Fluttershy sat in the back of the bridge as the crew made their approach to the relay that'd send them to the Citadel. Their journey halfway across the galaxy had been relatively uneventful as no pirate was stupid enough to approach the titan, that wasn't to say the sensors didn't pick them up trying to lay in the shadows. Luna oversaw the approach from her command deck while the pilots guided the ship in for a jump, Rarity and Applejack also being present with their support teams to manage their respective systems.
"Citadel authorities have approved our request to make the jump into the system, they have an escort waiting at the exit relay," the batpony at the communications station reported.
"Understood. Pilot, you are clear to make the jump," Luna ordered another batpony that sat in the seat where Fluttershy had sat when she had steered the ship.
"Yes, Princess," he acknowledged, the ship making a slight lurch as the inertial dampeners swiftly compensated for the speed increase.
"Calculations complete, ready for the relay transit," Fidelis reported in as well, the relay starting to activate to send the ship towards its destination.
"Comms, be at the ready, I want us to make a good first impression on the Citadel races," Luna warned the batpony who snapped a quick salute. A holographic display showed them the relay spinning up faster and a short countdown appeared to count to zero.
"Transiting now." The hologram of the relay disappeared and a view of the initial scans of the Widow system where the Citadel was located flowed in. An escort of three turian cruisers carefully approached them, clearly the Citadel fleet hadn't believed the information about the vessel being that big despite the warnings that had been sent ahead.
"This is the ESS Vindica to escort vessels. Please lead us over to a designated holding sector," the communications officer broadcast outwards on the proper channels.
"Copy that ESS Vindica. This is the THS Korvatos, follow our lead." the three cruisers took formation around the Vindica and slowed down to not outrun the Titan, not knowing that the large vessel's engine would be able to match them easily. Fluttershy could see the Destiny Ascension move to intercept the titan as well to give the ship a more proper escort. The Asari vessel almost half the size of the equestrian ship, though with the larger crew that was certainly better trained than the ponies would still be a serious match. "ESS Vindica, we are uploading coördinates to the holding area now."
"Area marked." Fidelis announced.
"Got it, halting now," the pilot replied at receiving the instructions, the ship coming to a relatively swift halt. The cruisers took a defensive posture around the titan while the Destiny Ascension kept its distance.
"ESS Vindica, for further instructions on how to approach with your shuttles contact Citadel control."
"Understood THS Korvatos, thank you for the escort, ESS Vindica out." A collective sigh went through the bridge as the ponies there, now that they had arrived and 'parked' properly, started admiring the images they were receiving from the Citadel in awe.
"Contact the diplomatic team and tell them to report to the shuttles," Luna ordered. "Captain Darkwing, you have the bridge."
"Yes, princess." The batpony saluted and took Luna's place on the command platform as the princess walked over to Fluttershy, Luna also calling for Rarity and Applejack to join.
"Your teams can take over your tasks, for now, you should join me and your friend... Where is Twilight Sparkle?" Luna asked, motioning for the trio to follow her.
"She's at the shuttle bay with the diplomatic team, already," Fluttershy answered as they stepped into a transporter to the hangar that held the ship's shuttles.
"Hmm, I'd hoped to see her on the bridge... regardless, we shall be departing for the Citadel immediately." Luna sighed.
"I hope you managed to get a larger building to house the embassy, those few rooms you had before aren't going to fit more than a few ponies," Fluttershy pointed out as they got out of the transporter and saw the reasonably large group of ponies that made up the diplomatic team.
"The council has allotted us a larger building to use along with sleeping quarters. They shall have space enough," Luna replied, the diplomats noticing the princess approach and bowed. "Rise."
"We are ready to serve your highness, if what these 'video feeds' show is true this will be a magnificent assignment," the eldest of the group said with a smile.
"I assure you it is truly a sight to behold," Luna smiled. "Now, shall we not delay further? I am sure the diplomats on the Citadel are quite eager to see us as well."
"Of course. Everypony take your seats!" he called out to his group who boarded two of the three shuttles, Luna walking up to the third with Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack where Twilight was also waiting.
"Princess," Twilight bowed her head. She was wearing a version of the simple white gown the entire diplomatic team was wearing as well, having taken the tip from Fluttershy that it was seen as indecent to walk around the Citadel without for most races.
"Twilight Sparkle, I had hoped to see you on the bridge. You would have been welcome," Luna told the unicorn, lifting her chin to pull her out of the bow.
"I-I had to gather some things, thought it best to wait here for you," Twilight excused herself. "Also, are the two of you coming?"
"I see... Well, I did say not to delay so shall we?" Luna said, letting the four ponies enter before getting in herself, the door closing behind them. "Take us in, Fidelis."
The Citadel authorities had been waiting for the group to arrive as they landed, the diplomatic team immediately getting in touch with missives from various races that had inquiries for them and trying to advance their interests. Fluttershy had to wait around for her three friends to be cleared to split off and enter the citadel as they weren't registered yet unlike the pegasus, luckily with some pressure from above the temporary registration was pushed through quickly.
"So this is where you spent your time?" Rarity asked with wide eyes as they walked through the crowds of the presidium, a relatively large amount of interest being shot their way as video of the pony warship parked beside the space station was broadcast pretty much to all news channels.
"Some of it, I would love to show the wards but there's a spot here on the presidium I wanted to show you first," Fluttershy said, leading the four of them towards the entrance of the Citadel Tower. "That to be exact."
Twilight's eyes went wide first as she recognised the object. "This is where you came through," she stated in a whisper.
"It was," Fluttershy confirmed for her.
"Well Ah'll be darned," Applejack stated, leaning on a guardrail to get a closer look.
"To think this is what started the entire thing..." Twilight whispered again.
"It's in the past now darling, nothing we can change about that." Rarity gave Twilight a nuzzle to cheer her up before turning to Fluttershy. "So, you wanted to show us these 'wards'?"
Fluttershy smirked. "Oh yes... and you know what girls? Why don't we go out shopping too?"
Rarity's pupil dilated as she made an incredibly high pitch squeal, everyone in the immediate surrounding cringing at the sound.
"Ah think that's a yes," Applejack snickered.
"let's go catch a shuttle then!"