//------------------------------// // Chapter Three- Night on the town // Story: STAR TREK: EQUESTRIA // by Alicorne //------------------------------// CHAPTER THREE NIGHT ON THE TOWN Solar wanted to get my mane done. “Sure and ’Tis a shame for ye t’ just bundle it up in a simply ponytail like that!” But it had a long day for me already and she relented only after she took me to a park and gave me a quick styling with her trusty grooming kit. I had to admit, it looked pretty good and I found myself idly stroking a lock that she’d arranged while I regarded the New Me that looked out of her holo-mirror. “Wow!” I said with my customary eloquence. “Thanks, Sunny!(If I was going to be “Starry’ I could call her ’Sunny’) …I hardly recognize myself!” “Now imagine what could hae been if we’d gone to a Salon!” She gave me a punch on my shoulder I never felt and circled me to inspect the fruits of her labor. “There now! I’d be goin’ so far t’ say that ye’re fit t’ go out in public. Aye, no a bad job if I do say so, meself!” Lunch came next, though by then it was more properly dinnertime. Sunny took me to a favorite place of hers that, frankly, surprised me. I half expected her to bring us to some rarefied restaurant with lots of waiters in formal dress where we would eat tiny portions at outrageous prices. The American Pie, however, was quite the opposite. It was what Sunny explained to me as a ‘Theme Restaurant’, decorated in the style of something called a ‘50’s Diner’. (Meant nothing to me, but I wasn’t about to argue!) It was a local place whose owner was descended from a singer from before the Wars. It was busy but not excessively crowded and we didn’t have much trouble finding a seat. I was pleased to notice the tables at the booths were not fixed to the floor so I was able to slip right in with no problem. Sunny sat right next to me, scooting up to sit on the edge of her seat rather than taking up a position at the end of the table. I just flicked my tail to the side but she curled hers behind me and laid it in my lap from the opposite direction where it lay quietly except to tickle my tummy from time to time when she felt mischievous…which was most of the time. Everything was done in antique-style linoleum and chrome and the floor was covered in foot wide squares of red and white. There was a big, open spot in the middle of the room that Sunny said was for dancing. …For a terrifying split-second I wondered if she was going to drag me out on the floor! Mercifully no band was present. The walls were almost completely obscured by garish neon lights worked in fanciful, obscure (To me, at least!) designs alternating with framed displays of curious black discs of varying shapes with holes in the middle of them. They put me in mind of some sort of storage media which, as it turned out, they were! ‘” They’re records!” Sunny pointed out. “Records of what?” I asked innocently. Sunny giggled and assumed her ‘lecturing voice’ with an improbably straight face. “Phonograph records, Lassie! Music stored on plastic disks. What they used t’ use before old-style CD’s…or even magnetic tape, doncha know?” “No kidding! I’ve read about these, never thought I’d ever see one, though..” Squinting close, I could just make out the existence of the very fine lines that spiraled down from the edge to the center. “There can’t be more than a few kilobytes worth of storage on these things. And to think that used to be state-of-the-art!” “Well, ye’re lookin’ at a ‘forty-five’, there. Only one song per side.(Ooops! I never considered that the other side was playable!) Th’ bigger one are ‘thirty-threes’ and could hold nigh on t’ forty minutes per side.” Before I could ask ‘forty-five or thirty-three what?’ a young Stallion, a Colt, really, stopped over. I was getting particularly fashion-conscious by then so his attire caught my attention. He was decked out in a rather tight tee-shirt under a black leather jacket that was casually unfastened with the brilliant, honest-to-goodness zippers ( I hadn’t seen any since Home!) catching the lights from everywhere. He had on narrow-legged blue jeans and some rather archaically styled athletic shoes on his hooves. His mane was slicked back with something that rendered it wet-looking and immobile, except for a stray lock that curled over his forehead just above his eyes. He was rather ostentatiously chewing something he never swallowed as he swaggered up to our booth. “Hey, Dolls! I’m Bopper. What can I getcha?” He handed me a pair of menus in red plastic covers and produced a small pad of actual paper that he held in the palm of his hoof. From behind his ear he plucked the stub of an actual yellow wooden pencil. I could smell the cedar wood from where I sat. The American Pie was seriously into authenticity, apparently! Bopper smiled down at us benevolently, smiling and chewing. “Well, I…haven’t the faintest clue! What do you recommend…Bopper?” I floundered. Sunny came to my rescue. “Heya, Bopper-me-lad!” “Hey, Doc!” Bopper tipped her a wink that stirred just a tickle bit of jealously in my heart. …I resolved not to hate him until I got to know him better. “Who’s your friend?” He gave me an open, honest smile that did nothing for me at all! “This is Starry. She’s from out of town. Way out of town, doncha know? It’s her very first day on Earth and I’ve been showing her th’ place. Starry, this is Bopper.” The young Stallion’s eyes widened his smile became spontaneous instead of scripted. “No kidding! Hiya, Stars! Hey, where’re you from? Mares Colony? Titan? Alpha Centauri? I’m gonna go off-planet one of these days, myself! He tossed his pad into his other hoof and offered the other one to me with such sincerity that I was ashamed of myself. I took his hoof and gave it a shake and offered him a smile. (Whatever was I on about? I was old enough to be his…older cousin…for mercy’s sake!) “Hey, just because it’s a special occasion, whatever you Ladies want is on the house! Any friend of the Doc is a-ok with me!” He sprang back into action and poised, ready to take out order. “Oooh, goody!” Sunny scanned the menu, “We’ll be startin’ wi’ champagne cocktails…” “Cute, Doc!” Bopper rolled his eyes. “Just what’s on the menu already!” “Spoilsport! If ye were a couple inches shorter I’d be a-puttin’ ye ‘cross ma knees fer sass! Starry, though, she’d hae nae problem. Probly roll you around like a foot-ball….” “Solar!!” “Keep yer shirt on, Lassie, ye just got it! Right! I’m thinking’ we’ll hae a couple o’ ‘Marelyn Monroan’s’, that’s a verra nice veggie sandwich doncha know, a couple orders o’ hay fries, n’ a pair o’ cokes.” “Got it!” Vinny scribbled. “Ya want Original Coke, Cherry, Vanilla, Lemon, or Coke Cubed?” “Sure and we’ll be drinkin’ th’ Original here at th’ Pie! …And, speakin’ o’ yon’, we’ll have apple pie for dessert. Wi’ ice cream! …And can I get a wee bit o’ …” “Malt vinegar for my/your fries!” They chorused together. Sunny was obviously a regular customer! Bopper finished scribbling and tore the page loose from his pad. “I’ll get this in right away. And I’ll tell Pop you’re here! Back inna couple of shakes with your drinks!” He sped off leaving me feeling just a bit bewildered. “You’re certainly an…informal bunch around here, aren’t you?” I remarked as he hustled away. Sunny giggled and flirted her tail against me. “Oh, I was originally an investor in th’ place. Sock-Hop, Bopper’s dad, bought me out some time ago but I come here whenever I can.” “’Some time ago’? When, last month?” I laughed. My question caught her off guard, though. I knew that a Equestrin year was shorter than a Terran one. Back Home I was twenty-four, which made me a scooch under twenty-one here. I never would have suspected that Sunny could be older than me. They way she acted I just assumed she was younger. Before I could pursue the matter, Sunny quickly changed the subject, lecturing me on classic ‘rock-and-roll’, the ‘Big Bopper’, ‘poodle skirts‘, (And why I would look so cute one! … As if I would wear something a poodle… whatever that was… wouldn‘t!) and the evils of the ‘Bittish Invasion’ and its effect on Neighmerican music. I was thoroughly muddled by the time Bopper dropped off the Cokes. (In my mind I had the ‘Invasion’ confused with the War of 1812, having completely missed the music referenced.) ‘Classic’ Coke, as it is called, was a bit sweet and almost syrupy for my taste but I dutifully drank it down while we crunched potato crisps, pardon me, I mean chips. (An apple by any other name…) The sandwiches were very tasty and I said so after the first bite! Alice was puzzled, therefore, when I left mine half-eaten. “I thought you said it was good!” “I did, and it is but I’m not that hungry. Look, my metabolism is geared for life in 1.8 Earth gravities. Living in a lower-gee environment is just…easier. I don’t need nearly as many calories as I would back home. What with that ice cream earlier…” “Ye gobbled that down wi’ no leftovers!” Alice chided. I rolled my eyes. “That was different! The point I was trying to make,” I gave her tail a yank to keep her quiet! “is that, with as good as it tasted, I’m sure it was packed to the brim with empty calories. This sandwich, those fries, and the upcoming pie are sure as Luna’s Love to put me waaay over my daily intake. I normally spend an hour or so on a grav plate in a gym just to burn off the excess as well as keep myself from suffering gravity-related complications. Damn! That’s another thing I have to take care of. My vitamins and supplements were in my bag!” Alice looked thoughtful. “I daresay ye take calcium n’ phosphorus for yer bones, that shouldnae be hard t’ find. What about minerals? Iron? Magnesium? Uranium?” …And, just like that, she was being Sunny again! She patted my knee with her practically prehensile tail assuringly. “Assumin’ ye dinna need prescription drugs we should be able t’ fix ye up in a couple o’ ticks, doncha know? But do make an effort wi’ th’ pie! It’s th’ specialty o’ th’ house and Sock-Hop’d be crushed if he thought ye didna like it.” I promised to do it justice and Sunny finished my sandwich and the bulk of my fries as thoroughly as a famished Tellarite! “Waste not, want not!” She said, then burped delicately behind her napkin. I just shook my head, wondering just where she put all that stuff. Envious, I guess, of someone who could get away with eating like that… Sock-Hop ( A bigger, somewhat heftier, version of his son.) brought the pie himself, big ol’ wedges of flakey golden brown crust, oozing but not gelatinous filling, piping hot and seemingly glad of all that vanilla ice cream on top! Calories be damned! If Sunny tried putting a hoof on this she’d get back a stump! Out of sheer sense of propriety I managed a few lines of idle banter before letting Sunny and Sock-Hop chat while I turned my full attention to the pie. I made it a point to look attentive as I ate, though I hated diverting any of my senses from that glorious treat! As it turned out, Sock-Hop was descended of a folk singer from the mid-Twentieth century who gained notoriety from making a song with the name ‘Neighmerican Pie’. The restaurant was testimony to the song and it the era it represented. It was all very enlightening for those who made a study of Neighmerican Pop Culture. Me? I just nodded and scraped up the dregs of ice cream, apple filling, and crumbs. I would have licked the plate if I thought I could have gotten away with it… Right about then I noticed Sunny smirking and Sock-Hop beaming in my direction! “What was yon aboot worryin’ over yer calories? Starry, Dear, ye’ve a sweet tooth o’ mammoth proportions! Faith! Well at least th’ pie didnae hae time t’ suffer!” She hooted and then subsided into a prolonged fit of not-quiet-enough laughter. Sock-Hop was more diplomatic by far! “Hey! What can you expect when you’re served the Best Pie on the Planet? Gives you a feeling of accomplishment to see someone eat like that! I’ll make sure to tell the Staff how much you liked it.” “Um, it’s a very good pie! We just don’t grow apples like that back home!” I added, lamely. I had a feeling I should say something rather than just sit there and blush! “Yeah, I didn’t figure you for a Local.” He deadpanned. “So where is ‘home’, if you don’t me asking..?” I cleared my throat a bit before answering. You never knew how someponies would react. In Starfleet it wasn’t much of a problem. The General Public, on the other hoof… “I’m from the Equestris Colony, around 54 Draconis. We call it ‘Nova Celestia‘…” “Holy Celestia! No fooling? You’re a Superpony?” He cut me off and I involuntarily cringed, expecting the worst. “I remember hearing of your planet. I don’t think I’ve ever had anypony in here from that far away. Is it ok if I take a picture with you? For my Wall?” He pointed to the wall near the entrance that boasted hardcopies of video images. “I’ve had Ponies from Mares, Titan, Centauri, you name it! That Vulcan ambassador, Sorek, Surek? Well whatever his name is he was here but Vulcan isn’t that far away. Compared to Equestris, that is! Hey, Bopper! Get my photo over here!” I blinked a couple of times before I responded. …Which gave Sunny enough time to serious up enough to interject, “Sure and ye’ hae t’ make allowances for her, she’s sufferin’ from a medical condition unique t’ superponies, doncha know?” We both turned to look at her. “Oh, aye! Th’ poor Lass is dealin’ wi’ a bad case o’ ice cream deficiency!” She squeed and lapsed into giggles again and didn’t stop till I gave her tail another yank! Bopper got his video still, posing with me and another slice of pie a-la-mode. (Tragically, the pie did not survive the photo shoot. I gave it a decent burial and burped a very nice eulogy!) All the commotion attracted the attention of the nearby tables and we ended up having a pleasant time meeting other Ponies. Heck, it was practically a Party! Socializing was a new thing to me and I was almost childishly happy with the simple joy of meeting nice Ponies as opposed to (Innocently, I’ll admit.) truculent Tellarites! It was over far too soon, though, and we were on our way just as the night began to show through the sky. We ambled along arm-in-arm, with Sunny’s tail wrapped as far around my mine as she could manage, just chatting and watching the lights of the storefronts come alive one after another. I was feeling pleasantly full and just being with Sunny was better than a lifetime supply of pie ala mode. Lighter gravity or not, though, it had been a long day for me and, after I’d more-or-less successfully stifled my third yawn, Sunny suggested we should get back to her place. We boarded a Public Transport for a pleasant ride that took us over to San Francisco, not too far from Starfleet Headquarters! I could see the buildings as we passed by. “You know, I could just get a bunk there…” I dutifully mentioned, not too seriously! Sunny only sniffed and snuggled me tighter with her tail. “I kin do ye better’n yon! …Unless ye’re keen on spendin’ a night wearin’ coveralls in a barracks instead o’ a nice, soft bed with the verra strong possibility o’ a bowl of ice cream afore ye sleep, that is!” “Mmm! Well, when you put in that way, how can I say no?” We both laughed but I was left to mull over something that had been bothering me more and more as the day had gone on. I’d barely had experiences with Stallions, let alone Mares. My life had just sorted itself out that way. By now I VERY strongly suspected that I was, in fact, in love with Sunny. I was over ninety-nine and dozens of decimal places percent sure that Alice felt the same way. Being a sophisticated Earth Alicorn I was certain she wouldn’t hesitate to invite me into her bed, the whole evening had been leading up to just such an, uh, climax. Don’t get me wrong! I would gladly comply with her wishes, after all, I wanted nothing less, myself! …But, when all else is said and done, I was still just a Mare from the Colonies and we’re more conservative in our ways back on Equestris. The idea of hopping into someone’s bed after only half a day’s acquaintance just didn’t sit right with me, however they did things on Earth! How could I tell Sunny without hurting her feelings…? While I wasn’t keen on broaching the subject on Public Transport I figured that I’d better say something sooner than later. I waited for her to finish the call she was putting through on her comm. “Just makin’ arrangements fer whin we get there! ‘ Tis all set an’ ready t’ go. Had t’ give th’ Security Laddies th’ heads up, doncha know?” My train of thought was suddenly derailed. “Security? Where are we going, anyway?” She only dimpled a smile and dazzled me with those lavender eyes. (Seriously, Starfleet should really be looking into the Alicorn Effect!) “Sure an’ ‘tis a rather exclusive place I live in…but I think ye’ll like it!” I quirked an eyebrow at her but Sunny, I was to learn, Never Explains Anything so I held off and let her point out places of interest for the rest of the ride. It was fully dark as the City would allow as we left the terminal. To my surprise Sunny led us to a very large, even by my standards, vehicle. Nothing less than a limousine, as a matter of fact. It was yellow and black with deeply tinted windows in the passenger compartment and was fully as large as a Delivery Van back home, though much more sleek and stately. With a start I realized that it had no wheels and was floating rock steady about eight inches above the ground. A personal gravitic vehicle! A smartly dressed Pony in a black uniform stood at parade rest nearby and smiled with his eyes at Sunny. I was rooted to the spot! “Sunny…?” “Yes, Starry?” I turned to look at her and she was beaming, clearly enjoying herself. “I knew you were, uh, well-to-do, but I didn’t know you were rich! You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?” “Well, to be sure, I have to admit that yon chariot isna mine. It belongs to Daddy for when he gets out this way, doncha know? Mine is back Home at Elphinstone.” She waved at the Pony in Black. “Nah then, Cedar!” The Pony touched the brim of his cap. “Evenin’, Mum! Miss.” He nodded civilly to me and moved to open the rear compartment to reveal a richly padded leather interior lit softly by indirect lighting. Wow. “Come along, Starry-me-Dear. The quicker we get in the quicker we get home!” Sunny chirped and hooked an arm in mine and led me to the limo. Cedar relieved us of our bags, putting them aside for a moment and helping us into the vehicle in a frankly archaic and wholly unnecessary way, before stashing them in the back. I took up rather more room than I was comfortable with, but at least there was just enough headroom …as long as I kept my ears flat and didn’t mind my mane getting a little quashed. “Oh, dear. Maybe I should have sent for the convertible. Well there’s naught for it now! Ye’ll just have t’ refrain from bouncin’ on th’ seats for th’ duration. Home, Cedar-me-lad!” The window separating us from Cedar was dark, but his image flicked into being on it just long enough for him to touch his cap again and say, “Very good, Mum! Straightaway!” I settled back carefully into the deeply padded cushions. I never sat on leather before and I was kind of nervous about how much give was in it. Sunny, meanwhile, giggled softly. “What? I’ve never had a ride in anything this fancy before. Good Luna above, this thing must cost as much as a shuttle pod! Why in the worlds do you take Public Transport when you have something like this to tool around in? With your own Driver, for Faust’s sake! Stop laughing at me, I still haven’t forgiven you for not telling me you’re an Heiress or something!” “Oh, I never ken where I’m a-goin’ when I set out for jaunt. Why should I be a-draggin’ poor Cedar hither an’ yon when th’ poor fella has other things he wants t’ do. ‘Sides, I attract a lot less attention this way. I’m quite the retirin’ sort, doncha know?” “…Said the Filly who runs around nude beaches!” She only giggled. “I dinna ken hearin’ ye complain! Dinna argue wi’ Fate, Starry. Everything happens for a reason.” I rubbed between my eyes. I was absurdly comfortable and beginning to feel more than a little punch-drunk from the events of the day. “You didn’t and I’m not, believe me! I’m just feeling like I’ve fallen down the metaphorical rabbit hole into somewhere else entirely. Uh,…things are moving so fast that I guess I’m a little overwhelmed is all.” I shrugged helplessly and gave her a wan smile. “Aye, well…” She snuggled up to me and laid her tail in my lap again. I picked it up and stroked the end idly. When she spoke again her already soft voice was even softer… “Truth be told, ’tis been quite a day, hasn’t it? Never fret! A good night’s rest is all ye need. Remember, I’m a doctor! N’ Doctor Cross Is Always Right, ye’ll see!” She laid her head on the inside of my shoulder just looked at me with those marvelous, wonderful eyes and, quite before I knew it, my arm was around her. Our muzzles came closer so slowly and I was touched and amazed to see just a glimmer of nervous fear in her eyes. It was all right, I was a bundle of nerves myself just then! I was the one who, just for the record, hesitated. “Sunny…” I gulped. “I …don’t know how to even kiss a Mare!” “Oh, Starry! I believe it goes summat…like…this” Our lips met and I frankly lost track of the rest of the ride. The next thing I knew we were getting out of the chariot on a pier in some sort of harbor complex. Sunny, it turned out, was living on a bloody huge boat, excuse me, a yacht! Of course she did. I tried not to look at all the water and frankly hurried across the wholly (To my nervous eyes!) insubstantial-looking ramp that connected ship to pier. She didn’t live in a cabin, rather, she had a suite…and a very nice one, too. Golden yellow wood, bright brass, and all things white (What Sunny calls ‘Th’ Family Colors’.) were the motif. The carpet was deep enough to make me feel like I was walking on clouds like some oversized Pegasus. (Don’t see many of them on starships!) The servants took a little getting used to. They seemed to take it as a personal affront if I carried anything in my own hooves and it seemed that there was a liveried Pony at my elbow everywhere I turned wanting to push something to eat or drink on me. Failing that they just hovered around in the background if ‘Miss’ would happen to desire just anything! I was actually afraid to use the bathroom…and not just for the sake of the facilities! Sunny’s rooms were off-limits except by direct invitation, thank goodness. Even before we got there maids were putting our purchases in the closets with an efficiency rivaling the best Starfleet could boast. Sunny, I noticed, treated all and sundry like family and never made outrageous demands on their services or seemed to abuse the privilege, bless her heart. We’re a pretty egalitarian bunch on Equestris and I don’t think the President of the Federation herself had half as much staff! We were alone eventually and she showed me around. Her bedroom was easily six times bigger than any cabin on any ship I served on and I had to wonder if she had ever served on a starship…and several quantum levels higher in sheer luxury! I gingerly sat on the bed to see if it would hold me while Sunny absented herself to take a shower. I took off my boots and socks and laid back experimentally. To its credit the bed never so much as creaked. I had half expected (And half feared!) to see her return wearing a skimpy negligee, if she wore anything at all. My gape when she did come back must’ve been good because she was laughing after a second! Her eveningwear consisted of a very long and baggy old tee that came down to her knees. It was soft and pale yellow (Imagine that!) and, with her mane down and pleasantly damp, made her look like a different pony completely. “What? Ye were expectin’ sequins an’ gold lame, then? G’wan wi’ ye, then! I laid towels out fer ye an’ just put yer clothes in hamper, they’ll be cleaned n’ pressed in th’ mornin’. Get along, now!” She flounced onto the bed and was forced by my presence to roll into my arms. She giggled. “Och! ‘ Tis all downhill wi’ ye here, innit?” She gave me a brief kiss, then made as if to push me out. As much as I wanted to stay, I really did need a shower. Something occurred to me, though, as I rolled out of bed and stood. “Damn! All that shopping and I forgot to get anything to sleep in. I don’t imagine you have any more of those,” I waved a hoof at her ‘jammies‘. “Lying around, do you? …Or were you counting on that?” I gave her a severe eyebrow. Sunny looked smug. “Sure an’ I gave it more than a thought. But!” She raised a hoof. “I noticed ye dinna pick anythin’ out so I took th’ liberty o’ getting’ ye a little summat. ‘ Tis in yon.” She pointed delicately to the bathroom. “I hope ye like it…I’m fair certain I will!” She tittered and reached for an honest-to-goodness printed book (She had shelves full of them!) and opened it to a marked page, giving me only a teasing glance to say she wouldn’t explain further. I rolled my eyes in a bow to the inevitable. “Ooooh, kay! But if I find fishnets and pasties we’re gonna have words, Filly!” Sunny’s only reply was a stifled giggle as I stalked off. Her shower was something of a surprise. I was used to water spraying down from a single showerhead. Sunny’s shower had a head directly overhead that provided a welcomingly generous amount of water. …What I wasn’t prepared for were the other sprays that came out the other directions! Still, it was a very nice experience that was only enriched by the gorgeously scented actual cakes of soap (Prior to this, I’d only used gels!) and positively decadent shampoos available. It remains in my memory as the Best Shower Ever. I’d intentionally left Sunny’s present in its box. I wasn’t sure of what exactly I would do is I found some scandalously scanty outfit in there. Part of me was saying put it on and have some real fun for once in your life. What were the odds of ever seeing her again after tonight, after all? Live a little! …But is that all I really wanted? Was that all the emotional commitment I needed? Just a shore-leave romance in some exotic port? Was that what I was really all about? Was that all Sunny was about, really? Starfleet gave me the opportunity to see beyond Equestris, to live in a greater Galaxy. Starfleet was my life…but is there more to life than Starfleet? Starfleet was made by Ponies…and Ponies need other Ponies, like Sunny. I sighed. The chance to leave Sunny passed a long time ago. I could have taken that nameless Policepony up on his offer and would have been sitting in a barracks back at Starfleet by now, thinking wistfully about What Might Have Been and getting ready to re-join my ship. But I didn’t. I was here because I made that choice. Was I being led around by my glands? Oh, they were weighing in heavily on my decision-making faculties, to be sure. …But I was still the one calling the shots. My choice. I was here because I would probably never have anything like this again. Sunny said to never argue with Fate. Being a Scientist, Fate was a notion I scoffed at. And yet…no scientist can deny the power of the Pony Heart… The ever-thoughtful Sunny had laid out a selection of perfumes to chose from as well as brushes and combs. I made use of them as I considered the box and what lay inside. Finally, there was no more stalling. I opened the box, and laughed! The Mare that looked out of the mirror (This one being much larger and more conventional in its properties!) at me afterwards beamed and turned this way and that. I was clad in a knee-length nightshirt of deep blue with a tasteful amount of white lace at the collar, sleeves and hemline. It was perfectly opaque and three bright white buttons showed at the open neck, it being rather warm in the bathroom. There was even a full night robe to go with it as well as a matching pair of slippers! I wondered just when she managed to pick this out… I drew the robe on, leaving it open in the front, and returned to Sunny. She had put in a call to the Staff while I was gone for she was sipping something purple out of a very fancy little glass as she perused her book. She turned all her megawattage on me as I came in. “So…how d’ye like it?” She dimpled a smile, very pleased with herself. “It’s very nice. Thank you!” I bent and gave her a kiss of appreciation…and got a taste of something strange in the offing. I smacked my lips a couple of times. “What are you drinking?” “This? Oh sure and ‘tis but a wee nip o’ sherry. No th’ best I ever had,” Here she raised the glass and peered at the lamp through it. (Why, I do not know ! We‘re pretty much a cider and beer crowd on Equestris.) “But passable for a bit o’ a nightcap, doncha know? I took th’ liberty o’ gettin’ summat fer yerself, too!” She pointed with her eyes and I followed her gaze to a small stand at my side of the bed where a white stoneware bowl cuddled five scoops of, yes, chocolate ice cream! Naturally, I did the ice cream in quickly. (Feeding a few spoonfuls to Sunny in the process so I could say that I didn’t eat it all!) Leaving the dishes for the morning I got ready for bed and had to face a moment I’d been dreading all evening. We’d shared another delicious (Chocolate-flavored) kiss and Alice dimmed the lights down a bare minimum and laid back, so utterly desirable that it hurt! I was still sitting up wrestling with what I was about to say. Sunny got there first, though. “Starry…?” “Sunny. I, uh… Look, it isn’t that I don’t want to…” “But…” She prompted patiently. “But I just can’t” I blurted out. “I don’t know how things are on Earth but back Home… We just met today, for goodness sake!” I drew another breath and said the hardest thing I ever said. “And for the sake of goodness, what I think of it as anyway, I, uh, think I should sleep on the couch.” I snuck a glance at her for a bare instant but I couldn’t make out her expression in the gloom. I realized suddenly that I was holding my breath. The seconds dragged by as if in relativistic flight… Oh, Luna! What was she thinking? Was she angry? …Was she laughing at the ‘backwards Colonial’? In an effort of sheer will I began to shift my weight, preparing to slide my legs over the edge of the bed and stand up… “Oh, dear!” She said, quietly. “I have taken a lot for granted, haven’t I?” I felt her stir behind me. Was she getting up to toss me out? I had a sudden vision of her calling Cedar and five or six other Ponies being summoned to evict me from the premises. Instead, a soft hoof touched me on the shoulder and I flinched! “Oh my dear, dear Starry! What you must be a-thinkin’ o’ me! Feelin’ bought an’ paid for like a… a bloody toy! An’ me just thinkin’ o’ meself wi’ no regard fer yer feelin’s.” Two soft arms twined across my waist in a fierce hug and I completely froze, not even daring to hope… “I’m so sorry, Starry. I’ll no force ye to do what ye no think is right.” Oh. My. Goddesses! Was she holding back tears? …I know I was. I managed to turn around again slowly as if I were embedded in tritanium. Sunny released my waist and sat, shivering, on her side of the bed with her wonderful, luminous eyes bright with tears. She seemed to shrink as I looked at her. I couldn’t take it anymore! I opened my arms and took her in. “Starry…” She asked timidly, “Can ye forgive a daft Alicorn?” “Sunny,” I quavered, “I could never think badly of you! Please don’t cry! I… I love you!” She made a supreme effort and drew herself up to eye level and maintained a legendary composure, her eyes smiling wider than any muzzle could! “That’s absolutely super!” She declared brightly. “Because I very…”She sniffled, “ …m-much believe that…” Her lower lip trembled and her voice began to falter. She just barely got out, “…I love you, too, Starry!” We clung to each other and cried and cried and cried. Sometime during that, Sunny produced a box of tissues and before the night was through we’d filled the ice cream bowl to overflowing. I never left her bed that night. Sunny, to her credit, snuggled close and never put a hoof anywhere remotely naughty. For my part I was just happy to hold her close. The one thought kept running through and through my head… How could you not love someone like that? …I still had a Ship to catch, but not for a few more weeks. I quashed the thought at once and, for the first time in my adult life, just enjoyed the moment. Fate, Sunny said. Fate.