It didn't take long for one of the other ships to pick up Firebrand and the other prisoners. It took a bit longer to get Nexus and his golden troops. The shield fell on its own after a few ponies slammed head long into it. Nexus was unconscious when the drop team came back with him, along with the Alicorn Amulet and a cavalry sword with golden inlays that looked like his cutie mark. He was also missing a wing. But after a quick visit to the medical bay, Nexus had vanished. The amulet was safe and sound in a safe that only opened to Firebrand's magic so Nexus killing everypony was out but he couldn't found.

Despite Nexus being MIA at the moment, everyone else seemed to be high on their horse. They all had another four months of sailing so they were going to make the whole thing as happy as they could. The whole ship was piss faced drunk and singing sea shanties even though they were over the desert.

At the center of it all, Nexus' troops sat singing and playing cards. The zebra-unicorn-thing, Ephialtes, talked the youngest into taking a sip of whisky. They all burst into wild laughter as he coughed and hacked at the alcohol.

"Hey I was happy to see you all out of sick bay, don't put him back in." Firebrand said approaching them.

"How's it hanging Brandy?" Ephialtes asked.

"Not even your boss can call me that." Firebrand told him. "Speaking of, have you seen Nexus? I've been looking for him ever since he left sick bay."

"Yeah, I think I saw him head up the mast to the observation deck. Said something about wanting to be alone I think." the bat pony, Hestaria, answered.

"Thanks."

"Not a problem. Speaking of problems, how's that little one you had going?" she asked with a snide grin on her face.

They all burst into laughter at his expense as Brand made his way to the center mast that lead up to observation. Unlike the ship Nexus had taken, this was made with an elevator. Brand stepped in and was up in moments. Tank Celestia for innovation. The wind flowed gently past his ears and blew back his his bright yellow mane. Glancing to the forward observation deck, he saw Nexus staring out to the west horizon where the sun was just finishing its decent. The air was cooler now and much more pleasant. As he approached, he noticed the sword at Nexus' side and that his coat was still midnight blue.

He peered back for a moment before returning his gaze to the horizon. "I was wondering when you'd show up." he said blankly.

"Is it so wrong to check up on your friends?" Brand asked inching closer, still not sure if he was still on his side.

"If that person is a friend, then yes."

"What do you mean? You are no our side here right?"

"I'm not going to capture you, kill you or blow up your ship if that's what you're asking."

"So then what do you mean?"

Nexus let out a sigh and turned to face him full on. "When I started this mission, I started it without a flag. I wasn't out here by order of Celestia and therefore leave her without responsibility for my actions. As it were, I haven't been fighting for any side."

"Then why were you out here? It's not every day you wake up and say, yeah, I'm going to kill this evil overlord of darkness and hatred. What of it?"

"Honorable to a fault I guess. Always ready to spring into action for the safety of your home."

"Sounds too self-ego-stroking if you ask me."

"It could have just been insanity from being around you twenty four seven."

The two chuckled, it was good to hear him get some enjoyment out of this. "Insanity is what I'd call it." Firebrand said now face to face with Nexus.

"Speaking of insanity, what possessed you to get off the ship when you did?"

"Believe it or not, it's somepony you wouldn't expect."

"Thrill me."

"It was Discord."

Nexus raised an eye brow. "You best be joking."

"I'm not. He popped into my head and gave me a vision."

"What vision?"

"All of us lying on the deck battered and bloody. And then Canterlot in ruins. And then he said, "Leave or this will be your fate.""

"Why would he do that?"

"Maybe he's not as bad as you think he is. After all, he's reformed."

"Reformed doesn’t always mean good Brand. I don't trust him."

"He saved our lives."

"He also came very near to ending my life for the sake of a joke."

"Oh, right. The-"

"Don't say it."

"Alright then. So… What now?"

"I do what needs to be done."

"And that is?"

Nexus looked back over to the ocean of sand, now underneath the coolness of the night. "I stand trial and hope for the best."

"Stand trial?! Are you sure Sombra's not still in control?!"

"My mind is as clear as it's been in years."

"If you stand trial, you'll have a one way ticket to the gallows at worst."

"I deserve nothing less."

"Deserve death!? You saved Equestria!"

"By defying its very ruler!" Nexus snapped. "I know you're just looking out for me Brand, but don't. If I go down, I'm going down alone."

"And if you don't?"

Nexus took a deep breath. "That's for the Princesses to decide, not us. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to try and think up some way to a happy ending."

"No, I'm-"

"Leaving. You mean well Brand, but this is a puzzle I have to solve on my own."

Firebrand sighed in annoyance. "Alright. If you have a death wish, then so be it."

He turned and started off towards the elevator, stealing one last glance at Nexus staring out over the bow of the balloon. As much as he wanted to help, Nexus wasn't having it. He was content to letting justice be dealt where it was unnecessary. But whether he liked it or not, he wasn't going to let Nexus fight this battle on his own. He swore that when they returned to Canterlot, he would do everything in his power to help Nexus. But first, he had to do a little conspiring of his own.

Nexus' mind raced as Canterlot mountain grew on the horizon. He'd taken off his back plate and washed the coat underneath. He decided to hold onto the plate, seeing as it was the only other living metal plate he had. He would just have to fashion a new wing and live with it. But that was the least of his worries. He was dressed in full armor with the sword strapped to his back. He and Firebrand stood at the helm of the ship as they got closer. Nexus could see a faint glow coming from Ponyville that he hadn't seen before. He didn't know what to make of it but decided to focus on the task at hand.

What was he going to do? Four months of flying and that was the question he still hadn't answered. As best he could gather, he'd use what he's done to lessen his sentence and try to take the brunt of his crew's punishment. Have them be rewarded and for their contribution to Equestria and allow him to fade into obscurity. Great honor is not without great sacrifice it would seem. The mountains were right in front of them now and the whole crew was in their armor and in formation amidships.

As they pulled into the hanger, Nexus was greeted by the glares of Princess Celestia and the worried glances of Princess Luna. As they started to unload, Nexus took a place next to Luna and Brand to Celestia. After the able bodied were off the ship, the medical bay was emptied along with the storage area where the caskets of the fallen were kept. Thirty five Evening Guard soldiers and ten Royal Guard troops lost their lives for this country. Celestia's face grew grim as the wooden caskets were brought off the ship. Luna was horrified by the sight, she must not have expected that many to die under Nexus' watch. The thought wasn't too reassuring.

"Nexus," Celestia said. "Commander Firebrand will escort you back to your quarters where you will remain under watch until you are called for debrief and trial. Is that understood."

"Yes your highness." Nexus said respectfully.

"I shall accompany you." Luna said.

"No Luna. You are to come with me to retrieve Princess Twilight and Princess Cadence. We will need them to help determine his punishment."

Luna's head hung low as Celestia started to the doors leading back to the castle, flanked by two guards.

"I am sorry Lunarus." Luna said.

"Don't worry about me. Just worry about what you're going to say."

"And what do I say?"

"I won't ask you to lie for me, let alone soften the blow. I may be your friend, but I still broke Equestrian Military Policy. I'll get what I deserve."

"Luna." Celestia called.

"Coming Sister." Luna gave Nexus a quick hug before going off to follow Celestia.

"Come on Nex. Let's go." Firebrand said starting to the same doors.

"Yeah, I'm going."

Author's Notes:

Nexus: Why am I still so near sighted?
Me: You're still not you. Simple.
Nexus: That makes no sense. What makes me me if I'm not me now?
Me: You'll find out. Just wait a few chapters.