E-27 R Equestrian wings academy

by A sentient hat

Chapters

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4

Day 1

I sat alone in the shower, the only lights in the room from the switch on the wall. I waited under the searing water until the Druid's intercom came online, "Attention, attention, CRS: Druid is approaching E-27. All cadets are to report to their assigned dorms."

I turned the shower off and slowly turning the lights on. I watched as the steam rolled off my skin, entranced by the strange dance it did along my painted skin. I stepped out of the tub and wiped off my mirror. The royal blue band across my eyes always made me feel strange, even more strange than the lines painted into my skin. Royal blue lines danced across my skin in celtic designs. It didn't matter to me, I never let the lines dominate who I was.

As I dried off my face I contemplated the backwards step humanity had taken. We'd come from throwing stick and stones to flying giant hunks of metal through space, exploring its depths and meeting new races. Yet still we put such sentiment on things such as painting our skin and honoring the dead.

As much as it confused me it was rather appealing, the intricate swirls and symbols made my arms and chest rather imposing, the band across my eyes was rather royal looking, in a barbaric kind of way, the final piece to this madness was my hair. It was snow white, it made me mad that the nation forced their colors into every aspect of our lives. Such thoughts always invaded my mind in the shower.

I finished with my drying and pulled my uniform on. It seemed to defeat the purpose to cover the paint with such a simple uniform, but who was I to argue. White and blue, always white and blue, why did this ship have such a fascination with white and blue. I walked out of my shower and into my room. I stood in front of my door and waited until the instructor came to check on me.

I didn't have to wait long. The instructor in all his pompous glory strolled into my room. "Issac, hello." He walked towards me and looked down on me. "Happy birthday," He smiled at me as he handed me a card. "You'll be able to spend it on solid ground for once." I looked down and thought about my last few birthdays, twelve was spent in training, thirteen was spent in training, fourteen, training. Well at least sixteen would be on the ground.

"Thank you sir. So I'll be going to the surface on arrival?" I asked with a grumble, still annoyed at my past few birthdays.

The instructor looked around my room. "Yes, you're going to be part of a recruitment program for the locals. What is this?" He picked up a carving I had been working on, "Did you do this?"

I nodded, "Yes sir I did. I'm sorry sir."

The instructor walked over to me, pressing the carving into my hands. "Don't be, it's good. I don't want you to hate me Issac, I know you've had a hard life but I want you to remember I care about you."

"Thank you sir."

The instructor gave a drawn out sigh. "You know my name...why do you never use it? Anyways, I want you to get at least four, no more than ten, but no less than four."

Recruitment time again. I suppose that was the whole reason we were here. To train the locals and help them build on their own tech. From what I heard about them they were horses, talking horses. "When will we be leaving?"

The instructor looked at his watch in jest, "Well you look ready now. But you'll be staying down there for a week until we come to pick you and your recruits up. We've already talked about setting up an appointment with a school planetside. Pack for a week. I'll be waiting outside." he turned on his heel and walked out.

Once the door slid shut I broke my posture, "Jesus." I swore as I turned to my desk, setting the carving down and staring blankly at the desk top, "How did I forget about my birthday...another year...another damn year." Six years of my life spent on this ship, six years since I've lost them all, six years today.

I wiped my face and started packing. Clothes, toothbrush, and my phone. Everything was ready as I slung my backpack over my shoulder and walked into the barracks hall. The instructor smiled and lead me into the main bay and into a shuttle.

The door closed slowly, giving me a good view of the blue green planet below. "Beautiful isn't it?" the instructor asked as he stared out the window once the door closed. "The region we'll be setting you down at is rather nice. Do you know what you're going to be doing?"

I joined him in looking out the window, "Speaking with local youths, trying to recruit any willing to attend a military university."

"Correct. Now this region is still rather rural, I'm not expecting you to come back with an army, just bring in who you can alright?"

"Aye-aye sir." I spoke my last words as I waited for the ship to touch down.

The ship touched down lightly. "Well, this is it," The instructor opened the door for me. "We'll be back here in one week."

I stepped out and onto the martian soil. "Wait, you're just leaving me here? What about accommodations or food!?" I snapped as the instructor started smiling.

"You're a smart kid Issac, you'll be fine."

I ran back to the shuttle, slamming my hands into the closed window, "Asshole!" I was thrown back as the shuttle took off, kicking up dust and temporarily blinding me, "Son of a-" I wiped the dust out of my eyes and looked around.

"Oh my, are you alright?" I swung my head towards the noise and found a mauve horse standing over me, "Are you the human?" The tall mare walked over and smiled at me, "They told me you'd be coming to talk to my students...I thought you'd be older."

I held onto her neck and cleared my eyes, "Uh...no," I let her go and righted myself, "They usually send a cadet with an escort...but it would appear they decided I could do it alone."

"Oh dear." The mare gave me an apologetic look.

I gave a deep sigh, "Yeah ... But you were expecting a presentation. And I'm supposed to give it." I straightened my posture and gave her a salute, "Cadet Issac Harding, at your service."

The mare smiled wide at my display, "Well, you sure do look the part." She turned away from me and patted me along with her tail, "I like your markings by the way,"

"Thank you ma'am...I like your...uh...thing...on your...uh..." I stopped and drew a circle in the air towards her flank.

The teacher just smiled, "Thank you. You're much more well mannered than the first human I've met."

"I try." I walked with the mare along a dirt path. Things got quiet as we walked along, "So what can I expect, age, genders, general intelligence?"

"Oh! Well they're mostly girls, budding young mares and stallions, and...honestly there are a few that are...well...rather..."

"Simple?"

"Yeah...that's a nice way of putting it." The mare shoved a hoof into her cheek, "You know how it is...you never wanna talk bad about your students."

I just nodded and hurried along the path.

"Is this real?" I asked as we walked towards the red schoolhouse, "I mean...this is something out of an old joke. What's next an old thyme carr-" I was shut up as a horse drawn cart hurried past the building, "Okay..." I turned to the mare, "I'll shut up before someone starts playing a freaking banjo."

She gave a short laugh before walking into the door frame of the building and holding the door open for me. I walked in, immediately greeted with a room full of thirty horses, all staring at me, "Students, this is Issac." The mare walked behind a large oak desk and sat down, "He's here to tell you all about space."

I walked in and stood next to the desk, "Yes, I am Issac Harding. I have been sent to offer anyone willing a chance to futher their education, learn practical skills in space flight, maintenance of ship parts, system wide training, advanced biology, or cultural studies aboard the CRS: Druid. We are a Caledonian ship, sent to help advance your planets technology and teach you all about the fast paced life of a space faring race. Any questions?"

A pink coated mare stood up, "You look funny!"

I cringed before furrowing my brow and staring at her, "That's not a question."

She stared back, "Why do you look funny?"

The teacher stood up, "Diamond Tiara, that's very-" I stuck my arm out.

"I look 'funny' because I am a different species. Caledonians are also rather distinct due to our markings...any other questions?" A wave of hooves flung into the air, "Any that aren't about how I look?" Most of the hooves dropped, "You, red hair, yellow coat."

The mare with the bow smiled, "What's a Caledonian?" Her drawl fumbled the word like a hot potato.

"A Caledonian is a race of human beings raised on a planet where it never stops raining, we're well known for-" I drew up my sleeve, "Our blue markings. They are permanent and as you can see," I turned my arm over, "Rather distinctive."

The mare sat back down calmly, still looking at my face. I scanned the room and pointed to a thin stallion, "What do they teach?"

I laughed, "What do you want to learn? We can teach you just about everything, from cooking in a galley, to piloting a dreadnought. Our required courses are advanced mathematics, cultural studies, applied mechanics, and piloting. We offer courses ranging from six years to a little as two."

"What's piloting?"

"Uh...I'm not actually sure how to describe it. How many of you have seen a ship of any kind?" Most of the classes hooves shot up, "Flying one of those ships, but not limited to that kind of ship. Different courses will teach you how to fly any vessel you choose."

An orange hoof shot up at last, "When can I start?"

I shot upright, "Well I- uh...now." I reached into the case the instructor had given me, "I have enough applications for ten students." I set them down on the large oak desk, "Before you take them please be sure you want to go through with this. We require a minimum of two years. We will provide housing, food, water, medical and augmentation services for anyone willing. I think that's it." I turned to the teacher and bowed, "I am available for personal questions at any time."

The teacher nodded, "Alright everypony, time for lunch." The class started bustling as most of the students filtered out. Seven of them stayed. The orange mare from before walked straight to me and stood in front of me. She was about the same height as me.

She stared at me, "You're a lot different than the first one."

I cocked an eyebrow, "Sorry to disappoint."

"Who said I was disappointed?" She turned to the desk and pulled a form off of it, "Where do I sign?"

I took the paper from her and set it down on a desk, "Signature here and here," I waited as the mare took a pen into her mouth and left her mark on the paper, "Wow...that's...impressive." Her signature was perfectly legible even after being written with her mouth, "Scootaloo? Is that your full name?"

"Yes. It. Is." She nodded hard, her mane throwing itself around.

"Ooo the permanent blank flank trying once again." The rude pink mare strolled over with a grey companion, "Give it up, you're never gonna get your cutiemark."

"Excuse me." I walked over to the rude one, "Is there a reason you're harassing an enrolled student?!" I yelled in her face, "Pestering Druid's students will not be tolerated!"

The mare took a step back, "What ya gonna do about it blue face?"

I swung my head around, cracking my neck, "I could toss you through that window there. We are a military academy, we don't put up with dissonance."

"Well you'll still have a blue face, you blue faced weirdo!" The pink horse continued to get under my skin. I was moments away from headbutting her when a small herd ran over.

"Diamond why do you always have to pick fights." A white mare walked between us. "Play nice."

"Yeah!" The red head with the bow joined her.

The pink one gave a quick huff before walking off. "Come on Silver, let's leave them with their blank flank friend."

The grey coated one gave her a quick look before walking over to me, looking at my hair, "So uh...so...math."

I adjusted my posture as the white coated one and the redhead walked over to Scootaloo, leaving me face to face with the grey one. "Math, what about it?"

"I like math, a lot. They'll teach me more about math? Cause, they don't teach us much."

I nodded twice and pulled a form for her, "We have all schools of math, from algebra to theoretical calculus."

The grey mare stared at the form, "I'm uh," She took it with her mouth and tucked it into her sidebag, "I'll get that back to you...my name's Silver Spoon by the way." She gave a curt nod and ran off.

"Huh. Odd." I turned to the trio off to my side. Scootaloo was sitting on her haunches while the other two were talking to her. I walked over, "Is everything alright?"

The standing duo looked at me. Scootaloo stood up and looked at the two, "It's because I'm the only one without my cutiemark."

"I don't know what that is." I shifted slightly at my admission.

The white one walked to me, turned her back to me and pointing at her flank. A musical note was imbedded in her coat. The redhead did the same. Her's of an apple with a gear in the center. She eventually turned around and faced me, her bow bouncing as she did, "Scootaloo just doesn't have her's yet. I'm Apple Bloom by the way."

"Issac." I held my hand out before quickly pulling it back, "Sorry...uh..." I eventually just scratched along her neck, "I don't really know how to..."

She stepped back and smiled, "It's fine, heck of a way to say hello."

"Hey! Me too!" The white one bumped Apple Bloom out of the way and held her neck out for me. I took a step back and pet along her neck, "That does feel good. Oh- uh...I'm Sweetie Belle."

"Issac." I stepped back and looked at the trio, "So are you interested in signing up?"

They looked at each other, Apple Bloom breaking the silence, "Well I don't know...Scootaloo signed up...Sweetie?"

"It sounds fun but...I don't know..." She walked over and looked at the form, "Do you need these back today?"

I shook my head, "I'll be around all week." I pulled two forms and handed them to the prospective mares.

Apple Bloom looked over it, "So where do we take these if we say yes?"

"Uh..." I scratched the back of my head.

"Uh?" Apple Bloom started laughing.

"I don't- I guess here. I'm not actually staying anywhere." I looked to the side in shame.

"Wait a sec, they just dumped ya here?" Apple Bloom's expression soured, "Well hay ya could stay with the Apples!"

"The Apples?"

Sweetie cut in, "The Apple Family,"

"Ah...still doesn't explain much."

"Ponies that run the local orchard."

I bowed to Sweetie, "Thank you." I turned to Apple Bloom, "I don't want to impos-"

"Nonsense! We used to have a human hanging around a few years ago!" She smiled wide and trotted over to me.

I looked around the room, "Well I suppose. Wait, where's Scootaloo gone?" She had snuck away while we were talking. I looked on the oak desk and found her papers. She was serious at least.

"Okay everypony, time for class!" The teacher walked back in, "Issac do you want to sit in?"

I looked around the room, "I don't want to be a burden, I'll be outside." I brought the form and walked outside. The air was rather brisk, the view of a calm autumn afternoon.

"Hey." I turned back to the voice, Scootaloo walked over, "So why is your hair white?"

I looked back to the School house, "Shouldn't you be in class?"

Scootaloo frowned, "I'm not a student here anymore. So why is your hair white."

I ran my hand through my hair, "I was born like this...most Caledonians are."

She walked close to me, "And the blue stuff?"

"Painted into my skin. It's done when we turn five, it grows with us. Why the curiosity?"

Scootaloo looked around, "Follow me." She walked off, jumping over a fence and sitting behind a tree. I joined her, leaning into the tree, "I met the last human...he brought me into space." She leaned forward and flared her wings, "I can't fly. But up there...without gravity I can fly."

"Is that why you signed up?"

She lowered her head, "My cutiemark hasn't shown up down here. It must be out there somewhere, and I'm gonna find it!"

I just nodded, "Well if you want to fly, I can direct you to our piloting program. The Druid is also developing ships made for your people so you couldn't pick a better place."

"Good. I'm gonna fly, no matter what!" She stared at the sky and smiled, "No matter what."

I let my hand fall on her shoulder and walked back towards the school. I wanted Apple Bloom to show up quicker, a family that runs an orchard sounds amazing right now. Fresh fruit sounded even better.

I hard taken to carving celt markings into a fencepost while I waited, "Issac...what'r ya doing to the fence?"

I slipped my knife away, "Nothing..."

Apple Bloom looked at the post, "Neat." She looked me in the face, "Don't do that on the acres." She started walking on, "Well come on, gonna miss dinner!" She started trotting quickly down the path. I hurried after her.

We hurried along a dirt path until another cartoonishly stereotypical building popped up on the horizon. "So...you live on a farm."

"Sweet apple acres! Farm, ranch, and orchard." She quickly lead me to the farmhouse and walked inside, "Applejack, I brought a friend!"

I walked my way behind Apple Bloom as she lead me into a dining room, "Wait here." I took a seat in the oddly large chair and waited, "-human!...school...dinner..."

"Well that's fine and all but ya should tell me first." A large orange mare with a stetson and a large stomach walked in, "Howdy there."

"Hello." I stood and fumbled with my hands, I eventually just did the same as before and ran my hand along her neck, "Still not sure what the usual greeting is."

She gave a hearty Chuckle, "Doin' good so far." Apple Bloom walked in with a large red stallion trailing behind her, "We weren't expectin' guests...but feel free to grab a few apples." She leaned her head towards a large bowl in the center of the table. She quickly went over and sat next to the large red stallion.

The family quickly got to eating. I took two apples and quickly cored them with my knife. The flesh of the apple was very sweet, a nice change from the usually salty food they served on the Druid. Getting brave I decided to ask, "So how far along?"

Applejack's ears perked up, "Eh hyuk, guess it's kinda hard ta hide now aint it...got about three months left."

I looked at the stallion, "Congratulations."

The whole family started shooting me strange looks, "Uh...he ain't the father. He's our brother."

I nearly inhaled a chunk of apple, having to slam my fist into my chest to dislodge it, "Oh my god. I am so sorry."

The two mares at the table started laughing, "You had no way a' knowin," Applejack smiled at me, "Ma husbands in Dodge for the week."

"I see...well give him my congratulations...minus the social fumble."

"Eeyup." The red stallion finally said something.

Applejack leaned over the table, "So you're callin' ponies to some spaceship to teach em?"

"Aye, part of a joint agreement to help push this planet into space travel. I have to admit, half the reason I showed up today is to try and convince Apple Bloom to join up."

"So whadya' teach? Apple Bloom tends ta fiddle around with the train whenever the ponies bring er' in fer repairs."

"Perfect- ow." I accidentally cut my thumb with my knife, "Bugger. We have an excellent mechanical engineering course as well as physical repair courses. We're also building ships meant for your people so she could easily help our engineers design something. Man...I'm bleeding a lot." I grabbed my thumb and held it tight, "Bathroom?"

"Last door on the left."

"Thanks." I hurried out of my chair and ran into the bathroom. I quickly ran cold water over the cut. It was already almost healed but it still hurt like a mother. As I finished up I could hear the ponies in the other room talking.

I hurried back and took my seat as they all looked back at me, "So Issac," Applejack took her hat off, "If'in she went up there with ya, where would ya go?"

"The Druid is commissioned to stay on the moon until a permanent base can be established, so probably about ten to twenty years. We'll probably head through the gate they just finished at some point for a short time, but we won't be gone for more than a month. And each student gets one week out of each month on leave, which can either be spend on ship or planetside."

Applejack smiled at me, "Smart one here. Apple Bloom?"

Apple Bloom stared at the floor, "So ah can come back an visit?" I nodded, "And I can quit after two years?"

"Two years on the Georgian calendar, from what I was told it would be about six hundred days here."

Apple Bloom stared at her sister, "Scootaloo did it...an she's ma friend..."

Applejack looked at me and nodded. I nodded back, completely ignored by the fretting Apple Bloom, "Yeah, I'll do it!" She looked at the red one, "Gotta finish apple buckin thou."

I smiled wide as Applejack stood up. The other two in the room starting to discuss apple trees. Applejack gestured for me to follow her, leading me into the hall, "We ain't got a guest room but yall can bunk with one of us tonight."

"Bunk?" I took a step back, "Oh god...it's gonna be like basic all over again." I gave a quick laugh, "Communal housing." Applejack finally joined in on the joke before lumbering upstairs. She gave a long groan as she reached the top, "Are you alright? Cause I remember when my old instructor was this pregnant, was not good time."

"I'm fine...just a bit heavy."

I frowned before reaching into my bag. I kept a few tablets for motion sickness in my bag, "Here try this. They're meant for ships but they really helped."

I held two tablets in my hand, "What do they do?"

"My instructor said they got rid of morning sickness." Applejack's eyes lit up as she nearly bit my hand off as she went for the pills, "Oi!" I pulled my hand back, "Easy. I need this hand ya know."

Applejack gave a drawn out sigh, "Grief and pony feathers that's better. Baby's takin' my lunch and ma apatite sometimes."

"I can only imagine." I looked around the doors, "So who's room is whose?"

I was cut off, being thrown into the bannister as Apple Bloom came rocketing up the stairs, "This one." She bit the neck of my uniform and started dragging me into the far room.

I was quickly yanked in the other direction, "Nope." The red stallion pulled me away.

"Big Mac he's not a stallion!" Apple Bloom quickly pulled me back.

"Please stop, you're gonna tear my-" I was cut off once again as my collar dug into my throat.

"Nope...no boys."

The two quickly butt heads, "What if I wanna have a boy in ma room!?"

"Nope, no boys!"

"You had mares in your room!"

"Tain't the point..." The two kept bickering as I felt Applejack tap my shoulder and walk me into a room.

She quickly closed the door and turned a deadbolt, "Them two," She shook her head, "Anyways, if ya don't mind sharin a bed I won't." She quickly climbed up and laid into the obviously plush bed. I just stood in the middle of the room, "Issac? It's Issac right?"

"Yes it is."

Applejack looked over at me, "If'in I ask ya ta do me a favor...would ya do it?"

I looked at her, "Depends."

"Backrub?" She put on her widest smile as she asked. "Ma back is achin like crazy."

I looked at the orange mare's stomach. "This is because of the kid?" She smiled even wider, "Fine." I sat on the edge of the bed and pressed my thumbs into her back. She let out a soft whimper as I worked the muscles of her back. "For the record, I'm doing this because you had the courtesy not to pull me around by my collar."

I continued my kneading, "Lower please." I complied working the very center of her back, "Lower..." I slowly made my back to her lower back, making sure to mind my hands, "Little lower please...just...a little...there!"

My hands were in what would normally be seen as a compromising position, if not for the large bulging stomach just beneath them. I could feel her hip bones through the hardened muscle. I kept going until I could hear Applejack snoring loudly.

I decided to force a few pillows between her and I and tried to get some rest.

Day 2

I slowly woke up on the floor, a stiff pain in my back. I looked around the still dark room, Applejack had thrown the covers off the bed and apparently kicked me off the side. My uniform was a testament to it, two large brown hoof prints stained the pure white back.

I felt a huge amount of sympathy for her husband, I don't think I could put up with being constantly kicked. I found my backpack and walked quietly out of the room. The sun wasn't even up yet, why was I awake?

I gave a long groan as I stepped lazily down the stairs and wandered outside. The cold morning air was rather nice, drawing away the stuffy heat that had accumulated over the night. I searched around the sky and saw the Druid sitting in high orbit. I had a strange moment of anger in my hazy state. "Why is everything freaking white and blue with us..." I walked around the empty space in front of the farmhouse, "I just don't get it." I looked at my arms, "Eh." I grunted in defeat. "I guess space makes people crazy."

I wandered around the edges of the common area, eventually finding some strange pump. I stared at the ancient device as I put together what it was. The give away was the bucket of water sitting next to it. My biggest problem was my complete lack of knowledge on how to work this stupid thing.

"Come on Issac you're a smart guy...mostly." I mumbled as I dumped out the old water and dragged the bucket under the spigot. I crouched down, sitting on the back of my legs as I stared at the device. I let my hand meet my face as I just failed to grasp it, "Am I stupid?" I pushed off the ground before grabbing the pump. I eventually found a moving part and started drawing water. "Barbaric." I kept working the pump until the bucket overflowed, "Bloody barbaric." I grabbed the bucket and walked off towards the barn and started undressing.

I reached into my bag and found an old bandana. I unraveled it and dunked it into the bucket. Once the rag was soaked I brought it against my body. I patted down my body and tried to dab the days filth off of me. I wiped down my arms and sat with the rag across the back of my neck.

I stared at the horizon as the sun slowly rose. A cockerel gave a loud cry from on high. Over the loud cry I could here someone walking over, "Who is it?"

"Just me." Apple Bloom's soft voice broke the still morning. She walked over and did a quick circle around me, "Those are permanent?"

I looked at the painted lines all over my body, "Yeah, they grow along with us but they never leave." I traced the spiral on my sternum, "That's a long way of saying yes, it's permanent." I washed off my chest and tossed it on a fencepost.

"Weird...I guess it's kinda like our cutiemarks." I cocked an eyebrow and turned to face the beaming yellow mare.

I shrugged, "I guess so. You might want to go somewhere else, I'm gonna change." I reached into my backpack and pulled out a change of clothes. I pulled a new undershirt on and brushed the hoof prints off my jacket. Apple Bloom had sat on her haunches and was watching me, "So you're just gonna sit there?"

Apple Bloom scooted an inch or so away, "Well I- kinda..."

I cocked an eyebrow, "Is this because of the markings or because I'm a guy?"

Apple Bloom quickly realized what he meant and started blushing, "I didn't mean like- I just wanted ya see if-"

"Yes...they are all over my body, head to toe including my privates. You're not the first to ask so don't worry." I stood up and went behind a bush and quickly changed my pants. I walked back completely dressed again, "People always ask about the marks. It comes with being a Cale." I walked over as I tucked my things away, "It's actually beautiful to look at, I remember this one girl, her lines were very sharp, very clean looking. She was beautiful but she always felt like people were staring at her. I think she killed herself. I'm not sure." I could see Apple Bloom growing rather uncomfortable, "I'm kidding, it's just a story Cales tell. Mostly to get people to stop staring. Cales are known for, being rather attractive. I like to think I'm the exception, mostly cause I'm sick of people talking about the fucking marks."

Apple Bloom looked at her hooves, "Sorry, I didn't-" I waved her off and hoisted up my backpack.

"It happens. It's not all bad though, you can never tell when I miss sleep with the bar across my eyes." I gave a weak laugh and shook my limbs out, "So does your school start soon?"

Apple Bloom stood up and walked past me, "We got some time. You wanna help me with the trees?" She smiled wide as she walked past me and towards a large collection of trees.

I looked around and decided to follow her. She strolled up to a tree and turned around, rearing up and kicking the tree extremely hard. A loud rumble later and a load of apples fell into two buckets placed around the base of the tree. She gave a soft groan before going to another tree and kicking it. I just watched, eventually reaching up and grabbing an apple from the tree.

"So you just kick em?" I asked as I bit into an apple, "It doesn't hurt?"

Apple Bloom gave a shrill squeak as she slammed her back legs into a tree. It was rather impressive to see her muscles tighten up from the use. She lowered her back end and let her rump back against a the tree, "Yep, phew, not as good as Applejack or Big Mac, but I can do it pretty dang good!"

I nearly bit the apple in half, "Pretty dang good indeed." I looked back at the buckets full of apples. I walked over, stuffing the apple in my mouth and biting down while I started hauling two buckets towards the commons. I pulled the buckets to the front of the barn and ran back to find Apple Bloom.

We worked in conjuncture to sort out ten more barrels before she stopped me mid walk back with two more, "Should probably go get ready. Issac...Issac you can stop."

I wasn't ignoring her, but I also wasn't about to leave a set of barrels in the middle of the path, "Go ahead, I'll be next to the barn." I kept hauling as Apple Bloom walked beside me, "You can go get ready, I won't get lost."

"Alright then," Apple Bloom started off, turning around and watching me before hurrying off.

I finished hauling the buckets just as my phone started going off, "Praise to the mother, what do you need instructor?"

The instructor gave a long sigh, "You know my name Issac, you can use it. Anyways, you're alive so I'm assuming everything went over alright?"

"Aye, two signatures, several others contemplating. Maybe you can pick me up a little earlier...just a thought."

"Issac there is a good reason we're not bringing them on board right away. The techs are still developing vaccinations for the natives." That was a fair point, I had to get numerous shots just to be allowed onto the Druid in the first place, and these were aliens so I suppose it would take some time, "But they said they should be done in a week or so, after that we'll be taking them back to Caledonia for basic. You excited about heading home?"

"Ecstatic. I'll be able to visit my family- oh wait, they're dead." I snapped hard at the instructor.

He was silent for some time, "Wow, just wow. Ya know I was hoping at some point you'd find a girl and quit being such a whiny little kid, Cale or not you still should...either that or jerk off, be alone, and shut the fuck up about it. You can't have it both ways, either do something about not having friends or family and bitch at me, or don't and shut up."

I took a mental step back at the instructors words, "I- you just-"

"Yeah I did. Issac you need to calm your uppity ass down, life is too short to by this angsty with someone who just wants to help. Praise the mother." He hung up.

I quickly pocketed the phone and sat on the rim of a bucket, I'd just been called out by my instructor like a punk. What an asshole, however right he was, still an asshole. With no recourse available I decided to just start walking towards the school, letting my anger simmer down as I walked.

I realize my snap was somewhat unprovoked but still, what he did was just uncalled for. "Such an asshole." I muttered to myself as I walked along the dirt path towards the school.

I got lost on the way to the school, wandering around the common areas of the town and looking through the windows. I really wished I had some god damn money, some of the food in the windows looks rather good but in my poor state I was buggered.

"Huh!? That's him!" I heard a girly voice ring out from behind me as I stared into a window. I swung around like a top and saw immediately greeted with a tuft of grey hair in my face.

I took a step back and got a clear view of two ponies, one from the school, the other a larger stallion with the same grey coat as the girl, "Uh, hello. How can I help you?"

The stallion looked over at the girl, "Go on Silver, I'll talk to him."

That was her name, Silver Spoon or something Silver. She quickly nodded, "Yes Daddy." She started walking off, leaving me face to neck with the stallion.

The stallion quickly walked to my side, joining me at looking into the window. "You're not what I expected."

I turned around and looked back into the window, "Sorry. I think I can help regardless, did you need something?"

The stallion slowly looked over at me, "Yes, you talked to my daughter about leaving Ponyville, why?"

I looked around, a small crowd was gathering around me, "I would be more than happy to explain everything I told her class...maybe not here though."

The stallion looked around at the crowd, "That might be best, follow me." He turned away from the shop and started off.

I gave one final look back into the shop, blindsided by a pink face pressed against the glass and smiling wide, "Fucking hell!" I took a step back before hurrying off towards the stallion. I joined up with him and we walked through the town, "Sorry about that...something in the window...something...pink." I looked nervously back at the shop.

"The owners keep a rather eccentric employee. Now about my daughter, what did you tell her? Word for word."

I looked up at the sky, the Druid was still lightly visible, "Look up," He stopped and craned his head up to the sky, "That's where she would be going. It's an offer from Caledonia to Equestria, we're offering advanced education for a minimum of two years in a military academy. After those two years any and all applicants are given a choice to return to Equestria, enlist in the Caledonian military, or apply to visit other planets as either students or workers."

The stallion looked hard at me, "Your name, I don't think I got it."

"Issac, and yours?"

The stallion looked me up and down before nodding, "Sterling Silver. Now, I have other questions."

"And I have answers." I retorted with a smile. It seemed to be well received. We walked around the town, him asking questions and me answering them.

"And yes..." I grumbled, "It's permanent." I ran my hand along my arm, "People always ask, without fail."

The stallion gave me a concerned look, "I'm sorry, they're just rather...unique."

"It's fine."

"First thing my Spoon mentioned."

"That figur-"

"She said you look: pretty." He gave a soft chuckle before going stoic, "Do you like my daughter?"

I froze, "I just got here...I've met like...ten people."

He stared at me, "Are you staying somewhere? Silver said you left with one of the Apples. Did they not give you a place to stay?" He asked with a laugh.

I just stared at the floor, "Yeah, my instructor and me are kinda different, unorthodox."

"Well it's settled then, you can stay with us for the day!" He stood tall, "I'm sure my Spoon will love you."

I started trying to back away, "I don't think-" I was cut off by Sterling pushing me along the path, "I'm not- I- okay...." I gave up as Sterling started pulling my along by my sleeve, "I not even into horses, is it because the paint?" I whispered to myself as I found myself being dragged to some strange fate.

"I really don't think-"

"Nonsense, you look like a fine colt. I have to be honest, I'm just glad she showed some interest in a colt for once, her and that Tiara filly always made me nervous." Sterling shoved me towards a wealthy looking home, "I don't much care if Rich's child is a filly fooler but I don't want my daughter paired with a mare."

I just stood there, dumbfounded, "You're worried your daughter's a lesbian...so you brought me, an alien, to do what exactly?"

Sterling gave me an annoyed look, "When she gets home just talk to her, you never know what will happen. Oh, one last question about your academy: how much does it cost? It sounds like a prep school so I'm prepared to-"

"It's free...in fact you'll be eligible for Caledonian subsidies, and if you so chose, augmentation, gene therapy, or other forms of medical assistance."

He reared up and held his hooves out at me, "Whoa whoa whoa- back up, it's free?"

I slapped myself across the brow, "No...we pay you. It's to incen-"

"So where's that paper." He rushed past me and pushed the door to the home open and scrambled about. I just stood infront of the house and debated running away. Surely I could find another applicant. Was this one really worth losing the rest of my day? Then again, what else did I have to do today? Even if I did have something to do my small excursion with the Apples was rather pleasant, this might be somewhat similar.

When I came back to reality I was standing in a foyer, "How did I..." I looked behind me at the doorway, "I don't remember walking in here." I think I might be losing my mind.

"Ah there you are, here." He pulled the form from his side and held it out for me. I took it from his mouth and looked it over, "It's correct right?"

I check the forms, "Yes, congratulations on securing your daughters educational future with the greater state of Caledonia."

He gave a quick nicker, "I'm more worried about her meeting a colt. Ponyvilles a bit limited in that department so I figured this would be a good way to get her out there."

I looked up and past his left shoulder, "What a loving father." I tried my best not to sound appalled.

"Aren't I, in fact." He turned to the front door, "I'm going to go pull her from class, no reason for her to sit around in that den of mares and low brow colts." He grabbed a hat off a rack near the door and hurried out.

Again I was left standing in the middle of another's house, "For the love of the Mother I have no idea what is going on."

"He's something else isn't he." A warm voice broke my mumbling. A mare with a beautiful silvery mane walked over, "How are you, I like your markings."

I looked at my feet and shook my head, "Every time. I'm good-" The mare could obviously tell something was wrong, "I'm really, really, really confused."

The mare gave me a motherly smile with a small laugh, "We do live in confusing times, humans in Equestria, ponies in space, that metal thing next to the moon." She gave a warm chuckle, it was so genuine it caused me to smile inadvertently, "But however confusing things may be, you can always count on the simple things to take your mind off of it. Speaking of which, would you like to help me cook?"

I just smiled my answer and followed the mare out of the room.

Porcelain put the final touches on the meal, sticking a half a roll into each bowl of soup, "And just like that it's done."

I ducked down, eye level with the tabletop, "Bloody brilliant." She had made a meatless stew that still looked amazing, "Absolutely bloody brilliant!" I slammed the table, causing the plates and silverware to jump.

"Well I'm glad you like it." Porcelain laughed, "My husband never was a huge fan of potato soup."

"His loss." I leaned my body onto the table and stared into the steaming bowl. I stared at the bowl until I realized something, this family, their names are really similar. Porcelain...Sterling...Silver Spoon. I wondered if it was a joke, eventually deciding it would be better not to ask.

I felt a soft touch on the back of my ear followed by a warm pass of air, "You know...my husband hasn't mounted me in a while...and you're really pretty."

My body spazmed, sending my knee straight into the underside lip of the table, "Damn! My god damn knee!"

Why!? Why no one normal!? You were supposed to be the normal one! Sore pregnant mare, protective brother, pompous father, lusty wife. Why the fucking stereotypes, fuck! I dug my fingers into the table. I just got here and I already hate this place, I miss the rain, I miss the people, I miss the Druid! Porcelain let her neck rest on my shoulder, "I wonder how you taste."

Sterling's voice overtook Porcelain's soft breathing, "Porcelain, we're back!" Thank the Mother, thank you! Porcelain pushed away and righted herself, "Ah there you are," Sterling walked in. I turned around and tried to hide my scowl, "Issac, trying to steal my mare?" He glared at me for a moment before laughing.

"Dad..." Silver Spoon walked in, "Leave him alone."

"Oh come on, it's just a joke-"

Silver Spoon walked past him and over to me. She looked at me hard, studying my face before leaning over to my ear, "I am so sorry." She whispered into my ear.

"Look at that, don't they look cute together?" Sterling asked with a laugh.

"Very cute." Porcelain made sure she was out of sight of Sterling and licked her lips seductively.

Ahhhhhh! My mind! "Dad..." Silver Spoon moaned at her father.

"Oh fine." Sterling walked past and looked at the table, "Potato again, how...great."

The parents walked over to the table, bickering about the food. I shared a long staring match with Silver Spoon, a quick mental conversation communicated perfectly between us.

I am so sorry, he said he wanted to meet you.

No, I'm sorry. Your parents are...

Crazy.

Yeah, is that why you wanted to sign up?

Kinda...we can talk later, they're starting to stare.

I nodded to Spoon and followed her to the table. I took a seat on the side, across from Spoon. The two parents kept at their bickering even after we all started eating. I downed all I could eat in an instant, "Look at that, eats like a beast but still so lean," Sterling started laughing, "Must be built like a workhorse!"

I felt something brush my shin as Porcelain started talking, "A big strong workhorse."

"Should get him something better than this," Sterling bumped the bowl of soup in front of him, "Better than potatoes I mean."

Porcelain and Sterling quickly started bickering again. Silver Spoon seemed to have had enough and simply stood from her seat and wandered off, "Oh hey...she's leaving...someone should go check on her." I muttered out loud, "No don't get up, I'll do it." I stood from the table and hurried after her. I paused in the foyer. Run Issac, run, this is your chance!

But no matter how much my brained screamed at me to run I was actually concerned about the new recruit. I hurried around the house until I found a door slightly ajar. I hurried over and peeked in, "Silver?"

"Yeah." She mumbled to the air, "Come in."

I did, "So uh...they do that a lot?"

Silver had laid back on her bright pink bed, surrounded by piles of plush dolls, "Every day, I'm used to it by now."

I walked over to the side of the bed and sat on the edge, "That's rough, really rough. How long has this been going on?"

Silver closed her eyes and shrugged, clutching a doll to her chest, "Who knows. It's been long enough that this is normal to me."

I just stared at her, eventually looking at my knees, "Okay...that's not rough, that's fucked up."

"You have no idea. It's really bad when my dad brings in stallions to meet me, then they end up spending the night with my mom while dad sleeps on the couch. I think he thought you were one."

My eyes were wide open as I stared at the hardwood floor of her room, "Wow...that is...I need a new word for how fucked that is. Wago...that's wago."

Silver gave a short, defeated laugh, "So when do I get to leave?"

"End of the week."

"Alright then. You can leave if you want by the way, I know my mom was probably falling all over you, you probably don't want to have to put up with it...or maybe you do...I don't know."

Fucking hell, how the fuck do I deal with this!? "Do you- you want a hug?"

Silver sat upright, "A hug...you think a hug is going to make my life better?"

"It's worth a try." I threw my arms out in her direction. I got an annoyed look in return, "Come on...this is all I have left."

Silver rolled her eyes before rolling onto her legs and walking over. She sat on her haunches next to me and wrapped a foreleg around my back. I let my hands wrap around her and slowly rub up and down her back, "Okay-" Silver tried to pull away immediately, "Stop it!"

"Not yet." I tightened my grip slightly and slowed my movements, "I can feel your heart beat...you're really not okay are you."

"Shut up!" She tired her hardest to get free, "Let me go!"

"I'm not gonna let you go like this...calm down and I'll let you go."

Silver stopped struggling, trying her best to steady her heart. Eventually I felt her foreleg go limp around my neck, "I don't like being calm..." She mumbled, her voice growing horribly shaky. She gave a loud sniffle before talking again, "I always hung around with Diamond because-" She was losing her little battle with sorrow, "Because she would always be mean to everypony else, and I was mean, and it- I felt better about it. About them being stupid or broken." She finally lost it, crying like a baby into the crook of my shoulder, "I hate them, I hate them both!" She started sobbing into my jacket, "It's not fair, everypony else has normal parents, why don't I!?"

I let her bawl into my chest, "Holy shit...Issac Harding: emotional liberator." I made sure my hands never stopped moving over her back, "It's a good thing you signed up. We have people on the Druid that can help with this." I don't think she was even listening to me, lost in her own little world of depression.

Eventually her crying started to ease away. She let her forelegs fall back to her bed as I held her steady, "Are you gonna be alright?" I asked with as authoritative voice as I could muster.

She fixed her glasses, "I think- I- we leave soon right?"

"Right."

She smiled weakly, "Good. Now go, get out of here before you have to deal with them too...they'll show up yelling eventually."

I looked at the door to her room, "Yeah- no. I'm not leaving you alone after that just happened...besides your dad wanted us to be together I think..., point is they should stay away as long as I'm in here."

"I guess, but my mom-"

I cut her off, "I'm not leaving you alone to deal with that crap today...hell you can leave with me tomorrow if you want, I've just been milling around town anyways."

Silver looked worried, "When we leave...what should I take?"

I looked around the pink room, "Well you don't wear clothes so that frees up a lot of space. No personal electronics.... You can probably just bring whatever you can fit into a backpack."

Silver jumped off the bed and looked around the room, "I...I don't think I need any of this anymore." She pranced in a circle, "All this stuff, I'd trade it all for a new chance."

"Well let's not get all drama-"

"I don't need any of it! Yeah, I'll go up there and live for myself, away from them, for me!"

I stared at her from my seated position, "Yay?"

"And I'll- I'll- I don't even know what I'll do, but I'm gonna do it!"

"Woohoo?"

"And when I- I- ...Issac...do you feel light head-" She stopped mid word, falling to her knees and rolling onto her side.

I scrambled over and checked on her, she snapped awake seconds later, "By the Mother, are you alright?!"

"Yeah..." Silver rolled onto her stomach, "What happened?"

"I think you got a little excited there." I said with a nervous laugh.

"Huh? I don't...I feel weird. Can I lay down?"

"Okay..." I helped her to her hooves and over to the bed, "I'm gonna go grab that soup...will probably feel better if you eat something."

I hurried out of her room and through the halls. The bowls sat abandoned on the dining table. Something must have happened between the two. I was curious, but I was slightly more worried about not letting our newest recruit collapse again.

I grabbed a still warm bowl and hurried back. Silver was staring blankly at the wall, "You look like a zombie. Here eat." I set the bowl on her nightstand and stood back. She looked at it for a moment before laying back down, "I am your superior in the Caledonian military and I command you eat the food!"

Silver eventually lifted her body over and tried her best to eat, "Issac."

"Yes ma'am?"

"Thanks...but please don't tell anypony about this."

I nodded, "Don't worry about it. Besides I'm kinda mooching a room for the night so don't worry." I sat against the foot board of the bed and looked through my backpack. I found my e-book and started reading, "Eat and get some rest," I said, not bothering to dig my nose out of my book, "We can leave tomorrow morning."

I kept reading until something obstructed my light, I looked up to see Silver hanging her head off the foot board, "What is that?"

I looked back at my book, "A story about earth."

"Read it out loud."

I shrugged and turned back to my book, "And he ran across the fields of Gaul, spreading word of the roman advance from the south...."

I continued on until darkness came. Silver had fallen asleep at some point, leaving me alone in the darkening room.

I was about to try and go to sleep when the door creaked open, "Issac?" Porcelain's voice slithered it's way past the door, "Are you ready to feel like a stallion?" I stood up and walked over to her, pulling the door wide open. She took a step forward, biting her lower lip as she drew close, I could smell cheap liquor on her breath, "Ooo~ look at you. Come on." She reached down and grabbed my sleeve in her mouth.

She managed to pull my arm to length before I yanked my arm free. She stood in the hall, giving me a confused look, "Don't touch me, I'll be staying the rest of the night, but don't you dare touch me."

She smiled wide, "Playin hard to get eh? I like it a little rough too-" before she could continue I closed the door and pressed my back into it. Seeing what Silver Spoon had to put up with kind of made me glad my parents were dead.

I settled in as the mare started pounding on the door. First thing in the morning I needed to get the recruit out of here, maybe she could stay with the Apple until we leave.

Day 3

I woke up some time in the morning. I didn't bother worrying about being clean. I just stood up and looked around the slowly brightening room. Silver Spoon was still asleep, the door was still closed, everything was sealed up tight. But it's about time we leave.

I shook Silver Spoon awake, "Hmm?"

"We're leaving. Grab everything you need and meet me in the entry."

She laid there blinking for a moment, "Okay." She muttered softly.

I found my backpack and put my hand on the door. I slowly pushed it open, Porcelain had fallen asleep curled up in front of it. Our recruitment might have been the single best thing to happen to this girl in a long time. Speaking of time what day is-

I saw cut off by the soft chirp of my phone, "Praise the mother, Instructor?"

"Get to clear ground, it's time."

I was right, it must be Friday. "Yes sir." I kept him on hold while I hurried outside. I stared up at the Druid in the dawn sky, "Nick...I'm outside."

He confirmed it and we started, "Praise the Mother, the great protector. May she watch over us always, may she keep our travelers safe. Let us be kind, be good, and be honest, for the sake of the Mother. Hail to the Mother."

There was a short lull as the services wrapped up. The instructor eventually broke the silence, "See, calling me by my real name does work. How are things planet side?"

I looked back at the house, "Fucked up. For a land of magical talking horses they have some very real problems."

Nick gave a long sigh, "It's universal kid. So what are you up to?"

"Three so far." I walked back to the house and sat on the stoop, "One of them is gonna need counseling."

"Trauma case?"

"Not exactly abusive parents...but-"

"Abusive."

"Yeah."

"Well it's something. Anyways I'll let you get back to it. Praise the Mother." Nick hung up.

"Issac?" Silver Spoon wandered over and stared blearily at my, "Why outside?" She mumbled, wiping the sleep from her eyes and fixing her glasses.

"Are you ready?" She gave me a meek nod, "Then let's not waste time." I started off through the town and in the vague direction of the orchard. Silver walked hazily behind me as we drudged through the town.

This was going to be a long walk... "Issac?" Silver Spoon cut my thoughts in half, "What's the Mother?"

I turned around and started walking backwards, "Our god. Go ahead and laugh: ha ha ha, your god's a women."

Silver just looked at me with a confused expression, "I don't- why would I make fun of that?"

I shrugged and let my arms fall limp, "People usually do...Mirans usually do." I let out a small sigh and waved for Silver to follow me, "Just gets old very fast. No, the Mother is our goddess. They hold services every Fridays on the ship side calendar. That's all."

We kept walking quietly. We had quite a ways to go so I didn't really want to talk much this early in the morning.

The path grew slowly more dusty as we stepped onto the orchards common area. I walked Silver to the door and looked around. Sun was up which means someone has to be awake. I knocked on the door softly.

After a short wait Apple Bloom opened the door, toast crumbs stuck to her mouth, "Issac? What happened, you disappeared yesterday."

I rubbed the back of my neck as she stared at me, "Sorry about that. I got in an argument with my instructor and wandered off, got lost in town and...well...a lot of crazy shit happened." I looked behind me and pulled Silver Spoon forward, "I have a favor to ask."

Silver lowered her head, "Hi Apple Bloom...."

Apple Bloom stared at Silver, "Silver Spoon? Issac what happened yesterday?"

"Long story that I don't feel right telling. Look we need a place for her to stay until we depart." I pleaded my case and stood back, "I just thought you could help, you took me in."

Apple Bloom frowned. Her eyes darted off to the right corner of her head, "Well...I don't think Applejack would be to happy bout it, but she can stay in the old clubhouse till then."

I let out a deep sigh and walked over to her, "Oh thank the Mother," I wrapped my arms around her neck and gave her a quick hug, "Thank you, thank you so much."

Apple Bloom traced a hoof on the ground, "Ain't nothing...come on." She walked out and started off into the trees. Silver and myself followed soon after.

Apple Bloom lead us all the way through the orchard. I picked a few apples along the way while the two girls talked, "Hey Issac." Apple Bloom called, "So you got lost?"

I cringed, "Yeah. The space man got lost, it happens." I said with soft defeat, "Sorry about ditching you by the way, that wasn't cool."

Apple Bloom shook her head, "Don't worry bout it, Scootaloo didn't show up, Silver got pulled out, Cheerilee said I don't have to keep going, even Sweetie said she would think about it now."

"Well that's good, I was supposed to get ten or so, so that would be great." As I spoke we finally arrived, "Oh, neat." I looked at the wooden shed.

Apple Bloom nodded as she walked us up the ramp. It groaned under out collective weight but didn't falter. We stepped inside, the interior was rather nice, "Hey Apple Bloom." I called to her.

"Yeah?"

"Why's there a mattress in here? Just one mattress...." I cocked an eyebrow and stared at the startled girl.

She quickly grew a blush as she stared at the mattress, "We uh...back when...not many colts...practice kissing...." She stuttered as she slowly backed out the door, "I'm gonna go get Sweetie Belle...she wanted to talk to ya...bye." She backed out and ran off.

I turned to Silver who was finally laughing a little, "Is that normal?" I asked with a chuckle. I furrowed my brow as her laugh faded into a nervous darting look, "Really? With the pink one I'm guessing."

She rubbed her face with her foreleg to hide her blush, "I don't want to talk about it."

I held back a laugh, "Maybe your dad was right to be worried."

"Shut up!" She ran over and shoved me, "It was one time. I didn't even like it." She turned away as she muttered her defense.

I just set my things down and leaned back, "So, what did your friend say about you leaving?"

"Who Diamond? She was...you might not like this-"

"No."

"She took-"

"No!"

"-one of the forms."

"Fuck!" I slammed my hand on the wall, "Damn it. She was so fucking rude, why would she-"

"And she said she was gonna tell her dad about you."

I grimaced as hard as possible, "I swear all I've done since I've been her is give a presentation on meet families. I'm not the freaking emissary. Eh...free food I guess, better than what's on the Druid."

Silver looked around before settling down on the mattress, "What's it like up there?"

"The Druid? Clean, very clean. Except the engineering sections, then it's greasy, really greasy. Aside from that you spend a lot of time in class, physical training, or on free time. There's terminals in each room and it's usually two to a room."

Silver started laughing, "Tutu?"

"What? I don't- oh, I get it. Clever." I rubbed my chin and smiled, "Anyways, you'll get your room assignments, sort out your classes with an instructor, and then we head to Caledonia for physical training."

"Why do we go there? I thought we were staying in Equestria."

I nodded, "We will be, but we're going to be spending the first month of basic on Caledonia. It's nice, really rainy if you like that kind of a thing. Oh...and before I forget be ready."

Silver grew a nervous look, "For what?"

I looked out the window of the clubhouse, "Are you afraid of needles?" I could hear Silver gasp as I finished, "Cause...they're gonna immunize you." I turned to face her, "And let me tell you, those shots fucking hurt." I rubbed my arm as I remembered what they gave us for the trip here. "Felt like someone slugged me."

Silver was staring at my hand moving up and down my arm, "So it's too late to back out isn't it."

I started laughing, stopping abruptly to give my answer, "Yes. But look on the bright side, they can check your genes and extend your life by about thirty years on the spot...so that's something. And they'll probably bring in some entertainment on Cale." I wondered at the possibilities, "Man I hope they bring in that one girl with the violin." I tried to remember everything I could about her. She looked amazing, her markings were pristine, her ass was tight, she had a beautiful face, she was just perfect. I realized something uncomfortable and crossed my legs to hide it.

"Wow...are you alright?" Silver Spoon started cackling as she tried not to laugh out loud.

I just stared angrily at her, "I'm sorry were you looking somewhere you shouldn't have been?"

She stopped laughing and looked down, "Kinda obvious." She pouted out.

"Well it's not my fault I enjoy thing about attractive things!"

"Well it's weird seeing you just do that right in front of me!"

"Where's Apple Bloom!?" I deflected, "She should be back by now right?" I turned to the window and looked around, "Wait...is that...finally." I could see two ponies walking over.

"Just in time to see you squirm." Silver laughed.

I turned around and gave her a death stare, "I will end you."

"Hey you know my secrets...now I have one of yours."

"Getting a boner isn't really a secret." I stated dryly, "Now you looking at it, that's something worth blackmailing." Apple Bloom and Sweetie walked in, "Morning."

"Hi!" Sweetie chirped ever cheery. She walked over and nuzzled the side of my head.

I like this girl, affectionate without being aggressive. I returned her nuzzle was a quick pet along her neck, "So you wanted to see me?"

"Yeah," She reached her head back and popped over with a filled out form, "Everypony else is going, I'm going!" She stamped her hoof and smiled.

I looked at the form, "You don't want me to meet your family? Seems like everyone else did...except for the orange one."

Apple Bloomed walked between us, "Scootaloo's been missin' since Monday."

"You mean Wednesday." I corrected, "Better get used to using shit board time."

Sweetie Belle pushed the confused Apple out of the way, "Did you want to meet my family?"

"I guess? It's up to you."

Sweetie looked at the floor before snapping her head up, "Sure!" She grabbed me by the sleeve and started pulling me out.

"But what about-"

Apple Bloom cut me off, "Don't worry bout it, I can take care a' things!"

"Oh...alright then!" I yelled back as Sweetie started running away with my arm, "Hey slow down!" She didn't listen, instead speeding up and forcing me to run to avoid getting dragged along the ground.

"Stop pulling me!" Sweetie finally let me go, I stumbled forward and looked at her, "Why the hurry?"

"Sweetie Belle?" A posh voice sang from behind me, "Who's this?" Before I could turn around I felt something press into my scalp, "White mane..." I turned around, meeting a pair of bright blue eyes that lit up as she looked at me, "You are!"

"I am?" I asked as I took a step back, "Wait huh?"

"You're a Caledonian, oh how exciting." She pressed her hooves against her face and squeezed her cheeks, "Do come in!" She darted inside the nearest building.

I turned to where Sweetie was standing, a white blur shooting past as I turned my head. I turned back to the building, Sweetie's curled tail bobbing through the doorway. I debated the pros and cons in a second and decided to walk in.

I could hear the older unicorn talking frantically while Sweetie watched, "It's not often we get human visitors down here in Ponyville, let alone a Cale." She noticed me and walked over, "Hmm, yes...that could work." She walked behind me. I started to turn my head when I felt something hold it in place, "Maybe just a trim, yes, just a trim."

"A trim- what!? How do you even know what I am!?" I spun around to face her, "Why are you-"

She just smiled and cut me off, "I've designed clothes for your kind. But no offense meant, you look a bit roguish for a Cale."

I frowned and ran my fingers through my hair, "I- yeah you're right...it's been a while. Wait...you're not going to say anything about my marks?!" I was stunned at the fact I hadn't realized it sooner.

She shook her head and smiled, "Oh no dear, I know how your people feel about that."

I stood there in stunned silence. I ended up slowly lurching forward and wrapping my arms around her neck, "Thank you..." I felt like crying, "You're the first alien to not say anything about them...thank you!" I let her go and ran backwards, "I'm sorry, I'm just so damn happy."

"Oh course darling. Now we simply must do something about that mop on your head, a perfect chance to try something new as well." She chirped happily as she pranced off.

I turned to Sweetie, taking a menacing step towards her I started grilling her, "Who is she?"

"R-Rarity..." She shrunk back as I bared down on her, "She's my sister."

I pointed my finger up at her chin, "And you thought, you'd just bring me to your sisters, for what? Did you know this was gonna happen?"

Her ears flattened out as she shrunk down, "I thought she'd like to-"

"So you knew!" I towered over her, "Great, I won't feel too bad about this then." I grabbed the back of her jaw and picked her head up. I gave her a deep tongueless kiss, just long enough for her to be taken off guard, "I love you right now, but let me say this: that never happened." I cooed as I ran my thumb across her jaw, "Okay?"

She looked horribly confused, "Okay," She whispered, her lips pouting slightly. She was cute but this was a spur of the moment kinda thing. I gave her a quick tap on the cheek and hurried off to let the sister clean me up. Normally I'd be skeptical but with a mane that nice I was confident she was serious and not trying to pull something.

I found her pulling over yet another over sized chair and a large sheet. "Hmm," Rarity walked over as her magic set things in place, "Interesting." She set the chair down and pulled a pad of paper and a pencil over, "Do you mind, I could use the des-" I wasted no time in pulling my sleeves up as I held my arms out, "Oh- how kind."

"You offered to cut my hair for free, didn't immediately ask about my marks, and you're polite. This is the least I can do."

She smiled before moving the pencil across the paper with amazing haste. She bit her tongue and stared at my arms, "No a question if I may, what are they?"

"They're uh- it's hard to explain. It's not a tattoo...it's more like- well...from what I can tell it's like your marks." I pointed my fingers towards her flank, "Your uh, cutie mark."

Rarity looked at the back of my hands before finishing with her drawing, "I suppose that makes sense. Now, let's clean you up." She walked behind the chair and looked at me to sit. I fixed my sleeves and sat down, "I hope you don't mind if I take my time, I promise it will look good by the end."

"By all means-" I watched as a large chunk of white hair flew past my face, "-be my guest." I sat back as she cut my hair. e she gave a quick pause she would mutter something and get back to cutting. This was gonna take a while.

"Much better, Sweetie don't you think so?"

"Huh?" I could hear something running up from behind, "Oh, is it supposed to be short?"

Rarity held a mirror for me before answering, "Human's don't wear their manes like us, it tends to get in their eyes when it's too long." I tuned them out as I looked over the cut. It was good, a bit shorter than I usually go, but good.

Something pulled the mirror away. Sweetie and Rarity looked me dead on, staring at my head, "Uh, can I-"

"Quiet darling...no I don't think it's too short."

Sweetie leaned in towards me, "I liked it better long, now you can see his forehead...it's weird."

"Sweetie! How rude, it's not your mane to complain about."

"Well I liked it better the other way!"

"Oh? You like looking at this young man?" Rarity started smiling at Sweetie, "Do you like him Sweetie? I mean you seemed very concerned about his looks. What's wrong, you're not going to stop liking him just because his mane is cut, are you?"

Sweetie started glowing red, only getting redder as she spoke, "No! I mean- I'm not gonna stop liking him- But I don't like him like that- but he- I mean I-"

Rarity started giggling, "Oh you two will make an excellent couple." Rarity turned to me, "Don't you think so?"

I decided to go along with the joke, "She's a nice girl-"

Sweetie closed her eyes and stamped her hooves, "I am not- wait, no!"

I grew a devious grin as I stood up, "Oh, so you're a bit naughty? I love it-"

"No!" She gave a quick squeal before running off.

Rarity started laughing heartily, "Oh dear, I think she might be a bit flustered."

I gave a quick laugh, "Just a little. Is she gonna be okay?"

Rarity nodded, "Oh yes dear, she did the same thing with Featherweight. She'll come out after she's had time to cool down. But until then, would you care for tea?"

I snapped to attention, a few stray hairs flying off of me, "Tea?"

"Why yes dear, It's about time for it."

I pursed my lips and nodded, "Tea, sounds, wonderful." Rarity smiled and walked on. I quickly followed her into a kitchen and waited.

Rarity brought two cups over, "Here you are dear," She set a cup down in front of me before taking a seat. "I don't believe I ever got your name mister..."

I had already started on the tea, "Oh- Issac Harding."

"Issac, so tell me, are you from Caledonia?"

"Aye, born and raised until I started living on the Druid. You want to know about it?" She nodded, "From what I can tell it's kinda like that town up in the mountains, and it rains more...like ten months out of fourteen."

"Oh dear, I can't imagine how horrible it must be to be stuck in a storm for months." She started sipping her tea in between talking.

"It's not so bad, I kinda miss it." I sipped my tea, "So it doesn't rain much here?"

"Only if the weatherponies make it, it's usually scheduled to the hour." She cut herself off as she sniffed the air, "Issac...when was the last time you bathed?"

I looked at my chest, "I smell don't I?"

Rarity gave a deep smile, "It's noticeable. You're not sleeping outside are you?"

"No, but I'm having to rely on the kindness of strangers while I'm here...it's a good way to make friends but it's not exactly stable."

Rarity nodded, "Well I suppose that's where you expect me to offer. I'm sorry to say I can't let you loiter for free." I cocked an eyebrow and leaned in, she phrased that kinda odd, "You seem like a strong person, how about you help me in the bedroom."

[Ahhhhh!]

"I need someone to move an old dresser out and I just haven't had the time to do it."

"Oh." I leaned back in my chair and ceased my internal scream, "Sure...thought you meant something else...anyways sure. You just want me to move some furniture?"

She nodded, standing up and leading me out of the room and up a set of stairs. She pushed open the last door and showed me the dresser, "Bugger..." I mumbled to myself, "This is gonna suck." I dusted off my hands and looked at Rarity, "I do this and I can stay the night?"

"I guarantee nothing, but I'd imagine Sweetie would be rather cross if I turned away one of her friends." She leaned agaist her wall, "Especially someone special to her!"

A shrill yelp sounded through the wall, "He's not my- not- arugh!"

I just laughed and went to move the dresser.

I finished with the monster of a dresser and sat down, "Damn...bloody heavy." I let my back rest against the oak dresser and tried to catch my breath. I reached up and tapped the top of the dresser. Rarity eventually walked into the room.

"Oh, already do-" She stepped back and covered her nose, "Oh dear...darling second door on the left. Go go go." She picked me up with her magic and threw me up the stairs. I landed flat on the floor, my legs curling over my back before falling to the floor.

I dusted myself off and looked around for the door. I found it and stumbled inside. Her bathroom was nice, all white tile and nice trim. I closed the toilet lid and set my things on it. I stripped and folded my clothes. I realized something before I stepped in and reached my head out of the door, "Hey...do you mind if I use a towel?"

"No darling, just please, clean up!"

I turned back into the room and found a towel. The thing was huge, warm, plush, it was amazing. I hurried into the tub and turned on the shower head. A rush of warm water cascaded over me. I all but melted as I leaned against the wall. I needed this so bad. However regrettable it was that these soaps smelled horridly girly the water more than made up for it.

My bliss was interrupted as the door creaked open, "Occupied."

"Quiet you." Sweetie grumbled angrily as she stepped inside, "I just need to pee." I listened as she set me stuff on the ground and lifted the toilet seat.

"Really? You sure you're not trying to sneak a peak?" I asked with a laugh. She quickly replied with an angry groan, "Hey listen...you know I'm joking right? I'm not trying to make you mad."

"I know. Can we not talk like this though?"

"Aye. Probably a good idea." I turned off the shower and found the towel. I dried off my head as I could just hear Sweetie going about her business. I ignored it as I dried myself off. I waited until Sweetie left and got dressed.

Fresh and smelling of flowers I walked out into the hall. I had left the towel folded on the cistern of the toilet.

I checked the last unchecked door and found Sweetie laying on her bed, "Issac?"

"Yep, I just wanted to make sure you're not mad at me."

She looked at me before getting up and walking over, "No, I'm not mad at you." She leaned over and pressed her nose into my shoulder, "You smell like Rarity."

I fixed my jacket, "Only one soap...."

She stared at me hard, "Why'd you kiss me?"

I swallowed my spit, "I uh...I don't know. You brought me to someone who was nice, knew what I was, and most of all: didn't tell me how nice my markings are. I wanted to show that appreciate...I guess it wa-" Sweetie cut me off, pressing her lips against mine for only a second, "Okay then...." I rubbed my mouth with my palm.

"What did you say; that never happened." She returned to her normal giddy smile.

I smiled and walked back, "Aye." That was unexpected, not unwelcome, but unexpected. I don't think it meant much, at least I hope it didn't, but it was pleasant.

The rest of the day was uneventful, spent mostly talking with Sweetie or reading. As the day started winding down I learned I would be sharing a room with Sweetie.

"So uh...this is kinda...intimate." I joked as I set my backpack down.

Sweetie refused to make eye contact, "Yeah...."

I started backing away and find a place to lay on the floor, "Well...goodnight."

"Wait, you don't- I mean...if you don't want to sleep on the floor...if you want you could...we could share."

I looked back at her, taking a step forward and meeting her eye to eye, "Answer truthfully, okay?" She nodded once, "Do you like me?"

She tried to look at the floor but I caught her face with my hands, "I- ...Will you be mad if I say no?"

"Not at all."

She blinked hard, "I don't know. You're nice but I don't know, maybe, I just really can't tell." She wasn't lying, I'm not really sure what that even meant if she doesn't know but I'm not going to push it. If it happens it happens, if not, oh well. I'm not exactly the best person in space.

I took a deep breath, slowly exhaling before talking again, "Okay." I let her face go, "I'll sleep on the floor, I really don't mind." I hurried back and laid down, using my backpack as a pillow, "Goodnight."

Sweetie stood watching me for a while, eventually she turned off the lights and crawled into bed, "Night."

Day 4

I woke up to the sound of my phone going off. I blindly slid my hand along my thigh until I found my pocket and fished it out, "Hmm- hello?"

"Morning baby, was it good for you too- wake the hell up!" my instructors brash voice broke through my haze. "It's nearly noon and you're still asleep!?"

"Nick? The hell is going on?" I brought my other hand to my eyes and tried to clear my vision, but my hand was refusing to come up, leaving me bleary and confused as I was berated over the phone.

"Issac wake up, you ready to come back home yet?"

I shifted slightly, "Already, I thought you said a week."

"Yeah well turns out these pony folk are similar enough to actual horses that cracking their genes was a cake walk, and sooner we get these bunks filled the better. So you ready?"

I gave it a short, fleeting even, thought, "One more day...mares...one more."

Nick gave a single laugh, "Finally lightening up and unwinding? About time. I'm scheduling a pickup for tonight. Nick out." Nick hung up.

I used my phone to shed some light, my arm was pinned under a white mass of pony, "Sweetie Belle, what the hell?" I grumbled as I tried to pry my arm free, she was latched onto it with both her hooves while the rest of her laid across my stomach, "Sweetie Belle...up...awake, need arm now!"

I yanked my arm free as the mare woke up, "What?" She looked around before laying her head back down on my gut, "Sun's not up yet." She closed her eyes before jerking her head up and rolling away from me, "You- why are you awake already!?

"You were asleep on me, why!?" I yelped as I tried to get to my feet.

Sweetie walked back until she bumped her flank into her bed, "It was cold last night, you were shivering and I-"

I managed to scramble to my feet and lean my back against the wall. "What?!"

"I woke up and you were shaking, I didn't want to-"

"Then throw a blanket over me!" I rubbed my face and tried to calm down. "Okay, I'm okay...I think I'm good." I took a deep breath and steadied myself.

Sweetie was drawing circles with her hooves as she tried to back away. "Sorry."

I ran my fingers through my hair as I calmed myself down. "Look it's fine. Just-" I let out a pained sigh. "That was unexpected is all."

We stood across from each other for a while. "So...you're not mad?" Sweetie asked as she walked over.

I rubbed the back of my neck. "No. I'm not mad. I didn't mean to sound mad, but waking up with someone laying across me was a bit startling."

Sweetie nodded. "So, breakfast?"

I looked around the room before shrugging and walking towards the door. "Sure, sounds good." I scratched the back of my head as Sweetie walked me through the house.

I hung lazily between asleep and awake as I stared at the salad in front of me. The two sisters at the table kept talking while I did everything I could to stay awake.

Rarity looked over at me. "Issac, what do you....about...." I was so out of it I only heard half of what she said.

"Yeah sure...." I took my head in my hands and tried to clear away my headache. As I pulled my head up I could see Sweetie blushing and Rarity giggling. "What happened?"

Sweetie was snickering as she held her mouth shut, Rarity was just giggling outright and lowered her head. Her mane nearly fell into her food as the duo laughed at some unseen joke. Trying to ignore it I grabbed an apple and started eating, the apple giving off a crisp snap as I bit into it.

I was finally waking up when my phone started going off. "I'll be outside." I mumbled as I took my leave.

I made it outside and sat on the stoop. "Hello?"

"Issac!? Awesome, hey listen I'll make it quick." Thomas, one of my few friends on the Druid. "Come and see me when you get back, I have some work I need help with and you'll get something too!"

"What the hell are you-" I was cut off by a whirl. "Did he just...fucker!" I pocketed my phone and stretched out on the porch.

I sat there until Sweetie peeked out the door. "Are you okay? We didn't mean to laugh at you-"

I just looked back at her, a look of confusion plastered to my face. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Sweetie gave a single chuckle. "Nothing...so why are you outside?"

"I had a call, did you want to listen in? Because let me tell you...you don't want to talk to Thomas...he's a lunatic."

Sweetie walked onto the porch. "Hmm, he sounds like a weirdo."

"He is a weirdo. But he's my friends so you know...have to put up with him." I scratched my thigh as I stretched my leg out. "So you ready to head up?"

"Up where?" Sweetie plopped her flank down next to me.

I sat the staring at her. "Up there. You know...space."

She realized what I meant and let out a long Oh. "Today?"

"Tonight." I retorted. "In fact...you mind gathering everyone who's going? I think he's gonna land at the school again."

Sweetie looked up before nodding wildly. "Oh...but uh...no ponys seen Scootaloo for a while...."

I tapped the tips of my boots together. "Apple Bloom and Sliver Spoon are at the orchard still...just bring them. I'll find the last- Scootaloo."

Sweetie nodded. "So...you gonna finish your breakfast?" She gave me an excessively wide grin after asking.

"No, go ahead and take it. I need some meat or...I don't know. Something substantial." she darted off inside, leaving me alone once again. "Well, better get going." I pushed off the porch and started off down the road. How hard would it be to find one person in this town.

I let out a sharp whistle. The rainbow tailed girl snapped her head to me, poking it through a cloud. "What's up human?"

"Great that saves some time. I'm looking for someone named Scootaloo!" I shouted up to the half hidden mare in the clouds. She leaned farther out of the clouds until she fell out and landed in front of me. I didn't like how much taller she was than me, it was a bit unnerving.

She cocked her head at me. "You're short...."

"I know...look do you know who I'm talking about or not?"

She looked behind her. "Scoots...she uh...she's locked up in her house. Why do you want to know, who are you!?" She snapped into a defensive pose. "Did you do it to her!?"

I threw my arms up and took a step back. "Do what!?"

The mare stared me down, taking a few steps towards me and staring down at me. "She's been like this all week, ever since that thing showed up!" She thrust a hoof into the air.

I thought about it for a moment. "Oh...oooh...yeah, that might have been my fault." I muttered defeatedly. "She signed up to go to classes up there a few days ago, maybe she's having second thoughts."

The rainbow mare slowly folded her wings and eased her stance. "So...she's leaving?" I nodded. "With you?" another nod. She took her time and looked me up and down. "Come on...you humans are usually harmless-" Her back leg kicked out as she shuddered. "U-usually...."

I took a step away from her. Something about her movements was rather...deviant. Getting a bit brave I asked, "Did you uh...with a-"

Rainbow girl grew flustered. "No, I mean...maybe- I- let's just go."

I let out a single stifled laugh, getting an angry glare in return. "I'm not judging you...it's just funny is all." my words did nothing to turn her glare away, instead only causing it to intensify.

"You're the one walking behind me short stop. Be careful, I stop abruptly and I might just make a new friend." she jeered with a chuckle.

I snapped to attention before walking next to her. "Wow...that was-"

"Awesome, I know."

"I was going to say pedophiliac but what ever."

The mare stopped dead. "Oh my gosh...you're not an- oh..." her ears plastered themselves down as a blush grew on her face. "I'm so sorry."

I started smiling wryly. "Can't believe that worked." I laughed hard. "No but really, even if I wasn't underage...you'd uh...you'd crush me." I added a smile at the end to seem non-confrontational.

Rainbow girl let out a weak laugh. "Sure- wait a second! Are you calling me fat!?"

I found myself eye to eye with the larger creature. "No? I think you're calling yourself fat."

"Don't you put words in my mouth!"

"No, you want something else in your mouth!" I shouted at her. A long silence ensued between us as we both simmered down. I eeked out a laugh. "Something else...heh."

Rainbow girl just snorted. "Just shut up and follow me. You're almost as bad as the last one."

"You'd know better than me." I muttered to myself as I followed the flamboyant mare.

"There. The one with the wind chime." Rainbow pointed out a small house.

"Thank you. Oh and sorry for the dirty jokes."

Dash waved her hoof. "It's cool." with that she took to her wings and flew off.

It was amazing to me that such a large animal could fly, but I suppose it did just happen right in front of me. It made me wonder about the girl I was about to meet, something was rather dour about her, something I couldn't put my finger on.

I pushed it all aside and walked over to the building. I knocked a few times and waited for a response. "Scootaloo? It's Issac Harding, from the academy. Hello?" No response. I waited for a long time before deciding to do something a little drastic.

I pulled a few tools out of my backpack and went to work on the lock. Truly a lost art, but useful non the less. It took about ten minutes for me to finally jimmy the lock open and get into the house. "I'm coming inside." I yelled as I stepped into the darkened house.

The place was a bit of a wreck, empty bottles everywhere, clothes strewn about, it reminded me of my room before joining the academy. "Why are you here?" a soft voice broke the silence.

I hurried off to find it. Scootaloo was sitting alone at her dining table. "We're leaving ahead of scheduled, tonight." I put my hands on the table and looked around. "So...you live alone?" she nodded. "Why's it dark?" she shrugged. "Are you alright?" she shook her head.

"I'll be fine when we leave." A long pause fell over us. "You can leave you know."

I lowered my head. "Not really...where am I supposed to go-"

"Anywhere but here!" Scootaloo snapped. "Just get out!"

I took a moment before pulling back a chair and sitting down. "No."

Scootaloo just stared at me. "Fine, just sit there then."

"Why the hell are you so hostile!?"

"Why are you still here!?"

I wanted to shake her hard, I had put up with angst before but this was just rude. "What's wrong with you?" I asked quietly.

Scootaloo got angry fast, fast and far more than was warranted. "What's wrong with me!? You know, even if I tried to tell you, you wouldn't get it. You wouldn't understand! Even Dash doesn't get it, Dash never had to go through this!"

I slammed my hands on the table and stood up. "Try me, I've lived a pretty fucked up life too so calm the fuck down!"

Scootaloo shrank back in her seat. "You know...Ryan was alright...but you...you're just a jerk like everypony else." She looked up at me. "You don't even care about me, you just care about getting that paper thingy."

I ran my tongue along my lips. "Shut up. Unless you're going to tell me why you're so uppity just shut the fuck up!" I screamed at her.

Scootaloo's glare intensified. "You really want to know? I don't think you do...I don-"

"Shut up and tell me damn it!" I kicked my chair backwards and slammed my palms against the table again. "I'm starting to think you just like to bitch for no good reason!"

"Eight." she stated coldly. "Eight years without them. Fifteen years without my cutiemark. Fifteen years without flying!" she pushed backwards from the table. "Is that enough for you!?" with that final shriek she ran off.

"Hey!" I ran after her, catching her in the hall. I shook her hard. "Listen to me, and listen very closely. It's my job to make sure I get healthy recruit, mentally and physically. Your trauma is no different than anyone else's so get over it!" I shook her hard once again. "I know what it's like, losing your family, being different, I know better than you could ever imagine!" I stared Scootaloo in the eyes. "I know it hurts...I know exactly what it feels like." I slowly pulled her into a hug. "The emptiness, the hollow feeling in your gut, the constant churn and quake in your body, I know it all!"

"You don't know me, you don't know what I've been through!" she screamed into my chest.

"I watched my parents burn to death in front of me!" I shouted as I pushed her back, staring into her eyes. "Don't you ever tell me I don't understand what pain is." I let Scootaloo go and sat back down. "I watched them burn to death...but you don't see me being an asshole to everyone. I'm shorter than everyone else, but you don't see me getting a complex."

Scootaloo sat back down across from me. She stared at me before letting her head fall to the table. "What were they like?"

I ran my hand across my face before propping up my chin. "They weren't good people, but they...they tried. In the end I think it's what got them killed." I rubbed my mouth. "Once they died my uncle sent me to the academy, been there six years now. What about you...your parents some end all savior?"

Scootaloo rested her head on the table and looked at me. "They were just normal ponies. Just normal ponies like everypony else. But normal ponies get sick...too sick to move." she closed her eyes as she rolled herself face first with the table. "They got sick and just...just went away."

Things got quiet between us. Two people just sitting in a dark room, waiting for the other to say something profound, but it never came. Hours went by as we just sat at that table, hanging in limbo until the time came. My phone started going off, I didn't bother answering. "Scootaloo it's time to go."

She just stared blankly as her head rested on the table. I scooped her up and put her onto my shoulder as I hurried out. The walk was quiet save one quick chat between us. "Issac."

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry." Scootaloo mumbled into my back. "About...you know."

"Aye. Me too, a bit out of line and all." I rubbed her back as I walked. "Listen, you're probably going to be put in the same barrack as me...so...if you ever want to talk about anything...I'll uh...you know...be there."

"Yeah...sure." Scootaloo finally settled in and let me carry her without argument. The walk through town was quick, even quicker when I saw the ship they had sent. Not the same shuttle but a small frigate.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Silver Spoon, and...who the hell was that. Pink...pink!? "Oh shit." I groaned to myself.

The pink one was arguing with my instructor. "I'm sure it will be fine...oh...Issac, hey. This everyone?"

I set Scootaloo down and let her lean into my side. "Yeah, except for the pink one. The hell she doing here?" I asked the small herd to my left.

Apple Bloom stepped forward. "We came over like ya said, then Tiara just showed up and started yellin for ya."

The pink one ran over to me. "You, you think you can just take my friend away!? And these nerds...they think their so much better than me just cause they get to go to school. Well I can go too!" She yanked a document out and held it for me. Everything was signed and looked clean.

I let my mind conjure up as many swears as I could while I lead everyone into the ship with Nick. Nick stopped me as the airlock opened. "When we get back I want you to set up their bunks, you'll be in charge of about six of em so get the rooms ready."

I nodded. "So they're going for vaccination?"

Nick's right eye twitched at the word. "Yep...they're gonna be out of it for a while so make sure they have a place to crash." We sat quietly in a waiting area while a few medical teams filtered in. The ponies seemed a bit shook up as the doctors slowly lead them deeper into the ship. Nick and I just sat in the waiting room and watched as they were given a number of shots in their flanks. "Damn...that's gonna hurt. Hey Issac."

"Huh?"

"You like freckles? One of the other recruiters found a girl like the red head in there, gonna put her in your block okay?"

I scratched my head as I waited. "Not like I have much of a choice."

"Nope." Nick laughed. "Six beds...three rooms...and you surrounded by females. I have to be honest, if you manage to not get laid, I'm going to be horribly disappointment in you."

I felt my face start to burn as I stared at my feet. "You did this on purpose didn't you."

Nick laughed. "A little." I shook my head and waited quietly.

We were docked on the Druid in minutes, letting me get back to my room and set my stuff down. I found my credits and immediately found a vending machine. "Come on damn it...come on!" I kicked the machine as my jerky slowly fell. Once it was free I lunged for it and tore the bag open. I relished in it as my desire for flesh was sated.

I enjoyed my food as I walked lazily to the empty rooms on my block. I pressed into each one and laid out the beds. There wasn't much to do so I ended up sitting in the last one just eating my jerky.

"Issac!?" a familiarly scratchy voice came bursting through the door. Thomas jumped into the room, still dressed in scrubs, and tossed me a vial. "Been looking all over for you, I need your cum!"

I just sat there, mouth full of jerky, hands busy with a vial and a bag. I took my time and bit through the jerky. "Okay...so: What. The. Fuck?"

Thomas shook his head. "Level with me here, I cracked their gene code open and I think I can do something awesome." Thomas pointed to the vial. "I'm gonna make a little pony clone, but I need some Cale- human- Miran- it doesn't matter, I need some male DNA."

I just sat there and stared blankly. "Why do you need me to do anything?"

Thomas crossed his arms. "They said not to...if I did it they'd find out it was me through a blood test, and I figured you'd love the prospect of having a little pony clone of yourself...was I wrong?"

I stopped mid chew, that did sound...kinda cool, maybe I could even jump bodies at some point. The prospect of jumping into a body of a magic using horse was surprisingly appealing. I took another piece of jerky in my mouth. "Gud dam it." I mumbled as I stood up. "You sure I won't get in trouble if you fuck up?"

"One hundred percent mostly. They'll think I uh...did something lewd for a cadet to get it."

I shook my head as I looked at the vial. "You're risking your heterosexuality for cloning? You're either brave or stupid."

"Why can't I be both?" Thomas asked with a laugh. "Anyways you gonna do it or not?"

I stood up and walked out of the room, Thomas tailing me as I walked back into my own room. "I'll get it back to you later."

Thomas shook his head. "Now dude...I've got about three hours to start this and everyone else is busy with the new students."

I closed the door. "Just...wait in the hall then...god damn the things I do for science." I joked to myself. What ensued was a rather pressured donation to gene splicing. "....Here." I held the vial by the top and handed it to him. "I want it to be noted that you're a creepy mother fucker."

"Everyone already knows." He pressed his goggles against the vial. "Hmm...you need to drink more water."

"By the Mother dude...get the hell out of here. But let me know when I can come and check it out!"

Thomas gave a quick salute as he ran off, bumping into the recruits as he ran off. They all looked completely haggard. "Hello everyone." I said cheerily as I shook out my leg. "Two to a room, beds are already made and-"

They were completely ignoring me, shuffling lethargically into the nearby doors. Scootaloo and Sweetie. Pink and Silver. Apple Bloom and some brown pony. All tucked away rather quickly.

I hurried to check on them, or rather one of them. "Apple Bloom...you okay."

She let out a guttural moan as she laid her chin on her bed, the rest of her body too out of it to climb into it. "My flank hurts...."

The other pony wasn't faring much better, half on and half off her bed. I hurried over and lifted the dazed duo into their respective beds and went to the others. Sweetie had managed to make it to the doorway before knocking out, Scootaloo was asleep on the desk chair, Pink one had curled up next to the bed, and Silver was asleep while leaned against a wall.

"Yep...gotta love vaccination time." I rubbed my arm to kill off any sympathy pains and went into my room. I laid back on my bed and curled up for what might finally be a good nights sleep.