//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5 
// Story: Ashy's Struggle 
// by ForgottenBliss 
//------------------------------//

	I finally arrived at the Canterlot Castle.  "Wow, much bigger than I imagined."  I quickly shut my mouth and blushed.  Did I say that out loud? I thought, embarrassed.  Oh well, at least no one heard. 
"Hi!" a sudden high pitched voice sounded behind me.  I must've jumped about 5 feet in the air.  "Oh, did I scare you?"  I turned around and saw Sunny sitting there.  Releasing a breath I didn't know I was holding, I replied with a simple no and went on my way.  "What's wrong then sis?"  	
"What's wrong is that I need to ask someone in the Solar Empire, the most imposing and powerful organization for the moment, what exactly is going on and I really don't know how that will go over.  The whole 'martial law thing'."  I sat down with my head in my hooves.  "I honestly don't know how I'm supposed to do this."  Sunny came over and rubbed my back, which despite the hardness of her hooves, was a calming gesture. 	
"Look sis," she said, sitting down next to me. "If they aren't helpful, simply say 'Okay, thanks for your time and Praise Celestia!'.  It'll get you through long enough for me to ask around."  I looked at her and she had that silly grin on her face.  Apparently, just as I had hoped and predicted, she was going to be helpful, even if the others wouldn't.  
"Thanks, I guess." I sighed, standing up.  "Well, guess I should get going then.  I know the office opens in about five more minutes and I really need to be one of the first.  Can't be late."  She looked at me with that grin still plastered on her face.  Somehow, it made me feel better. "I guess I'll see you in about ten minutes?"
"Doubtful." She replied, a sad expression on her face. "Even if you are the first one in there, you have to go through about ten minutes of screenings and x-rays to make sure you aren't a Republic spy or a terrorist."  That made sense, in a warry kind of way. "And after that it'll take probably about five or ten minutes for the information to reach the Princess.  Then maybe another fifteen before you actually are granted an audience with her."  
I cut her off, much to her surprise, before she could continue with the itinerary, "Wait, Celestia?!" I asked, extremely shocked.  She looked at me like I was stupid and replied,
"Of course, nopony else knows as much and-" I cut her off again, she started to look annoyed.
"Why Celestia, of all ponies?" I asked, still trying to make sure she wasn't mistaken. "Surely there is a pony in the intelligence department that can-" she cut me off this time, only fair I guess.
"Because even though it wouldn't seem it," she said, exasperated. "Celestia is the one source of true and least biased information.  If it is something you should know, she'll tell you.  Especially if you explain that you are from the Peace Corps.  If it is something you shouldn't know, then she'll simply decline and audience with you and you'll walk out."  She seemed finished so I asked,
"Where you'll be waiting I hope?  With something for me?" I asked, the hope clearly showing in my expression.
"If I can find anything out." She said simply.  I hugged her and her bored expression turned to one of glee.  "Now, go.  You still have some time, but little if you want an undelayed audience."  I broke the embrace and looked her in the eyes.
"Thank you, really.  Maybe later we can actually sit down and catch up proper?"
"I would like that very much," she spoke with happiness and turned away, walking down to the cafe.  I watched her go until I remembered I also had somewhere to be.  After that, I galloped toward the embassy of the Solar Empire, and hopefully toward information.