CANTERLOT CASTLE

5:31PM

Throughout the trip back to Canterlot, members of both parties never spoke a word. The event with Applejack had clearly shaken them both up, so they didn’t bother to speak a single word, in fear of saying something wrong.

Twilight had it worst, because she has never witnessed this side of one of her friends at all. Sure she saw Applejack angry lots of times before, but that blind rage she expressed was nothing compared to previous times because she never lashed out so severely, especially at Fluttershy.

She knew the good Applejack was still there--buried by all the hostility of the Applejack back at the park. They just had to get her back somehow. Of course, that responsibility mostly resided with Aaron, since it was mostly his fault.

Aaron felt really guilty for what he has caused.

Not only did he only fail to owe Applejack and her family a debt, but he caused a friendship between two equine aliens to fall apart in a harsh and brutal way. The situation has obviously gone from bad, to worse.

When everyone finally arrived at the castle, Celestia gave instructions to follow her and Luna. Twilight walked behind both of the sisters because she didn’t exactly know what part of the castle the briefing would take place in. The UNSC followed last while simultaneously admiring the decor.

They couldn’t believe how illustrious it was with the clear white nylon tiles, and the tall white pillars holding up the grand ceilings which either had a large skylight, or golden chandeliers dangling from them.

Celestia and Luna apparently led everyone to the Grand Dining Hall that already had servings of food prepared.

Most of it consisted of fruits and vegetables, while a few trays of hayburgers were displayed; a favorite food for Twilight.

“Excuse me your majesty, but why did you bring us to your dining hall?” Kenwood asked. “We certainly didn’t say anything about being in the need of food for the moment.”

“I know, but I just figured you would like something to eat while we discuss our pressing issues. Surely you must be starving after a long day,” Celestia replied with a small smile.

“Well that’s very generous of you, but we can’t take advantage of your hospitality, especially after the unfortunate events that have taken place.”

“Don’t let it get to any of you. It is perfectly clear that Applejack is just going through a really rough time right now. I know that she didn’t mean what she said to me, Fluttershy, and the rest of you,” she reassured with a comforting smile and tone, even though it was hard to tell if she was really being sincere. She had to admit she was deeply offended, but Celestia knew that Applejack would eventually pull through and apologize for what she has done.

“Now please, I insist that you all take a seat and help yourselves to the servings. I’ve even arranged the rooms you will be staying in tonight.”

Aaron was surprised on how kind Celestia was to his comrades. She certainly expressed no hesitancy at all, but he was still pretty sure that she didn’t fully trust them yet; not until she knew what the UNSC can do.

Kenwood, and the rest of the UNSC personal, decided to follow Celestia’s orders and make themselves comfortable in their chairs, and help themselves to whatever looked appetizing. Apparently bananas were also up for grabs as well because Celestia assumed that humans would like bananas.

When everyone was properly seated and were self-served, the briefing began.

“So, Captain Kenwood. What can you tell me, and everypony here, what you know about the enemy that your species are fighting in my sister’s dreams, and your fellow soldiers, Aaron?” Celestia asked.

Celestia explained the concicendential dream dilemma of Luna and Aaron to Kenwood when they spoke in private.

Kenwood at first thought that it was just all imagination, but when Celestia gave clear descriptions of UNSC combatants, and the return fire of Covenant troops--he then knew that something was definitely up.

“Well, the first thing you would want to know ma’am is that the enemy we’re engaging in this so-called dream or vision is called, the Covenant,” Kenwood replied.

Twilight raised a brow.

“You mean, as in religion?” she asked.

Religious activities wasn’t a very huge thing in Equestria, but the word covenant did show up on a few occasions underneath the topic. Twilight herself didn’t believe is such practices because it seemed ludicrous to praise something that didn’t even exist. The only creatures or beings that Equestrians worshipped were the princesses.

“That’s pretty much it, Princess Twilight,” Kenwood said. “These aliens look to an ancient civilization known as the Forerunners as some sort of gods or deities.”

“Why? Did they have magical powers as well?” Twilight asked.

“Not exactly, but they did have unique engineering skills. The old Covenant particularly had a main interest in these,” Kenwood said and activated a hologram from his data-pad which projected a 3D schematic diagram of a large ring-like object. This confused everypony.

“Why would this, Covenant take interest in just a plain old ring?” Celestia asked.

“I can assure you, your majesty, that this is not just an ordinary ring,” Kenwood began officially. “What you're gazing upon now is a device used to destroy all sentient life in the galaxy, or the entire universe if it's more powerful than our references say.”

Twilight and everypony else was still confused.

“Um..captain. How can a single and simple ring destroy every living creature in the deep regions of space, when it only is small enough to fit around anypony’s horn or hoof?” Twilight asked.

“Well are there any equine species on your planet that are large enough to have a horn or hoof that has the diameter of ten-thousand kilometers?”

“Uh..no,” Twilight replied not knowing what to make of the return question.

“So wait. You mean to tell us that there is a giant ring somewhere in outer space that is capable of mass destruction?” Luna asked, clearly worried.

“Not just one. Intel tells us that there are six rings. There used to be seven, but one of them was destroyed six years ago. These ring-like installations are called, Halos,” Kenwood explained.

“Well I can see why they would be called that,” Twilight stated. “But why would these beings be so interested is such a weapon?”

“The old Covenant believed that when one or more of these rings were fired, it would start a sublimation event called, The Great Journey that they believed would take them to where the Forerunners resided and share their power with them.”

“Well, does the Covenant you're fighting now have the same intention?” Celestia asked, gravely concerned.

“No,” Kenwood replied which made everypony sigh with relief. He then swapped the projection of the Halo with an image of an Elite wielding an Energy Sword.

“After these squid-jaws discovered that their prophets’ intentions were false, they sided with us in order to take out the last and head prophet of the Covenant, Truth--and stop him from firing all of the Halo rings simultaneously via activation from the Ark.”

The diagram of the Sangheili was then replaced by the image of the eight-armed installation.

“After the replacement for the destroyed Halo was fired, both it and the Ark were destroyed because of the replacement’s lack of completion and stability.”

“So what does the new Covenant want then?” Twilight asked.

“We believe that this Covenant wishes to find, and collect, every piece of Forerunner technology that is scattered throughout the galaxy. If they do so, humanity will likely be eradicated since they do still find us rather bothersome,” Kenwood said. “But that’s not the only problem we have.”

“What?” all three princesses asked.

Kenwood then changed the projection again, this time displaying an image of an elderly woman in a lab coat.

“A chief ONI scientist, and war criminal by the name of Dr. Catherine Elizabeth Halsey, has apparently sided with the enemy,” he said.

This greatly shocked and confused everypony. They didn’t understand why a human would betray its own kind so coldly like that. They however understood that since Halsey was a criminal, she would be wanted by the UNSC; so the only safe place to be would be by the enemy themselves.

“It’s been the Express’s mission, along with all the UNSC to track down Halsey, and the Covenant Remnant leader, Jul ‘Mdama and make them face hard justice. This is why we can’t really stay here and learn about your ways, but if Jensen’s and your sister’s dreams are telling of a future invasion, this could be our chance to apprehend Halsey and ‘Mdama, or at least capture an allaby of his for whereabouts. The question is when this attack may happen, or if it may even happen at all?”

Celestia put a hoof under her chin in thought.

“I’m not sure myself, captain. But like I mentioned before, if our kingdom--and all of Equis is at some kind of risk against a Covenant invasion, then surely it has to be up to the UNSC to guarantee our safety, because surely the military we have here won’t be suited well against what the Covenant has to throw against us; and judging from the intensity of my sister's and Aaron’s dreams, it certainly isn’t pleasant.”

Kenwood nodded. “I understand, your majesty. If a Covenant threat does happen to fall upon this planet, let our military do all the fighting while yours helps out with civilian evacuations, and to flee as well until the planet is secured.”

“Wait a minute,” Twilight said. “This is our planet too. Surely everypony could find a way to fight by your side.”

Kenwood raised his hand.

“I’m afraid that’s out of the question ma’am. We know that is is your world and you wish to help defend it, but we cannot allow your species to become involved within our conflict and affairs with the Covenant. They mostly want to kill us, and not you. If you become part of our military, they will surely eradicate the innocent lives of everypony here. Surely you must understand,” Kenwood explained.

“Yes. But..” Twilight began before being interrupted by Celestia.

“Kenwood is right, Twilight. We cannot afford to get the citizens of Equestria, and all of Equis involved in their fight. It would mean the end of all of us, and our world if we interfere.”

As much as Twilight wanted to be persistent as she normally was, she always knew that Celestia knew better than she did after all. Twilight closed her eyes and then sighed in agreement.

“Okay. Sorry for making such a brash statement. I only wished to help.”

“I’m glad for your offer, Princess Twilight. I’m sure if the stakes demand it, then perhaps maybe we can induct a selected group of your soldiers into our cause. Of course they would need our training though, and would probably have to mostly consist of unicorns because they could use their magic to carry and use weapons,” Kenwood said.

“Actually, the unicorn guards already know effective combat spells,” Celestia said. “Surely that would be more efficient to you, and them.”

“Understood, your majesty. I believe that it maybe a little too early to discuss war tactics though. Instead, we should discuss how long our stay is going to be. The UNSC, and the rest of humanity can’t really make arrangements to permanently settle on Equis because we don’t wish to corrupt the balance of harmony the keeps your civilization in check. Do you have any suggestions, Princess Celestia?” Kenwood asked.

“Hmm,” Celestia began as she thought. “I’m not exactly sure, but I suggest that you should stay long enough for the Grand Galloping Gala that will be taking place here at the castle in just a few weeks. It should be a great way to experience and share our diversity with one another, and to see if harmony can happen between human, and pony. You may then be free to leave the day after.”

This suggestion greatly concerned Luna.

“Um...sister. Are you sure that’s a good idea?” she asked.

“Why would you ask such a thing, Luna?” Celestia said, clearly taken aback by her younger sister’s skepticism.

“Because what if some ponies don’t appreciate the presence of humans staying on our world, even if it is temporary?” Luna replied. “I’m fearing a chance of rebellion.”

“Calm yourself dear sister,” Celestia assured. “Something can work out. Plus, Aaron needs to make amends with Applejack, and her family. If he can change their opinions about him, then surely word can truly spread that harmony can be accomplished between two different species who are at a small conflict with one another.”

Aaron felt a bounty form over his head as all eyes focused on him.

As uncomfortable as it may have been, Aaron knew that he had a huge responsibility to meet, and that was to find a way to owe his debt to Applejack’s damaged property in hopes of earning her trust, and restoring her happiness.

“Do you wish for me to do that now, your majesty?” he asked.

“I think it’ll be best if we just give her tonight to cool off. Reconciling with her will be easier if she had some alone time, or the comfort of her own family members to calm her down and make her more willing to listen,” Celestia suggested.

“I understand,” Aaron said nodding.

“Good. Now if you would follow me again, I will lead you to your rooms. I’m sure you'll find them most comfortable.” Celestia said, and began heading for the door leading to the hallway.

“I’ll give order to the Express to initiate a drift orbit around the planet. It will help save fuel,” Kenwood said.

“I tell ya. This is like taking a vacation at a five-star hotel, but instead it’s a castle,” Zeke  randomly remarked.

“Uh yeah, Fredrickson. We kind of know that already,” AJ said, rolling his eyes.

“Hey. It doesn’t hurt to be excited about the obvious,” Zeke retorted.

Everyone knew that statement made little to no sense at all.

Celestia suggested that Twilight head back to Ponyville to reassure her friends and Spike that everything was going to be alright. Twilight of course was a bit unsure at first, but didn’t hesitate to agree with her old mentor.

When Aaron was finally shown to his room, he admired the grand decor that was similar to the style around the castle. So maybe it wasn’t that impressive, but what really looked inviting to him was the wide and comfortable looking bed that was proudly displayed and prepared in front of him.

Good thing that Kenwood used a special armor unlocking device on Aaron, and his fellow Spartans before they could settle into their suites. Their armor would then be carried back to the corvette. This would make relaxing so much better and easier.

As Aaron slowly drifted off to sleep, he thought about how his day would go tomorrow with Applejack and her family. He knew it wasn’t going to be smooth sailing, but he had no other choice.

He had to make things right for her, the family, him, and all the UNSC.