Princess Luna and I had returned to Southern California, to break apart our network and restore free will to our slaves. We had a plan, now it was time to implement it.
The first bronies arrived not long after our meeting had ended. They were surprised, to say the least. Luna spoke to each one of them personally, and assured them that she was still their Mistress despite her change. She cautioned them all to remain polite and courteous while in her Moon Palace. However, Luna saved her big announcement until all the bronies had arrived. She told them of her defeat, and that her hatred was purged by the Elements. She told them that she had reunited with her sister, and the bronies were to be polite to her and the other Equestrians. The pizza had arrived while Luna was speaking, so she ended her speech with an order to 'feast, and be merry!'
And we did.
Luna introduced Celestia to the hot buffalo wings, and after a tender nibble the alabaster mare dug into the meaty flesh as voraciously as her sister. Twilight was introduced to Dungeons and Dragons, and she mastered the rules very quickly. However, she quickly became known as a rules lawyer and was asked to leave the game. Pinkie and Fluttershy were all over the board games, and both were amused to find playing pieces shaped like themselves. Dash tried out the video games, but spent most of her time battling Applejack and some bronies in Dagorhir combat. As was our custom, the party lasted all night.
In the early morning, Celestia placed a call to the President of the United States. She had to wait for several minutes before the President was available to take her call. The two spoke for some time while the Solar Princess laid out our plan for the Moon Palace. The President agreed to authorize the location as an official embassy, and agreed to pay for it until the Equestrians were able to finance it themselves. Celestia mentioned that she always carries a bag of gold bits with her, and the President agreed to accept them as payment. Once her call was concluded, she went over to Luna's throne-couch and slept until evening. I noted the irony of the Sun Goddess sleeping through the day and partying all night.
More bronies arrived for the party that evening, including some new 'Solar Empire' worshipers. Celestia was kind and spoke to them for several minutes before we had to leave. for it was that evening that we agreed to start crippling Nightmare Moon's shadow parasites. I had gotten ahold of two extra iPads, and plotted out the routes on the tablets for each pony. Twilight and Dash were given the easiest route, which was the land south of the Angeles National Forest and north of the 10 freeway. It was an east-west strip that was easy to cover. Celestia would cover the larger area south of the 10 freeway and north of the 91 freeway. Luna and I were more familiar with the area, so we took the largest areas to cover: Luna went south to Orange County, and I traveled west to cover western Los Angeles County and Ventura County. It took us four nights of broadcasting to make sure that all of the shadow parasites in the Los Angeles and neighboring counties had been crippled.
Well, we hoped that we had gotten them all. It was always possible that a few slaves were on vacation or out of town for some reason. But with most of the parasites crippled, they would not be able to communicate with each other. Any parasites that were left would only accept commands from Luna, which would effectively shut them down. Or so Luna said. It all seemed really messy, leaving all these shadow parasites lying around. I just hoped that 'future us' would actually try to remove the shadow parasites rather than ignore the problem.
That last night of parasite hunting, the five of us returned to the Moon Palace at different times though we all arrived before daybreak. Twilight and Dash rejoined the party, while the rest of us excused ourselves to discuss the next phase of our plan: freeing Camp Pendleton.
We could easily put all of the shadow parasites in the base into 'cripple' mode, but the Commanding General deserved our special attention. Luna had come up with a plan to free the man in a way that she hoped would keep his honor intact. Celestia and I felt it was a good plan, so we set up a conference call with the President of the United States. The man was essential to our plan, and when we told him about the g-man from his clan, he agreed to be our front man. He was told the time for our crime, confirmed it was before his bedtime, then said goodbye until it was show time.
(That rhyming is not necessary!)
(No, but it is amusing for the readers that are perusing what they are doing.)
(Thou art cruising for a bruising.)
(Now you're getting it!)
(Oh Faust!)
A second call was made, this one to the Commanding General's office. We set up a meeting at his office for that evening, then the four of us slept until nearly night time. Once dusk had fallen, Celestia joined Luna and me for our trip down the coast. The flight was uneventful, as usual. If Celestia saw anything interesting, she didn't say anything to Luna nor me. An hour or so after we left the Moon Palace, the three of us landed in front of the Commanding General's office in Camp Pendleton. One of his aides was outside and waiting for us.
"Good evening, Mistress. Your appearance is different, is everything okay?"
"Yes, of course. I grew tired of the black and silver look, what do you think?"
"It rather suits you, Mistress. I recognize your Captain, but who is this other one?"
"She is my sister, and ruler of the land that I came from."
"I see."
"She is part of the reason I have come to speak to the Commanding General. Will you take us to him?"
"Of course, Mistress."
The man escorted us into the building and into the Commanding General's office. The room looked the same as it did the last time I was there, with bookshelves on the left of the room, a couch and chairs surrounding a coffee table on the right, and a large desk in the back of the room. It felt like a long time had passed since Nightmare Moon and I had met Mr. Nicholes here, and got our access to the President of the United States. But in reality, it was only a week. The Commanding General greeted us warmly, then offered us a place to sit. I took a spot on the couch set against the wall, while Celestia and Luna moved the chairs and sat on the other side of the coffee table. The Commanding General sat in a chair at the end of the table.
"So Mistress, I gather your mission was a success?"
"In a manner of speaking. My Captain and I did get our visit with the President, and we did manage to enslave him. However, my sister here was also present and we fought a long and hard battle."
"I see. Was there a victor?"
"Of sorts. While my sister did not defeat me, I was purged of the dark magic that fed my hatred. I personally consider that to be a great victory."
"I had noticed the change in your appearance, but I wasn't sure if it was relevant."
"In this case, it is. My sister and I have ended our war, and I have agreed to end my conquest of this planet."
"And what of the changeling spies infiltrating our government?"
"That was a lie, a ruse to ensure your cooperation. For this, and for my other wrongs against you I am truly sorry."
"No apologies necessary Mistress. I suspected that was a lie, but I am still willing to serve you in any way I can."
"Thank you. However, the reason for this meeting is not to ensure your service to me, but to free you from my control."
"Free me? I am not under anyone's control. I am serving you freely."
"Sadly, you are not correct. I order you to contact the President of the United States, using the 'Skype' method. He is expecting your call."
"Yes, Mistress."
The Commanding General stood up and walked behind his large desk, then sat down and wiggled his mouse to turn off the screen saver. While he used the machine, he spoke to us.
"This explains the contact request I received from a White House staff member today. I'll call them now."
The Skype call was answered almost immediately, and the President was conferenced into the call. We could not hear the President's voice clearly, until the Commanding Officer turned up the volume on his computer speakers.
"Can you hear me now, Princess Luna?"
"Yes, Mister President, I can."
"And are your other guests with you?"
"Celestia and my Captain are here. And they can also hear you."
"Excellent. Kevin, I've got some bad news for you."
"What do you mean, Mister President?"
"You're under mind control, Kevin."
"Negative, Mister President. I am in full control of my mind, body and soul."
"According to Princess Luna there, you're wrong. She has full control of you, even though you believe you're helping her of your own free will."
"I-I don't mean to doubt you sir, but I am certain I'm not being controlled."
"It's nothing to be ashamed of, son. Princess Luna got me, too. And she says that you helped her to get to me."
"Never, sir! I would never betray my country!"
"Did you, or did you not, engineer a situation in Southern California that was intended to lure a high-ranking official to you? And did you not introduce the Princess to Mr. Nicholes, and help her capture and enslave him?"
The Commanding Officer began to fidget in his chair.
"I-but I--the Changelings, sir!"
"Ah yes. The Princess told me that's how she finally got you to submit, she made up a story about alien invaders infiltrating the government. Did she tell you that was a lie?"
The man's fidgeting got noticeably worse.
"Yes, but they may still be a danger to us."
"So, she told you that she lied yet you still believe that lie? That's not you talking, Kevin. She manipulated you well, and only got you to submit by using your loyalty to this country against you."
The Commanding General began to shake in his chair, but he didn't seem to notice.
"It-it's not possible, sir! Her cause is right and just, and she has our best welfare in mind!"
"It's okay, son. I'm not holding this against you. Remember, I've been there with you. I understand what she has done and how it can twist your mind against you. As far as I am concerned, you are still loyal to this country and have served her well. This conversation will stay between us, and will never be spoken about to anyone."
Luna segwayed into the conversation.
"He is correct, Kevin. You have served both me and the President well. So calm yourself, there is nothing to fear."
The Commanding General's arms and hands settled slowly, but he still twitched now and then.
"Excellent. Mister President, I believe I can take it from here."
"Got it. Kevin, let's chat again after you're free."
"Y-yes, sir."
"Just an informal chat, you're not in trouble nor is your commission in danger. Just two soldiers talking about their battle scars. As far as I'm concerned, you will stay in charge of Camp Pendleton for some time."
"Yes, sir."
"All done, Princess Luna."
"Thank you. Kevin, end your call and come lay down on the couch."
"Yes, Mistress."
As the Commanding General stood up from his chair, Luna turned towards Celestia and me.
"I believe it would be best if you two gave us some privacy. Freeing him from the shadow parasite may break down his emotional state even further, and I have no wish to humiliate him any more than necessary."
Luna's request was fair, so Celestia and I quickly left the Commanding General's office. We quickly realized that we could enact the second part of our plan while waiting for Luna to finish her task: free the soldiers of Camp Pendleton from Nightmare Moon's control. The base's perimeter and the surrounding cities was a much smaller area to cover than the counties to the north, so Celestia and I were able to quickly and easily find all of the soldiers living on and off the base that had shadow parasites. Celestia travelled to the north, while I went south. After an hour or so, I returned to the Commanding General's office and found Luna outside waiting for me.
"A most warm welcome to you, my Captain."
"Thanks.
Are you alright? You sound sad."
"Most astute, as always. My liberation of the Commanding General, and our subsequent conversation, has drained me emotionally."
"Oh."
"Do not worry, I shall be fine. And as for the General: he will recover, in time."
Celestia arrived some ten minutes later, so the three of us left the base for the final time and returned to the Moon Palace. With our part of the plan nearly complete, we had to wait for the President to complete his share. Until he did, the Equestrians and I continued to party with the bronies. The Equestrians were the center of attention, and even Fluttershy began to enjoy herself. Two days later, Luna and I were woken up by an excited Janice.
"Wake up, Mistress and Master!
"Wake up, please!"
"Whuh, what? Janice?!"
Luna let out a wide yawn.
"What can we do for thee, Janice?"
"I'm sorry for waking you, but I just couldn't wait any longer!
"The investigation has been called off!"
"Really? That's awesome!"
"Yes! The President called my bosses personally! He took all the blame for everything that's been going on! And he told them that he ordered me to secrecy, and to hide everything from them! Oh my gosh, it's so amazing!"
"That is most welcome news, Janice."
"It gets better! The President told them that the government would reimburse the building for the money they lost because of the embassy! I just have to provide him with an accounting of the funds I spent on you, and it'll be all over!"
"That's great, Janice. We're so happy for you."
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much!"
"It is no less than you deserve, Janice. You would not be in such dire straits if it were not for me. It was only right that I act to free you from them."
Luna turned to me.
"Speaking of freeing, I believe this is an excellent time to free Janice from our control."
"Are you sure that's a good idea? Won't we be vulnerable without her protecting us?"
"I am not certain it will be good for us, but I believe it is the right thing for Janice."
"Good point."
Luna crawled out of bed, sat down then tapped her hoof against the mattress.
"Janice, please sit here."
"Yes, Mistress."
Janice walked around the bed and sat down where the Lunar Mare had indicated.
"Thank you. Now, just relax. I am going to remove your shadow parasite, so you may feel strange."
Luna lit her horn, then closed her eyes in quiet concentration.
"My what? I don't understAAAANNNDD!!"
"It is okay. This is a normal process, you are safe in my hooves."
"I feel so strange!"
"That is a normal feeling, your senses have been clouded for some time. You will be fine."
"The voice in my head is gone! It was always so nice and sweet whenever I did what it told me to do."
"Yes, that was its purpose: to keep you calm and happy while doing my bidding. Ah, it is done."
The purple blob that was the shadow parasite floated out of Janice's head, surrounded by Luna's magic. The mare set the parasite on her upturned hoof, then let her magic subside.
"Here it is. This is the means by which I controlled you."
"You mean, that thing was in my head?"
"Yes. It is the source of the voices you heard. But now, your mind is yours once again."
"Oh, what a relief! I thought I was going crazy!"
"Eh? What do you mean?"
I answered my Lunar Goddess.
"In our culture, hearing voices in one's head is seen as a sign of madness."
"Ah, I see. Be assured Janice, that you are not mad or otherwise deranged."
"Oh goodness, that's so good to hear.
"So, you're saying that this purple thing is why I did all those things for you?"
"Yes, Janice. It twists your perceptions so my commands seem reasonable."
"That explains everything! I couldn't understand why I kept taking money and buying things for you, but it always felt like it was the right thing to do."
"Exactly. I am deeply sorry for what I have done to you, and for any pain that I have caused. I cannot undo the damage, but I have done my best to make you whole once again."
"It's okay. Most of what I did for you is stuff I'm supposed to do for the other tenants if they ask. Well, except for the embezzling and pizza parties, but I didn't mind the pizza parties."
"So, you're not angry at us?"
Janice turned to me.
"No, not really. You guys helped me out and got me out of trouble, so I can't stay angry at you."
"I thank you for your understanding, Janice. I do not deserve your forgiveness, though I accept it wholeheartedly.
"If you will indulge me for a moment longer dear Janice, I have a question for you."
"Okay."
"Would you like to stay and work for me, but in an official capacity? You would become my seneschal, the one in charge of my Moon Palace and responsible for keeping it in good condition. You would be doing the same job that you have been doing these past few months for me. But instead of being controlled, you would become part of my extended family."
"Wait, you're offering me a job?"
"Yes. I have grown quite fond of you over these past months, and would be sad to see thee go. I wish thee to stay with us."
Janice sat there for a moment, and did not react. Then she smiled, and leaned in to give Luna a big hug! Luna stiffly endured the contact, but wrapped a wing around the woman a moment later.
"So, is this your way of saying 'yes'?"
Janice released Luna and sat back on the bed.
"Yes, and yes. I'd love to keep working with you.
"I guess I'll have to quit my old job and train my replacement. Susan might be a good fit."
"You have been performing both jobs for several months, perhaps your employers will allow you to stay."
"Maybe. Oh! You should free my co-workers as well!"
"We shall, do not fear."
"Oh yes! I almost forgot."
Janice leaned over the bed and patted me gently on top of my head.
"Good kitty!"
I sat there nonplussed, while both Janice and Luna had a laugh at my expense.
Later that day, Federal Agents arrived to take over security for the building. Their presence officially made the Moon Palace a foreign consulate, and marked our job complete. Nightmare Moon's secret control of Southern California was no more.
It was over. For real this time.