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// False Prophet 
// Story: Nocturna Eternal 
// by Sleep Sonata 
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	When I returned to Point Nebula the next day, I was exhausted and starving, but I didn’t care in the slightest. It was the oddest sensation to feel such agony, and yet feel so alive. I was brimming with hope. I hoped that this land would make a fitting replacement for the nation I had worked so hard to build here in Nocturna. I couldn’t wait to inform the princess of what I’d found.
The guards that had brought me here were just going back to their quarters when the noticed me. I must’ve given them quite a shock. They crowded around as if I were on my deathbed. There wasn’t time for that, though. “Get me to the capital. I must speak with the Princess.”

Most ponies would be shaking in their horseshoes at the thought of addressing all of the nobility in Nocturna, in addition to the Princess. I though, could not have felt more confident in my entire life. I had a plan to save our race, and once I spelled it out for the nobility, with the Princess’s blessing, I would lead us over the mountains and back to our true home. 
As I walked into the throne room, all eyes were on me. On the sidelines, I could here mutterings among the nobility. I couldn’t tell what they were saying, but you could bet it was something to do with me. I hadn’t told a soul about what I’d seen. All I’d told anyone was that I had a solution to our crisis. If only they knew what I had in store for them.
After the usual proceedings for a formal address, and prepared to give a speech I hoped would turn our fortunes. “Fillies and Gentlecolts, as you are all well aware, our civilization in Nocturna is doomed.” My comment stirred a murmur amongst the crowd. You wouldn’t have thought that would come as a surprise to anypony. “Despite the best efforts of our citizens, the amount of arable land is dwindling, and our food stores are almost depleted.”
One of the lords spoke up from the crowd. “Captain, is the purpose of speech to remind us all of what we already know? If we wanted to somepony say that, we’d go out onto the streets.”
The Princess stood, and glared down the guilty party. “Do not interrupt Captain Crow! Continue, Captain.”
“Thank you, Princess.” I could deal with their disrespect for just a little while longer. “If we stay here in Nocturna, we will perish, that much is certain. However, I’ve discovered our salvation.” The room fell quiet, even the Princess leaned forward, as if it would bring the news to their ears faster. 
The same lord spoke up again. “Captain, your not seriously suggesting we all hop in boats and paddle our way to the promised land. There’s nothing beyond that sea.”
I should have been furious that he’d disrespected me for the second time, and in the presence of Princess Starry Night, of all ponies. Instead, I smirked, for I was about to make him out to be a fool.
“My lord, I would never dream of such a venture. No, our destiny lies elsewhere, somewhere no thestral has been in millennia.” A short pause would build up suspense once more. I guess I was beginning to enjoy myself. “We shall return to Equestria!”
If I had said we should move to the southern forests, everyone would have probably been more receptive. The crowds were at such a state, even the Princess could not calm them. 
Lord Umbra stepped forward from the crowd. “Captain Crow, I am shocked. Has our situation really deteriorated to the point where the Captain of the Nighthawk Guard is reduced to planning an exodus to a fantasy world?”
“My lord, It is no fantasy, I assure you. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. There are pastures and orchards as far as the eye can see. Our species could survive for eternity.” 
“Are we supposed to trust our future on your faith in a fairy tale? I’m afraid you ask a lot of our faith, not to mention our patience.”
I was tempted to knock this insolent fool flat against the wall. I would have been well within my rights to do so, but only my respect for the Princess held me back. “If you choose not to believe me, you can take your chances here, my Lord. Otherwise, I am requesting the necessary resources to prepare the entire nation for an exodus to Equestria.”
I looked to the Princess, hoping to see her standing firm, ready to back her loyal servant. Instead, I saw her shrinking back, glancing around the crowd. I hadn’t intended to divide the court so. The nobility could be left to flounder, but as long as I had the support of the Ruler of all the Thestrals, I could still save my country.
“Princess, may I have your blessing to carry out the exodus?”
I doubt she could even hear me over the banter of the crowd, which eventually grew so loud that even I couldn’t speak above it. I turned back to engage Lord Umbra, but he was already arguing with another noble. As I turned back to the Princess, I saw her, head hung low, being ushered back to her chambers by another mare. I needed to get her approval as soon as possible. I moved through the crowd towards the royal chambers. Nopony in the throne room would miss me.
When I got to her room, I didn’t bother knocking. This matter was simply too urgent. “Princess, forgive me but I must have an answer!”
Her mare friend answered first. “You will wait! You are in no position to demand anything from your monarch!”
I recognized her then. It was Harvest Moon. I remember having to watch over the two when I was first commissioned to the Nighthawks. I hadn’t seen her in years, since she’d left to teach children on the coast. I guess with the boats, she didn’t have many pupils left.
“Harvest, I understand that she is your friend, but as Princess of the Thestrals, her subjects well being comes first. Now let her speak for herself.”
She inserted herself between myself and the Princess, had I not known her personally, I would simply brushed her aside. But she was devoted to her friend, to the point where no other issues concerned her. It was a difficult philosophy to live by, especially in these trying times. Still, the well being of the populace had to come first, and if that meant pushing the Princess for an answer, then so be it.
“Step aside, Harvest. I will detain you for interfering with royal duties.”
“Starry’s under enough pressure as it is. You can’t expect her to fund your expedition. Equestria doesn’t even exist.”
“It does exist, and it’s only hope of avoiding extinction. All I need is for her to say yes.”
The princess now came forward, though without the authority one would expect. Her posture seemed more indicative of a sorry toddler than the ruler of a nation. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of her. 
“Captain, please forgive me, but I can’t support action that causes such disharmony. There must be another way.”
It was hard to maintain proper etiquette. Every movement she made expressed such sorrow and hopelessness, I was worried it might rub off on me. “Princess, I’ve looked for every possible alternative. Equestria is real, and it will save us. I’ve already drafted plans, but I need your permission to execute them. I beg of you, as your humble servant.”
It was no good. She slumped down and began murmuring to herself. No one should have to see their sovereign in such a state. I was just glad Harvest were the only ones to see it. If word got out that the Princess had lost hope, who knows where else the ponies would try to go.
I retired that night in a state of despair. My honor had been tarnished, my hopes dashed, and what’s worse, my faith in the Princess was in shambles. I was only one stallion, without a single patron at court. I could lead the effort, but Starry Night needed to lead the ponies. If she couldn’t do that, what was I to do?
It came to me, and under different circumstances, I’d have considered myself a traitor. But I felt something inside myself, a drive for success. I realized something then; my loyalties lay not with the crown, but with the nation. Their prosperity came first, and if Princess Starry Night couldn’t provide it, then somepony else had to.