Name: MSG. Adam “Shifty” Smith
Date: August 24, 2015 (December 11, Equestria)
Location: Canterlot Castle
Time: 0829
Stepping out the doors, he found the two guards that had been stationed outside his door waiting for him. He told them he was wishing to meet the princesses to which they both gave a firm nod and took up position on either side of him. Adam had expected for them to take him to the throne room like they had the past few times he had gone to speak with them but they were taking a route he was not used to. When they arrived at a set of doors, these doors were not as decorated as those seen at the throne room and he could hear a group of people talking on the other side.
The guards stood on each side of the door, along with the other guards already there, and gestured for him to go through. After proceeding through the doors he saw that he was now in a well decorated dining hall. There was a large oak table that stretched from one side of the room to the other and could easily seat at least thirty ponies along it but only currently seated ten. Sitting at the table from his angle he could see were Twilight with her friends along with both the princesses and Captain Shining Armor. A pink alicorn, that matched the description given to him in the story Twilight and Pinkie told him about the wedding, sat next to Shining. His entry into the room caught the attention of everyone in the room causing smiles and grins to form on their faces at his new appearance.
Celestia was the first to speak, “Welcome Adam, I am glad to see that you are feeling better. Come and sit, I will have a servant bring you something to eat.”
“Thank ya ma’am.”
A servant made her way over to him and gave him a menu to look over. He looked through the list of things but he couldn’t find what he really wanted, meat. Celestia seemed to pick up on his disappointment.
“Is there something wrong with the menu?”
“Well no ma’am there is nothing wrong, I was just wondering if there was by any chance any meat. I should have known better that there wouldn’t be.”
His response was accompanied by a raised eyebrow from Celestia, a curious look from Luna and a mixture of disgust and horror on everyone else. Rarity was the one to ask out loud what everyone there was thinking.
“Why in the heavens would you want to eat,” she swallowed back a blanch, “meat?”
“Well, humans are omnivores so my diet consist of vegetables, fruits and meats. Twilight if you remember I had asked if it was common for a pony to have canine teeth, well I in fact still have my human teeth. Lately I have noticed that I haven’t taken a liking to hay but still find myself craving meat, mostly grilled chicken, it was always my favorite.”
Celestia gave what he said some thought before saying what she thought, “The spell that brought you to this world will change your physical form but there are somethings that it will leave alone. Your teeth and diet are probably one of these aspects of your person that were left alone.”
Luna spoke next, “If that is the case I am sure we can use the supplies that we would normally save for the gryphon diplomats to supplement your diet while you stay here in the castle.”
The servant came back into the room but was stopped by Luna who told her to grab a menu used for the gryphons. The servant bowed and left, coming back moments later with another menu and giving it to Adam. Opening it up he quickly found what he was looking for, bacon. She stood nearby waiting to take his order and after finally getting his order, giving him a funny look, she went into the kitchen. He bet there were going to be a few rumors spreading about him soon enough, if there weren’t some already.
While they waited Rarity, who was sitting to his left, was inspecting the clothes. After a few moments she asked, “How does the uniform fit, is it like your other one?”
“Yes, it feels exactly like my old uniform, thank you again for making it for me.”
Shining Armor seemed to perk up at the sound of uniforms. Adam caught Shining looking over the uniform as well, he seemed to approve of it, though he did look a little confused as to the design. “What does the design of your uniform mean, it seems a little odd?”
“Well, my uniform is design to prevent me from being seen right away and so I can blend in. The other uniform you first saw me in was so that I could blend into a desert environment and this one is for a forest.”
“Ah, that would be very useful. I notice that unlike your other uniform, this one does not have the same patches on it, why is that?”
“Oh, when I was in Ponyville, I had asked Rarity to make me another one since the only clothes I had were the ones that I had on my back.”
The conversation was interrupted as Adam’s food was brought to him. Once his eyes made contact with the plate and the aroma wafted over his nose, he began to drool slightly. Everyone watched him as he grabbed a strip of bacon and savor his first bite. He welcomed the familiar explosion of taste on his pallet.
“Is everything to your liking?”
The question snapped Adam out of his pleasure, he looked at Celestia and gave an energetic nod before swallowing.
“I’m glad to hear it. There is something that me and my sister would like to ask of you.”
He took a couple hasty bites of the eggs and toast he had on his plate before he asked, slightly uneasy about what she was going to ask of him, “What do ya’ll need ma’am?”
“My sister and I believe that there is still a lot of good you can do during your stay here in Equestria. We would like it if you would use your experience from your service, here. Would you be willing to join the Lunar guard stationed in Ponyville?”
“What does that exactly entail?”
“Well, first we, due to the years of experience that you have, would make you first lieutenant making you the ranking officer of the lunar guard stationed there. Unlike normal lunar guards though you will not just report to Luna but to myself as well. We will also have you not just work during the night, like that of the average lunar guard, but also during the day alongside the solar guard. You will be sharing command of the entire guard with the solar guard lieutenant there who, from what we have read from a report that was brought to us a few days ago, you have already met. Though I say that you share command, you will still be in control of the lunar guard and you can give a command to any of the solar guards there unless their lieutenant says otherwise. This also goes for him as well.”
“If I agree, will I receive ALL my gear back?”
Luna responded this time, “Along with making you a citizen of Equestria, you will be given all your belongings that you had with you. With your position in the guard you will receive a weekly salary of five hundred gold bits.”
Adam leaned over to Twilight on his right and whispered, “Is that a lot?”
Twilight replied, “For your rank that is above average of the above average. I will have to teach you about our currency later.”
“Ma’am, while I like the idea of being able to serve again, I have to ask. Why do you want me to be stationed in a small town like Ponyville, when I am armed and ready for war not only for myself but for another person or in this case pony? It seems like overkill to me ma’am.”
“The reason that we wish for you to be in Ponyville is because one of your other duties will be to act as the personal bodyguard to the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony.”
“OK, who are these bearers and what are the Elements of Harmony?”
“To answer your first question Adam, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie are the Bearers you will be protecting. The answer to your second question is that the elements are ancient and powerful magical objects that can only be used by the bearers.”
“That still seems like a little overkill ma’am. I mean there wasn’t anyone that I would say would cause that kind of trouble in Ponyville, don’t get me wrong there are jerks there but nothing more than that from what I’ve seen.”
“There are some things that will require me to send them into a possibly dangerous areas. When I do, they will need protection from what is out there.”
Rainbow Dash shot into the air and shouted, “We don’t need protection, we know how to take care of ourselves.”
“Ma’am that sounds like something your guards would be able to handle, not something you would need a soldier to do.”
“While my guards could watch over them, they are not trained in the manner that you have been. They do not know how to fight to kill like I have seen your kind, they may hesitate at an inopportune moment.”
Shining Armor adopted a frown at hearing Celestia talk poorly of his guards. No matter how much he would like to disagree with her though, he had to admit that during training, the guards were trained to subdue not kill. He saw how big of an asset a trained soldier could be in times of conflict, when they would not be able to subdue and capture all of their enemies.
“When would I start?”
“Well as far as guarding the girls and returning to active duty you will have to go through some flight training first. We cannot have you falling out of the sky everywhere you go.” Her last statement caused Rainbow Dash to stop glaring and start laughing.
“Yea I can’t go around catching you every time.”
“OH Ha Ha. I think you’re forgetting that I have only been a pony for about a week now and most of it was unconscious. I’m happy to at least get into the air at the moment.”
“Nonetheless you will be trained on how to properly fly and Miss Rainbow Dash will be one of your instructors.”
Rainbow stopped her laughing and stammered, “W-w-what do you mean? Me teach him how to fly, your joking right?”
Celestia knew Rainbow Dash would be surprised at being told this but had a plan to lessen this unease, “You will be one of his instructors Rainbow Dash. I will be sending a letter to the other pony that will help teach him proper technique while you help build up his wing power.”
“Oh, if its just wingpower I can do that in ten seconds flat.”
“Very good, tomorrow you will head back to ponyville where you will be given a new home to call your own while here and then begin training in three days from now. Until then, you will be allowed to do as you please and I would advise to meet with both the guard branches stationed there before you begin active duty. This is only if you agree though, I will not force you to do this.”
Not much of a choice really. Either accept and work for them or decline and possibly upset or anger the two beings that know how to send me back. To top things off, if what Twilight says is true, I will be being paid quite generously.
Making up his mind he said, “OK, I will work for you ma’am. I do have a question that will determine what I will be doing and how.”
“What is your question Adam,” Luna asked tilting her head slightly.
“How far have your people come along in firearms?”
“Well in comparison with humanities progress, we would be at the point of flintlock rifles. Why do you wish to know?”
“As ya’ll are aware, I came here with those two bags and will not be able to get resupplied from my other superiors. I will need to speak with your weapon smiths to have new ammunitions crafted from the samples I will leave them.”
Celestia nodded in understanding, “Very well. I will have a guard show you to the armory and will have you fitted for your new armor as well.”
“Thank you ma’am but I will have to decline the new armor. I do not mean any insult when I say that your armor is too flashy for what I do and is ineffective in comparison with what I currently have. If you wish for me to be able to do what I have been trained to do, then I will have to insist on keeping my old armor.”
Rarity cried out, “But darling their armor is simply fabulous why would not want it? Besides the armor is a symbol of your position.”
“If its an issue of identification then a simple patch on my left sleeve will due.”
Rarity huffed in irritation, “How would a patch do that?”
He ignored the first question, he had already answered, “Well where I am from, we use the patches to identify which unit other soldiers are part of. Some are more known than others. Simply have one designed for me to wear to symbolize my new position and it won’t compromise my stealth training.”
Rarity eyes began to sparkle at the thought of designing a royal patch that would recognised by everyone.
“Now that we have settled this, and you have finished your breakfast Adam, I shall escort you myself to the armory,” Luna announced surprising Celestia but she didn’t say anything against it.
Shining Armor spoke next, “I’ll go along too, I wish to see these weapons in great detail and learn more about them. We stored all of your gear in the armory to prevent anypony from getting hurt by accident.”
“That will save me some time then. I’m ready whenever ya’ll are.”
Leaving the table Luna, Shining Armor and Adam left the table for the armory. From the dining hall it was a twenty minute walk there but it was not a quiet walk.
Luna was the one to start the conversation, surprising Adam, “Adam before we arrive there I wish to ask for your forgiveness?”
“And what are you asking to be apologized for,” he could easily figure it out but he might learn something if he just let her fill in the blanks.
“Earlier, when you first arrived here, I did something that I shouldn’t have. It was rude of myself to look into your mind and read your thoughts without your consent. Even though I have not been around for a long time it is still no excuse to forget myself. Do you think you could forgive me for my thoughtlessness?”
“Not right away, no. In time I believe I will, but this will be the starting point.”
“I understand.”
Seeing that the conversation wasn’t going to pick itself back up, it was Shining’s turn to ask, “I’ve heard that you have several years of service in your countries military, how many exactly?”
“Well I spent about fifteen years in the Army as a sniper.”
“And what exactly is a ‘sniper,’ I have never heard of such a thing?”
“Well snipers are specialized in mid to long range engagement of enemy units, but we can be used for a variety of things.”
“Would you care to elaborate on what those things are?”
“Sure, why not. For starters we can of course engage enemies as needed, provide recon or act as a forward observer for artillery. As you saw from my memory, we do provide overwatch for convoys, it can be more effective than placing a squad of soldiers in an area. There is the occasion where we are used to remove high valued targets or watch them for information. Our stealth training comes in handy for those last two things, I would have a lot more holes in me otherwise.”
“How many times have you ‘removed’ these targets?” Shining was interested in hearing about the human’s fighting abilities, he needed to know how to command such units if the use ever came, he wished against the day that such a thing would ever be needed though.
“Only a few times not a whole lot, there are enough of us that we don’t rely on just one sniper team to do things. I have been stuck doing observations many times though, and believe me when I tell ya that those are not usually the most exciting things to do for days on end. By the way when we get to ya’lls armory I will need to take one of ya’lls rifles.”
Shining was confused with what Adam said and voiced his confusion, “Why do you want one of our rifles when you have the ones you brought with you?”
“Well until I can have more rounds made that can be used by my rifles, I will have a limited supply. I do not know how to make the ammunition myself, I just know what goes into making them. Thats the whole reason why I wish to speak with your weapon smiths, I am hoping they can make more for me.”
“How good are you with a flintlock?”
“Never fired one before, so while I’m in Ponyville I’m going to learn from one of the guards there.”
When they reached the armory Shining guided Adam over to his gear and allowed him to suit up, then took him to an adjoining room that the weapon smiths worked in. Standing over by a weapons rack stood a dark grey unicorn with a green mane, who seemed to be inspecting a recently finished rifle. Removing a round from each of his magazines Adam placed them in front of the smith who eyed them curiously.
“And what the hell are these,” asked the smith after he stood from bowing to the princes.
“These,” Adam pointed to the different rounds, “are a gift so to speak. A step forward in your weapons development. My weapons do not fire the same ammunition that ya’ll currently produce, so I am giving these to ya to copy and then reproduce.”
“Seems like an interesting enough challenge, I’ll probably be able to adapt our rifles to eventually fire them too. Of course that would be only after we have learned how to mass produce them otherwise where would be the point.”
“Thank you, before I go are you finished with that rifle?”
The smith looked over to the rifle that was lying across the table and replied, “Yeah just finished her assembly just a few moments ago. She’s the first one to have a barrel this long, all the others tend to be shorter in comparison. With the extra length, she will hopefully be more accurate than my previous works.”
“Do you mind if I take her off your hands, er hooves. She looks to be just what I was looking for.”
“And why should I give you this rifle and not any of my other rifles?”
“I’ll give you a quick demonstration of one of my rifles and what those bullets can do.”
“Sounds like a fair deal, but only if you can impress me.”
“Oh, I have a feeling you will be very much impressed with them. Princess Luna do you mind if I take two watermelon from your kitchens?”
“Um, sure. Why do you need those?”
“Gives me something to shoot at and it’s fun to see what happens to them.”
It took about an hour before Adam had set up his Anti material rifle on one of the towers with everyone present. Princess Celestia and the girls had heard about what he was doing and came to watch, Pinkie had a bag of popcorn and was happily eating her fill. There was a bright flash as Luna returned from placing the watermelon.
“The melons have been placed just as you asked.”
“Thank you Princess, now then, everyone who has decided to join us today let me explain. Princess Luna has, at my request, placed two watermelon a little over a mile out on the mountain behind me. They are placed one in front of the other and will act as my targets for me to shoot at. I will only take one shot at them and ya’ll will be able to watch them from some of my gear,” Adam indicated by pointing at the binoculars and spotter scopes.
The smith laughed, “If you can hit those I’ll personally deliver the first batch of rounds to your house.”
Adam took his position behind the scope and began to calculate the wind speed and cross breeze along with the bullet drop. Everyone else looked through his scopes at the melons. When he had finished his calculations he slowed his breathing and held it. Pulling on the stick for the trigger he waited until he was absolutely sure before he fired the round at the watermelons. The sudden and loud noise that was coming from the weapon forced everyone present to clamp their ears flat against their heads in discomfort. They could all see the air displacement of the round as it traveled the distance and strike the two melons. When the girls saw it make contact, Fluttershy was the one to jump back in fear as the melons were replaced by nothing but tiny chunks of the fruity flesh.
“So then I’ll make sure to send ya’ll my mailing address, for ya to find me at, when you’re done with them,” a victorious smirk forming along his muzzle.
The smith on the other hand had to pick up his chin from the ground so he could speak. “Do you mind if I take a look at your rifle. I’ve never seen anything that comes close to that in all my years. The name is Strong Steel by the way its a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
An idea sparked into being in Adam’s mind and he was going to jump on it. “Nice to meet you Strong Steel, my name is Adam and I wouldn’t mind letting you examine my tools, that is if you are willing to move down to Ponyville for a while.”
The requirement for the weapon smith to examine the his rifle caught everyone off guard and confused them, it was Steel who was the one to voice their confusion. “Why would you want me to move down to Ponyville for, when all my equipment is here?”
“The answer to that is quite simple actually, I need ammunition for my dwindling supply and you can make it for me. Rather than it having to be shipped over to me, the only person with the weapons to use it, it would just be faster and more efficient for you to move to where I will be staying. On top of that if I need special parts or if I have any ideas for different types of rounds it would be faster to visit you then send a letter. Your equipment can be moved or new equipment can be installed there. Of course this will all have to be approved by the princesses of course.”
The group looked over to the two princesses standing off to the side, waiting for their decision on the matter.
Luna tapped her chin in thought before saying, “I do not see anything wrong with that and it would be better in this case. What do you think Tia?”
Celestia took a little longer to respond than her sister, she wouldn’t agree to it unless she had a very serious question answered. “When you say special ammunitions made, is there something in mind that you are thinking about? From what I have seen, your weapons will not be needed due to their lethality.”
“You are very much right Princess Celestia, my weapons are very much over the top in regards to what I will be doing as one of the guards, which is why I will require special ammunition for them. I will need non lethal rounds made, such as rubber bullets and tranquilizer darts. With Strong Steel building them nearby, he will have me to ask any questions he may have while working, which will lessen the amount of time of their construction.”
Celestia nodded her head in understanding and said, “Very well, Strong Steel, if you have no objections I would like you to transfer to Ponyville as soon as possible. You will be compensated for your equipment and travel expenses.”
Strong Steel did not hesitate with his response and quickly agreed to leaving, running off to gather his belongings for travel.
Adam couldn’t help but laugh, “That was easier to do than I thought, I honestly believed it would take a little more convincing but this is better.”
“Adam,” at the mention of his name he turned to Celestia who had been watching him, “I will have transportation ready for you and the girls by tomorrow for departure back to Ponyville. As for the rest of the day you may enjoy yourself and have a look around, but you must first swear an oath.”
An alarm went off in Adam at the word, “Oath, what kind of oath?”
Luna was next to answer, “It is the oath that all guards take when they begin serving and what binds them until they retire.”
He was not liking where this was heading, “What exactly is part of the oath?”
“The oath simply states that you will enforce the laws while protecting the citizens by any means. We will make sure that the oath does not conflict with your duties with the United States, so there will be nothing to worry about in that regard. If you would follow us back to the throne room we can quickly take care of the oath and you can be sworn in as a member of the guard officially.”
Adam sighed, “Well alright then lets get this over with, I’m starving.”
Luna rolled her eyes before leading the group to the throne room for the ceremony. A collection of guards were waiting in the hall for the ceremony. Once they had entered the room the guards made two rows on either side of the red carpet that lead to the throne while the girls stood off to the side watching. The princesses stood in front of the throne facing the group, smiling the entire time, leaving Adam to stand alone on the carpet. Kneeling he waited for one of them to speak.
Clearing her throat Celestia began, “Adam, do you hereby swear to protect and uphold the laws set forth by the crown and protect Equestria’s citizens from those who would wish to do them harm?”
“I, Adam, swear to uphold the laws of the throne and protect Equestria’s citizens.”
“Do you swear to protect the throne from outside forces that would wish to see it’s downfall?”
“I swear.”
“Then I, Princess Celestia,”
“And I Princess Luna,”
Celestia’s and Luna’s horns began to glow brightly as they used their magic, “Bestow upon you, Adam, the rank of First Lieutenant of the night guard and entitle you to the rights and privileges that come with the position. Now rise Lieutenant and welcome to ranks of the night guard.”
When Celestia had finished her speech the guards on both sides of him began stomping their hooves in rhythm of one another, showing their approval.
“You are all dismissed and may visit the city if you so wish. I would like for you all to join Luna and I for dinner later tonight to celebrate.”
Soon after the guards had left the hall Rarity’s eyes lit up, “I know just where we should go first, follow me.”
Not even waiting for a response Adam felt himself being lifted up into the air by Rarity’s magic and carried off after her, the others trotting close behind giggling and laughing. No matter how much he protested, Rarity refused to put him back on the ground until they reached their destination. Seeing where it was she wanted to go he understood why, he would have bolted otherwise. She had brought him to a fashion store and was now pulling him through the door while he screamed for help.
Dressing up in the different suites did not bother him in the slightest, it was what he feared would happen if they went overboard. His fears were shortly realised after thirty minutes of changing in and out of suites. A mischievous grin had formed on the girl’s faces, minus Fluttershy, while he was in the stall changing and when he came out, instead of more suites, he found an assortment of dresses and wedding gowns waiting for him.
Ears flat against his head he started to back his way towards the doors, he didn’t care if he was still in one of the suites he was getting out of there.
“N-n-now girls I am not putting any of that on so you can just forget it.”
The grins only seemed to widen as Twilight said, “Then I guess we will have to do it the hard way then.”
Really not liking the sound of that Adam made a dash for the door but found himself running in place while a lavender glow surrounded his body. He was then slowly pulled back to the others still trying to run away. When he was within their reach Rainbow Dash and Applejack grabbed him while Pinkie, Twilight and Rarity picked out a dress for him to wear along with makeup to go with it.
Fluttershy could be heard faintly in the background whispering, “Girls, I don’t think he wants you doing that.”
By the time Fluttershy was able to get them to stop, they had already squeezed him into the dress and applied several pounds of makeup on him. They all were crying from laughing at his appearance and took them several moments for them to stop and apologize for their actions. Adam took the moment to change back into his uniform and slip back into his vest, he was done with the city and was going to make a beeline for the castle.
The girls tried to convince him to stay and look around the city some more but he wasn’t having any of it and made his way back to his room. His gear was stored in the same spot as he had it last, giving it a second glance he decided to check his stuff to make sure it was all there. Twilight did what she had done the last several times he checked and cleaned his gear, and that was to watch and ask him about the various tools and weapons, while she took notes. The others sat around talking with one another about various things that did not catch Adam’s attention.
When the time came, they all started making their way to the dining hall and found that it had been lavishly decorated and an assortment of pastries could be found along the table. Sitting at the table waiting were Celestia, Luna, and Cadence who each warmly welcomed the group. Shortly after they arrived a large mass of off duty guards came in to greet their newest addition. If Adam weren’t painfully aware of where he was he would have sworn he was back graduating from his sniper training school all over again. The familiar feeling allowed for him to relax and finally truly enjoy himself. Celestia had left early during the festivities, claiming royal duties needing her attention, while Luna stayed behind. Shining Armor later arrived himself having finished his own duties.
The party brought to mind many old but happy memories that he had growing up.
If I could create memories like those here, maybe, just maybe I could call this place home for a while.