HANGAR OF THE PONY EXPRESS

ORBIT ABOVE THE FROZEN NORTH

1103 HOURS

When Twilight’s friends heard the pilot’s announcement of their imminent landing from the intercom linking to the cockpit, the tension they currently had was lifted off of them--of course the feeling of currently being on a massive alien ship still made them a bit uneasy.

Everypony and everyone heard the Pelican’s engines dimming down a bit as it gently descended to the hangar’s floor. The humming noise of the landing gear being deployed emanated from underneath where everypony was sitting. All the sounds concluded when there was a slight bump from the landing gear touching down.

The back hatch of the Pelican then began to open up, and Aaron--followed by AJ and Zeke got up and proceeded to lead the mares out of the Pelican.

As planned, Kenwood was waiting for them near the Pelican’s docking zone.

On the way to the corvette, Aaron, with their condolences, created profiles of each of the five mares, and sent them to Kenwood for analysis. When they would arrive, Kenwood would make their acquaintance, and confirm their files to upload to the ship’s databases.

“Gentlemen. We’re lucky to have you back,” Kenwood said, saluting them, which the three Spartans returned. He then focused his eyes on Twilight and her friends.

“So these are your friends, Princess Twilight?”

“Yes, sir,” Twilight nodded, still looking worried. She was anxious to know about her brother or Cadance, but she knew now wasn’t the time to be impulsive about that information--even if she really needed it.

Kenwood and Twilight’s friends shared a brief moment of silently studying one another with their eyes before words could be exchanged.

“It’s very nice to meet you five, and I welcome you aboard my ship,” Kenwood stated officially, but with politeness. “Let me just look over your files that Jensen sent me, and all I want you to do is see if this information is correct. Clear?” Kenwood asked as he pulled out his DATAPAD.

Twilight’s friends just nodded without saying anything.

“Good. First up, Pinkamena Diane Pie. Age twenty-one. Occupation as a baker at Sugarcube Corner and festivity planner.”

“Yep! That’s me!” Pinkie gleefully said. “I’m surprised however that you didn’t even ask me to throw a welcoming party for our arrival on this big ship thingy.”

“I assure that wouldn’t have to be necessary,” Kenwood pardoned, which surprised Pinkie, and made her a little bit glum from disappointment.

“Rarity Gemma Belle. Age twenty-two. Owner of Carousel Boutique where you work as a clothing designer, and stylist. Correct?”

“Yes. That’s correct,” Rarity nodded.  “Forgive me if I’m being uncouth, darling--but I truly believe that Pelican of yours needs full attention to cleanliness, and maybe some more attractive exterior and interior coloring. Perhaps I could--”

“Sorry, ma’am. Protocol prohibits the tampering, or any sort of civilian renovation to UNSC equipment,” Kenwood interrupted, uninterested in Rarity’s unannounced offer. Rarity just decided to remain silent, even if she wished to make an argument about it.

“Rainbow Prism Dash. Twenty-one. Cloudsdale Weather Factory employee and head of the Ponyville Weather Team.”

Rainbow just nodded. She really wasn’t sure what to make of this situation, but she clearly didn’t like it. Something about giving her and her friends their personal information to these humans seemed kind of suspicious.

“Fluttershy Marie Posey. Twenty-three. Animal caretaker.”

She did the same action as Rainbow; and frankly, had the same thought.

“Finally. Applejack Anne Apple. Twenty-two. Resident apple farmer and agricultural provider at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“That’s correct, sir,” Applejack confirmed meekly.

“Good. I’ll just now upload these to the ship’s records,” Kenwood stated as he pressed a holographic switch on his DATAPAD which initiated the downloading sequence.

“Excuse me for asking, sir. But what is the reason for downloading my friend’s personal information into your ship’s files?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Because, Miss Sparkle,” Kenwood said officially, but looked kind of sad. “Since your friends wish to be involved in this matter; I’m afraid they're not allowed to leave this ship until this conflict on Equis is finally resolved.”