Pastel...colored...equine humanoids. Hanz didn't know what he was expecting really when he planned to meet the soldiers of Neighyers Island. He stepped foot on the pier and walked towards the guards who were expecting him. Their faces bore confusion, curiosity and a twinge of fear in their eyes.
'Best be a gentleman' he thought. He stretched out his hand for shake.
"Hello. I am Admiral Hanz Von Ravenmark of the Kiregsmarine Battleship H-44 GERMANIA. I wish to speak to you leaders." He said. The equines just stared at him with wide eyes.
"Who is your commanding officer?" Hanz asked and that seem to bring them back to Earth.
"I am the one in charge. Captain Black Powder Admiral at your service. Your...thing flew the parlay flag, so what do you wish to discuss?" Black Powder asked.
"I wish to speak with the nation's rulers and the best way to make first contact with your nation was meeting this garrison, but I saw the attack and its my duty to protect." Hanz said. Black Powder nodded.
"Well it is a pleasure to meet you. We are still far from Equestria proper though. If you would like, we can send a letter up to command to get you there. It will take time, but it would help from causing any...incidents or panic the citizens might have at seeing your vessel." Captain Black Powder replied.
'tell him to say you are come from Aquarius. The princesses will understand.
"Thank you. Also please inform them that I am here from Aquarius. My...superior told me that it will help get their attention." Hanz said and Black Powder nodded.
"Very well sir. In the meantime we have a spare room in the fort we can give you. If that's alright?" Captain Powder asked.
"That will not be necessary. I am needed on my vessel and I've grown quite used to it, but I would not mind a look around the place." Hanz replied.
"Um,very well Sir Hanz. Private Mist!" Powder called out and a mare stepped forward. She was dressed in shiny armor with orange fur and red mane and tail. A pair of feathery wings protruded from her back out of holes in the armor and on the shoulders of the armor was marks of mist clouds with a light ray coming through barely.
"Yes Sir!" she responded.
"You are to show our guest around the island. No private areas, but other than that you are free to go anywhere he asks. clear?" he said.
"Crystal Sir!." She replied.She motioned for Hanz to follow and the two started walking around the port. They walked along the wall of timber and looked out at the stone fort on the northern tip of the island. They could see locals and garrison members trying to repair the stonework and remove cannon balls that were lodged in the building.
"How old is this fort anyway?" Hanz asked.
"Its quite recent actually. The timber wall around the port is supposed to be replaced with stone, but you know how paper pushers can be." Mist said.
"Ah yes. I remember that it took over a year for approval of GERMANIA and another three or so to get her finished." Hanz replied.
"I see. so what even are you?" she asked.
"I am a human and you are some winged pony?" Hanz said.
"I'm a Pegasus." She said slightly annoyed by the name winged pony.
"Ah yes now I see the resemblance. People where I am from write stories about Pegasi and unicorns all the time, but I've never see one until now." He replied.
The two continued through the town. Ponies would gawk at Hanz, but were a lot calmer since there was a guard escorting him. After a long day of walking, Hanz returned to GERMANIA to rest.
If one were to travel out into untraveled seas you would expect nothing. However, that is where many interesting things like to live. A large mountain sticking out of the water is one such thing. This mountain was home to Victor Valkenburg or as he was known Pirate lord of the Black Talons. For years, he had acquired wealth, respect and infamy among allies, and enemies.
Victor sat in his quarters planning other operations when-
"Sir! Master Valkenburg!" A voice called as a griffon ran into the room. He looked like he had just flown a marathon.
"What is it? You know I hate being disturbed." Victor said without turning an eye towards the griffon.
"Sir. Captain Vulture has returned form his mission." the griffon said.
"And? Whhy is such a routine scouting mission so important?" Victor asked.
"Sir. Only two ships returned. WE asked the crew and they said their escorts were obliterated." the griffon said. Victor turned slowly with hidden anger in his eyes.
-
"Where is Captain Vulture?" Victor said through a clenched beak.
"He is here to be sent in if you wish." The griffon stated.
"Bring him in....now" Victor said slowly. The griffon saluted and two guards came in with Captain Vulture in between them and the guards returned to outside the door.
"Sir i'm sorry for what happened I-i-I can't be more sorry for what-" Was all Vulture got out before being gripped by the neck by Victor.
"How did you fuck up such a simple order?" Victor said in a low angered tone.
"We were watching the fort like you asked, and we thought we could take it out so-" Vulture was slammed agaisnt the wall by Victor.
"That was not my orders! Now tell me how you lost my ships." Victor said throwing Vulture to the ground to breath.
"It was this strange beast. They had a beast that moved faster than any airship. It mowed us down where we stood and we were getting blown out of the water by something we couldn't see. I-it-it must have been some new vessel they don't want others to know about." Vulture stuttered out, and Victor stopped from about to crush the captain's throat.
"I will believe you this time Vulture." Victor said.
"Oh thank you si-"
"BUT! You still must face punishment." Victor said. He whistled and a guard came in.
"Take this man to the dungeon. He is to be castrated for insubordination." Victor said as the guard dragged Vulture away.
"No. No master Victor. Lord Victor no NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Cried Vulture as he was dragged out of the sight of VIctor Valkenburg.
'A new vessel huh? I must see this for myself.'
"Griffith!" Victor called and the griffon who interrupted him before came in.
"Yes sir?" he asked.
"Send our best scouts to fidn out about this "new vessel" Vulture spoke of."
"Yes sir!" Griffith said before saluting and leaving.
'Neighyers will pay for their actions and this vessel of theirs will be mine.' He thought chuckling to himself under his breath.