Chapter 2 - Advice
Arc steps out of the portal into the Main Hall of his base. Raven is at her desk going over paperwork. She looks up as he approaches.
“Good morning, commander! Did you have a nice Hearth’s Warming?”
“I did! Shared some time and a nice meal with my friends and family.”
Raven looks at him happily. “That’s what the season is all about!”
“That it is.”
He looks around and lowers his voice.
“How are things around here?”
“Just fine. Fairly quiet as usual.”
“No, no. I mean… with you.”
“Oh… I… I… I’m doing… okay, I guess. Why do you ask?”
Arc smiles at her. “Something’s on your mind, isn’t it?
Raven sighs. “Yes. I’m just a bit upset that we’re going to be making peace with the Griffon Kingdom. I mean, I know this matter is bigger than just one lowly mare, but…”
Arc holds up a hand for silence. “Let me stop you right there. First of all, you are not lowly. You are a very special individual with thoughts, feelings and opinions of your own. Second, you’re right about this being bigger than you. But it’s FOR you that this is happening at all.”
“Sir?”
“Once we have a ratified treaty with the Griffon Kingdom, I’ll have the legal means to go after Lord Goldstone personally.”
Raven’s eyes light up. “You… you will?!”
“Yes. Their courts will have no choice but to hear out your case.”
Raven quickly stands and runs around her desk to face Arc. He kneels down to her level as she throws her hooves around his neck happily. Tears of joy streaming down her face.
“THANK YOU, SIR! OH THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!”
Arc puts his arms around her. “We’re going to see this through, Raven. Count on it.”
Raven sits back on her haunches and attempts to compose herself. “Yes sir! When Flash Sentry told me what had happened, I… I kinda thought you had forgotten about me.”
“Did you think I was going to put peace before you?”
She nods sheepishly. “Yes sir. But that’s okay! I mean… I would rather he got away with what he did if I meant we would never have to worry about going to war with them ever again!”
“Well, he’s not going to. It’s very important to me that he faces justice.”
“Why’s that, sir?”
Arc puts his hands on her shoulders. “Raven… what I’m about to tell you does not go any further, but…”
He considers his words before continuing.
“…but I believe that Lord Goldstone has done this to many, MANY other mares just like you in the past.”
Raven’s eyes grow wide. “What?! But… but how do you know?!”
Arc gives her shoulders a squeeze. “I can’t tell you that. Just please trust me when I say… it has to stop.”
Raven nods and responds softly. “O-okay sir. I trust you.”
He stands up. “Thank you for understanding, Raven. Now I should probably let you get back to work.”
She walks back to her desk. “Yes sir. Are you heading over to the Little Hooves Orphanage now?”
“I wasn’t planning on it. Why? Did something happen?”
“Nothing bad, sir. But for the past couple days building materials have been slowly arriving and staged nearby. Hard Hat has been there every day making plans and trying to coordinate with Matron Coco Pommel.”
“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll head over there now.”
“Yes sir. I thought you’d like to see it for yourself.”
“Will do.”
Arc quickly makes his way to the orphanage. Piles of building materials are stacked neatly outside the decorative fence.
“I guess he didn’t want to waste any time.”
He enters the orphanage. The sound of Cheerilee’s voice can be heard coming from the classroom as Arc heads up the stairs. He smiles as he mutters to himself.
“Pay attention, little ones. You’ll go far in this world with a good education.”
Arc approaches Coco Pommel’s office. There are familiar voices coming from within as he knocks. Coco Pommel looks up from the papers on her desk.
“Come in!”
Arc enters the office. Coco Pommel jumps off her chair and hurries over to greet him. Arc kneels down to embrace her.
“Arc! Welcome back!”
“I hope things weren’t too difficult around here without Derpy and Dinky around to help out.”
Coco Pommel shakes her head as she sits back on her haunches. “Not at all! The orphans all pitched in to make things work!”
“It’s good they know how to be somewhat self-sufficient.”
“Right! They won’t be here forever!”
Another pony is sitting in front of her desk going over a large piece of paper. Arc looks over to him.
“Good to see you again, Hard Hat.”
Hard Hat walks over and shakes hooves/hands with Arc.
“Likewise sir!”
“Since you’re here, I assume the treaty is going well.”
“The princesses believe it’s only a matter of time now. They want this building ready for that day.”
Coco Pommel nods fervently. “No orphan should have to live in such squalor while they wait for facilities to be built!”
Arc nods. “Agreed.”
“So what brings you here today, Arc?”
“My secretary notified me of the preparations going on over here. I just wanted to see for myself how things were going.”
Coco Pommel gestures to her desk. “Mr. Hard Hat and I were just going over some plans. Please join us.”
They return to the desk as Hard Hat motions with a hoof to the drawings.
“As you can see, we’re going to have to expand the facility in two directions in order to accommodate the numbers Canterlot has given us.”
Coco Pommel nods. “We’re trying to expand south and west to avoid having to dig up the playground.”
“Right! That would be quite a bit of work at this point. The majority of the project revolves around expanding the Dormitory, Restrooms and Classroom. What do you think, sir?”
“Hmmm… I worry about this.”
Coco Pommel looks up at him. “That it won’t be big enough?”
“No. Remember what you said earlier about the orphans not being here forever, Coco Pommel?”
“Yes. What about it?”
“It occurs to me that the new arrivals will most likely include some older griffons.”
Hard Hat nods. “Are you saying we should segregate them from the foals?”
“Kinda. Let me sketch something really quick.”
Arc picks up a pencil and blank piece of paper and sketches out the current floor layout with his changes.
“Here’s my idea. Rather than one large Dormitory, what about a number of smaller apartment-like rooms?”
Coco Pommel nods. “How many foals per room?”
“I’m thinking four.”
Hard Hat picks up a pencil himself. “I know your sketch isn’t exactly to scale, but that would require the rooms to be roughly twice the size you’ve drawn them, sir.”
“Not if we use bunk beds.”
Coco Pommel looks confused. “What are bunk beds?”
Arc turns the paper over and draws a rough sketch for Coco Pommel. “Think of it like a bed on top of another bed.”
Hard Hat nods. “That would certainly save quite a bit of room. Even free up space for a small table and chairs.”
Arc grins. “Perfect! I like the way you think, Hard Hat.”
Coco Pommel thinks for a moment. “Where would we get such beds?”
“They’ll have to be custom made.”
Hard Hat frowns. “That’s going to be costly.”
“True. But it’s a one-time purchase. If we build them with quality materials and good craftsmanship, they’ll outlive all of us. That and it’s probably cheaper than building a larger building, is it not?”
Hard Hat nods. “Yes. I’ll tell the princesses that when I bring my drawings to them for final approval.”
“Beg your pardon Arc, but wouldn’t it be easier to just build two Dormitories? One for the younger orphans and another for the older ones?”
“I suppose it would. But having a dorm they share with a small group will help teach them self-sufficiency, as they’ll have to keep it tidy and maintained somewhat.”
Coco Pommel puts a hoof to her chin and thinks. “That would certainly teach responsibility.”
“It would cost quite a bit more to do it this way, sir. That’s a lot of extra building supplies, stallion hours, and finish work!”
“I understand that. However, there’s one other reason.”
“Something else, Arc?”
Arc nods. “As it stands, ponies don’t trust griffons and griffons don’t trust ponies, right?”
“You could say that.”
“If we put two colts in with two male younglings, they’ll grow up together. In a couple generations the distrust will be a thing of the past.”
Hard Hat shrugs. “That’s a bit of an assumption though, sir.”
“Change has to start somewhere, Hard Hat. Why not here and now?”
Coco Pommel nods. “Yes, I like that idea, Arc! Living in such close quarters would also help them forge strong friendships with their roommates. I really don’t see a down side to this plan other than up-front cost.”
Hard Hat amends the drawings on the blueprint. “Very well. I’ll make a note on here about the idea and present it to the princesses.”
“Thank you.”
Coco Pommel looks up at him. “It’s a good thing you stopped by Arc. Hard Hat and I were having trouble coming to an agreement on the Classroom issue as well.”
The mare points a hoof at another part of the drawings.
“It looks like we’re going to need either another large classroom, which would require another teacher.”
Hard Hat nods. “Or one very large classroom. Similar to what Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorn’s has.”
Arc shakes his head. “I don’t believe Cheerilee is capable of teaching such a large group.”
Hard Hat looks to him. “The teachers at Princess Celestia’s school do so successfully. Perhaps the teacher here can learn from them. Building one large classroom would certainly cost less.”
“I understand what you’re saying, Hard Hat. But please understand that many of younglings that would be shipped here have had no formal teaching."
Coco Pommel frowns. “None at all?”
“I don’t believe they can even read.”
She sighs. “I believe our only choice is a separate classroom and additional teacher.”
Hard Hat nods and makes notes on the print. “Under the circumstances, I’m inclined to agree with you two. Now what about the Cafeteria?”
“Miss Derpy suggested earlier that we leave it as-is and just hire additional staff.”
Arc nods. “Probably for the best anyways. The younger students could eat first. When they go outside for recess then the older students could have their lunchtime.”
Hard Hat nods. “Staggering lunch and recess is adequate. Very good. Now what about the playground? I for one think it needs something.”
Coco Pommel sighs. “And I believe it’s fine as it sits. What do you think, Arc?”
Arc looks out the patio window at the empty playground. “Let’s see… staggered lunch and recess would mean no additional equipment would be needed to accommodate more orphans. But we don’t really have anything for the older generation.”
Hard Hat nods. “That’s what I was thinking.”
“What would they like though?”
Arc thinks for a moment. “How about a few picnic tables around the yard? Someplace they can sit and talk with their friends.”
Coco Pommel nods. “That could work. But it seems like something is missing.”
Arc turns to Hard Hat. “How much would it cost to enlarge the yard?”
“The cost of a few sections of fence would be negligible. What goes INSIDE the fence is what gets expensive.”
Coco Pommel nods. “How about more open space? The orphans could play games amongst themselves and run around. Give them more freedom to be themselves.”
Hard Hat draws on the plans. “Got it!”
The three look over the plans one last time as Coco Pommel turns to Hard Hat.
“I think we’ve got something here.”
Hard Hat nods as he rolls up the blueprint. “I’ve got enough to bring before the princesses, that’s for sure. Do you want me to tell them anything for you?”
Coco Pommel nods. “Just… ask them to think of the little ones ahead of the budget. I know bits don’t grow on trees, but when this treaty takes effect all of us here are going to need everything to be ready.”
“I’ll pass it on to them. Well, I’d best get this back to Canterlot.”
“Want a portal?”
“That would be helpful, yes.”
Arc calls forth his gauntlet and opens a portal back to Canterlot Castle. Hard Hat steps though and vanishes.
“I guess that ball’s moving on that, huh?”
Coco Pommel sits down in her chair and sighs. “All I can say is I’m glad Miss Derpy is back. The normal day to day activities of running this place aren’t too hard. But when I have additional work to do, like this…”
Arc nods. “I’ll try not to take her away from her job in the future.”
“No, no! It’s fine! We’re going to be getting some more staff around here soon anyway.”
“Anyone from around town?”
“No. Canterlot is currently looking for another teacher, a food preparation assistant and a janitor.”
Arc nods. “That should help, right?
“Very much so! In fact even more staff may be required depending on how many more orphans are sent here.”
“How about an assistant for you? After all, the paperwork is only going to get worse.”
“I can handle it for now. Canterlot offered, but I asked for a teacher’s assistant instead. The orphan’s education should come first, after all. I don’t suppose you know anyone.”
“Actually, I think I do…”
After some time, Arc and Coco Pommel leave her office and descend the stairs to the main level.
“Thank you for stopping by, Arc. I’ll have to let Miss Cheerilee and Miss Derpy know that we’ll have to move for a time while construction is underway.”
“Move where?”
“Canterlot Castle is working on that problem right now.”
“You can use Light’s Hope as a temporary Orphanage. We have plenty of beds, Cheerilee can use the Conference Room for the school, and we already have Cafeteria facilities.”
“That’s very kind of you, Arc. Thank you. I’ll let you know when construction starts so we won’t be in your way.”
“It’s no problem. You and Cheerilee can use the Guest Quarters while you’re there. Plenty of room for everyone.”
“I’ll speak to Miss Derpy and Miss Cheerilee about it after school today. They’ll have preparations to make before the move.”
Arc nods. “As long as I’m here, how are the younglings doing?”
“Very well! Miss Cheerilee tells me they seem to have a strong desire and ability to learn!”
“Good! I was worried they would have trouble. How about socially?”
“The other foals were skeptical of them at first. However, Dinky had a talk with everypony. Before long they were all playing together.”
Arc nods. “Thanks! That’s a load off my mind.”
He looks at his pocket watch.
“Well I should be getting a move on. I… uh… have to make preparations for my next mission.”
“I understand. Take care, Arc!”
Arc leaves the Little Hooves Orphanage and heads back toward Light’s Hope. As he walks in the front door he mutters to himself.
“What have I gotten myself into?! Maybe a snack will give me some ideas on where to go with Princess Luna.”
Arc makes his way to the Cafeteria. Ember and Sereb are enjoying a bite themselves.
“Good day, Arc.”
“Care to join us?”
Arc sits down and levitates an apple over from the buffet. “Sure. Why not.”
He sighs as he enjoys the fruit.
“Something bothering you?”
Sereb frowns. “Your body language would indicate something is amiss.”
“I… I’ve just accepted another mission.”
Ember raises an eyebrow. “From Shining Armor?”
“Yes.”
Sereb sighs. “It cannot be all that bad.”
“It really isn’t. It’s just… look, will you two follow me please?”
Ember stands up, a look of confusion on her face. “Sure.”
“Lead the way.”
Arc and company walk to his quarters. They enter as Arc locks the door behind them. Ember looks at him.
“Okay, now you’re just being paranoid!”
Sereb shrugs. “Whatever makes you feel better, Arc. Perhaps now we may get to the bottom of this matter.”
“Let’s all sit down. This is… really hard to say.”
Ember looks worried as she and Sereb sit down next to each other on the couch. “Look Arc, we’re your friends!”
Sereb nods. “Yes. Let us help you.”
Arc paces in front of them. “Sorry, but this operation will be a solo mission.”
Ember looks suddenly concerned. “Is it… dangerous?”
“Hardly.”
Sereb frowns. “Then what is the problem?”
“Okay, this is top, TOP secret, okay?”
Ember nods and responds in a serious tone. “We won’t tell anyone.”
“Agreed.”
Arc takes a deep breath. “Okay. Shining Armor asked me to… take Princess Luna out for dinner.”
Ember and Sereb slowly turn their heads to look at one another, stunned. They seem unable to speak. A few moments pass before they look back at Arc and burst into laughter! He taps his foot, indignantly.
“I’m glad you two are enjoying my plight.”
Ember shakes her head, still chuckling. “I… I’m sorry, Arc! It’s just… I can’t really imagine you with HER of all ponies!”
Sereb smiles. “I am with Ember on this one. While I am not implying Princess Luna would not be a pleasant dinner companion. However… forgive me for saying this, but… you and her really do not have anything in common.”
“Yeah! And why is Shining Armor having you do this in the first place?!”
Arc sighs. “It’s supposed to be an annual tradition between the princesses and Captain Decimus. But, as you know, he’s not around to do it anymore.”
Ember frowns. “So why doesn’t Shining Armor just go?!”
“Because the princesses respect me more… I guess.”
Sereb nods. “Can we help?”
“With ideas, yes.”
Ember raises an eyebrow. “On how to ask her?”
“No, I already did that.”
Ember waves her claws in front of her face. “Wait, wait, wait! You… ALREADY asked Princess Luna… the supreme ruler of Equestria… on a DATE?!”
Sereb nods. “Impressive!”
Arc rolls his eyes. “Wow. I’m glad I didn’t come here first! After this, I would have been too nervous to ask!”
Ember looks sober. “So, can I assume she said yes?”
“She did.”
Sereb nods. “When is the date?”
“Two days from now at six o’clock.”
Ember frowns. “That’s not a lot of time to prepare!”
“Wait… PREPARE?!”
“Yes, prepare! You’re not going out with just ANYONE! This is Princess Luna for crying out loud! Everything has to be PERFECT!”
“It’s a dinner date, Ember! Not a diplomatic meeting!”
She pushes Arc toward the door.
“We’ve got to get you some new clothes for the occasion! A nice present to give her when you pick her up! Perhaps a necklace! Some flowers! I was thinking lavender, as she IS the Princess of the Night! To say nothing for planning out the activities of an entire evening, that is! Not to mention…”
Sereb puts a paw over his face and sighs. “Now I am worried.”
Arc shakes his head as Ember continues her tirade of suggestions. “As am I, Sereb. As am I.”
Stats
Page generated in 0.066 seconds
Total duration
755 users online
542,324 hits today, 1,822,946 yesterday
FIMFiction
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
Designed and coded by knighty & Xaquseg - © 2011-2024
Follow & Support Us
Support us
SubStar
Chat!
Discord
Follow us
Twitter
MLP: Friendship is Magic® - © 2024 Hasbro Inc.®
Fimfiction is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Hasbro Inc.®
Ember and Sereb attempt to plan the perfect date?
Huzzah, the Chaos has been Doubled.
Neat trick with extending the building from one corner so teh open area can extend the other corner, jsut until absolute available area boundaries are reached. At least a pool, gym, and other required rooms etc can be stacked , depending on height limits in the area?
10019839
Nah, just Ember. Sereb is just kinda there for moral support. :-)
Fortunately Arc suggested the land just down the road from Light's Hope for the Little Hooves Orphanage. It's outside the Ponyville town limits, completely undeveloped, and ripe for expansion. Although he never imagined every actually needed to expend for such a reason.
Not being who forever?
11350326
Fixed.