“Boeing 265AK, descend via the COLON Two Arrival, LXATV transition for flow into Chicago O’Hare and Midway.”
“LXATV on the COLON2, 265AK.” “Approach brief: Colon Two, LXATV transition. From MOUTH, course 120 at or above 6,900 to LXATV, then on course 180 direct to ANUSS, expect radar vectors. Since the LXATV is in use, there’s obviously flow control, and we have to be landing south. Approach brief complete.”
As I prepare the cabin for landing, AJ quips,
“Boy are you gonna look like a pimp.”
“Are you trying to suggest something?“
“No.”
When we land at SMG, I text Twilight a timestamp to confirm our arrival. Not expecting a response, one comes.
“OK” (likely from a smart watch)
While we wait for Twilight, Applejack and I chat while I stare at the two airplanes parked at the gates in our view.
“I don’t mean to sound unappreciative, but did you just accept this date so neither of us would feel bad?”
“No. I wasn’t fibbin’ when I said I wanted to have a lunch date with you. However, you didn’t specify whether you wanted it to be just us or with others. Hence, Twilight and her plus one.”
“Who?”
“A friend of ours, also named Twilight.”
“You know two Twilights?”
“Actually, it’s kind of an interesting story. This Twilight’s a pony princess in Equestria.”
“Wait, what?”
“Twilight’s bringing her equestrian counterpart to dinner with us.”
“Your pony counterparts can hop between their world and ours?”
“Eyup!”
“Damn. If she’s the Princess of Friendship, I wouldn’t put it past them for her to be crowned royalty. Somebody, or rather, somepony got the short end of the stick.”
“I mean, our Twi went to a very prestigious and intense prep school.”
“That explains her high-level smarts, one-percenter innocence and general outlook on life.”
“How d’ya mean?”
“One percenter because of how she seems to carry herself, the innocence shown in a notable discomfort around stuff that, say, someone like me would find intriguing. As for the general temperament, aside from being a logical and calculating individual, she’s also the type of person that derives her pleasures from different sources than others. She seems to belong to the “subculture as mainstream” subgroup.”
“Rainbow Dash just calls her an egghead.”
“I’ve never heard Rainbow Dash say the word egghead, never mind to Twilight.”
“Equestrian Rainbow Dash calls Princess Twilight an egghead.”
“That shouldn’t surprise me, and it doesn’t. Even so, I can’t say that it isn’t funny.”
“Yeah? Well, you’ll be in for a nice surprise when you hear…”
“Hi Applejack.” Two identical voices call out.
“Howdy Twilight!” She says to the both of them.
“Max,” our Twilight says, “meet, um, ‘other me.’”
“Your majesty.” I say genuflecting humorously.
“Please; we’re outside my realm. We don’t have to be so formal.” Equestrian Twilight blushes in shock.
”Just a sign of respect, ma’am.“ I say offering my hand, which she shakes.
“I’ll admit, I’m still not entirely used to these things.” She says wiggling her fingers.
“I can imagine. How often do you come out to these parts?”
“Uh, not much. Being a princess is busy work.”
“I’ll bet.”
“But, ever since the Friendship map expanded to include this dimension, some of us will probably make more trips here.”
“Sure. Speaking of here, you’ve been promised a tour of Chicago, so when you’re ready, we can get that started.”
“Okay!” She responds cheerfully.
“How are we going to distinguish human Twilight from Princess Twilight?”
“Which one of ya wants to go by Twi?” AJ then asks, sounding like it’s the simplest solution, which it is.
Both of them look at each other and give each other the chance to answer.
“I can just go by Twily.” The Princess responds.
“I like it.” I respond. “Better than my alternative.”
“What?”
“‘Princess.’”
“NO!” All 3 respond simultaneously.
“I think Twily will be just fine.” The Princess finishes as all four of us climb into a Ford Raptor of my own, still touting new car placards.
“I cannot believe you made that drive in this kind of weather with that car. I’ll quote Applejack on this: you’re Plum Crazy.”
“Actually,” she chuckles with a blush, “I didn’t hit any inclement weather until I passed the state line. We’re fortunate to have this break in traditional midwestern weather. Come tomorrow, it’s supposed to really start coming down.”
“Oh yeah. Well, I’m glad the crews that keep my airport operable are loyal to me. Anyway, did you take Calumet or Tri-State?”
“Neither.” She responds shaking her head. “I left the interstate close to Chicago Heights. Took back roads in an effort to take the most direct route.”
“How much was the toll?”
“$5.”
“Here.” I say providing her with some $20s. “Toll there and back, plus gas money.”
“No, no. I couldn’t accept this.”
“I can’t let my only payment to you be dinner. You drove 3 hours here, plus you’ve got 3 hours back to Indy.”
“Ugh,” she groans playfully. “Fine. You give Rarity a run for her money.”
“Oh pfft! I earn more money per hour than the average American makes in a year. I earn money faster than I can spend it.”
“How have you avoided gold diggers?”
“Oh, I’ve dealt with plenty. I’m just lucky that none of them married me.”