately shifted their focus to the griffon and her lack of subtlety. Meanwhile, Ironclaw's eyes met the ceiling as he cursed her lack of patience. He face flashed a familiar grin, but his one good eye telegraphed his embarrassment. “Perhaps it’s time I introduced you. I would like you all to meet my bodyguard and personal assistant, Gilda.”

Gilda unenthusiastically shook her claw with every hoof before her shooting dirty looks across their arm spans. The mares did their best innocuous impressions, unsure of whether or not Gilda would give their hooves back once she had them.

Ironclaw pulled the captain aside while Gilda shook the hooves of the two officers. “She can be a bit... blunt, but she is as loyal as any one of your officers, I promise you.”

“I have a suggestion,” O'shear replied in a whisper. His voice rose to carry as he angled himself towards the other bodies in the room. “I will personally give you a tour of the ship. Perhaps Applejack and Lieutenant Rainbow Dash escort Gilda on a separate tour.”

Gilda's beak and the mares’ jaws hung agape at the announcement. The two officers opted to stay quiet, in no way eager to incur the captain’s wrath after talks were over; however, Gilda was quick to voice her disapproval. “Sir! You can't just let them-”

“I am going to let them,” Ironclaw interrupted, his voice stern. “You could stand to learn a few things about the average pony, things I simply cannot teach you.”

As Gilda and Ironclaw bickered, O'shear made sure his officers’ protests weren't as emphatic. “I do hope you two don't have any problems with this arrangement.”

“No, sir,” the two responded, begrudgingly.

“Depending on how this goes, I may just... reevaluate things.” O'shear gaze shifted to Rainbow alone. Rainbow knew that was as close as she would get to a notice of transfer outside closed doors, just as Applejack had warned her. One wrong hoofstep and she would be gone.

O'shear took up the front with Ironclaw at his side as they passed through the shuttle bay doors, the subordinates relegated themselves to their backside, trading threatening glances with each other. “We can show you and your assistant to your quarters, after you two are settled in, the tours can begin.”

The group navigated countless corridors on their way to the ambassadorial suite. The ponies were constantly aware of their location, and knew exactly what laid beyond every unopened door. To the griffons, the corridors were indistinguishable from one another. One turbo-lift ride and a few minutes of walking later, the party halted before a door winder than, but in all other ways identical, to the rest.

“Here we are,” Applejack announced. After a few command panel inputs, the door hissed open illuminating a sliver of carpet in the black.

The group shuffled single file into the vacancy. The darkness was curbed only by the glow of an enormous emerald-green planet, Draconian 4, looming outside the window. The thick layer of smog coating the planet would glow and twist from the eruptions of perpetually active volcanoes and the movements of its gargantuan indigenous creatures.

O'shear moved to the center of the room, his silhouette carving away a massive portion of the view. “Light's on medium.”

At once, every nook and cranny of the spacious room was filled with light. The griffons squinted and grunted from the sudden burst of illumination.

“Light's on low-medium,” Rainbow calmly commanded. She shot a smirk to Applejack and O'shear gave her an affirmative nod.

“Alright, if you two got any questions you can ask the computer on this here desk.” As Applejack took a seat at the chair a glossy black screen arose from a slit in the furnishing, flashing to life before everyone's eyes. “Simply state your inquiry and it'll give ya results that can narrow down by category or topic. There are some things you can't see without security clearance. If you have an emergency, you can contact my colts through this terminal, or you can use any of the panels outside.”

“Thank you, Applejack,” Ironclaw replied, bowing slightly. “I'll endeavor to remember these new conveniences, but seeing as how we'll be in your company for the majority of our stay, I doubt we’ll need them.”

Applejack heard the clanking of glass behind her. She turned towards a grunting Gilda slinging her heavy bag onto the bed. Applejack eyed the suspicious baggage. “All that luggage get checked before ya got on the ship?”

Gilda had a look of momentary anxiety before addressing the accusation. “Relax, everything here's clean.” The griffon unzipped the bag, revealed two bottles of Aresian wine, two fresh uniforms, and a medical kit containing an alchemic infuser and various cartridges.

“What's in the cartridges?” Applejack asked. “Being skeptical is in my job description.”

“Eh, those are mine,” Iron Claw said, rushing to the bedside. He threw his claws around the bag bringing up its edges to conceal it's contents. “I’m taking a few medications. There's no honor in falling to battle against illness.”

“You runnin’ a med bay outa this bag?” Applejack asked. She fished a hoof full of vials out of the ambassador's bag as its owner angled his beak towards the ceiling. She held them to the light, trying to read the labels and see the fluid inside. “Ah can't even pronounce most'a these.”

“That's why our shirts are red,” Rainbow said, leaning against the wall. “Maybe he's got something for color blindness.”

Gilda let out a snort. Everyone turned as she covered her beak, concealing its momentary upward curve. Her beak adopted its signature scowl in time for her to rip the bag from Applejack's clutches with her free talons.

“You didn't tell me about any of this during your communications,” O'shear said, approaching Iron Claw while he repacked his bags. “It's not that you can't have it. Our doctors just like to know in the event of emergencies.”

“It didn't seem relevant at the time,” Ironclaw grumbled. “And Griffons don't have many protocols that require knowledge of ongoing medication.”

“Are you sure everything is alright?” O'shear asked. “You don't need food? Drinking on an empty stomach can be harsh, and we're in no danger of exhausting our supplies.”

“Are you insinuating I cannot hold my liquor?” Ironclaw waited a few seconds for the captain’s face to flush in fear before breaking into a guffaw. He patted his stomach, letting out a purr-filled sigh. “I am fine. I ate before we docked, and I'm afraid the pony diet doesn't agree with me.”

“If you say so.” O'shear waved his hoof, signaling his officers to vacate the premises. “We'll be back at the top of the hour, I hope you don't mind sharing some of that.”

“Not to worry, I brought plenty.” The ambassador shepherded the ponies to the door. After the ponies stepped outside the archway, he pounded the door controls with his knuckles, causing the door to close in the faces of everypony with little more respect than a slam.

Outside, captain O'shear turned to two irritated mares, their brows cocked in confusion. “Other than a few hiccups, I would say that went rather well.”

“Captain,” Rainbow began. “Don't you think they were kinda eager to get us out of there?”

“No more eager than you, Lieutenant.” O'shear moved himself to the panel beside the door, flipping through a myriad of digital menus. “I'm sure our internal sensors are more than capable of detecting any weapons or dangers they might've brought aboard.” He gestured to the panel, begging Rainbow to look herself. “Clean as a whistle, no energy weapons, standard stabbing weapons material in necessary concentrations, or toxins consistent with what our intelligence is familiar with.”

“Maybe we should post guards outside the door?” Applejack suggested. “Just ta be safe.”

“We don't need them feeling like they're under observation,” O'shear said, closing out of the open windows on the command panel. “Things are tense enough as they are.”

“But they are under observation?” Rainbow said, awaiting confirmation.

“Of course they are,” said the captain, not even bothering to turn away from the console, “and they know it.”

“Then what's the problem with posting guards?” Rainbow shook her hooves at the captain's passivity. “It’ll make it easier to keep tabs on them, especially since you gave them free reign of the ship.”

“I kept tabs on you well enough without them,” said the captain. “We offer the tour so they don't feel the need to explore. If they do, then your suspicions have merit. They know they're being watched, but if they feel that way, it could compromise their ability to... compromise.” O'shear started down the lengthy corridor to the turbolift. “We'll convene here in exactly fifteen minutes. Do try to be on time.”

“We will, sir,” Applejack replied.

The captain meandered off without further comment, leaving the officers standing awkwardly outside the diplomats' quarters. Rainbow trailed the captain with a hostile look, pondering all the implications of his words.

“You weren't kidding about the transfer threats,” Rainbow said as she watched the captain's plot saunter off into the distance.

“I'd say honesty's was my middle name, but we both know it ain't.” Applejack took off in the opposite direction, turning back to make sure Rainbow was keen to follow. “He probably knows everything you’ve been up to since you got on board. You’re on thin ice, but you can still get’n his good graces again if ya follow this through to the end.”

“How are we gonna do this?” Rainbow quickened her gait to a trot, closing the distance.

“Same way we do anything,” Applejack replied, “one step at a time, one hoof in front of the other, and don’t look down till we’re in the clear. Tea break?"

“You know I’m a coffee drinker.”

“I thought they would never leave.” As Ironclaw stepped away from the door, his right foreleg buckled. “Horus’ beak!” He winced in pain as he hobbled towards a chair.

“Sir!” Gilda leaped to Ironclaw’s aid, supporting his right side with her wing draped over his side. She would occasionally bear more of his weight as his weakened limb tried to slide out from under him.

“Even behind closed doors,” Ironclaw said, “you’re too embarrassed to call me uncle.” Ironclaw reached out for the arms of a chair beside the window as walking became more painful.

“If I had your rank,” Gilda said, “I'd want to use it every chance I get." After Ironclaw saddled himself in the chair, Gilda rushed to the bed and started rummaging through her sack.

The captain gave a raspy chuckle which prolonged into a cough. “You don’t want to be around if the real me gets out. It’s alright… no sane griffon would.” He used the velvety cushions to support his weighty torso as best he could. His enormity ran over the bounds of the furniture like an overfilled mug. His claws dug and scratched at the seams of the armrest padding as he tried to refer the pain from his legs and chest.

He unfastened his mail baldric, allowing it to slough off and rattle against the floor. He unbuckled his armor and unclothed one side at a time. As his armor found a resting place beside his baldric, he examined himself.

There were three large scars running down his right pectoral. He craned his head farther, his eyes settling on the sight of three old puncture wounds. He massaged his former mutilations, applying pressure to stave off the growing inflammation underneath them.

Gilda returned to his side, gripping the infuser bag. She knelt beside the chair as she prepared his first injection. “You're overdue, Uncle.” She pulled a vial from the bag and inserted it into the open slot of the infuser. She touched the cold metal to the ambassador's neck before depressing the head of the device.
“Who knew ponies did so much walking?” Ironclaw relaxed suddenly as the medication took effect, the series of aches and cramps that threatened to drown him seemed to melt away. “Which one was that?”

Gilda was already prepping the next injection. “The neural inhibitor.” She again raised the infuser to his jugular before injecting it as well. “And these are the hormone and enzyme synthetics.”

Ironclaw jumped to his feet, revealing several scars that stretched along his side to his back. He rolled his shoulder, prompting a bone-chilling pop. “No other griffon needs these injections to keep at it. My one job is to talk, and I can barely do that." He bowed his head in shame. “It's so degrading.”

“Why did you wait so long to get rid of them?” Gilda asked in a rebuking tone. “You knew you were coming up on three hours.”

“Those mulish officers of his made me cut things pretty close.” Ironclaw hobbled over to the bathroom. “Reminds me of someone else.” He flicked the sink handle allowing warm water to gush from the spigot. He cupped his claws under the flow and splashed the liquid over his face. “Diplomacy is a game of patience, one I have to be ready to play at any moment.”

“You don’t leave a ship running in your condition,” Gilda said. “It gets decommissioned.” Gilda kept her face hidden, the sight of her suffering uncle unbearable. He was defeated, and deserved a just and honorable death, but withholding a mercy kill from someone in such dire need of it – where was the honor in that? “Why couldn't he have just ended it? Instead, he left you like this.”

“I told you before, I grew to understand his position long ago,” Ironclaw replied. "Killing more ponies would never have brought him back," He returned to the bedroom, approaching a crouching Gilda from behind. “Their culture is different. They don’t kill if they can help it.”

Gilda's claws held her head above the armrest of her Uncle's former seat. “Cowards, they have no honor in victory and they spoil ours in defeat.” She gazed up to the planet and lost herself in the hypnotizing vista of Draconian 4's eternally shifting atmosphere. She felt a pair of talons grasp at her shoulder, hoisting her up. She spun and buried her face in a warm mass of brown plumage. “Hey come on, not cool!”

Iron claw embraced his niece with his brawny arms. “Fifteen years ago you were so angry, now you're helping me usher in an era of peace.” He pulled Gilda tighter and rested his beak at atop her head, savoring the uncommonly tender moment.

“And like this hug,” Gilda grumbled while pulling away from Ironclaw’s ironclad embrace, “I don’t necessarily have to like it… or them. I do what I have to.”

“He would be so proud,” Ironclaw said.

Gilda gave up her struggle, nestling her beak in her uncle’s feathers, rubbing at his neck with her cheek. “I hope so.”

“Give them a chance. You may grow fond of them.” Ironclaw's arm relaxed, allowing Gilda to finally pull away. “Someday, you won't be so concerned with 'coolness'.” Ironclaw limped back to the bathroom. He removed his eye patch and stepped behind a glass pane in the corner.

“I haven't had one of these in forever,” Ironclaw hummed in pleasure as the sonic shower began to sing. “I might be awhile.”

“Take your time.” Gilda was left standing precariously in the room. She approached the computer desk with hesitation. She stared into the empty screen for what seemed like years before taking a seat. She sighed as her claw prodded the terminal to her left, the screen came to life in response. ”Display all available information on Captain Windy O'shear, Lieutenant-Commander Applejack, and Lieutenant Rainbow Dash.”

“Processing...”

Rainbow and Applejack trotted to the mess hall. The two filled a shared tray with two steam pots and mugs before taking their usual seats. Ponies about the room glanced to the two before preoccupying themselves with their own food and gossip. Talk of the earlier incident had already circulated throughout the ship. Most ponies reacted the same way as they do to any story involving Rainbow and a new recruit.

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but notice how other ponies would break eye contact and turn away as he eyes scanned over the crowd. “We have to find a new place to hang.”

“When you thinka one, let me know.” Applejack said as she poured herself a cup of scalding tea. She looked up meeting her friend’s eyes as the stream thinned, and then stopped altogether. “That coffee isn't gonna bother your thingy, is it?”

“My thingy is none of your business,” Rainbow said as she poured her black beverage. “If anything, it'll be that griffon. I'm gonna need all this just to get through the day.” She gave her pitcher a slosh before setting back on the table.

“What do you think of them anyway?” Applejack asked. “Personally ah think we coulda done a lot worse for representatives.”

“Ironclaw seems like a pretty decent guy, I’ll give him that.” Rainbow took a swig of her drink and grimaced, but continued to guzzle with time being of the essence. “He’s still suspicious though. I mean, did you see how he acted when we asked about his meds?”

“He did get kinda flustered,” Applejack said, rubbing her chin with her wrist. “Same goes for that Gilda gal. Touchy, keen, arrogant, snippy... She reminds me of somepony, but I can't put my hoof on ‘em."

“Beats me, but why would Gilda get her feathers in a bunch?” Rainbow asked. “Sure it’s embarrassing for Ironclaw to need more meds and supplements than your livestock, but as far as we know, she doesn’t need any. They might have gotten scared at the same time, but it wasn’t for the same reason.”

There was a long pause as both mares took each other’s words to heart. There was nothing they could do about their suspicions with lack of evidence. They non-verbally agreed to walk a middle road between vigilance and clemency.

“You think our colts could take 'em?”Applejack asked.

“Without caners? Doubt it.” She looked up from her cup back across the table, guilt stricken by the confidence in her answer. “Every inch of them is designed to shred us to pieces.” Rainbow rocked her glass back and forth, stirring the froth in her glass in a slow spiral. “And they're a lot larger than I thought they would be. Did you see the wings on them? I would give my left hoof to see those things at full span.”

“Here you were sayin' all these things about 'em like you'd actually seen one before!” Applejack flailed her hooves, gesturing to Rainbow.

“Well, I wasn't wrong,” Rainbow stated flatly. “I studied up a bit, but the pictures in the database don’t do them any justice. All this talk is assuming we could take them alive. Griffon’s aren’t ones to give up the fight, or let bygones be bygones.” Rainbow furrowed her brows as Applejack broke the silence with a chuckle. “What’s so funny?”

“They got you to study?” Applejack said pouring some more tea. “You never read anypony’s report and I practically have to give you a whippin’ for ya to write your own. It’s almost like you’re jealous of ‘em.”

Rainbow huffed, opting to not grace her quip with a response. She dropped her mug and pot back on the tray with a clatter. She rose from her chair and took off towards the door, the eyes of the room as skeptical of her as she was of them.

“Hey, I'm not done!” Applejack yelled. She quickly chugging the remainder of her drink before wiping her mouth with her sleeve. “Hold your horses!”

Rainbow trudged through the door to the rec room before turning and giving Applejack a glare that stopped her in her tracks. “I am not jealous of griffons. With our tech and magic, I know whose side I’d want to be on.”

“This ain’t about choosin’ sides,” Applejack said. “This is about them not bein’ as alien as we think they are, and you havin’ someone to talk to besides me.” Applejack halted by the central turbolift to call it. The convex doors hissed aside and the two mares trotted in. After they close, Applejack continued with more sensitive advice. “Just because she's a griffon doesn't mean you can't open up a bit. You two could even become -”

“Friends?” Rainbow interrupted. “With a griffon?” Applejack didn't respond, but her silence said it all. Rainbow rolled her eyes, unable to comprehend why she was giving the idea consideration. “No promises.”

After two groups of shaft lights swept by the windows just above eye level, the curved doors opened again. Rainbow and Applejack made their approach to the ambassadorial suite, stiffening upon sight of the gallant captain making his approach from the opposite end of the hallway. They took their place precisely two hoof-lengths behind their superior, yet no one made a move for to summon their guests.

“At ease, it's just a doorbell,” O'shear stammered as his facade of bravery melted away. He squirmed inside his uniform, sure that his collar would constrict and strangle him at the slightest provocation. He slowly extended his hoof towards the menacing computer panel, geared to flinch should it try to bite. With his officers' last bit of coaxing, the captain cautiously tapped the terminal. He jerked his hoof away and resumed a pose as straight and stoic as he ever had.

After several moments, the ponies' anxiety was replaced with concern. Applejack gestured to the door with a nod.

Rainbow crept up to the suite, holding her breath for fear of being heard. She raised her ear to the door, applying just enough pressure to drown out the hallway disturbances. Her ears twitched at the sounds of the griffons’ distorted, but intelligible, voices.

“Are you sure you’ve got everything?” A raspy yet feminine voice asked. The sounds of talons snapping against the shallow carpet could be heard as Gilda spoke.

“Yes, don't worry,” a rich, if frantic, baritone responded. His voice traveled with the scratching and tugging – obviously he was the one who was pacing. “If you don’t let go this whole trip will be for nothing.”

“Including your e-fuse?” The raspy voice whined again. “I know how you drink, and I don’t want to have to haul your drunken ass back to the room.”

“Drinking is perhaps the only leisure of our society that I haven’t been forced to abandon.” Ironclaw’s voice neared the door with determined steps, causing Rainbow to jump back. “I will drink as much as I please.”

“Then take it,” the feminine voice pleaded growing closer as well. “That tenderized steak you call a liver could crap out any day.”

“Whad’ya hear RD?” Applejack whispered inches from Rainbow’s free ear. “What’re they sayin’?”

“Ironclaw’s making sure he’s got everything,” Rainbow whispered. “He sounds kinda tense. If you ask me, he and the captain both could use a tranq -”

The captain clacked his hoof against the floor. “I heard that.”

“Too bad,” Rainbow said. “Sounds like he’s a lightweight… Ironclaw I mean.”

There was a pause. Rainbow could hear nothing but the shuffling of claws, but then even that ceased.
“Fine, see?” The baritone asked rhetorically. “Right in the belt.” There was a snap of leather accompanied by more shuffling. “So, do I look 'cool'?”

Despite the embarrassment, she let out a chuckle. “Ice cold.”

“Please, behave yourself.”

“No promises.”

“I think…” Rainbow’s face contorted as she heard the griffons’ leather uniforms crinkle and squeak. Applejack and Rainbow stood back with bated breath. Rainbow gasped in disbelief. “I think they hugged.”

The door cracked open at the side. Rainbow leaped back and assumed the least conspicuous pose she could in the fraction of a second she was afforded before the obstruction had retracted completely. She leaned casually on her right hooves as her eyes met the feathery faces of the griffon delegates.

“I trust you both had ample time to settle in?” O’shear inquired. “We can come back if -”

“Let’s not waste any more time,” Ironclaw replied. “I’m far too eager to get started.”

“Splendid,” O’shear cried into the corridor. “To keep our tours from overlapping, we've decided you can choose your own destinations and stopping points. Only ask us, and we will take you there.”

The two officer’s eyes widened at the remark, something Gilda noticed instantly. Applejack pulled the captain aside and whispered hurriedly into his ear. “We did not decide on this, where are we supposed ta take ‘em? Regulation 23-beta states that –”

“I'm aware of the regulations,” he whispered back. “Seeing as how we are preventing a war, I’m tacking an ‘at all costs’ onto the ends of your orders, clear?”

“Crystal, sir,” Applejack grumbled.

“Is something wrong?” Ironclaw asked with a puzzled look in his remaining eye.

“Just some hierarchical miscommunication,” the captain said. “Nothing to worry about.”

Rainbow tried to talk to Applejack through the clenched teeth and the corner of her mouth. “AJ, I swear, if this assignment gets me court-martialed –”

“Just can it,” Applejack spoke the same way, her lips quivering with every syllable.

“I’ve been eager to see how your ship generates so much power with such low emission rates,” Ironclaw said.

The captain started towards the turbolift across the hall. “If you keep asking questions like that, I think you’re going to like this ship.”

The turbo-lift doors squeaked shut, cutting off O'shear and Ironclaw's yawn-evoking conversation of mana-manipulation theory. Applejack and Rainbow moved to one side of the hallway while Gilda fell to the other. They were adrift in the ship and going nowhere, fast.

Rainbow thumped her head against the bulkhead at an even pace. “You wanna lay in a course there, Gilda?”

“Let's get something straight,” Gilda said, whipping her head around. “Don’t expect me to roll over like some Anubian jackal –”

“Judgin’ by our orders,” Applejack interrupted, “we’re the ones who're expected to roll over.”

“So where you want to go… master?” Rainbow asked in a mocking tone, wagging her tail and panting for emphasis. The act was too much and devolved into an irrepressible snigger.

Gilda did her best to brush off the joke. “For the hundredth time, the mess hall..." She blew away some feathers dangling in her vision. “Mutt.”

Errand of Peace

by StarTrotter

1: A Typical Morning

2: Guests of Honor