> Displaced: the grey eyes of the force
>  by Americanwastelander
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ugh finally I’m here this should be good. I thought as I payed the cab for driving me to comic con. Have to say this will be fun. As I walked up to the entrance and scanned  my pass in. Oh I know what you're probably thinking who the hell is this shit head and why should I care? Well I’m John mercer, why I don’t know could be my gunmetal grey irises or my not good nor evil lifestyle, Meh I don’t care, I’m six foot even and two hundred and fifty pounds most of which is in decent muscle mass. I have mud brown hair and pale skin, I blame my Irish heritage on that last bit, I’m here at comic con dressed as my favorite Star Wars legends character type the grey force users. With my earned mandalorian armor and grey cloak I look intimidating. Especially with my revan like mando helmet with purple red and blue highlights and my belts and holsters for my various tools and sabers as well as guns, shame all my shit got stolen at the airport. Oh well such is life.

A few hours have passed and it’s been grand met others who were dressed as their greys had fun with a mock greys vs Jedi and sith. And meet mark hamill he liked the idea I had and got to talk with him about his other works as well, truth be told he is awesome, although he did basically point out that I didn’t have any gear, to which I told him the airport got it stolen. This is great walking around taking pictures and having fun. 

With the daze I was in I failed to notice the person in front of me till they run into me. The impact caused me to stagger but the worst was the twelve year old little girl who fell and broke the glass figure she was holding. Seeing this made me frown as it was surprisingly a mlp twilicorn figure. Once she saw that she looked down and started to sniff and tear up. Speaking calmly I crouched down.

“ hey are you hurt or anything?” I asked my voice muffled and deepened by the helmet I had on.

She looked up at me with tears nodding her head but then looked to the now broken collectible. Looking back up she points to a patch that shows she is mute but has a dry erase board. Quickly grabbing it she writes

I was getting that for my sister she loves the show I was rushing to find my mommy and wasn’t paying attention to where I was.

Looking at that made me sad...hey just because I’m a ass part of the time doesn’t mean I am all the time. 

“Oh well that stinks where did you buy it from?”I asked looking around for any booths nearby. 

Quickly erasing her previous message she scribbles down a new one. They are back this way I was eager to get it for my sister but got lost when a large crowd cut me off from my mommy. 

Looking at my wallet I not I only have a fifty left but know I have plenty on my bank card. I sigh and standing up I offer her a hand up she takes it and quickly gets back to her feet looking around I notice a security guard and a woman hurriedly heading towards us. The little girl curious looked where I’m looking and smiles as she runes toward her mom. 

The woman dropped to her knees and  hugs the girl as the security guard walked over to talk. 

“Evening sir thank you for finding her. We have been looking and were beginning to fear the worst.” He said as I pulled my helmet off.

“No problem she kind of run into me.” I reply as the woman and child come over. 

“Thank you sir I’ve been looking all over for her, where was she if you don’t mind?” She asked as the girl frowns looking back at the shattered glass.

“Well she was rushing to find you when she bumped into me unfortunately the little figure she was holding didn’t fair as well as she did” I said motioning to the glass pile.

“Oh dear that was meant for her sister, oh Anna, Lilly will be heart broken.” She says as she looks to the little girl who now has started to cry. 

The security guard who until now looks uncomfortable coughs and says. “I’m sorry about your item it is unfortunate that it was broke. Seeing that your child has been found I must be going. Have a good day.” As he leaves he grabs his radio and leets the rest know the girl was found. 

In my head I’m torn I was gonna use that for a meal tonight but that girls face that really must have meant a lot to her sister….. well shit guess I can dip into my bank cash. 

“Hey do you know where it was you bought that?” I ask getting the mothers attention.

“Oh sir you don’t have to well just have to get something else.” She said as she goes to leave.

“Hey I feel bad had I not been daydreaming I would have warned her before she bumped into me and it ended up broke. Besides she looks so down please let’s just go and look ok.” I reply giving my most sincere tone.

“Oh ok but they aren’t cheep.” She says as the little girl looked up to me with a hopeful smile, damn if that look doesn’t get me every single time. 

As we move on the woman who I learned was named Marie was here because her oldest who was sixteen was in the hospital because of a accident on her way to school and was originally going to come with but due to her getting paralyzed she couldn’t. The figure was meant to be Anna’s get well soon gift. Soon we found the booth and a soon as I saw the price I winced but I said I would and well I did but ouch two hundred bucks. 

The person at the booth smiled as he handed the figure to Marie as Anna hopped up and down happily. Marie thanked me and as Anna hugged me with my nice deed done the guy manning the booth compliments me.

“That was real nice of you to do. Don’t see it much anymore.” 

“Yeah well Im nice sometimes,have a good one.” I said as I headed off to continue my looking. 

A few minutes later someone taps me on the shoulder to get my attention. Turning I find a person decked out in mando armor.

“Can I help you?” I ask confused as to why this person was needing my attention. 

“I saw what you did for the girl. That was pretty nice… hey if your interested there is a guy who sells all sorts of gizmos and props. I feel like you deserve something for your actions.” He said pointing at a rather odd looking tent. 

“Um sure I guess...let’s go.” I say equally curious and cautious.

As we enter I’m amazed at what I see all manner of different items gun replicas swords even mini ship stands from all sorts of science fiction worlds. The guy manning this booth was dressed as the merchant from one of the resident evil games. As he looked on he first looks from me to the mando next to me. 

“So this is your pick.” He says as his eyes narrow at me. 

“Yeah guy bought a glass figure after a little girl broke hers I think he deserves it.” The mando says leaning against the counter.

“Um ok what is going on? I’m kind of confused.” I say getting their attention.

“Yes well have you ever heard of a displaced?” The mando asked 

“A little I’ve read stories about it… wait am I being displaced?” I ask stepping back

“If you want my friend here is capable of doing a lot you just so happened to catch my attention. Of course do you know where we will send you?” The mando says scratching their gauntleted finger against the chest plate. 

“A friend said they usually see them sent to some dimension whose inhabitants are from the show my little pony.” I say cautiously.

“Bingo so what would you like before we send you off of course your basic stuff guns sabers parts and crystals. Anything else.” The mando says.

“Well....ok, I’ll bite, a ship and an army of droids ,and, or clones, to run it would be useful. With basically all the machines and tools to make more and build what I need.” I said showing him a picture of my ideal ship which is basically an ssd with mon cal wings and engines with four lucrehulk ships fused with it and two star destroyers and two venators docked to it as well as several varieties of smaller ships such as frigates dreadnaughts and cruisers.

“Wow you don’t do light do you?” The merchant said as he saw the ship.

“Pays to has everything you might need. Of course the knowledge for the various force abilities, on data banks, along with the various schematics and and fabrication tech to make materials for what I need.....oh and if it isn’t too much could I have a mp3 with all the music from here I like certain songs and it helps me relax.” I said looking at the sabers.

“Generally that is a given although the mp3 isn’t...I think we can slip that in. Of course you will have to learn how to use all of the powers we won’t send you in with deus ex powers right off the bat, the basics will do for now. Now with that do you want canon equestria or not.?” The mando said as weird dust flew into a kylo ren style lightsaber hilt. 

“Non canon, I mean yea let the events happen but not as they were in the show.” I said as I stared mesmerized at the hilt . 

“Alright well grab the hilt and you’ll be off you’ll end up on the bridge of you massive ship on route to Equis. Oh and have fun.”  he said as he hands me a communication remote.

Picking up the saber I ignite the blade as a gray saber blade erupts from the hilt standing at a long swords length. So amazed by the sight I don’t even register as I fall through a portal and black out.
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“My lord are you ok?” A metallic voice asked as I slowly regained consciousness.
“Lord mercer are you functional? Should I call a med droid for assistance?”

“No I'm ok just give me a moment. What is the current reading for the ship. Everything good?” I say as my eyes start to focus and my headache subsiding although my ears were ringing still.

Looking around I find the deck of my dream ship the alderaanian marble columns and kashyyykian wood paneling making it look less like a bridge and more like a grand, yet somewhat humble, room if you ignored all of the computer panels and droids. Looking towards where the voice I see a PROXY droid staring down at me from where I was seated after my arrival.

“.......Are these readings to your satisfaction?” It said.

Standing up I dusted my robed cornered armor and spoke to the droid.
“How long was I out for, better yet how did I arrive and what is your designation.”

“In order you were unconscious for approximately twenty minutes and thirty two seconds. As for your arrival you appeared on the deck from a portal where it layed you in your unconscious state. As for my designation my operating identity is d3sm0nd0021.” The droid rattled out after my inquiry.

“D3sm0nd0021… I’ll call you Desmond it is easier to say.” I said absentmindedly. 

“As you command master I will set me subroutines to acknowledge this designation.
How can I help you master?” The droid said as its eyes flashed briefly.

“No… well what were the ships reading I kind of had some ringing in my ears.” I said as I picked at my right ear with my pinky finger.

“Of course master, the ship is operating at one hundred percent, all droids, machinery, and materials are accounted for and we are nearing our destination, our arrival will be in seven days.” Desmond said as a list of these showed up on a data pad he produced from his chest storage.

“Huh that is great news this pad have everything stored on the ship?” I asked taking the pad and skimming through the diagnostic readings. 

“ yes master it also shows what other ships we have currently attached and their inventory as well as directions to the different parts and docks attached to the ship...error system showed no knows designation for the ship nor an actual name...interesting. Master what would this ships designation and name be so I can log and clarify this error.” Desmond said as I sat down on a command chair, in truth looked a lot more like a command throne with how big it is, thinking of an effective name and everything.

After about ten minutes I came up with a decent names and class. “Ok well it’s classis basically a super star destroyer fortress that moves surprisingly fast for what is basically a massive space city. The name of it well it’s going to be called the harbinger of fate.” 

After I was escorted to my personal sanctuary on the ship upon entering I made my way to what is considered the bathroom in Star Wars. Upon looking at the mirror my scarred face which after my transformation had a Viking style long beard with the ends of the mustache being braided and the middle being braided with a inscribed metal ring at the end. My hair which prior was a long braided Mohawk, My eyes stayed ,thankfully, the same, their gun metal grey was a welcome sight. My once partially unblemished face now was home to several scars, three over my left eye, one under my right crossing my nose, and another on my right cheek in the shape of a jagged x.

pulling my hood down I saw my favorite tattoo had stayed on the right side of my head, normally it would be covered by hair, but I shaved most of my hair off leaving the mohawk just before I left for the convention. It looked like a helmeted skull with two axes crossed behind it. And a dagger down through the skull itself. It was a tattoo me and several of my friends all got after graduation it was our way of remembering our old group from those days, calling ourselves vikings due to our similar heritage, all of us having ancestors from The various Viking tribes and clans. On the left side and looking to wrap around to the back of my skull was what looked like cybernetic parts. When I inquired to my pad it brought up several different cybernetics that I had apparently imbedded in me now. One being a super data store, the big one on my head a automatic language translator imbedded in both ears and surprisingly my left arm was an advanced cybernetic replacement which housed several concealed chambers for storing different tools or weapons. 

Returning to the main part of the sanctuary I started off to the training room to train the various tutorials and training holograms had me getting up to speed with my newly acquired skills, at least I’d be able to use most of the skills, the ones I learned were the basic force augment abilities, jump, speed, strength, hearing, eyesight, and smelling. Next I focused on one from the sequel movies kylo Ren’s skill at force stasis. Next I learned sith lightning and started on how to tap into rage without it taking over before I called it for the time and left for a new section of the ship the foundry and workshop.

Arriving at the foundry and workshop I was greeted with the sight of thousands of droids of various shapes and sizes working on all manner of different equipment their were some working on weapons on various vehicles and others looked to be making armor, why I don’t know, but the majority seemed to be working on other droids, protocols, b1, b2, commando, astro mech, and even magnaguard droids. When I stepped up to a row of new magnaguards they all appeared offline, until a rather bulky anthro pony stepped next to me.

“Are they to your liking sir just finishing their programming now.” He said with a bit of gruff in his voice.

“Yes although I do have questions to their programming mind running me through the basics?” I asked as they all started powering on and forming at the line for their equipment. 

“Yes sir the basics they are given goes as such. Protocol 1 they obey every order given by you and those you designed to give them orders. Protocol 2 they have some liberties to fulfill their tasks but ultimately that is it. Protocol 3 they are all set to sacrifice themselves to protect you and this ship. There are a few based around maintenancing themselves but it’s not important and they are programmed to use the armor if they think it will boost their chances at completing their objectives.” He said still ramrod straight and military in tone.

“Ah good, and what do I call you?” I asked looking to the stallion, noting his short crop mane was brown and his fur white.

“ my service designation is clone Srg2167734 but Desmond reported that you prefer nicknames over designations so just call me sarge.” He said saluting.

“Well sarge your doing a damn good job down here. In truth, how many clones are down here?”I asked surprised at that.

“Well a few but we mostly are put in managerial posts or in my case overseeing the troops. You’ll find a few in the hangers and the clone bay awaiting call for more clones. That is what those droids are working on.” He said pointing to the armor making droids.

“Oh well I’ll have to visit them soon, I’m going to be meeting with everyone from the different sectors later, I want you there with whichever droid or whatever clone is in charge.” I said as we walked to the elevators.

“Yes sir I’ll let them know have Desmond send me an alert an hour before that way we can get there in time.” He said as I stepped on to the lift. “ and sir it been a pleasure.” He added saluting.

“Of course sarge it’s been a pleasure from me as well and no need to salute when we’re not in a fight.” I said as the lift Doors closed.

My next destination was the main hanger and ship docks. Upon arrival I was floored at various ships stored in the massive hanger. Standing there for what was a few minutes, but what felt like hours I felt a tap on my shoulder turning I found several clones dressed in various uniforms on of which addressed me.

“Greetings, sir, I see your admiring the ships, was there anything we could help with?” He said with a friendly demeanor. This one had a horn and was white fired and short cropped like sarge wearing a flight officers outfit. A badge on the left read sky eye and designated him as the head of the fighter and bomber squads as well as the de facto trainer of the pilots. 

“Yes I was admiring the ships we have an impressive complement, I take it the badges are to help me with identifying who you are and what you’re role is?” I asked which he confirmed with a nod. “Yes sarge did say Desmond sent out a missive about me exploring the ship and learning first hand about their work.” 

“Yes each standing here is head of a different function of this section of the ship I focus on the pilots and droid ships training, heavy freight here focuses on transports and shuttles while factory line here is the head of small ship building and production and last but not least we have fleet commander broadside strike and chief engineer titan gear of the larger ship building crews.” Sky eye said as he gestured to each clone who in turn offered up either a salute or shook my hand. 

“Yes as sky eye said my name is commander broadside I’ll be your goto for anything related to the fleet such as it’s strength and the one to send damage reports to you after an engagement.” The commander said as the chief engineer stepped forward.

“Like my colleague factory line I’m in charge of building ships for our use more importantly anything bigger than a large transport. If you have any demands for a particular ship talk to me or send a message and I’ll get started...on that note any immediate ship you want us to get started on?” Titan asked opening up a blank page for the order. 

“Hmmm I have a few one I’d like a few quasar cruisers for star fighters to be docked in as for smaller if you would look into what a Naboo royal starship falls under I’d like to have one for me to land on a planet due to the sleek design. And a few imperial laat troop ships for extra security, never can be too careful right?” As for offense type ships a few corellian destroyers and a tector class star destroyer will be good enough for now.” I said as he listed off the ships looking between his pad and factory line. 

“You won’t fly down?” Sky eye asked.

“No I’ll fly, if I’m just going out to fly around, but for diplomatic events that will be my ship unless it’s minor I’ll have another smaller crewed ship for that but later as I don’t want to overload them with demands, that’s just dickish.” I said as we walked down the side of the hanger.

A few hours later had me in another section where the cic and weapons readout were here I meet the crew, half clones the other half droids and they informed me of the various weapons emplacements and defense measures we had, afterwards they showed me video feeds from each gun which overall took three hours to do by that time I was tired and my head was beginning to ache from all the knowledge I had been told, even the cybernetic augments we’re needing time. Making my way back to my personal sanctuary I passed many more clones in different uniforms. Once I entered I found a few clones where standing at attention some male others female two stepped forward to address me.

“Greeting we are your personal staff for this section of the ship newly trained and sent by the proxy droid Desmond and the head of cloning.” The female said as she bowed. Her dress as grey with elbow length shirt and a skirt that went to her mid shin. She had brown hair that flowed down her back held back from her face by a hair band.

“Yes as my clone colleague said we are to be your personal staff for your every whim.” The male said dressed in a sharp grey suit. His hair was longer that the rest at the shoulder and slicked back. He had gloves on that had the fingers removed and open area where they were fastened. 

“Ah so I take it you two are the heads of your respective groups?”I asked looking over the others. The lady’s were all gorgeous having well developed bodies, while the men were all fit and well trimmed. 

“Yes I’ll be over the maids and female servants, my name is lily while his name is royal card he will oversee all butlers and male servants.” Lily said as she gave a polite bow. Royal giving a deeper bow.

“Ok well I wouldn’t mind a drink and some food it’s been a long day and I need it to wind down. Oh and if we have any could I get a bottle of good whiskey if we have any?” I asked as I moved to a rather fancy and extremely comfy looking chair in front of a holo screen and desk. 

As the other clone servants went about doing as I asked lily and royal both stood of to the side while I leaned back and closed my eyes letting the past few hours settle for me to get a grip on my current position.

Well my old life is gone for this and well got to say it’s much different just wish I had some of my things from my world like my great grandfather grandpa and my dads metals from their service time. As well as their stuff they left me that would be great. I thought as my eyes were closed until I heard a click and opened my eyes to see several panels had shifted to reveal various old military items all of which i recognized and the items I was just thinking about as well as several different game cases and systems from my old world. A not appeared on my desk opening it it showed a simple message.

“ figured you’d like to keep this stuff so I added my own bit to it as well. best wishes, the mando.” I read out loud as my food was brought over and the drinks were placed. “Well that was awesome of them.” 

“Indeed” both lily and royal said.

“So what else are you two supposed to do? Beyond being my personal maid and butler.”I asked taking my eyes off the relics of my past life to look at them both.

“Well Desmond was a bit vague when he called us for the job only saying attend to your every whim.” Royal said looking to lily who remained neutral.

“My every whim hmm? Lily come here.” I said as I watched here come closer her face never betraying her emotions, lucky I can sense her emotions which right now was very nervous.

“Yes my lord?” She asked right next to me.

Genially I grabbed her hand and tugged her till she was sitting on the armrest of the chair and leaned against her side my eyes closed and tears falling down my cheeks. her reaction was to gently rub my shoulder and pant my head as my episode of sorrow played out.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three days had passed since the break down and I’m feeling better now lily understood that everything had happened had caught up to me and that it took a heavy toll on my emotions. I fell asleep clinging to her that night she understood and had royal and the others help her get me to my bed where she stayed that night. Made for one shocker the next morning but I was grateful to her, since then she and royal have both been by my side everywhere I go. It almost feels like having my parents back. 

Those three days followed a semi repetitive schedule of me waking up and eating then training for four hours one my current set of force powers followed by a hour of meditation then an hour and a half of studying a new force power before half an hour of light training in it. Then I’d head onto another section of the ship, often one I’d been to or exploring a new section, while eating a lunch I’d packed beforehand. Afterwards I’d spend the rest of the day till supper at meetings with the various heads of departments, I’m calling them that because it’s easier, determining what we might find at our destination, mostly speculation oh how they will respond, followed by reports on progressions on the various projects each has going on mostly with Factory and Titan. Afterward we would talk about improvements that could be done to each area and how to go about doing so. 

Which places me now, on day four, in my current position mediating between the head of cloning, who I learned only called himself dr. Hollow, and the head of agriculture a rather built specimen called brick, the two were needing help with a dispute over resources, mainly food and clone labor.

“...I’m only explaining this one more time we can’t produce more food if we don’t have the necessary supplies, namely materials and clones to work it. Doctor we need more clones down in agriculture so we can feed everyone on board I’d try the droids but all they are currently producing are engineers and combat and won’t stop to give us that.” Brick said as he looked to the clone bay head. 

“I’m sorry brick any and all current clones are are either assigned already or are not finished with the training modules I have a batch who should be ready by the time we get to our destination. Until then we can’t and as it is we would need liquid food packs to produce any more clones.” Hollow said taking the glass frames off his muzzle. 

“And I can’t give you any till I get some new hands for agriculture we’re stretched as is.” Brick said slamming his hand down.

“Brick calm down, now doctor is there any way to streamline the learning process for the new batches, Like on the job training or apprenticeships? Something that can give Brick some help till I talk to droid production?” I asked looking his direction.

“...well yes but they won’t be at their peak skills….ok fine I’ll send them down but they will need to come back so they can finalize their holo training as soon as possible.” The doctor said relenting.

“Ok brick expect them soon as for this meeting it’s finished I’ll be heading to engineering to speak with them about the agri droids, now good day to the both of you, I’ll alert you as soon as possible.” I said as I stood up, the other two hopping up as well to salute.

Leaving the area we headed to the lifts and set our destination for engineering. As soon as the doors close I sighed which prompted my two shadows to perk up.

“ you seem annoyed sir, was it over those two fighting?” Royal asked as lily robbed my back.

“Yeah you'd think that would have been their first idea but… anyway let get to the foundry I’m ready to be done with this.” I said as the lift doors opened.

Upon walking in I found sarge and a droid discussing something on a screen that looked like a mandalorian basilisk. Which they powered down upon seeing me. Looking around I saw several different battle droids magnaguards, commando, and destroyer droids in production. Noting one section was empty I spoke.

“Hello sarge how are things going down here you seem to be gearing up for a fight?” I said gesturing to all the combat droids. 

“Yes we have been since the order was put in for a army to be prepared immediately, Although. I do question the need right now sir.”He said as the droid next to him nodded.

“I didn’t designate and army sarge who gave the order I’m sure we have plenty.” I said my eyebrows furrowed.

“Well I’d say so with almost a million droids sir.” He said showing me the numbers.

“That many ok I’m issuing a new order after we hit a million stop the production of battle droids and focus on droids to help with production agriculture need farming droids as soon as possible.” I said as sarge sent the order out. 

“Yes sir as soon as this last batch is done we will focus on getting droids to work in the other sectors and getting the brains done for the vulture droids fighters been asking for.” Sarge said as the droid next to him took off down the line and a shift was heard shortly after.

“Good I’ll let the others know here shortly I’m still curious on who ordered that many it as bad as when I went to cloning and asked them why I saw so many being trained for combat. I’m going to have to look into this.” I said bringing up my comms link. “Desmond look through the ships systems and see who ordered so many clone soldiers and battle droids.” 

Much to my surprise desmond quickly responded. “Sir I have the answer to that inquiry it was me we had workers and crew  but didn’t have many security and combat forces. I took the liberty of ordering up a sufficient force for patrolling and anti boarding.” He said. 

“Desmond you did…. next time at least tell me I’m sure we have plenty now I’m redirecting the foundry to production as your orders are pushing stored food and the agriculture department too much.” I said as I got onto the lift again. 

“Yes sir they were meant to after the specific number sir.with that cleared up any other inquiries sir.” Desmond said as me and my two companions rode the lift up to my next area of choice, cloning. 

“ no not for now.” I said and following Desmond’s acknowledgment I closed the link.

“Sir if you don’t mind what are we heading to the cloning labs for?” Lily asked looking nervous for some reason.

“Well I’m thinking of using one of the unused rooms as a massage room and having a team of clones trained to help me relax.” I said watching her face slightly loose it’s worried look.

“Ok sir sorry if I seemed nosy I was just curious.” She said smoothing out a ruffle in her dress.

Curious I used my mental abilities to find what is bothering her and to my surprise she thought I was replacing her, trying to not immediately correct her, I shook my head and stepped out as the lift opened.  

Upon entering I found the place was in a bit of chaos. Cloned and med droids running around checking several different screen panels and typing away on data slates. Dr hollow was up on a control platform shouting orders, which upon seeing us was focused on getting down to our level to speak. When he finally got to us he looked ragged and was panting, when he got his breath he started talking. 

“Apologies sir we’re having a bit of trouble with an technical issue.” He said watching one of the panels start glitching before sparking and going down. 

“A bit it’s seems like all hell is going down, what’s happened? what went wrong?” I asked using my force lift to quickly holding a panel rack in place as it dislodges from place. 

“Well that’s it I don’t know a few engineers are trying to find out but every time they try to get into the databanks the door starts to go haywire. One has already been brained by it, the other nearly got crushed by a power transformer that distributes power to the cloning tanks, luckily the ship has every section redundant power distribution arrays.” The doctor said as another freak out happened and a clone technician gets launched from an exploding terminal. 

“Ok that’s it where is the databanks room at I’ll hold the door open.” I said getting annoyed. 

When we go to it we found the second engineer trying her best to get the door to cooperate, by the looks of the door panel it wasn’t going well. Upon our approach she spoke out.

“Sir apologies I’m trying my best but the system isn’t working it almost like this sector has been hit with a virus. But I’ve searched for anything remotely close to one on the terminal and I’ve found nothing!” She shouted kicking the frame of the door. 

“If we can’t find it on any of the terminals out here then it’s got to be in there.” I said pointing past the rapidly opening and closing door. “I’ll hold it open you need to get in there and find out what it is before it damages this section further.” 

Using the force I wrenched the door back up in its frame, sparks flying as its motors tried in vain to push it back down. The technician quickly got in and was rushing through the data bank when she found the offending databank slot and removed it. Upon its removal the door stopped fighting and all of the haywire equipment died down letting everyone in the room to access the readings.  Walking out the technician showed the now stilled data rack that caused the issue. Sighing I relinquished my hold on the door as it gently slid back down.

Having my fill of problems I turned nodded to the doctor and walked to the lift, royal and lily right on my heels upon the lift door closing I slumped down while my companions seeing my state directed the lift to my sanctuary and patted me on the back. The rest of that day and the next was spent recovering from the fatigue.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is our sixth day traveling and I’m glad to say nothing happened, the other heads having heard about the day prior didn’t schedule any meetings with me and training went lightly. My force lift skill can now hold three ATTE’s for an hour before taking a break and my other skills have improved as well. 

The data brick that was damaged during the catastrophe in cloning turned out to be a problem and a gift, the data brick contained data on one of the cloning templates we had and was completely wiped and re-coded by the technicians in the research and development department and was promptly sent back, this was the bad part, but due to the redundancy of the ship we had backups of the dna templates this means I can use it for housing new genetic samples for cloning,once hollow and the others decode the genes and run it through the checks for compatibility. Oh I’m so excited, an alicorn clone army whine that be fun. 

The whole of the day had me training in my physical combat techniques mainly my saber skills, to day was form iv ataru, have to admit it is the most physically demanding form to say the least and I see why it was yoda's preferred fighting form, you become really hard to fight when your moving like a pinball on the battlefield. 

With saber training done I head to my room and change from my training gear to my more comfortable grey robes and boots,who knew this is why Jedi and sith generally used them they are so comfy. After my change I relax with some music playing, lily and royal both seem rather calm with whatever song I chose, with my music playing and my stomach full from my after training snack I layed back in my comfy chair and drifted off. I was awoken a few hours later by lily gently shaking my.

“Mmm...hmm… wh..what time is it?” I asked yawning and shaking my head to do away with sleep.

“Sir we are almost to our destination all sections and departments are reading green and looking forward to our arrival. Your requested ships are ready and waiting in the main dock under the ship and your escorts are loaded and waiting.” Lily said as I walked into my room to add my armor pieces. 

“Great well let’s go oh and you may want to change into something durable.” I said as I passed her. 

As I passed she bowed and headed to her room to change. When I got to the entrance royal was there already wearing an mandalorian troopers armor that seemed to cover everything, it was colored grey with blue markings and had two mandalorian rippers strapped to the sides. Minutes later lily came out dressed in clone trooper commander armor and had her helmet strapped to her side a dc-15 standard rifle hanging off her back and a vibrosword on her hip.

Once we reached the  hangar where my Naboo ship was Desmond came over the radio with timer to hyperspace exit. When we did we were all treated with a beautiful view of the planet, we got onto the ship once the ship entered a stable orbit and waited for the scanners to finish making and determining where would be best to land. 

After about an hour we had a decent location and head out towards the planet given my excitement I was standing behind the pilot with my helmet on and my hand gripping the back of their seat when we broke atmosphere I got my first look and found our landing area would be a clearing somewhere in what I believed to be the everfree forest. When we touch down I noted that the escort ships landed too disgorging their complement of troops and droids, which started setting up a small shield array for defenses, tents for sleeping and sentries to keep a lookout. the sun was setting when we finished the camp. 

While this was happening two souls several miles away were conversing over our rather quiet entrance. One was the princess of the night, warden of the moon, and caretaker of dreams princess Luna. The other was the element of magic, librarian and overall bookworm extraordinar, the element of magic twilight sparkle. Both were staring wide eyed at what they just witnessed. 

“Princess Luna...was… was that what I’m thinking it is.” Twilight asked looking to the other mare.

“I… I believe so Twilight sparkle. We have to alert my sister to this.” Luna said as she readied herself for teleportation.

“I’ll get the girls tomorrow to help princess.” The unicorn said as she got to her homes and grabbed the various books around her and magicked the telescope they were using while her hands were full. 

When she got downstairs and put away everything she headed to bed, but found little sleep that night as her mind raced with thoughts and theories.

They next day found both parties gearing up for what they believed would be a groundbreaking, world changing, meeting, at least one side thought that the other was more along the line of hoping that to other side doesn’t immediately assume the worst and attack. While his personal protection force scouted out the area for a proper meeting place, one they found in the ruins of a ancient castle a few miles from the landing zone. John was excited and nervous as he was half expecting that they would become hostile at his appearance.

After John and his cohort were setting up in the old castle of the two sisters, twilight was just finishing up her explanation as to why she called them and was waiting for either a message from the princesses or for one of them to show up. Their wait wasn’t long as they heard chariots landing outside. Upon exiting the library twilight saw all three princesses as well as her brother. In her excitement she rushed up and hugged her brother, which he returned will more subdued fervor. After their moment twilight trotted over to talk with them.

“Princess celestia, Princess Luna, Princess cadence it so good to see all of you.” Twilight said as she hugged each of them. 

“It so good to see you too my faithful student. Even if it’s under serious circumstances.” Celestia said as her sister nodded. 

“Oh twilight it’s good to see you too, it been too long.” Cadence said as she and twilight did a funny jig together. 

“Yes but we don’t have time for idle chit chat as it is several of my scouts have reported that the visitors have moved from their landing, leaving a small contingent of guards, and headed to the old castle.” Luna said as she motioned for everyone to follow her towards the everfree forest. 

Nodding they all stepped in line behind the three princesses and headed in.

Back to John and the rest had just finished up the basics for their stay in the dilapidated castle mostly moving rubble and sealing openings in the roof to prevent rain when a scout clone materialize at the entrance and headed for the chair John was seated in reading a report from the ship about what it was the techs found in the corrupted code from the data brick that had been pulled. 

“Sir they are on the move and the scouts are following keeping predators and other things away. They have brought several guards with them. We also found out they had scouts of their own tracking us when we landed.” The scout reported with a salute. 

“Wasn’t expecting them this soon but ok that just pushed my plans forward a bit no problem.” Mercer said as he put the pad down and moved to the long table that the clones found intact and in good condition, seating himself at one end.

“What are your plans sir.” Royal asked taking his position on johns left while lily took the right side.

“Have the guards take places in the rafters and behind the remaining pillars let them only see us, they may think I sent them either deeper into the castle or sent them back.” The displaced force user said as the clones quickly moved to the rafters and the droids positioning themselves behind the pillars. 

“And us sir.” Lily asked looking to her master. 

“You and royal will be right where you are now can’t make it look like it’s only myself, now can we?” John said as he started on the food pre prepared for his light brunch.

While waiting for his soon to be guests to arrive john finished his meal and was nursing a bottle of corellian whiskey. He was just taking his third drink when he felt his guests outside the large doors ten feet from the end of the table. Reaching out his force abilities he listened in to what they said.

“What’s the plan princesses we going in and showing whoever was in there who’s boss.” A tomboyish voice asked in a cocky tone. 

“No miss dash whatever is in there might have overwhelming numbers waiting.” A more regal tone said a they stepped closer to the doors.

“Should I go first your majesties? So If it turns hostile I can use my shield spell.” A masculine voice said as it neared closer to the door. 

Well far be it for a host to let his guests stand at the door. John thought as he lifted his hand and used the force to pull the two behemoth doors open, much to the startling effect it had on the ponies outside. When they looked in they spotted him tentatively they entered, the golden armored guards gripping their spears tightly. John politely pulled each chair for his guests as they neared the table. 

“Please sir I believe we have much to talk about.” He said gesturing to the now pulled chairs.

“You have us at a disadvantage. Who are you and why are you here?” The moon princess asked forgoing the chair. 

“All in due time… business can be discussed later right now you're probably hungry let’s eat then we can get down to the nitty gritty.” John said as several plates and trays of food floated over with a wave of his hand. 

“Oh food yummy!” The pink pony said as she hopped in her seat and started filling her plate. 

“Pinkie what are you doing!? That could be poisonous!” The purple unicorn said trying to talk sense to her friend.

“My dear if I wanted you dead poison is the very last thing I’d use, just above death by sarlacc, that poor bounty hunter.” He said shaking his head as several pieces of food floated to his plate. 

With caution they all took seats and began to fill their plates. The blue one sat looking at the food, suspicions in her head but once she saw the one called pinkie scarfing down her food she took a small bite. Her eyes opening widely as the flood of flavor that burst from that one bite.

“The only ones not eating were their mysterhost and the two elder princesses,one of which was getting irritated at just how disrespected she had been a few minutes prior.

“Sister who ever this creature is just insulted us. We shouldn’t be as trusting.” Luna said mentally to her sister.

“I know Luna but we’re at the disadvantage he knew we were coming and had this set out he may be testing us and we don’t know what happens to those ponies he was with earlier the only two left are the two flanking him.” Celestia sent back. 

“Trust me my dears everything will be explained.” A third voice said shocking the two as they looked to the source of their worries who was looking to the with a ‘Yes I did just do that’ smile and a cup of amber liquid in it.

Apparently this was the final straw as the younger sister lifted the table and flung it away, rage evident on her face as magic formed on her horn and hands. Just as she sent her blast it stopped in mid air.everyone startled jumped at the action and looked to the mystery being who had a hand raised and that calm smile on its lips, what they could see past the facial hair.

“Temper temper that is no way a royal is to act. Conversations are meant for the mouth not the brain.” He said as he stood up his height equaling the taller sister. She tried to form another but quickly found herself floundering as her source of air was severely limited somehow.

The taller sister noticing her younger sister in distress charged her own but found it swatted away and into an adjacent hall where it exploded with a shake. She looked to the one responsible, who just looked disappointed.

“ you know I didn’t intend for this to be how our first meeting to go, but if you just want to act uncivilized you can sit and be quiet and you your supposed to be the elder and wiser why oh why would you follow her example. *sigh* and this was going so swell.” John said as he walked closer to the two when he noticed a blur heading his way. 

Rainbow who had been waiting for him to not notice shot forward only to be caught bey an invisible hand as John raised his other to stop her dead in er tracks.

“Hey let me go no pony attacked the princesses!” Rainbow shouted struggling to fight the invisible grip. 

“Well maybe they shouldn’t attack first nor should they talk about their host when they think he can't hear them.” The grey lord said as he pushed her back in her seat. “Now what to we do when we ruin a nice meal?” He said looking back to the wheezing princess.

“Please we were just startled is all let’s start over.” Celestia said trying to remain diplomatic, even as she flinched and shifted worried looks to her sister.

“Yes let’s just put this behind us.” John said as he released his grip on the lunar princess, who fell to the ground coughing. “Now seeing as that bit of unpleasantness is over let’s start with introductions my name is John mercer, but most call me the grey lord, John, or lord mercer, and who might all of you be?” He said as he sat back down in his seat waving off his two companions who had drew their weapons.

The first to speak was the pink mare. “Hiya my name is pinkie pie and I love parties, do you? do you?” The mare said with a smile she stood just at his mid chest and had on a party shirt on with a skirt covered in candy and a patch with three balloons on it, John subtly noted she seemed to not have a bra on as her ample chest bounced an awful lot with every hop.

The next was the orange mare. “Howdy my name is applejack, I’m a farmer with sweet apple acres.” She concluded as she tipped the Stetson on her head. She had to stand at about his collarbone and was wearing a pair of short shorts even daisy duke would be envious of with a flannel shirt tied just under her breasts which was unbuttoned enough to give a show. 

The lavender one with a purple mane with pink stripe spoke next “My name in twilight sparkle, I’m princess celestia’s student and librarian for ponyville.” She said, jack noted she was just shorter than that of pinkie pie and had on a typical school girl outfit though the looked to be still developing.

“My name is rarity, fashionista and tailor.” The white mare with purple mane she had on a well crafted white dress which showed of her figure that left little to the imagination. “And the yellow mare beside me is fluttershy she is a bit shy when it comes to strangers.” She added gesturing to the mare next to her. That mare she was gorgeous even with a green sweatshirt and long green skirt she was beautiful. She also had massive tits, my god she must have back pain for days from them. 

The next was the blue mare with a rainbow mane who stared daggers at John till she spoke. “Rainbow dash.” She had on a pair of cargo pants and a tank top on with a leather jacket which concealed her double d breasts. 

“I am princess Celestia co ruler of equestria the one you were somehow choking is may sister and fellow diarch princess Luna.” The bright white one said as she helped her sister up and back to her chair. She had on a white and gold laced dress with her crown on, the dressed hugged her g cup breasts and wide hips. Her sister being smaller had a dress that hugged her triple d cup breasts and smaller hips and was open at the belly button. 

The softer pink mare spoke up next.“My name is princess mi amore cadenza, but please call me cadence.” She had on an elegant dress which made her look sweet and nice, but accented her figure to a great degree. 

The leader of the guard stayed silent his hand on his sword while the other guards adjusted their grips of their own weapons.

“Well pleasure is all mine, oh and son it won’t work. “ John said as he took a sip of the cup which all this time had been floating next to his chair. 

The captain taken aback adjusted his stance. John noticing this just shrugged and looked back to the three princesses. Whom had taken the time to look him over, although not as subtle as he did, not that it did any good as his armor and robes made it impossible to figure out his actual body size.

“ good introductions are over let’s get down to it I’m here because this planet will be my new home.one my old home is now far beyond my reach and two it is ideal for me to more or less retire to as it looks peaceful. And no miss dash I’m not here to take over. One I’m retired ruling is a exhausting job and two if I really did want to rule why are we having this very conversation?” He asked leaning forward.

“Because you’d get over runned and beaten.” She said with a smirk as he chuckled.

“Miss dash if I wanted to I could snap my fingers and show you why that isn’t possible.” He said as he snapped his finger and pointed up, which caused everypony looked up to note all the armored ponies aiming wired weapons at them, which quickly caused the guard captain to get nervous. “But like I said before I’m not interested in ruling, so no more of those hate full thoughts now let’s just enjoy the peace. although my ship will need a place to drop off equipment when I call for it and I’d like to propose trades if you will.” He finished with.

“What would you have to trade that we don’t have?” Celestia asked.

“Well one advanced medicine, better transportation equipment, advanced farm tools, and various different technologies.” He replied which got many of their attentions. 

“And what pray tell do we have to give up for these technologies?” Princess Luna asked after she calmed down a bit.

“This castle for me to fix up, occasionally I’ll venture out to find students to train in my ways if they have what is needed. And hey sometimes it pays to have a friend, especially when that friend has a massive spaceship under his command, which might I add has weapons capable of destroying cities.” The grey sage said as he stroked his beard. 

At the mention of the ship everyone remembered they were dealing with and gathered away to talk John bored of the ordeal started levitating small rocks around him like planets making the bob and weave around him and his companions. After about ten minutes they talked among themselves until they had formulated a response.

“Well we have reached a verdict we will agree to your terms if you allow us to keep a pair of guards with you we would rather you not cause any unwanted issues.” Celestia said as John stopped the rocks mid flight to look at them.

“And what pray tell do you think they could do to stop me?” John said as more of a statement than a question. “As you can tell I literally want to spend the rest of my life here in peace, save for when I’m teaching force sensitive students, I’m not having spies bothering my business, sorry but no.” He finish with a sigh before he clapped his hands and all of the clones and droids stepped out and started packing up all the equipment and hauling it out the side.

“What are they doing?” Twilight asked looking to the various pieces of machinery leave.

“Packing up I won’t be treated like this so we will move on to the next country maybe they will.” John said as he clipped hi helmet to his belt and moving.

“Why what is so secretive that you can’t acquiesce to that one thing.” Luna asked suspicion evident on her muzzle. 

“Because I won’t have my teachings spied upon what I teach is for me and those who I teach not anyone else!” He shouted causing them to jump.

“But but I won’t even get to throw you a welcome to Equis/equestria/ ponyville party.” Pinkie pie said as her mane deflated.

“Sorry I practically gave them a deal of a lifetime and they basically said no so take it up with them.” He said as the last clones and droids were leaving. 

“Ok ok fine no guards, but how do we know you will keep your word, that is why we wanted them.” The solar diarch said worries running through her mind.

“Simple I’ve had too much bullshit in my life that I’m just ready to settle down and spend my life as I want to. That is how you should know.” He said stopping the clones stopping as well as the droids.

“Ok we agree to your terms. Just don’t go to the other countries they aren’t as pleasant.” Celestia said looking toward the man. 

“Ok and just to be clear that was part of the package the only way anyone outside this country is getting anything is if you care,then again that applies to the non weapon, I’m not in the notion of starting wars.” John said as he returned to his seat the clones and droids setting everything back up.
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

This last two weeks have been interesting for me to say the least with the castle well on its way to being completely livable and refurbished. I’ve had plenty of time on my hands to train and the surrounding forest is ideal for training with all of the various terrain, flora, and fauna it’s great for when we start the advanced training, when I feel like taking on students. I also found a place to meditate, it is a nice area with a almost zen garden feel to it. It this place I find myself in at the moment. 


There is no dark side, nor a light side there is only


 the force. 


I will do what I must to keep the balance.


  there is no good without evil, yet evil must not be allowed to flourish. 


There is passion, yet peace. 


There is serenity, yet emotion. 


Chaos yet order.


 I an a wielded of the flame, the protector of balance.


 I am the holder of the torch, lighting the way. 


I am the keeper of the flame, soldier of balance. 


I am a guardian of balance. 


I am a grey Jedi. 


This mantra repeated over and over in the background of my mind as I attune myself to the world around me. While I did this guests were on their way to meet me namely a band of mares come to see how I was. 

“Come on twilight I doubt he is even willing to see any of us I mean did you see how he acted two weeks ago?” Rainbow said still miffed about being stop like she was.

“Rainbow He is from another planet who knows what kinds of knowledge he has, and remember the princesses told us to get close to him. They didn’t quite trust him on just his word.” The lavender unicorn said as they neared the pond. 

“Twi is right rd, you just mad because he reacted faster than you.” The apple farmer said as she passed her pouting friend. 

“Well I didn’t see you trying anything!” The prismatic mare retorted.

“Well duh rd he stopped three blasts from the princess Luna and swatted one from princess Celestia. Anypony strong enough to do that isn’t somepony to be beaten by strength.” Applejack said adjusting her hat. 

The two bickered back and forth till they were quieted by twilight who said they were nearing the pond on a back way to the old castle. Upon nearing the edge they were stopped at the sight of me sitting over the water with several large stones floating around me and forming stone formations around the waterfall and fusing as well as slowly forming a wall around the pond. That wasn’t the only thing surprising them but my uncovered chest,glistening in the midday sun with numerous scars running in dozens of directions, as well as the toned physique I had which stayed hidden under the top part of my robes which was hanging on a tree limb.

The reactions from each were two pairs of folded wings shooting out, two accidental horn discharges, and six pairs of jelly leg. 

“Land sakes girls he is fit.” Applejack said watching 

“Oh wowwie he’s a hunk.” Pinkie pie said feeling a little wet between the legs.

“His physique is phenomenal he would have to work out a lot to achieve this kind of muscular density.” Twilight said as she started drawing and diagramming. 

A tiny squeak and a ‘oh My’ was all the timid pegasus mare in the back said as she hid her muzzle behind her mane and fight to pull her wings in. 

“Holy buck he is ripped!” Rainbow said in shock not even registering her wings reaction.

“I know he is well built but look at those scars.” Rarity said lowly.

They stood there gawking for what felt like hours when they were startled by John calling out.

“If your gonna gawk come out and do it openly otherwise be on your way.” The grey lord said as all of the rockets stopped mid flight and settled into a walkway out of the middle of the pond. As John settled to his feet and made his way to the now revealed mares who shyly stepped out. “Ah it’s you lot come to check on me? Well I’m doing fine if your wondering, now other than that how can I help?”

“ well the princess said for us to help you feel welcome so we thought you’d like to come visit town and let lu introduce you.” Twilight said trying desperately to not stare as my half dressed form. 

“Oh and this has nothing to do with you ‘secret’ mission to learn about me and weather I’m truly here to live in peace?” John asked shocking the mares. “And yes I knew one because I’d have done the same and two I can read minds, and miss dash get your head out of the gutter!” He said pointing to the prismatic mare who in turn was blushing profusely.

“Wait you can read minds!” Twilight said shocked. “How?” 

“With abilities I have which are secret.” He said putting the under shirt of his robes which leaves his arms free. “And no i'm not telling you what it’s called.” 

This caused the studious mare to deflate. While they traveled to the town John and the girls talked back and forth mostly small tidbits about each other when they arrived they found the town in a uproar and at the middle of it was a blue mare in what could be considered a stage magicians outfit. Her ego and smugness could be felt by the grey lord from outside the town and upon getting to the center of it felt like he had entered the republic senate building. Listening he watched the event happening in front of him. 

“Yes the great and powerful trixie has returned and I’m far more powerful than when I was last in this pitiful backwater town!” She shouted, causing the crowd to boo her.

“Really you would think she would have learned after last time.” Rainbow said as she and the girls moved closer. 

“I sense a faint energy from her perhaps I should test her.” John muttered as he got closer. Watching as the show mare show up the other ponies as they tried to find something that she can’t do. John having seen enough, stepped past twilight who was going to put a stop to it but hung back to see what John would do.

“Oh and what are you supposed to be some hairless ape? Well go on do something so trixie can best you.” She said as John closed his eyes and lifter his hand.

For a minute everyone sat quiet as they watched for a moment they thought he wasn’t doing anything till they heard groans and squealing from mares as the chairs they were sitting on and stalls around them as well as anything not tied or nailed down started floating. Once it all was five feet off the ground John opened his eyes and spoke. 

“Well I’m ready strike at me let’s see if your skill is as good as you say?” He said as he lifted his own legs off the ground.

“With what?” The mare asked confused.

“With your magic of course do whatever you can to cause me to lose my grip on everything, but mind you I’m far stronger than you think.” He said looking to twilight and the five others, winking.

“Trixie won’t flatten anypony who isn’t going to fight back” the show mare said even more confused. 

“Who says you’ll win and who said I won’t attack?”John said.

“Find you want to be beaten so badly let’s make it interesting. I win you’ll forever serve the great and powerful Trixie.” Trixie said making everypony gasp. 

“Fine but when you lose Trixie, and you will you’ll serve me in whatever way I deem you to till I release you.” John said rubbing his knuckles against his under shirt. 

“Fine then if it’s a magic fight then taste this!” She shouted as she released dozens of magic bolts at once which only made it a few inches before John caught them in the force and had them circle him, much to the shock and anger of the show mare who proceeded to throw every combat spell she knew, each earning a new path around the man. This kept on for about fifteen minutes the crowd all stunned by the feat of the unknown being, while they were stunned trixie s was getting desperate every spell she sent at him ended up careening of course to join the others circling this mysterious creature. 

“What are you? Nopony is capable of what you are doing!” The show mare panted out as the last spell joined the now ring of spells circling him.

“That is easy I’m a human and your magic is no where close to as powerful as my own abilities now are you done playing the ‘ I’m better than you’ card or would you like for me to start?” He asked as the various spells formed into  dozens of magic arrows pointed at the mare. 

“The great and powerful Trixie doesn’t admit defeat do your worst.” she said summoning her last bit of magic into a shield.

“Well if you insist, don’t say I didn’t give you a chance to end this peacefully.” The man said with a sigh. Unleashing the force driven arrows at the shield which caused the spectators to flinch as the barrage cascaded down on the already weakened mare shattering the shield and hammering her into the ground by the time it was over trixie was barely conscious and her outfit was in rags barely keeping her modesty. 

“Now are you done or would you like for me to one my actual abilities?” He asked the virtually defeated mare.

“N..n..never!” She croaked out trying, and failing to move.

“Fine, But you asked for it.” He said pointing a hand at her and releasing a moderate force push which ended the fight and caused the tattered remains of her clothes to rip completely leaving her bare to the world the crowns which stood silent watched as the mystery man floated everything back and covered the unconscious and naked mare with his cloak before picking her up and walking back to the librarian. “Which way to the local hospital?” 

“Follow. this. road. Back. Turn right…. follow till you... see….it….” She dazly said still staring at the crater in the ground. 

After he had left minutes passed and everypony in the crowd turned and stared at the direction of the man, and like a bubble popping, female and male alike, multiple ponies, mainly pegasi and unicorns in the crown reacted sparks from horns and wings shooting out the crowds simultaneously shouted one phrase, holy buck. 

“He did that… all of it… without using magic.” The lavender mare gasped out sinking to her knees.

An hour later found John waiting in the hospital room of the mare he just so thoroughly beaten, watching her start to wake up. Groaning she spoke.

“Oh...buck… why does trixie feel like trixie was hit with a mountain?” She asked rubbing her head and sitting up. Not noticing she still had his cloak wrapped around her and nothing else.

“Well when you face of against an unknown like me you might want to try some tact it might just save you a thorough trouncing.” John said not reacting to the face as he was unknowingly getting a show from his defeated opponent. 

“ you how? What where is trixie?” She said as she looked around till she looked down noticing her current state of attire. “And why is trixie naked!?” She shouted grabbing the robe and covering herself.

“Well you tried to fight a master force user and lost as for the clothes part that was from all of those spells and an a blast from me they didn’t stand up to the attacks for long. Oh and sorry didn’t intend for you to get stripped in front of everyone keep the cloak as an apology.” John stated as he got up to give her some privacy. 

“Wait why are you being nice to me? No pony that strong is that nice.” She said looking to him.

“Power without the wisdom to use it isn’t all that powerful.” He said as he opened the door. “Oh and nice tits by the way real and that ass though perky and soft.” He said flashing a grin as she blushed and threw a glass of water at him shouting pervert. 

The next day trixie was released from the hospital after they told her to easy on her magic for a little while, they offered her a set of clothes that somepony brought by that morning. Once she was changed, although still wearing the cloak of the mysterious stallion she set out but was confronted by six mares she was familiar with and the mystery stallion.

“Well trixie I’d say you learned something yesterday?” Rainbow asked smugly, an act that got her pulled back onto her back.

“Miss dash no need to rub it in, I’m sure she has no need to antagonize her over it.” John said glaring at the pegasus. 

“Yes, Trixie has in fact and truthfully it hurt both trixie’s being and pride but importantly it showed Trixie that no matter how powerful one gets there is always somepony more powerful. Thank you sir.” Trixie said as she looked to John and bowed. 

“Hey everyone has a moment like that mine came a long time ago in another life. That is why I did what I did. On another note glad to see the clothes fit.” John said as he nodded to the fashionista. 

“You were the one who brought them in?!” The show mare asked incredulously.

“Yea, I kind of vaporized the last pair clothes you had on yesterday unless you have some kind of exhibition kink.” John said making all the mares blush. 

“No trixie isn’t some deviant, Trixie was just surprised you would go to such lengths, especially for somepony who was very rude to you.” Trixie said looking ashamed.

“That’s alright I won in the end and you remember the deal, don’t you?” John said causing the show mare to gulp. 

“Yes Trixie remembers and accepts her punishment.” Said as she bowed her head. 

John stood there for a minute thinking many thoughts crossed his mind some good some bad and some were downright weird until he remembered what he felt just before their little altercation. 

“You will be accompanying me as a student. I felt something in you just before we ahem ‘fought’ and I’m curious as to if I can teach you how to harness it.” He said watching the lavender unicorns ears drop and her face getting a begrudging look.

“You want me to what? Trixie figured you’d have some other kind of punishment.” Trixie said as she shifted her feet.

“Well I did have one idea before it but I figured this would be a better deal. “ The grey lord said as he motioned for her to stand beside him.

Once she had taken her place she looked at I’m curiously. “For the sake of curiosity what was the other choice?” She asked.

“Sex slave.” He stated simply. Which caused the others to look at him incredulously. “What I’ve been in space for a week and haven’t had my dick wet in three years, don’t look at me like that.” He said pointing at the others.

“Trixie is beginning to regret Trixies curiosity.” The show mare said as she covered her face, which had turned red from blushing.

“Trixie when we start your training you’ll wish that was all you had to do.” He said a wicked smile flashed briefly across his face.
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Four weeks have passed since the ‘duel’ and John has been repeatedly impressed by trixies devotion to his training and studies. Most due to his constant threats to turn her into a sex slave if she slacks, not that he would actually do it, he’s an ass not a rapist. She has in that time learned to channel the force and learned a few basics which she has made fair process, having reached an apprentice the basics of the force, push,pull, and lift.

It is this training that we find the two as John has her at his meditation pond where he is training her to trust her link to the force while he tosses rockets for her to dodge, while blindfolded. Of course it wouldn’t be his training if Trixie wasn’t stripped to her undergarments for this.

“Please tell me master mercer why is trixie naked for this? It’s embarrassing.” Trixie asked as she successfully dodged another rock.

“Simple the rocks are to hone your skills at detecting attacks, as for your current absence of clothes is to remind you every time your hit that it hurts but the next might be much more dangerous. That and I like how your tits jiggle, has anyone ever told you your hot. If you didn’t have that superiority complex you’d some man, Well stallion, a very happy man. And no I’ve seen your kinder side yes you can be.” He said as he hurled more rocks at different intervals.

“Why do you act so perverted to Trixie its dem…” Trixie began before doubling over from a well placed hit to the stomach by a rather large rock. 

“Because it’s distracting and you need to learn to ignore it for you never know how or where you’ll find a fight, hell you could be in the middle of sex and robbers break in this will mean you’ll be distracting them while being focused yourself. Secondly it’s just too damn fun. Although I was telling the truth you should be proud of your figure, where I’m from there are world class supermodels who would kill for a body like yours.” John said as he stopped to help her over to the water which had been closed off to make a rejuvenation pool for when students needed a small break. 

“Do you really mean it, does Trixie look desirable.” She asked as she slipped into the water its rejuvenating properties taking effect.

“Yes I will tell you now for the purpose of training. I know I’ve been mean and rather harsh with you, but it’s for your betterment.” John said as he stripped completely and entered the waters himself, much to the shock of Trixie.

“Master mercer not to sound rude but done you feel embarrassed by being naked around others?” Trixie asked avoiding looking to her mentor, a blush heavy on her face.

“Not in the slightest, back before coed communal baths and showers were normal after seeing so many naked you quickly lose your sense of embarrassment. That and when I get other students and you eventually start helping you’ll be the same.” He said as he took a hand full of the water and rubbed his face with it.

“Oh Trixie didn’t think of it that way, but what about minors?” She asked as she rubbed her arms.

“Simple they learn to find it normal that and it’s meant to be a lesson in and of itself. That once you strip down a person no matter their background they are no different than you.” He said as he inches closer. 

Trixie was quiet after that as she thought back on what he said she was so focused on it she didn’t notice when he slipped in behind her until she felt him touch her which slightly startled her. 

“Now Trixie i'll let you in on a secret.” He said wrapping his arms around her in a hug.” We’re being watched by six nosy mares and they all can see us play along and we can embarrass the hell out of them, what do you say?” He said quietly.

“Trixie say lets. She said as she backed closer

“Well trixie training is done for the day.” He said as he started rubbing against her.

“Oh master and what’s next?” Trixies spoke out in a blissful tone. 

“Well since you have done so well I think you deserve a reward.” The grey lord said as he gently pretended to squeeze her breasts. 

Trixie for her part played along phenomenally faux moaning and leaning closer.

“Oh master does that mean?” She asked as she turned around to look at him.

“Yes my pupil that means that YOU LOT SPYING CAN COME OUT NOW!!” John said before shout in the elements direction causing them to fall through the bushes in a heap each of them in varying states of embarrassment. 

The two burst out laughing as they watched the group scramble back up to their feet none of them daring to look at the two who had stood up and leaving to concealing nature of the pool and approaching them, which made them all the more embarrassed.

“Well if it isn’t miss sparkle and co what brings you lot out this way I thought we weren’t scheduled another meeting till tomorrow?” John asked as he used the force to bring over the twos clothing for them to put on.

“W..w..well y..you see princess Celestia asked me to come and talk to you she was wondering if you would come up to canterlot. She was wanting to speak further on the matter of trade.” Twilight for the most par stammered out extremely embarrassed and somewhat turned on by johns nude form. A sentiment shared by the other elements as well. 

“Well why didn't you just come out and announce you were her, why spy?” He asked as he put back on his undergarments and pants tying the cloth sash in place and leaving his shirt off.

“We thought you two were in the middle of something and didn’t want to intrude.” The librarian said still not looking in their direction. 

“Oh that...that back there was a prank on you lot for creeping on us like that.” John said chucking as Trixie let out a chuckle of her own, the last four weeks had quickly imprint some of John's quirks to her as she settles in to the role she now plays. 

The six upon realizing they were being messed with all shouted ‘what’ at the idea that the two had used something so perverted to mess with them.

“Yea and all of you fell for it hook line and sinker. Next time don’t spy and just come out otherwise the next time I’ll do worse, much worse.” John said hooking his utility belt and walking passed them towards ponyville.

after about thirty minutes of walking they arrived when they were passing through to the station for the train, John noticed he was getting a lot of interesting looks from many of the locals, mostly mares staring at him blushing and giggling to their friends, and many local stallions glaring at him, though there were a few who had a barely hidden longing look. Choosing to ignore it John focused on his student and the other mares following, John quickly notices three were sneak peeks at him mainly the farmer, the animal caretaker, and the pink one, although he prism haired pegasus would occasionally seek peeks as well , but stopped when she caught his gaze, blushed heavily and looked away with a scowl. 

The wait at the station wasn’t long but it was tedious as many mares and a few stallions had tried to sneak a peek at John who was sitting eyes closed in meditation, trixie having seen her masters action was mimicking his actions while they waited for the train. When it did they all entered and found seats for the trip. 

During the trip John quietly started discussing how to read minds with Trixie which immediately interested her and for the remainder of the ride was practicing by trying it in their companions, noting the various thoughts and secret wants they all had, what surprised her was the fact that her mentors mind was impossible to break into and every time she tried he would immediately push back. 

Once they reached their destination John stepped out to see the gilded city on the mountains which to him wasn’t special.the trip to the castle was one of general silence as the The grey lord and his apprentice were lead by the elements to the castle all the while the ponies of canterlot watched, some fascinated by the strange being, others repulsed, and a few who seemed very interested for darker reasons, one of which was prince blue blood. 

When they finally arrived the guards were immediately suspicious of John but relented when twilight showed them the summons from princess Celestia. The trip through the castle was even more boring for John as he really didn’t see the need for all of the gold inlays and fancy decorations. John was even less impressed when they entered the throne room, passing several nobles who were a bit miffed by them getting allowed to cut the line. 

While they were ushered to the side as one noble was in the middle of a speech on how a orphanage was too close to his home and the children were becoming a hazard to his estate and ‘health’. Celestia, for the most part, had a neutral expression, John knew otherwise she would rather have him tossed out, something John was happy to oblige her with as he raised his hand and started lightly choking him with the force. The noble on the other hand quickly found himself short of breath and quickly gaining into out of oxygen. Ponies in the room all gasped as the noble fell to his knees grabbing at his throat gasping trying his beast to suck in the life giving air he so desperately needed. They all turned to the mystery figure who had his hand out in the direction of the noble and were shocked when he spoke.

“You know it’s bad manners to bore your host with pathetic drivel, why the good princess is almost asleep in her throne because of your incessant prattling. So why don’t you drop this and leave before she decides to have you thrown out, actually let me help you.” John said his facial features holding a bored, if slightly disgusted look. 

The noble in question didn’t have time to respond as he was picked up by an unseen force and launched out of the throne room whose doors were opened shortly before he could be splattered the shouts of surprise and fear ringing as he landed finally able to breath but unconscious from the impact.

With his display done John turned to Celestia and bowed a smile on his lips when he righted himself.

“Pardon me princess but you looked so bored listening to him, if I was done with his nonsense after five minutes only you know what you were feeling after dealing with him for…” john stopped looking to the announcer for the time who responded with fifty minutes. “Ah...fifty minutes. You, your majesty have far more patience than any of us deserves.” He said bowing once again, at his words she adopted a serine smile, which caused all of the other nobles to look down at their papers and rethink their decisions the majority of which left as they decided theirs weren’t that important, the others choosing to wait and let Celestia have a break before trying to plead their requests which were steadily shrinking. 

After the noble announced break for the princess was given and the throne room doors were shut both Celestia and John burst out laughing and kept on till both couldn’t hardly breath.

“Oh… haha oh shit that was golden! Haha wow I can't believe that worked.” John said between breaths. 

“Oh...oh my… by my mother’s name that was wonderful.. thank you John I was close… so close to calling a break… just to get away...oh ha haha…. oh I needed that.” Celestia said as she picked herself up and walked down to meet the man who had given her some respite.

“Any time though seriously they come to you for that?..... wow are they all that conceded?” John asked as they entered a sitting room adjacent to the throne room.

“No most are but no there are a few who are good I just wish they all were.” Celestia said as she took her seat John sitting in the closest chair.

“Yes yes my best yet. But let’s get to why I’m here Twilight told me you wanted to talk trade. So what are your requirements and we’ll see.” John said as he leaned into the backrest of the chair.

“Well firstly, if we are getting down to business I’d like for my sister to be here she may have a list of things she may want to trade.” Celestia said as her horn flared. 

A few minutes later her sister walked in, although her wardrobe was much different than when he first met her. She was now dressed in a pair of jogging pants with a to the moon t shirt that was big on her revealing her bra straps. Luna for the most part didn’t seem to register that John was in the room until Celestia mentioned to Luna about his presence. Once she did her light blue fur was tinted red and she teleported away returning a few minutes in a nice dress. John who wasn’t really bothered by her previous attire just shrugged and sit back to listen to their requests. 

Most of what Celestia wanted was just simple things, farming equipment, better transport means, things I was willing to deal with. Luna on the other hand was more interested in more combat oriented items, mainly weapons, something I wasn’t too keen on doing as all of it was one too advanced and two extremely powerful. Luna basically was looking to pull an extreme makeover of their guards., mainly I think she thought that with my kind of weapons they would have some kind of leverage or means to fight me. 

“Celestia yours is the easiest by far as the trains, where used in the galaxy are by far exponentially more powerful and durable that your current, not to mention faster I can have  platforms built and lines done fairly quickly. Your second just as easy auto tillers and seeder bots as well as caretaker droids are rather easy to produce when I talked to zeke last we had a couple thousand of them and had means to make more.” The grey lord said as he showed her 3D pictures of the various droids and machinery. “But if I do I need some things in return….Actually quick question how many orphanages are there in equestria?”

“Well I know If thirty in equestria why?” Celestia aske skeptical of his inquiry.

“Well I ties to my first request I’d like access to them one to find those gifted in a peculiar field I’m fluent in second so I can visit each, I plan to remodel them and make them more accommodating for both the youth and workers.” He said. 

“Well I That is fine as long as nothing bad happens to them.” Celestia said confused.

“Nothing will I’ll admit at times I can be mean but well children hold a soft spot in my heart, and my order generally looks through various orphanages for those with the gift surprisingly we have found many gifted individuals that way.” John said revealing that tidbit to the two princesses. 

“And thine other requests? Surely that isn’t thine only request.” Luna said as she sat forward.

“No my second I raw resources, mainly metals. My current stores on my ship are low and I need to get more resources to replenish them. If you have an area I can mine I’ll just have an acclimator starship set down and deploy several mining droids and clones to oversee it.” John said as he looked at a real-time over view from the ships sensors.

“Yes that would be acceptable the forest surrounding your current domiciled has a few areas that would be perfect for you to mine I’ll have a map brought to you later with the areas. Now we’re there any other requests?” Celestia asked her horn flaring and a message sent.

“Yes one hundred mares. Specifically for sex.”John said smiling.

At this the twos head turned to look at him flabbergasted looks on their faces. Johns smile got bigger at that and he burst out laughing.

“Oh...ha haaaa…. oh god…. your faces...hehehoho...oh that was priceless!” Johns choked out.

The two remained silent while the grey lord had his laughing fit and once he calmed down. Upon doing so he saw that they were not laughing.

“What?…. seriously you thought I was serious?...” he asked the two who both nodded. “It was a joke… wow ok from here on out if I make a comment like that consider it a joke… damn.” 

“ I would ask that you refrain from making said comments please as there are factions here on Equis that make those demands, often.” Celestia said in a serious tone.

“Really? Wow okay not going to get along with them then. I may joke but I deeply despise fuckers who actually do it.” John said a surprised look on his face, eyes wide and eyebrows raised. While typing a memo to himself to find out who and bomb them into oblivion. “Yes well back to the request Luna beyond a few minor and basic shock sticks I can’t openly give you super advanced weapons, that would be like handing an infant a thermal detonator and not expecting it to eventually flip it and blow itself up. Sorry I won’t be responsible for that.” He finished.

“Wouldst thou be willing to supply our guards with those knowledgeable in the use and handling of thine armaments?” She ask not entirely satisfied with his answer.

“Yes I could but you have to realize I do and everyone on this rock will want them and again let me reiterate i'm not going to be responsible for global annihilation.” John said pronouncing the last bit. 

Luna for her part wasn’t happy but understood why he wasn’t willing. She knew there were nations that have been looking for anything vilify equestria to the other nations, especially over technology. Nodding she let it slide. 

“Now on that note I can however do a demonstration of just how powerful they are all that needs doing is to ask and set up a place for the demonstration.” John said tilting his head back in contemplation.

“What?” The two regents aske simultaneously.

“Hmm What Sorry was deep in thought though I may talk out loud when I do. Sorry.” He said giving a wink. 

“Well Sir mercer we would like to formally request a demonstration of thine weapon capabilities, if thine would would indulge us that is.” Luna asked 

“Small arms sure not to day I’ll need to get a selection together and find an area where no one could possibly get hurt.” John said as he stood up. “Well I think we’ve covered enough for now I’ll let you two head on and what you need I’ll see myself out and see the sights.” He added opening the door to see his pupil and the others talking, which died down as the doors opened looking to John She mentally sent an inquiry which responded with a motion of his head for her to join him. When she did the two headed back the way they came as the elements stayed behind to talk.

Once outside John took a deep breath and released it as a groan before shaking his head and turning to his pupil.

“Tell me are you familiar with this city? There are a few things and places I’d like to look into while here.” He stated watching his student.

“Yes Trixie if fairly familiar with canterlot what would you like to find?” She asked curiously.

“Well I feel my self in need to do a good deed so let’s find a orphanage I’m going to become a downer to might pick up a few younglings if they are like us.” John said as he motioned for her to lead. 

Their trek was a smooth one none of the local nobles were brave enough or foolish enough to bother him or his student so they made excellent time to the first place on their to do. The canterlot home for orphan fillies and colts. Upon arriving Trixie became hesitant.

“Something the matter my pupil? I sense a flux in your demeanor and your emotions.” He said stopping.

“No maste trixie is fine it’s just Trixie has done shows for the fillies and colts here before and didn’t ingratiate herself with one of the matrons of the house.” Trixie said frowning as she notices the dilapidated look of the place something her master wasn’t to happy with. 

“That will not matter if she has a problem then I’ll handle it.” John said as he moved to open the door to enter motioning for her to follow. When they entered they immediately felt a massive shift in the air as if an oppressive shadow was looming over them.

The matron at the desk was a polite mare who was willing to talk with them over his proposal, and while interested in the idea she admitted that it would need an approval from an government official which John provided her with in the form of an official crown letter of approval. With that he mentioned that he was looking into the children as he felt several tiny flickers in the force, he told her he was looking into them for a special school where they will be trained to the fullest extent of their abilities, something he mentioned to the mare was on the letter as well.

The mare for her part just nodded and lead him to where all of the children were, and subsequently the other matron who wasn’t as thrilled as her compatriot was. When he mentioned that he was powerful and mentioned his planned she got a little bit more polite. Stepping out for John to speak to the children, who at that point were curious.

“Good day children my name is grand master warden John mercer and I am here to inform you some of you will be privileged to attend a special school I oversee where you will be taught special skills, now only a select number will be able to. For that I need you to all form a grid for me, and when I tap you, you will need to make your way to the front of the room afterwards you will have a one on one cover about attending, without further ado let’s begin.” John said as the kids all made a grid.

It took him half an hour to find all of force sensitive children in the orphanage, a total of ten out of the thirty children, at least the ones who’s ties to the force were strong he pulled have to keep tabs on the others who’s links were not fully developed.

After the ten were ushered out of the room to the hall the matrons both went back in to handle the rest while John had Trixie Wait with the nine as he brought the young earth pony colt he chose from them for the interviews...
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

When John brought the colt in the young child was at first shy as he didn’t know what to make of the being before him. John who knew this sat cross legged on the floor  his hood folded back so the young colt could see his face. 

“Wow your strange… what are you?” The colt asked with the exuberance of child curiosity.

“I am of a species known as human, and what might your name be.?” The grey lord asked patting the space in front of him. The colt in front of him was dull yellow in his coat and his mane and tail were red with green stripe highlights. 

“My name is blitz sir.” The colt said.

“Well blitz what do you say to attending my school, you’ll be among other gifted children like you, you’ll have the best education and a family to call on.” John said watching the colt closely.

“I I would have a family? Are you and miss Trixie going to be our parents?” The colt asked a hopeful look in his eyes.

“Yes and no, me and Trixie will be your mentors, confidants, and trainers.  there will be special individuals who will fill the role of caretakers, they are unique as they all look alike but it will in time you’ll not the differences between them.” He said which he saw slightly diminished that look of hope. “But make no mistake you will have a family to trust, if it help then you can consider My your father, outside your training of course.” He added watching that hope burn a bit brighter.

“What about the others, the ones you didn’t pick.” Blitz asked.

“Hmm there were a few others but their connection wasn’t as developed as the ones that were picked with you. I’m going to be keeping a close eye on them for sure but they will need to grow a bit before that. Do not worry you’ll see them again at some point.” John said watching the child slightly relax.

“What will I learn?” The young colt asked.

“Simple look around you do you not feel different? Does the floor feel strange to you? Or is there something different about the furniture?” John said smiling as the colt’s eye bugged out once he realized they were floating off the ground, as was all the furniture in the room floated with them. “This...is what you will learn to do, a power likes to which none on this world will ever have seen or do, save for those who have the gift, those like you.” He added as the two floated down. “So do you accept?” 

“Yes please.” The colt said dizzily still awestruck by Johns actions.

“Good please step out and have my pupil send in another.” The man said as the colt rushed over and out.

By the time John was done all but nine accepted easily, the last had one of the orphans she refused to leave behind. John who was curious had the little filly bring the foal in for him to examine. When she did he found that the coal, revealed to be a colt was force sensitive but hadn’t developed that far something he was concerned of. John’s concern was just when he probed deeper and found the children were not fed enough and that was hurting their development. 

John who by then was furious had the filly hold on to him as he stormed out of the room and up to the caretakers who both looked nervous at He angry scowl. 

“The two of you tell me why are these foals not getting enough food?” He asked in a low tone.

“We try but since several ‘nobles’ cut our finding we are barely scraping by. I’m sorry we are doing the best we can.” The politer caretaker said as the other looked disgusted at the mention.

“Not any more.” He said as he took out his com link.

“Yes master mercer how can I be of assistance?” Zeke asked his metallic voice startling the two workers. 

“Are the dropships built like I asked. I need food supplies and building units sent to my current position. I have a building that need a severe renovation.” John said as he looked back to the two.

“Yes sir I can have a dozen to your location will you need security forces as well?” Zeke asked.

“Yes two squads of clone troopers in heavy armor should dissuade anyone from interfering.” The man said as he started walking. “Ladies I’d advise you get the children outside this place and take whatever is valuable as well I will not stomach these children to live this way.” He added shaking the two from their shock.

the two quickly gathered the remaining children and various item before ushering the foals out the doors only to stare in shock at the large metallic things out side which had several identical ponies running around moving boxes and tools.

“Good you’ve done well now to rid us of that dilapidated shed.” John said as he and his pupil Trixie both focused on the building before simultaneously lifting both hands ripping the old building, foundation and all, up and directing it to outside the city where it was dumped, crumpling and collapsing into a pile of rubble.

At the sight many pedestrians watched on awe as the mystery ponies started laying a new foundation of duracrete which quickly was flattened and hardened into a new layer the old pipes having been replaced while they were busily relocating the worn out building that once stood. The layout looked similar if not taller that the old in the back there was a section roped off to house the generators and sewage as well as computer bank for them to store data on the colts and fillies.

The whole time this was happening the crowd, which was growing considerably, was awed by how fast these seemingly indistinguishable ponies started putting down floors and walls, the speed at which these ponies work would have put any construction crew to deep and everlasting shame. Several noble while miffed about the orphanage that they tried to get rid of was now being built were more wrapped up on getting the secret to this mystery creatures workers. Even though things were going smoothly there was one issue namely some high flouting mare who was angry at all the noise and had sent her husband to put an end to it.

“You their creature what is the meaning of this? You come in here and making all this racket!” He shouted at John who for the most part ignored the self entitled stallion. “Are you deaf stop this nonsense now! Or are you too stupid to understand me, moronic creature.” 

“I heard you just fine but ultimately I don’t care what you demand.” John said turning to the clone forepony who was showing him the  blueprints on a construction data pad, or would have if the previously ignored noble hadn’t shoved the clone out of the way to continue his rant.

“You see here creature I’ll have you….urk” the stallion began before he found himself hoisted of the ground by the grey lord, by his neck.

“I. don’t. care. What YOU HAVE TO SAY, YOU PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A LIVING BEING. IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE NOW… ahem if you do not leave I will make an example out of you.” John shouted, though the last part which his mouth next to the nobles ear. “And if you give them any kind of trouble, any at all I’ll know and did you see what I did with the old place I’ll do it again only I’ll crush you inside your own home got it.” He asked getting a terrified nodd. “Good now leave.” He growled out.

The other nobles who saw the action called for the guard to do something which sparked an outcry for them to arrest John which culminated in the clones, John had  brought down for this purpose, to grip their heavy weapons grips tightly.

One guard a Sargent approached them to speak. 

“Gentally colt a need to speak with him, this matter needs sorted before it gets out of hand.” He said removing his sword and tossing it to the other guards. 

“Ok be mindful you try anything we will open fire, they” the clone said nodding to the crowd. “ do something we open fire got it.” 

“Yes corporals keep them back! I don’t need an incident to day!” He shouted causing the others to push the crowd back.

As the guard sergeant drew closer he watched the cowardly stallion flee past the clones and into the crowd. Noticing the grey ponds look made the guard hesitant, but ultimately approached him.

“Sir was there any reason for your hostile actions towards that stallion? I have to for the sake of my job.” He asked watching the slightly taller being afix him with his cold grey eyes.

“That waste had the audacity to demand anything from me and harmed one of my workers he’s lucky I didn’t just flash fry him with lightning.” John said with a grunt. “As for weather or not your about to try to arrest me for it He was trespassing on a construction site and private property.” He added, noting the confused looks on both the caretakers and the guards faces.

“What do you mean? Isn’t this the site of one of the canterlot orphanages?” The guard asked.

“Yes but as of today this orphanage and soon all of them will fall under my controls, per agreement with the diarchs of equestria.” He said showing them that particular clause.

“What does that mean for us we’ve been doing this for years.” One asked.

“Well put simply you no longer have to care take for the children I’m having clones trained to to it and droids will maintain the place, but this doesn’t mean your out of a job I still want you to do the front work as well as coordinating with the clones.” He said noting their saddened faces.

“Well if this is it and the seals check out I’ll be on my way, have a good day sir, madams.” He said as he left them passing the clones and explaining what was happening to the other guards who dispersed the crowd.

“While the clones are busy building the new orphanage the children will stay on board one of the luxury ship I’ve had built which caters to children. The duration of your stay will be till the new orphanage is complete.The three dropships behind you already have to destination just load up the ships and they will do the rest.” John said watching three clones step up to assist in herding the amazed children in.

Once the ships left John turned to Trixie who, the whole time remained silent, a smile on her face. Noting it John motioned for her to follow and left the work to his capable forepony. While they walk John spoke. “You seem very happy at the moment. Care to fill me in?” He asked 

“That was very nice, what you did for the orphan foals.” She said giving him a one armed hug.

“Remember what I said? Earlier when I told you how I am.” John asked looking to the former show mare turned grey Jedi apprentice.

“Yes and I quote ‘ I’m and ass I’ll admit it but when it comes down to it I’ll always do what’s right even if my methods are a bit harsh by your standards.’ I remember it daily.” She said. 

“Then you should have realized that this is an action that’s right up my alley.” He said putting his arm around her shoulder.

“Yes master it is and I’m glad you did.” She said leaning into the man.

The two went on to do some shopping with bits provided by the crown which was part of the deal struck between the grey lord and the diarchy for the equipment. The things they bought were spartan beds that were comfortable for the new orphanage and new toys and books for the foals to read and learn as well as a healthy stock of food which would be delivered to the new orphanage upon its completion in a week. 
They also bought a few regular clothes for John and Trixie to wear besides the simple robes,in trixies case, and the armored ones John wears. 

Afterwards they met up with the elements who had been looking for him as their train was delayed. And the princess offered to let them stay till tomorrow, John on the other hand had withdrawn his com link and paged for one of his multi passenger space ships to come down to the castle which was waiting when they got back surrounded by guards who were anxious about its arrival.

Upon confirmation get that it was but a simple transport the guards returned to their posts and we entered the castle and made our way to the throne room but was told that the royals would be in the dining and for them to join them. When we arrived to the dining room we were greeted by the two regal sisters and an yet named unicorn who was looking at John in a weird manner.

“Sorry we are late princesses we had a hard time finding John and Trixie.” Twilight said as they all took places John sitting on Luna’s side across from John, Trixie next to him. 

“It is fine twilight I figured he had been occupied with his current project.” Celestia said giving the grey lord a unamused look.

Before he could speak the unicorn spoke up.

“This creature, does it belong to anypony.” He asked drawing shocked looks from the ponies and a bored and rather annoyed look.

“No he is a inte…” Twilight started before she was interrupted.

“Great than I’ll just claim him for my personal zoo...come creature.” The unicorn said trying to command the man.

“No i'm not some animal.” John said before looking at the menu for what he wanted.

The pompous pony wasn’t happy about that and marched around to grab John when he suddenly found himself floating off the floor unable to move. 

“Touch my master, blueblood, and I’ll fling you out a window.” Trixie said holding she said holding the prince.

The diarchs for the most part were stunned that their nephew would be so bold and by the actions of another pony who was a known traveling magician, mostly by her declaration. John simply ignored the act as if it were not happening. Finding something he’d like waved over a waited and showed her his order which briefly stunned the mare before she nodded and took the menu and leaving to have it prepared. 

Blueblood who had been incensed by the mare struggled spewing out several insults and threats towards her, which didn’t seem to elicit any reaction from her. Seeing this only reinforced his struggling and threats till he was hit with the feeling of suffocation which cut off his rants noting this time the one doing so was the creature of his ire, the one he planned to add to his collection. 

“You know I could end you right now, a simple twitch and a snap of bone and boom dead.” The man said as his hand closed further eliciting a hacking noise for the moronic pony.

“Sir mercer please release him I’ll see he is punished accordingly.” Celestia said as two guards entered.

John sat there for a moment and to everypony their thought he would say no. Until blueblood was hurled across the room to the guards who took a step back as the humiliated prince landed, picking him up they dragged the prince away, all the while he was screaming out profanities and insults at the grey master. 

With that distraction out of the way they all turned back to conversations where John revealed that he found several young ponies who were gifted, and had started renovations on an orphanage here in canterlot, this causing the rest save Trixie to look at him in shock. Of course they were happy he had helped the orphanage, but were concerned as to what he would do with them. 

John who knew they would have that worry told them he wanted those orphans to have better chances at a good life most would be adopters don’t want to go to a place who’s roof was damaged and the paint fading, or missing, the place lost funding because of the majority of the nobles here in the city, the moronic snobs.

this had both princesses attention as they had just allocated a large sum of bits to aid in the renovations of facilities like the orphanages a few years prior. The fact that all of it was claimed to have been spent fixing the few here in canterlot and else were made them suspicious of the committee they left in charge of it. 

When the food arrived they were treated to another shock as Johns food of choice which happed to be part of the griffin section of the menus, a burger. John who was about to start noticed how quiet it got looked around.

“What?” He asked confused.

“What is that your eating?” Twilight asked looking a little green.

“A burger I’ve not had one in a while and this is the first opportunity I’ve had.” He said as his gaze turned back to the amazing smelling food.

“But it’s meat.” The scholar said watching the man pick it up.

“So if you haven’t noticed it every time I’ve smiled but my species is omnivorous. We need meat for protein, for our muscles.” He said before biting into the succulent food. 

They elements remained quiet as John ate their own appetites lost for the moment. The two sisters who were use to carnivorous diplomats started eating as well, Trixie who had learned that omnivore tidbit wasn’t bothered either and was greedily eating her food too. Once John had finish his meal and leaned back he smiled.

“Wow now that was a burger. Celestia please at some point let the cook know my compliments, if you wouldn’t mind.” He said belching slightly. 

“I’ll have somepony relay the message later. For now what else have you done with your day?” She asked.

“Well found the orphanage saw it decrepit state tested the children got pissed had it vacated lifted the old place foundation and all and started the rebuild process today, the children both those who accepted my offer and those who were with not developed enough or didn’t have what I was looking for are staying on a luxury space yacht I had tailored for children till the rebuild is done left a few of my guards to watch over the place till then and prompt scared the piss out of an annoying noble who thought he could demand a thing from me.” He said chuckling.“After that we just were piddling around buying a few things mostly for the orphanage when it’s done, a few nondescript clothes for myself and my pupil for when we don’t wear these robes, and a nice paintings for both the orphanage and the castle turned temple.” 

“I heard about the noble issue, he tried to have you as he said ‘put down’ as if you were a wild animal, but I had him thrown out of court when the guard sergeant showed up with the truth, which contained witness statements about what had happened. You really didn’t make yourself any friends with that.” Celestia said her tone revealing her approval.

“Eh what can he do I literally have a rebuttal for anything  and everything he thinks he can do.” John said as he drank down the second cup of water brought to him.

“Be that as it may if you anger the nobles too much they may start hampering your work.” Luna said looking to the man.

“How all the material used manufactured by me I don’t use anything they have any influence over and secondly let them I’m no stranger to the power of regicide, they best realize in a fight between me and them I hold all the cards.” John said glaring at both of the regents. 

The two chose to not comment on his words and changed the topic of the temple he had spoken of. John basically stating that he had turned the old castle in the everfree into a new temple where he will train those he has found in his arts, something none but Trixie had been privy to the actual name of. A name he was deliberately keeping away from the others, although he may have to bring in the farmer, the caretaker and the pink baker, Johnston noticing their unique force signatures.

That was for a later date as John was tired and began to leave when he two princesses offered him a room here in the castle for the night, his response was polite no as he had called for a ship to take him, his pupil and if need be the others as well. Astonished by his claims they followed him outside to find the ship parked to the side the man and the mare already getting in. Twilight who wanted to visit her family tomorrow before coming home declined as did the fashionista and speedster. 

The other three took up John on his offer and boarded. The ones who remained were treated with the lift off and quick movement of the relatively large ship. Once they were  on their way the pilots charting a course for ponyville John took the time to speak to the three.

“Ok I’m glad you three agreed to come as I have a proposal for you three. Celestia has had your friend sparkle spying on me,don’t deny it I knew she would from go.” John states watching them stare at him shocked. 

“The truth is what I’m teaching these children and my current pupil Trixie is kept secret for a good reason they are extremely powerful and I don’t want them getting out, my students are not going to be pawns in some greedy fuckers plans. not the other nation nor equestria. But you three you have the gift but if you want to train you need to swear not to tell anyone.” He continues.

“Why us?” The farmer asked.

“As I said you three out of your friends have the ability, it’s their waiting for you to discover, I can help but I only will if you agree to my terms.” John said looking at the three.

“Does that mean we have to come to the castle and train all the time? I would like to learn but I don’t want to leave the cakes.” Pinkie pie asked torn.

“You will for the morning training but you can return to them for work you just can’t demonstrate the powers to them or talk about what you were trained for.” He said getting a sigh from the baker.

“What about my animals? I can’t leave them alone for too long, and the get awfully up set if they don’t get diner on time.” The shy animal caretaker asked.

“Miss shy I’m not trying to be mean when i say this but do you want to be a doormat your whole life? You should be the one they listen to not the other way around, and if they have a problem remind them they could just go back to the harsh wilds and find food.” John, who had seen how fluttershy's pets treat her, explained. “Your life should not revolve around them, and if they can’t see that then they sure as hell don’t deserve it.”

“But what would I do without my animals?” Fluttershy asked a fearful expression adorned her face.

“Simple you do like the rest of us do interact with others, this training will help you overcome your fears and make you more self confident.” John said noting the apple farmers frown, most likely from how blunt John had been with the timid mare.

“Give us time to think on it, I’ll let ya know when we have made the decision.” Applejack said getting a nod from John.

With that conversation over they relaxed as the ship quickly zoomed on. When they did reach ponyville the tree mares got out and watch the ship take off toward the forest. Applejack who had remembered how concerned they were was troubled, on one side the princesses were nervous about the plans John had in play and didn’t have much in the way of leverage on John, the other John was telling the truth the entire time he was discussing their coming and training with him, something Applejack couldn’t grasp without information and that information was being held secret by the one who had spoken to them. The quandary made sleep feeling for the mare that night and part of the next day.
> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A week had passed since John made his offer to the three and it had been a week. First Applejack, Pinkie pie, and Fluttershy had told the others of the offer, and what he said to them in regards to all of the secrets revolving around him powers. To say the others were understandably confused and surprised was an understatement. Twilight was also very upset at Johns blatant accusations towards her mentor and princess Luna. Twilight also asked her assistant spike to send a letter to Celestia so she could hear this news herself. Upon arriving with her sister in tow they all sat down to hear the news.

“What did you find out Twilight your writing made it out to be upsetting.” The solar diarch asked looking to her faithful student. 

“Well it turns out that mr mercer had offered three of my friends an opportunity to learn his powers. They said all of it is kept secret because he doesn’t trust you.” Twilight explained.

That definitely got both of the sisters attention. But before they could speak another chimed in.

“You damn right I don’t trust you.” The easily recognizable voice of the man in question.

“Why what did we do to cause your distrust?” The lunar diarch asked hurt by the mistrust.

“You two not a damn thing your ahem ‘nobles’ on the other hand well, better safe than sorry, I won’t have my teachings warped by those who won’t use them properly.” John said walking in with Trixie and a young colt behind him.

“But why keep it secret from us? We would have kept it secret if you asked.” Celestia said. Getting a nod from her sister.

“Because the powers I wield would at the least leave you speechless and a building headache and at worst scare you catatonic.” John said sitting next to the potential three. 

“How? What can your powers do that our magic can’t?” Luna challenged.

“The force is by far the most powerful thing in the universe. It surrounds us binds us it can extend life and snuff it with a thought, there were some who could use it to reverse death, Luna. In the wrong hands it can end entire worlds snuff out stars even crush moons, now do you want this to be common knowledge or would you rather I and my order be the only ones with access to the knowledge?” John said looking at the two shocked and frightened regents and the elements who looked terrified.

“You mean that anypony with that power could do untold damages? How would you stop somepony.” Celestia asked a tremor obvious in her voice.

“Easy because I only train those I feel won’t use them for that kind of action and if they did I’d end them myself.” John said looking to the two apprentices, who in turn looked to him sorrowfully. “I don’t expect you to fully comprehend this but it isn’t just your nobles I don’t trust but the other nations who would undoubtedly try their best to find gifted force sensitive individuals for their own army. You both saw how quickly I was able to stop you and I was being diplomatic what if the next one is an assassin for one of the less savory countries hmm? What then you’d both be doomed and you're nation destroyed. That is exactly what I’m trying to prevent.” He added before stilling. 

“You were looking out for us? Why. I mean I get why why, but why for us?” Twilight asked looking to the man.

“Because beyond our rockie first meeting your nation has been much more accommodating that I truly thought it would be. It shocked me you and your friends though the whole time were trying to glean anything you could for your leaders, which had you just asked me for a private talk , would have been much easier rather than all this spying, I still knew you truly wanted to befriend me even if we disagreed on some things. Miss sparkle.” John said shocking them further.

“You really care about us don’t you?” Fluttershy asked getting the mans attention.

“Yes, and I’m tired, in truth I look what twenty six? I’m actually closer to fifteen hundred.” John said looking down.

“How are you like us immortal, are you the alicorn of your species?” Luna asked.

“Remember what I said about the force being powerful, well guess what happens what you take the life force of everything living on a planet and transfer it into on single being.” The man said as tears started to fall. 

“You don’t mean, why would you?” Celestia said raising a hand to her mouth.

“I didn’t, the former grandmaster of my order did, he wanted there to be one of the grey, a first and last, so here I am the unwitting subject of one of the most horrible force undertakings ever.” John said sobbing. “Every single time I look in a mirror I’m reminded of what I lost….my friends and fellow masters and knights as well as every youngling there was the locals who were so nice and trusting all gone, the second time that ritual was done, the first time it was ever used, there has only ever been three of these force rituals done, ever.”

“Unwitting how did they get you to it if you didn’t want to in the first place.” Rainbow dash asked shook up from the information.

“I was knocked out and bound to a slab by, what I guessed when I awoke in the chamber.surrounded by empty robes and ashes. Once I broke the chains and got out I found the whole place was empty no people no animals even the plants were dead. It scared me so I gathered everything onto a ship, called a person to sell them all and left, For most of those many years I wouldn’t even use the force, it wasn’t till recently that I restarted using them, sorry I’m a bit rusty from lack of use so I started training in and swore that I wouldn’t let what happened to my old world happen here. So yes that is my reasoning for being so secretive.” John explained. Getting sympathetic looks from the sisters and the elements and a few hugs from his students. 

“I I don’t know what to say… I’m sorry for your pain, please know we would never ask you to do something that we ourselves wouldn’t do.” Celestia said standing up and approaching the depressed man, pulling him into a tight and supporting embrace.

At her action all of the present ponies joined in adding their support. They stayed that way for about ten minutes just letting themselves be an anchor for the man who had lost so much. When they all stepped back they found that he was looking less sad and more happier than they had ever seen him.

“Thanks you all I... l needed that.” He said wiping his face with his robe sleeve.

“Anytime Johnny you don’t have be alone anymore.” Pinkie pie said hopping on his back for a hug.

“Yea I’ve finally found a place to truly be at peace.” He said rubbing the mares arm.

“Well with that out of the way have the three of you agreed or no either answer will not affect my opinion of you.” John asked looking to the tree.he first to answer was pinkie.

“Yep I a have and my answer is absotively posolutely.” She said smiling widely. Following her was Applejack.

“I reckon it be worth doin sides it might help with the farm.” The farm mare said nodding to the man. The last was Fluttershy. 

“Oh um well I talked to my animal friends and many of them agreed it would be good for me, although some were not happy with the idea of the change, I’ve decided yes I’d like to learn. You said it can be used for healing then it would make it easier for me to help during a medical emergency.” The timid mare said. “ if that’s ok with you.” She added hiding behind her mane.

“Excellent well when I and my two other students get ready to leave I’ll need you three to come with for your robe fitting and orientation.” John said. “ oh and miss shy please tie back your mane it’s hard to see your pretty face if it’s hidden, think of it as a…. lesson on improving your self esteem.” He added using the force to gently moving the mares long mane behind her ears revealing her blushing face. 

When they all exited they all headed to sugar cube corner for a few snacks and a chance for them, though Celestia and Luna had to bid farewell not before John caught their attention.

“Look I can’t give you the fire arms I use but like I said I can give you some more effective policing equipment. It’s not much but they are much more effective than spears and swords. Oh and if either are having a bad day or night I don’t mind to come by and talk even if it’s just to help you pass the time you can, I usually can go several days without sleep, or if you want entertainment in the form of me dealing with an unruly noble.” He said his tone sincere and truthful. Though the last parts both touched and made the two laugh. 

“Thank you John we both appreciate your offer and I may take you up on it some of them are getting a bit uppidy lately.” Celestia said as her and her sister teleported away. 

“Those two, they work too much.” John said lowly as he returned to the others.

The rest of that day was spent roaming around the town with the girls as they showed him around, greeting everypony and enjoying the day, but as it goes all good things must come to an end and John along with Trixie and blitz and the three future apprentices all headed back to the castle temple for their first lessons in harnessing their newly discovered latent abilities. Their beginning training would take the rest of that month and a full quarter of the next before the three could efficiently use their newly awoken power. Applejack who’s force abilities leaned closer to the force jump, force lift, push, and pull abilities where she was able to lift exceedingly heavy items and objects. Pinkie pie who, somehow, was able to learn to refine her force lift to mimic they way a unicorn lifts and manipulates objects,  making her skills as a baker that much better. And Fluttershy whose skills were naturally aligned to healing was quickly becoming the resident force healer, everything she learned was geared toward it, meaning she would be the fastest and most skilled doctor if she chose that path. Her confidence in that time had grew as well no longer was she jumping at everything but was more open and involved because of it.

The three did have things they had to adjust to namely the communal bathing, seeing their master and fellow apprentice strip in front of them was a shocker, but they eventually got use to it. Another was Johns near constant teasing them, it started off simple poke and prod here and there while they were meditating to teach them to ignore it, But would ramp up to him constantly groping them both physically and with the force to throw them off during exercises and dodge training.

The only one who fared better in this regard was pinkie who simply said she was used to being groped and touched by others from some of the more adult themed parties she had been to. John who had been listening at the time smirked and started on pinkie at random at times,although it didn’t seem to phase her but seemed to reinforce her will of course he also wasn’t surprised when pinkie showed up to his private room often to talk to him about the different ways to throw the others off. 
she also explicitly stated she was always open to a little fun, as long as it was relegated to anal and oral, she was wavering herself for her for her honeymoon if and when she got married.John who admittedly was a little pent up would agree and several times take the mare up just to relieve some stress from those days they both agreed that it was just simple sex for fun. John noted that there may have been something building but only time would tell.

The next was Applejack who at first was very distracted by his actions which usually culminated in her swinging at him for it, after she realized what he was doing she quickly learned how to tune out the sensations. She also learned from pinkie how to steel herself for when he started during further training. She also ended up being the one who John generally tended to talk to about improving the place, less in the since of decode and more in practicality. John also felt something from the mare when he and her were alone. But like the pink mare he tabled it.

The one who needed the most work was Fluttershy, John had been working hard with her to stop, this culminating in her getting the most attention from him in regards of actual lessons but in his relentless pestering and antagonism. It hurt him somewhat to have to pick on her the worst but he knew that she needed the extra push so he did even after all the breakdowns she had over it, the paralyzing fear from the sudden touches both from him and the force, and the tears shed from his constant pushing her. 

He had almost give up when one day he pushed just enough to get her to push back. From there she started to improve she was now at the level her friends were at the start but was starting to make real progress. 

Trixie who would come by for her lessons was also teaching the younglings found at the orphanage, on how to sense the force and how to learn proper meditation. She had become an adept mentor for the youth, having dropped her speaking in third person to become their teacher, John who was proud was about ready for her to face the final test to see if she was ready to take on the full responsibility of the position of master warden, having been made knight warden shortly after she completed her advanced training while the other three adults were just learning and John had began planning for the younglings who were getting use to their new home. 

That is where they are now with all of the younglings and the other three as she stepped into the area John had told her to. The final trial she would face would be the trial of the grey, where she would put all of her teachings to use in a fight against two force constructs one of the light and one of the dark. John who had finally brought Trixie up to the harbinger to create her first lightsaber. Her saber was a saber lance which doubled as a monk staff when the blade was extinguished. She was also told to design her master warden ensemble for If and when she finished her final trial. 

As the mare prepared for her trial the others were busy asking John questions.

“What’ll happen when she starts this here shindig” Applejack asked looking to the man.

“Once she starts she has to finished there are only two ways out originally either you succeeded or die, I changed it to where if your knocked out you fail and it takes three years for one to take it again, but I have a feeling she will pass she’s been training on her own and studies harder than anyone I’ve ever met.” John said never taking his eyes off of the mare as she deactivated her saber staff.

Standing John spoke out to the small crowd of younglings and the mares. “ today one of our own takes her final step in her training. Today she takes the trial of the grey here she will face two sides of what she would be like under the dominion of either the Jedi or sith this is her test, no interference will be done. She must do this on her own, make no mistake this challenge is meant to test all of your skills.” John said looking to the former show mare who looked back at him with a determined look. “ are you ready knight warden lulamoon?” 

“Yes grandmaster I have made my preparations, I have trained and meditated, force is my guide.” She replied bowing.

“Then it has begun May the force be with you knight.” John said as he erected a force shield around the arena. 

The moment it went up the two force manikins both shifted to look like the mare before them though both were vastly different. The left one wreathed in a blue aura had on bright white robes with three bands on her left arm her fur was vibrant and her eyes seemed far brighter than necessary. The right was dressed in an a black, armored robe her fur was pale and her eyes were yellow she had several scares across her and had a snarled look.

“Oh look little miss beatrix lulamoon has arrived.” The left said smiling. 

The right smirked and spoke. “So the oh so great and powerful Trixie decided to show. What kept you, scared?” 

“I’m not scared a wise fighter prepares, that is what took so long.” The knight said not rising to the dark side projections bait.

“Smart move Miss lulamoon but did you repair enough?” The light side projection asked.

“Only one way to find out.” The darksider said while leapt at the mare her saber staff lighting up with a crimson blade.

The two danced the dual of blades Trixie was holding her ground while letting her opponent wear themselves out. When they broke Trixie noticed that the lightsider hadn’t moved which perplexed trixie till she felt a disturbance and left away ad the ground she was at was crushed by a large force push. 

The battle went on for some time John looking on in neutral indifference. While the rest watched anxiously. Trixie who was fighting and dodging was getting nervous as the fight progressed, her energy which was backed up by the force was starting to run out and she was looking to options to win this fight. Running through the various things she had been taught she remembered on vital bit John had said about dealing with two opponents, the easiest was was to enrage one then lead them in the blind rage. 

Formulating a plan of action Trixie started by taunting the darkside projection, 
succeeding and driving it into a fury as she lead it toward its counterpart who was to busy trying to amp the darksider. She didn’t realize the trick till the opened her eyes in time to see the red saber staff blade slice down and cleave her in two. The darksider who quickly regained her composure realized her error but not before it was sliced in two at the waist and decapitated. Ending the trial and earning the former magician her victory. 

When the fight was over John lowered the force shield and stood, his face neutral and composed.

“Knight lulamoon, you stand victorious in your trial and have earned your new title of master warden. Stand and acknowledge her.” He said raising his hands as the others started cheering and clapping.

Trixie who was happy looked to them as she had called mentor for the last bit and watched as he looked to her with a content smile. The celebration that night was heard all the way in ponyville, much to the pleasure of its citizens.
> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following months saw many new students at the temple John who had visited the other canterlot orphanages have more or less emptied them of force sensitive children and found several adults who were. The children who came in first were a boon in helping the new arrivals settle in and helping them start in their training of the first four were easily recognized as the leaders of the younglings, blitz among them the first to help out, the man noted. John who was impressed with them chose to take them on as his newest students, Applejack,pinkie pie, and Fluttershy having finished their basic training and trial were anointed as knight wardens as had Trixie been.

speaking of the once a braggart shown mare, she took to her mentor role well, no trace of the egotistical and self centered mare was to be found in the mare now. Trixie has taken over as the basic training mentor and was doing a damn fine job at it, the mare had truly shown her colors as a teacher. 

As for Applejack, pinkie pie, and Fluttershy they too had taken up rolls at the temple as well juggling between learning new teachings and helping Trixie with the younglings.
Applejack had taken up physical training, helping the children by keeping them in physical shape. Pinkie had basically taken up the roll of temple psychiatrist, she friendly demeanor and approachable attitude made her well liked by the older children while her child like enthusiasm made the younger trusting of her. 

John who was teaching advanced courses also kept records of the temples finances and stores. With the old treasury being remodeled and stores in the castle being expanded upon. Of course all the supplies were from his ship so the cost was just in fuel which he found was abundant in a nearby space cloud, the find being considered best news for fuel stores. John was content at this the treasury had a large sum of bits and stores were full. Johns trade deal with equestria was going fine though it did have several….hiccups along the way.

One such problem came from the senate of noble houses. It was at their chamber house that John stood, having been ‘summoned’, more like commanded, to show up before them over some bullshit contrivance. Well he was two weeks late for the summons, mainly because he shows up when he wants to not when commanded. 

The guards out front were nervous upon his approach, but relaxed when he removed the helm and smiled.

“Evening guards ponies are they in?” John asked faintly hearing the snobs shouting through the door.

“Yes and they aren’t happy about being ignored sir.” The senior guard said with a sigh.

“Well fuck them I’m not some dumb animal that can be commanded, and I sure an hell don’t take commands from stuck up shit stains like them.” The man said pointing at the door.

“Well they are waiting and the more they wait the longer their rant is going to be sir.” The junior guard said , wincing form a particular shout from inside. 

“The do realize I could vaporize this building if not by myself then by my ship right?” John asked looking to the guards. 

“It wouldn’t work, the survivors would just force us guards to come after you even if it’s in direct conflict with the princesses orders. If not the dumber guards then their own house guards and mercenaries after you, all the while trying their best to make the rest of equestria hate you.” The senior guard said, getting a nod for his younger companion.

“Whatever lets just get this over with, oh and if you smell ozone take about twelve steps forward and don’t look back.” John said cautioning them.

After he entered the secretary at the front desk up to see who had entered upon seeing the grey lord she sighed and motion him forward.

“You took an awfully long time to get here.” She said grasping a quill in her magic and writing down his arrival while sitting through a pile of paperwork. “They have been ensensed by your actions and haven’t stopped in three days, this is the third time in two weeks.” She said giving the man a glare.

“Well if they’d learn to not treat a dangerous individual like he is a dog to be commanded I would have showed up to humor them. You would think they would be more cautious, my first thought after receiving their first ‘ summons’ was to level the building.” The man said adding air quotes on the summons part. 

“All that would achieve is more problems for you and leaving me without a job.” The mare said with a sigh, almost as if she wished he would.

“You don’t like working here do you?” John asked the unicorn. 

“No I’d rather leave, but my father says I’d never find a better place to work” she replied looking down.

“Come work for me I have several mines that send in reports. I need someone who can compile the numbers into baseline quantities and statistics rather than trying to culminate it all myself. Whatever they are paying you can’t be close to what I will.” John said enticing the mare.

“Really a secretary job, how do I know that is true?” She challenged. Looking towards the doors. 

“How much do you make at this job?” John countered.

“Barely enough to feed myself and pay for my home here in the city.” She said grumbling explicatives under breath.

“How about two hundred and fifty bits an our room and board free just paying for then food.” He asked causing her to stare at him. 

“Sold.” She said as she sat down staring off into space. 

“Head home I’ll tell them of your resignation and an get the essential items you need like clothes and items packed once your done wait outside this building we will set it all and leave.” John said causing the mare to jolt into action. 

When the mare left the man sat down in a chair and smiled, the smile faded quickly as the doors opened and a unicorn pony stallion walked in and spoke.

“They will see you now sir be advised they are not happy, at all.” The stallion said before turning around.

John followed the stallion for about a minute before stepping through the doors and into the chamber where all eyes focused on him.

“Finally the creature shows up.” A noble mare near the back said in a snarky tone getting a few laughs. 

“Says the coward in the back who wouldn’t say it to my face.” John simply stated getting appalled looks from several. 

“Silence creature, your betters are about to speak.” On near the front said smugly.

“I didn’t know my former master had clawed herself from beyond the grave to see me? All I see are a bunch of stuck up snobs in need of a proper ass whopping.” John said turning to the noble and glaring. 

“Insolence! You will be quiet creature we determine if you leave here Ali….” another said before being silenced with a force choke.

“ no you lot don’t if anything I’ll determine if weather I slaughter the lot of you or you get to keep your pathetic lives.” John said lifting the noble up in from of the others, silence encompassing the room.

“My good sir please let him go,he is a fool.” One noble nearest to John spoke. Looking to the stallion he noted wasn’t dressed as gaudy as the rest with a moniker on.

“Hmm because you asked politely and I like your sense of style I’ll oblige your request.” John said releasing the near suffocated noble who fell in a heap on the floor choking and sputtering. “By the way what is your name? I can sense all the snobbery on you that I can in the rest.” 

“My name is sir fancy pants, and it’s a pleasure to meet you at last lord mercer.” The stallion replied.

“And a pleasure to meet you as well, after this, come meet me I may have a business proposal for you.” John said shaking the stallions hand. 

“Yes yes greeting out of the way let’s get down to business shall we, some of us don’t have forever.” An older stallion said as he called for silence. 

“Yes to business.” John said returning to the center.

“Your sir are called here for several issues. One operating mining sites without approval, demolishing buildings and rebuilding without work permits and residing within equestria without citizenship or a work visa. How do you respond.” The old stallion asked after listing off the charges.

“First the mining was granted by the crown more specifically by the crowned sister your superiors, the second the buildings prior were mal maintenances due to this very courts greed I being a more generous that should disposed of the old buildings and built new ones that my workers maintain and repair. As for the last one I was personally welcomed to equestria by the regal sisters, princess Celestia and princess Luna. They gave me permission to do so, in their former home in the everfree mind you where only one other soul lives a zebra named zecora. I am for a lack of a better term in retirement.” John said watching the once smug nobles fuming. 

“The most homered regents granted you permission to do as you have said where are the documents?” The court head asked.

John just simply pulled out the papers showed the royal sisters seal on them and opened them to read.

“They read and I quote ‘the holder of these documents is hereby permitted to operate within equestria as long as these operations do not endanger the ponies of equestria and are hereby permitted residence within equestrias borders. The holder is also permitted to rebuild and maintain buildings or demolish building if they are in dire need. As per the trade agreement between the equestrian royal sisters and the extra terrestrial known as John mercer’ , that is me, ‘signed princess Celestia Solaris and princess Luna nocturne.’ Here Sir fancy pants you can read it yourself.. John said handing the letters to the one decent noble.

Fancy took and read the letters and read and read, all the while scanning the documents with his magic. After about ten minutes fancy stopped and rolled each letter back up.

“Well sir fancy is he speaking the truth?” The old noble asked.

“Yes lord hammersmith they are real documents and they say exactly what he is saying.” Fancy said handing back the documents to the man. 

“Well if that is it I do believe that concluded our necessity of this farce do you have anything to declare, mr mercer?” Hammersmith asked looking to the man neutrally.

“Yes the reason for my delay in coming here you seen beyond sir fancy pants and yourself I’ve seen very little reason to have acknowledged to summons especially when the summons reads as this ‘creature bring yourself before the benevolent masters of equestria immediately’ that is not something I’m going to respond to kindly next time. This is the first and only warning I’m giving to this council. I’m not some dumb animal nor am I beholden to you, if you want my cooperation then treat me with respect otherwise you will find me a very very dangerous enemy.” John said lifting his have to showing the electricity running up and down his hand and forearm. 

“Yes apologetically the pony who wrote that will be dealt with immediately as for further issues I expect the lords and ladies if this council to respect the laws as well.” Hammersmith said glaring at the noble who John nearly choked to death earlier. 

“Then by your leave lord hammersmith..have a wonderful day.” John said bowing to the stallion who stood and gave one, although not as deep, back. Afterwards he left to find fancy pants standing in the atrium waiting. 

“That was an impressive show you put on.” The stallion said as he followed the man outside. “For a moment there I thought you would have killed several of them in there.”

“I would have.” John said shocking the stallion. “But they were smart enough to stop so they live. As for my deal let’s walk and talk I have to pick up my new assistant. On that note you may have to find a new front desk worker for this place the last one quit.” 

The two walk for ten minutes before stopping outside an apartment complex right as the mare in question stepped out, shocked that her new employer was at her now former dwelling and the fact that she expected to be back long before the end of the hearing was done. 

“Sorry sir I just finished with packing the essential stuff pictures and clothes as well as a few mementos. My bed and everything will be shipped to where ever I need it when tomorrow my former landlord agreed to that at least.” She said with drawing a quill and note book.

“We won’t wait that long I have a crew to move you in a minute.” John said as he signaled the team, one he had in waiting shortly after she left and he entered the chamber.

Confused by his words the two jumped as they saw a large ship arrive and several jumpsuited clones disembark walking into the building. One came over and relieved her of the carry bag. Looking to the man who merely smiled and waved her to follow. 
The two finding it prudent followed the man into the ship where other clones awaited them. 

“Welcome aboard my lord is there anything we can do for you?” One asked surprising the two.

“Yes I need a spare long range data pad brought here and an a spare com link as well my new assistant will also be needing someone to bring her up to speed on what her job details and teach her how to work her pad as well as operate the com link.” John said as two clones left and a third stepped forward and approached her. 

“This is fascinating, old boy you really do keep rolling out the surprises.” Fancy said watching as the clones all roamed around doing their jobs. 

“If you like this you should see the main ship the harbinger of fate. That is a sight to see.” John said as he spoke with another clone who was informing him they had stored all of the cargo. 

“If so then I hope one day I may see this ship if it’s as magnificent as you say. “Fancy said as they watched the young mare was receiving her impromptu training for her equipment.

“Now miss just speak your whole name to the pad and your occupation and it will be linked to your station.” The clone mare said.

“Ok my name is silver quill and my station is assistant for lord John mercer.” The young mare had said as she held the device. It flashed a few times before lighting up with panels and lists, some had numbers, and notes already on it while several reports were highlighted on the pad.

“Ok so for how the pad works is you’ll get updates for projects and alerts from the various ships and sites we currently have your job is to read through them in less they are marked urgent, the easiest way to know which is which is the colors. Red is emergency, yellow is an alert but not as important, and green is minor issue or updates. There are two others they are purple and orange. They both are used for ground work, mostly expeditions purple means they need supplies that on doesn’t need his express notice but mentioning it was cleared is always smart. Orange means the expedition found something, this on will have a number system from 10 to 1, that being least important to most. Depending the number will determine when you should alert him to it.” The clone said watching the mare lookover the screen memorizing everything.

“Right now that you're equipped for the job let’s head on out as I have some discussions with my friend here on trade and imports.” John said as the two followed behind. Upon exiting the ship it took off leaving the two watching and the grey lord silently chuckling.

After the two got over their shock of seeing a ship take off the three headed off towards the market row, namely because John had things he was after and so that silver quill could get a few furnishings for her room back at the castle. While they walked John spoke with fancy about a trade deal lucrative to only him, which ame in the form of various tools and equipment john had planned to sell mostly involving things he had traded with the crown now he wanted to to be more available for the farmers of equestria. 

Fancy who saw the advanced nature of Johns technology was willing to be the middle stallion for the transactions, mostly because the ponies he had planned to market them to were not in the city and were the poor farmer most vehemently taxed by his, in his eyes hated, fellow nobles. John who was content that fancy was more than willing to help, shook the stallions hand before the stallion branched off heading to do his own things. The rest of the day was spent shopping for various items, either for john or for silver, so with pockets slightly emptied and several new item being shipped to ponyville for pickup John called for his personal speeder ship and the two headed for the castle.
> Chapter 10
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

John was bored, how bored very. With the students out training and no new issues have arose, this left him in a pickle as he really didn't know what to do. Deciding he was curious he decided to take one of the communal speeders and fly to ponyville to see the other half of the elements were up to. Upon arriving he found the town hadn’t changed much, having avoided the place for the majority of the time since his arrival left him unsure of where everything was. His quandary was solved when he saw twilight walk out of a building, quickly catching up and gaining her attention he resorted to walking with her, which found him learning about ponyville and where everything was in the little hamlet. 

Once he parted ways with the mare he went off to talk to Rarity who was actually looking for him, something he found intriguing as his interactions with the fashionista had been minimal at best. Upon reaching the mares abode he found the door open and voices coming from within. 

Once the man enter he was met with an interesting scene, in side was the stallion big Macintosh, the prismatic mare Rainbow dash, and the mare he was after Rarity as well as spike who was barely holding the mountain of cloth in his hands. Once everyone inside realized they had company.

“Hello everyone pardon my interruption, but twilight said you were looking for me Rarity.” John said watching the mare in question move in his direction. 

“Ah yes darling I don’t know if you have heard but the grand galloping gala is coming up in a weeks time and I was wandering have you had a suit made yet?” The fashionista asked watching his reaction.

“No I haven’t, namely that I’ve not gotten an invitation to it or at least no one has said if I was invited.” John said watching them look at each other.

“The princesses said you were invited when we saw them last. They said that you have been ignoring them for the last month.” Rainbow said folding her arms.

“That is news to me as I’ve not talked to them in about five months, not since I was up there for that stupid summons from the ‘nobles’ of canterlot and that was to let them know I had found someone I trusted to ensure that the equipment I was trading got to the right places namely the farms willing to use them.” John said.

“Oh well they said messengers were sent but couldn’t get to the castle temple you are staying in. Something about the rope bridge being out.” Spike said wobbling slightly as the mountain of cloth shifted. 

“Ah yes we had an uninvited guest in the form of a manticore and let’s just say it wouldn’t listen to Fluttershy when she tried to talk it into leaving the place. It’s safe to say it won’t be bothering anyone ever again.” John said.

“That still doesn’t explain the bridge being out.” Rarity.

“Oh the manticore took it when I hurled it over the chasms edge. Ripped it all out. We just didn’t think we’d need one with my ships and everything. Maybe I need to send a crew to rebuild the old bridge, or at least build a bridge, and clear a land road for others to use, walling it off so forest creatures don’t bother travelers on it.” John explained while the last was spoken out loud to himself.

“Still the messenger should still be here in town, but first do you have something to wear?” Rarity asked a hopeful look that spoke volumes.

“Well I do but it’s rather, well, let’s just say it extremely intimidating in the wrong setting. I have to get one made but who could…” John said as he started but then looked at the tailor who was starting to act giddy. “Miss Rarity if it isn’t a bother would you be able to make a suit for me for this gala I’d like to at least dress well if I attend.”

The mare for her part nodded vigorously and waved hi to follow over to her measuring stand. Smiling she gathered a notebook and quill as well as several different measuring tools.

“Well sir mercer if you would I need to make the ensemble proper I need precise measurements. If you would, I need you to remove your clothes so I can...can..” she started before falling silent upon seeing the man in all his glory his robes and everything removed.

“Is everything ok?” The grey lord asked upon seeing her blushing face.

“Ye..Yes...I was just caught off by your, um, physique...your rather well tone if you don’t mind me saying, but do you not have any undergarments?”  Rarity as trying her best not to stare at his ‘assets’. 

“Yes.. ah sorry I figured when you said precise you would want nothing in the way one moment.” John said grabbing the undergarments from the pile and placing them back on. The others who were the had blushes as well but not for the same reasons. 

“Right well apologies sir mercer I shouldn’t have been so excited. You are the first and possibly only of your kind here on equis and I kind of wanted to make you something.” Rarity admitted as she got the numbers and dimensions for the suit, all the while making mental ideas. 

“It’s fine I shouldn’t assume that everyone is comfortable with naked bodies as those of the order.” John said laughing.

“Oh my is nudity common?” The fashionista asked.

“No but we all bathe communally meaning there isn’t a soul there that hasn’t seen each other naked, myself included. It is a tradition from my old world I’ve kept alive.” John said. 

“But wouldn’t it be a bit weird?” Spike asked after putting the pile down.

“At first yes, but it’s meant to be a focus and trust builder. Truthfully it also builds confidence as it removes the need to be shy about your appearance. Something your friend Fluttershy has excelled at given how she started, another thing allows for everyone to enjoy the beauty of the natural body, to see the differences but also the similarities between all of us.” John said stretching his arms for a moment after the measuring tape released them.

“Fluttershy? really? The poor dear is usually so reserved about her appearance, often going to great lengths to cover herself up, her being self conscious about her body.” Rarity said frowning. “Although it is good to see she is beginning to lose that self consciousnesses she has always been plagued by.”

“Yes she at first was very nervous but after sometime she lost that attitude and like the rest of the order she adapted to our ways so don’t be too surprised.” John said looking to the rest of them. 

“You know I’m curious?” Rainbow said looking at him with a suspicious look.“You take communal showers, and baths, with everypony, how do we know you just not a pervert and just want to see naked mares?” 

“Well yes I am perverted in my own ways and my training style, namely because my master was the same. Another thing it’s not so I can, as you put it, ‘see naked mares’  I actually did it to remove the stigma of embarrassment, because I’ve have learned that danger can com at the most inopertune moments and breaking you if it makes you capable of fighting and evading, when clothes are forgotten. That and it’s extremely distracting to the opponent, unless they are trained like you.” John said watching th mares reaction. “Besides if I was wanting to I’m willing to bet there are a few mares around here looking for a bit of release.” He added making her confused.

“What makes you say that?” She asked.

“Remember I can read minds and let’s just say some minds are far louder than others.” The man said looking at the prismatic mare and giving her a wink, which caused her to gain a heavy blush.

“Oh..oh okay if you can read minds what number am I thinking of?” She said as she quickly thought up a number.

“Seven...now three….now you’ve thought lucky guess...now your shocked and asking yourself how….now your trying your damnedest to not think about anything.” John said watching the mare silently freak out, silently laughing at it.

“What? How? That is a scary invasion of privacy.” The usually cocky mare said stunned.

“Yes that is why I normally don’t go looking into, usually I don’t, the thoughts are loud enough as is without me actively searching.” John said as the fashionista finished with her measurements. 

“Well This has been very informative day I’ll send a message when I’m done Rainbow if you would, could you lead John to the royal messenger so he can collect his ticket.” The mare asked looking to the flyer who had froze at the idea of being near the man, not out of fear but of elation.

While the fashionista was busy working on the suit, after a few questions on coloring which boiled down to black, blue, and grey. The two set off towards where the messenger was. The mare for her part was trying to maintain her cool, given her current infatuation with the alien man. Passing through town they saw many ponies going about their day Lyra was at the local cafe with her roommate, and rumor has it her marefriend, bon bon. Vinyl scratch and Octavia were not far away preparing a small stage for them to do their duo concert for that evening. 

When they arrived at their destination they found said messenger walking out of the building, who upon seeing the man stomped towards him, fuming. 

“You know it’s one thing to live out in the forest, but how by the sun and the moon does anypony get there by hoof?” The messenger asked a little loudly.

“Normally no one comes there by land they usually are brought in by air speeder or a small cargo ship. That bridge was extremely unsafe and was taken when a manticore tried to muscle us out of the temple and I flung it out and into the ravine.” John said watching the ponies mood change. “ as for your package I believe from here on out just leave it with miss sparkle or one of the other elements. As they will be able to reach me better.” 

“The can be arranged, us messengers take great danger traveling the forest.” She replied. 

“Well try again here in a few months I’m going to have a team doze and build a road to the temple that will be safe to travel.” John said watching the mare as she rummaged in her bag before revealing the letter addressed to him. 

Popping the letter open John read through the short letter, which was written by Celestia, it ultimately accumulated to pleasantries and notifying him of the event and his invitation, which was a gold ticket, and a message saying for him to speak with her at the Gala on a new trade topic she had in mind. 

Once the message was delivered, and John handing over what amounted to two thousand bits to the mare, he parted the mare and headed towards sweet apple acres where Applejack was working at the farm helping her family both through her physical mean and her new force abilities. Upon arriving he found the family in an argument with two unicorns who had guards with them. 

“For the last time we don’t owe them a dang thing. we ain’t even met them before.” Applejack said in a heated tone. 

“Ma’am these two have written statements saying you do.” The left guard said watching the elder of the family frown.

“Where sho us these paper, I want proof and until then y’all can leave.” The cowpony turned warden said.

“Ma’am we are here because they are legal documents and….” the second said getting irritated before finding himself pulled backwards by an unseen force.

“Unless you have the papers and allow them to read them then you have no business here and if you try to push this issue I’ll be more than happy to send you on your way.” The grey lord said as he confronted the first, the second still stunned from his impromptu trip.

“The doesn’t involve you, creature, these two have legi…” The first began before he too found himself taking a force assisted ride as the man stepped towards the two unicorns who now looked very much so nervous. 

“Now with the useless pests out of the way let me see this so called documents.” John said holding his hand out.

“Why should we, better yet who are you to interfere with our business?” The first asked with a snort.

“Me I’m the one who will jettison you into low orbit if you don’t. Swindlers like you two are a credit, or bit, a dozen. Now show me the papers…. NOW!” John said as his hands crackled with lightning. 

The two realizing their predicament. Quickly forked over the documents which the man started reading through. He thoroughly looked through the documents before he looked at the two and frowned.

“What kind of scam is this? You really think they would just hand over their farm? It’s a fake. The water marks that signify these as legal is missing and the signatures are fake they were stamped on I know the apples don’t stamp their signatures. Now do you two want to explain why you tried, and how you managed to fool them two. Or do I need to call for an actual official?” John asked watching the two, who were now more terrified than ever.

“John what does it say?” The usually stoic stallion Big Mac asked.

“In short it’s faked to say that they now own the farm and that you all are to be bonded to the in indentured servitude for no less than thirty generations. In short enslaved. Unfortunately for them I’ve seen thousands of fakes over my life, now Applejack go get an actual guard force to arrest them, these papers will definitely land all four in jail for some time.” John said as he lifted up the four.

The apple mare nodded and rushed off, returning several minutes with three of her friends and surprisingly princess Luna, who was pissed. Upon seeing the regent of the night the four started to visibly shake in fear. 

“Lady apple said these three tried to pass a fake contract to own them?” The lunar princess asked looking at the them with a disdained look.

“Yes and I caught them in the act, if you’d like I could just deal with them.” John said as his hand closed causing them to panic feeling themselves squeezed.

“No as much as it would be wonderful to see executing criminals for these kinds of crimes was abolished five hundred years ago” the regent said watching the four visibly sigh. “The two guards are in known but the two unicorns ar the infamous film flam brothers con ponies who have swindled many a poor pony of their property, either with these fakes or their flawed products, truthfully there is a substantial bounty on them for capture, sir John.” 

“Well give it around to those who lost shit to them it’s not going to replace whatever was taken but it’s compensation for the trouble and while I’m at it, i need a piece of paper. I believe I can point you in the direction of where their ill gotten gains are.” John said as he wrote it down after the youngest of the handed him the items. 

The guards who had been part of the scam were arrested along with the brothers all the time shouting their innocence and cursing the grey lord. After that was done John turned back as the apples and princess Luna waited.

“Well glad that I over with. Now what was I coming here for?” John said holding his right hand to his bearded face.

“Yes grandmaster What was you coming to say?” Applejack asked watch his face scrunch as he dug back through his memories. 

“What indeed….ah yes it’s about your current rank in the order...Well the drawbacks and benefits of it.” John said as he snapped his fingers on hi right hand. “And that there will be new training methods being brought down for saber training and learning. Mostly PROXY droids as they have access to the archives and can become holograms of various individuals form the different factions from the past.”

“Ok well what are these benefits and drawbacks you were talking about?” The farmer asked curious. 

“Well the drawbacks, because it’s easier to get through. Number one with your position means you fall under my command and must come when summons the communicator I gave you is for that. Second if called its usually to deal with a threat to the temple or order. That is the worst of the drawbacks.” He said watching the mares gaze shift to her family.

“Golly will I be away from the farm for too long?” She asked rubbing her exposed arms. 

“There is where the benefits come in, now that you are a knight you can request buildings such as silos and duracrete building which mind you are far more durable. Secondly if you do, aid requests can be filed to me for various tools and personnel. Also your training will be amped up including star fighter pilot training and saber training as well as leadership training, in the event we are dragged into a war you'll be in command of a star ship and ground force as the general in charge.” He said causing everyone to look at him shocked. “The benefits out weight the drawbacks.”

“Shucks if that’s all ok when do I need to start the other training and how will I call on those construction, or submit a request?” Watching her family discuss the ideas.

“That is Simple go to one of the data terminals and select requisition tab and type in your name once I get it I’ll speak to you, or if you see me ask. As for the saber and pilot training that starts next week, I need you to continue working with the younglings till the proxies get in place then….then we can continue with that one question you asked a few weeks back.” John said getting the farmer to blush slightly. 

The rest confused by his statement turned to the apple mare who blushed further watching the man head off towards the town.
> Chapter 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two days had passed and John was actually happy… no not happy content with the rather situation he was in. John had received a message from twilight saying that fancy pants and his wife were waiting on him in ponyville. Upon arriving John smiled and greeted the stallion who had quickly become a close friend him, once that was over John was introduced to the stallions wife fleur de lis. The mare was quite stunning in her appearance wearing a nice white dress that accented her body well.

“It’s a pleasure as always fancy pants, and a pleasure to meet you as well lady fleur.” John said While the three walked around.

“Ze pleasure is mine, sir mercer, my husband talked about you and your feelings towards ze other nobles, zey sicken me, always prancing around dressed like old prench aristocrats, I’m glad my fancy is nothing like zem.” The mare said nuzzling her husband.

“That is very true lady fleur, very true. Fancy pants here is the best example of what a true noble should be like. Shame very few of them realize that.” The man said watching his friend blush from the mans words. 

“Please John, fleur, I’m just trying to do what’s right.”He said humble tone, a slight blush adorning his face.

“That, fancy is why I say you are a true noble. Your out to help the nation.” John said with a laugh. “ but I believe you didn’t just come down here for nothing how can I help?” 

“Well I did come down to visit you but if your interested I’m looking to fix up the old district in canterlot it the most run down section of the city. It’s been that way since the council pulled funding from its maintenance budget till there wasn’t any.” He said one of stallions hands curling into a fist.

“Say no more fancy how many building are you planning to do at the moment I can assign a few clone building crews to help they have been a bit antsy since I had them rebuild the orphanages and added extra buildings back at the temple.” John said pulling out his data pad and opening the link for the request.

How many team do you have?” Fancy asked looking to the man.

“There are five regiments of engineer clones on the hand of fate right now, six if you count the regiment at the temple right now I can have an arquintin troop transport loaded with two regiments and supplies on route in a day. They love to build especially if it’s meant to last a long time.” John said typing the request on to the pad and sending it to zeke. From there the request was acknowledged and processed. 

The rest of that day was spent with John walking them around and showing them where he had started a road. After fancy and his wife left John returned to the temple to test the proxies for the advanced courses and beginners to intermediate saber training. His testing took the next three days for him to help the proxy droids calculate the optimal intensity as well as switching the sabers to training. He was engrossed by the work he was surprised when his warden knights and his one master warden walked in and called his name.

Upon deactivating the course he leaped over to them landing softly causing them to all clap. They were there to tell John that the others were asking for him to come over and stay at the library till the gala was over, to him it was trivial but he relented when he noticed his former students pleading looks. 

Once they got out they left sarge, who had come down with the latest batch of clones to see how things on the ground were, in charge of the temple with the instructions that this would be seen as a resting period where the children wouldn’t have their training and were advised to take the time to rest and enjoy the relative peace till they returned. John had his multi seater speeder brought along as it would be their transport for the gala.

When they arrived John sat the speeder down next to the treebrary where they were quickly met by the purple unicorn, who had informed them the others had arrived shortly before. Upon entering they found the others sitting on the floor as the tables and chairs were moved to the sides for the sleepover. The others all greeted them as they all entered John who had packed his bag and kit sat down and unrolled his sleeping bag and removed the armored overcoat he he’d worn that morning revealing the sleeveless tank top he had on and removing his boots as he went to the bathroom and changed into a pair of baggy training shorts which were just robe leggings with the pants removed to the knee. 

Once he was back he found everyone in a circle with a spot between Rainbow and applejack, which he walked over and sat down.

“Ok so what next?” He asked looking to the mares who all looked confused.

“What do you mean?” Trixie asked her friend who shrugged.

“Do any of you know how many of these I’ve been to….short answer is four, and they were all so long ago I’m fairly sure Celestia and Luna were both not even alive then.

“Wait What….how can you….oh yea my bad.” Rainbow started before clamming up at the mans withering gaze. 

“Well how about we play a game? Anypony, I mean, body got an idea?” Twilight said stuttering slightly. 

“Oh I have one.” Pinkie said before pulling a bottle out of her low cut shirt causing everyone, but john, to blush. “ truth or dare, naughty style.” She said with a grin.

“Well this party got cranked up to an 11, and we haven’t even broken out the booze yet.”John said chuckling at the others reactions. 

“Ok but let’s have some decency, no pony has to do something if it crosses a unreasonable line.” Rarity said getting okays from everyone.

“Ok I’ll go first!” Pinkie said as she spun it, which lander on Rainbow, who gulped slightly. “Ok dashie, truth or dare?”

“Ok dare.” Rainbow said gaining some of her bravado back.

“Ok I dare you to….. remove your shirt.” The pink mare said causing the prismatic mare to blush, but otherwise comply revealing a nice sky blue bra with her cutie mark on the right breast cup. Once she did it she spun the bottle which landed on Rarity who looked nervous. “Your turn Rarity truth or dare.”

“Truth, I’m not nearly ready for any dares, yet.” The fashionista said.

“Ok have you ever put out on the first date?” Dash asked getting a shocked look from her friend. 

“No I may have dated several stallions but a lady never lets herself act like that.” She said slightly taken aback by the question, nonetheless she spun the bottle only for it to land on Fluttershy who epped slightly. “Ok darling truth or dare?”

“Oh um dare.” The usually shy mare said, an move that stunned her friends.

“Ok well hmm I.. dare… you… to….. oh I dare you to remove your robe.” The fashionista said getting a heavy blush from herself and a chuckle from the man, the action getting her curious, only for the man to say you’ll see. 

The butter yellow pegasus slowly undid her robes and let them fall to reveal her fully nude body, which now looked incredibly fit, the other all gained blushes and quickly did their best to continue. Fluttershy just spun the bottle before it landed on pinkie.

“Ok pinkie truth or dare.” The yellow pegasus asked smirking.

“Truth and make it a good one.” The hyperactive pink mare said.

“Who here have you had any kind of sex with?” She asked making the pink mare smile.

“Two here only one have I been with multiple times. Dashie once after a mega party and we both got too drunk, sorry dashie, and John.” The mare said making John smirk and the prismatic mare blush.

“John any comments on that?” Fluttershy asked looking at the man.

“One that mare could suck a boulder through a straw and it’s amazing.” He said watching the pink mare give him a bedroom look. The others all stared at the two hints of jealousy on several of them. Pinkie then spun the bottle, which landed on John who laughed.

“Ok John truth or dare?” The pink mare asked.

“Truth I’m not scared.” He said 

“Ok how many mares in this room have you thought of bucking?” She asked bluntly.

“Well let’s see you I have, at least you’ve blown me and I’ve done anal with you. Rainbow just because she looks like it would be fun, and I can think of a few great positions we could try. Applejack because I’m sure she wouldn’t pass out on me going all out. Fluttershy well before she started I would have because I hadn’t seen such innocence in a long time and why waste the chance at feeling it, but at the same time not because she was so innocent. Twilight because I’m willing to bet it would be an eye opener to her. Truthfully I could see myself in a relationship with everyone but Rarity, no offense but I’m just not that interested.” He said making the last mare frown.

“Am I not beautiful enough?” She asked looking to the man. 

“It’s not your looks, quite frankly I’m surprised you didn’t have a stallion, or mare not judging, by now. It not your personality, before you ask. your just not one I’ve had any kind of interests for.” He said making her look down. “I’m not saying this to hurt you there is already someone who is trying to get your affection as is, besides you remind me of my adopted older sister from back before the ritual. She was always going on about clothes, hell half my sense of style is because of her.”

The fashionista was still disappointed but brightened by his admission that she had at least gained a familial bond with the man. Though a bit of that information had her wondering who the mystery pony was that adored her. The man who had gone back to being quiet had spun the bottle watching it go round and round until it landed on the farmer, who gulped.

“Ok AJ truth or dare.” The man asked.

“Truth. I have a feeling I know the question.” She said nervously.

“Do you have feelings for anyone in this room?” He asked looking at her neutrally. 

“Yes I do. “ she said in a low voice. 

The others watched the scene unfold as the normally strong willed and stoic farm mare was reduced to a nervous mess who was doing everything in her power to not look at the man, she scooted closer to the man all the while in her head she was trying to build herself up to finally do it. Once she was closer she finally looked him dead in the eyes. 

Then it happened she leaned forward and kissed the man, who while having known her feelings was slightly stunned, but soon returned the kiss. The other were stunned pinkie Trixie and Fluttershy all smiled, as they expected this, rather hoped, it would happen, Rarity smiled as she was happy for her farmer friend and the one of a kind man, Rainbow turned away as she clutched her shirt and forced back tears. Twilight was part giddy for her friend, envious, and embarrassed. 

Once the kiss ended the two stared at each other, smiles  adorning both as they silently admitted their feelings. The two would have stayed that way if a certain fashionista hadn’t broken the silence by speaking.

“Oh my well it seems we have a joyous reason to celebrate now.” Rarity said dabbing around her eyes with a napkin.

The others, save Rainbow who just slipped away upstairs, and Fluttershy who followed the speedster, congratulated the two. While the cider was broken out and the game having been forgotten for the moment.

Fluttershy followed her downtrodden friend to a upstairs room where she was met with the blue pegasus sulking on the spare bed. The mare was startled by her usually shy friend sitting next to her. 

“Your upset, and I know why Rainbow. You should bring him and AJ aside and tell them, you may be surprised.” The usually butter yellow mare said looking at her usually brash friend.

“How, am I supposed to just say hey john can you and AJ come here and just confess my feelings?” The flyer asked looking at her longtime friend. 

Little did the prismatic pegasus know John and applejack were nearing the room having both noticed the emotions of the pegasus moments ago and were coming to talk. John who had reached the door by the time the flyer has spoken, waved the apple farmer to be quiet while they listened.

The prismatic flyer turned away so that she could look out of the rooms window with a depressed look. “That isn’t likely to go over well.”

“Dashie you don’t know that John is more understanding than you might think.” Fluttershy said looking to the door as the man in question and the apple farmer walked in both having a neutral look. “Actually I’m fairly certain that they both would be willing to talk to you.” 

“And how would...would…” Rainbow started before going silent at the sight of the the two in question.

Warden shy if you would we need a moment with your friend.” John said as Applejack stepped to the side.

“Of course grandmaster I’ll see you all down stairs in a bit.” The yellow pegasus said walking away, not before shooting a wink at her friend.

Once the three were alone John looked to Applejack who, just as curious as he, nodded for him to start. Silently sighing he stepped forward. 

“Dash is there something you want to say?” He asked standing before the mare, who was silent, her head looking down. 

“Sugarcube you need to speak now John's here and you have the chance.” The farmer said. 

“Why you’ve already claimed him… or do you not remember the bet from back then?” Rainbow said making the farmer stop before sighing.

“RD we both made that bet a long time ago, and I for one don’t care about it, let’s call it null and void now.” The farmer said stepping over and placing a hand on her friends shoulder. 

“Well how can we the bet is over you won, and now I can’t…..” The pegasus mare started before quieting into silent sobs.

“Applejack what was parameters of this bet?” John asked looking at the mare.

“We bet that if we found a stallion we both liked whoever managed to get him to start dating them first was the winner, the loser had to forfeit the right to date until the winner said otherwise...the problem is that I said back then I’d never drop it, so that is the issue.” She said looking down.

“Did you two hate each other at that time? Never mind, this... is now and you can change your mind.” John said rubbing his face in annoyance.

“Well yeah. I’m sorry Rainbow we should have never been so competitive.” Applejack said hugging the prismatic mare. 

The two stayed like that for a minute before they remembered their third party, who was just leaned on a wall smiling. 

“Glad to see that you two have made up, but what now?” He asked as he folded his arms.

The two were stunned for a moment before they looked at each other smiled and grabbed him yanking im to the bed and locking the doors. That night was a good one all things considered.
> Chapter 12
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day of the gala was a interesting one starting when they all woke up, john whos wake up was kisses from Applejack and Rainbow dash, his mare friends. Upon finding out that John was in a relationship with two of their friends, the others having still been a little surprised about the first, were further shocked at that.

After a good breakfast everyone gathered in the main part of the library where twilight told them some new information, it mainly concerned John, but would be an issue now that AJ and dash had become his mare friends, the griffin kingdom and the zebra had sent delegates to attend the gala and him not being widely known might cause an issue. John being his usual self just said he would handle them if an altercation happened. With that out of the way they all spent the time talking with John, mainly things he had experienced during his time back in the wider galaxy. John having his memories was willing to tell them some of his experiences but opted to leave out some of the worst part due to how horrible they went. His story telling had them entranced for so long that spike had to remind them that the train was leaving in an hour. 

With that revelation everyone was quickly getting showers at twilight’s, vacating the bathroom, where they dressed in their outfits for the night. John smirked as he saw the clock show that they didn’t have time to get to the train before it left, noting that he decided to have a special speeder come down from the harbinger to transport them. Once everyone was down and gathered did they realize their mistake all looked crestfallen until they heard the tell tale sound of one of Johns ships landing.

Upon exiting the nature made building they found a startlingly beautiful speeder with a chauffeur waiting for them.

“Ladies this will be how we arrive tonight, I had it prepped just in case so now we will arrive in style.” John said as he walked over where the door was open. The others followed after him entering and sitting in the available seats. The rest of the little hamlet watch the speeder take off heading to the capital, Canterlot, the ride up the girls, spike, and John all enjoyed the ride, the former seven all gawking at the speeds the little ship was moving at. 

In canterlot Celestia was nervous. Her original plan was to discuss new trade with the man, which would be a net gain for equestria, news had reached a few others of the man and they were not happy about that. The delegations sent were there to ensure that, she knew it so, that equestria didn’t hog the technology. She knew who the two delegates were, griffins being Heinrich grey claw, a militaristic traditional ho had now love of equestria. And prince zedimer the calm, of zibrica, he would be an easier to deal with as his father, high chief zedroden the balancer, wasn’t a warlord like several prior high chiefs had been. 

Celestia was shaken from her thoughts as she heard a surprising sound coming towards the castle. Looking she saw the steadily growing shape of one of John’s , so called speeders heading towards them. Deciding to meet them at the drop off she was greeted to the sight of the eight occupants emerging with John wrapping his arms around two of the elements and walking towards her, she noted John was dressed well and carried himself gracefully. 

Once they all got closer John stepped forward and gave a polite bow. Smiling as he re righted himself before speaking.

“Greetings your highness lovely evening isn’t it?”He said as he placed his arms back around his dates. 

“Yes although weren’t you all supposed to take the train?” The regal alicorn asked looking at them.

“Yes but due to some well complications we missed it, but I decided that just in case I’d have one of my more luxurious speeders brought down and it delivered us here.” The man said as the party moved into the castle after showing their tickets. 

Once inside Celestia politely asked if John would step off to the side and speak to her. Once away from the festivities she quickly started explaining the situation.

“I’m sorry John, my original plan was to discuss potential trades for minor technology but it turns out the both the griffins and the zebra have found out and well I’ll let you guess which was the more troublesome of the two.” Celestia said watching the man's face as a frown adorned it.

“Let me guess the griffins? And what pray tell to they expect to do?threaten me, try to force me to give them tech, move? Believe me Celestia when I say they have no control over me.” The man said as he folded his arms.

“I’m less worried about any threat they make to you, you have more than enough power to make them moot, but they may decide to target equestria.” The regal said worriedly.

“Well If it does come down to a fight, remember, I can and will level armies long before they could get remotely in range. Secondly it would be them starting it and attacking my trade partner, that is, in my books, a very big hell no.” He said as he place a hand on the mares shoulder. 

The two returned back to the party where John found AJ and dash waiting, the two moving to his side once he rejoined them. The three toured around the room, watching the band play, and occasionally getting John to dance with them. Nearing the midway part of the gala John felt a hostile emotion hearing his direction as well as another who’s emotions were more cooled, turning John noticed what had to be the griffin delegate and the delegate from the zebras. 

The griffin had an air to them, posh, snobbish, and egotistical, john hated that mix the zebra was more refined, his movements seemed measured and he seemed to glide almost, the oddest part was the zebras gaze, his eyes never leaving where John was. The two were quickly moving through the crowd, John sensing a issue started making his way to a empty room nearby, all the while sending a warning to Celestia to rendezvous with him in the room.  

Waving the two mare off he quickly told them he had some business to take care of and would be back an a bit, Applejack having notice the tale they picked up quickly grabbed dashes arm and lead her off. With them gone John moved quickly to the door and opened it finding the solar princess waiting with a table.

“They will be here momentarily. Is suggest we take our seats now, don’t worry I’m prepared if things go wrong.” John said patting the tube on his belt. 

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” She said as the door was thrown open and the two delegates walked in, well the zebra did, the griffin marched over and sat glaring at the two.

The room remained silent for a few seconds before the zebra spoke. 

“Greetings strange one we have heard tale from travelers that equestria was playing host to a being who claimed to come from beyond the stars. Seeing you now I can understand why they said so. My name zedimer the calm of the combined tribes of zebrica. My colleague is Heinrich grey claw of the griffin kingdom. “ the zebra said breaking the silence.

“Yes I was alerted to the two of you when I arrived, our host was kind and spoke to me on your request to meet.” John said calmly.

“We are here now, and I for one am curious about what kind of technology you’ve been giving them.” The griffin said with a heated tone. 

“Not much mostly farming droids and me buying a few buildings that desperately needed renovating, I plan to build several standard train tracks as to speed up the transportation of goods across the country.” The man said watching the two. “Or do you mean am I giving them better military hardware?” 

“Are you giving them military weapons?” The zebra asked.

“Nothing groundbreaking mostly beefing up the police force, mainly better restraints and detection devices, I’m not going to start a planetary arms race.” John said watching the zebra. 

“Celestia is he truly doing only what he says?” The zebra asked, while the griffin just glared harder.

“Yes, He was rather adamant on leaving the military alone. That and we wouldn’t begin to understand how any of it operates.” The regent explained.

“And you didn’t just demand them for residents?” Grey claw asked, bewildered by the mares response.

“Let’s just say I’m not the person to make demands of, it usually ends in disaster.” John said leaning forward.

“And how would that happen you just one. In fact the equis world council demands that any and all technology be turned over immediately or we will come and take them.” The griffin said slamming his claws on the table.

Celestia looked at the man who to her surprise was motionless. The three watched the man for a few seconds before his hand flicked and the griffin was flung back against a pillar. The two looked back to the man only to see an empty chair, the two twisted around to find the man standing a foot away from the bird. 

“You know it not polite to make threat against someone who, mind you, hold all of the cards. Your petty threats are meaningless to me as any and all actions you would take would only damn you further.” John said as the room suddenly dimmed. 

“John what are you doing? This will only make things worse!” Celestia said trying to talk the man down.

“No that is called placating, Celestia, I will not be threatened.” The man said as electricity arched around his hand, causing the smell of ozone to fill the room. 

“Mr. John while my colleague isn’t in the right to make that demand especially when no demand was issued, to harm him will only cause such a demand to be made. Please let’s not cause an incident.” zedimer said calmly stepping close to the man to look at him. “He I a fool and I will be sure to alert his regent of his actions as well.” 

The man stood there looking at the griffin who was staring back with a terrified look. For a moment they thought he would certainly attack, only to be shocked as the man turned away and the griffin to drop onto the floor in a heap. The two sighed momentarily before gasping as the man rushed closer to the bird and ignited his saber, its grey blade zipping out centimeters from the griffins head, who closed his eyes and curled up in fear.

“Let this be a warning, griffin, this is but a small taste of what I have in store. If you or anyone tries to take what belongs to me I’ll glass your lands till nothing remains, understand?” The man said looking at the griffin.

The griffin for his part nodded his head vigorously. Satisfied John turned off the blade and reattached it to his belt before returning to his seat where he motioned them all to return to their seats so the meeting could continue. The zebra returned as did the solar princess, the griffin did at last after the zebra was able to coax him into the seat.

“Now firstly apologies, zedimer, you had to witness that side, but threats do not sit well with me. And apologies Celestia for the damages to the furniture and the pillar.” The man said as he looked to them. 

The meeting took a few minutes for them to talk. In the end John had agreed to trade farming droids two the zebras, they were in a bad drought and were starting to feel it as several fires burned crops and villages.

The zebra agreed to speak to his father about letting the man send a mining team to one of the deserted areas of their tribal conglomerate. The griffin sat silent mainly out of fear and partially because the man refused to budge when it came to anything military related. Grey claw was shocked from his thoughts when his name was called by the zebra.

“What? Sorry I was rather lost in thought.” The griffin said looking at the zebra.

“I asked if you had any requests such, as farming or construction, we were able to get John to agree to having construction teams come and build. I thought you would like to discuss any possible repair or renovation projects the man’s teams may speed up?” The zebra asked watch in the griffin turn to the man, who had sat neutral with his arms folded. 

“The only thing the griffin king wants out of this is weapons, and given your already established refusal there is nothing to talk about. This meeting, as far as I’m concerned is over.” Grey claw said as he stood up and walked away, not before stopping and looking at the other two and nodding.

The rest of the night went well with John returning to his two mares and hanging with them, mainly tricking nobles and guards all night till it was over. Whatever tomorrow holds could wait till then.
> Chapter 13
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the gala behind him John spent his time focused on expanding the temple and gathering more resources. With the old castle now remodeled with more towers and the wall now a nigh impenetrable. The next projects he has to do is build a hanger for the members starships as well as storage depots.

Another more practical build project is to start making the secured road from the temple to ponyville, this being a trust builder project to ease the locals minds. With construction clone crews dispatched, John leaned back and sighed, for a moment he felt a silence, in that moment everything faded away and the force was calm. John felt this and smiled as he reveled in the peace he felt.

His peace was interrupted, when a burst of fire happened above his desk, and a letter materialized from the flames.
The letter briefly falling only to come open as the ribbon holding it closed split from a mini saber he kept on his desk, which the man had grabbed when the flames appeared. Using the force John read the letter, identifying the writing as Celestia’s.

Noting the main reasons for the letter, as he quickly found after he quickly scanned the letter.

Firstly she wanted to inform him of a world leaders meeting that was taking place in a months time and that He was requested to attend.

Secondly that a trottingham orphanage was burned down, none inside were hurt, but it is completely destroyed, and ponyville is being asked to take them all. This was mostly her asking him to intercede and assist, the best he could figure, not really a big issue.

Thirdly, there was a group of nobles, who she said he could trust, who had come to her for a way to speak to the man. Something that had him both impressed and cautious about due to the multiple times he had to run off stubborn nobles who harassed the locals at ponyville, something he found annoying as it made his current standing dip due to their attitudes, he had taken to leaving several squads of specialists clones and a battalion of droids.

The final part of letter revealed that there was a tournament being held by the world nations two weeks after the meeting. The man's emotions towards it were confused, annoyed, and surprised.

He was confused by that at first wondering why she wrote it, followed by annoyed once it clicked that she wished for him to come with her, and possibly fight in it, and lastly surprised at her even asking him to come with, figuring she would have simply used her best fighters for it. Surprise came lastly when he thought that maybe she did it out of necessity and pressure rather than willing, though she figured he might go regardless.

Standing up John left his room walking along the halls of the temple upon entering the ground floor he could hear the telltale sounds of learning coming from classes. This put a smile on his face as he exited the main doors to see several adept students training with the beginner sabers and speeders. Leaving the classes he walked to where the bridge would be noting the beginnings of a road heading towards the location. Turning around he made his way to his personal temple meditation chamber where he would often go to calm himself and to practice several different force techniques such as force mind walking and mind projecting.

Changing out of his current outfit, his heavy robes and chest plate vambrace and shin high guards. To a set of standard grey robes he uses when he projects from long distances. Upon changing he walked out towards his meditation chair he tends to use. Lowering himself to the chair he began his steps to prepare himself.

As he meditated and prepared himself he remembered a technique that a Jedi had used before to project himself in another area while he remained where he was. Once he had calmed himself enough he began to channel the force while focusing on canterlot, more specifically on Celestia.

With his focus on the solar diarch he mentally projected himself where she was. This ended up with his projection appearing in the middle of the throne room with dozens of nobles and guards all equally shocked at his surprise appearance.

“Greetings,  princess Celestia, wonderful day isn’t it?” The man asked watching a slight smirk briefly adorn her muzzle.

“Hello John how are you?” She asked as she walked down from her throne.

“I’m fine, other than a particular letter I received, it has been a fine day.” The man said as he watched the rest of the room.

“Oh and what is troubling you about this letter?” The princess asked knowing it was her letter from earlier.

“Well other than the anonymous tip about an orphanage being burned down and an obvious plea for my intervention as well as said anonymous individual alerting me to an interesting group here in canterlot, I’ve been intrigued.” The man said as he rubbed his beard with his biological hand. His words sent a murmur through the crowd of nobles.

“That is most interesting indeed.” The princess said neutrally, as she motions for John to follow her

John briefly used the force to tap into her mind and receive the name or names he needed, once that was done he moved to match her pace. The two left the throne room as the nobles left seeing as their diarch had, more or less, forgot them.

“There was news that a tournament was coming up soon, I personally enjoy a good tourney, but don't know where or when it is happening. I believe it would be an excellent learning exercise for my advanced students.” The man said watching the princess’s expression changed slightly as he mentioned his students.

“Yes, the pan equis tournament, it is being held in the city state of sheeplton. It was decided that they would have the honor of hosting it this year after the botched tourney last year in the caribou lands. It was majority agreement the tournament was to be hosted by some of the smaller nations for the next few years.” The princess said as she and John walked down the hall. “This was mainly to improve the trade of all the small nations.”

John, having heard her words,nodded sagely and folded his arms as the robes wide sleeves covered his one good arm and his cybernetic one. The two carried on their walk in silence for a few minutes before John spoke.

“When you sent the letter, the tournament, were you expecting me to do the fighting?” He asked as they came to a stop.

“I would have asked you outright, due to the lack of skilled knights here in equestria, but it was mostly if you would bring some of your more experienced students.” She said watching the man’s semi hidden face.

“Like I said it would be a perfect learning opportunity for my current top students. Letting them learn from watching the duels. And letting them get a feel of what it’s like elsewhere on the planet.” The man said getting the princess's hopes up.

“Does that mean you will fight or are you just going to watch?” She asked.

“I’ll mostly watch, but if I see a chance at a decent fight I’ll go for it. Mostly due to my current status as a noncitizen of both equestria and equis. I’ll also be doing some business in that area if I find something worth the investment.” The man said getting a slight frown from Celestia.

“I had feared that would be your answer. I guess Luna was right in her anger over the lackluster skill of equestria’s current knights at the moment.” She said as they entered a library of sorts.

“As I said if I find a fight worth fighting I’ll consider it but I won’t interfere if a student of mine chooses to fight.” John said as he scanned the shelves before pulling a book out and sitting down at one of the tables reading the title and flipping it open.

The princess sitting across from the man summoned a book as well, the two were silent, with only the flipping of pages to disturb the quiet. That was until a guard came running indiverting the twos attention.

“I’m sorry for the intrusion but a commotion happening outside, princess Celestia and we need your help.” The guard said as he stood at attention.

Noting his serious tone she stood up as started out as John kept reading. Making her way out she found the issue was several diplomats were stirring up a fuss and were demanding to see her and her sister.

Upon getting within proximity of the rabble she started to pick up some of what the issue was, namely who, the growing rabble had taken issue with. Chief among them was a Minotaur warrior who was violently shouting at the guards who were doing their best to stay stoic.

“Where is it, where is this so called human? Many say he is dangerous, I’m here to test that!” The mino shouted waving a large sword around getting both guards and other rabble rousers to back far out of his reach.

“He is currently reading in the royal library,after a lengthy talk and discussion, he and I wanted to enjoy a moment of quiet and do some leisure reading.” She said walking up to the guard wall.

“Word is He is powerful I demand to see his strength for myself.” The mino bull said pounding his fist against his armor.

“As I said he is…” She began before another voice rang out.

“It's fine princess Celestia. The man wants a demonstration I’m more than willing to oblige.” The man in question said as he neared the line stepping up to the celestial sister.

“Are you sure, I know you were enjoying the book you were reading.” She said watching the man stretch while calmly stepping past the guards.

“I was but this gentleman will not leave till I demonstrate my power so I figure a quick one will be enough. ” The man said before turning to the Minotaur. “Now you wish to see my power... Ok I will show you.”

Before the bull could charge he felt himself lifted off the ground, the rest watched the man lift his hands higher and higher. The bull was thirty feet off the ground before he came rocketing back down slamming into the ground, this happened five times before the man mysteriously brought the beaten and bloodied bull to face level.

“Now does this satisfy your curiosity?”The man asked as the bull weakly nodded his head.

“Good now I have one more it is two word. The first start with y and ends with t. The second starts with t  and ends with  an n. Do you know what it is?” He asked, getting an even weaker shake. “ Well it’s called the yeet train, And it is powerful. Guess what bucko you got first class.” The man said grabbing one horn and a hoof.

“All aboard the yeet train!!!” he said as he started spinning around with the Minotaur , he spun five times before he used force push to send the bull off into the distance with a mighty yeet.

The others still shocked at the display, stood there watching the ever fading image of the minotaur tumbling hoof over snout. This lasted for a few minutes before they all turned to the man who was dusting his hands off smiling. The smile faded as he noticed the shocked looks.

“What? He asked for a demonstration so I gave him what he wanted.”  He said before popping his neck. “Well small demonstration, gotta keep a few secrets now don’t I?”

With that the man started back to the castle with everypony splitting to let him by.
The princess, looking back to the crowd. Moved to follow the man back, pausing briefly to look back towards where the bull disappeared.

Upon returning to the library she looked at the man who smiled waved and disappeared. Shocked she ran to the spot where man sat and the book he had been reading was marked but the chair was not warm. Confused’ and more than a little scared’  she left the mark and returned the book to the shelf it was removed from.

Heading out she once more looked back in the room before sighing. She knew the headache she would receive from the tantrum the nobles would pitch, after that little display of power.
> Chapter 14
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The week following the overwhelming show John had put on, the bridge was completed, as well as the expansion of the everfree mine John had commissioned several weeks prior. He was also receiving letters from business enterprises, and the seemingly never-ending demands, from the nobility, to turn over his technology, all of those were promptly burned. He was also receiving letters from small frontier towns seeking aid. The top three were a frontier mining settlement called Silverton, miners who were being threatened by diamond dogs. In a farming community called Green Hills, crop yields were suffering from an unknown reason and none of the scientists that had looked into it could find a reason. The third was a small port town that was being raided constantly by pirates. The biggest question over it all wasn’t why they needed his help, but why they were asking HIM in the first place. 

The quandaries perplexed him as he was, for a lack of a better term, a non-citizen. He wasn’t part of the kingdom of Equestria, yet these cities, which were, are asking for his intervention. This would need some tactical diplomacy if he did seek to aid these places. 

Having placed the letters off to the side he focused on the other letters before him. A few were progress reports on other construction sites such as the landing platforms and the construction of the cargo haulers, of which six were operational. Not to mention the space stations he had in construction as a means to make new production facilities. 

The next letter was a detailed one on how well his students were progressing, a letter written by Trixie, detailing that with the addition of the proxy droids, who were using their holo systems to project different force users, the current student learning level was accelerated ahead of the original estimated time frame. This pleased him as he was looking forward to seeing his newly rebuilt gray order thrive. 

The last two were letters from fancy pants and the mayor of ponyville, the first was for John to meet with the stallion to finalize some details for their business venture. The last letter, addressed from mayor mare, was of a similar venture john had briefly discussed with the mayor last they spoke. Something John was very much so looking forward to. 

The day was starting to turn out great until his comlink went off. Sighing John activated it. “Yes, what is it?”

“Sir, we have an emergency, the acclamator, spirit of defiance has suffered a major power failure and is being pulled down to the planet's surface.” This caused the man to perk up as the clone continued. “We evacuated the crew, but the ship has reached too low an orbit for us to use the tractor beams to save it.” The clone reported over the link. 

“Damn, any idea where it is falling?” The man said as he rushed out of his chambers and hopped down to the ground floor using the force to slow him down. 

“Yes sir, it appears that the trajectory will cause it to crash land on the village close to the temple.” The clone said as a cold chill ran down the man’s spine. Quickly stowing the comlink he dashed to the advanced classes. Bursting into the room, causing all to turn to the man in shock. 

“All advanced students, we must make our way to ponyville, one of the acclamators in orbit is plummeting towards the village, the ship in question suffered a catastrophic power failure.” The man said as they all scrambled to the entrance. Moments later the entrance of the castle turned temple burst open, startling the clones who were working the partially done landing zones. They all looked stunned but snapped into action when John started giving orders. 

“Landing director, I need five LAAT troop ships brought here now and several fire suppression ships prepped for a crashing acclamator. We will alert you when a landing site is plotted.” He said in a commanding shout. 

The clone in question started speaking into his headset as the advanced grey students gathered near to their head of their order. 

“Students, my star disciples, we are needed. Ponyville is in danger.” The man said getting shocked looks “ one of the acclamator in orbit had a massive system failure and is plummeting towards the small village. We will slow it down and direct away to a place it can crash safely.”

“Do we know how a failure of this magnitude was able to happen, grandmaster?” One of the more adept acolytes inquired as to the LAAT gunships started docking with the half-finished landing platforms. 

“I have a hunch, but I had hoped that issue had been dealt with before my arrival, but it seems that issue is still showing it's annoying head again.” the man said as he jumped in the gunships troop bay as Trixie and the others and in no time they were bearing down on the village. 

The ponies of ponyville were stunned as the gunships passed over them heading towards the town hall, where mayor mare was watching fretting as to why their enigmatic neighbor would suddenly appear with a startling number of strange and scary vehicles.

Exiting the building, the mayor approached the first ship, which opened to reveal grandmaster John, who stepped out of the ship followed by several students. 

“Mayor mare apologizes for the scares but there is danger coming.” the man said as he started gathering the students.

“What danger? Is it monsters? Bandits?” the mare asked following the man as he went.

“no, nothing like that. One of my ships in orbit is falling to the ground after a catastrophic failure. the trajectory shows it's crash landing site is ponyville.” the man said, in a somewhat exasperated and sarcastic tone, as he quickly moved to the center of the gathering.

“what oh dear do I need to call for an evacuation?” she asked as she followed after the man in a hurry. 

“no time, the ship is closing fast and the people wouldn't get out fast enough….” he said as he got to the middle, turning away from the worried mayor, he continued. “... Oh and we are diverting the ship's course to outside the village's edge” 

 He looked at his gathered students, taking a second to focus before he spoke. “Ok everyone, we need to divert the ship away from the village. Use the force to find the ship," he said as he too searched for the falling starship. “ Once you have it, grip it, and push,” he said as he started to force push against the sizable vessel, noting that it was slowly shifting away from the original impact site to a more safe impact site.”

As the group focused on the plummeting ship, the rest of the town watched in equal parts fear and amazement as the glowing ball of fire in the sky started to slow and angle away from their home. 

Amidst the collective of force users, several were sweating as they struggled to shift the ship with their fellow students. At the center, John was watching the gathering keeping most of his strength in wait. to gauge his students' advancement in their studies. As the ship got closer he noticed that it was progressing well. 

He was suddenly brought out of his thoughts by the pained cry of one of his students as their concentration broke and they collapsed, this started a chain reaction as several of the others followed suit. John, for his part, started giving more of his focus to the ship trying to take the strain off of the remaining students as the ship bled off-speed and speedily relocated to a landing spot he picked out on the road to canterlot.

The purpose of this spot was two-fold, one being an outpost to keep bandits away, as well as a fallback zone for both canterlot and ponyville, should an issue arise sometime in the future. It also helps that the ships Hull was intact, well a few plates of armor may need repair or total replacement, but that can be done at a later date.

After the relatively large ship was down the residents of ponyville cheered and celebrated their survival, while John and his students were moving back to the LAAT’s to head back to the temple, and cheering the ponies responsible for saving them.

“Harbinger, come in’ its mercer,” John said as he stood near the back of the L.A.A.T as his students gathered near the open bays to wave. 

“Yes master, how can we help you?” Came the reply.

“I need a detachment sent to the now beached starship to turn it into a fort. Preferably turning the ship itself into a safe zone for the locals.” He paused for a moment before continuing.”Leave the ship's engines just hide them and get it space worthy.” 

“Right away, master, is there anything else you need?” The voice asked.

“No that will be all.” The man said as he closed the link. Placing his com back on his belt, he relaxed as the gunship headed back to the temple.
> chapter 15
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

John was not having a good day, It seems that fate has an interesting sense of humor, or just likes to infuriate the man, after the incident with the starship that fell to the ground the steady stream of harassing letters from the idiots in the capital became a flood as the demands became even more moronic, the fire in his office had now become an incinerator due to the number of scrolls with threats and demands he chucked into it hourly. He eventually went to ponyville and hired a sorter to sort the mail so that any important letters wouldn't get lost in the sea of incompetence that assailed the man's school. 

The letters were only the tip of the iceberg as thieves started becoming frequent, their attempts to sneak into the ship fort, all of which were quickly ended in their capture, as both automated defenses and combined clone/droid patrols found them most of the time terrified after setting off an alarm and being caught in a ray shield trap. 

Time passed sedately as the global conference, that John was asked to attend, drew near. Twilight, after witnessing his anger, had left the man alone out of fear. Her role in the up and coming conference was to be John's guide to the other leaders. This had the man chuckling as the mare in question started having panic attacks over how much she had to learn as well as being near the object of her fear. 

Her fears were soothed somewhat with the news that Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash would be going as well. With three of her friends going she at least had that look forward to. Her presence in the school was an odd one as she quickly switched between wilting under the neutral gaze of the students and dumbly staring at the technology that had turned the old ruins into this highly advanced temple. 

The young princess was soon sequestered from the rest of the school as she entered the office John had set aside for their review sessions. They would review everything that John would need to know when he arrived at the tournament, this would often get sidetracked as twilight would see something that held her attention which caused her to lose focus. This would continue for about an hour before he finally got annoyed and stood up

“ I see we are not going to get anything done with you constantly stopping to gawk at everything. How would you like to take a break?” he asked, getting the young princesses attention. 

“I'm sorry, some of the things here are just too fascinating. I'm sorry if it is bothering you.” she said as she stood up and straightened out her attire.” a break would be nice.”

“Excellent, let's break for a couple of hours, I’ll have pinkie show you around while I go and take care of a project up in the harbinger. I’ll use my comlink to alert pinkie when I'm back.” he said as he activated his link. 

With twilight being escorted around by pinkie he hastily made his way to the landing pads as one of his personal ships landed. Using it to travel up to the harbinger upon touching down in the hanger he was met by two clones 

“Good afternoon my lord, we were asked to show you to the lab” the clone on the left said as the man jumped down from the starship 

“Excellent, I wish to see what they have come up with.” the man said as he followed the clones to the lab.

The lab was large and had several clones at different tables going over various ideas and potential blueprints, John ignored most of them as he swiftly made his way to the one he needed. The schematic was done. The men looked at it, smiling at the beautiful device before him. 

“Is it everything you wanted sir?” one of the scientists asked, stepping next to the man. The clone felt an odd sensation when he looked at the man's face. The man's smile took on a predatory feel to it.