Sabado
About a day had passed since Scootaloo had managed to work out her issues with Apple Bloom. While she still had much resentment towards Apple Bloom, she was doing her best to put it behind, though given the circumstance, it could take a long time. Scootaloo had even managed to start warming up to Jet Stream. While she still hardly considered her a sister, the two mares had much in common. As Apple Bloom had predicted, their common love of Terran era sci-fi movies would be a factor.
The two orange pegasi were sleeping in the dorm's bunks, all tuckered out after a long marathon of movies, and excitement over the upcoming execution. Apple Bloom was sleeping on one of the cockpit chairs, with a smile across her face. Rainbow Dash was awake in the cockpit with Apple Bloom, as it was important to always have at least one person on watch in case something unexpected came up.
Rainbow Dash however had more important issues at hand than just keeping an eye out on the endless space. She shook Apple Bloom in an attempt to wake her up. Apple Bloom held her smile with a, “No Shining, I don’t have a boyfriend yet. Why do you ask?”
“Apple Bloom, wake up!” demanded Rainbow Dash.
Apple Bloom grabbed Rainbow Dash’s head and pulled her in towards her face. “Shining, no stallions ever said anything like that to me before,” as she was about to kiss Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash quickly pushed herself back, and started shaking Apple Bloom violently. “Apple Bloom, wake up!” she again demanded.
Apple Bloom slowly opened her eyes and was disappointed to find Shining Armor’s face had been replaced with that of Rainbow Dash. She then looked over at a clock and said, “It’s nowhere near my shift yet, I’m going back to sleep.”
“I’ll take your next shift, we need to talk,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Fine, what is it?” asked Apple Bloom. She was somewhat grouchy from being taken out of her happy dream.
“I need you hack the Cadian Battlenet. Do you think you can do it?” asked Rainbow Dash.
Apple Blooms eyes widened. Any hint of drowsiness quickly disappeared from her facial expression. “Why would you need me to do that?!” she asked.
Rainbow Dash took a moment to explain the situation with the kill switch implanted near Jet Stream’s heart. The news sparked a hint of anger in Apple Bloom. Just when she thought they were free of all the kill switches in the sector, another one rears its ugly head.
“So will you help me?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Well… you did try to kill me that one time… two times… and you gave me a black eye as well. And you refused to run go after Scootaloo
the first time I asked,” said Apple Bloom. “Now that you tell me this story, I’m starting to suspect the only reason you even went after Scootaloo was because you needed me for this. You probably would have just let me run out the door otherwise and left us behind. You probably would have even let Scootaloo kill me.”
“Yes, I admit that was the plan, but this isn’t about me!” argued Rainbow Dash. “Jet Stream’s been nothing but good to you. She doesn’t deserve to die and you know it.”
“Fine I’ll help. But I’m doing it for Jet Stream, not for you,” announced Apple Bloom.
“Fair enough. You only have until the day of the execution. Think you can do it in time?” asked Rainbow Dash.
Apple Bloom retrieved her computer and got to work. “I’ll have to cram a bit, but it should work. When I was hacking their networks on Torus, I managed to walk away with a complete read out of the Torus DSP Battlenet as well as the Ice House Battlenet. If the Cadian battle net is similar, I think I can make my way inside. Even faster if the rootkit made its way to Cadia by now.”
“They haven’t removed it yet?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“It’s only been a day since our attack on their networks, but that root kit was in their networks for weeks. With all the transmissions going back and forth between battle nets, it’s probably been spread to other networks within the Dominion. We don’t need that data core anymore,” explained Apple Bloom. “Not only that, but I left a few cryptic clues that would lead them to a dummy virus that they’ll eventually conclude was the source of the attack. If they fall for the ruse, they’ll have no reason to suspect a rootkit is still present in their networks. Right now, this little computer is the deadliest weapon in the Dominion,” she said with pride.
“Whatever works,” said Rainbow Dash. “Just be ready in time for the execution.”
“What exactly am I going to be doing once I’m in the network? Some special files you need retrieved?” asked Apple Bloom.
“I’m not too sure yet. I was told we’ll receive more on that when we arrive at Cadia. I guess we’ll know when we get there,” said Rainbow Dash.
El Lunes por la mañana
The militia escorted Rain Sight, Sovereign and Sweetie Belle to a shuttle, which brought them to the surface. Once there, they were on their own. Rain Sight and Sweetie Belle had spent the majority of the trip explaining the Cadian situation to Sovereign.
“So the Cadians hate the Confederates because they tried to invade their world when negotiations broke down, then threatened to destroy their world with nuclear weapons when the invasion failed. Negotiations between the two fell apart because the Cadians worshiped a different alicorn than the Confederates do. The Dominion's negotiations were successful because they didn’t really care about one alicorn or another, they just wanted access to the planets resources. The Cadians agreed to give them limited access to mining rights in exchange for technology. The Dominion provides Cadia with the ships and weapons they need to resist further Confederate invasion, while the Cadian’s also agree that a portion of their population will serve in the Dominion armed forces. In addition, Cadia acts as a screen against Confederate expansion for the Dominion, but the Dominion is not allowed to deploy spies, or exert Dominion law on Cadia, as it is still an independent world. But if Shining Armor marries into the Imperial family and becomes the new Emperor, the Cadian are very likely to accept Dominion annexation if one of their own is sitting on the throne. Is that about it?” asked Sovereign.
“In a nutshell yes,” said his wife with a very shaky voice. Rain Sight was shaking uncontrollably in this new environment.
They had taken a bus to a designated hotel called “the Golden Icicle,” where Twilight had arranged for them to stay. But as they departed from the bus, the three were once again hit by a howling blast of Cadian snow. “Holy crap, why would anyone want to live on this world!” asked Rain Sight.
Sovereign was also quite cold, but a bit more adjusted to it than Rain Sight was. The region of Aiur he had grown up in was fairly temperate, so he was never too susceptible or adjusted to either hot or cold environments.
Of the three of them, Sweetie Belle had adjusted the best. They purchased some coats in the starport, all of which were priced ridiculously high, most likely to prey on the travelers who didn’t come prepared. But even with the coats, Rain Sight was looking like she might actually not make it if she stayed out here too long.
“Sweetie, aren’t you cold?” asked Sovereign.
“A little bit. We had some pretty bad winters on Mar Sara. Never anything this bad, but I can’t say I’m totally unprepared for it. Besides, these are some pretty high quality coats. Love the hide,” replied Sweetie Belle.
Finally they had made it inside the hotel. Rain Sight was pleased to finally be greeted with indoor heating again. She approached the mare at the front desk to let her know who she was.
“May I help you?” asked the mare.
“Yes, I’m Rain Sight Grey Horn. I have a room reserved for my husband and myself,” announced Rain Sight.
The mare browsed the screen for her name. “Here you are. Rain Sight High Ground Grey Horn… de Steel Wing,” she concluded with a taste of disgust in her tone.
“May we have the keys to our room?” asked Rain Sight.
The mare paused for a moment. “I’m so sorry, but it appears we accidentally over booked. I’m afraid we have no rooms available for you.”
Sovereign didn’t need to be a mind reader to guess what had happened. “This is because of her name isn’t it?” asked Sovereign.
The mare smiled and said, “Sir, I assure you this has nothing to do with the fact you married Confederate filth. We’re simply overbooked. I’m afraid you’ll have to take your business elsewhere.”
Sovereign was about to argue with her further, but Rain Sight grabbed him and said, “We’ll find somewhere else to stay.”
Sovereign tried to argue otherwise. “No, this is ridiculous. She can’t just-”
“It’s alright. And I appreciate you standing up for me,” she said with a smile as she moved herself closer to embrace her husband.
Sweetie Belle was less than pleased with her advance, and quickly stepped between them. “Ok, we can’t stay here. What now?” she interrupted.
“Actually you probably still can,” said Rain Sight. “I doubt they overbooked two rooms,” she said glaring at the mare at the desk.
“Wait, why am I in a different room!?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“It would be inappropriate for a married couple to have another mare sleeping in the same room as them,” answered Rain Sight.
“It isn’t a real marriage!” said Sweetie Belle.
“She has a point,” added Sovereign.
Rain Sight felt like her husband had just stabbed her through her heart.
Before she could reply, the three of them were interrupted by another stallion who just entered and asked, “Are you Rain Sight?”
The three of them looked over to see a white stallion had just entered the hotel. Sweetie Belle couldn’t believe it, it was Shining Armor himself. He had a box with him, but she paid no attention to it. Before Rain Sight could say anything, Sweetie Belle answered for her. “Yes, that is Rain Sight, and her husband, who she loves very much and would never think to cheat on. I’m Sweetie Belle by the way. My boyfriend married a Confederate whore, so I’m single now,” she said as she straightened out her mane and fluttered her eyes.
Shining Armor chuckled at the white unicorn mare. “That’s a… strange introduction,” he replied. “Though not one I’m not used too,” he muttered to himself somewhat annoyed. He was given a picture of Rain Sight earlier, so he recognized her. He had no idea who the other two were.
Sovereign could not believe what he had just heard. What the hell was that?! he thought to himself. He couldn’t believe the way Sweetie Belle was looking at Shining Armor right now.
“Well apparently the hotel overbooked,” answered Rain Sight.
Shining Armor approached the counter to address the mare. “Ma’am, are you telling me that there isn’t a single room left for this mare and her husband? We booked these rooms almost two weeks ahead of time and you had plenty of rooms available.”
“Well… that was before the execution was announced,” she replied.
Sovereign read her mind and found out they had indeed overbooked, though it was on purpose as soon as they saw the name “de Steel Wing.”
Mention of the word “execution” caught the attention of Sweetie Belle and Rain Sight. Sovereign however thought nothing of it.
“I believe you have a royal suite in this hotel not in use. I’m sure you can make accommodations considering this was your fault,” said Shining Armor.
The mare tried to argue with, “Those rooms are reserved for VIPs and-“
“So guest of the Champion of Cadia aren’t VIPs? Very well then. I’ll make sure to announce the inadequate service of this hotel to everyone I know. I’m sure your superiors would love to know who was responsible for putting a black stain on their reputation,” threatened Shining Armor.
The mare responded to the threat accordingly and said, “Very well then sir. The three of them may stay at the royal suite. I’ll make the arrangements right away,” said the mare who was sweating a bit.
“I understand there are ten rooms in the suite. Since we’re upgrading service, I have four more names I’d like to add, at the hotels expense of course. It’s only fair all things considered,” added Shining Armor.
The mare sighed deeply praying she wouldn’t lose her job over this. But if the request came from the Champion of Cadia himself, hopefully her superiors would understand. “Of course sir. Names please.”
Shining Armor pulled out a phone and looked through it for the names Twilight had sent him. “Rainbow Dash, Jet Stream Dash, Scootaloo Iron Feather, and Apple Bloom… Apple? Not a very creative name there,” he muttered. “They’re expected to arrive later tonight.”
Sweetie Belle's heart almost burst from her chest when she heard those names. She couldn’t believe it! Her friends were coming here!
“Very well, the arrangements have been made. I’ll have a bellboy take them to their rooms shortly,” replied the mare.
Sweetie Belle approached Shining Armor and said, “Thank you so much for working that out for us. I didn’t expect we’d be greeted by the Champion of Cadia himself.”
“It was no problem. A friend of mine wanted me to greet you personally, but I had another guest show up shortly before you did, so I missed you at the platform. I hope you three didn’t encounter any trouble up there,” said Shining Armor.
Sovereign started with a, “Well there was a problem with-“
“No nothing at all. We’re just happy to meet you,” said Sweetie Belle.
“What was that about an execution?” asked Rain Sight holding down her excitement.
“You haven’t heard?” asked Shining Armor. “Seems like what the whole sub-sector has been talking about lately. They found a Dark Templar, so I’m scheduled to kill him this Friday.”
“Sounds exciting,” said Rain Sight. Dad must have caught another one, she thought to herself.
Shining Armor continued with the details. “I think his name was… Crumbles… Krendel? I’m not sure, something strange. You lovely mares wouldn’t know of any other Dark Templar around would you? Find one and I’ll give you a good view of the next execution.”
Sweetie Belle looked over to Sovereign with her puppy eyes as if she were begging. She has got to be kidding. he thought as he glared and shook his head. She frowned and turned back to Shining Armor. “Not that I’m not grateful to meet you, but why are you here?” she asked.
“Mostly to make sure you were situated. But my friend also wanted me to find Rain Sight and give her this,” he said as he handed over the box he was carrying.
Rain Sight opened up the box and almost screamed. “The complete Daring Do Collector’s Cup set. And they're all autographed by Stage Stone Hoof!”
“My friend said she owed you that. Anyway I need to get going now. Hope you all enjoy your stay,” he said as he bowed and left the hotel.
A bellboy showed up shortly after to pick up any bags they had, and escorted them to their room.
Domingo
“I’m telling you, Picard was the best captain ever,” said Jet Stream.
“No way, Kirk slept with at least one alien from every planet,” argued Scootaloo.
“That’s all he ever did. Have sex and get fat. Picard relied on his intellect and the capabilities of his crew,” replied Jet Stream.
“At least Kirk wasn’t bald,” snapped Scootaloo.
“… At least Picard could admit he was bald,” said Jet Stream with a mocking smile.
“You take that back!” shouted Scootaloo.
“Never!” replied Jet Stream as she took off running into the cargo bay, laughing. Scootaloo quickly chased after her in defense of Kirk's honor. The two mares ran and flew across the cargo bay laughing until Scootaloo tackled Jet Stream, put her in a head lock of sorts, and started giving her noogies.
“Take it back!” demanded Scootaloo.
“The wig was a lie!” she shouted as she slipped out of her hold, and began the chase anew.
“Those two are really hitting it off now aren’t they?” asked Rainbow Dash as her and Apple Bloom watched the display.
“Yeah, I knew they’d see eye to eye eventually. Like two nerdy peas in a pod,” said Apple Bloom. “I’m kind of glad she has someone else to talk to about this stuff. I can't say I'm a big fan of Terran Sci-fi. I think they’re also probably excited to see Shining Armor live for the execution.”
“I don’t get it. What’s the big deal about Shining Armor? From what I’ve been told, he’s just a soldier. There are millions of soldiers, none of them get this kind of publicity,” said Rainbow Dash trying to hide her obvious jealousy.
Apple Bloom couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Rainbow Dash was in for a mouth full. She took Rainbow Dash to her computer and brought up his profile. “He’s not just a soldier, he’s a walking legend! This guy fought in over two dozen campaigns, and over a hundred battles. He’s the reigning martial arts champion in the Dominion, and has won many competitions in Consortium space. The Confederates even invited him over to fight in one of their tournaments where he defeated all of their best fighters. He could have been an officer, but went enlisted and rose through the ranks faster than any other stallion in Marine Corps history. He became Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps in just thirteen years! He’s completed every kind of advanced infantry training in the Dominion. He even volunteered for the ice house!”
Rainbow Dash looked at his profile picture and wasn’t impressed. “He’s a walking legend? Looks more like a spoiled noble to me. Look at that, it say’s he quit the military to marry royalty. I doubt he’s seen a day of real combat ever since.”
“Don’t be too certain about that,” said Apple Bloom. “In honor of all of his achievements, the leader of his home world named him the Champion of Cadia. As Champion, he was called upon to be her personal bodyguard from time to time. Last year, she denied a Kel-Morian mining guild a contract to set up a firm on her world. They didn’t take too kindly to that, and sent a number of assassins to teach her a lesson. Ex-Reapers, ex-Marines Special Forces, rogue-Dark Templar, ex-Vatican mages, rogue ghosts, and just about any other mercenary you could think of.”
“How did that go over?” asked Rainbow Dash.
Scootaloo and Jet Stream had reentered the cockpit and had overheard the conversation. Scootaloo explained the next part. “I heard he let them get past security on purpose. He let them reach the Matriarch's front door just so he could fight them on his own. He had nothing on him but an HFB, but he didn’t even use that. With nothing but his bare hooves, he killed every single assassin!”
“You actually believe that garbage?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Only one stallion got his hoof on her door, right before Shining sliced it off. They say he kept that hoof as a trophy,” added Jet Stream.
“Wow. That story is so full of crap, I think I just shit myself,” said Rainbow Dash. “He obviously got into the princess’s pants, and used his position to become famous. I don’t believe half the stuff on this profile,” she said pointing to Apple Blooms computer.
“Well you’ll get to see him in action this Friday at the execution,” said Apple Bloom. She then whispered, “By the way, I got that thing you asked for taken care of. I’ll be ready when we get there.”
Rainbow Dash nodded in acknowledgment.
“What was that about?” asked Scootaloo.
“Nothing, get some rest ladies. We’ll most likely be docking a few hours,” announced Rainbow Dash.
Miercoles
Stage was staying in some royal quarters within the capital of Cadia. The capital of Cadia was located inside of a mountaintop crater. In the center of the crater was a derelict Khalai ship that had been forced to make a crash landing hundreds of years ago. Ultimately the vast majority of the crew died on the impact, or later froze to death, the exception being the alicorn on board. While no longer able to fly, its interior had been restored and was turned into a palace of sorts. Over the years, a city sprung up around the ship within the crater. The city was later deemed “Fort Cadence,” and has been the capital ever since.
Stage was allowed to stay in the palace. She had expected to see a bit more of her husband before the execution, but clearly he would rather spend that time with his purple unicorn mistress. Stage was in a training room working off some steam by striking a punching bag repeatedly. Her hits were getting harder and harder until the bag actually started to rip.
“That’s quite the strike,” said a pink alicorn. “Didn’t think a princess would know how to hit like that.”
Stage looked over to see she was in the presence of Matriarch Mi Amore Cadenza, the ruler of Cadia (You all know what she looks like, I’m not describing her). “Thanks,” said Stage. “I do all my own fight choreography in my movies, so I learned a thing or two about martial arts.”
“That didn’t look like you were prepping for a movie though. It looked more like you were getting ready to kill someone,” said Cadenza.
“I caught my husband with another mare,” she announced as she threw another punch.
Cadenza started to sweat as she said that. “Well… I’m sure things aren’t quite what they appear to be. I can explain,”
“I caught him having dinner with her!” she shouted. “When I find that purple bitch I’m pulling off her horn.”
“Purple? You saw him having dinner with a purple unicorn? Are you absolutely certain?” asked Cadenza, now with some anger in her voice.
“Yep. You’re the ruler of this world, ask for the reservation log at the Royal Ursalisk. I’m sure you’ll find his name alongside another mare,” said Stage. Stage stopped her strikes and looked over at Cadenza who seemed almost as upset by the news as she was. “Are you alright?” she asked.
Cadenza took a deep breath before replying. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention,” said the Matriarch. “I promise you, I’ll look into this matter personally. A stallion should be loyal to his lover. This kind of behavior is unbefitting of the stallion I choose to call my champion.”
“You’d do that for me?” asked Stage.
Cadenza put on a fake smile and replied with, “Yes princess, I’ll do it for you. Out of respect from one ruler to another.”
“Thank you. I really do appreciate it,” said Stage with a smile. “But please don’t do anything to him too hastily. We do need this alliance and… I still want to make things work. He is still my husband after all, even if he isn’t acting like it at the moment.”
“Am glad you came to me with this,” said Cadenza. “You know you can trust me with these things right?”
Stage chuckled. “Actually I was starting to think he was seeing you behind my back. I know, it’s stupid.”
Cadenza blushed at the accusation. “It’s not that stupid. But nothing you should worry about,” she assured.
El Lunes por la mañana
The bellboy had taken the three ponies to the hotel's royal suite. It truly was a place fit for a king. The main chamber was massive, with a large hot tub in the center, and a small pool as well. It had a large dining room with a well set table and comfortable chairs. Beautiful chandeliers decorated the ceilings as well. An open bar filled with enough liquor to kill an Ursalisk. The kitchen also had a large supply of hay and vegetables, as this hotel was usually used as lodging for off worlders who weren’t used to the usual Cadian diet.
Rain Sight and Sweetie Belle were immediately taken in by the beauty, but Sovereign was less than thrilled. “I’m single?!” he shouted. “What the hell was that?!”
“Well you are married. So yes, she is single,” said Rain Sight.
Sovereign completely ignored his wife's comment. “Are you trying to say something? Are we done? Is that what that was?!” shouted Sovereign.
Sweetie Belle lowered her head, and tears did start to form. “No we’re not. I’m sorry… I don’t know what it was. It’s just-”
“Don’t start with the water works,” interrupted Sovereign. “Why would you say that? I thought the guy was married anyway. What, were you hoping to be his one night stand, is that it?” he asked.
“Sovereign she can do whatever she wants,” said Rain Sight. “It’s not our business who she decides to see.”
“No he’s right. I’m sorry. I don’t know what it was. It’s just… don’t you have that one person who when you see you just start to say stupid stuff around? Do stupid stuff around?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“No, I don’t,” said Sovereign.
“Well… you did act that way when you slept with Twilight,” said Sweetie Belle.
“You slept with my boss?!” shouted Rain Sight.
“It was a long time ago!” replied Sovereign.
“Actually that happened right before you were caught. Couldn’t have been more than four months ago. Five at the most,” corrected Sweetie Belle.
Rain Sight's jaw dropped. “I can’t believe it. This marriage was a hand me down. It’s like Twilight just used you up and threw you my way when she was done.”
“No that can’t be right. You said she wants us to have foals together,” corrected Sovereign.
“Whoa, that’s what this marriage was built on?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“Hey, I didn’t forgot about what you just did downstairs,” said Sovereign.
“I know and I’m still sorry but-” again she started laughing. “Really, that’s what this is about? Do you actually think Sovereign is ready to be a dad? Come on, Sovereign isn’t going to-”
“Rain Sight, bedroom, now!” demanded Sovereign.
“What?!” shouted Sweetie Belle.
“Hold on! Do you really think just because you say, 'bedroom now' I’m at your beck and call?” asked Rain Sight.
“No, you’re at Twilight's beck and call. She say’s to sleep with me until you're pregnant, so let’s go get you pregnant,” corrected Sovereign.
“Oh right. Let’s get to it I guess,” she said as she started walking to one of the rooms.
Sweetie Belle couldn’t believe it. “Sovereign, you can’t just-”
“Equilibrium!” replied Sovereign as he followed her.
“This isn’t equilibrium!” shouted Sweetie Belle. Her words went ignored as Sovereign followed her into the room, closing the door behind him. “Do this and we’re done! We’re done, do you hear me?! We’re done!”
Sovereign ignored Sweetie as he followed Rain Sight into the bedroom.
Rain Sight paused as Sovereign closed the door behind her. “Sovereign I just realized… I don’t think we should do this.”
“I know, we aren’t actually going to,” said Sovereign.
“Ok good,” said Rain Sight. “If we do, Sweetie Belle might have another one of her episodes. I don’t think the Cadians will be very hospitable if she unleashes another attack like before. Of course when she leaves, I wouldn’t mind getting this honeymoon back on track,” she finished with a somewhat seductive tone.
“No, I meant I was just messing with her,” explained Sovereign. “We weren’t actually going to-”
“You’re an asshole!” shouted Rain Sight as she ran out of the room. The opening door slammed against Sweetie Belle’s head, who had her ear pressed against the door trying to hear what was going on. The impact knocked her to the ground.
“Sweetie are you alright?!” asked Sovereign running to her side.
“That hurt,” she said. “So you and her weren’t really going to…”
Sovereign chuckled. “No we weren’t. But as you said, Equilibrium. You scared me, so I scared you.”
Sweetie Belle chuckled. “Alright, I guess that’s fair. But you should apologize to her. It’s not nice to play with a mare’s heart like that.”
“Why do you care?” asked Sovereign.
“She didn’t ask for this Sovereign, you said so yourself,” said Sweetie Belle. “I do think she needs to get it through her head there is nothing going on between the two of you, but I also think we should find a way to let her down easy.”
“You’re right. I’ll go apologize,” said Sovereign.
Sovereign left the room to find his wife on a computer screen. She didn’t bother acknowledging his presence. “So… about that. Listen I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have led you on like that,” he admitted. “But Rain Sight, you need to understand something. You and I, it’s not going to happen. You said so yourself, you didn’t even want this. I know you have your orders, but this is above and beyond the call of duty don’t you think?”
Rain Sight ignored her husband and continued typing on the keyboard. “So… what are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m sending a message home. Now that we’re out of the reach of DI, I can finally contact my dad and let him know what’s happening. He was probably worried when he came home and found the house a mess,” said Rain Sight. “Would you like to add anything? Do you have anything at all to say to your father in law?” she asked.
“Rain Sight please don’t get him involved in this. We just need to accept that this was a mistake on Twilight's behalf and move on,” said Sovereign.
Rain Sight took a deep breath before she replied. “I know,” she finally said.
“You know?” repeated Sovereign.
“You love her, I can tell. You never saw me the same way, and you never intentionally did anything to hurt her,” said Rain Sight. “I just… I don’t know what else we’re supposed to do. I didn’t want to get involved in this either, but I just don’t see much of a choice. Sovereign, if I don’t give Twilight a foal, she’s going to come after us.”
“But we’re out of Dominion space,” said Sovereign. “She can’t do anything here.”
“No, this is exactly where she wants us. Now Hawkens can’t interfere with her, while Shining Armor is a very good friend of hers. If he wants, he could send in armed ponies at any time to come smashing through that door. And unlike in Korhal, if we try to run away, we’ll just freeze to death, or get eaten by zerg in the wilderness. This is the perfect prison,” explained Rain Sight. “She’s making a luxurious prison if we cooperate, but things can turn bad for us rather quickly if we don’t. I don’t want to stand between you and Sweetie Belle, but I just don’t know what else we’re going to do. Like you said, if we don’t cooperate willingly, she’ll just make us both brain dead vegetables, hook us up to a life support, and have us breed by force.”
“So that’s why you did it?” asked Sweetie Belle who heard the whole thing. “Either you give Twilight a foal, or you both end up brain dead?”
“That’s pretty much the situation,” said Sovereign.
“Sweetie Belle, I have to be honest with you,” said Rain Sight. She felt she may as well tell her the truth while they were getting things in the open. “He didn’t cheat on you. At least not intentionally. I used an aphrodisiac,” admitted Rain Sight.
“That’s… good to know,” said Sweetie Belle with a slight smile. At least now she knew she could count on Sovereign to be faithful.
“You mean I took a bullet to the knee for nothing?!” asked Sovereign.
“Sovereign, don’t make this about you,” said Sweetie Belle. “If anything, now I know I can trust you. But right now we have a bigger problem on our hooves. You two don’t want to be married and I certainly don’t want you two sleeping together. But if you don’t, you both go back to the academy. What do we do about this?”
“Threesome?” suggested Sovereign jokingly.
“No!” shouted Rain Sight and Sweetie Belle in unison.
“Well let’s leave all options on the table,” continued Sovereign.
“No!” they shouted again.
“Maybe you two can just get things started, then I’ll step in and-”
Sweetie Belle delivered a punch to his scrotum to shut him up. “Sovereign, you know I love you very much. But I think it’s time for you to shut up for a bit.”
“I have to write up that message to send to my dad. Who knows, maybe he’ll visit for the execution?” she said. “I’ll leave you to come up with something.”
Sweetie Belle and Sovereign left her to write her letter. “Any ideas?” asked Sovereign. “Like she said, we don’t exactly have anywhere to run on this world. And I don’t feel like freezing to death out there. This town is much smaller than Augustgrad was on Korhal, and there isn’t really much in the way of long distance public transportation.”
“And the next town is too far away…” added Sweetie Belle. “You might have to do it. Get her pregnant.”
“What?!” asked Sovereign. “You want me to hand over a child to DI?!”
“If anything, it’ll buy us eleven months. By then perhaps we could find a way to keep it from Twilight?” suggested Sweetie Belle.
“Where does that leave us?” asked Sovereign. “Where does that leave you? Let’s just say she gets pregnant. Let’s say we did find a way out of here in that time frame, and then make our way to Consortium space? What then? I’d have a child with this mare Sweetie. Do we send it off with her so she could raise it herself? Do we keep it? Would you raise it? Do I stay with her and just have you be the mare on the side?”
“I don’t know Sovereign!” replied Sweetie Belle. “This whole situation is messed up. At first I thought I hated her but… she’s just as much victim to this as we are. Actually more. She’s the one expected to have the foal. Maybe there is a way can at least get her out of this?”
Before she could say anything else, Rain Sight shouted, “Sovereign get in here! You need to see this!”
El Lunes por la noche
Finally their time cooped up on Tom was over as the ship made entry into the planet’s atmosphere. In the distance they could see a mountain range, the top of which was almost completely whited out. A couple hundred years ago, flying in the range was considered suicidal. Fortunately the Cadians had come a long way and had set up a number of guidance beacons throughout the mountain range that would allow shuttles to safely navigate the treacherous weather.
Jet Stream set the ship to an auto pilot and let the beacons navigate the shuttle to the intended mountain town. It was rather unsettling looking out the window and seeing absolutely nothing but white. For all they knew, the auto pilot could be leading them right into a mountain side. After a few minutes of unsettling silence, they broke through the white haze and a town with a small starport was revealed. The auto pilot set Tom down in the designated hanger bay, and the four mares on board prepared for departure.
They didn’t have much in the way of winter clothing unfortunately, since this trip to Cadia was somewhat last minute. They put on as many layers of sweaters as they could get their hooves on, as well as the thickest jackets they had, which were still ill suited for this kind of weather.
As they opened the hanger bay doors, a number of militia entered and began searching through the ship.
“Hey! What are you doing?!” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Cadian law ma’am,” said a stallion. “Visitors are welcome, their weapons aren’t. We’ll be compensating all armaments you may have.”
Rainbow Dash was tempted to resist, but being out of her reaper suit, and having her shuttle filled with armored stallions made that a poor option. “Will we be able to get our equipment back at least?” asked Rainbow Dash as she noticed her very expensive reaper suits being hauled out, along with a piece of her heart.
The stallion handed her a clip board and informed her, “Fill out these forms, along with a complete inventory of all armaments. You will be allowed to retrieve your equipment when you leave the planet. Any items not accounted for on your inventory will not be relinquished. Do not try to simply add in more items than you know you have, we will be conducting our own inventory as well to compare with yours.”
Rainbow Dash looked over to Jet Stream. “Uhh... squirt do you have this month’s inventory?”
“We haven’t taken inventory in months. Every time I ask you to help, you always tell me you will after a nap, then you never do,” replied Jet Stream.
“Oh yeah, I do do that don’t I?” said Rainbow Dash. “Well… I’ll just go from memory. I’m sure I’ll remember the important stuff.”
After filling out a less than accurate count on ammunition supplies, the now completely unarmed mares left the hanger bay and entered the rest of the starport. They were tempted to buy some coats, but didn’t really have much in the way of money since Apple Bloom used most of their resources fixing up Tom. It didn’t help that the winter clothing for sale was extremely expensive, clearly taking advantage of unprepared tourists.
The mares approached the two layers of doors that would lead to the harsh outside weather. Scootaloo sighed at how ridiculous the four puffed up mares looked wearing all those layers of clothing. “We look like such obvious tourists,” she said.
They passed through the first layer of doors and stood still for a few seconds looking at the outside. “You ready for this?” asked Rainbow Dash looking over at the others
“We’ll be fine, let’s go,” demanded Apple Bloom. “It’s been way too long since I’ve slept in a real bed.”
“You and me both,” said Scootaloo.
“Here it goes,” said Rainbow Dash.
As she opened the door, freezing winds invaded the interior and effortlessly pierced through whatever layers of clothing the four mares were wearing. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo immediately began shaking violently, but held their ground. Apple Bloom and Jet Stream however quickly ran back into the starport.
Rainbow Dash made an awkward sounding laugh that was mixed in with uncontrollable chattering of teeth. The two pegasi went back for their fleeing companions. “The whole planet is like this?!” asked Jet Stream.
“No, just the mountain range we’re on,” said Apple Bloom.
“Then why did we land up here!?” complained Scootaloo. “Weren’t there any other towns we could have landed in?!”
“Well the majority of their population prefers to stay on top of dangerous mountain ranges,” said Apple Bloom. “I did some reading on this world before we landed. The locals think living in places like this produces hardier ponies.”
“You mean people CHOOSE to live up here?!” asked Jet Stream rather shocked.
Rainbow Dash bit down on Jet Streams sleeve and pulled her out the door again. Apple Bloom hesitantly followed the others outside to a bus stop. The outside weather was even worse than they could have ever imagined.
“Br-brings back me-memories huh Scoots?” asked Rainbow Dash who had gone from a bright cyan to a dark blue. She was referring to the time spent in the Ice House
“Some I’d… rather… forget…” answered Scootaloo who was slowly turning from orange to a reddish violet.
“Can we… take a ta-taxi” begged Jet Stream. “Bus might… not… b-be here for… a while.”
“We don’t have… m-money for… that,” answered Apple Bloom.
The four mares stood in frozen misery huddled up against one trying not to die in the cold. They would have sat down, but the bench was completely frozen and colder than the air at the moment. A colt walked by the four wearing a leather like sweater. He laughed at the huddling mares and commented with a, “tourist.” He shook his head and walked off effortlessly through the weather.
Rainbow Dash would have loved to knock him out, but didn’t feel like breaking the huddle at the moment. Eventually the bus arrived, much later than scheduled, and the four mares practically fought one another to get in first.
The bus driver laughed as the four puffed up mares entered. “Shut up!” shouted Rainbow Dash as she paid the fare. The four of them sat together in embarrassment as the other passengers smiled and chuckled at them. Apparently everyone on this world wore the fine leather the colt from earlier was wearing. Everyone but them at least.
“At least its warmer in here,” said Apple Bloom. “Where are we staying?” she asked.
“The Golden Icicle,” said Rainbow Dash with a bit of dread in her voice.
“That name isn’t very appealing all things considered,” commented Jet Stream.
The bus eventually arrived at the hotel. They were amazed such a luxurious building would be in what seemed to be a run of the mill town. Due to the town's close proximity to the arena where the executions take place, it wasn’t uncommon for VIPs to stay at the town during these events.
The mares exited the bus and entered the hotel as quickly as possible. They didn’t want to be caught in the snow any longer than they had to be. In her rush to open the door, Rainbow Dash charged in and knocked over a unicorn with a severed horn who was leaving the building.
“Watch it gimp!” said Rainbow Dash to the disfigured stallion.
The stallion was helped back up by a purple earth pony mare, “Just ignore her, let’s get going,” said the mare. The two ponies ignored Rainbow Dash and made their exit.
“Rainbow Dash that was rude! You shouldn’t make fun of crippled ponies,” said Jet Stream.
“Forgive me if I’m not in the best mood right now,” said Rainbow Dash brushing the snow off her face. She approached the front desk. Without giving the mare a chance to speak, Rainbow Dash quickly said, “I’m Rainbow Dash, behind me is Jet Stream Dash, Scootaloo Iron Feather, and Apple Bloom… Apple. I know, not a very creative name. Just get us to our room!” she shouted.
The mare remembered those names from earlier in the day. “About your rooms,” she began.
Rainbow Dash grabbed the mares head and pulled it in close. “Listen here. We just froze our hides off waiting for that stupid bus that got here late. We’re tired, we’re hungry, we’re cold, and if you tell me that you overbooked our room, I don’t care what jail you send me too, I am snapping your neck!” threatened Rainbow Dash. She then tossed the receptionist down to the floor.
The terrified mare did her best to stay calm, then replied with, “I was just going to say your room has been upgraded. You’ll be staying at the royal suite free of charge. All room services paid.”
“Oh…” said Rainbow Dash somewhat embarrassed. “Thanks… sorry about that. Not used to the weather is all.”
“Way to look like an idiot,” said Apple Bloom while face hoofing and shaking her head.
“A bellboy will be here shortly to escort you to your room. Though you will be sharing it with another group,” said the mare somewhat hesitantly.
“What?! Why?!” asked Rainbow Dash.
The mare quivered in fear at her response. “I don’t know! It was requested by Shining Armor himself. I don’t question that stallion.”
“Shining Armor made those arrangements?” asked Scootaloo.
“I just work here alright. Can I please just go back to doing my job?” pleaded the mare.
“Girls, it’s the royal suite. Most ponies don’t get to stay at places like that, I’m sure it’s no big deal sharing it. We don’t have any money right now, so let’s just take the room alright? We’re all tired and hungry,” said Jet Stream trying to be the voice of reason.
The mares agreed and waited for the bellboy who arrived shortly afterwards to take them to their rooms.
El Lunes por la noche
It had been a few hours now since they had received the news on the rooms computer. Twilight had just sent them a message informing Rain Sight that Hawkens had blamed the attack on her father because he kept silent rather than give up his daughter's name and location. Rain Sight was taking it pretty poorly. Sweetie Belle was feeling guilty. Sovereign was drinking uncontrollably.
“I can’t believe that bastard!” shouted Rain Sight. Her face was filled with tears and rage. “My father worked for him for years! He would never do anything like that! He just sold him out as soon as he needed a media scapegoat!”
Sweetie Belle, who had just been told everything that had been going on between Sovereign and Rain Sight the last few days, felt particularly guilty about it. “I’m so sorry Rain. I didn’t mean for this to happen to him.”
Rain Sight wanted to be angry at Sweetie Belle, but she also knew she was the only reason that Sweetie Belle had gone berserk in the first place. It was hers and Twilight's actions that caused that attack. It was Hawkens who sold out an innocent man just to make his day easier.
“Sweetie it’s not your fault. There is something you two need to know,” said Rain Sight. “Sovereign the plan wasn’t to get you to breed with me. At least not originally.”
“What, then why were you holding me prisoner?” he asked as he opened another bottle from the suites fridge.
“The plan was to get you to sleep with me so I could take pictures and Twilight could show them to Sweetie Belle. We wanted to make her angry so she’d unlock her full potential. In a very big way, dad’s in jail because… because of me,” said Rain Sight.
“You wanted me to kill all of those people!?” shouted Sweetie Belle.
“Yes… yes we did,” confessed Rain Sight. “We took a lot of peoples loved ones away that day. Now I’m losing mine,” she said.
“It’s not your fault,” said Sovereign as he finished his cup. “She manipulated a lot of people. She tricked me, she tricked Sweetie Belle.”
“But she didn’t trick me!” shouted Rain Sight. “I did it all willingly! I knew what was going to happen when Sweetie Belle was set off! I was in on it the whole time and I didn’t care as long as my family wasn’t hurt…”
“I think you were tricked,” said Sweetie Belle. “Twilight is the one who told me how to find you. She wanted me to kill you.”
“What? That doesn’t make any sense,” said Rain Sight. “She warned me you were coming. If she wanted you to kill me, then why would she go through all of this trouble to keep all three of us alive?” asked Rain Sight.
“I think her plan was to get all three of us together so she could get us off world all at once,” suggested Sovereign as he filled his glass again. “In Sweetie's mental state, I doubt she would have agreed to come with us if Twilight had just asked, she needed to get Sweetie Belle to willingly come to you. Twilight might have been counting on the fact Sweetie Belle wasn’t ready to kill me yet. If Sweetie Belle wanted to, she could have shot me one-hundred times over back at your house.”
“That’s right… Twilight did think Sweetie wouldn’t be able to kill you,” said Rain Sight.
“But what are you going to do about your father?” asked Sweetie Belle. “Your dad is way too old to take on Shining Armor.”
Rain Sight calmed down. “Twilight said not to worry about that. She said she’s already taking care of it.”
“You’re trusting Twilight's word?” asked Sovereign as he finished another glass.
“I don’t know what else to do. It’s not like we can get him out ourselves, we have no idea where he is. Twilight’s thought of everything up until now. I hate to just leave dad in prison but… I think the best thing to do is to just hope Twilight comes through,” said Rain Sight. “Still… I wish there was something I could do about all of this. He’s my dad. It still feels wrong letting someone else handle it while I do nothing.”
Sovereign poured himself another drink. “I hate to agree, but you have a point. All we can do is drink… I mean wait.”
The two mares looked at the stallion has he downed the glass and poured himself another.
“Sovereign I think you have a problem,” said Sweetie Belle. She then looked over to Rain Sight. “Did you let him drink freely at your house?”
“Well yeah… I was trying to get him in the mood. I didn’t think it was a big deal,” said Rain Sight.
Sovereign downed the glass and said, “It wasn’t a big deal.” Sweetie Belle took the bottle from him before he could pour himself another. “Hey, give me that!”
“No!” shouted Sweetie Belle. “You have a problem. I’m not letting you drink!”
“No I don’t,” said Sovereign as he tried to pull the bottle back with his own magic, locking the two of them in a tug of war.
“Yes you do! And it’s taking its physical toll. You couldn’t get it up on the ship remember!?” said Sweetie Belle.
Sovereign immediately let go of the bottle. “You said you wouldn’t say anything!”
“Actually… I may have slipped something into my less than faithful husbands drink that night... to help keep him faithful,” admitted Rain Sight.
“Oh thank the Khala!” said Sovereign. “See, it wasn’t the alcohol, and it wasn’t me!” he said.
“Either way, you’ve had enough,” said Sweetie Belle refusing to hand over the bottle. “I understand we can’t do much of anything at the moment, but we’re not just going to spend the rest of the week watching you kill brain cells.”
“Well what else are we supposed to do around here?!” asked Sovereign.
“We have an exotic planet, with an interesting indigenous people to explore. And we’re loaded. Let’s spend some money, get to know the area!” suggested Sweetie Belle.
“These interesting people are flesh eating hicks,” said Sovereign. “And this exotic planet is a frozen backwater world.”
“I’m from a backwater world!” argued Sweetie Belle defensively. “And Rain Sight needs something to do besides spend all week worrying whether or not Twilight is going to come through for her dad.”
“I think she is right. I could really use something to help me get my mind off of this. It’s not that I don’t care about dad it’s just… it’s really depressing to think about all day,” said Rain Sight.
Sovereign realized she was right. She’s been upset since she received the news, and the stress was clearly getting to her. “Well… we haven’t eaten dinner yet. On our way here I saw something called a bar and grill.”
“No bars!” said Sweetie Belle.
“What’s a grill?” asked Rain Sight.
“I have no idea,” said Sovereign. “But Sweetie Belle recommended checking out this worlds interesting and exotic locations, let’s find out what in the void a bar and grill is.”
“Sounds like a plan I guess,” said Rain Sight.
“You two go on ahead,” said Sweetie Belle. “I’m going to wait here for a bit.” Sweetie Belle was still hoping her friends might be arriving soon since Shining Armor said they would arrive later tonight.
“Are you sure you want to stay alone?” asked Rain Sight. “Can you really trust me alone with my husband? He might get drunk,” she teased.
“Just put some more of that drug in his drink. And if he does something stupid and injures himself, don’t call an ambulance or he won’t learn anything,” said Sweetie Belle jokingly.
“Yeah yeah, let’s go,” said Sovereign.
“Hold on, do you have a phone or something I can contact you with?” asked Rain Sight. “It seems we get service out here, at least in the town anyway.”
“I have that phone Twilight snuck into my duffle bag,” said Sweetie Belle. “Let me get it.” The mare searched for the phone, and the two of them added one another to their contacts before taking off.
As the couple left the suite, Sweetie Belle was left to ponder the circumstances. Even though it was technically Rain Sight and Twilight that had set her up, she still felt sorry for Rain Sight’s father. And as much as she wanted to, she just couldn’t bring herself to hate Rain Sight for what she had done.
She was still seriously considering simply having Sovereign impregnate her. Sovereign was right about all the problems that would bring with it, but there might be no way out of it. If Rain Sight was as caring a mother as she was a wife, then the foal would be in great hooves. But that led to the problem of how Sovereign would see things.
He might actually want to raise it himself as well. That meant Sweetie Belle could be expected to act as the motherly figure on Rain Sight's behalf. What if both of them wanted to raise the child? Would she have to step out entirely and let the two raise it together? She didn’t want to leave Sovereign, but if there was going to be a child involved, maybe it was for the best. Was she just being selfish if she was willing to rip apart a family?
As she continued to think on the subject, an orange Pegasus mare entered the room through the front door. All the problems in the world immediately left her mind as she teleported over and tackled her friend to the ground. “I can’t believe you’re here!” shouted Sweetie Belle.
Finding herself pinned to the ground by a strange unicorn she had never met, a panicked Jet Stream shouted, “It’s an ambush!”
Outside Scootaloo immediately knocked out the bellboy. Rainbow Dash charged in, punched Sweetie Belle in the face, then picked up her up and threw her over the counter. Rainbow Dash was quick to start shouting orders. “Scoots, Jet! Barricade the door. Apple Bloom, hack their systems and try to find us a way out of here. I’ll take care of that unicorn!”
As Sweetie Belle was getting back up, somewhat still disoriented, she was again tackled by Rainbow Dash. A few seconds later, a crackling noise was heard, followed by the sound of a familiar scream. “Sweetie Belle?!” shouted Apple Bloom and Scootaloo in unison.