Jaze strode down the wide, tall hall, following behind Silver Tongue. It was a place he had only been a few times before: the throne room of the co-rulers of Equestria. To either side of the hall were enormous, beautiful stained-glass windows depicting important scenes in pony history. Sunlight streamed through the multicolored glass, casting the images onto the floor in an amazing light show of brilliant hues. His navy blue dress uniform looked black and dull alongside the vibrant show.

He studied each of the windows as he passed them, marveling at the amazing display. The ponies' history had been a wonder to him since he had first arrived, and only became more interesting with each new thing he learned. Several of the stories portrayed by the glass he recognized, such as the story of the three pony races coming together to found Equestria, saving themselves from an eternal winter born of hatred and mistrust. It never failed to leave him awestruck the things this magical land could bring forth, both terrible and beautiful.

As he passed by, he noticed a window he hadn't seen before. It was almost like it had grown overnight, and with what he had seen of pony magic he couldn’t be sure it didn’t. He couldn't help but stop to stare at this new addition. Where before sat an empty wall, now a gold-armored, dark-haired human figure stood next to a smaller, blue unicorn in the middle of a field of stars, their backs to the viewer. Above them was a dark, nebulous cloud roiling with lighting. From the pair radiated a bright stream of pure, white light that struck at the center of the cloud. And arrayed around the pair of figures in the center were scores of humans and ponies alike, shaking weapons of all sorts up at the cloud.

From behind him rang out a powerful, female voice. “I see you have found the newest addition to the Hall, Sir Armand.”

Jaze spun around. Dark-blue fur adorned the winged, horned pony. A smile cracked her face, and her space-like mane fluttered in a nonexistent wind. Her wings were poised over her back, held straight up, making her appear even larger than she was. She held her head high and proud, though she still somehow seemed not to look down on him. Her deep-blue eyes sparkled with an odd sense of mischief, one that had long since faded from her older sister, and yet still managed to show the wisdom bestowed on her by over a thousand years of life.

He felt a warm smile split his lips; Luna had been the one to first show and explain to him the various stained-glass windows. They had spent several afternoons studying the scenes, discussing them alongside the more official history books. Despite probably having read them hundreds if not thousands of times, and living several of the events herself, Luna had always pursued each story as if it was the first time she had heard of it. She had been the first of many friends he had made on this strange, wondrous world.

With a forehoof, she beckoned him forward, calling out, “Come, we shall review this fine art at a later time, for my dearest sister doth become impatient and wishes no further delay.” The Princess of the Night turned her attention to Silver, and stated “You may leave now, return to your friends in the barracks for now if you desire.”

The alabaster-coated Guardspony snapped to attention and gave a smart salute. “Ye-yes m-m-ma'am!” He spun around and nearly ran from the hall, his hoofsteps echoing long after he departed.

Jaze watched as the pegasus fled, letting a grin spread across his face. The moment the last echo faded, he turned to the alicorn and chuckled as he bowed, “I think someone has a crush; he was practically tripping over himself to follow your command.”

Luna stared after the stallion, a somber expression on her face that wiped the grin from his in a heartbeat. He could swear he saw tears welling in those timeless, space-blue orbs. She slowly turned to him, forcing a smile on her face. “He still does not seem to have recovered from the incident a few years ago.”

“Incident?” Jaze asked, a mix of curiosity and apprehension settling on him.

“Yes, it was... terrible. And by his own hoof.” The tall pony spun around, beckoning him to follow as she trotted down the hall.

She fell silent, her gaze to the floor with her head held high. Jaze fell into step just behind the Princess, only just able to bite back the questions burning through him. She hardly seemed to want to want to speak; he could see pain in her eyes as the memory washed over her. If nothing else, her reluctance to speak gave him pause. He had never known her to hold back, she had even gone into detail about the fight she had with her sister that lead to her being sealed away for a thousand years. That she would fall silent now made a pang of sorrow ring through his heart.

Slowing to a stop, she took a deep breath and continued. “Though you wouldn't guess it now, Silver was quite the motivational speaker. He was a spokespony for the Guard; he even helped us rebuild our reputation after we returned. We may not have been received as well by the ponies of Equestria had it not been for him.

“Around three years ago, he and another pegasus Guardspony were searching for a band of wanted criminals near Equestria's border with the gryphon kingdom. Their hideout was suspected to be in or around a treacherous valley that forms part of the separation of the two lands. This valley is filled with many dangers, from twisting passageways to sharp rocks and landslides. They had been given specific orders not to go into the valley proper, and only search the surrounding area in hopes they would not be held up in the canyon itself due to the danger.”

“Of course they'd hold up in there.” Jaze scoffed, unable to stop himself. “They'd know good and well that no one in their right mind would try and find them, and I'd bet there's plenty of places they could run away to if someone did come looking. A perfect place to hide.” Luna fixed a steady, cool gaze on him until he felt his face color with embarrassment. His mouth snapped closed; he dared not even offer an apology. He hadn't even stopped to think about his words, they just leapt from his throat.

The alicorn princess sighed, “Of course they were hiding in the valley, but we had to be sure before sending in our best fliers on a wild-goose-chase. Regardless, the end result is all that matters. Silver spotted one of the criminals, a pegasus, ducking into the canyon. Hoping to follow the scoundrel back to the hideout, convinced the other Guardspony that they couldn't let the chance pass.”

“Of all the...” Jaze groaned, catching another glare. “Sorry, uh, please continue.”

“If you would be so kind as to be quiet...” she huffed, waiting. When he nodded, Luna continued, “Anyway, despite our orders, Silver and his partner set off into the canyon. Unfortunately for them, the rogue pegasus had spotted them. The filthy lowlife led them into a trapped passage, and triggered a rock-slide. Silver managed to avoid the worst, escaping with a few bruises and light cuts. His partner, however, was trapped under the scree and only just alive.”

Jaze let out a slow sigh, whispering, “Dear god, what'd Silver Tongue do?”

“The only thing he could. He flew for help.” A single, glittering tear rolled down her cheek, and her voice hitched slightly, “He was a mess, bleeding and yelling for help. Several Guardsponies left, along with several healers. It took them hours to dig through the rubble; even with magic progress was slow to avoid the rocks shifting and crushing the poor stallion. The whole time, we were told Silver sat by and would let nopony tend to his wounds.

“All too soon, we were forced to raise the moon, but the work dragged on. Finally, the rescuers returned with the broken Guardspony on stretcher. Both his wings had been crushed beyond repair, and it would take him months to recover. To make matters worse, scouts later found the bandits' camp; they had slipped away. Silver blames himself, and that the rogues were captured and tried later has done little to ease his guilt.”

“That's horrible.” Jaze stared at the floor, unable to speak.

“Yes, though it may be equally horrible if we were to cause my sister to wait any longer.” The Princess of the Moon gestured with her hoof toward the end of the hall. “Shall we?”

He fell a half step behind the dark blue mare, his eyes to the floor as they continued down the long hall. Their steps echoed through the now-silent hall, though their destination never seemed to get any closer. They walked in silence now, Luna even going so far as to avoid his eyes completely any time he looked up. But each time she looked away, he could just catch the faint glitter of tears reflecting the variegated light trailing down her dark-blue cheeks.

That she would cry for that stallion spoke made his chest ache. The alicorn had been his first friend and teacher after his arrival, spending hours a day educating him about the fantastic world he had found himself in. She had taken the time to help him fit in, when she didn't have to. He kept churning Silver's story over and over in his mind. On the one hand, he couldn’t blame the poor stallion. He more than likely would have done the same, he knew that. But, on the other, he felt his stomach roil with disgust at the blatant disregard of orders.

A sudden, low hum brought his head up and out of his thoughts. Luna had strode ahead of him, and her horn was emitting the sound and a cobalt aura. Before her was the twin thrones of the sisters, one of which was encased in the same, magical glow. Jaze cocked his head as he walked toward the Princess, only to stare in awe as the large, gilded seat began to sink into the ground. With a grinding of stone, the throne vanished and a large door made of dark, incredible old wood was left where it once stood, which swung open as though it had decided them worthy to enter.

“Wh-what the hell just happened?” Jaze stammered as his eyes tried to blink the throne back into existence.

Luna, though the remnants of tears still littered her face, winked and gave a bright smile. “This is where we hold our most secretive discussions. Treaties with the other nations of Gaia, how to manage any of the various disasters that constantly befall this land; many important deliberations have taken place in this room since this palace was built.” The Moon Princess stepped past the doorway, disappearing into the room beyond. Jaze followed after the alicorn royalty, shaking his head.

As he stepped into the chamber, he took a moment to glance around. The huge room was only partially lit by several smokeless torches placed strategically along the walls. The high ceiling was shrouded in darkness, far too high for the small torches to illuminate. Dominating the center of the room was a long, high, oaken table that gleamed in the low light. Maps covered the otherwise bland, stone walls, depicting such things as Equestrian cities, trade routes, and the various other countries that made up the world of Gaia.

Sitting at one end of the table, her wings held high to her sides, sat Celestia. The stately monarch's icy stare immediately fixed on him as he entered. The power in her gaze sent an intense shiver down his spine. She hadn't said a word, but immediately his palms started sweating. The very air seemed to crackle with electricity, with her as the source. He could feel the Sun Princess' subtle rage in the hairs stiffening on his neck, and it wasn't hard to guess who she was aiming her ire toward. Piled before her were a number of orderly piles of scrolls made of the yellowish parchment that was used for more official documents.

With a single nod of her regal head, Celestia indicated the seat next to her. Jaze couldn't help a fearful swallow as he strode down the length of the table. Every step echoed up to the invisible ceiling, with that and the occasional hiss of a torch the only sounds in the otherwise tomb-like meeting hall. After an interminable walk, he took his place at the table, with Luna taking the seat across from him. She gave him another warm smile, but the one he returned turned out more as a grimace than anything. The chair he had taken wasn't helping much either. Made of the same wood as the table, it was far deeper than most furniture that he was used to. The thing almost made him feel like he was a child sitting in an adult's chair, a feeling the kept him fidgeting with distaste.

Celestia inclined her head towards him, looking down her nose at him. The disdain in her voice was palpable as she spoke, “Now that you have finally arrived, we can begin. I have called you here today to discuss the future of Equestria, and our new alliance with your Earth Coalition.”

The snow-white alicorn's horn glowed a brilliant gold, and a few scrolls suddenly jumped across the table at him, unfurling as they came. An involuntary flinch jerked his head back, and his face reddened as they landed in a neat stack in front of him. A small tick of her eyebrow let him know the Princess had caught the movement, but her expression barely changed.

“First, the simple matters.” Celestia waved a hoof at the papers before him, “These are treaties, that you, as the current representative of the Earth Coalition in Equestria, must sign.”

“W-wait just a moment!” exclaimed Jaze, “I can't start signing anything in the name of the EC Council! I would at least need to get word to them, and at least them take a few days to...”

“Never fear, Jaze.” Luna interrupted, “These are hardly anything more than a formality, mostly to state to the ponies of Equestria your good intent, and that the warriors you've station within our borders are not a hostile force. These, we believe, are well within your power to grant. Or are we mistaken that you currently are the leader of the human forces still stationed on Gaia?”

“I... Well I guess.” he admitted. “At least, I kinda lead them. And I guess that, so long as I'm not making concessions on behalf of the human race or anything, no one can really be upset.”

Celestia nodded, “Yes, humanity seems to have a talent for war. You almost seem bred for it. That you would agree on behalf of all the humans on Gaia not to begin unwarranted hostilities would be a huge relief to everypony.”

Jaze couldn't help but frown. “Celestia, you don't really think that we would attack you, do you?”

The ancient monarch narrowed her eyes, “I feel I must at least put a show for the ponies of Equestria and others beyond. In truth, I sincerely doubt that it would matter what you sign here today. It seems that humans will just take what they want, regardless of what somepony else wishes. And from what I have seen, you would have the means to get it.”

Luna shot up, sending her chair flying. “Dear Sister,” she hissed, a small amount of venom lacing her words, “that is hardly a thing to say to a guest representing a foreign nation, and much less a friend!”

Celestia's cold glare shifted to her younger sister, and she spoke in a chilling monotone. “And I believe that 'friends' would at least have the courtesy to inform the other of their decisions, and allow them to make their own case before acting. As it seems that wasn't the case, and my involvement was not considered in matters that affected me, I must assume that the 'friendship' was either a lie, or broken off. I am merely treating our... guest, as I would any other potential threat to Equestria.”

Jaze felt his face heat. “Hold it just a moment!” he bellowed.

The Princesses turned their attention back to him as he stood, only just able to keep his breathing calm. His hands clenched into fists on the table, and it was a miracle he hadn't pounded them against the wood. For the first time, he met the ancient alicorn's gaze without flinching, and growled, “I know that my arrival here brought some... unwelcome changes. For that, I apologize. But I, and humanity, have worked too goddamned hard putting it right to sit here and be treated like this! I want nothing more than to help Equestria. And while I can't speak for the whole of the Earth Coalition, I can say that every man and woman that was here would rather die than fight against their friends here.”

“Then you should have no problem signing.” Celestia intoned.

“Do I get a pen? Or must I sign in blood? Prove my loyalty to our new ‘allies’ that way.”

“We would prefer to keep our records as blood-free as possible.” Luna replied, forcing a smile, “Too barbaric for our tastes.” The younger alicorn's horn flared briefly, and an ornate quill made of some type of red and gold feather appeared before him, along with a small bottle of ink. “But, if it's some form of human custom, we could supply some red ink to simulate the effect.”

“A plain black, or blue would be fine.” Jaze assured. He sat as tall in his seat as he could, uncomfortably aware of the two Princesses still towering over him, and picked up the quill. “I hope that, with this, your fears about the Marines on your soil will at least be made bearable. ”

“I suspect that will depend on how many more of my precious subject you intend to force into your battles, Colonel Armand.”

“I'm not really a Colonel any... Wait, what?” Jaze looked up from the papers, unable to hide the confused look on his face. Celestia still looked at him with the same, cold glare she had been giving him since his arrival. He could feel the waves of anger rolling off her worse than ever before.

“As if you are unaware.” huffed the snowy-white mare. “I know that you're the reason my faithful student left to fight in your war. Why else would she?”

“Wait, do you mean Twilight?”

“Of course I mean Twilight!” roared Celestia. A sudden gust made the torches gutter and ruffled his hair. Her mane, usually appearing to calmly float on a gentle breeze now whipped about as though in a storm. Her eyes were narrowed menacingly, gleaming out with a rage he hadn't thought possible of the usually so composed Princess.

“I never... she volunteered to defend her home!” hollered Jaze in turn.

“But not, I feel, to defend humanity's.” the alicorn mare spat back.

“What the hell are talking about?!”

“Please stop playing stupid with me, colt!” she screamed, her wings starting to twitch in anger. “It is beneath you. I know you ordered Twilight to go with your StarSide Marines to Earth.”

“I... I did not! Why would I? I would never send her off her home, not unless she wanted to go!”

“Then if you did not, who would?!” bellowed the mare, as she shot to her hooves.

Finally, he could take it no longer. With a loud thud Jaze slammed his metal fist to the table, and jumped up to scream, “I have no goddamned idea! But there's hardly any goddamned reason I would do it, is there?!”

“Wouldst thou please stop this senseless bickering!” yelled Luna, and with a single, powerful flap of her broad, dark wings she flew to hoover above the table. With both, livid pairs of eyes following her, she slowly floated back and forth between them as she spoke in a slow, calm voice, “Sister, worry not about thine student. She art one of the best and brightest Equestria has to offer, and will most likely be accompanied by the Guardsponies that her brother Shining Armor, your trusted Captain, hoof-picked to go to Earth to assist in the liberation of the human's home. Thy fears are ungrounded, she shall be fine.”

“Ungrounded my hoof! Celestia fired back, “I spoke with Gaston before he left. He is under the assumption that the fighting there will last far longer, and be more gruesome, than it was even here!”

“Thy composure dearest sister, you would do well to regain it.” Luna's lips twitched in a small smile, “Thou seems to have forgotten that your most trusted student, and dare I say closest friend, doth have a mind of her own. Jaze knew not of Twilight's intention to accompany the humans on their quest to liberate their world. T'was I that gave her dispensation to leave.”

Celestia's head fell, and her mane suddenly became still. The sight made cold fingers run down his spine, though he wasn't sure why. Her tone changed, becoming nearly silent as he whispered, “But, why Luna? She had no place going to fight on another planet.”

Jaze shook his head and tore his eyes away from the regal-white mare, and forced out, “R-right! There's no reason she needs to be there! I'll let Admiral Gaston know, and he can get her on a ship back...”

“Be silent, Jaze.” The Moon Princess waved her hoof, “Do you not trust the training that was given to Twilight? And she is both an adult, and a member of your StarSide Marines. It is her right and responsibility to assist in the fight.”

“Why Luna? Why would you go behind my back on this?”

“For the simple reason that we knew you would never allow your pupil to leave had you known before-hoof.” stated the younger pony.

“And for good reason!” Jaze cried out as he stood. “Everyone is expecting Earth to be a suicide mission. Projections are that only one in ten squads will make it out intact. Even if it's an over-estimate, there's still going to be a huge casualty rate! I'm going to...”

“What exactly?” Celestia suddenly snapped, “You just finished saying that you are no longer a Colonel, correct? Then what position do you hold?”

“I... Well I'm technically not attached to the military at all. But Gaston would...”

Luna slowly shook her head, sighing. “Jaze, please. We believe this for the best. Twilight is strong, far stronger than many give her credit for. She went through your training, and has saved Equestria numerous times with the help of her friends. We think she will measure up to the task quite well.”

“But...”

“Please, Jaze.” The Solar Princess' calm, quiet tone cut through the haze that had imperceptibly crept over his vision. Jaze turned, and felt the unreasonable anger turn to worry. Her wings had folded against her sides, while her shoulders drooped. Her head dipped toward the table, and her voice fell even lower. “Just, please stop. There is nothing you can do, and nor should you if you could. Luna is right, it was Twilight’'s choice to make. Should I have her brought back, she could take it to be that I do not trust her.”

“But, but what if...” began the human, though he suspected the outcome.

“Enough!” shouted Celestia, “There is not anything you can do, so just let it rest!”

The snowy-white mare let out a long sigh, and added, “We should focus instead on things we can control. If you would, please sign the documents. Then, we can get down to the real business.”

Nodding, Jaze sat down and pulled the papers close once more. True to the Princesses' word, the agreements were simple things, such as agreeing to obey the laws of Equestria while on it's soil. He took the quill in his hand, and dipped it into the nearby inkwell. His hands shook as he signed all the dotted lines he came across, turning his already untidy scrawl into an even bigger mess. This was another first, both for him and all of humanity. He hadn't even considered humanity and pony-kind being anything but friends and allies, but to see it on paper...

As he browsed through the documents, he could feel Celestia's gaze settling on the top of his head. Without looking up, he asked, “Is something wrong, Princess?”

“No, not all.” she answered far too quickly. “It is just, well...” She paused, causing him to look up from the latest stack of paper-work set before him. Her ears were laid flat, and as he looked she turned away. “I feel... I must apologize to you, Co... Mr. Armand. It was wrong of me to be so... uncivil.”

He smiled and shook his head. “Don't worry. I would have been livid too, if I thought you had sent someone important to me off to... risk themself.”

Celestia's head fell, and he could swear he could see a tear falling down her face as she whispered, “I believe that Twilight will be quite alright. She is, as my dear sister says, strong and well trained.”

“You're absolutely right, we should not worry!” Luna crowed, “We must do our best to take care of everything here. So that way, when Twilight returns, we can give her a proper welcome.”

“And that would be the real reason that you were brought here, Jaze.” Celestia intoned.

He looked up from the documents, an eyebrow raising. “Meaning?” He asked as calmly as he could.

“You have been left in charge of the remaining human forces on Gaia, as I recall.” stated the regal, white mare. “I wonder, what exactly is your purpose here? Humanity's motive to stay, as it were. As I understand, all your forces were needed to retake your homeworld. Why leave so many here, if not for a worthwhile reason?”

Jaze set the quill back on the table, and took a slow breath. “Part of the reason is that the Earth Coalition wants to be in constant contact with their sudden allies. Personally, I wanted to help clean up the garbage. But, the EC wants me to oversee recovery operations for any Cye tech we can salvage and research for ourselves.”

Letting his gaze drop back to the table, he added with a slight wince, “And if I know Earth Coalition suits like I think I do, they want me to keep an eye on you.”

Celestia's brow rose slowly as she squinted. “So, you are to spy on us? Can we not be trusted?”

Luna giggled and shook her head at her older sister. “As if we did not send a force of Guardsponies on the same mission.”

The elder alicorn's face reddened as she shrieked, “I... That's not the point!”

“I think it is dear sister.” Luna replied as she winked.

“Regardless.” chuckled the scarred soldier, “I'm not here for that. Not at least on anything you wouldn't want your allies to know. As much as anything, I'm just here to be a public face for the Earth Coalition on Equestria.”

“So, this is a business stay I assume?” asked Celestia, her face still slightly red.

“To tell the truth...” Jaze ran a hand through his dark hair, and muttered, “I'm glad that I was able to stay. I'd love to stay permanently, though I'd understand if you would rather I leave.”

Celestia broke into a sudden smile. Her horn glowed with a sun-like aura, and in a bright flash another small stack of papers appeared on the table before her. “Actually. There is something I needed to speak with you about, if you could take a look at these...”