November 14th, 1008, 0900 hours
Rarity, the Element of Generosity
Friendship Express to Manehattan

As Pinkie Pie bounced all around the train, Rarity read the newspaper she had grabbed at the train station while simultaneously filing her hooves.

THE PONYVILLE EXPRESS, EQUESTRIA’S #1 NEWSPAPER

HUMANS TAKES TO THE SKIES
Mirosław Hermaszewski, commander of the European Air Force, tests "jet" plane restored by Equestrian magic

"WE ARE GOING TO MANEHATTAN!" Pinkie shouted while nearly backflipping onto Rarity's seat.

Rarity, utterly unbothered by Pinkie's behavior (and likely numb to it at this point), replied, "Yes, yes, Manehattan, the height of sophistication, elegance, and culture... Since my boutique in Canterlot has been doing so nicely, it only makes sense for me to open one there as well."

"We're almost there! Why doesn't your face look like this?!" Pinkie squealed in excitement, her hooves pulling a smile on her face.

"Hey, I'm sorry, but could you cut that out? I'm trying to get some rest here." The human passenger, who wore a tan shirt, black trousers, and a peaked cap with a stripe of yellow, turned to the back and asked the puffy pink party planner.

"No offense lady, but you try sleeping on a train with no back panels for nearly half a day while some kid jumps around and screams like she's on caffeine." the other human, sitting next to the last one, also complained.

"No, I'm sorry, but it does get pretty annoying after a while." the human replied. "Please just stay quiet for a bit, ok?" He said as he pulled his cap over his eyes and leaned against the train wall.

Rarity replied, still filing her hooves, responded, "I'd recommend trying not to get over-excitable for this ride. This is just a business trip for me. I need to scour the city for the perfect location for my new shop. And while it's lovely how excited you are, there's absolutely no chance of me getting swept into the–"

"Chris, looks like we are here," the human patted the shoulder of the sleeping one, "Welcome to New York."

"-energy, the beauty, the majesty of the greatest city in all of Equestria!" Rarity exclaimed, excited by the marvelous sights of the Manehattan skyline.

"...Oh, sorry. Hehe." Rarity forced a smile on her face.
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November 14th, 1984, 0920hours
Sgt. Christopher Brown
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Maneway train & subway station platform

"Well, sir. Let's hope this trip is worth it." Chirs said as he got off the train, carrying a backpack and a duffel bag. "Wonder why they have only sent us to Manehattan?"

"Heck if I knew," The other officer said as he walked towards the exit. "Come on, let's not keep the lady outside waiting."

As they walked out of the exit of the train station, the two saw a mare in a police officer’s uniform standing at a nearby lampost.

"Deputy Copper Top, I assume?" The leading officer asked, holding a photo. "Inspector Ryan Moore, Royal Canadian Mounted Police."

"Well, it's nice to see you," Copper replied, "That kid behind you, Sergeant Christopher Brown, yes?"

"Welcome to Manehattan, Equestria's biggest and most modern city." Copper said, "if you said I would be talking to a creature that exists in only myths a month ago, I would have told you off. But now? Not so sure anymore..."

"Yeah, I would have said the same to you, but here we are, eh?" The inspector chuckled. "Bit weird they didn't send the NYPD over here, but as far as I know, they are fishing for clouds up in Las Pegasus."

"Alright, you two, follow me. The carriage is just over there." Copper pointed to a horse-drawn carriage parked across the street.

As the three made their way across, a faint screaming of "M! A! U! D!" can be heard from behind, and after a brief few seconds, the sound of something firing can be heard.

Both humans turned to see a pink blur screaming, "Maud! Maud! Maud!" while doing acrobatics in the air.

On the carriage trip to the hotel first, Copper asked, "Pardon me, but what does Mounted Police mean? And what does the GRC on your patches mean?"

"Ah, well, you see, back in our old world, em...horses was a main transportation means over the world..." Chris explained.

"They weren't sentient beings." the inspector added. "And the part of the world we lived in was called Canada. Its terrain required an efficient way to traverse the land and enforce the law. Mounted means we used to travel mainly on horses, and the rest, I believe you know. The GRC part... it's a long story. But it's our name's acronym in another language. Gendarmerie Royale du Canada."

"Still, what monarch did you have?" Copper asked further, "You have the word Royal in the agency name. You must at least have a princess, right?"

"It's Her Majesty The Queen, Queen Elizabeth II. Now that's an even longer story to tell." the inspector sighed. "She's not with us on this exodus of ours, that's for sure."

"You have half an hour to unpack and get your stuff ready. The PD's in walking distance." Copper said as she handed out two white armbands. "Wear this on your way out, so that others also know you are law enforcement."

"Thanks, We will be back here as soon as possible." the two said as they went to the check-in.

Copper Top heard her stomach growl as the two humans went up in the elevator, so she decided to trot to the nearest donut shop.

"Those apes should altogether be expunged from Equestria. Who needs their stinky presence here anyway? They dampened my mood when I went shopping at Saddle Row yesterday. They should stay in their own world. That's what I'm saying!" A stallion asked someone.

"But don't you think that's kinda mean? They needed our help, and we provided it! Isn't this what our nation is about? Friendship?" a mare replied.

As Copper got her donuts and coffee and made her way for the exit, the stallion chatting behind her shouted, "Hey, officer! You see any apes and monkeys on the streets, lock them up!"

When she got back, the two officers were waltzing out of the elevator in the lobby with their utility belts and sidearms all equipped, plus an armband with the Marehattan Police Department's logo on it.

"Looking good," Copper complimented. "Now, let's get you to the station. Everyone is dying to welcome you both."
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November 14th, 1008, 1015 hours
Rarity, the element of generosity
Near a tiny store

"Really, how could anypony possibly build a store this small?" Rarity grunted as she wiped the dust off herself. "Why is it even on the brochure?"

"Well, let's go ICEESKAAATIIING!" Pinkie shouted, bouncing up and down in excitement.

"Boulder says he also wants in." Maud also added in, using her classical deadpan voice.

Right in front of the trio was a mare arguing with a police officer and two humans.

"Officer, I don't care what those dirty apes say! They ruined my dress and purse, and I demand them to pay right now!" A unicorn mare in an exquisite dress with what seemed to be coffee spilled on it shouted.

The officer shook his head and sighed, "Ma'am, I must order you to calm down. You really shouldn't be calling us for something small like coffee spilled on attire..."

"Small? SMALL? I will have you know that this dress costs your ENTIRE year's salary, you cheap dirtbag! If it weren't for me being so graceful, I would-"

"Look, my friend here says he's sorry. He doesn't speak English or Equestrian, as you call it." the other human replied, "We don't have much, but we will pay!"

That human then put down the rucksack he was carrying, took out two packets of cigarettes, and offered, "My cigarettes, it's the only thing that's worth money I have right now, but we can help wash your dress! Promise!"

"You want to use some tobacco to try and get out of this? RIDICULOUS! I demand you to-"

Rarity stepped in, asking, "Woah, calm down everyone, what happened here...Suri?!"

"Oh great! It's you!" Suri Polomare groaned. "You took my trophy first, assistant next, and now you are here just to let me be insulted by these apes!"

"Look, it's just spilled coffee. You can always wash it later anyways," the police officer tried to talk some sense into Suri.

"I still demand these two to pay me five hundred bits in compensation! It's what I deserve!"

The human who doesn't speak Equestrian turned to Rarity, asking, "Prosím, pomoz nám! To je absurdní!"

"Alright, Miss Suri, I'm sure these two didn't spill the coffee on your dress on purpose. How about I give you this spray to help remove the stain, and you let them go instead?" Rarity offered as she took out a small bottle of spray.

Suri Polomare shouted, "Ugh, fine! Give me that!" As she sprayed the mixing bottle into the stain and used her handkerchief to wipe it, the stain came off like magic. Suri tossed the bottle back and shouted to the two humans, "I'm watching YOU both!" as she stormed away.

"He says thank you." The man's friend translated. "For real, thank you. You saved our asses back there."

The two humans got up and went off in a different direction than Suri's. The officer took off his peaked cap and sighed, "Sorry you got roped into this mess, miss. Suir's recently been a pain in the rear since she got dumped by that city council member."

"Wow! Suri's really much meaner than before!" Pinkie, appearing out of nowhere, commented on the situation.
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November 14th, 1984, 1143hours
Inspector Ryan Moore
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Human food stall near the rock pouch store

"I can't even recall the last time I had a hot meal like this." The inspector said as he forked another Pierogi into his mouth, "Where did you even get the ingredients for it, eh?"

"The Griffons. They live two streets away, and are about the only ones selling meat here. Normally, only the Griffons can buy and sell it, but the princesses gave us permits." The stall owner replied in a thick accent as he pointed to the apartment building under construction right in front of him. "I figured with this many Polish boys working on that building nearby, might as well feed them with something good, you know?"

Chris put down his empty bowl and complimented, "Man, really good stuff. You should own a restaurant or something."

Copper Top added in and said, "Wish I could eat it if it weren't for me not eating meat."

"Someone will make something like meat that isn't someday, just trust me, hell, we did thousands of years ago," Chris said as he zipped his coat up.

And as the three went off, something went off at the rock pouch store just before them.

" Hello, Mr. Pouch Store Owner! I'd like to hear all about your sudden vacation in Canterlot with your grandniece while buying a pouch for my sister, please!"

"Oh great. It's her again," Moore sighed as he walked up, "Hold on, I've got this."

The inspector walked up to the store's entrance, read the sign, and turned to Pinkie Pie, "sorry lady, the store's closed. Not my call, but it's best to leave."

"But it can't be. It just can't be! If I can't get that pouch... then not only am I not getting my sister the greatest present in the history of PSSSD, but now I have no PSSSD present for my sister at all!" Pinkie shouted.

"Look, lady, no matter how hard you pound this window here, the owner ain't coming back anytime soon," Inspector Moore tried to calm the pink mare, "Maybe you can find something else to give...your sister, right?"

"THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE!" Pinkie shouted to the inspector's face and ran off with the speed of light.

"Wonder how she got out of the asylum..." Sergeant Christopher walked up to the inspector.

After the three went back on patrol, it wasn't long before they started chatting again.

"You know, I'm still somewhat worried about how the locals will receive you humans." Copper Top sighed. "As much as we would like to call ourselves the nation of friendship, we...had some longstanding problems, especially in the cities."

Chris lowered his popsicle and asked, "what, racism? I admit I hadn't seen much of that crap...sorry."

"You don't get it, sergeant. A lot of the elite here don't take kindly to human presence. What the average pony sees as new friends they see potential criminals and exploitable groups for public support. The mayor is nice, but not the council members." Copper replied, her face full of worries.

"Darn right. Council members of Bronclyn and Hooflyn are polar opposites. Bronclyn is more welcoming to human communities while Hooflyn is having an anti-human rally today." Copper took out a map and pointed at the two communities.

"Good to know that we are going through the friendly one." Chris continued at his popsicle.
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November 14th, 1008, 1305 hours
Rarity, the element of generosity
Hooflyn Flea Market

"Did she like anything?" Pinkie Pie appeared out from a pile of goods in front of Rarity.

Rarity hushed, "That sister of yours is simply impossible to shop for! There's nothing she needs or wants!"

After a few moments, Maud picked up her pet rock, resting on another stall. "There you are. Sure wish I had something to carry you around in."

Pinkie Pie exclaimed, "A rock pouch was the perfect gift for Maud! Aw, and I know she would have loved the one I saw in the window! It had double stitching, a red drawstring..."

"HUMANS OUT OF HOOFLYN!" the same voice shouted through a megaphone, with a crowd repeating the phrase.

The human shoppers in the market paid hurriedly and left, with two human officers wearing armbands with black and deep blue uniforms walking up in the direction of the rally.

"Bonjour, madame, I would have to suggest you leave. " the officer of higher rank greeted, "The council member for this district is out again for a rally."

"Sure, last week Hooflyn had two human-related burglar cases, but that's no reason to label us all thieves!" The other officer with a mustache sighed.

However, Pinkie saw someone amongst the rallying crowd carrying a specific pouch she wanted for her sister.

"...and ochre-flecked velvet lining with reinforced triple-crosshatched seams?" Rarity added in, sharing the same focus as her friend.

" Maybe if you can catch up with him, you could ask—" before Rarity could finish her sentence, Pinkie Pie rushed toward said individual at speeds near Mach 1.2, leaving a gust of wind that blew straight at the two officers and Rarity.

"My God, what has gotten into her?" The higher-ranking officer picked up his kepi on the ground.

"She's...excited." Rarity chuckled dryly. "Say, what's this cap? It looks unique, and I have never seen this before!" She pointed at the officer's kepi.

"If I had a Franc every time someone asked me that..." The officer muttered.
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November 14th, 1984, 1540 hours
Sergeant Christopher Brown
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Royal Equestrian Bank branch near Manehattan Park

"Really? Even ponies here couldn't park for shi...crap?" Chris complained, "...sorry."

As Chris slapped a parking ticket on a carriage which, in an apparent lack of taste, was plastered with gold, then, a stallion with golden teeth and a remarkably bad hairstyle ran up to him, pushing a familiar pastel blue cannon, it’s wooden wheels wobbling slightly.

"O-officer! I was just getting off to...uh...buy this sweet baby here!" The stallion pleaded, "look! The Wheels are still scorching hot from rolling!"

Being all too familiar with this, Chris replied, "this isn't even overtime parking. This is a no-parking zone!"

"I know! I know! I just wanted to stretch my legs!" the offender continued to plead.

The stallion, seen starting to flinch, shouted, "Y-you...tax thieves! Why does a good honest man have to be looked down on by you foreign aliens just freeloading off Equestria!"

As inspector Moore returned from the coffee stand across the street, Chris remained silent.

"The hell's going on? Why is there a cannon?" Moore asked with a cup of coffee in his hand.

"Guy thinks he's too entitled to get a parking ticket." the sergeant pointed towards the gold-painted carriage. "Say, I have seen that cannon earlier today..."

"None of your businesses! I bought it, fair and square, with a pouch!" The stallion shouted as he ran to the cannon and held up the firing cord.

"It fires confetti. What are you exactly trying to achieve here, son?" Moore walked up, picked up the ticket on the ground, and stuck it on the carriage. "You got problems, then tell it to the judge."

"I...am sorry. Manehattan may be Equestria's biggest, most modern town, but it also attracts the meanest, most selfish, stuck-up ponies." Copper apologized.

"Ehh, since when do big cities not do that?" Chris cleared his jacket of dust.

Moore looked at his watch and said to the two, "Hey, it's almost 4 the patrol ends in half an hour."

"Bet your flank it is."
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November 14th, 1008, 1607 hours
Maud Pie
In front of a human bar near the Manehattan Humantown

"I'd like to return this pouch for my sister's party cannon, please." Maud asked.

As he tried to walk away, Maud, by some time space miracle, reappeared in front of him.

"Goodness me!" Rarity gasped, "I've never seen her like this! Look at the fire in her eyes!"

"Fire or not, buzz off! What is with me today? Parking ticket, banana peel, puddle splash, then this?"

Meanwhile, as the stallion shouted, the few patrons who are inside a bar with a flag of blue, white, red and a red star hanging on it's wall were watching.

The bartender, deciding to intervene before it affected business, announced to the entire bar, "it seems like the outside is kinda rowdy. I'll be right back, and don't try to leave without paying, or I will know."

"Oh, it's that we wanted to...reverse the trade deal of a rock pouch in return for a party cannon back." Rarity pointed at the cannon.

Maud insisted, "I'd like to return this pouch for my sister's party cannon, please." This time, her eyebrows moved slightly.

"Sir, just give the cannon back for the pouch. How hard is it?" The bartender questioned.

"Oh! Did she just clench her jaw?! I think she clenched her jaw!" Rarity pointed at Maud.

"And sir, if you continue to shout like this, it will be bad for the bar's business. Just accept the deal and leave, or I will take measures."

The stallion started to shake but remained defiant. "W-who even cares about jaw clenching and your stupid bar? I said...uh..."

Rarity continued cowing the stallion, "Oh, no! When she clenches her jaw... you know what that means?!"

"Not sure I want to find out." The bartender added as he shrugged, "I can only say it's going to be terrifying."

"I'd like to return the pouch." Maud Pie said as she delivered the final blow to the insecure stallion.

The stallion finally broke, whimpering, "Here! Take it, take it, please! Just relax that jaw of yours and turn down that fire in your eyes! I will never show up near this bar again, please!" He then rushed away in a panic.

"You are always welcome if you pay." the bartender spoke coldly as Pinkie Pie bounced up to her now retrieved cannon.

Rarity extended her hoof for a hoof-hand shake, "Thank you, sir, for the assistance!"

Then he turned to a pony sneaking out of the bar and shouted, "and what did I just say about not paying?"

From the street across, both Christopher, Inspector Moore, and Copper Top are witnessing the hand-hoof shake as they are on the way to return to the station.

"Perhaps we should still give the entire friendship thing a shot, inspector." Chris smiled.

The inspector only nodded with his grin clearly visible under the evening sun.
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November 15th, 1008, 0900 hours
Princess Twilight Sparkle
Hayburger, Ponyville

A cyan earth pony walked up to the table that Twilight, and Tom were sitting at and asked, "Excuse me, but who are these humans I have heard of?"

The cyan pony then looked around for a bit and sat down at the table, "They didn't tell me you're bringing company."

"Then we can get down to business." the agent said, "I'm Herbert. Call me Crystal Hoof for the time being."

"Right then Crystal, what do you have for us?" Tom asked as he drank from his cup. "This better not be a ploy."

"I can assure you it's not," Herbert said as he took out a file. "This is the list of all the ponies that we will smuggle over the border. This is one of the freed slaves...I'm sure you have heard of her." the file was flipped open to a page, with his hoof pointed at the photo attached.

Escalation 84: A Post-Nuclear Story of Humans and Ponies

by dafid25

Chapter 8: Manehattan Blues