High among the towers in the Canterlot Royal Army Base, Shining Armor paced within his office, reading the report Rarity handed him an hour prior. Between search efforts and other inquiries, it had taken Rarity nearly four weeks to deliver her final report to General Shining Armor, even though he knew his sister had been missing for most of that time.
Trying to keep her nerves steady, Rarity remained quietly seated outside in the hallway. Largely because he had sent her out of his office before he could do something career ending. Not that Rarity would have reported anything he’d do because of her failure. She earned some curious looks from passersby, not that she gave them anything more than a polite nod. Inquisitors waited on no one, save Cadence and the Queen herself, so Rarity was sure to be the subject of at least a few rumors in the near future. Were that all I will endure.
For a fleeting moment, the hallway was empty of others. Rarity looked skyward and uttered a quiet prayer. “Goddess of the Sun and Hope, I am not worthy to ask, but I find myself in need of your strength. May my service bear the price of your blessings.”
“Enter!” Shiny Armor yelled from within the office, cutting the prayer off by nearly spooking Rarity off her seat.
Carefully smoothing her cloak of office free of wrinkles, Rarity stepped into Shining Armor’s office. It was a spartan affair, with little in the way of personalization, save for two picture frames on his desk, one of his family and the other of Cadance. The older unicorn was standing near the window with the sun at his back thanks to the unshuttered window, making it a pain for Rarity to look at him directly. Magic could solve that of course, but the spell would be seen as rude and as an open insult during an already delicate situation.
“Have a seat,” Shining Armor commanded while magically tugging a hard-backed wooden chair away from his desk. As Rarity obliged, Shining Armor flipped through the pages of her report as if he was reading the paper. “Were it not my sister, I’d have to congratulate you, Inquisitor Rarity Belle.”
“Dare I ask for what?” Far from being confused, Rarity started sweating at the faux praise.
“For effectively exiling the greatest mind of our generation into the embrace of our bitterest rivals.” He magically slammed the report on his desk and at last turned to face her. While his face seemed passive, and his voice normal, his eyes betrayed him. “Yet because you did this to my sister, you best…” Shining Armor clenched his teeth to stop himself from saying something politically suicidal. In the end he couldn’t trust himself to do otherwise so he contemplated just throwing her out.
Shining Armor’s whole body exuded anger, but Rarity’s training let her know just how incandescent with rage he truly was. Yet that same training was not enough to keep her from visibly sweating in the presence of a stallion who held no real authority over her. “General,” she paused, trying to form her words as carefully as possible. “I grant you, the majority of the failure is mine, but I did not push Twilight Sparkle onto that ship.”
To that, Shining huffed and heavily claimed his seat to stare into Rarity’s eyes. “If it is healthy to fear the Inquisition, my sister became a hypochondriac ever since the raid against the abolitionists a couple years back. You were sloppy, Inquisitor. You should have waited until after she left Manehatten to confront her like I told you to!” Shining Armor’s inner fury surfaced in a telekinetic slam against the desk. Cracks ran up and down the top.
“I told you she’d end up trading a servant or two to get what she wanted. Had you waited, Twilight would have gotten the wake up call she needed, then the queen and Cadence could have swept the incident under the rug, and then she’d go on to help Equestria in her own way.” His voice grew colder, angrier, and each world chilled Rarity’s blood. “And now she’s going to turn that same genius against us, if only so her new masters will allow her to stay.”
Doing an admirable job keeping her gaze focused on Shining, Rarity was nevertheless shamed all the more. “Protocol dictated that I should confront Twilight before she could try and trade a servant for whatever aims she had. As the Book of Judgement says in chapter seven: It is easier to forgive a transgression when it has only occurred in the mind.”
“And look where that got you,” Shining Armor stated, wholly unmoved, going so far as to sound derisive. “Instead of losing one or two servants, you lost ten, eleven if you count Pinkamena. Quite ironic now isn't it? You inquisitors would do well to learn that you can win a war by losing a battle. Twilight knows almost every one of my reforms, by Celestia she wrote most of them! Not only that, but she knows what direction my thinking will go towards future changes. Now I’m going to have to inform the queen all these years of effort might be for naught.”
Rarity was completely unbalanced. Part of her wanted to cast aside any blame she could, while the other wanted to atone for it all. Disbelief won out in the end, and she tentatively held her chin high, if only because it was expected of an inquisitor. “I fully understand wanting to think the best of a beloved sibling’s talents, sun knows I do the same, but that’s taking it too far isn’t it? If anything you can turn this to your advantage, knowing what paths she would lead their countermeasures down.”
“Turning my sister’s defection to an advantage, she says. As if I’ve been doing nothing all week,” Shining Armor hissed through his teeth as his eyes threatened to mist over. His emotional armor was fading fast. He lit his horn and slammed the door open loudly enough to get a jump out of the Inquisitor. “I have work to do. Get out of my sight.”
While she outwardly carried herself with the calm and collected demeanor as expected of an Inquisitor, Rarity Belle inwardly cursed herself with every step. Useless foal. She berated herself as such and more as she made her way to her instructor who had been waiting on the side of the road leading away from the military base. The sun was shining bright and hot with no clouds for shade. Traitor or not, he still loves her. I should have been less callous towards that.
Her instructor was currently throwing bits of bread to a flock of pigeons. The greying unicorn wore the gold and white uniform and armor of his station, but didn’t seem to care in the slightest if the occasional passing soldier or contracted civilian saw him conducting such a mundane act as feeding some birds.
He made no show of acknowledging Rarity’s approach, but she knew he was aware of her long before she left the gates. He always was. She stopped short so as to leave the birds undisturbed. The old stallion’s horn flashed, masking their conversation to passersby. “Your head is still attached. It seems Shining Armor is as merciful as you are.”
“He has no reason to be, Instructor.” Rarity was inwardly crying, but she couldn’t show that in front of him, and certainly not in public. Inquisitors had an image to maintain.
“Miss Belle, this failure will not be the end of you, nor the kingdom. It’s all too easy to think Equestria hangs in the balance at any given crisis. This is not the first supposed crisis, and it won’t be the last. I have little doubt the good general will adapt.” Radiant Dawn’s tone and casual posture was so outwardly cheerful that he spoke as if he was actually happy with events. His mood left Rarity at a loss for words. “I feel inspired, my girl. I simply must implement your mission into the final year of training for future students. Oh yes, you and everypony after you will be better for it.”
Rarity’s lip threatened to start quivering for a moment until his words reached her. In an instant her shame resurged as she threatened to faint right in front of her teacher. “You’re going to turn my mission into an academy-wide training test? Instructor, I - I realize I failed miserably, but surely-”
His pleasant demeanor never wavered as he allowed creativity to take hold. “How about calling it the ‘Rarity Sparkle?” He looked to her for approval, only to see Rarity was on the verge of tears. “Too on the nose, isn’t it.” His smile wavered a bit after realizing she was only getting worse. He sighed, shook his head, and adopted the more expected professionally guarded posture. “Yes, I know. You scared not only a high profile noble, but a critical scholar and the sister of her majesty’s favorite general into Lunaria’s wings. We must expect her to sell all of the secrets she knows. We should be grateful Twilight Sparkle did not invest herself into politics.” He gave a resigned head shake, and clapped her withers with a hoof. “But enough of that self-loathing. Your actions were by the book. Only hard won experience teaches us that doctrine is only a starting point, not a rigid rule set.”
That left Rarity a bit stunned, her inner sorrow dampening a little. The gears of her mind started churning and she looked absently at the horizon until a thought struck her. “You’re saying I should have gone against your lessons?”
A smirk played across his face as he tossed more bread at the birds. The little birds gathered around him so thickly that Rarity couldn’t move without disturbing them. “Experience is a far better teacher than I am; failure, a better one still.” He paused to think, humming a bit. “I believe I shall call the test, The Starlight Glimmer. Might prove amusing to see the demicorn’s face if she ever learns of the inspiration she caused.”
Rarity was so red in the face she tactfully walked behind him so he couldn’t see her burning with embarrassment. “Instructor, I hate to interrupt your mockery of me, but before we arrived this morning, you said Shining Armor wanted this outcome. That his sister would flee the country. Why would a brother and army commander want that?”
Radiant Dawn chuckled darkly and shook the empty bread paper over the birds to let them have the last scraps. “And as I told you on the ride over here, you just answered your own question.”
“I was hoping you were wrong, and I saw nothing in my meeting with the general to give your theory any merit.” Rarity was overwhelmed by doubt and no small amount of exasperation. “Instructor, I must protest these games of yours. Twilight Sparkle’s defection is no trifling matter, and the general was all too keen to remind me of that at every turn.”
“You still can’t see your own nose,” Radiant Dawn countered with a sudden drop of his jovial mask. The stern face Rarity was more familiar with had returned, leaving her uneasy. He discarded the last of the bread and started leaving for the palace. The birds parted to allow his exit, but did not fly away. “Telling you the real answer would forfeit the lesson, and it is not something you must know within the near future in any event. For now, you need to enlist a retinue to aid you in the future. I doubt those constables would have abandoned their posts guarding that ship had a lieutenant of yours had been there.”
Nodding with a dry mouth, Rarity quickly followed after him. “You are too kind, Instructor.”
“When you have time, child, I suggest you pray to Celestia for guidance and wisdom. I want you to find the answer to your question. Wisdom comes with time, young one.”
“Yes, Instructor,” Rarity echoed. She glanced back at the garrison. “What do we do about Shining Armor? If by chance his real goal was to allow his sister to flee to Lunaria, that’s treason is it not? Doubly so with all of her secrets.”
For a long moment, Radiant Dawn gave no answer, but eventually he felt one was necessary. “For somepony in bed with Her Holiness Mi Amore Cadenza, and trusted with the ear of the queen, our conjecture is all we have. On top of that, he directly warned the Inquisition of his sister’s expected activities. By all accounts, the failure rests squarely upon us. Voicing my concerns would be unwise.
“We leave him be, thinking we too dance to his tune. Who knows, maybe he is using her defection to our advantage. Whatever the case may be, we are not done with Twilight Sparkle. I promise you that, young one.”
Twilight and Pinkamena’s cabin was alive with renewed vigor. Applejack said they would arrive at the outskirts of Tranquility before dawn, the capital of Lunaria. So both mares were hard at work putting on Twilight’s best dress. Which, much to Twilight’s chagrin, was limited to just the one now. Between the salt spray and a few small accidents, she had to retire the other bedraggled attire and consigned it to the sea.
“Mistress, I’m sorry, but I don’t think that this soap was very kind to your mane.” Pinkamena required far less maintenance, thanks to both mares giving up on controlling the pink one’s hair. So she was already presentable enough.
“Just do what you can. It’s not like my horn won’t ruin any taming efforts in a few hours anyway.” Twilight stood still through it all, just like she’d done for a decade now. Her mind however, was not at rest. Through the mirror, she once again found joy in seeing Pinkamena without a stripe, and was still just as fussy over Twilight as usual. Still, one thing didn’t sit right. “Pinkamena,” she started firmly. “It’s been weeks now. You can stop calling me ‘mistress’ you know. You’re a free mare.”
For a moment, Pinkamena slowed her efforts and her eyes went distant. “I - I know. But… It feels wrong. Improper.”
“I know it is difficult changing habits, but we’re going to be living in Lunaria. Mistress will be improper now.” Fully expecting Pinkamena to get mopey about it, Twilight quickly followed up by roping a wing around her for a hug. She pressed her cheek against Pinkamena’s shoulder. The world around Twilight had fallen away, her homeland hostile to her now, and surrounded by those who had less than a month ago would have tossed her to the wolves. All of it was bearable thanks to her rock.
Even after these long sea sogged weeks, Pinkamena still had difficulties returning such displays of affection in earnest, as if it was still not her place. Even so, Pinkamena was more than happy to be a passive participant, if nothing else.
“If you’re not ready to address me by my name, then how about just ‘my Lady’ instead?”
Sheepish, brief laughter escaped Pinkamena, and gently pulled away from Twilight’s touch. “I -I um. I don’t know if I can handle that, Mistress. It. It feels…”
Arching a most annoyed eyebrow, Twilight stared at the stuttering earth pony. “If you can’t, then my name will have to do.”
Pinkamena’s eyes bulged and her breath froze for a moment. “I ahh, I think I can handle ‘My Lady.’” A shiver ran down Pinkamena’s spine, as if she were breaking a cardinal rule. This time however, there was no nagging voice telling her to do otherwise; none but her own.
Twilight wore a sly grin before sitting up straight so Pinkakema could put the finishing touches on Twilight’s hair.
Banging hooves on the cabin door heralded Applejack sticking her nose inside. “Ya done putin’ your face on yet? We’re next for the customs inspectors.”
“We’ve been here that long? Perfection will have to wait.” Twilight was pleased her mane was unfrazzled for the moment. She got up and Pinkamena went about smoothing away any wrinkles in the dress. “Let’s go make our debut.”
“Right behind you… My Lady.” Pinkamena fell into step behind Twilight, and couldn’t suppress a massive grin. I get to address her like any other staff now!!
Out on the main deck, Twilight got a chance to see the distant lights of Tranquility over the horizon in the pre-dawn morning. The faint whiff of smoke lingered in the air as Twilight made her way to the ship’s wheel. There she could see a collection of tethered hot air balloons high in the sky with a plethora of search lights sweeping the dark waters with one of them focused on the Sea Hopper.
Making the final steps up to the ship’s wheel, Twilight saw close to a dozen other merchant ships both ahead and behind them with bright lights on, making sure no one missed them in the gloom. The Sea Hopper’s sails were unfurled while a few pegasi used the wind to make sure the ship would not drift out of line.
“So the day’s finally come that I can throw you off my ship,” Deck Flog gruffed with a few puffs of his pipe. “Can’t say it wasn’t special having nobility onboard.”
“Why captain,” Twilight acted as if she were about to swoon. “I didn’t know you cared about me.”
“I care about your slips,” he chucked grimly. “Now, when the inspector comes, I’ll do the talkin’ first. When I wave at ya, that’ll be your cue to state your case. After that, I wash my hooves of ya.”
“Come now, Captain.” Twilight pulled out the ledger she kept tucked under her blouse. “You already know I’m a trader myself. I could use a ship in the future.”
“Then find another one,” Deck Flog growled. He rounded on the wheel and stood nose to nose with her. “Ya behaved yourself since ya been here, I’ll give ya that, and you’re more competent with a wrench than most. But the inquisition has your scent. The less they think I have anything more to do with you, the better.”
Caught flat footed, Twilight’s ears wilted and she averted her gaze towards Pinkamena who could only frown in silent sympathy. “I suppose there’s no arguing with that.”
The sound of wings on the wind drew Deck Flog’s attention skyward. “Step back now, the inspection crew is here.”
Wanting to make the best possible impression, Twilight quickly obeyed and retreated to the wheelhouse, while Deck Flog went down to stand next to the main mast and waved the inspectors down with his hat. The inspection team was a mix of three thestrals and four pegasi, with a single unicorn brought over on the back of a pegasus as well. The inspectors and the five air corps escorts seemed moderately relaxed. Aside from the unfamiliar uniforms, nothing about them really stood out to Twilight, save for a rainbow maned thestral among the air corps. Strange. Deck said his tribe were all darker colored.
Casting the oddity from her mind, she focused on the team as a whole. All of them wore what Twilight could only identify as a very casual uniform. While the inspectors’ clothing was minimal to the point of being little more than badges of office and tool belts, the air corp at least appeared more professional. They wore form fitted sweat stained white vests, save for three of their number having actual full military uniforms and weapons: two of the thestrals and the unicorn.
The lead inspector called out to Deck Flog as he dove for the ship. “Well look what the squalls dragged back into port.” He came in for a rough landing and clapped hooves with the bedraggled captain. “Deck Flog ya old salt, how ya been?”
“Dusty Sails!” Deck Flog responded with a real smile. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.”
“Don’t I know it,” Dusty cracked with a head shake. “Port authority got a telegraph about you. Got caught slave running. Real lucky that inquisitor didn’t stripe you herself. A pity I don’t make the kind of money to help you out.”
Suppressing an urge to glance at Twilight’s direction, Deck Flog sighed irritably. “Yeah, well, some good did come out of it in the end.”
Dusty snorted and pulled out a clipboard. “Clearly you forgot how many zeroes that fine has.”
“I had to make a few sacrifices, but I’ll still be able to ply the waters.”
Cutting a wiry smile, Dusty Sails shook his old friend before dropping the hoof. “Tell me about it over drinks tonight. But let’s settle our business first. The night wings will crawl up my tail if I start cutting into their off time. You have your manifest?”
“As if you day walkers are any better,” Deck snarked with a chuckle. “Got it right here.” Deck handed his own ledger over. It was a thick tome with a red ribbon marking the latest entry. “The standard round trip. No precious metals or lumber this time.”
Dusty read over the manifest for a long moment, his demeanor becoming more professionally distant. “Anything to declare before we conduct the inspection?”
“Two things actually,” Deck Flog’s posture became annoyed, and he finally gave in and glared at Twilight. “One great, the other an object of recent vexation.”
Arching an eyebrow, Dusty squared himself into an expectant posture. “Got some arcwine by chance? Better drink it now before you make port.”
“More like ten red striped slaves sitting pretty in me brig,” Deck Flog answered with more than a little pride. “And one domestic slave I unshackled on the way here.”
The whole inspection team was taken aback with Dusty coughing a bit. “Eleven? Seriously?”
“Counted them myself. Their bounty’ll help me keep my ship.”
“They’d certainly push you in the right direction.” Dusty quickly passed Deck Flog’s ledger over to his second in command, and started scribbling onto his clipboard. “I’ll earmark you for pier seven. You’ve definitely got to let me buy you a drink before you ship off again.”
“Ha, now that’s what I’ve been needing all month. By the moon, it feels good to be in friendly waters again.” Deck took a few deep puffs from his pipe, savoring the good smoke-leaf he had stashed for today.
“Might I ask how you managed to get eleven slaves onboard without the inquisitor finding them?” Dusty Sails might have been the one to voice the question, but the whole team had ears pointed in his direction. “You’re not going to sit there and tell me a nuckelavee had a change of heart.”
“If only.” And he just had to say it. Deck Flog tried to keep ahold of his good mood, but it slipped away like grasping water. “They weren’t onboard when the Inquisitor was having her way with things, they sorta fell into my lap.”
Dusty wasn’t sure how to respond to that and it took him a moment to speak. “Fell into your lap? How? Pray tell.”
“She happened,” Deck Flog pointed his wing in Twilight’s direction. “She’s the other thing I wish to declare. The vexing one.”
Dusty chewed on his cheek as he took in Twilight’s attire and the dignified poise she presented. “An aristocrat? An Equestrian one, I take it?”
“Aye. She has her own cargo too.”
“As if the rich ever traveled light.” Dusty turned to his second. “Dancer, go ahead and start the inspection. Write down everything you see that's not on the ledger. It might belong to the highborne over there, so don’t confiscate it at first sight.”
“Sir, shouldn’t we be redirecting them to the offshore depot?” Dancer hissed under her breath. “You know Equestrians aren’t allowed to set hoof on the homeland.”
“The captain wouldn’t be on this side of the bay if she was a simple passenger. Still, I’ve never met an Equestrian that wasn’t here to make a bit.” Dusty hopped up into the air and shot Dancer an impatient kick towards the stairs. “Go on then, we got other ships awaiting.” He rotated to face three of the soldiers still hovering in the air. “You three with me.”
Having watched the whole exchange, Twilight had to admit she dared to be hopeful. He didn’t throw me to the wolves so I might have a chance after all. Now that Dusty was flying her way, Twilight tried to keep herself composed and level headed, an act made difficult by her horn letting off the occasional spark. It wasn’t helped by the fact that she had been ogling the thestral stallion that had flown down with the rest. Oh boy he’s coming over here now. Focus, Twilight, eyes forward and not on the stud - soldier escorting him! Years of her mother and father brow beating the proper composure paid off and she carried herself well. At least the inspector wasn’t anything too special in her eyes.
The pegasus stallion landed face to face with Twilight, and cared little for personal space. Much to her deep displeasure, he tilted his head, undoubtedly noticing her featherless wings. As if her traitorous horn wasn’t bad enough. “So, care to introduce yourself before we throw you to the first ship back the way you came?”
Faking a diplomatic smile, Twilight nodded. Beads of sweat formed thanks to her sparking horn giving her nerves away. “Yes, naturally. My name is Twilight Sparkle of House Light. This,” she indicated to Pinkamena behind her, “is my personal assistant and former…” She debated on whether or not to admit Pinkamena had been striped, but felt honesty was the only safe course. “Servant Pinkamena Diane Pie.” Pinkamena stepped forward, and produced a copy of her personal ledger. Should I mention why I am here right away or wait for the question? I don’t want to step on any taboos. Choosing the safest option of waiting for him to ask, she spoke clearly and completely professional. “This is a list of all my belongings onboard. As you can see it was witnessed and signed by the shipmaster.”
Dusty hummed aloud and accepted the ledger. It wasn’t too long and nothing illegal stood out to him, so he didn’t spend much time on it. “I see. I’m sure there is quite a story involved on how you got eleven slaves passed an inquisitor.” He eyed the silent pink mare, half wondering how she wasn’t being restrained from harming her slavemaster. “You are going to claim responsibility for the other slaves, are you not?”
Is this a trap? Is he trying to make me boastful and slip something? In the end, she felt only the truth would help her now. “It was my hoof that got them here. G-granted freeing all of them wasn’t exactly my intent in the short term, but when things got out of hoof, I did what I could.”
Throwing on a blatantly fake smile, Dusty tucked her ledger into his wing for the moment. “So, between an inquisitor and almost a dozen slaves, I’m going to take a wild stab, and say you want to defect. Right?”
Inwardly, Twilight had been dreading this, feeling like she was still falling after jumping off the cloud three weeks prior. “Yes. I am formally requesting political asylum.”
“A pity I didn’t place a bet when I first saw you. Well you’re not my concern anymore.” Dusty looked to the trio of soldiers that remained close by. “She’s your problem now, Sarg.”
Dusty stepped away, allowing the prismatic-maned and dark blue furred oddity to fly over. The thestral mare had near-pink eyes, a further surprise for Twilight. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear she’s a pegasus mix. And she can fly. Trying and failing to ignore her spat of jealousy, Twilight tried to take in the rest of the flier. The thestral’s clean, if unruly, mane was bedraggled by the winds. That’d never pass muster in the royal army, air corps or not. If a pony can’t be bothered to keep a tidy mane, they crop it short. Yet if there was any question to her authority, the three downward pointed sky blue chevrons with black outlines emblazoned on her silver cap put an end to that debate. Like the Equestrian Air Force, her soft cap was strapped under her jaw as well.
The non-commissioned officer eyed Twilight with disapproval. “Can’t say I’ve ever had to deal with this either,” she directed at Dusty before fully addressing Twilight. She carried herself with a confident swagger. “But I do know I get to make a judgement call. Twinkle Sprinkle was it?”
“Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight corrected with clenched teeth behind her best fake smile. This is off to a great start, oh happy day.
“Yeah, sure. Name’s Sergeant Rainbow Dash, but just Sarg to you, clear?” she stated without any brook for argument.
Nodding, Twilight glanced at Pinkamena who was already starting to deeply frown at the soldier. “As you wish.”
“Good. Now, my shift’s about to end, and I really don’t want to deal with some tosser. Why should I believe you really want asylum with your oldest frienemy? Freeing a squad’s worth of slaves is all well and good, but that’d be the perfect cover for a spy.”
I was afraid of this. Twilight shook her head. “If you already think I’m a spy, then you’re going to suspect anything I could possibly say.”
Giving a dismissive shrug, Rainbow flashed an uncaring smirk. “Ya got a point. But come on, an Equestrian noble throwing their hat in with us? Please. You aristocrats all love ponying up to the church declaring Luna as worse than Grogar himself.”
Well we are under the assumption Luna did cause the Schism War. Trying to direct her thoughts into a more constructive manner, Twilight felt it was now or never. “The Solar Faith considers Luna as misguided, but I don’t think now is the time or place for such debates. I’m being genuine in my request, though. If you need an actual incentive…” Now’s not the time for modesty. I need to sell myself to get her interested. “I was one of the top researchers into the disruptive effects of machines on magic.” That got little more than an unimpressed huff out of Rainbow. However, it caused a bit of a buzz around those in earshot. “If it is required of me, I will provide all Equestria has on the subject.”
“You expect me to believe that?” Rainbow Dash shook her head and stared straight into Twilight’s eyes, trying to unsettle her. “One of Equestria’s researchers just so happens to want to come to us? Let alone one as young as… How old are you exactly? If you’re a researcher, shouldn’t you have crow’s feet or something?”
“This isn’t exactly what I would call a preferable life choice, no, but it is the situation I find myself in.” Twilight scanned the crowd and spotted a familiar engineer. “And Sergeant, if you must know, I am twenty years old, thank you. I’ve helped in my father's efforts since I was eight. If you need verification into my knowledge with engines,” she pointed at Applejack. “She can vouch for me, along with the shipmaster,” Twilight added with a curt nod and a smile.
“Why you shovin’ me into this?” the engineer protested bitterly.
Now that she had fully outed herself, Applejack grumbled when Rainbow waved her forward with a wing. Sighing irritably, Applejack stepped up and stopped at attention. “Former Boatswain Applejack of the L.N.S. Cover of Night. Ah can attest that Twilight Sparkle already knew a lot about how to work the engine when she came onboard. She’s a natural.”
Scowling at the earth pony, Rainbow Dash grumbled and shook her head. “Navy vet eh? Fine.” She fixated on Twilight. “Here’s what’s going to happen. When this ship docks, your belongings will be moved to a naval warehouse. You will remain under my custody until I deliver you to the palace so somepony above my pay grade can deal with you. Got it?”
“Yes, Sergeant,” Twilight nodded crisply.
Rainbow Dash leaned her head to the side to look at Pinkamena. “What about the pink one?”
“Where my miss - Lady goes, I go!” Pinkamena declared both instantly and with enough conviction in her voice it gave Rainbow pause.
“...Suit yourself. One or two, the brass won’t care.” Rainbow Dash gave Dusty a side look. “Go ahead and finish the inspection. We got other ships waiting, and...” She pulled out a timepiece and hissed at it. “Straight to bed when we’re done since you’re my responsibility now. Thanks for that.” She returned her attention back to Twilight. “In the meantime, you’re going to sit put until we’re done here.”
It was well after lunchtime when the Sea Hopper finally made port. The whole time on approach, Twilight and Pinkamena had been on the bow, gazing out over the rather flat city while Rainbow kept a close eye on them nearby. In fact, they could see little beyond the port itself and other coastal buildings. Even so, they could tell Tranquility was built around a river that fed directly into a natural deep water harbor. The docks were abuzz with activity with ships clogging the berths. The lines of warehouses broke occasionally to allow tenaments to peek through into the sea. Two things stood out above the line however was a pegasus cloud district above, but only a fourth the size of Cloudsdale if Twilight were to guess. The other were the columns of black smoke that bent unnaturally away from the pegasus district and out towards sea.
Ultimately though, while the docks were interesting enough, Twilight wanted to see the main prize, undoubtedly the source of all the black smoke. I’m finally going to get a chance to see if my plans for a mechanized industry city matches what works in practice. If I’m lucky, I might be able to take some classes in civic planning. I’m going to - no, no, no. Don’t get distracted. First secure my citizenship, then bit flow, then machines.
“Hey,” came a familiar voice, breaking Twilight’s thoughts. Twilight, Pinkamena, and Rainbow Dash looked to find Applejack coming up to the lone aristocrat. Applejack ignored the disapproving frown from the soldier. “So yeah, if you manage ta walk outta this without bein’ clapped in irons, you’ll find me here, alright?” Applejack presented a piece of grease smelling paper, of which Twilight accepted. “It’s the address to mah family business here in town.”
“I look forward to it,” Twilight secured the parchment in her bit purse and tucked it into the folds of her dress. “I hope it won’t take too long.”
Through it all, Rainbow bore a troubled frown. “Fast friends already?”
“More like a business arrangement,” Applejack replied vaguely.
“Uh huh…” Rainbow could have pressed for more information, but decided to leave it alone as the ship was now being eased into place at the pier. She suppressed a tired yawn, and looked up upon hearing leather wings on the air. It was the soldier she had sent ahead hours ago. Rainbow waved him down.
“Sergeant, you’re not going to believe this. Eclipse is demanding an audience.”
“The Emperor!?” Twilight nearly fainted on the spot.
“You’re pullin’ my leg,” Rainbow scoffed dismissively. “Why would he want to talk to her?”
He came in for a landing, glancing at Twilight. “She can ask him when we get there. My money’s turning this into a diplomatic incident so Equestria is the one who declares war this time.”
“Didn’t think he wanted a war just yet.” Rainbow rolled her shoulders all the same. “But hey, maybe I’ll finally be transferred to a deployed brigade.”
Pinkamena cast a troubled look towards Twilight who was no less fearful. “Nothing quite like being a walking casus belli,” she said low and resentfully.
The whole carriage ride to the palace was a frightfully quiet one. Thus far, she had protected herself with what few international laws the two great nations agreed to. Twilight had been expecting to speak with an official, maybe an intelligence agent, but not the Emperor. Others would still be subject to the law and lawful protections. Eclipse can do what he wants. Just like the Queen, his word is the law of the land. If I don’t convince him, no treaty in the world can save me. Twilight kept muttering doomsday was upon her the entire time she was being led through the palace. Not even Pinkamena’s reassurances could ease her barely contained panic that was causing her horn to crackle like mad.
Rainbow Dash led the pair down the hallways of the palace grumbling to herself anytime she thought the palace guards couldn’t hear her. “Why did I get saddled with this? Should have just let me pass them off to an imperial sentinel, and let me get some shuteye. But nooo, I was the one in charge.”
Feeling there was little she could do to assuage her Lady’s worries, Pinkamena was the only one of them to actually look around at the palace interior. Unlike Equestria, there were not rows upon rows of statuary, busts, or stained glass depicting historical events. Instead silver and earthly colors covered the carpeted floor and walls. Oil paintings took the place of stained glass, ranging from portraits to ships, to battlefields. The palace guards were surprisingly unarmored, save for a metal helmet emblazoned with a crescent moon.
The architecture was not as grandiose as Canterlot Castle either. Decorative parts looked rushed, the hallways were narrower and shorter, but it overall looked sound and firmly built.
The doors leading into the throne room were not only open, but court petitions were still in session. A large crowd, mixed with aristocrats and commoners alike were muttering to themselves while a farmer was airing a grievance before the Throne.
Before they could cross the large open doors into the throneroom, Pinkamena sharply nudged Twilight in the flank. The act got a yelp out of her, causing Twilight to annoyedly turn to the disturbance. “My Lady, we’re here.”
“We are?” Twilight forcibly threw her inner panic attack aside to shore up her noble bearing, only for her horn to let off an unusually loud spark. Her lightning and entourage drew the heads of those closest to her, along with a brief gaze shift from the Emperor himself, but everyone was still focused on the grievances being aired. The crowd seemed unusual to Twilight, as the almost two hundred strong crowd could boast only a scant few horns among them. Being around so many new ponies whose first impression would undoubtedly focus on her tribe made Twilight instinctively squeeze her wings in as tight as she could, dearly wishing she had thought to shuffle them inside her dress. Not that I can hide my traitorous horn. A derisive laugh almost escaped her lips. How fitting.
Rainbow Dash stopped right at the leading edge of the crowd, remaining silent and eyes forward, waiting for Eclipse to acknowledge them. Though she was tired from the long shift and being kept up late in the day, she remained proud and strong before her Emperor. Twilight however, was no fan of having so many eyes behind her, silently wondering or judging her without any chance for her mind to sway those opinions before inevitably being set in stone. Ultimately, she opted to follow the sergeant’s example and kept her eyes forward. There were few books in Equestria about Lunarian court etiquette, not that she ever thought to read them. Rainbow Dash had neglected to even give passing remarks on how to act, where to stand, or how to approach the Throne. Queen Corona may have dismissed those traditions during the few demonstrations Twilight had participated in, but she still demanded proper respect in any other setting, and Emperor Eclipse would undoubtedly be no different.
“Hey,” whispered Rainbow Dash out of the corner of her mouth while barely turning her head. “Do what I do, except for the salute, you bow your head equal to your chest until he says otherwise, got it?”
Fearing to so much as nod, Twilight swallowed the lump in her throat. “Of course, and… thank you.”
“Yeah well, it’s the least I can do for you rescuing the troopers. So we’re even as far as I see it.”
Burning the brief advice into her mind, Twilight whispered the same words to Pinkamena before she studied the Emperor’s person. No one seemed to be averting their eyes from him, so she felt safe enough she wouldn’t be breaking etiquette in doing the same. He sat upon a throne of silver, undoubtedly with a steel frame. It had cushions built into it for comfort, where the beige earth pony sat upon it with poise and grace equal to that of Queen Corona. His black hair was cropped close like that of a soldier, yet his green eyes spoke of patient intelligence. Upon his brow sat a heavy looking silver and gem encrusted imperial crown. Whether it was true or not, he looked genuinely interested in the supplicants speaking to him. Unlike the queen, Eclipse looked young for his age, easily passing for a stallion in his forties.
Arrayed before the earth pony emperor, were two families of farmers bickering over property rights. Along his flanks were a number of seated ponies, advisors if Twilight had to guess.
The emperor made a cutting gesture with a hoof, silencing the farmers. “I have heard enough. It does not matter if you have worked the land for years, if the deed indicates the land belongs to the Cherries, then it is theirs. However, since they have not even attempted to use the nearby land for their own farming, they are clearly not using it. Cherries, you will sell it to the Peaches at the standard price for the area. With so many farmers moving to the cities, we are on the verge of a food crisis, and every fruit tree is precious.”
The farmers wanted to protest, but none dared to defy Eclipse in his very throne room. “As you wish, your imperial majesty,” said one family with the other saying much the same thing.
“The matter is closed.” The Emperor stood up from his throne. It signaled the petitioners they were free to leave. They bowed and turned away to rejoin the crowd. Eclipse at last focused on Twilight Sparkle and those with her. He gently tapped a small stack of papers resting upon his throne. “Sergeant Rainbow Dash, announce and bring them forward.”
Clapping a single hoof on the floor, and standing at full attention, Rainbow Dash marched forward, causing the Equestrians to follow after her. She stopped fifteen paces from the Throne and saluted with her right wing. Twilight and Pinkamena dutifully bowed. “Your Imperial Majesty, I present to you Lady Twilight Sparkle of House Light of Canterlot.” The crowd instantly fell into frenzied hushed whispers, but none were fool enough to speak loudly enough to make Rainbow difficult to be heard. “Along with her former personal slave Pinkamena Diane Pie. She doesn't know her birthplace.”
Through it all, Twilight’s feeling of impending doom grew ever stronger. Great, not only do they know I’m an Equestrian aristocrat pegacorn, but a servant user too. I’m going to be lynched after all.
“You may rise, and thank you, Sergeant, you may retire, or would you care to provoke the duties of First Sentry?” The Emperor betrayed no judgement for good or ill, in his voice.
Dropping her salute, Rainbow Dash gave a curt nod, even though her heart soared at the honor. “It would be my privilege.”
Twilight raised her head in time to see Rainbow Dash close halfway to the throne and stand off to the side; ready to rise to the defence, should Twilight betray his hospitality with assassination.
Eclipse sat back down on his throne and silently weighed the mares before him with a metric only he was privy to. “So, Lady Twilight Sparkle and Pinkamena Diane Pie, you stand before me requesting asylum from your homeland. Is that correct?”
It took every ounce of her noble upbringings to keep from stuttering, not that her crackling horn allowed her such dignity. Twilight stood before the person who could decide her fate. Pegacorn or not, Equestrian or not, Twilight once again stood upon that cloud looking down into the abyss, only, she did not yet know which direction to jump. “Yes, your imperial majesty, although, I would prefer full citizenship if you would have me.” She paused as the crowd started muttering fiercely amongst themselves, and not much of it sounded approving. Never taking her eyes off the emperor, Twilight pressed on. “In either case, you honor me with such a timely audience.”
Flashing a thin smile, Eclipse nodded once. “Spoken like a true lady. An audacious one at that.” He paused, tapping a hoof on the edge of the throne while studying both Twilight and the crowd. “Why should I honor such a request?” The petitioners grumbled even louder now, largely agreeing with the question. “Asylum is one thing, and the information you are offering would be enough for that. But citizenship? Equestria prizes her nobility very highly, and we are not yet ready for another war, especially over a single soul. Your answer, please.”
For a moment, Twilight worried why he only said one soul, but quickly felt relief actually. Of course. Pinkamena is still a Lunarian, they’ll accept her back.
Twilight was about to answer when the emperor looked away from her and to her right. Twilight glanced over to see Pinkaminia meekly raising a hoof. If Eclipse took offense to the student method of grabbing attention, he made no sign of it. “Miss Pinkamena, you have something to add?”
Please don’t, he basically said you’re safe!
But Pinkamena could not hear the silent plea, nor would she have heeded it. Instead she lowered her hoof and bowed briefly. “Yes, your imperial majesty. I beg you, anything you require of my Lady, that you subject me to it as well, even if that requirement is sending us back or worse.”
The emperor was taken aback by the request, along with the imperial advisors who sat on his flanks. The whispers from the crowd renewed in earnest, none of which were discernible to Twilight, but they seemed positive. Of them all Rainbow Dash recovered from her shock first and smirked with deep approval. “Seriously?” she whispered to herself.
Eclipse recovered soon after and begged the question by leaning forward, “You ask as much? How long has it been since your chains were removed?"
“The better part of a month now, your majesty. Lady Twilight Sparkle has always been far kinder to me than she ever needed to be, and many times more than she should have. I don’t need a stripe, chain, or whatever you wish to call it, to stand with my best friend.”
Tears of gratitude wetted Twilight’s eyes, and she dearly wished to embrace her childhood friend, but she dared not risk breaking etiquette. I wish Applejack had known more about what I can and cannot do in his presence. Still, proper or not, Twilight faced her dearest friend and flashed a grateful smile. “Thank you,” was all she dared risk, but it was enough for Pinkamena to return the gesture with a smile of her own.
“Calling your owner a friend…” Ultimately, Eclipse’s voice dominated the room thanks to a unicorn sentry magically causing his conversational voice to carry. “Fascinating. Never in my years have I heard of a slave who didn’t want her former master to suffer horribly, let alone call them ‘friend’.” He rubbed his chin, thinking it over. “It paints an approving picture, but a picture is all it is. I admit between you liberating ten of our lost soldiers and this character witness of yours speaks well in your favor, Lady Twilight Sparkle, but…” He tapped a hoof on his throne, and briefly scanned the crowd, gauging the mood. Now that he had reminded them of her actions, they seem to be whispering with much less hostility. “I must consider my subjects in this. Let us say for a moment that I granted your request for citizenship, do you believe all of Lunaria would accept you? Many need little provocation to wish you harm for being Equestrian, no matter what is said here today. What would you do about such individuals? It might be more expedient to keep you safe in indefinite house arrest.”
Twilight shook her head, trying to keep a strong, diplomatic posture and tone. This was the only moment her horn remained quiet. “I never found much acceptance in Equestrian circles. I hold no expectations that the Lunarian aristocracy, or the public for that matter, would be any more welcoming.” Twilight answered while keeping the pain out of her tone. She could already see so many faces of those who looked at her with distaste long before she opened her mouth. “I'm used to being an outsider, and I am more than capable of defending myself, provided I am legally allowed to do so.”
Betraying his inner council with only an approving grunt, Eclipse mulled it over, still keeping an eye on the crowd. “Self defense is a right for all under the Moon. Bravado aside, however, I do wonder…” He looked left and right down the line of his advisors. “Do any of you wish to speak? Who here knows of a way for our wayward aristocrat to reassure the public of her intentions?”
Almost immediately, as if he had been begging for that very question, an old unicorn dressed in flowing silver and black robes raised a brilliantly ornate staff bearing the crescent moon upon a chalice with delicate filigree down its length. “Your majesty, if you’ll permit me.”
All eyes turned to the old stallion with many in the crowd behind Twilight muttering in reverent tones, “She protects.”
Twisting her ears behind her to see if she was hearing that right, Twilight kept her gaze upon the wisened stallion.
“Archbishop Faithful Hymn, your council is always welcome.”
The room fell silent, save for the clipping of t he staff upon the granite floor surrounding the throne. The aged unicorn started pacing the breadth of the throne room, and as he passed Twilight, she noticed the small pair of thick glasses resting on his nose. While his gaze was upon the crowd itself, he only spoke once he stood in front of Twilight so he could scrutinize her more clearly. “Tell me, Child of the Blinded Sister, do you still have family back in Equestria?”
“I do.” Twilight tried to control her breathing to keep her horn under some semblance of control, but she dared not raise a hoof to steady herself. Being the center of so much scrutiny in a lecture hall was one thing, a throne room was a terrifying other matter entirely.
“And is there mutual love between you? Respect? A desire to protect?” The bishop leaned on his staff, but his gaze never left the pegacorn.
“There is,” Twilight admitted. Although she felt trapped by the question, lying would only condemn her. “My brother and parents have always been firm, but fair and never ones to hide their love. I care for them deeply.”
A thin smile cracked the unicorn’s chapped lips. His staff creaked and groaned as he pushed himself back up. “I am glad to know you were given a chance to grow well. Nevertheless,” his smile flattened quickly, “It makes your request difficult to accept. How long will it take for you to feel homesick? To miss them terribly? To be tempted to return to them?” Faithful became energetic as he directed his speech to the crowd. “Was it not family bonds that caused Luna to remain in ignorant isolation until she left the palace and its lies behind? Was it not family bonds that stayed Celestia’s hoof from subjugating us when Lunaria was still young? During the First War of Independence, did family ties across the line not account for sweeping betrayals on both sides?” He returned his focus to Twilight. “Accepting you as a citizen of our fair empire would be folly.”
Thoughts of her family threatened to break down the emotional walls she had built during the voyage here. Their disappointment, fury, maybe even condemnation at fleeing to Lunaria instead of facing punishment in Equestria, all of it weighted on Twilight’s strained heart. Her mouth was bone dry, and she couldn’t think of the right words to dissuade anyone. One glance at the emperor and the other advisors told her they were leaning in the arch bishop’s favor.
What do I do? What do I say? Twilight couldn’t stop herself from glancing at the crowd and the emperor. She started hyperventilating, her aristocratic stature breaking down by the second, threatening to leave her wanting to hide in a hole. “Well, I - I was - I mean, I did-”
She stopped dead upon feeling Pinkamena rest a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. The pegacorn whipped her head around to meet Pinkamena’s firm expression. “Breathe slowly, My Lady.” Pinkamena waited for Twilight to comply before speaking again. “You remember the seventh rule, don’t you?”
Twilight’s mind jolted for a moment. Panic ebbed, and her thoughts were able to organize. “Keep your ears open.”
“Right. You’re the brainy one, you can think of a way if you keep the nanas away from the Twily.”
In spite of herself, Twilight cracked a smile. “I just might.” The smile was replaced by a thoughtful expression. “Thank you.”
Eclipse arched an inquisitive eyebrow at Pinkamena’s actions, while Rainbow Dash suppressed the need to gesture her approval in order to maintain her military bearing.
Not wasting too much time, Twilight returned her attention to the archbishop. “Forgive any customary differences, but should I address you as ‘your grace’?”
Making sure not to show approval, one way or the other, the archbishop briefly inclined his staff of office. “It would be appropriate, yes.”
Nodding, Twilight turned bodily to face him. “Tell me then, your grace, when Lunaria was first founded, you more or less alluded to the fact that most ponies who joined Luna did or could not bring every member of their friends and family with them. However, were there not those who felt strongly enough stand by their principles instead of living under a ruler who had lost their way? Even if that meant leaving loved ones behind?”
Rather than fumble with his words, the archbishop clamped his mouth shut for several seconds, long enough for murmurs among the crowd to become noisy. “...I concede the point. However, you are not here because She who Protects has convinced you to defect. You have not basked in her divinity to galvanize you into action. No, you are here to flee imprisonment, or worse from Equestria.”
“Due to committing a crime that would be celebrated as heroism here, would it not?” Twilight rebuked sternly. Her lightning snapped at the end of her question.
“Your council is appreciated, Archbishop.” Eclipse waved a hoof at the pony of the cloth to return to his seat. With a respectful nod, the wisened stallion complied. The emperor didn’t wait for him to sit down before speaking up so the crowd would be silenced by his voice alone. “You make a compelling argument, but his point still stands. You do not have the oppression of the nobility to justify yourself. Point of fact, you are a mare of high birth, in a family respected enough to reach my ears once or twice.” He picked up Rainbow’s report and flipped to a page.
“You come to us out of desperation more than anything else, not as some great liberator. As far as I can see, all it would take is a believable offer of clemency for you to return to Equestria, no doubt informing them of anything valuable you learn here.” He slightly tilted his head, keeping a firm, but not exactly accusatory. “It is in Lunaria’s best interest that you remain under house arrest indefinitely.”
Dread clawed at Twilight’s emotional strength. Doubt threatened to pull her back down into despair, but she muscled through it without letting her aristocratic posture slip. “If my ties to Equestria are what troubles you so, then if it would please you, I will formally renounce my place in House Light, and form a new house here, in Lunaria.”
“A new house? Boldness and…” he briefly turned to face Pinkamena who seemed to be barely containing a sense of pride. “An ability to inspire loyalty in others wrapped up in a scholar no less, how fascinating.” A warm smirk tugged at Eclipse’s muzzle. His praise was drowned out by the loud gossiping from the petitioners. Even the advisors shared whispered words. Some leaned towards the Throne to weight in. Eventually, the emperor waved off the last advisor speaking to focus on Twilight. This time he shouted at first to silence everyone. “During the Great Schism, there were more than a few nobles who did much the same when they swore fealty to Luna, and Luna alone. My house included.” He leaned back in his throne, pondering for a moment. “Others who were not so brave remained divided, rivalries festered and our already strained relations soured all the quicker. My proposition is this: you may leave my palace as Lady Twilight Sparkle of House…” he rolled a hoof towards the pegacorn.
Truth be told, Twilight hadn’t thought this far ahead. She had always been deeply proud of being part of House Light let alone its heir. She had never even considered naming a new house. I'm sorry, everypony, but be it Equestria or Lunaria, I can’t allow myself to be caged. I have too much work to do. I hope you’ll understand, even if you can’t forgive. Saving her tears for another time, Twilight spoke with iron. “Sparkle will do, your Imperial Majesty.”
He gave a brief nod of approval. “Very well. But on the condition you follow through your renouncement, and an oath of fealty, naturally. First things first, the information you possess about certain matters will be handed over as soon as possible. I will grant you full noble privilege starting immediately, however I require a lean of ten percent on any earnings you accrue up to a quarter million slips as payment for possessing an unlanded noble title. If that is too much, you can instead take your place among the common citizens.”
“It is steep, but fair.” That’s not going to be fun paying off. That’s about as much as my parents made in a year. Before paying the staff! Doing her best to hide her mixed relief, Twilight bowed before the throne. “Then if you would permit me… I, Twilight Sparkle, hereby renounce all legal ties to House Light, and swear myself and my line to the Throne of Lunaria.” Thinking quickly, Twilight added, “and She Who Protects.”
Standing up and approaching her, the emperor bellowed loudly for all to hear. “May Luna keep you, Twilight Sparkle of House Sparkle. Bring honor to her name, and that of her ponies.” He surveyed the commoners and nobles arrayed before him. Some seemed genuinely excited, if only as an opportunity for advancement or prime gossip. Others tried to hide their discontent over the situation, the rest were too scattered to perceive any prevailing emotions. At last, he gazed down upon Twilight. “Rise.”
Once she did so, the emperor adjusted his head so he half faced her and a nearby palace sentry. “You will be granted residence within the old Griffonia embassy, a relic of a past age. You have one week to gather your wits and arrange more permanent accommodations. I like to keep it as a… historical site of a sort. Sentry, make sure the proper officials arrange things with all due haste.”
“It will be done.” Performing a curt about turn, the sentry trotted away with haste.
Through it all, Twilight felt a cold shiver run down her spine as stress paradoxically left her body and grew. “Thank you for your generosity, your imperial majesty.”
Regarding her and Pinkamena briefly, Eclipse addressed the crowd. “Court for the day will recess for two hours.” He waited just long enough to see the guards start to enforce his decree. “Lady Twilight, before you go, I would speak with you in private.”
“I am at your service, my emperor.” There it was. The first real step had been taken. My betrayal is only just starting. Celestia willing, he’ll be satisfied letting me be a merchant or inventor. Maybe if he’s happy enough with my information I can delay this lean until I get some capital flow. She turned to Pinkamena, pleased to see her friend’s joyful expression. “Why don’t you see about moving our things to our new house? Get the lay of the land and all.”
“But I-” Pinkamena’s protective instincts were running hot, but she was no fool. Countless soldiers at the heart of Lunarian power, if they wished Twilight harm, there was nothing she could really do. Bowing her head, Pinkamena replied with morose agreement. “My Lady, do you wish to stay at this embassy, or should we try Applejack’s abode?”
Thinking it over a moment, Twilight eventually shook her head. “Given that she’s an indentured servant, I doubt she resides in a place that could house all of us, or at least one that wouldn’t require one of us sleeping on the floor.”
“You’re right, of course,” Pinkamena replied subserviently with a short bow. “I’ll make sure your belongings are transported intact. After that, I’ll make sure we have food before going to Applejack’s place and let her know what’s going on. Do you wish for me to pass on a message to her?”
“Oh, you already made some connections?” Eclipse cut in, not allowing Twilight to answer. “You act faster than I imagined.”
“She was an engineer on the ship we came over on, Your Imperial Majesty.” Twilight briefly nuzzled Pinkamena’s neck. “Let her know I expect to see her in the morning. We have a lot of work to do.”
Finally, a giggle managed to escape the pink mare, but she still shied away from the public affection, harmless or not. “I’ll do that, My Lady.”
After being led by Eclipse and a small cadre of imperial guards, Twilight found herself walking along the battlements towards the southeast of the palace. The design here was old, far older than the palace interior certainly felt. The stone was well worn by hoof and weather alike, and moss clung to everything save that which wasn’t trampled underhoof. The city beyond was alive with activity, but the palace was not high enough to view the sea easily.
Eventually, Eclipse stopped the procession and stared out over the city’s industrial heart. Dozens of columns of black soot rose into the air where teams of pegasi based out of a low hanging group of hot air balloons directed it away. A distant train whistle echoed over the din, all of it pulled upon Twilight’s desire to learn.
Remembering where she was however, Twilight remained careful. Wanting to make sure she broke no unknown protocol, Twilight remained both silent and away from the emperor as he leaned against the battlements. Still, she did allow her eyes to wander, and the sentinels gave no objection thus far.
“Tell me, Lady Twilight, what is your take on my empire?” He turned to face her, eyes critical. “I’d like to hear from somepony who has an… obligation to tell the truth, and has yet to lose that Equestrian point of view.”
“...I see, umm...” Twilight took a moment to think. “I’m afraid you might find my views rather atypical. My family, I mean my - old - family…” Twilight inwardly wept at the fact, but didn’t want to risk showing such emotion in front of the emperor. Cry later, save your skin now. Although it took only a second or two, Twilight shored up her strength as best she could. “I’m afraid I don’t really know too much about Lunaria itself outside of what I’ve seen so far. There’s propaganda of course, but my parents were smart enough to make sure my brother and I grew up with pragmatism and mindfulness of doctored history. It’s why he’s done so well avoiding the trap of Equestrian magic superiority.”
“Yes, my eyes and ears have heard a great deal about him. Shining Armor, if I recall correctly.” He took no small amount of pleasure from seeing her taken aback. “Don’t flatter yourself too much. I make it a point to know about Equestria’s leadership, both political and military. War is too common between us to neglect such information. You’ll forgive me if I wish it had been he who defected instead of you.”
Through all her years, Twilight felt the occasional bouts of jealousy from her brother being a proper unicorn. Even now she couldn’t help but to feel insulted. She had to bite her lip to keep from saying anything she’d regret later. “Yes, well that sentiment is hardly a new one for me. But at least I can offer you what research he will be basing his tactics off of.” And hopefully Shiny will stay far away from the front lines when the time comes.
“Yes, about that…” Eclipse idly started bushing some of the moss with a hoof. “I dragged you up here as a courtesy more than anything else. Don’t bother giving me your research information on magic disruption, I don’t need another copy of Equestria’s findings.”
I’m not even here for a day and he’s already rummaged through my things!? Not that I could really stop him but… Doing a fair job in controlling her outrage, Twilight only betrayed a tense inhale. “The documents I brought with me are ciphered, your Imperial Majesty. It could take quite a long time to crack them.”
He huffed in amusement and started idly toying with a loose piece of moss. “Though it is in my power, I am not so crass as to steal from you in such a manner. You see, I possessed all of your research since before you arrived. A spy of mine has been feeding us the entirety of your family’s work for a decade now.” He arched a playful eyebrow at the shocked look on the mare’s face. “You might be pleased to know you caused my cryptographers quite the headache for months, your father more so.”
“If I ever get a chance to speak to him again, I’ll be sure to let him know. He always wondered how effective our codes truly were.”
“Life has a tendency to offer strange opportunities,” Eclipse stated with a roll of a hoof. “You might actually get that chance one day. Just be mindful of your allegiances,” he added sternly. “As a lady of high birth, I expect your oaths to be honored, as do the Sisters on high, regardless of which ones you venerate.”
“You’re actually giving me the option? I dare say I was half expecting the archbishop to demand that I forsake Celestia.”
He was silent for a moment longer than felt comfortable for Twilight. “There is a limit to how much one can have their world crash down around themselves before going mad. Don’t take my tolerance as a mercy, merely pragmatism. I suggest keeping your sun worship quiet and personal if you wish to maintain this arrangement.” His cold, if not outwardly agreeable tone warmed a bit. “Moving on to more immediate matters, there is still information I require of you. Namingly any insight into your brother’s thinking and strategies.”
“So the Royal Army has managed to resist infiltration? It seems I lost that bet.” Twilight didn’t try to hide her amusement out of that little fact. “I owe Shining Armor a hundred bits.”
Eclipse grumbled irritably, but didn't vent his displeasure on her. “So you wouldn't know why the Inquisition seems to have an unusually high success rate in rooting out my agents in the army?”
Shaking her head, Twilight checked her short bout of amusement to avoid insulting him. “Shiny wasn't keen on sharing that with me, and I can't say I was ever inclined enough to do more than pose the odd question.”
“A shame, but I’m not here for speculation. As for the information you do know about your brother's military planning, I will require you to have it typed up. If this ‘Applejack’ of yours does not possess a typewriter, buy one. The last thing I want to deal with is your hoofwriting, Luna knows how much my cryptographers moaned about it.”
Twilight risked a brief chuckle. “Your Imperial Majesty, the bad wingwriting was intentional. You’d know that if your spy thought to steal my drawings as well. I fancy myself quite the drafter.”
“Is that a fact? Then I look forward to seeing if you come up with anything of note.” Eclipse smirked and turned away to gaze back over his city. “There is one last thing I would mention before you can take your leave. A single pony and a servant does not make a house. When and where you decide to put down roots, an unspoken tradition among us Lunarians is that every child must be raised alongside a sibling, no more than two or three years difference.”
“I…” Not sure what to make of such a statement, Twilight tried to tread on careful ground. “Is that an actual tradition, or a way to ensure the next generation of soldiers and commoners are plentiful?”
“Both and more, but I’ll not be one to dismiss a healthy amount of paranoia.” He glanced back at her, a measure of respect in his eyes. “You’re a scholar, so I’m sure you wouldn’t mind a brief history lesson. Were it not for there being two alicorns who came to rule Equestria, all of us would still be subject to Celestia’s blindness. Luna’s existence is proof that everypony should have at least one sibling, a peer like no other who can challenge us when we are found wanting. The only real failing outside of Luna’s control was her age. Had she been closer to Celestia’s own, she might have convinced her sister to open her eyes much earlier, and our people would still be united.
“More to the matters of the present, bearing multiple foals is not an enforced custom mind you, but be aware that it can be seen as rather impious to refuse to foal more than once at a time without medical cause.”
It was hardly what Twilight expected, but it found herself agreeable. “Twins not withstanding I suppose. Mother mentioned once that two children are not much more work than one. I don’t think we proved her right on that.”
A short spell of laughter rolled off the emperor. “Given what you and your brother do yourselves, I’d wager you’re right. More to the point, being a pegacorn, you can foal long after any other mare is in the cold earth, so just try to keep my advice in mind when and if the day comes.” The striking bell tolling the hour echoed in the distance. “You can take your leave now, I have other matters I wish addressed before court resumes. Expect me to call upon you in three days.”
“If I may trouble you for a moment longer,” Twilight added a bit too hastily so she could keep Eclipse from dismissing her completely.
He gazed upon the distant clock tower again, sudden impatience creeping onto his face. “Be quick with it then.”
“You say a house can not stand on the withers of a single pony. What if I were to adopt Pinkamena as a sister?”
The question garnered a bewildered expression out of Eclipse and managed to turn the heads of those sentries within earshot. Eclipse recovered quickly and a coy smirk appeared. “Seeking to gain favor by including a native into your house already? I suppose it would lend legitimacy to your cause. You may do so if you wish, but I will not resend my requirement of the lean on your profits.”
Twilight couldn’t help but to feel incensed and it threatened to show itself beyond causing a particularly loud crackle of lightning. She guarded her expression only enough so she wouldn’t return the insult. “Such boons are not my aim. I have shared my education with her in secret, we ate at the same table when we could get away with it, when away from home we shared a bed where any other servant would sleep outside, and we sparred as much as her chains allowed her. While our station and parents may differ, she is family to me. It would never sit right that I am to live in her homeland as her lord.”
“You’re… serious, aren’t you?” Eclipse found himself at a loss for words for a moment. “Now I understand why you said you were atypical. I’m going to keep my eye on you, Lady Twilight Sparkle.” He cleared his throat, and waved a hoof. “It is your house. As I said, you have the right to adopt whomever you wish. For now, get yourself established. Given your long life, the people may one day see you as Lunarian, birthplace or not. For the time being however, granting an Equestrian noble privilege the same day she arrives could bring me no end of trouble should you prove lacking in stewardship of a house. Or loyalty if and when are you forced to act against your homeland for more than just the information I require of you.” He addressed the air without turning his gaze. “Card Holder, make sure the fair lady here finds her way to her destination.”
“As you wish, my liege.”
Twilight glanced around, expecting one of the sentries to respond, only to discover a unicorn stallion nearby that certainly hadn’t been there moments ago. There was no sound or flash of a teleport or even a fading shimmer of a glamor spell, he was simply there. Getting a good look though was somewhat difficult. His face was bland, and his dull brown coat and mane could be lost in a crowd within seconds. Were it not for the emperor’s regard, his sudden appearance, and distinct lack of a crowd up on the walls of the palace, she wouldn’t think twice about him. “Where did you - um…” On second thought, I doubt I’ll get an answer. “Le-Lead the way, um, sir.”
“Oh, one last thing,” Eclipse called out with a raised hoof. “You didn’t happen to catch the name of the aircav who brought you to the throne room by chance did you? Her name escapes me.”
“It was - Sergeant Rainbow Dash I believe, your Imperial Majesty. She works with the customs authority if I’m not mistaken.”
“A sergeant? A bit low, but it will have to do. My thanks. Now I don’t have to go thinking about volunteers.”
Later the same day, a private room that was intentionally isolated in the Tranquility barracks was being rattled by snoring so loudly it could drown out a factory, and often did. Rainbow Dash was sprawled out on her bed, a blanket barely doing its job, and a pillow with a plethora of puncture marks from her many food related dreams.
A uniformed thestrial mare came into the room with ears stuffed full of cotton, and she still winced with every snore. Not even bothering to try and yell, she marched up to the bed and flipped it over, causing Rainbow to roll out and smack into the brick wall just hard enough to rouse her.
Rainbow snapped awake and leapt to her hooves. “Alright, who’s got the nerve!” She turned to spot the other mare pulling the cotton out of her ears.
Checking the nearby clock, Rainbow Dash’s fury petered out into an annoyed whine. “Come on, Butter Bar, what gives? It’s my night off. Can’t you just get some horn head to cast a silence spell or something?”
Growling at the name, the lieutenant pawed at the thin carpet. “Honestly, sergeant, if you can’t be bothered to remember my actual name, you could at least try my rank at least.”
Now that she knew she wasn’t in any real trouble, Rainbow Dash yawned and started her wake up stretches. “Yeah, yeah, until you rank up beyond fresh cadet graduate, that is your name.” She ignored the officer’s subdued grumblings. “So what gives? You didn’t come here just to complain about my snoring did you?”
“No, I’m not here to interrupt your competition with the Coastline Express. I’m here to give you these and your new orders.” Withdrawing an envelope, Butter shook out a set of rank insignias onto Rainbow’s bed.
Rainbow’s eyes widened considerably upon seeing the two golden bars fall upon her upturned bed. “Second Lieutenant?” Growing paranoid, Rainbow eyed Butter with a critical glare. “Is this some kind of prank?”
“No,” Butter replied with a touch of amusement. “Does the idea of no longer being seen as ‘one of the boys’ at the pub seem so daunting?”
“Spoken like somepony who’s a bigger stick in the mud than a tree.” Rainbow dared not to even touch the two small bits of gold for fear she’d be walking straight into a trap of some kind. “No pony goes from buck sergeant straight to officer, lieutenant or not. Who put you up to this?”
“The emperor actually.” That got Rainbow to roll her eyes and huff in disbelief. “But don’t take my word for it, Commander Blade’s orders and signature are quite clear.” Butter nearly shoved the envelope into Rainbow’s face. “Enjoy being the new butter bars,” The ‘fresh graduate’ added hotly before making for the door. “Although I doubt you’ll be able to enjoy it much given the assignment.”