Adam stood in his shower, barely moving. He was tired, aching and grumpy. To most people this is how you feel in the morning, but to him he had to listen to 4 hours of that 'fondue' last night. He groaned like a zombie trying to reach for the temperature control of the shower. He hadn't noticed the shower he was standing in was bigger than normal or how lavish it was. That may be due to his eyes still stinging from lack of sleep, so he could barely open them.
Eventually with a few misses his hand found the dial and he put it straight to cold, freezing in fact. In a few seconds the hot water cut off and the cold water thundered down the pipes, pouring out of the shower head and landing directly onto the soldiers bare skin. The effect was immediate, Adam screamed.
It was thing he did every so often to wake himself up. Especially in these scenarios, the shower would shock him into being awake and then coffee would give him caffeine in his system to keep him awake as long as possible. Today though he would need a lot of coffee.
He was used to sleep deprivation in his training but that was in the field, every soldier acts differently when they are in the field. Right now he was his normal self, Adam, not Sergeant Jones of the pathfinders.
He gritted his teeth to take the pain of the cold away and stood there forcing himself to wash in the cold cascade. Now washed and cleansed of tiredness he climbed out and rushed to get ready in his nice warn clothes. For that day he would wear his assault order for training. If he was going to stay here, he might as well get some training in pony tactics and may be show them some of his moves. He put on his UBACS shirt and combats but left his webbing and training gear behind, for now he had one job, breakfast.
One problem, he had no Idea where the cook house was. After his fight yesterday he had missed the full tour of the base so he had no Idea where things would be. Worst part was to him was he had a lot to do today. He looked in the mirror trying to think a way around. But to no avail, he leaned against the mirror pressing his head against to trying to think.
He could wait till other guards got up and followed them, but he would rather get breakfast early to have more time. He guessed no other pony was awake since it was still silent. He dare not ask a guard after the incident in the corridor. But he would definitely not ask the lieutenant in case things got awkward.
"Screw it," he said to himself "I'll walk around till I find it" Adam set off grabbed his beret and proceeded to walk through the building towards the exit. Once out he took in a deep breath of cold fresh air, even though he still felt warm from his skin still being in shock. The sun was slowly starting to rise visibly to his eyes, which in his mind made no sense. 'that's odd, you normally don't actually see the sun move' he said internally. He shrugged off the idea and based it on the world he was on. He started his long walk around the base, hopeful that he would not get lost. He looked at the time and was only 7:30am, he was expecting the whole base to be waking up by now, but no not a single pony. He looked along the walls, there was still guards at least in post. He walked around the building looking for any signs of movement but there was none. He felt kind of disgusted the fact a military was not up by now, if he were back on his base this would be a lie in.
But then again this was not his army, if that is the way they run things fine. That's what they can do. He continued to walk taking note of where everything was. There was no signs just numbers on the buildings, so he could not tell which building was which. At the same time he was trying to figure out where the gym was, a good running route and the medical hut. They should have the medical building marked at least surely.
He continued to walk along the paths, looking around until he noticed a strange smell. He stopped in his tracks for a second and sniffed the air, what was that smell? Could it be? Food?
"Well thank fuck for that" He said to himself. He had found a way to the cook house, all thanks to his senses.
He followed his nose, trying to figure out where the smell of food was strongest. But like any cook house it was isolated and hidden. Once he reached the doorway, he looked around and started to notice guards now waking up staggering towards where he was. He took another look at his watch that now read 8am. Lucky for him he seemed first in queue, He entered the doorway leading into the cookhouse.
It seemed very normal to him, long tables for people to sit in, these being slightly larger of course to accommodate to ponies. He looked ahead to see into the open kitchen, seeing the cooks rush around to produce breakfast on an industrial scale. One of the earth pony cooks however noticed Adam looking around. He stared for a moment wondering what a human was doing here. He just shrugged the thought away, wasn't the first time the cook had strange visitors. The soldier walked closer to the cook and greeted him "Morning" The earth pony just looked at him and grunted. Adam just ignored him and looked at the food.
Its all hay, all the freaking food is hay related. All the labelled food had hay in it, great. I looked behind me seeing the queue growing longer, so I couldn't just stay here with a bunch of angry guards behind me. I moved along the serving station hoping for something that was human friendly. Just by chance I saw the fruit at the end and some cereal. I moved along picked up a few bowls of cereal and fruit, 3 cups of coffee as well. The guard behind me just looked shocked at the amount of food I was now carrying, so I just stated "Mommy says I'm a growing boy" I laughed. I sat down at the first table at the end and started munching away. I looked at the line that was still growing. Some guards with half their armour on, some in what I think was recruit armour due to the lack of emblems and marks. I got a few staring back at me, I wasn't sure what they were thinking but I didn't care.
As I carried on eating more and more guards passed me, sitting a distance away from me. Clearly my actions yesterday left a mark on what they thought of me. I was just about finished eating and now drinking as much caffeine as possible. I could tell a few of the guards were talking about me, a few even looked like they wanted to punch me. I don't blame them to be perfectly honest. I did just beat up one of their own.
I was on my second cup (thank god they have huge mugs) when a pony sat in front of me. Who else could it be but my bat sex crazy lieutenant friend. "Hi!" She chirped as she sat down, no surprise to her happy mood.
"Morning" I groaned in response, still a little tired. She sat across me with a small bowl of fruit. I guessed at that point they must be related to fruit bats not vampire bats like I was worried about. Seriously, I was worried she may one night need to feed and come into my room to have a quick bite or she already fed on that poor stallion last night.
She looked at my small pile of bowls next to me in fascination, I decided to query her over it
"What?".
"Nothing, just that's a lot of food" She gestured towards the pile.
"Yeah, well some soldiers need a lot of calories from time to time. I'll probably burn through that by lunch today," At that point an idea hit me to ask "You don't know where I might find Captain Shining do you?"
She stopped eating to think and respond "Well he'll be at the officers mess eating after that he'll be in his office in the castle, or doing his inspections. He likes doing that."
"Where exactly is his office?"
"Fourth floor, north sector, corridor 5. It will have directions don't worry. Why do you need to find him anyway?" She asked as I took another sip of my beverage.
"Need to apologise for last night, things did get out of hand. If me and him are going to be working together, best not to have any grudges," I was now wondering why she was not in the officers mess "Why aren't you with the officers?" Instead of actually answering me, she pointed to the table 3 rows away. There sat what I guessed her platoon, the two I ran into from last night where there as well. All of them goofing around annoying all the other guards around them.
She stood up from her seat for a second and turned on her fierce face again "Hey moon platoon!" All the ponies on the third table looked around to see their commander staring right at them. "How about you eat your food instead of throwing it about, because trust me later you're going to need all the energy you can get. So buck up!" The table fell silent and all the bat ponies around it began eating, much quicker I might add. The feared mare now sat back down and returned to normal "Sorry about that, they are the worst platoon I've ever had.
They have the morning off to rest for training later this evening but no they mess around and turn up to training exhausted." She added before returning to her meal.
"Sounds like hell to train them" I added.
"Oh you have no idea"
"Well do you need help later? Need something to do once I've done my daily list. Some special forces training may knock them into gear." I said. I know I already had a lot to do but helping out, especially with that mob might help gain some rep with the rest of the guard.
"Thanks, that might help. I must warn you they are a handful"
"Oh don't you worry, I think they will find me to be the handful" I said coyly tapping my fingers on my mug like a villain.
She picked up a spoon in her hooves and began to eat her fruit. Was weird they could use cutlery in their hooves. "So," I began to ask "Why you so happy this morning? You seem to be beaming with glee" I smiled at her, I was going to see if I can embarrass her as revenge for last night. I really do love my sleep.
She stopped for a second to think of what to say "Well I got some good sleep last night, didn't you?" I could see her now trying to avoid my gaze.
"No, I didn't actually. Some weird noises going on last night, couldn't tell what made them." I paused for dramatic effect, she carried on eating. Now for the final blow "I don't know what they were, I don't think mice make the noise 'rut me like your first'"
She stopped just as she was going to put another spoon in her mouth, and went wide eyed.
"You heard what happened last night didn't you?" she said bluntly.
"Heard!?" I threw back "I even felt it all that... stuff going on! I barely got any sleep last night. You were at it for 4 Hours!" I was cut off at that point by her placing a hoof over my mouth.
"Keep it down! I don't want anypony knowing about this." She whispered. She then removed her hoof from my mouth and I continued in a lower tone, for her sake.
"Oh, you want it all quiet now don't you? You just made how much noise last night, I'm pretty sure they all know by now. this better not be a regular thing is it?" I asked looking straight at her so she can't escape my eyes. She looked down for a second to think of something before answering.
"Look," she said lightly "I'm a mare who... how do I put this? Likes, well sex to put it bluntly. I love it, so much that I pretty much have it with some stallions once a week at least."
"Right, okay," I began "I appreciate you being open on this. I do agree with you everyone loves sex but not the guy who is next door trying to sleep."
"Yes well, I am sorry for that. But what am I meant to do? If any of the officers or my platoon find out, I will lose my reputation."
"I don't know? Get some egg crates and tape them to the wall. Or soundproofing or something. That way no one can hear you."
She paused for a bit and brought a hoof to her chin she must of had an idea. "Well I can get a unicorn to enchant the wall so its soundproof, it has been a while since I've had a unicorn. Very good with..." At that point I cut her off.
"Nope. don't need that information sorry. But the enchanting sounds good, however that works. Just get it soundproof so I can sleep. After that you can 'rut' all you like. Just don't break through the wall with an orgy or something." At that point I realised I had finished my coffee and she her breakfast.
"Well, I better go and prepare for later, need to polish my armour." She said before lifting off the table tray in hooves as she flew.
I did the same, just not the flying part. "Same but, I need to put on my armour and see how things work around here."
"I would give you a tour but you know." She said placing her tray on the washing.
"It's cool. Anyway glad we cleared that up. I'll see you later lieutenant." I gave my farewell and started to head for the door. still getting eyes looking at me from around the room.
"See you around sergeant." She replied behind me as I walked off.
I noticed the sun had risen more now and the whole base was illuminated like it was midday. Already it was starting to get warmer, which was pleasant but may mean it being warmer when it actually was midday. May need to pack extra water for today. I set off back to my room passing the Husky making sure it was still locked. Do not need another Lyra incident happening.
I then reached my room and began putting on my webbing and armour. I opted for the osprey armour they gave me than my more lightweight and more exposed chest plate armour. May be good for speed and lightness but not as good for protection, who knows what may happen. I filled my daypack with plenty of water, a spare shirt and my helmet. Then my eyes went towards the weapons.
'Will I need one?' I thought to myself. I debated in my head for a second whether I should or shouldn't. The hell with it I'll take the assault rifle, just without the UGL no need to go overboard. I did a quick skip to the weapons chest, opened it up and lifted out the C8 carbine. As a man who knows all too well what guns can do and emphasises on safety, I still love these things. I did a quick NSP drill and checked for any abnormalities, also to get a feel for the weapon.
I unclipped the UGL and put it back in its foam insert, took out a 3 magazines and closed it. Next the ammunition chest I unlocked took out some 5.56 rounds and quickly bombed them into the magazines. Now I was ready, I placed the magazines into my webbing pouch as I set off through the door. If the sight of human weapons doesn't get shining in a good mood, I don't know what will.
I set off towards the castle, but as I walked down the corridor all the bat pony guards were returning to sleep and the other ponies were all going on duty. Got a few grunts from the bat ponies and a few evil stares from all the others. I love being so welcome here.
|A few steps later and I was in the castle, now what was it she said 'third floor north...' blank. Normally I remember that kind of information but not on a tired day. Again, I'll just bumble around till I find it. At least I know which sector it is in, hopefully it isn't too big.
Adam wandered aimlessly through the corridors and hallways, looking for a set of stairs. Eventually he found some, he could of asked any number of guards he walked past. But he thought still that it would be a bad idea. Right now he was trying to play the hearts and minds game with the Royal guard.
He climbed to the third floor and was not set on finding the north section of the palace. But he had a dilemma.
Finding north is easy, its just north. But north on a building could mean one of two things, one the side of the building that is facing real north or two, the actual front of the building is north. So he had to guess where the north side was. He tried to look for a sign but he saw nothing, he just saw the same identical corridors like the ones he just past.
So he looked at his watch and pressed the compass mode. He hoped that Equestria had a strong enough magnetic field to detect, if it had a magnetic field. Luckily for him it did, the compass pointed north on the digital display. Now he knew his bearing, if the device was reading it right.
He walked until he found a corridor with doors lining the walls. Each door had a name on it, each name its own title and rank, Adam now knew he was in the right spot. He walked down whispering 'Captain shining', trying to make spotting is name easier. Eventually he came across the desired name. He looked at the door which read 'Cpt./Prince Shining Armour'. The door was wooden like the others but each door had a symbol on it. Shining's emblem was of his cutie mark. a purple star in a shield. Adam had noticed the unicorns symbol before, if he wasn't mistaken he swear he saw a similar star around the castle.
Adam autonomously checked his uniform, until he realised he was pretty much in assault order but he still fixed his beret. He clipped his rifle to his daysack on his back, trying to reveal his surprise to Shining. If all diplomacy fails, bribe the sucker.
He gently knocked on the door and waited for a response. "Come in!" he heard from behind the door. Adam stepped in keeping the door open behind him, he took a few steps forward saluted and stood perfectly still waiting for a response. It was something automatic to him so once he was still he began to analyse the room.
The whole place was a mess. Papers scattered everywhere and bits of what Adam thought to be training equipment, he even saw a bow in the corner. In front of him was the desk, what could be a desk anyway. Like the whole room it was covered in papers and scrolls but a few bits of crafted wood peaked out trying to remind those that there was a desk there. But then he noticed something, stood in a clearing on the desk was a photo. It wasn't facing him so he couldn't see what it was, but he could tell it was something important to the captain as it had not a single paper around it. It was the only spot on his desk that was left tidy.
Where the photo faced was a large scroll being levitated in a blue aura and behind that sat a captain trying to read carefully as possible what was written. He hadn't paid full attention to the human that just walked in, he just thought it was another one of his lieutenants come to ask something. He stopped what he was reading to address his visitor, only to look surprised at the sight of Adam the human soldier.
He looked him dead in the eye remembering the last time they met. Even the bruises on his flank reminded him. "What do you want sergeant?" He asked with a hint of anger in his voice.
Adam took a deep breath trying to think of what to say next "I'm here to apologise," he said flatly. He was expecting something better to come out of his mouth.
"Didn't you already do that yesterday?" was the response.
"Well, yes but we both know we were forced to say that in front of the princess," he began to pace the room trying to state his case. He was now in full soldier mode just simple and straight to the point. "I am here to apologise fully from my own mouth."
"What you did yesterday was reckless you know that?"
"Yes, I do. I apologise, but I will explain my actions," Shining was about to carry on with his boiling of Adam until the sergeant put up a hand to shush him. "I'm sure you are aware that all soldiers/guards have their way of unwinding? Am I right?" Shining nodded slowly in response
"Well I think the first thing that you should know is that human soldiers tend to unwind by pulling pranks. This is common in my profession as we do extreme work and need to do something extreme to counter the work they do. Some go camping, some see their girlfriend. For me I do camping as my job and I don't have a girlfriend. So I like to play pranks, In that case play a loud song out of a car to annoy everyone. And I know that you probably did the same when you were a recruit."
Shining listened to every word he said, interested in what he was saying. He thought a moment about what he said. It was true that to unwind some of his men would pull pranks on each other. He even knew the princesses played pranks and he himself had been the victim of some. Maybe he was just a sore loser and hated being a joke. "Well, I am sorry too. Maybe I reacted too harsh and throwing the first punch was unprofessional. I am sorry too sergeant," the unicorn sighed, Adam relaxed slightly "But I am still not pleased with your behaviour, even if I accept your apology."
"I thought you might say that," Adam said now back into his personal self "and for us to work together we have to have no more grudges so I swear to keep the pranks down to a minimum. None that will relate to you either, for the sake of your reputation. Plus I know I will have to make up for it so later today I am going to ask the Princess to give a weapons demonstration, maybe you could tag along. You never know might even let you have a go." Adam teased the captain, now leaning on his desk toward the pony. He could now see the photo on his desk out of the corner of his eye. It was a picture of another mare similar to the princesses with wings and horn. But a lot skinnier and had a pink coat that reminded him of bubble gum. He guessed it to be his wife who was a princess.
Shining showed no expression to what Adam said, but inside the little filly of his soul was screaming of delight. "Well that would be interesting" He tried to say, but Adam could see the twinkle in his eyes.
"Good," The soldier said hopping off the desk, trying not to disturb his papers "No offence, I think you have a serious admin problem."
"Yeah," The captain sighed "I leave Canterlot for a few months and the paperwork just piles up. Next time I head to the crystal empire, I am taking my company with me."
"Crystal empire?" Adam questioned.
"The empire me and my wife Princess cadence rule it is part of Equestria," He swivelled the photo with his magic he could now see the picture fully. "That's Cadence my mare. She is currently the princess of love." From what Adam could work out it was a wedding photo of him next to his bride. The uniform Shining was wearing though shocked him as it was very similar to the one the Irish guards wear outside Buckingham Palace.
"Princess of love? Like Celestia of the day?"
"Yeah like that" The unicorn explained. Adam just thought it was a title thing, but something in the back of his mind told him it was something else. He looked at his watch to check the time, it was almost midday which meant the princess will be meeting him soon.
"Captain, apologies but I am going to have to cut this short. I have a meeting in a short time and I need to be ready." I stepped back heading for the door.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm having lunch with princess Celestia, Think it is just an update that and my allowance for money. So I will see you around, I'll be with moon platoon helping them with training."
"Wait," Shining shot up at his desk "You're helping moon platoon?"
"Yeah why?
He laughed a little before answering "May the princesses take pity on your soul" he laughed. I had a bad feeling of what he just said. Looks like this Platoon has a bit of a reputation with most of the guard. Then again if I can turn them I might just gain plenty of reputation.
"Anyway see ya!"
Adam was now stood just outside the Husky outside the dorms, waiting for the princess to turn up, or something to happen. She neglected to mention how they would meet for lunch, or where it would be for that matter. He looked at his watch that now read 11:30am, already he had checked his equipment, grabbed his laptop, checked the engine and stripped his Glock several times but nothing happened. He huffed leaning on the side of the door. He would normally listen to music but his phone was still broke.
He watched in the distance all the recruits being ran around by their instructors. Some of the groups were split up into three subspecies, getting specialist training for their kind. But he could not see where they went after that. He did want to walk through the palace gardens, maybe find a good run route. But he dare not, not with his first meeting anyway.
'I should of really talked to the captain more' he thought to himself 'maybe learn more about moon platoon'. He sniggered at the silly name, then again if he was going to have some input on them, he would make their name the best name he could. Just as he was thinking of how to train the platoon an earth pony servant walked up to Adam. "The Princess requests your presence 'sergeant'" he spoke gracefully.
"About bloody time" Adam said getting up and grabbing his daysack of the hood with his rifle still attached. Adam started to follow the servant in front that was still walking in a respected manner. They proceeded through the guards gate and into the palace itself. They took a few turns but did not climb any stairs, much to his relief. He did not want to climb a tower that was almost in the clouds.
They went through a few more doors to reach a door that was open. The two went through the door and found themselves back outside in one of the gardens. They stood on a patio with a table in the middle. Sat there, drinking tea was the Princess of the sun.
"As requested Sergeant jones, princess" The servant announced. Celestia turned putting down her tea in her magic to address the sergeant, but he got there first. He came to attention and saluted her like he did the day before "Princess".
"Sergeant, it is good to see you again, please take a seat. We have much to discuss" She said politely.
The human soldier stepped forward and took a seat across from the princess. "So how are you finding your time here so far?" She asked.
"Well believe it or not it is not that different from home," He said leaning in trying to seem relaxed. He was expecting her to be still ticked off from last night but to his surprise she was being polite. "Replace the ponies with humans it is not much difference"
"That is good, so you have settled in well I presume?"
"Well," Adam paused for a second to think of an answer. He was going to mention the near fight yesterday, the guard already taking a dislike and not to mention his reason for little sleep. But instead he decided to miss that information out "Yes I have. I did not get much sleep last night though might be because of the new environment. But other than that all is good so far" he lied.
"All is well then. Although the incident last night does not impress me" He face turned one of kindness to a mother giving stern words.
"Yes, I understand. I would like to apologise for my behaviour last night. Things got a little out of hand, I have already talked to captain Shining about it and we have resolved our differences. I would also like to apologise to you princess for the incident, it was mainly my fault."
"Thank you sergeant, I am glad you have been the gentlecolt and apologised. But please restrain from punching one of my best captains again" She giggled.
Adam laughed slightly too, her laugh made him feel full and happy with the world it was weirdly contagious. "So how goes running the country?" Adam tried to ask, making some conversation and being polite.
Celestia stopped her giggle and was quite shocked at the question. Here she was expecting to be asking these kind of questions not the other way around "Running the kingdom is quite fine sergeant, thank you for asking. It is rare a pony asks me how I am fairing"
Adam smiled that he had just made some ground in the conversation. But he looked her straight in the eyes and saw something.
Strain, he had seen it all before. When soldiers took on more than they can chew he could see it in them. It was a gift he had from when he was young. He could read people tell what they thought, he could even put himself in their shoes. This made him one of the best at communication with people and made him an effective soldier. Right now he could see the glare and tiredness in her eyes from whatever it was keeping her up at night.
"Impressive, I was expecting to be some troubles. I thought it would be hard running a country. For a ruler like yourself to be where you are now. That is quite the feat." Adam tied to play her to see if he could make her open just a little. For some reason it was just out of curiosity but really he somehow felt sorry for her, with all her burden.
"Well it can be tough at time like now, but I have had plenty of experience. I am over 1000 years old remember."
'She's good' He thought. "A time like now?" He now asked.
"Well ever since we have found out we are not alone it has been a little, strenuous at times," She took another sip of her tea "Would you like some tea before the chef arrives?" She asked trying to avoid anymore of the human asking. She could tell what he was doing, but every time she tried to back off he kept pressing. And it was starting to show.
"Yes please," He gladly took a cup and let the princess pour him the hot beverage. He took a sip and to admit, it was pretty good brew even from a British standard. "So our presence has caused problems?" Now he took a full shot at the princess, make or break moment.
"Well..erm" The princess stuttered for a second, now she was trapped in this mind game.
Normally she would of dodged such questions even with all the nobility but this human had broke her down in just a few sentences.
"Princess, if you are holding back information that could harm Amicus, it could end up in a very bad situation for everyone. What is it you are not telling?" He looked her dead in the eye with no expression, he was glad he was taught how to interrogate before he was a pathfinder. Originally he worked in the intelligence corps of the British army, so he learnt all his intelligence gathering there.
The princess stopped to think of a way back out but she could not think of any. If she just avoided the question it could just jeopardize the relationship they and between Equestria and earth. But if he told the soldier the truth how would he react? In the end though she yielded. She closed her eyes took one sip of her tea and began to explain. "Sergeant, what I am about to tell you is sensitive. You may not like it one word. But all is true and I must ask you to keep in mind from my position I had no choice." She took a deep breath to clear her mind and began to explain.
"When our worlds met and after the agreement to exchange information and explore. there was a problem. You see Equestria is not the only nation of this world. There is Saddle Arabia, Dragon lands and The griffon kingdom. All the nations were thrilled as Equestria to find they were not alone, all except one. The griffons..." Adam leaned in and butted in a question.
"Wait griffons? you mean eagle head winged lions? Mythical creatures from where I come from?"
"Yes, now please I must continue," Adam sat back shocked at another truth of this world but he carried on listening. "The Equestrian kingdom and the Griffons have not had the best relationship since time began. The griffons grew jealous of our ability to use magic and use it to perform actions that could cause great devastation. Over the years that all died down, that was until now. Ever since humans came with your technology, the jealousy and paranoia once felt by griffons has came back.
They were worried that you would bring us weapons to defeat the griffons and take over their land. They had already heard of your capacity for war and were scared. But when the humans wanted to send troops to protect their own. Of course the Griffons were not pleased. But then again the humans were not just for letting me use my own guards to protect them. They wanted human soldiers here to protect them. But the griffons did not. So I made a choice; I would let one human soldier through to help protect them and manage security of Amicus as a military exchange. However I did this behind the griffons back. They have no idea that you exist Adam"
Adam sat his his seat completely shocked at what she had just said. from what he basically could lean was he was the tipping point for a possible war between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom. He could not move out of shock from the truth. One part of his mind wanted to scream at the princess for being so stupid to risk her people, but on the other side he could see she had no choice. It was either lose a friend or risk a possible enemy. If he was in her shoes he would probably make the same decision.
"Princess, that is... not good to say the least," He spoke finally from his state of shock. Adam felt cold with the burden that was now on his shoulders. Never mind protecting his people, he now had the whole of Equestria too. Celestia's expression dropped with the comment she looked at her tea on the table and her ears splayed back. "However from what you have told me, you had no choice but to comply. I am sorry you were put in that situation. Now your people are at risk because of me."
"I have not slept well since that day," A tear fell from her eyes and into her tea making a dripping noise "I only want what is best for my little ponies. But now I have put them at risk."
Adam thought for a moment making the whole table silent. No one spoke and no one moved. Until he broke the silence "Princess, I fully understand your actions. If I were you I would do the same. I also thank you for opening up to me. I understand being a leader is hard work, I have been there myself. You only want what is best for your men, or in your case subjects. For that I understand all the caution. But I promise you I will not endanger your people. I may not be able to leave now but I will help out in anyway by keeping myself away from being seen. And if it all goes to shit I will take the blame and will stand by you, the whole of earth will. I swear." Adam smiled at her but she was still silently crying, so he got up walked across to her and placed a hand beneath her chin raising her eyes to meet his. "I promise to protect not just my people but yours. That is a soldier's promise. I will keep a low profile for you and your peoples sake."
Adam saw a little hope now ignite in her eyes. He smiled at her to give her some reassurance and she gave a smile back. He was glad though nobody was around or else that would of looked awkward. He walked back to his seat and sat down. "Princess, thank you for opening up, but remember you are not alone. I know it is hard being a leader, but remember there is your sister, me and your people all right behind you."
"Thank you sergeant,"
"Please call me Adam, you have opened up to me and trusted me now I can trust you. So please off duty just call me Adam"
"Thank you... Adam" She smiled at him trying to wipe away her tears before the chef arrives.
"Now then onto more pressing issues do you have the contract?" He asked trying to change the atmosphere.
"Yes I do" She magically teleported a parchment and quill mid air that made Adam jump. But he put it to 'new world, new rules' theory. He picked up the paper and quill and read it. Surprisingly for him it was short. Not like contacts on earth that covered every detail, this was broad and straight to the point. AN agreement stating that he would receive temporary funds until a time when he could pay them back within the year. He read it in under a minute and quickly signed the bottom, handing it back. "Thank you" She said "I shall have the funds delivered to your room"
"Thank you, princess it helps a lot," He said. "So what's for lunch?" He asked, his stomach growling for its food.
"Hay sandwiches."
'Bollocks' Adam thought.