//------------------------------// // Mare's Army // Story: The EK // by Magi Tail Welkin //------------------------------// Summer started to go, a few more months still needed to pass before autumn arrived but, the hot dry days began to cool ever so slightly. In the stable hall, the Major gave the command “Platoon, stand at ease.” Cold Steel still stepped behind the rest. The Major tried again “Attention!”, still Steel fell behind. Porter called “Try and do it with the others Steel.” “Sorry Sergeant.”, the Major nodded to his second in command “Thank you Porter.” He returned to the Platoon “Stand at ease!”, after Cold Steel stepped out of time again he stood to attention “Permission to speak sir?” “Yes?” “I know what's happening, sir. You're that end of the line and your voice of command takes time to travel through the air.” The Major looked away slight “Yes, well something like that, it must take some time to register.” Lucky Clover spoke up “Perhaps if you were to nod you’re head sir he might catch on a little quicker. Steel nodded “Sir, if you nod your head, you'll not find me wanting.” The Major looked up and shook his head “Oh, no, we can’t get involved in all that stuff.” He cleared his throat with a small nod “Now pay attention…” Cold Steel stood to attention, the Major looked at him confused “What’s the matter Steel?” “Well, you nodded sir, so I sprung to it sir.”, the Major groaned “We’re not doing that now.” He sniffed and addressed the Platoon “Now I’ve been approached by more of the mares of Ponyville…” Steel’s hooves moved and looked at the Major “I was standing at attention of I eased myself.” The Major rolled his eyes and spoke again “I’ve been approached by mares of Ponyville, who want to join us in our mission to defend the Everfree Kingdom. They don’t wish to fight but to help in a supportive capacity, by making the tea and the coco.” Vigil spoke up by suddenly saying “Buttons!”, the Major frowned “I beg your pardon?” “Button sir, remember when Rarity first came with the uniforms, and most of us had our wives and mare-friends sow the buttons on.”, of course by this point Goldings of Saddle Row supplied the platoon, and Rarity, still in the prosses of designing the ceremonial full dress. “Ah, yes I see now, exactly. A very good point Vigil. Make a note of that Porter.” The Major nodded “Well done Vigil.” Steel stood to attention. The Major glared “Steel!” “Yes sir? Oh, we’re not doing to nodding, are we? Sorry sir.”, the Major leaned into the Porter and murmured “There will come a time when he’ll have to go.” “Yes sir.” Porter said still writing the earlier note with his magic. Caramel spoke up “Sassaflash has been wanted to help the Platoon, she’s ever so eager.” “Really,” the Major paused trying to ignore the unfortunate memories of the awkward talk between him and her in the Café Hay, the Major cleared his throat and spoke “Well that sounds like the sort of mare we want. Just so long as she doesn’t interfere with your ability as a member of the Platoon.” Lucky smirked “That’s right, comforts for the troops.”, Caramel glared at him. The Major agreed with Caramel’s action “Alright Clover, that’ll do. We don’t want any of that sort of talk here.” “Sir?” Vigil spoke up “I have a Bat Pony friend who works as a Knocker-up in Huntersfield. She’s young and attractive, big, strong thighs that…”, Cold Steel added “Yeah, they're very strong when they got strong thighs.” “Yes!” The Major interrupted “Bring them along tomorrow night, we only need a hoof-full, and with proper training they’ll release us, the front-line fighting troops to grapple with whatever enemy appears.” Lucky spoke up “I don’t think Steel and Vigil will have much energy after grappling with those big strong thighs.” The Major shook his head “Alright Clover, I won’t tell you again. Let’s get on with the evening.” The following evening the Major entered his office through the side door while Porter checked a few notes, “Good evening sir.” “How goes to the recruiting?” “Oh, very well sir. The platoon has brought along quite a few.” “Right, let’s bash on. Bring them in.” The Major took his seat while Porter went into the hall. Several platoon members stood with mares, so a little old, some quite young. Porter smile “Right now.” He cleared his throat, the first two he walked up to, Cold Steel and a Unicorn mare midway into her young adulthood, and taller than the average mare. Her eyes a moderate raspberry, her mane and tail pink, both tied, her mane in a high tail. Her coat a pale, light and greyish sap green. Her cutie mark, two roses over a white lightning bolt. Cold Steel introduced them “Sergeant Porter, this is my granddaughter, she’s recently moved into Huntersfield.” He turned to the mane “This is Porter, our Sergeant.” Porter nodded “Would you come this way please.” And the three of them walked into the office. Porter spoke to the Major “Cold Steel’s brought his granddaughter.” The Major nodded “How do you do?” “I’m fine thanks.” Porter took a chair “How rude of me, please do sit down and make yourself comfortable.” “Thanks.” And she sat. Porker spoke again “Is there anything I can do for you? Cup of tea?” “No thank you.” The Major spoke up “Porter. Can I have a word outside?” “Yes sir.”, the Major got up and nodded to the mare “Excuse us.”, the two walked outside. The Major shut and door and quietly spoke to Porter “I know you fancy yourself as a ladies’ stallion.” “Sir!” The Major didn’t stop “But those mares are going to be subjected to the same discipline as the rest of the Platoon, so let's start as we mean to go on.” “At least we can be polite to them.” “I quite agree with you. But we don’t need all this, Fancy Pants stuff. Now let’s stick to the matter in hoof, shall we?” “Alright then, as you sir.”, they re-entered the office and the Major sat at his desk “Sorry about that miss.” He took a form and a quill “Now, your name please?” “Juno.” Porter spoke up “What a pretty name.”, the Major rolled his eyes. Juno looked surprised and blushed “You think so?” “Yes, one of the ancient Pegasolopitan goddess if I’m not mistaken.” “Porter.” The Major said. “Sorry sir.” “Major Fields.” Juno said as she levitated a card “Here’s my address. I’ve put my age on the bottom.”, the Major took it and wrote down the details, he then asked “Occupation?” “I recently opened a bakery and a flower shop.” “I see,” the Major said and wrote down ‘Baker and Florist.' Porter asked, “Are they one shop or separate?” “One shop, I don’t have the bits to open two yet.” The Major put the quill down and spoke “Miss Juno, would you like to join us?” Juno smirked “I didn’t know you’d come apart.”, every-pony expect the Major started laughing, the Major sniffed and took up the quill “I’ll take that as an affirmative answer.” He ticked the yes box and looked up with a nod “Thank you Miss Juno.” “Your welcome Major.” Porter trotted to the door “Let me show you out.” He opened the door and Juno walked out. Cold Steel walked up to the desk and leaned in “Juno’s got a very dry wit, hasn’t she sir?”, the Major flinched and raised an eyebrow “Got a what?” “Got a dry wit, you know? The way she comes out with a joke.” He chuckled “Got it from her father you know.” He saluted and walked out. Caramel walked in with Sassaflash, the Major easily filled in her details because of her since he remembered it from the Lady Gift Divine debacle. After they left Windy Miller entered with an Earth Pony mare, very grey, the only colour being her grey violet eyes and the three purple marble balls of her cutie mark. Windy spoke “Major this is Marble Pie, she’s willing to be here on weekends.” “Pie?” the Major asked “Are you related to Miss Pinkie Pie?” Marble nodded “Mm-hmmm.”, Windy spoke up “She’s actually Pinkie’s younger twin. She also very shy.” “I see,” the Major sniffed “so you’re a rock farmer?” “Mm-hmmm.” The Major wrote the details down “I can assume that your home address is your family farm?” “Mm-hmmm.” “And when in Ponyville you stay with your sister at Sugarcube Corner?” She shook her head “Maud.” She squeaked. “In the gem cave with your elder sister?”, she nodded “Well, that shouldn’t be a problem. We’ll work out what sort of a task we can find for you.” “She might be awfully good at looking after the secret files, sir.”, the Major rolled his eyes, he resisted fuming “That’s all, thank you Miss Pie.”, she smiled and both her and Windy walked out. Vigil walked in “A word Major?” “Yes?” “My friend for Huntersfield can’t be here tonight, but I have asked her, and she’s very keen to join sir.” “Alright Vigil, bring her along tomorrow.” “Yes sir.” She saluted and walked out as Lucky Clover and an Earth Pony mare. Her coat a pale mulberry, with a cutie mark of two link horseshoes, her mane and tail a curled affair of light and greyish sapphire blue. Lucky spoke “This is a, friend of mine Major, Lilac Links.”, the Major nodded and wrote the name down “Have you an occupation Miss Links?” “Yes, I’m a Farrier in the Spa.”, the Major looked up as he wrote it down “Then you must meet very fine cliental it if your preparing hooves for horseshoes.” “Oh, yes, but I have been asked by the stallions to deal with more than their hooves.”, Lucky gulped as the Major raised an eyebrow, Major Field sniffed the spoke again “Now, where do you live Miss Links?” “Oh, I just moved in with Lucky and Caramel, 16 Carousel Avenue. So, don’t you go getting any ideas.”, Lucky shut his eyes tightly. The Major glanced at her with a face of internal fuming “That will be all Miss Link, thank you.” Lucky sighed and spoke “I’ll see she comes tomorrow.” And he quickly hustled her out and whispered, “You shouldn’t have said that.” The Major waited for the two to leave and the door to shut before talking to Porter “I don’t think that’s the kind of mare we want here.” “No sir, but I think we should give her a chance.” “Very well. Anymore?” “No sir I think that’s it.” “Right well send the Platoon home, they did have a late night with patrol last night. You can have the night off Porter, I’ll see if I can sort some of this out.” “Thank you, sir.” And Porter walked out. As the Major paused and put his hoof to his chin he heard a knock from the side door, he glanced to the side, probably Captain Sentry or some-pony representing him, Dauntless Doo perhaps, wanting to get and update on the evening, the Major put the quill into the inkwell “Come in.” “Major Green Fields?” Said an unfamiliar female voice, the Major looked up. A middle-aged Pegasus mare stood in the doorway. Her coat a pale cream, her mane made of three colours shade of grey, going from light to dark. Her eyes a pale green. Her cutie mark a white dove and some form of eastern writing. The Major blinked for a few moments until he uttered “Yes?”, the mare smiled and shut the door “I heard you were needing mare helper for your Home Guard. Is that, right?”. The Major stood up “Yes, that is quite correct,” he almost stumbled his words “Do please take a seat.” “Oh, thank you.” She sat down and grin softly “I been told all about this Platoon from its very beginning. I think you’ve done a wonderful job.” “Well, we’re try to do our very best for Everfree.” “Well, I’d love to help, just to feeling I was doing something.” “Oh, good.” The Major frowned and raise an eyebrow ever so slightly “Your face is vaguely familiar. Are you a member of the golf club?” She shook her head “Oh no, I haven’t been in Ponyville very long, I brought my younger cousin down from Rainbow Falls to be educated at the school here, Miss Cheerilee has a very good reputation.” “I see. You name please?” “Grey, Miss Grey.” “First name?” “Fair.” “Fair Grey? What a pretty name.” Fair smiled “You think so?”, the Major nodded “It’s simple and to the point, I’ve never really liked the fancier names popping up about the town, never like that when I was a colt. And you’re of the Grey family? I’ve known a few good Greys in my time as a solider. Perhaps that’s why I recall your face, a resemblance.” He paused, and shook his head “Have you an occupation?” “University Professor.”, the Major stopped and looked up “Really? In what subject?” “Eastern Civilisation, Marco Pommel and Meadowbrook are two of main sources, and the Tales of Mistmane of course.” The Major grinned “That definitely sound fascinating.” He blinked and cleared his throat “And the address?” “37 Saddle Way.” “Oh, that’s not far from Sweet Apple Arches, so not far from here either.” “I know I see you walk into the town every morning Major.” “Really? That’s just my morning report to Captain Sentry.” She nodded “And how wonderfully punctual you are, I thought you were three minutes late yesterday, but the clock was wrong.” “Ah yes well, of course, in my position I have to set an example to the youngsters.” “Oh, I do agree. All the old standards are declining so rapidly.”, the Major nodded “Oh, they are, they are indeed.” He glanced into her eyes and they smiled silently. Fair blinked and stood up “I mustn’t keep you.”, the Major sighed and stood up “Well, shall we say tomorrow night? We usually parade at seven o’clock.” She smiled and nodded “I can’t wait to start. Right now, my life consists of morning tea at the Café Hay and make the garden grow.” “I’m an amateur gardener myself.” “Really?” “Oh yes, something nice in the afternoon to do before parade, I do have trouble with rabbits and foxes though.” “Oh, what a shame. It’s greenfly for me.” She looked about to move when she looked back at him “Major Fields?” “Yes?” Just then Porter came in “Sorry sir, it’s just…” He paused at seeing the new Mare “Oh I’m sorry.” “It’s quite alright Porter, this is a recruit Miss Fair Grey.”, Porter turned to her and name “What a pretty name.”, the Major cleared his throat and said “Yes, I think I’ve got all the details.” He turned to her “Shall we say, tomorrow night Miss Grey.” She nodded “I can’t wait to start. Goodbye.”, the all said goodbye and she left the way she came in. The Major sat back down “Now there’s a charming mare.”, Porter raised an eyebrow and tried hiding a smirk and said, “Oh yes, I’m sure she is sir.” “She exactly the sort of material we’re looking for.” “Yes well, you’re always a pretty good judge of that sort of thing usually, aren’t you sir?” Porter brightened up “Anyway it’ll be pretty interesting to see how they all shape up won’t it?” The Major looked up unsurely, then cleared his throat and went back to his work. Next night, the Major entered the office through the side door and paused. A vase of flowers sat on the desk. He chuckled, this morning when I passed Miss Grey’s house he paid attention to the flowers blooming, a small number of the varies type said in the vase. He kept his eyes on the vase and sat down, only to miss his seat and fall on the floor. Porter came in and helped the Major up. The Major cleared his throat a walked to the hall “Let’s get on with it Sergeant.” “Yes sir.” The two walked into the hall. Members of the platoon stood around, in the centre stood, Cold Steel, Caramel, Windy Miller, Lucky Clover, Vigil and Doctor Time Turner. Behind them stood in the same order, Juno, Sassaflash, Marble Pie, Lilac Links and Fair Grey, and behind Vigil another female Bat Pony. Porter called out “Platoon, attention.”, Cold Steel still stepped behind. The Major ignored this and looked to the mare “Welcome ladies.” “Good evening Major Fields.” The all said, apart from Marble who nodded with an “Mm-hmmm.” The Major stood at ease “I thought tonight I would just teach you the simple rudiments of hoof drill, so we can all turn out a disciplined body of stallions and mares.” He turned to the side slightly “Now first, the at ease position.” He stood at ease “To stand at ease properly you have the hooves of the hind leg comfortable apart by about eighteen inches.” The mares spared their hind legs apart, something about right, but the new Bat Pony at first stood way apart, almost doing the splits, until Vigil glanced back to correct her. The platoon members in front of them stood at ease. The Major continued “Foreleg always remain together.” Narrowing her eyes the new Bat Pony mumbled “A lot of red tape nonsense.” Caramel glanced back at her “No talking in the ranks.”, the Bat Pony kicked him. The Major looked at this “Caramel, no talking in the ranks,” he then glanced at the Bat Pony “and no violence on parade unless ordered Miss?” “Dawn Ironsides.” The Major frowned “Miss Ironsides, in the future you will address me as either Major or sir, is that understood?”, Dawn remained silent. The Major glared “Miss Ironsides?” She fumed and said with some annoyance “Yes sir.” The Major nodded “That’ll do.” He re-addressed the entire group “Now to stand at attention from this position you place your weight on the right hind hoof, raise the left, and make sure the stifle, hock, and fetlock are at, or as close to right angles as possible. Now let’s try that, shall we?” He turned to Porter “Give the orders Sergeant.” “Right sir. Platoon, platoon, attention.” The mare all stood to attention at different times, however still faster than Cold Steel. Marble looked a little unsure of herself. The Major sniffed and shook his head “Oh no, that was sloppy, very sloppy.” He looked to one mare specifically “Not you Miss Grey, that was very good.” “Thank you Major.” The Major cleared his throat again “Now I want you to stand upright, abdomen in chest out.” Lucky glanced back at Lilac “You’re okay in that department love.”, Lilac giggled “Cheeky.” “Clover.” The Major said with a glare, he then addressed the group “Stand at ease.”, the group again moved their hooves at different times, better but still not in sync, but again with Cold Steel the Platoon would never entirely be in sync. The Major continued “Attention!”, they stepped improved slightly. Vigil spoke up “Major Field? May I point out Miss Ironsides here is doing it very, very well, here legs are coming together with a frim and strong action, just you listen.” The Major sighed “Her hind leg are too far apart when she stands at ease.” He leaned into Porter and whispered, “Have you noticed if Miss Ironsides has big thighs?” “I’d say they were more on the long side sir.”, the Major glanced back and nodded “Yes.” He returned to the group “Alright, every-pony stand to attention.”, he waited as they did so, “We come now to the left and right turn. From the right turn you first light the right foreleg, and turn it as close to ninty degree to the right as possible, then you put it down and you lift and move both legs on the left to match the right, once they’re in place you lift and move the right hind leg into place with the others. And for the left you mirror the action.” He demonstrated and the Mares followed. Lilac shook her head “Sweet Celestia all this to defend a country.” From where he sat Waddle spoke up “The Major knows best, he’s had decades of experience, you ought to listen to what he’s saying.” The Major nodded “Thank you Padre. Right now, every-pony face the front.”, they turned into line, “Attention!”, most stepped in time, Lilac a little late, and now Juno seemed to be in time with Cold Steel. The Major nodded “Very good Miss Grey, Miss Pie.”, the two smiled, the Major called to the order “Left turn!”, most turned to the left apart from, Juno and Dawn who turned to the right, the others quickly corrected them. The Major spoke “Now, when you mess up and go the opposite way to that ordered, you actually stay wrong until the one in command calls “Default is default.” It’s better to make the mistake then further muck up the synchronicity but correcting yourself midway.” “Permission to speak sir?” Cold Steel asked. “Yes?” “We had similar trouble when I started in the Second Regiment of Hoof, because all the soldiers they got in it were rough country yokels. Most of them didn't know their flanks,” he coughed “from their elbows. They got a very ingenious idea. They tied a bit of straw to one foreleg, sir, and a bit of hay to the other foreleg. When the commanding officer wanted to turn left, he shouted, “Hay turn!” Or alternatively, “Straw turn.” Depending on whether the straw was on the left hoof or the hay was on the other hoof, but they had to get themselves organised, so all the men had either the straw on the left hoof or,” he looked back at the Major “Is that any use to you, sir?” The Major looked down and tapped his hoof on his chin “I don’t think so Steel, I think it’s best if the ladies just practice turning to the left and the right as demonstrate. Let’s carry on.” It would be a long evening. Late next morning, very close to lunchtime, the Major went to the Café Hay and as usual took his place at his usual table. He pulled out the morning’s copy of the Liverypool Street Herald. He heard other hoof steps and a familiar voice spoke “Oh good morning Major.”, he looked up and Fair Grey approached. He put his paper down and got up from his chair “Good morning, what a surprise, would you care join me?” She smiled “Why thank you.”, she sat down “I haven’t seen you here before.” “Oh, I always come here after reporting to Captain Sentry, it’s just the meeting went on longer than it usually does, I must miss you on most days.” Savoir Fare, the waiter of the Café Hay walked up “Good morning Major, your usual?” “Yes, please Savoir.” He jotted the order down then turned to Miss Grey “And you’re usually Miss Grey.”, she nodded, and Savoir wrote it down and walked back inside. The Major chuckled “I remember when Café first opened, my first return here after a tour of duty in the Griffon Lands, you know they used to serve Trottingham scones.” “With jam and clotted cream?” “Oh yes, and you could select the jam, from strawberry, raspberry, even Zap Apple, pear jam too until Mr Grand Pear left for Van Hoover. Me and a friend of mine borrowed a few bits and took a spin out here just for the scones. I got the rough end of my officer’s tongue when I got back. He thought I’d toddled off with a bit of fluff.” Fair chuckled “It was all harmless fun in those days.” “Yes, of course it was. Mind you we used to set the pace now and again.” He chuckled. Fair smiled and held her head on her hoof “You know you whole face lights up when you laugh.”, the Major frowned, but she shook her head “Oh don’t take it like an insult Major, I think you’re a very jolly pony at heart.” The Major grinned “Oh, really? I never really thought myself as such, a solider never got much time for joking and jesting.” Savoir arrived with the teas “Separate bills?”, Fair nodded, but the Major held up his hoof “Please, have this with me.” Another voice spoke “Good morning Major Fields.”, the Major looked up and blinked “Padre? You don’t usually come here today.” “Oh,” Waddle said, “I’m just on my way to the hospital, if you excuse me.” And he waddled away. The Major glanced back as he walked away “Charming pony that, one of the most loyal members of the Platoon.” Fair nodded “I think their all wonderful.” As the Major took a sip of his tea and asked, “You said you come from Rainbow Falls?” “Yes, it was hopeless there for my little cousin to get a good education, so far north and out of the way, the only time we’d get any excitement was with the Annual Trading Fair, and the schools there are mainly for Pegasi, which was why it was chosen for the Equestrian Games try-outs, my cousin, Shizuka, which means Calm in the language of the East, is an Earth Pony.” “I see.” He put his cup down and cleared his throat “I must confess that I came in here deliberately on the off chance of seeing you.”, she grinned “You know, I rather hoped you would.” Some-pony cleared their throat catching their attention and the Major turned to see Chrome Blade standing behind him “Sorry Major, but Princess Twilight wishes to see you about something you reported on immediately.”, the Major sighed and nodded, he finished his cup, took out his wallet and put a few bits down and got up “I’m afraid I have to dash away. Perhaps we can meet again very soon.” She nodded “Oh I’d like that.” “Anyway, I shall see you on parade tonight.” “Oh yes, of course, I’ll look forward to it.”, he nodded and left the Café. Sitting in a corner of the Stable Hall with a group including, Caramel and Sassaflash, Cold Steel and Juno, Lucky Clover and Lilac Links, surrounding her Vigil shook her head “All I'm saying is Fields is making a perfect fool of himself. It's the only way of putting it.” Lilac nodded “They came twice last week to the spa, Aloe and Lotus said they never saw the Major set hoof in the spa before. Then yesterday they came again and the Major got a massage from Bulk Biceps,” some of the stallion grimaced. Caramel spoke up “They have tea every morning.” Vigil nodded “I tell you, he’ll ruin himself. Some-pony ought to tell ought to tell him." Porter passed by and he heard them speak. He frowned and headed to the office. He knocked and entered. The Major read a book and looked up and softly said “Hello Porter, must be nearly time for parade.” “Yes,” he used his magic to pull out and check his pocket watch “A few minutes’ time sir.” “Good,” the Major put the book down “I’ve got a rather important announcement to make for the ladies’ section.” “Ah yes, I’ve been meaning to, have a word with you about that sir.” “Oh yes?” “Yes, I know it’s not really my business sir, but as your Steward, and your oldest friend,”, the Major nodded to allow Porter to continue, “unless I say something, who will?” “Look here Porter. If you’ve got something to say stop shuffling about from one hoof to another and cough it out. Are you in some sort of trouble?” “What? No sir, not all, Celestia forbid sir.” He scratched the side of his head “It’s just with the ladies’ section, do you think it’s just possible that some of us might possibly be making tiny little fools of ourselves?” The Major remained silent for a moment, then “Ah, I see. Well thank you for your frankness Porter.” “You’re welcome sir.” “Can’t have been easy for you to, speak to me on so delicate a matter.” “No sir, I thought I’d better do it for the best.” “I’m not insensitive to what ponies are saying Porter.” “Oh, no sir, of course not.” “I know, they think I am mixing pleasure with work. I am therefore going to disband the ladies section. Except for a few special helpers.”, Porter smirked “Oh, I see sir, yes.” He stood up “That should settle the matter.” “On a private note sir, not to do with the platoon. I do approve of you finding companionship at your time of life, it gives me hope at the very least. And Miss Grey is indeed a good partner for you.”, the Major smiled “Thank you Porter.” They then left the office and went onto parade. He looked to Cold Steel how stood closest to him “Ever-pony here Steel?” Steel stood to attention “All present and correct sir. Except Miss Grey.” The Major frowned “Miss Grey not here? How strange, perhaps she’s feeling a bit under the weather.” Vigil muttered “Favouritism.” Marble meanwhile whispered into the ear of Windy Miller, said Miller spoke up “Miss Pie says she thinks Miss Grey is alright. She saw her going to the station with two large suitcases.” His frown deepening the Major asked “To the station?” Marble nodded “Mm-hmmm.” And then very softly “About ten minutes ago, she looked to be in a hurry.” Lucky spoke up “There’s only one train at time of evening. The 8:40 to Baltimare.” “Baltimare?” The Major turned to Porter, the Sergeant equally confused, his expression more stunned, “Take the parade Porter.”, Porter flinched and called as the Major left “Would you like me to make the announcement?”, but the Major didn’t reply. Miss Grey sat on the station bent, she tapped her hoof and looked down the track. She heard hoof steps and she looked up. The Major sat down beside her and looked to her concerned “What’s happened?” “It was all a bit rushed Green but, about a month ago, before coming to Ponyville I applied for Professor of Eastern Studies at the University of Baltimare. I got the letter this afternoon, they want me to take up the post immediately.” “How long will you be there?” “I don’t know, depends on how good they think I am, a year at least, at most, who know?” “You never mentioned you applied? What about you’re cousin?” “I didn’t think I be accepted and needed so soon. As for Shizuka, a mare in the town has offered to foster her. Anyway, I think it might be for the best.” “But, I, don’t want you, to go. The whole pattern of my life has changed, before I was just going from one meeting to the next.” “I know, and I’m just the same, but it’s the only thing to do, ponies are talking.” “Ponies always talk, who cares about them?” “But your meant to defend them, you have to care for them. You can’t afford scandal and tittle-tattle.” “What’s there to be scandalous about? I’m an old stallion, and forgive me for saying this but you’re of many years too.” “It’s alright Green, I admit I’m beyond my prime too. But you have a reputation.” He blurted out “I’ll rebuild it.” Then he took a deep breath and sighed “I’m sorry.” He rubbed his hoof over his face. “Look, don’t get that train.” “Green, I must.” “I implore you, don’t get on that train.” He shook his head “We can meet once a week.” “Green, you’re making this very difficult for me, but I’ve made up. My life calling is the study of Eastern culture, can you deny me what I love doing? What if some-pony denied you your authority?” The Major looked ready to speak when the Night Porter called “All those going to Baltimare!” and a train pulled in. Grey sighed and stood up “This is my train.”, the Major took her hoof “Look Fair, I’ve never begged any-pony in my life before, but I’m begging you not to go.”, she shook her head “I’m sorry Green.” She reached for her suitcase, but the Major took “I’ll take the heaviest.”, she smiled sadly and took the other. As they approached a carriage the Major asked “Can’t we talk about this? Go tomorrow.” She bit her lip and opened a door and stepped around. The Major help with her bags, she turned to him as he put the case on the luggage rack “Hurry up or you’ll be coming to Baltimare too.”, the Major stepped out and helped her close the door “Can you at least promise to write?” “Once I’m settle in yes. I’ve give you my address then.”, the Night Porter walked up “Stand clear sir. Mind the door.” He shut the door firmly and continued down the train. The Major called “Promise you’ll write?”, she smiled with a tear and nodded “I promise.” The Night Porter called “Right away Mr Stop!”, the guard blew his whistle, and the train pulled away. Fair waved from the door “Goodbye Green.”, the Major saluted “Goodbye Fair.” The train disappeared into the night, and the Major stayed on the platform for a long time.