//------------------------------// // Chp 4: Initial Collision part 1(Getting started.) // Story: Frie-n-emy // by Guy Balkur //------------------------------// //Aboard the Genesis// //062.5 hours after the destruction of Reach// //Vehicle and infantry traffic “C’mon Daniel!! The captain’s expecting us!!” Sam looked behind him to see Daniel slowing down his pace. “Ain’t going to make it at this speed.” He said panting. “We’ve got to find another way to make it there.” As if on cue, a thunderous noise was heard behind them as a Warthog pulled up right next to the group. In the driver’s seat sat an ODST with the initials PVT. N. M. on his tag. His helmet was removed to reveal just under military standard red hair length that slightly waved on the sides of his head. His blank expression was directed towards Sam who immediately recognized him “Sargent Sam.” He said without any hint of emotion. “Well, well, if it isn’t the robot himself, glad to see ya again Noah.” Sam stepped closer to the driver’s seat just as Daniel made his way to the passenger’s side. Without permission Daniel jumped into the side without as much as a hello. “Hi-ho!! Get us the fuck over there on the double ROBOTO!!!’ He shouted as he sat on top of the seat with his Shot gun pointed in a charge like manner. Noah tilted his head back allowing the Sergeant to make his way on the gunner. Once aboard, Noah slammed his foot on the gas allowing the two to be slightly propelled backwards. The Warthog made its way back to the vehicle highway of the ship, allowing the infantry to move smoothly along without any interruption. “So, I take it the Captain called you up too huh?” Shouted Sam from the gunner’s seat. “Yeah, want’s us three at docking bay A01, the scientist division of the ship.” Noah shouted as he skillfully dodged fellow warthogs and mongoose riders in artistic drifts among the vehicle traffic. “The eggheads? Why does he want three bad-asses helping out some military rejects that never got laid?” Daniel asked. “Hey, watch yourself Lieutenant. These eggheads are responsible for saving us and everybody aboard with the new stealth technology that we've got. Show some respect.” Sam shouted to Daniel who respectfully stayed silent regarding the scientists. “Hey, cheer up. Being together again can only mean that the Captain has some major mission that only we can get done.” Noah shouted to the both party members aboard the Warthog. “Hey ya, let’s celebrate by having a drink!!” Daniel shouted as he grabbed the cup sitting in the front cup holder. “Hey, my Coffee!!” Noah shouted as he used his free hand to try and grab the cup. But Daniel quickly pulled up the drink out of his grasp. “Coffee? How did you manage to acquire this delicacy?” Daniel asked as he sipped it. “That is something that I was saving!! Put it back!!” The ODST’s face scowled as he couldn’t concentrate on retrieving his drink and drive through the halls. “My my, such a refreshing taste. You are very generous to let me finish the rest of this tasty drink.” Daniel teased. Noah’s rage built inside, looking for a way to get back at him. Sam couldn’t help but smile at the conflict that these two numbskulls kept getting into. Noah looked up to see a sign that said ‘A01 Next Exit.’ A mischievous smile formed on the ODST’s face, which rarely happened. He drifted the warthog sideways as if to through the Lieutenant off the seat as he made the turn. But Daniel was ahead of him, predicting the ODST’s move he quickly tightened his grip as he centered his weight to stay in the vehicle. After the G-force stopped, Noah floored it to the two doors that awaited them. After Daniel leaned back inward, he put the drink back up to his lips. “Hehe, gotta do better than----“ That was Noah’s opportunity to strike, which he did lightning fast as he again drifted to a bone jerking sideways stop that made Sam grip the turret’s handle for dear life. But Daniel was torn from his seat as he was perfectly thrown out of the seat towards the double doors with the drink floating ahead of him. Unfortunately, the private’s timing was fatefully dead off, as the double doors opened to revel the Captain standing in the floating cup’s pathway. Daniel was on the floor face down, but as he lifted his face slowly, he saw the Captain looking down at him with a distasteful look as he spat out the coffee’s warm liquids around his lips onto the Lieutenant. “Oh god, I’m so fucked.” Daniel said accepting his fate. “Normally yeah, you’d be shipped out the nearest air lock.” The Captain said as he reached into his back pocket pulling out a handkerchief. “But I don’t have the time to place your nut sack into a vice. The mission alone I hope will do that to ya. For now, you’ll be following the orders of Commander Alan. If you have any questions, I want to hear them now.” The Captain said as he irritably wiped the excess remains of coffee off his face. Sam and Noah made their way out of the Warthog to the Captain as Daniel quickly picked himself off the floor. “Sir, what exactly will be the importance of this mission, are we not to make it to earth and stop the Super Carrier from there?” Sam asked. “We can’t risk that Sargent. Earth isn't prepared for a covenant invasion just yet. We hold them off now, or die trying. We won’t lead them to earth either way.” All three now understood the gravity of the situation. With grave looks turned strong nods of determination, all three stood in line as they each saluted James. Fully aware at the implications of importance that this ship they served on was now in. “Sir, we are ready for the duties of the UNSC Marine and Special Forces corps. What is that you ask of us?” Sam said as his two buddies lined up in a respectful stance side by side each other. “Well for one thing, not dumping urine all over me would be a great fucken start. But for now, you kick those sons of bitches back to hell.” He said with his military tone. “Sir, yes SIR!!” shouted all three. “I handpicked you three for this mission because I’m confident in your abilities to do what you do best. Even though all three of you piss me off the fucking walls, I can’t say I know anybody that can get the job done like you guys.” James raised his metallic arm to give a good-bye salute to his special group force. When finished, the Captain then made his way to the Warthog. “Any further questions will be answered by either Charlie or The Commander himself.” “Sir.” Sam said as the Captain sat in the driver’s seat. James lifted his head as he looked face to face to the young Sargent. “I wanted say, just in case...” Sam said as he saluted once more to express his gratitude. "It's been an honor." “Likewise Sargent.” James saluted back. The engine to the warthog flared as the Captain floored it to the bridge. Taking one last look at the young man he just sent to his demise. As he shifted gears, he swallowed the sad lump in his throat as he sighed heavily. Sam stared at the shrinking vehicle for a while, until it vanished around a corner of the ship. He looked down before pulling his assault rifle to his chest. Noah and Daniel had already made their way through the doors, waiting for the sergeant. “So, how much you wanna bet that this commander is some feisty hot hucho momma?” Daniel said with enthusiasm “Who said anything about the commander being a she?” Noah asked following the Lieutenant. “Hey, I’m just saying. And if I’m right, I got dibs mate.” Daniel said, as he taunted Noah. the ODST replied with his usual signature blank expression. “You are such a fucking horn dog." Sam butted in as he made his way inside the hanger. "Either way, you two are going to show the up-most respect, no matter who this commander is, understood?” “O.K. No need to be such a cock blocker Sam.” Daniel teased. “And the Captain trusts us with the fate of this ship? God I’d be lying if I said that we wouldn't be partially fucked.” Noah said in a negative manner. “Hey, we are going to do what we've been doing ever since we survived Reach. And that’s kicking the shit out of these covie bastards, or die trying. Are you two going to fall in line, or do I have to find other fuckers to do this with me!?!” Sam yelled in his military voice. Noah and Daniel looked at each other. Putting aside their personal shit, they both raised their weapons as they shouted in unison. “HURRAH SIR, WE’RE WITH YA!!” “Glad to hear it, now let’s show 'em what we've got.” Sam said walking to the center of the docking bay. When the entire squad was inside the bay, they took one look at their surroundings to find nobody else present but the phantom and the table of covenant class weapons, sitting neatly in a row. Daniel and Noah walked up to the table to inspect the weapons to see if any matched what they would prefer to use in combat. “Who the hell would use a focus rifle aboard a covenant carrier? Using anything beyond a DMR’s range would be hard as hell to apply in such close quarters.” Daniel said as he turned to Sam forming a mischievous grin. “Hey, how about we start a kill count once aboard?” Noah rolled his eyes. "That's unless you would like a particular numbness in the growing region. Then yeah, sure." Daniel dropped the focus rifle as he scooted a few feet away from the private. I should use that more often. Noah thought as he smiled underneath his hair. Sam rolled his eyes as he rubbed his thin black hair before he reached down to his neck and gave that a good rubbing. He reached into his pocket for a cigarette right before he noticed the pedestal that had a glowing human who was sitting on what seemed to be a Victorian style chair. After lighting his cigarette, he walked up to the hologram and gave a puff to try and get a physical response from the A.I. “Culverton…” He said in a rather banal manner. The A.I. put down his makeshift newspaper to show him smoking his pipe out of annoyance. “Prefer menthol huh?” It asked. “How did you—“ “Detect the carbon mixing in the air through levels of hydrogen and oxygen pressures throughout the room? It still haunts me to this very day." It said dismissively. Sam walked up to the A.I. while pulling the cigarette out of his mouth to give a puff directly into the pedestal. “Where’s the commander?” He asked in a threatening tone. Noah and Daniel appeared right behind Sam as if to simulate a pair of goons trying to intimidate a prisoner. Daniel raised his shot gun as Noah placed his helmet on his head to look even more intimidating. But before the A.I. could give an appropriate response, the side doors to the phantom opened to reveal a yellow blur jump out and land with a bone crushing drop to the side of the pedestal where the group was standing. In an immediate response, Noah drew out his silenced SMG as Daniel aimed his M45 shot gun at the golden being crouched in a landing position. Sam stepped back while using his arms to signal the two to lower their weapons. “Well speak of the devil himself.” Culverton chuckled. Alan raised himself off the floor to get a good look at the squad he was now in charge of. “Sergeant Samuel Apricot?” he said as his MK V Mjolnir helmet tilted towards him. The Sergeant quickly snapped out of his state of awe as he addressed the six and a half foot tall tank that spoke in deep voice rival to the Master Chief. “Present, as well as my two companions. Lieutenant Daniel." Sam tilted to Daniel, who nodded his head at the Spartan. "And Private Noah.” Noah held his gun tightly as he let out a small controlled breaths. For the ODST, there was no 'Getting used to' Seeing Spartans in action. “Have you been briefed about the situation?” Alan asked as he examined the group. Reading files that popped on his displays, and sorting them manually into the folders he stored in his helmet's data base. “Not entirely. Me and my unit here would like to know more about this mission we were gathered for. And why a Spartan is leading it." Sam and the other two marines stood cautiously still as Alan said nor moved any body movement. “I will release all information once everybody has made their way onto the Phantom. Grab your gear and head up into the gravity lift.” He said, making his way past the squad. Daniel, completely annoyed by the dismissive Spartan, raised his middle finger as the yellow machine past him. Noah punched his shoulder piece to get him to move to the gravity lift. All three made no more second gesturing as they grabbed what they had on them and quickly walked up to the gravity lift of the Phantom. Alan, meanwhile, began to sort out what would be the most appropriate attire for this critical mission. God I feel like a kid in a candy store. he thought to himself as he grabbed the most interesting shaped gun he could find. He lifted up a very smooth like gun that rivaled the DMR in length. Popping the back side of the Needlier rifle, he inspected the ammo cartridge to find it filled to the brink with fresh needlier rounds. He reached for some plasma grenades across the table as he adjusted his rifle. “Perfect.” He purred, slinging it onto his back while he grabbed extra rounds. He then noticed a very large canon shaped weapon next to the plasma repeater. Thinking about it, he hefted it on his shoulder as he got a quick feel for its odd shape. “I’ve got a use for you alright.” He said as he reached out to grab as much fuel rod ammo as he could grab. “Sir, you are positively giving me the willies. I don’t think any other Spartan I’ve encountered has ever had this kind of reaction to Covenant weapons.” Culverton got up from his makeshift chair as it quickly evaporated into a holographic mist. “Other Spartans aren't like me.” He simply stated as he trudged back to the Phantom. “If I were to compare you to any other Spartan,” The A.I. looked at Alan who had turned around to face him one last time. "That would be an inaccurate comparison. In a positive manner of speaking." With a rare smile, he gave a respectful bow as he dissipated into a fine mist. Alan stopped his pace as he tilted his head towards Culverton’s remark. “Funny, that’s what the Captain once told me.” He then continued his way back aboard the Phantom. Sam stumbled a bit as he jumped into the interior of the Phantom. His crew where ahead of him with the discussions of what the hell just happened. “A SPARTAN!?!” Daniel shouted. “What the---“ “Hey, what’s wrong? Having a Spartan on our side is something we should consider lucky. They’re tough mother fuckers.” Noah said as he leaned casually against one of the seats. “Yeah, But still, A FUCKING SPARTAN?!?” Daniel said as he put out his arms. Noah rolled his head to show the reaction from within his helmet. Sam placed a shoulder on Daniel to calm him down. “Either way, we have a duty. We are going to help him in whatever he asks of us. Remember, it’s for Shelly and Earth. So let’s get into the mindset of taking down that Super Carrier one way or another.” Sam’s eyes kept on Daniel until he finally got the message. Noah nodded affirmatively as he adjusted his body into a more comfortable position. They stood motionless until the gravity lift door opened once more for the Spartan. Alan’s armor scrapped against the lip of the entrance before fully landing aboard the ship. He walked up to the squad while placing the fuel rod against one of the seats. No one dared to speak his mind until the metal beast allowed it. But Sam wanted answers. “So, if you don’t mind sir, I don’t like being kept in the dark. Mind telling us what exactly what it is that we’re in for?” Sam walked up to the Spartan to see if he could find a reaction through the Spartans dark blue visor. Being at close proximity with the metal man, Sam could see why most marines and normal people would have a freak out. “Our orders are to board the Redemption and disable the slip-space drive. Captain James is going to activate the stealth systems when we exit slip space to give us a chance to board." He turned his helmet at the other two men. "You and your team will help me clear the hanger of any covenant and keep that position until I disable the core for the Genesis to have a clear shot with its MAC canon.” Alan paused to allow them a chance to wrap their minds around the plan. Daniel walked up behind Sam followed by Noah. They all stood at attention as they gave Alan a sign to continue. “I will be using the upgraded activated cameo to make my way to the drive core. Once I've disabled it, I will make my way to back to you and then we will board the Phantom as Captain James fires upon the bridge. Any questions?” Alan looked at his platoon to make sure there was a full understanding. Daniel raised his hand as if he were in a poorly taught class room. Alan looked down at the Lieutenant. “Hey, uh why do we have to be inside a Phantom though? Wouldn't a Pelican have a better chance at making it through?” Sam gave Noah a shocked expression from Daniel having an actual legitimate point. “Culverton will be giving them a false signal into thinking we are friendlies through covenant channels. When they release the other Phantoms to board the Genesis, we will blend right in.” The platoon looked at each other with an understanding look. Sam stepped back as he leaned on his back leg. “Alright, sounds like a plan, how long until we get started?” As if on cue, all their com units pinged to allow the voice of the Captain to come through. “All available units, we are exiting slip-space. This is not a drill, get into designated positions now and show these Covenant Bastards what we Humans are made of!! HURRAH!!!” A chorus of Hurrah's echoed throughout the ship as all military staff prepared for battle. “Captain sure knows how to make a speech.” Sam said. Alan stepped past them while giving orders to the squad as he made his way to the cockpit. “I want the Lieutenant and Private on both sides of the Phantom arming the plasma turrets. Once aboard, you two will open fire when I release the hatch.” He stopped as he pointed to the back of the Phantom as Sam followed him. Sam looked at the direction eyeing a few UNSC crates of ammo and gear. “I want you to help them by using the Rockets to clear out the heavy infantry.” Alan said as he stepped into the cock pit. Sam rushed over to find a whole stock pile of UNSC weapons and ammo to make a grown man cry. He swung his MA5C assault rifle on his back as he picked up a fully loaded rocket on his shoulders. “Oh hell yeah!!” he shouted. //Aboard the Redemption// //063 hours after the destruction of Reach// ‘Goddamit!! Got to hurry, oh please tell me I’m not too late.’ Bathou’mus was in a raged filled rush as he knocked other fellow Elites aside to make it to his ever so close destination. A large door awaited him as he wasted no time sprinting at his max speed. He slowed down as to allow the doors to open atomically, but ran past immediately as he reached the bridged to have his hopes crushed as a brute stood in his way. It held the royal body armor that was originally designed for the elites, making the helmet hard to fit upon its thick skull. “HALT!!! By order of the Prophets, you are to---“The brute was punched aside by the Elite as he took the opportunity to run ahead knowing that wouldn't keep the Brute at bay. “YOU PEST!!! I’ll EAT THE FLESH OFF OF YOU!!!” it gave chase to Bathou’mus in hopes of catching up, but the Elite was too fast for the beast. The Elite made his way up to a slanted floor leading up to the control center. He gave a quick duck and role as he cleared the remaining distance between him and his goal. “SHIP-MASTER!!!” The Elite shouted with his out of breath voice. When the Elite looked about the room, he realized it was too late. The Elites were all lying on the ground lifeless as Brutes moved them into a soaking pile of purple blood. Bathou’mus stepped back as he saw the Ship-master head role towards him convulsing fresh blood from being recently torn off. “You and your kind have disobeyed the prophet’s will.” A dark voice said from the command chair. From the chair sat a Brute with golden plated armor as his gravity hammer was placed by his side. “And with your insolence, I will send you and your kind to the depths of hell.” Bathou’mus recognized him as the Chieftain from earlier. The Elite then placed his guard up as dozens of Brutes circled around him. “When we take care of the humans, and feast upon their remains. The Brutes will become the vanguards to the great journey, and send you and your kind to oblivion.” He stood up from the chair as the circle of brutes became complete. He grabbed his Gravity Hammer as he stepped with in the circle to challenge the spec-op elite. “And I, Ju’bath, will send you--“ The elite quickly grabbed the plasma grenade equipped to his side and threw it at the Chieftain’s face, sticking it dead on his helmet. The Brute quickly tried to pull off his helmet but was too late as the explosion ripped through his skull, splattering his brain matter in random directions. Bathou’mus took the opportunity to use his evade gear to send him flying towards the gravity hammer that fell from the Chieftain’s grasp. He reached out and grabbed it in mid role as he landed back to face the circle of brutes still confused of what had just occurred. He wasted no time smacking the brute to his left into the air as its limp body traveled towards the entrance of the bridged. The brute that had chased him, finally made his way into the room completely out of breath. “You……you….will….wait…….what the--“ The dead body that Bathou’mus had knocked across the room with the gravity hammer, came crashing into the ignorant beast's head first, knocking him unconscious. Bathou’mus used the remaining energy in his evade gear to dodge the spiker rounds being fired at him from the enraged group of Brutes behind a control panel. He landed with a thud as he tightened his grip around the hammer. ‘I SHOULD’VE KNOWN!!! The Prophets will burn on the ends of my blade, I SWEAR TO IT.’ Bathou’mus kept his body crouched behind the temporary cover, taking his time to figure the best possible solution out of this. Looking to the side, he eyed a grunt cowering right behind him, using him as a shield. He yelped as he noticed Bathou’mus looking directly at him, fearing the piercing white lights that shown through his deep blue helmet. Bathou’mus quickly pulled the Grunt out of the way of oncoming spiker rounds. He looked at the Grunt who shook out of fear as his grip tightened around the Grunt’s bulgy arm. He placed the gravity hammer down and pulled out two more plasma grenades from his side. He placed each one in the Grunt’s hand and nodded in a silent confirmation to the Grunt who put his brave face on as he too nodded in understanding. The Brutes ceased fire as they began to flank the Elite. Three of them stood at the ready in the front as two on the left and right began their ascent on both sides of the Elite’s cover. Before the Brutes could round the sides, a screeching war cry came from a small grunt that flew from the cover and through the air towards the three brutes in the middle. The Grunt opened his arms as he latched onto the Brute’s face with his stubby arms. A giant flare exploded between the brutes as Bathou’mus took the opportunity to dash at the two brutes at his right flank. Skilfully dodging the spiker rounds as he smacked the brute with the full force of the gravity hammer, crushing his skull easily. The brute to his side roared as he tried to punch the Elite but his fist barley grazed the pointy shoulder piece of the Elite who spun around with his wrist blade glowing bright as he drilled it into the monster’s throat causing an immediate blood flow from the brute who dropped to his knees. With another motion, he drove his blade into the bottom back of it's skull, jamming it tight from the force. Bathou’mus placed his large three toed boot on the brutes back as he kicked it onto the floor, spreading a flow of blood across the ground. Bathou’mus stood tall as the remaining brutes from his left flank charged him in a blinding rage furry. But a sudden jerk in the ship caused all three to stumble as the ship exited slip-space. Bathou’mus looked into the starry night expecting to find the human ship in plain view but found nothing. His brain clicked as a brilliant idea popped into his head. Seeing the two Brutes still trying to regain their balance, Bathou’mus dashed towards the internal communication network that broadcast to ever infantry aboard. He quickly activated the screen and waited for the activation signal. Once he heard the ping inside the Bridged, he continued his plan. “BROTHER ELITES!!! THE BRUTES HAVE GONE MAD!!!! THEY ARE GOING TO SOIL THE GROUND WITH OUR BLOOD!!” Bathou’mus quickly adjusted the camera onto the pile of dead Elites, and then to the brutes that quickly started to charge him once more. “FIGHT!!!!FIGHT AGAINST THESE FOOLS WHO DARE TAKE ON THE SANGHIELE!!!” Bathou’mus quickly dodged a spiker round that pierced the screen display. The Elite smirked inside his helmet as he now had a new plan in focus. ‘That’s right, I’ll start a war within, give the humans sometime to escape.’ The brutes got closer as Bathou’mus’s wrists blades hissed into view. ‘I can’t undo my mistakes, but I can fight for my right to choose.’ He thought as he used his evade to charge the brute’s head on, blades whistling through the air. //Equestria// //Canterlot// Celestia made her way once more to the royal dining area. Walking around, she could see that her subjects were busy placing the royal decorations for the grand galloping gala. As she walked, she was annoyingly stopped from her goal of breakfast as they continued to pester her about her opinions for the decorations. “Princess, how would white and gold look?” A mare asked her. “Lovely, just perfect.” Celestia nodded. ‘Jeez, why even need me for that one?’ she thought as they trotted away. A painful knot formed in her stomach as she felt the need for food once again surface. ‘Oh please, oh please oh please let that be the last one,’ she complained as she slightly trotted into the dining area. ‘Oh thank Celestia……Wait. That’s me.’ She faced hoof herself as she used her other hoof to open the double doors to a wave of reporters that flooded through flashing their cameras in her surprised face. “Princess!!! Is it true that you had a romantic relationship with the private?” One asked. “I…What…” The princess’s state of shock still had a hold on her as she was bomb barded with bright flashes and constant yelling. “Is it true, that you did this out of horny tendencies?” another asked. “No but I can explain….” “Why did you make advances towards a younger stallion, rather than one more age appropriate to you?” “HEY!” Celestia’s voice gave way to a more hurtful tone. “Is it true you've had a strong relationship with Discord, spirit of chaos?” “I…can….I” “Princess, why is it that bread goes in a toaster, but only toast comes out? Where does the bread go?” All reporters stopped their flashing and crowding of the princess to look at the young stallion with the out of context question. He looked back as he gave the mob a serious expression before giving his reason. “THE WORLD MUST KNOW!!!!!” he stated. As the group shifted back their focus to Celestia, they found her nowhere to be seen. “Where’d she go?” they murmured to each other. “She probably knows something” “She’s probably going through her time of the month too.” “Where does the bread go?” they asked themselves as they walked about looking for the princess. Up above, Celestia was hiding behind a giant chandelier as she waited for the rest to leave. When the last of them left, she descended from the ceiling to the ground. ‘Oh my, please tell me that’s it, I don’t know how much more I can take.’ She slowly peaked through the doors to find nopony about. She relived a content sigh as she made her way to the table. Seeing her favorite breakfast present and untouched made her worries instantly vanish. Eying the fresh squeezed orange juice still chilled next to the tasty crispy eggs and her morning sunflower sandwich made her salivate from the mouth as she sat on her chair to devour the deliciousness that awaited her taste buds. But before she took her first bite of the sandwich, a letter appeared in front of her face as she recognized it as Twilight’s regular friendship lessons. Before she opened it, she took a massive bite out of the sandwich as she used her magic to read it as she ate and drank. Her eyes scanned it before she coughed back up a bit of the orange juice as she re-read that last part out load to herself. ‘So we will be on the morning train in an hour and be there around late afternoon. Also on a side note, I've written this letter myself to ask something important that I don’t want anypony besides us to get wind of. But…..I might….Oh dear me how can I say this. I think I've developed feelings for Applejack and I don’t know what I should do. Please Princess, I need to talk to you personally about this epidemic. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.’ Celestia chuckled to herself lightly as she teleported the letter along with all the rest. She took another swig of her O.J. as she devoured the yellow flaky substance on her plate as she dipped part of her sandwich into the golden yolk. “I guess she’s all grown up now.” She sighed as she recalled the first day she saw her magic burst through the building right after the sonic rainboom. She was such a little thing, and such an egghead. Celestia smiled at the pleasant memory as she wiped her chin of the excess yolk dripping from her chin. She got up from her chair and preceded to the royal throne room to begin what she likes to call the ‘Royal Suck Up Procedures’ where everypony had to have her opinion about the details for the Gala. She bowed her head in annoyance as she focused at the task at hoof…er hand….er whatever you call those things. The doors to the throne room opened as she made her way through the hallway. She walked past the glass windows that showed the chronicles of the Mane six and all their famous accomplishments. She hesitated as she eyed the one where her and her sister first stopped Discord. Her expression turned into a pained and anger filled one as she quickly walked back to her seat. Sitting down and realizing she had some time before they came piling through, she placed her hooves on her face as she caught her emotions before they escaped from in the form of tears beginning in her eyes. “Tia?” Luna’s voice was soft spoken as she gently nudged her sister to grab her attention. “Oh Lulu, I didn't notice you. I assumed you were already asleep.” She brought her face back into the professional princess mindset as she addressed her sister. “I thought you’d need my help this morning. Since I won’t be at the Gala tonight, I figured you’d need some help getting started.” Luna sat upright as the doors from across opened up with the party planners walking towards them to get the final details for the big event. “Twilight needs my advice on dating. The irony is that I’m having some trouble as well. Maybe some time you could help her out with that.” Celestia whispered low as she looked at Luna with pleading eyes. “Of course Tia. I know it’s been a while, but I’d gladly help the both of you.” She smiled. “Lulu, I meant for her I---“ Luna gave her a blank expression to tell her that what she was about to say was a load of crap. Celestia lowered her head to express her surrender to her younger sibling, something older siblings have never enjoyed. “O.k lulu, I could use your help as well.” She said as the crowd started to form a neat line in front of them. “Trust me Tia, after I’m through with you, stallions will through themselves at you.” “Lulu!” She loudly whispered while forming a blush. “Heheeh, Oh Tia.” Luna giggled as she punched her sister lightly. “Tonight is going to be a night to remember.” “Of course it will.” Celestia rose from her throne as she walked towards the first pony in line. “Alright. WELCOME PONIES!! THIS YEAR WE WILL DIVIDE THE LINE INTO TWO ROWS AS MY SISTER WILL BE HELPING ME THIS TIME.” The row splinted up as they were commanded to do so. They each got into two easily planted rows as the Princess shouted once more. “Alright, let’s start with you.” The mare in Celestia’s first row walked up as he held a chart of chips to dip ratio on a canvas. “You, see according to my charts, last year’s chips and dips consisted into not enough chips for the dips. And the year before that we didn't have enough dip for the….” Celestia internally faced hoof herself into a bloody mess. ‘Oh please, kill me now.’