//------------------------------//
// A Way Out 
// Story: The Changeling War 
// by Captain Morgan 
//------------------------------//

When William said that it would be a few hours for a reply back from CJ, he was not kidding. For the last seven hours we have been waiting for him to radio in about finding a larger vehicle, but we had not heard one word back from him. The Changed outside had given their interest in us and left, but even though they had wandered off elsewhere, none of us wanted to go outside.

I was wandering around the back room of the pharmacy as the whole area was still stocked with stuff from before the war. Food essentials, soda drinks, and more importantly, candy. Oh my God, I never thought I’d see a Hershey's bar again, it’s been at least three years since I last had one! I had to get a shopping basket and fill it with the sweets that had been hidden away from the world and decided to share them with the others.

Chris and Markus were also in here as they were packing the supplies into the enchanted bag. You should have seen their faces when I told them about what I found, the literally flipped when I said the "C" word. Couldn’t help but laugh as the stopped what they were doing and rushed over to where the sweets were. I had just walked out of the room and was about to turn the corner when I was met with the stiff, Brandon.

“Kid, I wanna talk to you,” he said with a stern voice.

“Uh, maybe later, Brandon,” I replied as I had a feeling that it wasn’t gonna be a friendly conversation. I tried to walk past him but only for him to step right in front of me.

“It wasn’t a question.” He said bluntly, crossing his arms.

Not wanting this to get out of hand, I set the basket on the floor and looked him straight in the eye. “Ok, what is it?” I asked with a sigh. He then moved his face towards mine until we were a foot away from each other.

“Sarah is off limits.” He said in a quiet and serious voice.

As I heard this I couldn’t help but sigh and shook my head. “You’re kidding? you’re kidding, right? Because no offense, but Sarah is not my type, I don’t even have any sexual thoughts about her.” I protested in an exasperated tone.

“Says the kid who's the last name is from a sex book,” Brandon replied with a glare. I really, really hate it when people compare my family name to the stupid novel. “Now I am going to tell you again,” Brandon started. “Sarah is off limits. You try anything and I will hand feed you to the Changed outside, got it?”

I sighed again, exasperated by what he told me. I had to agree to his terms or else I would probably die. “Alright, what you say, goes,” I replied with a sigh.

“Good.” Was all he said before bumping his way past me as I picked up the basket of candy.

“Territorial Jackass,” I muttered as I started walking, but Brandon must’ve heard me as the next thing I know, I’m getting turned around and he grabs a hold of my neck and leans me up against the wall with my feet dangling a foot off the floor, making me drop the basket on the floor. It was getting harder and harder to breathe with him choking me as I tried to pry his hands off my neck but he had a strong grip on me and would not let go.

“You wanna say that to my face this time?” He growled. I could see the anger in his eyes as he awaited my answer, but I was not going to submit.

“Terri… t-torial… jack… a-ass.” I choked, not a hint of fear appeared on my face as I said this. He reeled back his fist, ready to punch a hole straight in my face and I just stared at him, ready for the impending pain.

“Bandon!” A voice yelled. We turned our heads to the left to see Sarah standing a few feet away. “Put, him, down.” She ordered. He released his grip on my neck and I dropped to the floor as I started gasping and coughing while rubbing my neck from the amount of pressure, I didn’t even notice Brandon walk over to Sarah.

“Sarah,” He started. “I’m just-” A loud slapping sound interrupted him as I could only presume that Sarah slapped him across his face.

“Brandon, I know you’re trying to keep me safe, but when will you learn that not every man we meet wants to rape or have sex with me?” She hissed. Brandon said nothing, knowing she was right. “Why don’t you go guard the door, where there are no other men trying to flirt with me.” She said as Brandon walked past her without saying a word. Once he left, Sarah walked up and helped me back on my feet. “You alright?” she asked.

“I’m fine, don’t worry.” I reassured her with a smile “But you oughta keep your boyfriend on a leash.” I stated.

“He’s actually my Brother.” Sarah corrected with a half smile.

“Well, either way, he seems like a nice guy to hang around with,” I said, sarcastically.

Sarah gave a sigh as I said this. “He wasn’t always like this. He was actually a very nice man before the war.” She replied.

“So what changed him?” I asked, curious about what he was like before.

“A year after the war started, my brother and I were ambushed by a group of bandits, and their leader dragged me inside a house and did… unimaginable things to me while the others started beating Brandon senselessly.” Sarah explained, shuddering at the memories. “I think hearing my screams, it made Brandon snap in some way. All I can tell you is that when he barged into the room we were in, his face and hands were coated in blood and when he saw the guy on top of me, he rushed at him with such speed, slammed him against the wall and started beating his face in with his bare fists till it was barely recognizable.”

“After that, he vowed that he wouldn’t let me become a victim of rape ever again. But for the past years, he’s been taking it too seriously. He doesn’t allow other men anywhere near me as he thinks they all have sexual thoughts about me and it’s been quite annoying.” She finished. Her story left me awestruck. Never in my life had I met someone who had to go through all that.

“I… I’m sorry for what you had to go through,” I said, not knowing that pain she or her brother had endured.

“Don’t be, ever since that day, I’ve gotten stronger and those memories don’t haunt me anymore. But for Brandon… ” She paused for a moment before changing the subject. “Anyway, I can only presume you’re bringing that basket to your pony friends, so I’ll leave you be and I’ll go help your friends stock up on supplies.” She said as she walked past me and into the back room.

I just stood there, still astonished by the story she told me. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for both Sarah and her brother. The amount of pain that was inflicted on them so long ago, I don’t think it could be compared to what I or Jacob had gone through. I snapped myself back into reality, picked up the basket and started making my way to where the others were. I just hope that with what Sarah told me, will never happen to our Equestrian friends, cause I would never forgive myself if it did.


*******


As I made it back to the pharmaceutical area, I saw that everyone was still resting, mainly Celestia in her current state. I noticed Twilight and her friends sitting amongst each other, probably talking about everything that had happened to us within the last 24 hours.

“Hey Twilight,” I called out. She looked up and seeing that I was carrying a shopping basket, she walked her way over to me. “Thought you and your friends could use a little something,” I said as I showed her the basket of candy and I was earned a smile from her.

“That’s very kind of you Morgan, thank you.” She said

“So how are your friends holding up?” I asked as I glanced past her, seeing her friends didn’t realize that she had left.

“They’re scared. Scared of everything they’ve seen so far. You’re kind’s weapons, the fact the Chrysalis' Changelings are everywhere and now this virus along with those who were infected by it. Your world that the Ark sent us to, it’s fascinating but frightening at the same time… And yet… we feel so safe. Safe when we’re around you, your friends, your Uncle, even the Remnant soldiers.” She explained as she then took a deep breath and looked up at me. “Morgan, you have risked your life multiple times, trying to protect us and keep us safe. I know that we have said this to you over and over again, but-” She was interrupted as I knelt down and put a single finger over her lips, making her stop talking.

“Twilight, you don’t have to thank me,” I said reassuringly. “I’m just trying to watch out for my group and make sure that none of them get hurt in any way possible and right now, you, your friends, Celestia and Luna, you are all part of this group now and no matter what, I swear on my life that we will keep you safe.”

As I finished, I removed my finger and pulled Twilight into a hug, making her smile. We continued the hug for about a minute or so until I released her, handed her the basket which she took with her mouth and walked back to her friends. I watch her show her friends the basket of goodies which made them smile.

“You are a kind man, Morgan Grey.” I heard Luna say as I saw her sitting up against the wall on the floor, next to her sister who was sleeping on the bench.

“What can I say, I was born a kind person,” I replied to her with a smile as I sat next to her. “How’s your sister?” I asked.

“She is fine so far, just like Evan said, all she needs is rest,” Luna replied as I nodded in understanding. I was about to turn my head away from her until I noticed a hint of worry in her eyes.

“Luna, is something bothering you?” I asked with a concerned voice but she didn’t answer. Knowing it was probably something serious, I put my hand on her shoulder, hoping she would open up. “Luna, whatever it is, you can tell me,” I said.

“Remember how I told you last night, during your dream that I can see into the dreams of others.” She asked in which I nodded in response. “Well, last night, I could only see the dreams of you, the others and everyone else on the planet.”

“I don’t see a problem with that,” I said as I didn’t know what she meant.

“Morgan, I couldn’t see the dreams of the ponies in Equestria, only the dreams of us and every human on your world,” she said, looking me in the eyes.

“Oh.” Was all that came out of my mouth. I could see why she would be concerned about this.

“I don’t know how but there’s some sort of interference between both our worlds which prevents me from seeing the dreams back in Equestria. I could only presume that it’s because of the Ark because when we stepped through, we were supposed to be teleported to another Ark on your planet, but it didn’t. We have no idea where the Ark is on your world or if there even is an Ark on your world, period…” she paused before looking down in sorrow. “I fear, that we will never return to our home,” she said, a single tear running down her cheek.

“Luna, look at me.” I said as I put my hand under her chin and guided her head to look at me “I don’t care how long it’ll take, but when we take back our home and free it from Chrysalis, I will do everything in my power to help you, your sister and everypony else get back to your home.” I said solemnly as I wiped the tear off her face. “You heard what I said to Twilight: You are all part of this group now, and I will do whatever it takes to keep you all safe.”

“You have cared so much for us ever since we left at the Stadium, thank you so much, Morgan,” Luna said, a small smile appearing on her face.

“You’re very welcome,” I replied with a smile. We sat next to each other in silence and it was very peaceful, besides the hundreds of Changed outside, still pounding on the door. A few moments had passed before Luna spoke up.

“Morgan, it’s been some time since we talked to each other in your dream, and I am still awaiting an answer for my question,” Luna stated as I slightly turned my head towards her with a confused look.

“Question? What-” That when I remembered from what she asked me. That if I had feelings for her. “Oh, I-I remember,” I said plainly, trying my best to hide my nervousness.

“Well, Morgan? Do you have feelings for me?” She asked

All I could do was sigh. This was not going to stop. I had to tell her the truth, the truth that I saw her as something beautiful, more beautiful than any other thing in the world. There was no other choice. “Luna… the truth is-”

“Hey, kid!” Will yelled, getting the attention of all of us as he rushed around the corner. “I just got back from CJ, he says that he found us a school bus at the south high school north of here.”

“That’s great!” I exclaimed as I got on my feet, not noticing the annoyance on Luna’s face from dodging her question. “Did he say that he was on his way?” I asked.

“He didn’t call me about that,” Will replied, solemnly. “He radioed in saying that a large group of Changed is occupying the school’s parking lot where the bus is and that he needs assistance in clearing the area in order to get to it.”

“And you want me to go help him out?” I guessed as I got a nod in response from him. “Well, I don't have a problem with that,” I said as I turned towards Jacob and Kenny.

“Jacob, you’re with me,” I said as he nodded in response. “And Kenny, if you want in on the action feel free to join us,” I added, turning my attention toward my Uncle.

“Eh, I could use some exercise,” Kenny stated.

“Just one thing kid.” Will started. “You are to use your guns, ONLY as a last resort. The Changed are drawn to noise, so if you go shooting your guns off, you’ll be surrounded by dozens of Changed in minutes.”

“I think we have a workaround for that,” I stated as looked towards Jacob. “Jacob, go get a pump action shotgun and a Salvo 12 from the bag,” I said to him as he nodded and walked off.

“Morgan?” I turned around to see Twilight and her friends standing before me. “We want to come with you,” Twilight said, confidently.

“Twilight,” I said, softly. “I respect that you and your friends wanna help out, I really do, but-”

“Morgan, Darling, the only time you let any of us help you was when Luna accompanied you on retrieving your Uncle.” Rarity said.

“Yeah, and she had to sneak out of the church to do so! You may see us as ponies, but we are far from being defenseless!” Rainbow Dash added.

“Morgan, we all want to liberate your home as much as you do, but we can’t help you unless you let us,” Luna added as she walked up alongside me.

They were right, not once had I asked them to tag along as help. Not when Razorfang intruded in our home and not when I went to get my uncle out of Saint Paul. I have to let them pitch in or else we won't get very far.

“Ok, fine, you can come with us,” I said in a defeated tone as Twilight’s friends cheered. “But!” I said in a loud tone as I got their attention again. “I will only allow three of you come with, so you should discuss on who stays and who goes.” Twilight and her friends huddled together and started talking about who came with and who stayed behind.

Morgan,” Luna started as I turned to look at her. “I know that you are against the idea, but-”

“You can come with as well, Luna.” I interrupted before I gave a sigh. “You guys are right, not once have I let you tag along when it came fighting off Changelings or sneaking into a Changeling controlled city, so I'm not gonna stop you,” I explained as I then turned my gave towards Celestial, still sleeping on the bench. “But what about your sister, don't you think you should stay with her?”

“She will understand, Morgan, don't worry,” Luna replied, reassuringly.

A few seconds later, Jacob came back with a Mossberg 500 in his hands with a salvo 12 suppressor attached to it, and an ammo belt with shotgun shells. “Gun’s lock and loaded,” Jacob said.

I turned to see Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked up to us. “So this is who’s coming with?” I asked as the three ponies nodded. “Now that you guys are coming with, I want you all to stay close to us so that none of you get hurt, that clear?” I questioned as Luna, Twilight, Rainbow, and Applejack nodded in affirmation.

“There’s a back door that leads into the alley behind the pharmacy. The entries were blocked off so that no Changed could get in through the back door.” Will stated.

“Thanks for the advice, Will,” I replied as I turned to those who were coming with. “Alright, let's move,” I announced. Everyone wished us luck as Luna walked over to Celestia, whispering something in her ear which I could only presume that she said to her that she will be fine and be back soon. I also saw my Uncle hug his family, telling them that he would be back. With the goodbyes out of the way, we made our way to the back door and started our trip to the high school.


*******


It had been minutes since we left, we were all walking close to each other through alleys behind abandoned homes, just to make sure that we were not seen by any Changed. I noticed that the sun was starting to set with night slowly taking over. I told everyone that we had to keep up the pace, cause I’ll be damned if I’m going to be out here in the dark with the countless Changed that lurked in the Dead Zone.

We all had our weapons at the ready in case we were attacked. I had my machete in my hand, Jacob was still carrying the silenced shotgun, and Kenny carried a fire ax that he took from the pharmacy on our way out. As for the ponies with us, Luna, Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash kept close to us as we were their only protection out here.

“So Twilight,” I spoke up, keeping my voice down in case there were Changed close by. “After Chrysalis and her army first attacked Canterlot, during your Brother’s wedding, did you do some research on their species, like did you find anything that could prove helpful to us?” I asked.

“As a matter of fact, I did,” Twilight replied with a smile. “What would you like to know?”

“Well, did you come across anything about Changelings being enemies with other nations or a creature that hunted them for food or any of that?” I asked.

Twilight thought for a bit before answering. “Well, I was told by Thorax, the ruler of the now reformed Changelings back in Equestria, that Changelings were prey to a species called Scorpius or in other words; Scorponies.” She answered.

“Let me guess,” Kenny spoke up. “They’re half pony, half scorpion?”

“Yes, Scorponies looked just like average ponies, but they had a scorpion's tail that contained venom that could drain a Changeling’s magic, thus restoring their magic in the process. Also, the only way you could compare a Scorpony’s gender is by their height. Where a male would be the same height of an average pony, a female would be somewhat taller than a filly.” Twilight explained.

“And I’m guessing because of the female’s height, they were more dangerous than males, right?” Jacob asked.

“Indeed, females were smarter, more agile and could launch missiles out of their tail. As for males, they were more durable and had a resistant to magic.” Twilight replied.

“You’re talking about them like they don’t exist anymore. Isn’t their species still around in Equestria? ” I asked.

“Sadly, they are not, Their species went extinct almost 500 years ago and all that we’ve found of them were their fossils in the badlands,” Twilight replied.

“Damn shame,” Kenny stated. It was a shame, really. To hear about a species that was once a great predator to Changelings, but only to learn that they’ve been extinct for centuries where they could’ve been helpful with this war.

“But look on the Bright side! At least we don’t have to worry about them attacking Thorax and the other Changelings back in Equestria.” Rainbow stated.

“And besides,” Applejack joined in. “Even if we were able to bring them along to your planet, not only would they help us with your Changeling problem, they would’ve attacked the Changeling rebels as well.” She stated. She did have a point, the Changeling Rebellion is one of few forces that want to help us take back our planet, and if they were all killed-

“Um, Morgan?” Twilight started, interrupting my train of thought as I looked at her. “Have you come to a decision, whether to tell the others about you-know-what?” She asked quietly, not wanting Jacob or her friends to hear. I had been thinking about it, about Chrysalis and her army being on earth for the last five centuries, and with all thinking, I had come to a decision.

“I have Twilight and…” I paused as I took a deep breath. “I think it would be a good idea that we told them, my friends have the right to know the truth, and I don’t want to hold onto this secret forever. But we can’t tell yet, learning about a virus which turned countless lives into the Changed is enough for today.” I replied with the same tone of voice. I did mean what I said, everyone deserved to know the truth about the Changeling’s existence here on earth, no matter how hard it would impact them.

“I understand,” Twilight said with a nod. “Hopefully when we’re out of this place we can-”

“Shh!” Jacob hushed, abruptly. He then pointed to a nearby dumpster, meaning that he heard something come from within it.

I nodded in response and gestured with my hands for the ponies to stay back and keep quiet and for Kenny to follow my lead. Kenny and I slowly walk up to the dumpster, leaving Jacob with the mares. Once we had gotten to the dumpster, we carefully put our hands on each lid, ready to open it and attack whatever was inside. We immediately open the lids and were about to bring our weapons down on whatever was inside, but stopped as we saw that inside was an African male.

“WOAH, WOAH!” He reiterated, obviously not wanting to be killed as he shielded himself with an aluminum baseball bat. We got a better look at the guy inside and saw that he had short black hair, wore a white t-shirt, military pants with knee pads strapped on and a light tactical vest. We instantly knew that this must’ve been CJ, William told us about.

“I take it you’re CJ?” I asked, holding out my hand to help him out.

“And you must be Morgan.” He replied “No offense, but I pictured you a bit more mus… cu… lar.” CJ trailed as he stared in awe the ponies standing behind Jacob. “Damn, I thought Sarge was kidding when he said you had magical ponies with you.” He exclaimed, calmly as I pointed to each of them, one by one.

“That’s Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Twilight and Luna, and the two others are Jacob and my Uncle Kenny,” I said, stating their names to him.

“So, you mind telling us why you were hiding in a Dumpster?” Kenny questioned.

“Some Changed snuck up behind me while I was scouting out the area. I hid inside here as they walked past and decided to stay in here till you guys arrived. I actually thought you were Changed when I heard you walk up.” CJ explained.

“So William mentioned that you found us our way out of here?” Luna questioned, getting right to the point of why we came here.

“Yeah, I did. Follow me, but stay low.” CJ said as we followed him to our means of transportation. We quietly followed him down the alley until he stopped right next to a garage that was next to the street. He peeked around the corner and then looked back as he gestured with his hand for us to look as well. We all took a look and saw the high school before us with a few cars that were still in the parking lot and some Changed that roamed the area as well, but what caught our eyes was the bus that was parked right at the school’s entrance, our ticket out of the Dead Zone.

“So how many are we dealing with?” Jacob asked, mentioning the number of Changed in the parking lot.

“About 15 of them, the reason why called Sarge for assistance,” CJ replied.

“So what’s the plan, kid?” My Uncle asked.

“Well, even if we did this stealthily, it would take up too much time, so we’re gonna right up attack them while there’s still light in the sky,” I stated, before turning to our pony friends. “As for you girls, one of you will be with each of us and be our second pair of eyes, in case we’re attacked from behind.” The four mares nodded in agreement.

“Alright, clear out the area, then make our way towards the bus. Let’s go!” I exclaimed as we moved up to the school with CJ, Kenny, Rainbow, and Luna taking the east side of the school and Jacob, Twilight, Applejack and I taking the south side. As we moved up on our side of the school, I saw from across the parking lot Kenny and Cj moving in with Luna and Rainbow close behind them. A few Changed noticed them and tried to make their move but were instantly put down by Kenny’s ax and CJ’s bat.

Now was our turn to approach as I walked up to two Changed who were coming at me with Twilight right behind me. With such grace, I sliced the first one’s arm off before stabbing straight through its head and cut the seconded one’s head clean off as it tried to lunge at me. Jacob rushed past me, holding up the shotgun and fired at three Changed that were in his way, with the suppressor silencing the shots.

“Morgan, behind us!” Twilight exclaimed as I turned around to see three Changed staggering up to us from between two parked cars. I quickly got in front of Twilight, not wanting her to be hurt and held up my machete in defense. I was about to charge at them, right before the car on the right was pushed towards the three Changed, pinning them between the two vehicles. Twilight and I look to see who was responsible and saw Applejack, facing away from where the car was. I was amazed at how she saved us by bucking a two-ton car into these freaks.

“Nice one, AJ!” I commented, earning a tip of her hat from her as she galloped off after Jacob. “Man, that pony is strong!” I said aloud.

“Well, she does buck apple trees for a living,” Twilight stated as we made our way towards the bus where the others were waiting.

As we boarded the bus, Kenny sat in the driver seat and started looking for the keys to the bus while the rest of us sat down in the seats behind him. I looked over the seat to make sure everyone was still present and sure enough, they were. I sat back down in my seat with my machete in my lap and sighed, which got the attention of Luna.

“Thou alright, Morgan?” She asked as she sat down next to me.

“I’m fine, Luna, I’m fine,” I replied as I wiped some sweat from my face. “So… someday this turned out to be, eh?” I asked, earning an eye roll from Luna.

“I have to say, Morgan, you can sure handle yourself in a fight!” Twilight stated, sitting in the seat next to us.

“What can I say, when Changelings take over the entire country, you gotta train yourself to be good with a blade if you wanna fight against them!” I replied back with a shrug. It was true by the way, ever since I found my machete at the pawn shop, I started practicing with it, in case I ever ran out of ammo and it was the only weapon I had. But in the end, all that training was worth it!

“Well I don’t know about you guys, but I am ready to get out of this place, period!” Jacob stated as he stood up from the seat behind us.

“Agreed!” We all said in unison. A minute later, the bus’s engine came to life, telling me that Kenny was successful in finding the key.

“Well I’ll be damn, we have more than enough gas to get ourselves to Albert Lea!” Kenny said out loud.

“Well then what are we waiting for? Let’s get back to the others so we can get out of this place!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Kenny nodded in response and put his foot on that pedal, driving us back to the pharmacy.

“Morgan?” Luna spoke up softly as I gave her my attention. “I still deserve an answer to my question.”

I looked away and gave a quiet sigh, quiet enough so that Luna or the others could hear. I want to tell her, I want to speak my heart out about what I think of her, but I am just too scared. I just fear that she will reject me if I say want I want to say about her. I know that a lot of you have gone through the exact same thing, how you meet the girl of your dreams and want to say hi but you’re too scared to walk up to her. That’s what I’m going through, except Luna isn’t just some girl, she is a pony Princess from another world and the chance of that happening to anyone one else, will never happen.

“Luna it’s just… look, I’ll talk to you about it later.” I said in an exasperated tone, but Luna looks at me with worry.

“Morgan, if something is on your mind-” I interrupted her by quickly glaring at her with the corner of my eye.

“Luna,” I started, raising my voice a little. “I’ll talk to you, about it, later.” I reiterated as I focused my eyes out the front window, ignoring what expression was showing on Luna’s face. I didn’t want to raise my voice, but it was the only way to tell her that I didn’t want to talk.

“Hey Morgan,” CJ said as he knelt down next to me in the walkway. “I just contacted William about the bus, he said that your friends packed everything up that was in the back room and in the pharmaceutical section. He also told me that the area is clear of Changed so that we can pick them up, but suggests that when we get there, we load everyone up quickly so that the engine of the bus doesn’t draw any Changed out.”

“Sounds like a plan,” I replied, nodding in agreement.

“Hey, kid! We're coming up on the pharmacy!” My uncle announced, looking in the rearview mirror at me. As we pulled up outside the pharmacy, Jacob and I got off with our weapons drawn as we kept an eye out for any Changed coming our way.

The door of the pharmacy opens as William, Sarah, Brandon, and Kyle came out with their weapons drawn as well as they got into defensive positions. Seconds later, our friends briskly walked out and boarded the bus, as well as Celestia with Evan helping her to the bus. Once everyone was on, Will’s team followed suit, except for himself who simply walked up to me.

“You did good, son.” He said, giving me a smile and patting me on the shoulder as he got on the bus with Jacob following behind him.

I was about to get on before I took one last look around the area. This place, this is what Chrysalis’ has been hiding from us, this hell, right in our own front yard. But now that we know their secret which has killed countless lives, we could use it to our advantage. I got onto the bus and just like that, we drove off to where the exit out of this place was located. I have waited for this moment all day.