Chapter 6: Come Sail Away
“Thank you for your assistance with our prisoner, Doctor Smith and Applejack Wesson,” the Judoon platoon leader bowed to the two ponies.
“Think nothin’ of it,” Applejack bowed slightly.
The Doctor also bowed, “Always happy to play a part in protecting the universe.”
“You certainly have today, Doctor. I promise you that this Zygon will pay for the crimes he has enacted,” the Judoon continued.
“I’m sure he will. Also, may I make a suggestion of using some sort of interdimensional crystals for capture and transport of these prisoners? It could certainly save a lot of trouble with incidents like this,” the Doctor explained.
The Judoon nodded, “I shall bring that up to my superiors among the Shadow Proclamation soon. Thank you again for your help again.”
Applejack trotted up to the Zygon prisoner, still disguising itself as Applejack. The orange pony spoke to fugitive, “So, got anythin’ ta say fer yerself?”
The false Applejack stared back at the real thing. The Zygon, in Applejack’s voice, spoke one statement, “Seeing your own doppelgänger is an omen of death. You’ve been warned.”
Before Applejack could ask what those words were supposed to mean, one of the soldiers silenced the Zygon by tighten the restraints.
The platoon leader spoke again, “We shall return to our ships and return this planet to its normal state. I suggest you do the same, Doctor Smith and Wesson. Safe travels.”
With the parting words, the Judoons teleported off the surface of Equestria, leaving the Doctor with Applejack. The two began trotting back to the TARDIS.
“So, tell me, Doc, how did ya know that the other Applejack was a fake an’ ah was real?”
The Doctor smiled, “It’s quite simple really. The questions weren’t how I could tell who was who.”
“Then tell me!” she was started to get impatient.
“The real Applejack would never want me to touch her, much less hug her,” the stallion explained.
“Oh….right, duh,” Applejack’s words were almost sad that it was true.
Arriving at the TARDIS, the Doctor opened the door, “Ah, back to the old girl!” He trotted inside and made his way to the console.
“Well, ah’m sure that ya want ta go and fly off in ta space again like some sort of lunatic. Ah’ll leave ya be,” Applejack stated, following him inside to bid him farewell.
“What, and not have such a strong and bold companion by my side, are you mad?” the Doctor questioned as he began to fiddle with the console, “Just how do you expect me to try and carry on like that?”
Applejack watched his hooves move the instruments, “Wait, are ya inviting me ta travel with ya, Doctor?”
“Do you want to come with me?”
“Well, sure ah do, but….”
“Then what’s stoppin’ ya? Come, let us sail away,” the Doctor pulled a few levers and pressed a number of buttons quickly, “Allons-y, Applejack!” Pulling one last lever, the TARDIS sprang to life and made the familiar whirring sound. Outside, the box vanished from the surface of Equestria.
END