//------------------------------//
// Chapter 9: In Port 
// Story: Quarterdeck, Half Size 
// by Chrome Masquerade 
//------------------------------//

Pinkie, in her typical way, managed to arrange a celebration within minutes. When asked how, she did indeed go into great detail about it, much to the chagrin of the ones asking. Eventually, Applejack came and put a hoof on Pinkie's withers. 
"Ah think they get th' point, sugarcube." she said.

Pinkie blushed. "Sorry. I got carried away again, didn't I?"

Though she had been gradually improving with her self-control and her attentiveness, Pinkie still lapsed now and then and started to babble, often not entirely conscious of what she was even saying, at times.

Anyway, shortly thereafter the crew of the Tenacious (and even several of the townsfolk) arrived for the "Congratulations/Welcome Back" party (so called as evidenced by the banner). There were streamers, confetti, a veritable buffet of food, games, music and dance, even a piñata. Though most didn't even know what the whackable object was.

Either way, things went off without a hitch, and any food that wasn't eaten was given to the poor of the town, so naturally the ponies became VERY popular, VERY quickly. 

At one point, a woman caught on to Twilight's royal status and asked her to bless her coming child.

To that, Twilight had blushed, but tried anyway, saying what words came to mind, unconsciously lighting her horn.

"O mors, tibi, et benedicam tibi evenire nomine Caelestibus Sparkle O dea Solis et Lunae dea luna crescere possit esse sanus et fortis burdo. Tu decus patriae et tuis te. Sit ut a multis tibi et scutum et from- nocere. Et earn vobis: dies unus Mayy vestris custodire et spiritus Harmonia cutie marcam in animo.".

This would have far reaching consequences for that world. Afterall, she'd been guided to pray that the child be a healthy, strong... pony.

Anyway, a few days later Storm Blade had returned from having found his uncle and hearing his story. Though, at said uncle's request, he did not tell them his location or the story.

Shortly thereafter, the Tenacious was getting set to go on another mission. As it happened, Storm found someone who knew him. The man had made him an """"offer"""". Make his time  aboard easier, or he'd tell the superiors of Thomas Kydd's crimes before Camperdown.

However, Storm knew two things that the man didn't.



He was essentially given carte blanche by royalty.

Thomas Kydd was as good as dead as it was.



However, being the stallion that he was, Storm decided to go with neither part of the deal. He went to the quarters where the man had bunked and told him, "I'll expect you in the hold tomorrow." Essentially challenging the man to a  duel.

Having heard this, Rainbow and Twister exchanged a look. This... would end badly for someone.