//------------------------------// // May 24th, 2559 // Story: Voidrunner // by The DM //------------------------------// //Begin Personal Log // //May 24th, 2559 // //23:01 Local Time Today was... enlightening. Investigators at the observation platform collapse site have turned up some very disturbing pieces of information. It would seem that my suspicions of sabotage were not far-fetched in the slightest. They reported finding scratch marks, indicating that someone had intentionally weakened the stone face holding up the support beams. So far there are no leads on who might be responsible. Luckily there were only a handful casualties and no deaths. Hell, only two ponies were hospitalized, so I would call it a successful day. Word has it that Celestia is planning on awarding the three ODSTs some kind of medal. I believe it was called the Equestrian Service Star. Two other things. First off, the other national leaders arrived only about two hours ago. So the first meeting will take place later tomorrow. There was a bit of surprise when a gryphon ambassador from the new regime showed up. So saying there was tension would be putting it mildly. Hell, Celestia recommended I wear full body armor and bring an easily concealed weapon. Although I bet her definition and my definition of “easily concealable” are two different things. Now for today. The two kids that Ahmad saved from the observation platform were going home today. Celestia was just going to send them via pegasus chariot, but I offered to drive them. Celestia thought it was an odd request; I told her that it would be a wonderful public relations move. She agreed and said she would leave the decision to the kids. Sure enough, they were excited to get a ride home from some extraterrestrial badasses. //End Log It was ten in the morning as Daniel waited in the launch bay with three Warthog all-terrain vehicles. They would travel in a standard convoy formation. Leading the group was a Warthog with a gatling turret, followed by the second vehicle which had additional seating where the turret would normally be, then ending with another vehicle equipped with a gauss cannon. Celestia had asked Captain Silverlight to accompany the group for reasons unknown to the guard captain. However, Daniel knew exactly why. He sat against the gauss turret as he thought back to Celestia’s words. ~~~ “I would like you to take Captain Silverlight with you on this trip.” Celestia had told him. “That’s fine. If anything, I would be surprised if you didn’t send someone with me.” Daniel said with a chuckle. Celestia shared in the chuckle before continuing. “There are other reasons for sending him.” “Oh? Do tell.” He said with interest. “You’ve... seen him around the castle. Yes?” Daniel nodded. “Then you have seen how he acts around his subordinates as well as myself and Luna.” Celestia said with a slight sigh. “He is always acting very professional and conducts himself with the utmost precision.” Daniel replied. “Indeed he does. Though this is... a problem of sorts.” “How...?” Daniel asked with a bewildered expression. “I’ve seen him outside of the castle... he has trouble differentiating his work life from his personal life. I’ve asked him to take days off and relax, but every time he just stays home and waits. He doesn't go out with friends, he never willingly takes a day off, and he certainly doesn’t enjoy being away from the castle.”  Celestia said as she cast her gaze toward the floor. “So his work is his life... Yeah. I know a few like that... What would you ask of me?” Daniel asked with a nod. “I want you to help him with something my own student struggled with for years.” Celestia let out a single chuckle. “He needs someone to truly call a friend, and since you are both in the military I feel that you are uniquely qualified for this.” Daniel sat across from Celestia in silence as he contemplated her words. “Yeah. I think I can do that.” ~~~ “Captain?” Daniel brought himself back to reality and looked to his left. Staff Sergeant Kelly Verrez stood with Master Sergeant Ahmad Anas, both in full armor with their helmets in hand. “Yeah Kelly?” Daniel replied with a small grunt. “You okay? You looked like your mind was in orbit around Earth.” Kelly said with a raised eyebrow. “I’m fine. Just thinking about something Celestia told me.” Daniel replied with a shake of his head. “Anything we need to worry about?” Ahmad asked with concern. “Nope.” Daniel sighed as he laid his head against the bed of the Warthog. “So who wants to drive the other hogs?” “Well, who all is coming?” Kelly inquired with her hands on her hips, while Ahmad just stood quietly at her side. “Me, you two, Zerom, Silverlight, Spotty, Victor, and our two passengers.” Daniel replied while counting on his fingers. “I’ll drive the lead.” Kelly said enthusiastically. “Alright, take Victor with you. Zerom and Spotty will take the third vehicle. I’m driving number two.” Daniel ordered with a nod. A few minutes passed before Zerom, Spotlight, and Victor showed up. Victor was wearing his usual Mark V Commando armor, while Zerom was wearing a simple dark grey working uniform. Spotlight followed the pair into the hanger while wearing a custom made black jacket with the ONI emblem on the shoulder.   Daniel quickly sat up and jumped out of the Warthog, before walking over to the group. “Alright, lets get a briefing done before our passengers arrive... So as you all know we will be transporting two kids back to the town of Ponyville. Princess Celestia has authorized this as an opportunity for us to gather positive press and public relations.” Daniel was interrupted when Kelly raised her hand. “Yes, Kelly?” “If we are just giving two kids a ride home, why are we running a small convoy?” Kelly asked with curiosity. “It’s the nature of our passengers. They are the younger siblings of two very important individuals. Remember Rainbow Dash’s friends? The ones we met just after we landed.” Kelly nodded in response. “Well the six of them are national heroes: the Elements of Harmony.” “The Elements of Harmony?” Victor asked with an incredulous look. “Yeah. Princess Celestia said something about them being the wielders of a very powerful magical artifact. But that is irrelevant. Our job is to take these kids home, and that is exactly what we are going to do.” Daniel turned to the Warthogs before continuing. “Kelly and Victor will take the lead vehicle. I will be driving the second vehicle with the two kids, Ahmad, and Silverlight. Hog three will be Zerom and Spotty. Sound good?” A series of murmurs and other sounds of agreement came from the group. It was then that Silverlight, Applebloom, and Sweetiebelle walked up the landing ramp and past the guards stationed at the edge of the landing bay. Daniel quickly beckoned for them to approach.   “Morning everyone. Ready for a road trip?” The Captain said with a smile. ~~~ The trio of vehicles slowly drove through the morning streets of Canterlot. Silverlight was nervously riding in the passengers seat next to Daniel while the two girls were sitting in the back row seats with Ahmad. Daniel could hear the three happily telling stories and just enjoying the trip. He chuckled and turned to the nervous pegasus sitting next to him. “You alright?” Silverlight turned to the human. “Yeah... I’m fine.” “Really? Cause you don’t seem fine.” Daniel wasn’t buying it. He had seen this kind of nervousness before. “It’s just... why would the Princess ask me to accompany two fillies back to Ponyville? Is she expecting trouble? Why not just send them back with a pegasus chariot? It would be much faster.” The guard Captain looked the human in the eye. “Do you have any idea?” Daniel began laughing quietly. “Silverlight... Relax. Alright? No we aren’t expecting to be attacked. Yes a chariot would be faster, but do you know why she allowed us to do this road trip instead?” Silverlight shook his head. “Because it would be more fun.” Daniel said with a smile as he continued to follow the lead Warthog. They were driving a modest fifteen miles per hour through the streets. Daniel found it odd how few vehicles there were. Most traffic just seemed to be ponies walking, though there were a few carriages that seemed to operate as taxis. “Umm... Captain Ryan... do you know why Princess Celestia asked me to accompany you? Not that I mind. It just seems... odd.” The nervous pegasus asked. “You can go ahead and drop the formalities. And yes, I do know why.” Daniel said with a nod. Silverlight looked over at Daniel, expecting more of an answer. “Are you going to share?” Silverlight asked with a raised eyebrow. “Nope.” Daniel replied with a smug grin. Silverlight just looked at him blankly before leaning back in his seat. A few minutes later the convoy sat just outside the city walls. Ahead of them was a long winding mountain road that went on for miles. The road was made of tightly packed cobblestone that eventually gave way to a generic dirt road. Daniel smiled as he pulled alongside Kelly’s vehicle, while Zerom slowed his vehicle and pulled alongside Daniel. Daniel looked between the two drivers before smirking. “Ready?” The others nodded in response. “Last one down the mountain scrubs the engines with their toothbrush!” Daniel said as he floored the accelerator. His Warthog quickly kicked up a rooster tail of loose dirt as the wheels spun on the cobblestone. The vehicle suddenly lurched down the road as the tires grabbed ahold of the road. Silverlight went wide eyed at the sudden acceleration and was practically gripping his restraints. The girls in the back began cheering at the sudden increase in speed. Daniel, however, was laughing as the wind blew through his hair. “Dude, relax. Enjoy the ride!” Daniel shouted over the wind as he pressed a few buttons on the center console. Silverlight could swear he was beginning to hear something over the roar of the wind. Daniel turned a knob on the dashboard, causing the air to come alive with music. Play ~~~ About twenty minutes into the journey down the mountain, Daniel spotted what seemed to be a waggon pulled over to the side of the road with a single light blue unicorn walking around it. Being a good samaritan, Daniel stopped his Warthog next to the waggon. He instantly noticed that one of the wheels had broken, and that a light blue unicorn mare, with a purple wizard hat, was trying to fix it. “Excuse me. Do you need any help with that?” Daniel said to the mare. She quickly spun around to where Daniel was parked. “You? The Great and Powerful Trixie needs help from nopony! She has vanquished an Ursa Major and is quite capable of fixing a broken wheel!” Trixie threw her hooves into the air for emphasis. Unfortunately for her, she hit her spare wheel, sending it rolling down the mountain. Trixie and Daniel watched silently as the wheel disappeared from sight. “Kay.” Daniel said as he stomped on the accelerator and sped off down the road. Trixie continued to look where her only spare wheel had rolled off to. “Curse you wheels!” She cried out. ~~~ An hour after their race began, Zerom came to a skidding halt at the base of the mountain road. He quickly unfastened his restraints and stood on the hood of the Warthog. Looking around, he noticed he was the first one to arrive. “Woooo! We win!” He cheered from the hood of his vehicle. “We won?” Spotlight asked enthusiastically. “Yup! No engine scrubbing for us!” The Commander said with a smile. A few minutes later both Daniel and Kelly came rocketing down the road. They were neck and neck as they reached the bottom. Both drivers stomped on the brakes and pulled the secondary brake handle, causing both vehicles to skid to a halt. Daniel looked to Kelly before removing his sunglasses. “Tie?” The other ODST nodded quickly in agreement. “Tie.” Zerom just shook his head as he climbed back into the drivers seat and sped off from the group. Kelly and Daniel quickly sped off to follow him. Daniel then turned to Silverlight. “Alright. Pick the next band or album.” He instructed. Silverlight used a hoof to scroll through the wide musical selection before selecting an album. “Is Sonic Firestorm any good?” The white pegasus asked. “Oh yeah. It’s good.” Daniel said with a chuckle. Silverlight shrugged and pressed play. Play ~~~ The group continued to drive for another two hours before any resemblance of civilization came into view. Daniel could barely make out the shapes of small two story buildings off in the distance. “Methinks we are getting close.” Daniel stated. “Hey girls! This is Ponyville, right?” Daniel called back to his passengers. “Yup. That’s Ponyville alright.” Applebloom replied with excitement. “Alright guys, that’s our town up there. Follow my lead.” Daniel called out over the radio. He then turned off the main road and drove across the grassy hills leading to Ponyville. Occasionally he would accelerate quickly up a hill, causing the Warthog to catch air as it went over the crest. The repeated jumps would elicit cheers and laughter from his passengers in the back, even Silverlight seemed to be enjoying the ride. However, the fun eventually had to come to an end as the town of Ponyville loomed. “Alright, Sweetiebelle, where are we going?” Daniel called back to his passengers. “Into town. My sister lives at Carousel Boutique.” Sweetiebelle replied. “Just tell me where to turn.” Daniel replied with a shake of his head. Through a series of left and right turns, a couple of U-turns, a few hard stops, and a powerslide or two, the convoy eventually reached Carousel Boutique. Sweetiebelle practically jumped out of the Warthog and ran up to the door. Daniel watched as Ahmad walked behind the excited filly and waited patiently. The door swung open, revealing a white unicorn whom Daniel recognized as one of Twilight’s friends. While the Captain couldn’t hear what was being said, it was very clear what was happening from her facial expressions and the vice-grip hug she was giving Sweetiebelle. It was a heartwarming reunion. After a few tender moments, Ahmad waved goodbye and walked back to the Warthog. Once again, the humans continued their trek. This time to Sweet Apple Acres. As they drove, Daniel began making random turns and stops. “Uhh, Daniel, what are you doing?” SIlverlight asked. “I think we’re being followed. Don’t look now, but I think I saw something overhead.” Daniel stated calmly. Silverlight nodded and began to subtly glance at the sky. It was an nice day, only a few clouds to be seen in the vast blue sky. Though Silverlight could swear he had seen something move on one of the clouds. He quickly turned his attention back to the journey ahead. “Yup. I saw it too. Looked big. Too big to be a pegasus.” He stated flatly. “Gryphons?” Ahmad asked from the back seat. “Possible. Though why would they be following us?” Silverlight asked with a hint of worry. “No idea. Maybe they want an autograph. Or maybe they’re here to try and kill us. Humanity is quite a big wildcard right now.” Daniel said with a shrug. Soon the convoy found themselves driving up the main road to Sweet Apple Acres. They were surrounded on every side by a never ending sea of apple trees. The sight of so many fruit trees was absolutely stunning to the humans. Even the rural farming areas on Reach couldn’t compare to the massive scale of this single apple orchard. As Daniel marveled at the ocean of trees, he caught sight of two brown and white figures dart into a tree just a few hundred feet from the nearby farm house. “Ahmad. I need you to take the wheel. There’s something I need to check out.” Daniel said. The arab man said nothing as he climbed forward and carefully switched seats with Daniel. The Captain picked up his helmet and slid it over his head before lifting a cargo hatch and pulling out a suppressed SMG. With a satisfying click he chambered a round. “Alright, slow down to ten and then accelerate after five seconds. Okay?” The Captain called forward. “Got it. Dropping speed.” Ahmad replied. As soon as the vehicle had slowed down, Daniel jumped off the side and rolled as he hit the ground. Not missing a beat, he began running deeper into the orchard. ~~~ Palatas was one of the best scouts in clan Windblade. He had spent years honing his skills and was now teaching his newest apprentice in the ways of stealth and information gathering. The two gryphons had been tasked with gathering as much information about the aliens a possible. So far the pair had been trailing the group for about half an hour. Not once did the aliens show any sign that they knew about being followed. Now Palatas and his apprentice sat in an apple tree, watching as the alien vehicles pulled up to the farmhouse and stopped. He watched silently as a young filly jumped out of the larger vehicle and walked to the door with one of the aliens next to her. A light green mare opened the door and quickly pulled the filly into an embrace. From where Palatas was sitting, it seemed they were talking to the alien, though he was too far away to hear what was being said. An orange mare with a hat then joined the group. She began talking to the alien at the door, eventually ending with a hoofbump. “Move over, I can’t see.” Palatas spun his head around and stared directly into the reflective blue visor of one of the aliens, sitting on the branch right behind him. The reflection quickly disappeared, revealing a sinister smile. “Have at thee, cur!” Daniel shouted with a grin. Before the gryphon could react, the alien lunged forward and tackled him out of the tree. ~~~ Ahmad was happily walking back to the Warthog after saying goodbye to Applejack. She had been incredibly grateful that the human had taken the risk to not only save her sister, but he had also made sure she made it home safely. The ODST found the whole thing to be quite heartwarming.  Though he was now starting to wonder why Daniel had gone and jumped off the Warthog. He shook his head and figured it was better not knowing. Though his ignorance was about to be shattered. A few feet away, a gryphon and ODST dropped from an apple tree and hit the ground with a dull thud. The gryphon let out a shriek as Daniel quickly got on the gryphon’s back and promptly dislocated a wing. All eyes, including Applejack’s, were now on the two. With a quick twist, Palatas managed to throw the human off his back and into a nearby tree. He then turned to the stunned ODST and lunged. Daniel quickly regained his senses and rolled out of the way, allowing the large gryphon to crash into the tree. Palatas snapped his head around and refocused on the human as Daniel reached for a long knife on his breastplate. Daniel was now squaring off against off against the massive avian predator. He instinctively drew his kukri and waited for the gryphon to attack again. He did not have to wait long, as the gryphon once again charged at him. This time Daniel merely sidestepped and brought a fist against the gryphon’s head. The strike caught Palatas off guard and left him momentarily dazed. The ODST then did a charge of his own. He ran forward and used all his weight to knock the gryphon on his side. Palatas was not amused, and once again threw the human off. Daniel hit the ground before quickly getting back to his feet. The two fighters continued to circle each other, trying to predict what the other would do. Palatas was convinced that the alien would try to counterattack again. While it was unlike any gryphon to fight defensively, his aggressive attacks were only working in the alien’s advantage. Daniel, though, was formulating how he would strike next. So far the gryphon had proven to prefer aggressive charges and reckless assaults. Both of which were easy to counter. But now his opponent was hesitating. Perhaps it was time to go on the offensive. Daniel dashed forward and brought his kukri against his opponent. The gryphon brought an arm up to defend himself against the attack. Daniel’s blade met gryphon flesh as it left a deep red gash in Palatas’ arm. The gryphon then brought his good wing around and caught the ODST in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground. Palatas used this opportunity to try and pounce on the downed ODST. However, Daniel managed to roll out of the way, just as a gryphon claw slammed down in the dirt where his head once was. The human sprung to his feet again and resumed his defensive stance. Palatas was now limping as the two fighters circled each other once more. This time it was Palatas who moved first. The gryphon lunged to the right, but quickly changed direction and tried to come at the ODST’s left. Daniel anticipated this and jumped to the right. As the gryphon overshot, Daniel quickly brought his kukri across the avian predator’s rear left leg. Palatas was growing desperate as he limped around on only two good legs. The human was much faster, stronger, and cunning than he had ever imagined was possible for such a small creature. The gryphon lunged forward once more, this time stopping short of making physical contact. Daniel reacted and swung his blade into open air. Palatas quickly spun around and knocked the blade away with his only good arm. Daniel was taken by surprise as he was very quickly disarmed. The gryphon then closed the distance and reached out to grab the human. The ODST quickly spun to the right, making it difficult for the predator to get a solid grasp. Daniel then used his momentum to bring his elbow against the gryphon’s head. The hit was hard enough to nearly knock the large predator on the ground. Daniel used this opportunity to put some distance between him and his enemy. Once again they found themselves slowly moving in a circular motion, eyes locked. While both fighters waited for the other to move, someone else decided to take the initiative. Suddenly, the sound of a roaring engine become more apparent. Daniel instinctively jumped back, while Palatas just stood there with a confused look. He turned his head to see where the noise was coming from. He never got his answer. The last thing the gryphon saw, was the towing winch on the front of Zerom’s Warthog. With the screech of tires and a loud thump, Palatas went flying into a nearby tree trunk. Daniel got up and dusted himself off before looking to the Warthog. Zerom was standing in his seat with his hands raised above his head. “Gooaaaaaaaal!” The Commander shouted. “Dude!?” Daniel shouted with an exasperated tone. “I felt left out.” Zerom said with a shrug. “So do you feel better? Now that you totally stole my thunder... asshole.” Daniel said with an exaggerated frown. Zerom was looking at the tree where Daniel had fallen from, he could swear that something else was nearby. Before he could say anything, a second gryphon shot from a nearby tree and began to fly away. “Shit! Daniel!” Zerom yelled. “I see him! Don’t let him escape!” Daniel ordered. “Okidoki!” Zerom said happily as he jumped into the bed of his Warthog. The Commander lifted his sunglasses as he got behind the massive gauss turret. He quickly took aim at the fleeing gryphon and pulled the trigger. The railgun fired a single shot into the air, followed by an explosion. Everyone watched as the fleeing gryphon was instantly obliterated. “Got him, coach.” Zerom said proudly. Daniel stood speechless as he watched as the gryphon was vaporized by the gauss shot. He then turned his attention to the nearby apple farmer. “Hey Applejack. Mind helping me tie this guy up?” Daniel asked. “He’s still alive?” She responded in shock. “Yup. Fucked up, but alive.” The ODST said with a nod. It took only seconds for the skilled farmer to securely tie up the unconscious gryphon. “Heh, I can’t wait to show Celestia what we caught.” Daniel said with a chuckle. ~~~ The drive back to the capitol was calm and fairly uneventful compared to the rest of the day. There were only a handful of travelers out in the midday, not enough to really slow them down. As the group ascended the mountain highway, Daniel noticed that the broken down wagon from earlier was nowhere to be found. Either its owner fixed the wheel, got help getting it back to town, or she pushed it off the mountain and just walked back. It wasn’t until the convoy was reaching the city limits that things began to get a bit more interesting. Everyone watched in wonder as three massive dragons flew right over their heads and into the city. This was followed by a pair of airships that looked strikingly similar to the ones they had obliterated only a few weeks prior. Just behind the airships was a single fixed wing aircraft with four jet engines suspended from the wing. It was an aircraft design that Daniel had never seen, nor could have really imagined. The fixed wing was then followed up by a pair of very menacing looking black airships. The head of the airships seemed to have a giant bull’s head with a massive pair of horns. “Huh... well ain't that a sight...” Daniel muttered over the radio. “Thar be dragons afoot.” Zerom replied in a bad Irish accent. The trio continued their drive through the city with little interference. Even as they drove through the bustling midday streets, they could clearly see the newly arrived aircraft. Daniel found the very different aircraft to be quite interesting. He was able to easily figure out which aircraft belonged to which race. The deer had clearly flown in on the fixed wing aircraft. The presence of multiple jet engines was enough to attest to this. The minotaur airships were also very easy to spot, seeing as how both aircraft had a massive metal bullhead on the bow. Finally the gryphon airships. These were easy to identify, mainly due to the fact that he had already shot down a few. Pulling up to the castle, the convoy was met by a small army of solar guards. They were quickly ushered into the courtyard where they parked alongside one of the far walls. A group of solar guards quickly made their way to the ODST’s convoy. “Captain Ryan, Captain Silverlight.” The guard said with a sharp salute. “At ease, sergeant. I take it the ambassadors have arrived?” Silverlight asked. “Yes sir. They all just headed inside to dine with the Princess.” The guard replied. “I got something to take to the dungeon... is there an easy way to get there?” Daniel asked with a smile. “What do you have?” The guard asked with a surprised expression. Daniel walked to the back of Zerom’s Warthog. With the Commander’s help, he then lifted a large burlap sack out of the back and set it on the ground with a thud. The Captain slowly undid the knot keeping the bag closed and revealed the unconscious gryphon within. “I need somewhere to keep this and I figured the dungeon would be a great place.” Daniel said with a grin. “Uhhh... yeah, go ahead and take him to the dungeon.” The guard said with a slightly bewildered tone. “Sweet.” Daniel and Zerom picked up the opposite ends of the sack and started toward the castle doors. “Well c’mon! We’re gonna need everyone to come with us.” The rest of the group quickly caught up and formed a protective barrier around the Captain and Commander. ~~~ Celestia was making her way down from her personal quarters and toward the dining hall. It had been a fairly uneventful day up until about half an hour ago when all the national leaders started to arrive. As she turned a corner toward the dining hall, she was met with an odd scene. A group of ODSTs, a SPARTAN, and a changeling, were all standing outside a broom closet with the worst innocent looks imaginable. “Hey Celestia! How’s it goin?” Daniel said with a cheesy smile. “Alright, what did you do?” She deadpanned. Daniel bit his lower lip. “Oh... nothing...” “What’s in the broom closet?” The Princess asked while peering over Daniel’s shoulder. “Probably a bunch of brooms.” Kelly replied with a nervous smile. Celestia turned her gaze to the changeling in the group. “What is in that closet.” Celestia said while glaring menacingly into the changeling. “Uh... uh... uh...” Spotlight looked between Daniel and then back to the solar Princess. “It may or may not be an unconscious gryphon spy...” “Damn it Spotlight! What did I say!?” Daniel nearly shouted. “I’m sorry! She’s really scary!” The changeling cried out as he tried to hide behind Victor’s leg. Celestia just shook her head and sighed. “I want the full story, but not right now. Just... take it to the dungeon and then come see me.” “You got it.” Daniel quickly said as he pulled the door open and dragged the brown sack out into the hall. “Oh shit. That’s the gryphon leader... right?” Zerom quietly asked. Celestia whipped around and noticed the large gryphon was making his way down the hall toward her. “I’ll distract him. Hide in the closet for a second and then get that... thing, out of here.” Celestia then turned her attention back to the approaching leader. She stood in the hallway as the gryphon walked right past the broom closet. “Emperor Windblade, how nice of you to join us this evening.” Celestia said with a rehearsed smile. “Princess Celestia, gracious a host as always. I’m curious, where are these humans you claimed to have met?” The massive gryphon asked with a grin. Unknown to the gryphon, the broom closet door behind him slowly opened, allowing a group of ODSTs, a Spartan, and changeling to silently file out with a large brown sack between them. Celestia watched discretely over the emperor’s shoulder as the group made their escape. “They will be joining us shortly. There was a matter in Ponyville that Captain Ryan wanted to attend to. He has just recently arrived back in the castle, so I expect he in preparing for tonight’s dinner.” “Ah, so we will all get a chance to meet these humans tonight?” “Of course. At least three of them will be dining with us tonight.” Celestia said. “Wonderful, then I will meet you in the dining hall.” The Emperor said with a slight bow before turning and leaving. As soon as he was out of sight and out of earshot, Celestia let out a long sigh. “Those humans are bucking insane...” She muttered to herself. ~~~ Daniel and his group had just successfully deposited their catch in the castle dungeon and were now preparing to attend a rather formal dinner with many national leaders. Captain Ryan, as well as Commanders Zerom and Dior, walked down the loading ramp and toward the castle. All three were wearing their most formal uniforms. Just as they were about to enter the rear doors to the dining hall, Daniel turned around and looked at both Commanders. “Let’s keep our usual hijinks to a minimum tonight, don’t want to really piss anyone off.” “Easy enough.” Zerom replied. “Both of you wearing a vest?” Dior pounded a fist against her chest. “Yup. Plus I’m carrying.” She said as she patted the handgun at her side. “Here we go then. Time to make some motherfucking history.” With that said, Daniel pushed open the doors and stepped into the dining hall.