Anon's POV:
Outside is just as cold as it was before. As if to visually prove itself to you, your breath froze right in front of you in the frigid winter temperatures. While you always liked that fact about this time of year, you could always do without the cold.
Like all humans do, you soon found yourself bickering mentally at the all the little things. Yet to your surprise, the moment you exit the Golden Spoon Diner Spitfire speaks up. Thus -thankfully- breaking your inner ranting.
“Well, you got your meal. So I’m going to go take a trip to the Canterlot Castle to see if Celestia or Luna is able to give me some funds to take you to Cloudsdale. Since, after all it is their punishment they’re so graciously bestowing on me.” Spitfire claims.
“Can I com-” is all you can say before Spitfire jumps up into the air and bolts off towards the castle. This just leaves you standing comically in the middle of the cold cobblestone streets with your pointer finger slowly curling itself downwards.
“-e with you...” You trail off with a long and deep sigh.
Continuing your walk in a random direction, you start to think about what your standings are with the orange pegasus pony.
You really wanted to get to know the fiery mare some more, and maybe fix the predicament you gotten the two of you into. But with her avoiding you like the black plague it really makes it difficult to progress.
At this moment in your walk, you contemplate if it’s even worth the effort. If she isn’t going to try and make things work out, then why should you? Hell, you don’t deserve to be treated like this! Like you're some kind of baby that needs to be pampered and looked after. Stopping your walk, you think deeper into the subject.
You, Anon, are a man not a child, and in this life do you really want to be known as someone like that?
No! You say to yourself as you grow more determined.
This however, just brought another problem to the table. Which is how, exactly are you going to even start to fix this. Yes, you had plans of restoring your plane, but until then what could you do for money? It was then that you started your walk again. The cobblestone streets took you deeper into the city as you start to take in your surroundings.
Festive banners flapped silently in the early winter air. The streets seemed to be somewhat deserted from what you can only assume to be your presents. While the press and scientists seemed to love you, everypony else made an effort to avoid you.
Which in all honesty here isn’t that bad at all. In fact, it just made looking at this beautiful city that much more enjoyable. Nopony was around to bump into you, no pony was yelling over the crowd to be heard and most importantly nothing was blocking your view of the many shops and houses lining the streets.
Having such a clear view walking down the streets, you start to look at what each shop entails.
“Needle and thread sign, no doubt some kind of tailors.” You mumble your thoughts out loud as you continue down the street. Your mindset on bringing something to the table tonight other than disappointment and forced responsibility settles itself in as you continue to look at the signs.
“Anvil and hammer, don’t even know how to cut metal. Wings and a package, can’t even fly, so why even bother looking in there. Book and quill, hmm maybe I could sort some of them for a bit or two.” You claim, finally finding something that might actually work out well. As things were starting to look up, you even spot a help wanted sign posted against the glass window.
Having nothing preventing you from waltzing right in, you enter the establishment. Bringing with it a nice little bell chime when you open the door. It was the little things like that, which made getting through the tough day that much more enjoyable. What the occupants of the building bring however, is fearful looks and disapproving scoffs. It was almost like a sailor walking into a room full of pilots.
Seeing the reactions of the ponies inside you mentally facepalm. Right... this is kind of a social job. Why would anypony want to buy something from an alien like myself. You comment to yourself as your expectations on being hired fall out of the sky. If anything, you would have a better chance getting the job at the blacksmiths.
Nevertheless, since you entered anyways you mosey on over to the counter. A stern looking mare sits up front, an expression of discussed on her face as she eyes you walking over to her.
You’re not going to get the job Anon just turn around now and walk out. You say to yourself. However, you being well… you, decide to give it a shot anyways.
“Hay, I saw that help wanted sign out front and came in to apply for the position.” You introduce, as you smile down at the white coated mare.
“Sure, you're hired.” the mare replies.
“Really? You serious?” You question back.
“No,” the mare blatantly rebukes, “Your presents here would only hinder my profits. Now get out of here before I call the guards on you for disrupting my business.”
Well that escalated quickly, I’m getting the strangest feeling like a lot of ponies need anger management classes. Hmm maybe I could start my own, get money that way. You mentally claim to yourself.
“Guards!” The white coated pony yells out.
Right, I’m not wanted here! You say quickly to yourself before you make it your top priority to get the hell out of there. Which in turn only lasts about two seconds before you’re back out on the streets doing what you were doing before.
“I really wish ponies were more accepting of other species...” You say to no one in particular. Letting out a sigh for the umpth time you once again turn your attention to the signs rocking in the wind.
“Typewriter and scroll, man who would even make writing a job let alone a hobby. Microphone and notes, another social job that would cause me hinder their income...” You trail off once again speaking to the empty space beside you.
“Can’t there be any job out here that I can do? Anything, even manual labor would be a blessing.” It’s now starting to become apparent to you, that being avoided is causing you to slowly lose your sanity. You almost feel tempted to just turn back and chat with the press ponies and scientists…
That's when it dawned on you, scientists. You were pretty sure that they would love to examine you and put you through many tests. In fact, you're willing to bet they would pay you quite a bit for some of them.
With that thought in mind you change your course and head towards the castle. The one place that you could be certain to get directions and answers. Spitfire would likely be long gone seeing as your little detour took you more than a couple of hours.
It’s wired how time flies when you have a clear goal in mind. You went to what, one shop out of the hundreds that you passed.
Just like you had stated. You soon find yourself before the two large golden doors. The line wasn’t that bad this late in the evening, so you didn’t mind waiting your turn to see the sun goddess.
As if on cue the two doors open and you walk in as two other ponies bickering at each other exit. Celestia herself keeps up her regal appearance as the doors close behind you. Which makes you start to wonder if she’s ever been in a relaxed state while tending to the court. Either way you were going to ‘spice’ things up a bit this session. Maybe make her laugh a little to ease the day's tasks.
“Ah Anon, what brings you to my court today?” Celestia asks. “I made arrangements with Spitfire to take you to Cloudsdale earlier, you have some questions?” She continues to assume.
Making Celestia’s court a bit more ‘interesting’ as you said before, you didn’t stop in the 'normal' spot all the other ponies did, but instead walked right up to her. “No, i actually came here to just ask you if you would be willing to pay me if I willingly let your scientists performed tests on me.”
By this time, you’re right in front of her, Celestia looks at you with confusion for a moment before answering your question. “I know of some scientists that would love to have your time, but why do you wish for payment? I already gave you a hefty amount to get you back on your feet.”
“Yeah, well I kind of spent it on a tool I would need for my plane.” You state sitting down cross legged in front of her. “So how about it? You give me some bits, and I let your scientists prod me with sticks?”
Celestia’s stoic expression starts to falter, but nevertheless stays strong. You have one more thing that might push her over the edge.
“I supposed I could, how much where you thinking about. Seeing as you got a good taste of how much one bit is worth, from your earlier purchases.” The princess states.
As she talks you lay yourself down sideways, resting your head on your right hand as your left arm lays on your hip. You can see now that Celestia is having trouble keeping in her ‘judge’ state. All you want right now is to get her to at least chuckle.
“I would want at least one hundred bits per experiment. Prices vary on how dangerous the tests are.” you state.
Celestia nods in response. “So shall it be; I’ll have the corresponding forms for you to fill out sent, to you after you come back from Cloudsdale. I’m sure my prized student will be thrilled that you’re willing to take on some testing.” Celestia lectured before continuing. “Now is there anything else you came here to discuss?”
“Yeah, just one more thing.” You say as you spin around on your back and hop onto your feet. You can see that she’s so close to breaking her composure, sadly you ran out of time and poses to display.
“And what may that be?” Celestia states her stoic expression coming back to her.
“Luna told me she would talk to you about starting another expedition to the north. I of course would lead the team to the place where another artifact of mine could be found.” You respond getting just a serious as her.
“Ah the ‘wing’ of your plane.” Celestia recalls. “We will have to speak of this more in depth when you come back from Cloudsdale as well. I will make sure to set off some time for me and Luna both to discuss this further. As of now I can’t do anything about it. Ace and the other excavators are still packing up and heading back home for their brake. We will have to make sure he attends the meeting as well.”
You let a small smile escape your lips. “Thanks a lot, I can only imagine how hard it is to run a country. For you to do this for me is more than I could ever ask for.” You reply. Kissing some flank never really hurt anyone anyways.
“The pleasures all mine Mr. Anon.” Celestia states a warm smile spreading on her lips. It wasn’t much but you’ll take it. With nothing left to discuss at the current moment, and other ponies waiting their turn outside, you both say your farewells.
You have to say though, every talk you have with Celestia seems to brighten your day up significantly. You can always go to her in your time of need and she’ll manage to fix you right up and send you on your way.
I can see now, why she is the leader of this fair country. You state mentally as you once again walk out the castle doors and onto the cobblestone streets. The cold air only got colder as the day progressed, as of now it was almost night. You could already see some stars as well as the moon peeking its head over the horizon.
It seemed that days here in Equus were much more vibrant in every aspect. Just the walk back to the apartment was a pleasure to have as you got to see all the wonderful colors twilight brought to bare. It almost looked as if the sky was on fire. Which now that you looked at it reminded you of who you were now going to see.
No longer did you feel the desire to see this mare, in fact if felt as if this was a two-way punishment. Whatever Celestia had in store for the two of you was a mystery that only she knew the answer to.
Either way, like before you walked to the back of the hotel to use the back stairwell access. Sadly, when you turned the corner expecting it to be barren, you spot about five press ponies. Awh shit, here we go. You mentally state as you see the five ponies ears perk up and swivel towards you. Their huge heads no doubt filled with huge questions, that usually took more than a simple yes or no to answer.
Knowing your fate all too well, you continue your walk to the door. If anything, you would just play this off like a real celebrity would do back in your time. In fact, that’s what you're going to do to get these press ponies to just leave you alone.
“Is it true that you and Spitfire were at the Golden Spoon having lunch?” One of the ponies stated as you continued to walk on. Like you expected his first questions came within seconds of spotting you.
Having heard many celebrities and politicians say it before you follow their lead and state, “No comment.”
The press pony’s only reaction was to look at the others with a confused expression. I guess they never really been blatantly turned down in such a formal and non-aggressive way.
It seemed like the other ponies would not give up so easily as the second one trotted up to you asking, “We heard that Perfect Press one of the local book shop owner called the guards on you just for being human! What is you take on racism in Canterlot compared to your time?”
Wow what a loaded question that one was. You mentally state as you just repeat what you said to the pony beforehand.
“No comment.”
The second stallion just looks at the first and shrugs, but not before the third and fourth one came running up. “Rumor has it that you and Celestia are planning some form of expedition in the frozen north again. Is this true?” The first stallion asked.
Before I could repeat the phrase again the fourth pony asked his question as well. “If true, what is this expedition about?”
Sadly, for them not you; you once again repeat that lovely phrase. “No comment.”
Right as you open the door one final question was yelled out by the fifth press pony. “What is your stand on ponies thinking you of a freeloader? Dragging down one of our famous stars to rock bottom as you do so?”
The door stopped dead in its tracks. That question punched you in the gut so hard you couldn’t move. Yet that wasn’t the hardest thing that hit you, no, what was worse was that you had no reply for that question. It was like reality kept sneaking up on you and bitch slapping you whenever it got close enough.
Every time it did, you couldn't help but feel pity for the orange mare. Sure you started this day harping on her, but when time comes to compare the two of you it’s like apples to apples. You both have your good things and you both have your bad things. Such an obvious statement, but one that seems to spin your mind right around.
“N-no comment.” Was your final answer as you moved passed the door and walked up the stairs in silence. The ponies outside once again looked at each other in confusion as you made your way back to your hotel room.
Each step and each second seemed to drag on for an eternity as you made your way to your room. Even that little thought of saying ‘your room’ sunk the pain deeper and deeper into your body. This wasn’t your room; it was Spitfires room. She’s the one that was paying for it, and even now that Celestia’s funding the stay, she still fed you.
She really did have a reason to hate you, and you really were dragging down a famous pony to the pits of poverty. How could one live with themselves after doing what you just did. You never meant it to happen yet here you are in the position, whether you liked it or not.
Your thoughts went back to the yesterday, when you finally snapped. Once again you thought about the questions you asked that day. Why was it me brought here? Why did fate call upon you when many others would be better suited?
Questions that you would never see the answer to drifted passed the recesses of your mind as you opened the door to Spitfires room. There just as you expected was Spitfire laying on the bed staring at the ceiling fan spin endlessly. The moment the door opened however, her gaze wandered towards you.
Without wasting any time, you step through the door and say what has been on your mind the whole trip up. “I know that sorry is only a five letter word, but trust me when I say: ‘I see the errors in my ways.’ I’ll make sure that you’re repaid in full and that every letter of the word is clearly stated.”
It was cliché you know, but how else where you supposed to convey what you felt and how you're going to act upon it.
Spitfire’s only response is to raise a lone eyebrow before replying, “And how do I know this is not just another empty promise?”
The fire in your body started to grow. She had no right to state that you were liar, you have not once lied to this mare since you have met her. But as fast as the fire grew it vanished, doused by what you had done to this poor pony. If circumstances were different you would of just got up and left, but that was just a ‘what if’.
“You don’t, you can either take this or you can stomp on it. Your choice.” You claim. You felt dirty and defeated, and this was the only way to cleanse you of your wrongs.
Wow that sounded really religious. You commented in your mind. I guess it's a good thing my humor is still intact.
Waiting on her response you look towards her with nullified eyes. Spitfire on the other hand mulled over these thoughts in her head as she rolled back onto her back. She stayed like that for a while until she rolled back over and looked right into your eyes.
“Every letter?” She questioned.
“Every letter.” You responded.
After that she continued to ponder on the subject a bit more before finally stating, “One chance is all you get. Wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t give you at least one chance to right your wrongs.” Spitfire stated as she rolled onto her belly and gave you another questioning glance.
“Still thinking things through in your head?” You ask back seeing her expression.
“No, just wondering when you became such a pushover?” was her response.
Now this got you to raise an eyebrow. “I’m not a pushover, trust me. It’s just that the press ponies finally got to me with their constant questions.” You state.
“Excuses, excuses, that’s all I hear. Wouldn’t want to ruin your apology with one now would we.” Spitfire claimed with a sly smile working its way onto her face.
You roll your eyes in response, “I can see that this is just another system that you’re going to abuse. Well at least the more you abuse it, the faster it’ll all blow over.” You comment moving over to where you slept last time.
Laying down reveals that not one thing has changed during your escapades. The carpeted ground was still just as stiff, as it should be for a floor. You didn’t care about that though, what you cared about was the chill of cold air that ran from the unfastened window.
Sadly, sleep wasn’t going to be that easy to get as Spitfire once again spoke out as she moved to the other side of the bed nearest to you. “So what did you do while I was out talking to Celestia? Weren’t here that's for sure.” It seemed that the fiery mare couldn’t get a hoof on sleep as well.
“Went job hunting like you.” You stated, a little bit of pride seeping into your voice. At least you had something productive to tell the mare.
“You got any of them?” She replied taking every ounce of pride and chucking it out the window.
“No, but I did find a way of getting money. Once I got tired of walking from store to store I went to the castle myself. I got a decent source of income if I agree to certain tests. About a hundred bits a pop. Plus, the meet with Celestia was hitting two birds with one stone as I got to talk about the northern expedition I was planning to do to retrieve the wing for my plane.” You rambled on.
Spitfire seemed to smile at your initiative. “Well at least you’re not a freeloader anymore. When the tests start?”
“Celestia said that she would send the corresponding paperwork after the trip to Cloudsdale. Not only that but she also said that she would tell me the day that she her sister and Ace would be available to meet. Which reminds me, you went to see Celestia today. What did she say about the funds to get us to Cloudsdale?” You pondered.
“She’ll pay for the ride there and the ride back as expected, but nothing more or less. Looks like I’ll have to buy us lunch again.” Spitfire claimed rolling back onto her back. “Trips in two days’ time. Already got the tickets and everything.”
You had to admit seeing spitfire in this position looked so freaking adorable. That being said you would never tell her that, if anything you would just get a hoof to the face. Which was not something you really wanted at eleven pm.
“So what's so special about this plane anyways. I know that you said it can make a human fly but what else does it do that would warrant this much attention?” Spitfire asked.
“What’s with all the questions? You're not a reporter in disguise now are you?” You stated giving Spitfire a stern look as if you were trying to see passed her nonexistent disguise.
At that Spitfire just swats her hoof into the air “I’m bored Anon! What else is there to do in this hotel other than talk!” She whines. It really wasn’t like her to whine and it didn’t fit her personality at all. That being said she was a pony, and a pony whining is pretty goddamned adorable. One more roll over is all it would take for you to contract diabetes.
“Well you could always just take a dip in the pool. Although I’m pretty sure that it might be closed this time at night.” You lecture attempting to think of anything else this hotel has. “Who knows maybe there's a leisure room of some kind. I know back in my time lots of hotels had little rooms with, Foosball or Pool tables. Then again they're all probably closed this late at night.”
“Does it really matter if their closed?” Spitfire questioned back.
“Are you suggesting that you're going to go down there -by yourself- and break into the hotels recreation room.” You comment back what you heard.
“Of course not...” She stated making you relax a bit. “...You’re coming with me.”
“Yeah how about no, like I said I’m no pushover. Plus, having breaking and entering on my record wouldn’t look nice on my race at all.” You reply back.
“You’re coming one way or another.” Spitfire stated with a playful smile as she hopped of the bed and positioned herself at your feet.
Looking at her with a confused expression you once again repeat your answer. “No Spitfire, I’m not going to break the law just to have a little fun...”
“...I can’t believe I’m breaking the law to have a little fun.” You state as you attempt to pick the recreation rooms lock. It wasn’t one of those heft locks you had to pick back at camp, so something like this should be easy. Yet, with all the stress of being caught and ruining your reputation seemed to brake a lot of your bobby pins. Well actually they weren't your bobby pins more of Spitfires bobby pins. Either way you digress.
“Oh hush you and pick the lock, I think I hear somepony coming.” Spitfire stated as she peaked around the corner.
You let out a groan as you break another bobby pin “That isn’t really helping me pick this lock any faster.” You state pulling the broken piece out and replacing it with another. At the rate this is going at, you’ll never get in.
“Hurry, I can see them!” Spitfire yells in a hushed tone.
“I would like to see you try and pick this lock with your hooves. It would be probably next to impossible!” You claim as you once again broke another bobby pin. "Goddamed it!" Frustration soon concurs you as you stand up and slap the handle, only for it to slide all the way down and open the door.
“You have got to be kidding me...” You say in a deadpan tone.
Looking over to Spitfire, you come to see that she’s holding back her laughter with her hoof. After a couple of seconds, the sound of hooves reasserts themselves. Hearing this Spitfire’s eyes go wide as she pushes you into the rec room. This in turn causes the door to shut closed behind you both as she lays on top of you.
No word was spoken as a flashlight scans the room from the doors window. Having been right under the window the light never touches either of you. What alarms you both is that you hear another click before the hooves fade away.
Not the ones to wait around, both of you bolt right up and head towards the door. What you come to realize though slaps you across the face. The door’s locked.
“Who the hell makes a door that locks both ways?” You state out loud as you shake the door knob vigorously.
Spitfire doesn't respond to your statement as she looks around the room you're both stuck in. After about ten minutes of searching the room and you failing again to lock pick the door knob on the other side you both give up and rest up against one of the rec room walls.
“We’ll at least we got in.” Spitfire states with a defeated tone.
“Yeah, at least we can say that.” You sympathies with her. The rec room that you both had gotten yourselves locked into had a decent sized pool, hot tub and a separate place for all the run-of-mill toys such as the Pool and Foosball table.
Getting up from her spot Spitfire walks over to the side of the pool. “At least it’s a room meant for entertainment we got ourselves locked into. Better than being stuck in the hotel room that's for sure.” She states as she looks at her own reflection in the still water.
You know you want to do it. A voice pops up into your head. She even has her back turned towards you! It’s the perfect opportunity. The voice once again states as your body slowly starts to get up.
But what about the sorry thing we just got done telling her? You state back to the voice.
We will go through with our words, but this… this is just some harmless fun! The voice retorts as you stop right behind her. She hasn't turned away; in fact, she’s still looking at herself in the waters reflection.
Fine! But just this once am I listening to you. You say to yourself as you bring both hands up and… fall face first into the water? what? was your last thought before the cool and somewhat refreshing water hits your skin and you sink to the bottom of the pool. Having survival instincts kick in you immediately swim up to the top and gather a deep breath. Once you're sure that you’re no longer in danger you come to see Spitfire hovering above you, a sly smile on her face.
“Have to do better than that Anon.” Spitfire states with a small chuckle. “You could say your plan jumped into the deep end.”
As if the puns in this world had weren’t enough! You yell to yourself as you dive back under water so that your feet touched the bottom. Well see who gets the last laugh. You say to yourself as you push off with all your might towards the orange blur hovering above.
Within seconds of breaching the water, Spitfires facial expression goes from triumph to confusion then worry. Yet even though she knew it was coming she had no time to run as your hand took a hold of one of her dangling hoofs.
A quick yank later you felt the cool sensation of water once again. This time however, you were not alone. In fact, you can see the pissed off little pony right now a couple feet away from you underwater. This is countered with your own little sly smile she had when she pushed you into the pool.
Breaching the surface of the water once again, you’re the first one to speak up.
“So what was that about me needing to be better?” You ask.
“Oh shut it you. You’re luck I don’t come over there and let you have it.” Spitfire replies as she hops out of the water. Once out she proceeds to shake like a dog, successfully drying herself in the process. The only thing left now that shows she’s been in the water is her hair as it droops down and drips over the floor.
“Getting out so soon? Looks like Spitfire and water don’t really get along well.” You state leisurely swimming up to the edge of the pool where Spitfire is. “Why not stay and join in the fun.” You claim as you rocket yourself off the ledge and float all the way over to the other side.
“Because I prefer the hot tub.” Spitfire responds as she hops into said device.
“I see; you have to maintain your image.” You claim swimming back over to the edge. You never really swam with clothing on, and just from this dip alone you could see why people hated it.
Spitfire turns to look at you as you swim around in the pool. “And what image may that be?” She retorts.
“You know, Spitfire, in a hot tub? Kinda makes sense.” You claim as you float around idly in the pool. “With that thought in mind, why did you come out to the frozen north that day? You seem like the type of pony that really hates the cold.”
“Shining Armor, Captain of the royal guard ordered us to go there. As you probably know, Ace and the other excavators wanted to be safer than sorry. So they called us in to retrieve your ‘plane’, little did we know that you were still in it.” Spitfire responds as she crosses her hooves and rests her head on them.
“So why were you in that machine?” Spitfire continues the conversation, which in turn surprises you. Never once did she show the slightest of hints of wanting to get to know you. Nevertheless, you didn’t want to let her down and not answer. After all you were going to go through with this ‘sorry’ thing.
Taking in a deep breath you respond, “I was fighting some Germans over Greenland which you ponies now call the frozen north. One thing leads to another and I got shot down. Next thing I know I’m in a pitch black room hearing voices all around me. You could see why I was a bit paranoid when you flung the hatch open on me.”
“A bit paranoid?” Spitfire responds with a small smile. “You put a knife against my throat!”
“Yes, well for all I know you could've been a kraut. The last thing I wanted is be torchered.” I claimed as I continued to float across the now rippled water.
Spitfire grows a confused look. “Kraut? And why would they torture you?”
“Krauts just a nickname we gave the enemy.” You simply state, you forgot that you’re talking to ponies now not just other people. “Why wouldn’t they torture us? We got valuable information that they don't have. Hell that's if we got lucky, if not they would just straight up shoot us right then and there. War truly is hell.”
Spitfire looks on with wondering eyes. “Equestria never had a war, the closest thing we had was the changeling invasion a couple of years ago.” She responds. “Is that really what war is like?”
“I’m not going to lie to you here Spitfire, war is much worse than that and I couldn’t even begin to explain what it's like.” You claim.
“What was it like back in your time? Other than the war that is.” Spitfire once again surprises you with another question about your old life.
Putting on a small smile you respond. “You’re talking to me like I’m an old man.” Your smile turns into a little chuckle.
“Well you are! You’re older than Princess Celestia and Luna combine!” She lectures the knowledge you already know. Yet to hear it from someone else really puts things into perspective.
“I was 24 before I was frozen and I'm 24 now. If you start calling me four-million-twenty-four years old I’m going to keep calling to spits.” You comment.
“Can you at least come up with a more original name other than spits. You know how many times I’ve been called that.” Spitfire retorts.
You smile at her response. “Maybe, maybe not, really depends if I can find a better one or not.”
“Oh god I’m just going to have to get used to that name aren't I?” She responds with a large sigh.
“You saying that I don’t have a vivid creativity?” You ask somewhat offended.
“Take it how you want to take it.” Spitfire respond as she turns back around and sinks into her seat in the hot tub. The warm water and mild jets probably doing her wonders right now. After a day like today even you would prefer that over the pool. Sadly, you’re lazy and are pretty contempt with just floating here looking at the glass ceiling.
“Twenty-four...” Spitfire states out loud. “They let you into the military at twenty-four?” Spitfire responds.
“Well, yeah why wouldn’t they. I saw people in my squad that were seventeen. Not even old enough to buy a beer.” You respond. “When they run out of people they just draft more.” You continue as you take in the night sky beyond the glass window.
Spitfire sits there a moment taking it all in. “I just hope war never comes to Equestria. I would hate to see ponies having to die for their nation.”
“Yeah, war, war is hell.” You claim as the door to the rec room opens up. A rather pissed off mare looking at the both of you. Your immediate instinct is to jump out of the pool, while Spitfires is to bolt it out of there as fast as she can. This only leaves you and mad mare behind. If looks could kill you would be vaporized on the spot.