Chapter Sixteen: Signing Up.

***

Hell Blazer stared at the prone form of his best friend, a morose look on his face. David Elliot was lying on a makeshift bed in one of the side rooms of St Paul's, away from most of the prying eyes in the cathedral. He had been taken inside by Lockett, Dutch and Hell Blazer himself, and suffice it to say he didn't look good at all. He was pale, sweating and feverish, and had been coughing in his unconsciousness even as they brought him in.

The Doctor, the old pony looking not much worse for wear after the battle, was running his sonic screwdriver up and down the unconscious body of Elliot, a grim look on his face as he did so: whatever he was seeing from his scan, it clearly wasn't anything good.

The newcomer ponies stood with Hell Blazer, staring at the unconscious man with looks of mixed worry and fear on their faces: quite apart from their worry for his health, there was that fact that without him, they didn’t know what was going to happen to them. Elliot had brought them here, after all. If he wasn't here to vouch that they weren't their counterparts... what would happen to them all?

"He's alive and stable for now," the Doctor said after a moment, sighing as he put the sonic screwdriver back in his jacket. He looked up at Hell Blazer, studiously avoiding looking at Ditzy or the other newcomers. "But his body has gone under massive amounts of magical stress, and the damage to his cells has only been accelerated. He'll likely be in a coma for some time while his body recuperates."

"But he will live?" Twilight asked worriedly. The Doctor gave her a cold look, then nodded tiredly with a sigh.

"I can't guarantee he'd survive another magical outburst of this sort," he said gently. "But he'll survive this one. For a little while. I don't know when he'll likely wake up though: it could be months, or he could die in this coma."

"How long does he have?" Hell Blazer asked quietly so that the others couldn't hear him.

"A year at best," the Time Lord murmured in return. He was studiously looking at the floor. Hell Blazer frowned.

"You alright?" he asked.

"Just bad memories," the Doctor replied, his eyes flicking to look at Ditzy. He said nothing more, instead walking away. Hell Blazer, not commenting on his friend's moroseness, turned to the newcomers.

"Elliot trusted me to keep you lot alright," he said to them, trying to sound serious. "So I will."

"We appreciate that," Twilight said. "Right now though, we want to be useful."

"You'll get your chance, Miss Sparkle," a new voice said. The newcomers turned, to see Major Redmond standing behind them, arms folded. "Hell Blazer, the Council want to see them."

"You sure that's wise?" Hell Blazer asked, frowning.

"I'm not sure about any of this damned endeavour of Elliot's," Redmond said, indicating the prone form of the Avatar, "but he was, and the Council want to talk to these ponies and judge for themselves."

Hell Blazer sighed.

"Alright, then," he said. He turned to the newcomers. "Go with the Major. I'll meet up with you afterwards."

Uneasily, the newcomers followed the grim looking human as he walked off, leaving Hell Blazer alone with his unconscious friend. He stood by his side for a long moment, unsure what to do or to say. He had done this to his friend… and now it had caused him to be near death’s door.

Damn you, John Constantine, you cunt, he thought to himself. You’ve taken every friend you’ve got away from yourself. It's your own fault you're alone.

Somehow, thinking that didn't make him feel any better.

***

There was a single room in the cathedral set aside from everywhere else. It had once been the office of some high ranking member of the church, but now it contained a large television screen and a pair of speakers: the only contact the building had with the ruling council.

The ruling council were, for want of a better term, the government of the British Isles. Since the isles - and indeed the human race - were in dire straits, a lot of the traditional democratic freedoms many citizens were used to were suspended: the majority of the government and the decisions were made by the military in terms of laws governing people. The council, however, were the top authority.

There was General Paul Anderson, a bearded and dark haired Australian soldier who had, as a low-ranking officer, been part of the ultimately doomed Australian effort to stop the Equestrian barrier. He had watched most of the army of Australia burn underneath the pink energy field, and it had left him deeply cynical but also deeply committed to victory. He had sworn he would see Solamina pay for what she had done.

A simple moustached Japanese man in a grey suit named Hiroto Sato represented the civilian interests. Having been on holiday in Britain when all flights were cancelled, the low ranking and idealistic politician found himself asked to represent first the refugee population of Britain and, later, when such boundaries ceased having any meaning, the entire civilian branch. Sato was a larger man, though the war and it's shortages had left him gaunt as well.

Finally, there was Prince Blueblood, the combined military and civilian ruler of the Free Equestrian Resistance. Though he had been reluctant to take up any position of power, especially after being part of the Equestrian council before its dissolution, he had taken to the role with gusto. Many would not have recognised him, since his old self-centeredness was almost entirely absent from his exterior persona. He wore a stylised version of the Night Guard uniform.

These three were upon the large screen when Redmond entered the room with the newcomers. They immediately gasped when they saw the Element bearers.

"I don't bloody believe it," Anderson said quietly. "It really is them!"

"Honourable members of the ruling council," Major Redmond said formally. "I present Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo, Lyra Heartstrings and True Grit for your judgement."

"Thank you Major Redmond," Blueblood said quietly. "If you wouldn't mind leaving them with us."

Redmond saluted the screen and exited, leaving the newcomers with the council.

"Major Redmond has already explained to us that you are from a parallel world," Sato began slowly. "That Major David Elliot brought you here to assist in our war."

"That... that is correct, sir," Twilight replied: the others unconsciously selected her as their spokespony.

"In that case, I'm sure you are aware of the seriousness of the situation," Sato continued. "I am curious as to whether you still feel able to assist us."

Twilight looked back at her friends. Most of them looked tired and worried, a reaction to having seen things they didn't like seeing. True Grit looked utterly resolute, seemingly the most committed of all of them. What worried Twilight was Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy. Seeing Richardson die in front of her had apparently shocked the nerves right out of Fluttershy, who was even quieter and more skittish than she usually was. Rainbow Dash had allowed the lives she had taken already to once again weigh on her, the blue Pegasus looking haunted by it. Applejack too had, albeit indirectly, ended lives, and she looked decidedly unhappy about it.

However, when Twilight look at her friends, they all met her eyes and nodded, seemingly willing to continue despite everything they had all seen. She turned back to the council.

"We're willing to help however we can," she said quietly.

Sato turned to the other two. Blueblood was staring at the ponies morosely, as if trying to bore through them with his eyes. Anderson didn't look convinced, but he sighed and waved a hand.

"I'll go with you two on this," he said, sounding rather grumpy about the whole thing.

"I'm of the opinion that they should be given a chance," Sato said simply.

"I am as well," Blueblood said with a nod.

"That settles it then," Sato said. "They shall join up?"

Blueblood looked Twilight in the eye. "Elliot brought you here to fight and that is what you're going to do: however it requires that all of you undergo basic training in order to be proficient at the standards we demand of our soldiers."

"We understand," Twilight said, her friends nodding in agreement.

"Your Highness," Sato said quietly to Blueblood, "as they are Equestrian citizens it is up to you to authorise their oaths being administered."

"Oath?" Twilight asked.

Blueblood sighed. "There is an oath of allegiance to be sworn for you to join the armed forces. Mainly a formality, but it's important to have it done nonetheless. Normally done in a quick, quiet ceremony. However," he added, turning to Sato, "I think it's better to have it done in front of the troopers at St Paul's.”

"As a propaganda piece?" asked Anderson, sounding irritated.

"As final proof to the soldiers that they're fighting alongside allies," Blueblood retorted sharply. He turned to look at Twilight. "Please send Major Redmond in here."

"I'll get him, sir," True Grit said at once, exiting the room. A moment later, he returned with the Major, who saluted the council.

"Major, I want you to have the oaths of allegiance administered to these nine effective immediately," Blueblood said at once. "Equestrian oath, so you'll need a high ranking pony, and I want it done in front of the entire surviving civilian and military complement of the garrison."

"Yes sir!" Redmond said, saluting sharply. "Anything else sir?"

"We'll be sending transport for the ponies to go to their respective training facilities," Blueblood said. "Prepare to receive them within the next twenty hours."

"Sir!" Redmond said. Blueblood nodded.

"If that's all, we need to start planning an evacuation of London," the Prince said tiredly. "We can't afford to have so many civilians in one place: it's too great a risk."

"Understood sir," Redmond said. "St Paul's garrison out."

The council nodded, and the image switched off. Redmond turned to the newcomer ponies with a wary look on his face.

"If you'll be swearing the oath of allegiance," he said slowly, "you'd best come with me."

"What exactly is an oath of allegiance?" Rarity asked.

Before Redmond could answer, Twilight stepped up to her side.

"Equestria's Royal Guard have them," she said softly. "They swear by Princess Celestia to defend her and Equestria with their lives."

"It's more than that, ma'am," True Grit said, looking at her with a slight frown. "It's a bond of fidelity between guards, a bond that links us all together."

Redmond nodded in approval at True Grit's description.

"The oath to the Defence Force is a little different, but that's essentially what it is to us as well," he said with a rare smile. "You'll have to do it in front of everyone."

"Really?" Fluttershy asked, her natural disinclination towards being in front of large crowds making her less than happy about that idea.

"Yes," Redmond said bluntly. "But don't worry, you'll get to repeat it after your administerer."

Fluttershy nodded with a sad look on her face. Pinkie Pie poked her in the side.

"Don't worry, Fluttershy," she said softly, smiling widely. "After this we'll be part of a great big new club!"

Fluttershy smiled weakly, but they all knew - even Pinkie, despite her happy bravado - that this would be no happy club. This would be an army, and they would be it's soldiers, with a duty to fight, to kill - and if need be, to die.

***

Errant Flight stood next to Hell Blazer, frowning at the unconscious Elliot. It was hard to believe that such a larger than life figure, such a brave and honourable man, could possibly be so laid low. He had known Elliot for a long time, and though he disagreed with some of the man's methods - most notably the taking of trophies from the Elements, something he knew True Grit and Lyra both agreed with him on - he found Elliot to be someone who proved precisely why humanity deserved to still be around.

Hell Blazer, meanwhile, hadn't moved. As John Constantine, he had been used to people he knew being hurt or killed, simply for knowing him. This, though, was worse: he had caused this himself. He had been the one to imbue Elliot's body with the power that was now killing him. In his selfishness and desire to survive the apocalypse (mixed with a bit of harsh practicality), he had doomed a man who had become his friend to die.

The knowledge that for once, the death of someone close to him was entirely his fault, not merely partially, was not something he bore easily. Errant Flight wanted to say something to make him feel better, but he didn't know what he could say that would make the pony's burdens lift.

"You know, he'll pull through this," Errant said after a moment. Hell Blazer snorted, but Errant continued. "Without his help, we'd have been overrun."

"I know," Hell Blazer returned quietly. "But now he's like this, and it's my fault."

Errant didn't know what to say, but fortunately for him he was stopped from needing to do so by the arrival of a young Earth Pony filly.

"Mr Hell Blazer?" the filly said, looking over his shoulder at the prone Elliot.

"Hey Brave Heart," Hell Blazer said quietly. "What's up?"

"Major Redmond said there's gonna be a swearing in," the filly said quietly. "Is... is Albion ok?"

"He's a little tired from his battle," Hell Blazer said quietly. "He'll be up and about in no time." The yellow Earth Pony frowned. "What's this about a swearing in?"

"Those refugees you brought with you," the little filly said. "They're gonna be sworn in!"

Hell Blazer looked at Errant Flight, who looked as worried as he did, and then the two of them raced outside the little room, the worried Brave Heart watching them go.

***

Twilight sighed softly as she read over the oath. She and the others were waiting off stage, all of them at least a little nervous about going up in front of a large number of people and ponies. Major Redmond was with them.

"So go over the ceremony again?" Applejack asked, frowning up at the man. Redmond sighed.

"First, your swearer goes up and gives a speech about the history of the Equestrian resistance," he said, sounding slightly irritated. "Then you'll be asked to repeat the oath after your swearer."

"You say that, but who is our 'swearer'?" Twilight asked.

"The person who swears you into the service," Redmond said tiredly, addressing all of the ponies present. "Under different circumstances, I'd do it myself, but since you're Equestrian nationals, it's not my job."

"Yeah," a cynical voice said. "It's mine."

Errant Flight and Hell Blazer entered. Errant Flight, the one who had spoken, was frowning at Redmond.

"Wanna tell me why you were gonna swear in nine ponies without the senior Equestrian Resistance leader at our position present?" he asked, sounding annoyed.

"I was about to go get you," Redmond replied coolly, arms folded. "You've saved me a job."

"Thank God for Brave Heart," Hell Blazer muttered under his breath.

Errant Flight looked altogether uncertain.

"I haven't sworn anyone in for a while," he said. "It's been ages since I had to give a speech, for one thing."

"Honesty will do," Redmond said. He walked out of the room. "I'll gather the troops."

He exited, leaving Errant Flight with Hell Blazer and the others. Errant looked at his friend, who shrugged, and the Pegasus sighed.

"Great," he said softly. "I've got to find a way to convince a crowd to be enthused about something I don't believe."

"Shame Elliot's not awake," Hell Blazer agreed. "He managed to convince everybody that it was a good idea before the battle, but I don't think swearing them in will retain the goodwill."

"Excuse me," Rarity said, interrupting the two of them, her eyes hard. "We haven't come here for your goodwill. We've come here because there's a Tyrant committing genocide in your world and every single one of us is committed to helping you stop her, as we've already proved by helping in that horrid battle."

Errant threw Hell Blazer a glance: the pony nodded.

"They helped reveal the location of the Golem handler," he said softly. Errant raised an eyebrow, and turned back to Rarity.

"Yes, we did," she said. "Now if we have to swear an oath to be allowed to keep fighting alongside you, so be it."

Hell Blazer snorted in amusement, and Errant smiled tiredly.

"I'll say something for you," he said quietly. "At least you've got the right spirit. But at a public swearing in, we tend to need to convince the crowd to be happy you're joining up, and that's normally a lot easier than it will be for you."

"Why is it important?" Twilight asked. Hell Blazer sighed.

"Look, Elliot might have convinced them that you aren't the enemy," he said, "at least for the moment. But if you join up, you need to fight with them. Fighting with someone involves trust... and I don't think you have that yet."

"The oath is a symbol - not only that you'll trust them, but that you're asking them to trust you," Errant added.

Most of the ponies looked around awkwardly, recognising the truth in his words. Then, surprisingly, Applejack frowned and stepped forward, looking more determined than she had in the ponies' entire time in this world so far.

"The Applejack in this world ain't never lied, has she?" she asked.

Errant Flight and Hell Blazer shared a look.

"No," Hell Blazer said shortly. "She killed people and ponies and was responsible for a lot of pain, but she was honest about it all, at least."

"Then it's settled," Applejack said with finality. "I'll take your darn oath first. Heck, I'll even speechify if I have to."

Errant Flight looked at her sceptically, then turned to Hell Blazer, but surprisingly, the yellow pony looked thoughtful.

"People and ponies alike know her reputation," he said softly, sounding like he genuinely thought the idea had merit. "It might just work... especially if she... 'speechifies'."

Errant Flight raised an eyebrow, and then shrugged.

"If you think it'll do anything," he said shortly. “Personally, I see this going horribly, horribly wrong.”

“Hooray for optimism,” Hell Blazer chuckled.

***

St Paul's was filled with the injured, maimed and the dying, all huddled at the front of the church surrounded by medical personnel. These troopers were sat in places where they could see the far end of the church. The uninjured soldiers - what comparative few there were - were sat on various benches, their attention also turned to the upper end of the building. They had all been promised something important.

At the top of St Paul's cathedral, there was a stage, once where a pulpit had been. Now it was cleared, a small turntable set aside in one corner surrounded by speakers and manned by a white Unicorn with a blue mane and sunglasses, which covered her scratched out right eye. At the centre of the stage was a microphone adjusted for pony height. One pony marched forward, confidently, to the stage, nine others with him.

Errant Flight stepped up to the microphone. He looked out at the crowd of people and ponies, his eyes searching for familiar faces. Blue Leader (whose real name was Dream Flyer), Green Six (Swift Strike), Jan Lockett, Dutch, Brave Heart... good ponies, good people, all of them. There were more people out there - the Dead Man contingent, led by "Old Joe", a grey haired, tired-looking man, who'd come here with his adopted daughter Kidman. There was Sir Jason and Sir Thomas nearby, Knights of Albion.

"My friends," he said softly. "We have won a great victory. A victory made possible by one man: David Elliot, the Avatar of Albion."

Murmurs swept through the church: were they about to be informed of their hero's death?

"I can tell you now, he's still alive," Errant added, as if sensing their thoughts. "Exhausted by the effort, but alive. But that's not why I'm up here." He paused, taking a deep breath. "I'm up here to talk to you about those he brought with him."

Murmurs again swept through the hall, this time filled with discontent, distrust, uncertainty. Everyone remembered Elliot's speech about the Elements, about how they would stand with them now against Solamina. Though they believed in Elliot... it was still hard to see how the Elements could be anything other than the enemy.

"I too feel the doubt you do," Errant Flight said shortly. "We trust Elliot, there isn't any question, but what of these newcomers? Can we put aside the memory of what their other selves have done, not just to this island but to many of us personally?" He paused, letting that question sink in. "I believe it is time they spoke for themselves."

He turned to look at the group, and Applejack slowly approached the microphone, looking somewhat abashed and nervous but determined all the same.

"Um... howdy," she said softly into the mic.

Errant Flight resisted the urge to facehoof. That was not exactly the best way she could have started. In fact, it wasn't even one of the less bad ways she could have started. There were those in the audience already sniggering maliciously at her.

"I know you know who I am," she continued, ignoring the laughter. "Mr Elliot told you that we were from another Equestria. Now, I know that ya'll don't think too highly of the other me..." There was a spattering of mirthless laughter. "Alright, maybe that's sellin' it a fair bit short. Point is, ya'll might think a lot of me, but you should know I ain't a liar. Never have been and never will be."

There were murmurs of reluctant assent: Applejack had always been the Element of Order representing Honesty, and they all knew it.

"Now I know the other me - the other ones of all of us - did some darn horrid things," Applejack continued, "and we're sorry that you had to suffer that. All of us are, truly. But that ain't us. We came here to help you: we're willin' to do whatever you need us to do in order to make up for what the other Equestria's done."

There was a pause as that sank in.

"Now if that means we gotta do things I don't like the sound of - killin' ponies for starters - well, I guess that's how it's gotta be," Applejack continued, looking faintly morose at the idea of killing. "But I promise you: we're here with you until we're done bringing Solamina down."

She looked at Errant. He coughed and stepped forward.

"You'll repeat after me," he said softly. "I, Applejack..."

"I, Applejack," Applejack repeated.

"...swear by my life and whatever deity watches over pony kind..."

"...that I shall fight for a Free and Just Equestria, that I shall fight to bring peace, harmony and justice back to Equestria and restore it to its former glory..."

"...that I shall not rest until the Tyrant no longer enslaves my kin..."

"...and that I will, as in duty bound, fight to defend the people of Earth who have been wronged by the Tyrant, and will obey all orders of the Government-In-Exile, the Ruling Council and the Officers set over me."

She repeated every segment he spoke, eyes staring straight ahead. After he had done, he saluted, and she roughly matched the motion. He smiled, and turned to the watching ponies.

"Well?" he asked.

There was a moment's pause as the crowd considered her words, and then there was a slow building of applause, first one or two ponies and people, then more, until finally the entire hall was applauding the orange Earth Pony on stage. She blinked in shock, then threw Errant a glance.

"That's good, right?" she asked.

***

The other members of the newcomers' group swore in to much the same reaction. Errant Flight was surprised at how willing the assembled force was to allow these particular ponies to join them: then again, maybe more of them had seen the newcomers on the rooftops than Errant had previously thought. Added to that was the power of Applejack's speech: the wonders of an honest reputation.

Now, loud music was saying through the cathedral, being played through the speakers the DJ Pony, one Vinyl Scratch, was sat near. She seemed engrossed in her music, not looking at the dance floor.

Humans and ponies were dancing in the main area, but most of the newcomers didn't seem particularly enthusiastic, instead going to one corner and talking there. The one exception was Pinkie Pie, who had gone to mingle with the ponies and people - but then, very little could keep Pinkie from a party, even a party in this place. It didn’t entirely escape the notice of the ponies that they were being watched: Old Joe, stood with the Dead Men, was talking with a young girl with a guitar - this was Kidman, his adopted daughter. Both of them were throwing pointed glances at the newcomers every so often.

Nearby, the Knights of Albion were having their own private conversation.

"So," Twilight said quietly. "What do you guys think they're going to ask us to do?"

"What can they ask us to do?" Fluttershy asked, looking around the hall filled with partying soldiers with a look of worry. "I don't know if I'm really up for fighting anypony..."

"I know what you mean," Twilight replied with a grim smile. "Seeing that man die..."

The two of them stayed silent for a moment, thinking back to the blank eyes of Richardson.

"I've already fought against the Air Force," Rainbow said quietly, looking haunted by her experiences. "Maybe they'll ask me to do that."

"It's not a question of what we've done but what they want," True Grit said, sounding serious. "We'll be sent where we're most able."

"Which is why," a new voice spoke from nearby, "Rainbow Dash will be joining the Resistance Air Squadrons."

The group turned to see Errant Flight standing near them, looking serious. The effect was somewhat ruined by the Pinkie Pie bouncing around behind him.

"Hi, guys!" Pinkie said chirpily, speaking extremely fast. "I went around talking to people and ponies, but most of them didn't want to talk to me for some reason, not even Vinyl and we've been friends for a while, but then I ran into Mr Flight, and then I was talking to him about things, and then I said you guys were over here wondering what we were all gonna do and he asked to come over and talk to you!"

"It's an important question," Errant said grimly. "Elliot's wanting each of you to be assigned where you'll be most useful."

"Which will be where?" Lyra asked softly.

"Chances are, we'll not find out now," Errant replied. "Most of you will be going to basic training for infantry in our Northern Base in Pontefract. You three, however," he said, pointing at Fluttershy, Ditzy and Rainbow Dash, "are going into Air training at the Leeds Armouries base."

Rainbow Dash scoffed. "I don't need training; I was born to fly!"

Errant Flight narrowed his eyes at her. "Arrogance isn't welcome in the forces," he said harshly. "You'll go through basic training like everypony else."

Rainbow looked irritated, but Twilight silenced her with a look.

"Anyway, don't party too hard," Errant added, talking to all of them now. "Those of you going to Pontefract set out by transport helicopter tomorrow. The rest of you go with me to Leeds the day after. I'd get plenty of sleep: you're gonna miss it."

With that last parting remark, he turned and went back to the party, leaving the newcomers to ponder precisely what the future had in store for them.

***

In an ornate throne room, a pony knelt before a God, abasing herself before a being so pure in purpose and noble in aspect that it hurt her to stand before her. The purple Unicorn spoke quietly and solemnly.

"My lady, our forces at the city of London were utterly defeated. Commanders Armour, Pie and Sentry were all slain, and acting Commander Fancy Pants ordered a full retreat after losing two thirds of his force at St Paul's cathedral: the work of the so-called 'Avatar of Albion'."

"I see," a calm, all-too-quiet voice spoke. "My finest soldiers defeated, three of my best commanders killed. London stands, even after such a monumental attack by my forces. Truly, this is a shocking defeat."

"It is not a total loss, my lady," the purple Unicorn continued, her voice edging towards quiet fear. "We estimate that half the defending force was killed, including the traitor Guardspony True Grit."

"But the city still stands," the voice replied quietly, not changing its tone at all. "We. Lost."

"Y-yes, my lady," the Unicorn said, stammering slightly in fear. There was a long, all-too-tense pause. Then, impossibly, the voice laughed.

"It matters not, my little student," it said after a moment. "We have billions to replace those we lost."

The purple Unicorn breathed an almost imperceptible sigh of relief.

"I want you to order Fancy Pants reassigned to the Wall," the calm voice continued conversationally. "Call it a special assignment. Failure will not be tolerated, but I have too few truly competent commanders that I can afford to waste them with executions."

"Yes, my lady," the Unicorn said at once.

"After that, my little pony," the voice continued in an almost motherly tone, "I want you to go to your family and rest. You have a brother and a friend to mourn."

"Thank you, my lady," Commander Twilight Sparkle said, bowing gratefully to her Empress.

"Come now, Twilight," Solamina said with a soft smile. "We are friends. Though these are dark times, we cannot lose sight of our friendship." Her voice took on an odd tone. "It is the only thing that sets us apart from our enemy."

"Yes, my lady... Solamina," Commander Sparkle corrected herself.

"With that in mind, I think it would be interesting if, for old time's sake, you write me a friendship report," Solamina said. "As a... memento to your lost friend and brother, perhaps."

"I will get right to it," Commander Sparkle promised with a smile. "You'll have it as soon as possible, I promise."

"I only wish dear Spike had not elected to continue to help the rebels," Solamina said quietly, her voice tinged with regret. "Had he chosen to reveal to us sooner where they had fled, he might have been spared much pain, and we might have nipped their foolhardiness in the bud."

"My lady, we can't spend forever thinking on what could have been," Sparkle said. "We have to focus on what is. Equestria is behind you, the Converted sing your praises, only proving your righteousness. The humans' silly defence is doomed: they're only delaying the inevitable."

"I know these things, Twilight," Solamina said, and Sparkle suddenly quieted, fearing she had upset her Empress and mentor. "Nonetheless, it is good to hear you still have such strong faith in our cause."

"My faith is eternal," Sparkle said immediately, smiling in relief at having not angered Solamina.

"Good," Solamina said. "Go now. Attend to your mourning, and be sure to write me that report when you can. Do not worry overmuch though: it would impede your ability... and I would hate to put more stress upon your already burdened shoulders."

With a final bow, Commander Twilight Sparkle turned and left the throne room, leaving Astra Solamina to her dark thoughts. Slowly, the Empress began chuckling to herself, a laugh devoid of warmth and filled only with a dark, twisted mirth...

Author's Notes:

This Chapter was edited 22nd July 2015.