The Road to Ornithia
Part 15; The Prime Minister’s Proposition
“I have a proposition for you.” Prime Minister Garibaldi said as the group began to sit down. As Silver sat down in between Angel Wings and Wyvern, he couldn’t help but feel something was off. After all, he had been on many deliveries all over the world from Equestria to Saddle Arabia and even to the farthest corners, but never had he been asked to have dinner with a government official after one measly delivery job.
Before he could ask any questions though, Perry immediately (and rather rudely) asked, “So, you mind telling us what’s going on?”
“Not until the other guests arrive.” Garibaldi answered, trying to remain polite. He turned to Celaeno and continued, “The rest of your crew should have been here by now.”
“Sorry about that.” Celaeno nervously replied. “They’re probably lost.” The Prime Minister sighed as he held his feathery fingers to the base of his beak as he said, “Ugh. Cos’altro e nuovo?”
Angel Wings nervously raised her hoof, hoping to be seen by her host. When the Prime Minister faced her, she asked, “So, other than the rest of Captain Celaeno’s crew, do we have any other guests?”
From the doorway, she and the other guests heard a very pompous and arrogant voice reply, “That would be, you stupid little mammals.” Silver and the others turned to see none other than Crassus the dinosaur, still dressed in his white and red robes. Perry, caught off guard, asked, “Ok, who’s the half plucked, pot bellied, snake necked turkey vulture?”
“I am Marcus Licinius Crassus.” Crassus introduced himself. “And I will have you know that my money is one of the reasons this place has even returned to a fraction of its former glory.”
Silver then called out, “Mr. Perry. You will refrain from any insults to any guests.” He then grew a smug smile as he continued, “Which means if you can’nae say anything nice, keep your gob shut.”
Perry could only reply, “Aye aye sir.” As he sank into his seat, however, he grumbled to himself, “He didn’t have to be a jerk about it.”
Silver turned to Crassus and said, “I apologize for me gunnery officer’s behavior. Behind a 12 pounder he’s a miracle worker, but he’s a loose cannon with his mouth.”
“I expected as such.” Crassus replied as he made his way to the opposite end of the table to Garibaldi. “From what I know in my homeland, sailors are ones known for self control or clean mouths.”
From above the group, everyone heard the sound of something crashing followed by a very familiar voice calling out, “Squawk!” Celaeno felt her face turn red as Prime Minister Garibaldi sighed and said, “It seems we know where the rest of your crew is Capitano.”
After a few minutes, the rest Celaeno’s crew was “escorted” into the dining room. Squabble, in particular, had his head stuck in a porcelain vase. Celaeno sighed as she rose from her seat as she said, “Let me get him out of there.” She then made her way over to her crewmate and placed wrapped her feathery fingers around the opening and began to pull. Though she was able to get the vase off of her friend, she accidentally allowed the vase to fly into the air and crash into the ceiling, shattering into thousands of pieces.
“Oops.” Celaeno said meekly. “Sorry about that.” Prime Minister Garibaldi simply sighed as he said, “That’s not important.” He then asked, “Now that all the guests are here, would everybody take a seat?”
Once everyone had taken their seats, The Prime Minister rose and began to speak. “As you all know, I have summoned you all here because you are the greatest sailors and naval experts currently living.” Silver couldn’t help but feel flustered at his host’s compliments. The tall Ornithian continued, “For not only have our Equestrian guests managed to deliver weather machines in record time what has now becoming occupied territory, but our fellow Ornithians have been doing wonders in thinning out Admiral Ecks’s massive armada.”
Celaeno then added, “Actually we’re from Parrot Peaks.” The Prime Minister replied, “True, but to all Ornithians, this city is our true home.”
“Wait, there are other Ornithian settlements?” Angel Wings asked with enthusiasm.
Prime Minister Garibaldi nodded as he replied, “Si. Thousands of years ago, this city was founded by Saurian merchants.” He then motioned to Crassus, who sighed as he added, “As in Dinosaurs from the Saurian Republic.” The scarlet parrot then continued, “And as our city grew, some Ornithians made their way out into the world. But no matter where we settle, we always see this city as home.” Crassus then remarked, “Look, as much as I enjoy this geography and history lesson, I’m afraid we’re getting off topic.” Garibaldi nodded as he replied, “Good point Crassus.”
The Ornithian Prime Minister then refocused his attention on the rest of his guests as he continued, “As I was saying, in your particular fields, you are the best of the best.” As Silver and the other guests basked in their host’s compliments, Garibaldi added, “And thus, I feel it is time to ask you to help us.”
Something about that phrase made Silver realize something was wrong. He raised his hoof and asked, “And, what is it you need our help with?” Garibaldi took a deep breath and replied, “We need you to fight with us against Admiral Ecks.”
Silver’s eyes widened as he began to comprehend what he’d heard. “Wait wait wait!” He said as he shook his head. “You want us to single handedly take down the world’s largest armada?”
“Not alone my friend.” Garibaldi reassured the stunned sailor. “We have little in the way of standing warriors, but we have the massive fortune abandoned by the Storm King’s forces when they fled. We have been using that money to recruit as many soldiers, sailors, and other warriors to help in standing against Ecks.”
Wyvern, who had been quiet for most of this discussion, asked, “So you want us to be mercenaries?” Perry, spitting out his drink, added, “Mercenaries? You realize that there are rules against mercenaries, right?”
Angel Wings, however, asked a different question. “What’s a mercenary?” Silver replied, “Mercenaries are soldiers who fight not for their own country, but for money, particularly the highest bidder.”
Garibaldi then added, “Look, I know that it’s a lot to ask, but….” He sighed, appearing to lose his composure. “We don’t have any other option.”
Silver couldn’t help but feel confused. As much as he and the others knew how to fight, he had never actually done any work specifically focused on combat. On top of that, mercenaries were hardly the most welcomed kind of ponies in Equestria. Still, he couldn’t help but feel that the Prime Minister was being sincere.
Captain Celaeno then spoke up. “The Prime Minister is right. After the Storm King died, his forces have been raiding the city as well as other Ornithian settlements.” She turned to her crew as she continued, “My crew and I have been picking off their ships wherever we can, but we can only do so much.”
Lix Spittle then added, “Besides, you guys are the best of the best. If you guys lead the charge against Admiral Ecks, then we might just stand a chance.” Mullet then spoke up, “That and we’re not exactly the most popular parrots around these parts.”
“Wait, what?” Angel Wings asked. “Why do you think that?” Celaeno guiltily looked away as she replied, “Let’s just say that being the Storm King’s errand runners doesn’t exactly make us look like heroes. Most Ornithians think we’re traitors.”
Angel Wings was stunned speechless. “That’s horrible! Didn’t you help take the Storm King down?” Mullet glumly replied, “You know what they say, one good deed isn’t enough to redeem you, but it is enough to condemn you.”
Perry then added, “Maybe it’s for everything you bird brains were up to before that.” Unsurprisingly, Silver immediately turned his attention to the gunnery officer and made his disappointment abundantly clear.
“Mr. Perry! If you make one more remark like that, you will spend the rest of the night on the ship! Am I clear?!” The metal winged sailor ordered. Perry simply grumbled and took another sip of his drink.
Seeing one of his guests consume his beverage, Garibaldi spoke up again. “Oh, forgive me for not saying so earlier, but you may all, how do you say, dig in.” Once the scarlet politician gave the all clear, many of the guests, namely Perry, Mullet, Lix Spittle, Squabble, and Wyvern, began to help themselves to the feast.
Unfortunately, one of the guests who began to help himself was Major Andre.
“Mi scusi, but we do not have anything catered for satyr tastes.” Garibaldi apologized as he began to focus his attention on the lanky officer. Realizing he was now the center of attention, Andre replied, “I apologize Prime Minister. Captain Silver insisted I attend for my personal safety.”
“I see.” The Prime Minister replied. “Forgive my suspicion, but it is thankful that the Capitano seems to have you under your protection. It would not be a good idea for you to explore the city, as many of my citizens would love nothing more than to tear you limb from limb.”
Old Silver, however, didn’t seem to be hungry. If anything, he was growing more concerned. “Mr. Garibaldi?” He asked. “I know you said that you think we’re the best of the best, but I got the feelin’ there’s another reason you chose us for your proposal.”
Sighing, the Prime Minister replied, “Si. To be honest, we are desperate. The remnants have been pushing us back. Though some of us have been doing everything they can, Capitano Celaeno is the only commander who has been able to make lasting dents. The others….” He stopped himself as he took a deep breath as he finished, “We cannot let their sacrifice be in vain.”
Silver realized that the stakes were higher than he had initially been led to believe. He knew that all conflict brought a chance of death, but it seemed that he and his crew may have been lucky to even make it to Ornithia. Not only that, but if what Major Andre had said was true, then Admiral Ecks was in command of not only the largest fleet ever assembled, but also included his worst enemy in the form of Somers.
“Capitano?” Garibaldi asked as he made his way up to the metal winged guest. “Is there something bothering you?”
“Aye, there is.” Silver replied. “The good major here gave me a good idea of what we’re dealin’ with, and if what you say is true, the situation is even worse.”
Angel Wings then said something no one expected. “But we have to do something.” When Silver and the others turned to face her in confusion, she continued, “I mean I know we’re just sailors, but we can’t just let Ecks do this. We have a ship with cannons and we’ve dealt with the Raiders. Why shouldn’t more ships be too much more difficult?
Silver couldn’t help but admire her determination. Ever since the day they met, Angel Wings had shown an instinct to stand up for her fellow ponies, as she was not only willing to join the crew on the voyage to Botany Bay, but also flew all the way to the nearest garrison to alert the guards to the Raiders’ plans. While he himself may have had some concerns regarding Prime Minister Garibaldi’s proposal, she was almost too willing to charge towards the danger and face it head on. Maybe that willingness to stand for everyone she knew was what he loved most about her.
The machinations of his mind were interrupted when Celaeno cried out, “Now that is what I like to hear!” As the cream colored Ornithian raised her fist in the air, Squabble darted over to Angel Wings and, gripping his hands around her, lifted her into the air. Clearly, they also agreed with her point of view.
“Alright there. Settle down.” Silver said as he rose from his chair to help Squabble lower the surprised Angel Wings. However, the vocally challenged parrot lost his grip and dropped the pink Pegasus. Acting quickly, Silver managed to catch her, an action that made her blush.
“Sorry about that.” Angel Wings apologized. Silver, helping her back to her hooves, he replied, “It’s alright.” He then added, “Though you do have a good point. I think we do have to do something about the Admiral.”
Nelson, who had been mostly quiet, asked, “Silver, are you sure it’s a wise idea? I know that Admiral Ecks is a danger, but, well….” He stopped himself as he began to realize that, ultimately, they found themselves on the same side as the Ornithians.
Silver then turned to Garibaldi and said, “If it is alright with you Prime Minister, I need one day to see what the rest of me crew thinks. I can’nae force them into a war without them choosing to follow me.”
“Ovviamente Capitano.” The scarlet Ornithian replied. “You may have one day to convince your crew.” Silver nodded as he replied, “Thank you sir.” With that, Silver decided that it was time to join the party and enjoy a bite to eat.
Balcony of the Prime Minister’s House, One Hour Later
After enjoying the banquet provided by their host, Prime Minister Garibaldi allowed both Silver’s and Celaeno’s crews to stay for a little bit at his home. Silver himself decided to take a moment and step out onto one of the balconies and enjoy a little peace and quiet.
Staring into the night skies, Silver took a deep breath and began to speak. “Pretty confusing situation we’re in sir.” He then turned his attention from the skies to the city below, now blanketed in a soft yellow light. “We made it to Ornithia, and now they need our help. There’s a satyr out there who wants to take the place over, and they think we’re their only hope.” He paused as he took a deep breath as he added, “More specifically, they think I’m their only hope. And I’m….”
Silver was interrupted from his monologue by the sound of a door opening. Turning to see who it was, he found Angel Wings, looking somewhat embarrassed. Nervously looking away, she asked, “Oh, sorry. I wasn’t interrupting anything, was I?”
“Not really.” Silver replied. “I was just thinking everythin’ over.” He then took a deep breath and continued, “I mean, we just got asked to be the vanguard for an entire nation.”
“I know.” Angel Wings replied as she walked up to her captain and colt-friend. “I hope I didn’t make the situation worse.” She then began to observe the city beneath them as she continued, “I just felt that I had to say something. After what we saw on the way here, we have to stop this guy.”
Silver then took another deep breath as he replied, “You’re right.” He then turned to Angel Wings and added, “We have to do something. When we get back to the ship, I’m gonna see who in the crew will stand with us against Admiral Ecks.” He then gave her a cheeky smile as he asked, “I take it that you’re gonna join us?”
“Yes.” Angel Wings replied. “I can’t let you guys take on an armada on your own.” She then pointed the tip of her wing to Silver’s heart as she continued, “And if I can say something selfish for a second, I don’t want you getting hurt. At least hurt too badly.”
Silver then began to blush as he said, “And that’s part of what I love about you. Whenever it’s time to stop the bad guys or help people, you seem to be the first one willing to charge in.”
As Angel Wings began to blush, she replied, “I just can’t stand bullies, and Admiral Ecks seems like the biggest bully of them all.” She then began to scuff the ground as she continued, “And that’s part of what I love about you. You always care about every-pony, even ponies you don’t like, like when you stood up for Arrow Bolt.”
Silver let out a gentle chuckle as he replied, “Cap’n Black Watch taught me that to lead by example, you have to show you deserve respect, and that means you have to fight the good fight when it doesn’t benefit you.” He then began to stare off into the night sky as he continued, “You’d have loved him.”
Angel Wings then asked, “You miss him?” Silver sighed and replied, “I miss him every day. Sometimes I blame meself for lettin’ Somers murder him, but other days I convince meself there was nothin’ I could do.” He quickly realized he was starting to self deprecate and quickly apologized, “Sorry. Went off a little bit.”
“Don’t worry. I know the feeling.” Angel Wings replied. “I had trouble with going off on little pity parties like that before I made it into the Wonderbolts Academy.”
Silver then asked, “So, do you regret leaving the Wonderbolts?” Angel Wings paused for a moment before, with a big smile on her face, she answered, “Nope. In fact, I think it was one of the best decisions of my life!” She then lifted herself into the air as she replied, “Already we’ve travelled somewhere I would have never had the chance to see otherwise, and as much as there’s danger out here, it’s not like Equestria has been known for safety lately. I mean, Storm King’s invasion much?”
Silver couldn’t help but begin to laugh as he replied, “Good point. You certainly meet a lot of interesting people like Mr. Crassus.” Angel Wings then said, “Yeah. I think he doesn’t like you.”
“What gave you that idea?” Silver playfully asked. “Was it his pompous attitude, or was it him slapping me into the canal?” He then began to shake his prosthetic wing as he added, “I still think there’s water stuck in me wing.”
Angel Wings, now laughing herself, replied, “Yeah. Mr. Garibaldi was going on about how he was the “Richest dinosaur in the Republic.” Whatever that means.”
As the pink mare began to lower herself back to the balcony, she began to stare off into the stars. “Remember that night before we arrived at Botany Bay? When you told me about how sailors use the stars as sort of a map?” Silver replied, “Aye. You been readin’ about the constellations we use?” Angel Wings shook her head as she replied, “No, but I want to. You mind helping me?” Silver couldn’t help but gently take her hoof as he replied, “It would be my honor.”
At that moment, the two pegasi heard what seemed to be the sound of thunder. Curious, Angel Wings remarked, “Huh. I didn’t know that there was a storm coming.”
Silver, on the other hoof, realized immediately something was wrong. Not only did he realize the clouds weren’t the kind needed for a storm, he knew that these crashes were the kind made by thunder.
These were the crashes made by mortar fire.
“Somethin’s wrong.” He said as he began to slowly make his way back to the door. As he did so, more crashing filled the air as, from behind some distant clouds, several bright lights emerged and began to grow closer and closer to him and Angel Wings.
“Shite! LOOK OUT!” Silver shouted as he grabbed Angel Wings and, worrying they wouldn’t be able to get inside in time, leapt off the balcony and towards the ground.
Just mere moments after he leapt off, one of the bright lights slammed into the balcony, destroying it. After a rough landing, Angel Wings asked, “What’s going on?” Before Silver could reply, more mortar fire began to rain down on the Ornithia. From behind the clouds, ships began to emerge; ships bearing green crosses that resembled the letter X.
As Silver and Angel Wings rose back to their hooves, Nelson, Perry, Celaeno, Mullet, and Prime Minister Garibaldi emerged from the front door of the mansion. As the Celaeno and Nelson ran up to the two pegasi, the cream colored parrot asked, “What’s going on? What happened?”
As more and more ships began to emerge from nearly every corner of the sky, Silver, panic consuming his voice, screamed, “Get to cover! We’re under attack!”