Artex, Darryl, Oriana, and Rose accompanied two thousand and eleven Marines out of the forest and onto the plains beyond its borders. Heidi had returned three days previous and informed them that the tribunal was to be held on the fourth day. Artex and Darryl had spent the time working with Major Heartford on the grievances and protocol for the tribunal. Every Marine wanted to be present for the event. They had used the supplies Chris had sent and they were armed with lumber axes, hammers, and anything else that could be used as a weapon. The fabric Chris had sent was surplus from New Humansville and much of it hung loosely off the Marines. Many of them had also disassembled the crates and repurposed them to make wooden shields for themselves.

The wide expanse of land beyond the edge of the forest was covered in a fine carpet of lush green grass. Twenty-two pavilion tents had been erected for the meeting. Ten of the tents flew the Gryphonvale flag and ten of the others flew the Kavim flag. The only two tents not flying a flag were also the largest. They stood four Fathoms tall and were ten Fathoms from one side to the other.

Gryphons and Kavim in armor were everywhere. Artex recognized the golden colored armor of the E.U.P. Guard and the polished steel armor of the King's Guard. The entire camp stopped and stared at the approaching Marines. Artex noticed the concerned looks from the locals, 'I wanted this to be small Major." he griped, "I discussed the proceedings of the tribunal with you in confidence. Your Marines might get the wrong impression. I don't want an incident." He looked back to the array of armaments the Marines carried, "You do realize this is supposed to be a peaceful tribunal, right Major?"

Major Heartford responded neutrally, "And if it turns into something worse, we'll be ready. We won't start any problems civilian, but if a fight comes to us, we'll be sure to finish it."

Artex huffed but smiled as a tall, white figure stepped out of one of the large unmarked tents, "That's Princess Celestia. She's the one I told you about."

Major Heartford was unimpressed. He stared at the Princess examining every detail, 'Hmm, she's tall but willowy. What the fuck is up with her hair? She looks so thin, but then again that one armored Kavim with the S.M.G. looks like a plush toy without her armor. Better not underestimate her. God she looks like a snob though.' The Major snorted, "She moves the sun... yeah right."

"If you ask her, she might give you a demonstration." Artex replied. A second figure emerged from the same large tent as the Alicorn Princess. Artex cleared his throat, "And that is King Myrmidon." The Gryphon King was flanked by Heidi, neither one dressed in anything but their feathers and the King's circlet.

"Hmph, if he's a King then where is his scepter and fancy robes?" The Major asked. Secretly he sized up the Gryphon King, 'Athletic if I judge right under all the feathers and fur. Looks like he might be able to hold his own. I wouldn't have pegged a King to wear so little fancy shit.'

"Remember the Gryphon King is more of a servant than a ruler. The Gryphons aren't big on fancy things. They prefer function to form." Artex explained.

"Sounds like something I can agree with." The Major stopped as twenty E.U.P. Guard formed up defensively around Celestia. The Gryphons on the other hand, kept their distance but every one had a clear line of attack to the Major.

Celestia smiled as the large procession slowed to a halt five Fathoms from her, "It is good to see you Artex." She spoke to him briefly before turning her gaze to the Major. Dwayne Heartford and Celestia locked eyes. Celestia held her smile, 'He has a powerful will to be able to look me in the eye.' she stared back at him, reading what his eyes said, 'He's so sad. He's holding a secret but he cares for others more than anything. Keep your secrets sir, I'm willing to trust you. I'll not make that mistake again.' The intensity of pain on the man's face hurt her, but she showed nothing outwardly.

If the Major felt any of the weight of Celestia's gaze he didn't show it, "I am Major Dwayne Heartford of the United States Marine Corps."

'Let us see how these so-called warriors react to the unknown.' King Myrmidon took four steps toward the Major. To their credit, not a single one of the Marines moved a muscle at his approach, 'They watch and are ready but they do not attack. They are afraid but that fear does not control them. They have mastered their fear and they act in spite of it.' he had to hide his smile, 'Before me, I see warriors liken unto my own.' He cleared his throat, "I am called King Myrmidon, named of my people," To the astonishment of the Humans, he spoke in clear American English, "So long as you and your people have come to this tribunal to treat peacefully, so too shall I and my own. Princess Celestia was kind enough to allow me a short spell which allows me to speak to you in your own tongue. All of Gryphonvale thanks you for the release of our citizens, but there are still matters to be discussed."

Major Heartford took the unseen development in perfect stride, "You don't look much like a King from here." he said crossing his arms, "Where we come from, Kings and Queens dress as fancy as they can. They have their heads up their asses and don't have a lick of sense." he pointed to Myrmidon, "You don't have all the finery and you don't seem to be a snob and a half-wit." He lowered his hand, "Maybe we CAN work something out."

Celestia waved her right wing and her Guard moved aside to let her through, "I am Celestia, Princess of Equestria. It is good to meet you Major." She said as she trotted up to him, "I hope that we can all come to a decision which is acceptable to all involved parties."

Major Heartford leaned back and eyed Celestia up and down, "So you're the one who supposedly controls the sun huh?"

Celestia beamed happily, "It is one of my many duties, yes."

"And how do you prove that?" he asked bluntly, "Because on Earth anybody who made a claim like that would be the head of a cult."

Celestia's smile diminished, "I am no deity, Major. If it is proof you wish, then it is proof you shall see." She closed her eyes and her horn lit up. The sun suddenly performed a 'figure 8' in the sky to the astonishment of two thousand plus Marines.

The Princess let the glow of her horn extinguish and opened her eyes, "Does that satisfy your curiosity Major?"

Major Heartford nodded his head trying to keep his eyes from bulging, "Fair enough. I like people who can back up their claims."

Razor Wit trotted out of one of the tents flying the Gryphonvale flag and took her place next to King Myrmidon, "Shall we begin? We have much to discuss." Her demeanor was completely professional.

Major Heartford nodded and let his arms fall to his sides, "Yeah let's get this mess over with." He looked to King Myrmidon, "Which way?"

Myrmidon turned with Razor at his heels, "This way please." He led the way to one of the larger tents without a flag. Celestia followed him and Artex and the Major brought up the rear.

Artex leaned toward the Major and spoke quietly, "Remember each of you is a voting voice. Do not interrupt or shout. You may bring up concerns but you cannot argue them yourself. Razor Wit and Heidi will act as advisers to King Myrmidon in the same way Darryl and I will act as advisers to you. You may request or summon witnesses but it will be Razor Wit, Celestia, or myself who talk to them directly. You may privately speak to Darryl or I at any time by holding up your hand and saying, 'A moment please'. Try to refrain from doing so when somebody else is speaking though."

"All votes must be majority in order to continue on to the next topic. When a vote is taken, if a majority decision is not reached, the Emissarial Staff will confer with the ones they represent. Princess Celestia is the deciding factor here. Keep in mind that she will always vote against any executions, enslavement, and often imprisonment as well so you don't have to worry about you or any of your Marines being put to death. One last thing to remember Major, it's not 'us against them' it's 'what we can all agree on'. There will be a single scribe present for each voting voice so that nothing is left out or ignored."

They entered the tent. There were three podiums on raised wooden stages arranged in a perfect triangular pattern. One was to the left of the entrance, one was to the right, and one was directly across from the entrance. King Myrmidon walked up and stood behind the right most podium, Celestia took the one across from the entrance, and Major Heartford stood behind the one on the left. Razor Wit and Heidi stood in front of Myrmidon's podium while Artex and Darryl stood in front of the Major's. There was a Gryphon seated at the base of Myrmidon's podium, and a Unicorn seated at the base of Celestia's podium. There was a third Unicorn seated at the base of Major Heartford's podium as well.

Celestia cleared her throat as Marines, Kavim, and Gryphons crowded the entrance to the pavilion tent, "Before we begin, I would like to give my condolences to Major Heartford." She looked at him sadly, "I was saddened to hear about the deaths of so many of your Marines. What caused their deaths, if it is not too painful to discuss?"

The Major nodded his head toward Celestia, "Twenty-two were diabetic and died due to a lack of necessary medicines. The other three hundred and sixty-seven died of starvation."

The statement caused no few whispers among the Gryphons. Celestia spoke over the murmuring, "Do their remains need to be laid to rest, or did you do that yourself Major?"

"There is nothing to bury Princess. You do not need to worry about them. They are no longer in pain." Major Heartford said evenly. Thinking quickly the Major turned toward King Myrmidon, "I hope that your citizens suffered no permanent effects from their time in the care of my Marines."

"They were slightly malnourished when we received them, but there should be no long-term ailments." King Myrmidon replied.

The Major nodded, "That's good to hear."

Celestia cleared her throat once more, "Then let us begin." She raised her head and her voice and spoke loudly, "We have gathered today to negotiate, compromise, and reach an accord between two troubled groups. Will the appointed leaders of these troubled groups please state their names, titles, and the groups which they represent?"

"Myrmidon, King of Gryphonvale, Voting Voice for Gryphons."

"Heidi, Lieutenant of Spirited Wind Flight Force, Witness and Representative of Gryphons."

"Razor Wit, International Emissary, Native Advocate."

"Dwayne Heartford, Major in the United States Marine Corps, Commanding Officer of local Human Marines, Voting Voice of local Marines."

"Darryl Hord, Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, Emissarial Consultant of Equestria."

"Artex Rias, official Emissary, Human Advocate."

Celestia nodded as each one identified themselves, "I will act as Mediator and Proceedings Overseer. Celestia, Princess of Equestria, Voting Voice of Determination and Balance." She paused briefly as the three scribes next to each of the stages wrote furiously.

Once all three scribes stopped writing and looked at her, she continued, "Let us begin with the establishment of facts. Advocates, present the facts. Native Advocate first."

Razor Wit spoke loudly and clearly, "Fact: Human Marines have been inhabiting a Gryphon National Game Preserve. Fact: these same Human Marines have been utilizing the land to meet their needs. Fact: these same Human Marines have been harvesting plants and animals for food. Fact: these same Human Marines captured and held Gryphon citizens against their wills. Fact: the captive Gryphons were found to be malnourished upon their release."

Celestia turned to her left, "King Myrmidon,do you deny or dispute these claims?"

The King answered quickly, "No, they appear to be accurate."

Celestia turned toward her right, "Major Heartford, do you deny or dispute these claims?"

Major Heartford answered with a completely neutral tone, "No, they appear to be accurate."

Celestia nodded, "Human Advocate, you may proceed."

Artex hid a smile. His list of facts was longer and more explicit. He held his expression neutral spoke loudly, "Fact: Human Marines found themselves in a new environment without food, tools, shelter, or clothing. Fact: these same Human Marines were involuntarily taken from their home and placed into foreign territory. Fact: these same Human Marines acted in ignorance when they began utilizing the land and animals of the Gryphon National Game Preserve. Fact: once the Human Marines discovered the intelligence of the Gryphons they had captured, the Marines used what limited resources they had to treat them well. Fact: at no point did any citizen or governmental body send any sort of relief aid or even attempt to establish communication. Fact: twenty-two of these same Human Marines perished due to lack of necessary medicine. Fact: three hundred and sixty-seven of these same Human Marines perished from starvation while none of the captive Gryphons suffered the same fate. Fact: once communication was established, these same Human Marines released the Gryphons they had captured and did not use them as a bargaining chip or a tactical advantage."

Celestia turned to her right, "Major Heartford, do you deny or dispute these claims?"

"No, they appear to be accurate." The Major said evenly.

Celestia turned her head to her left, "King Myrmidon, do you deny or dispute any of these claims?"

King Myrmidon answered evenly, "No, they appear to be accurate."

Celestia turned and spoke to the Scribes, "Very well, scribes notate that all claims thus far have been validated as facts."

She waited until the three scribes all looked up indicating their readiness to continue, "Next we shall move to the Airing of Grievances. Native Advocate, you may proceed."

Razor spoke loudly, "Grievance One: the trespass of Human Marines in the Gryphon National Game Preserve."

Celestia nodded, "So noted." She turned to Artex, "Human Advocate, how do the Marines respond to the claimed Grievance?"

"Guilty, but justified by way of ignorance." Artex quickly responded.

Celestia raised her gaze to the podium behind Artex, "Is this response acceptable, Major Heartford?"

The Major nodded, "It is."

Celestia turned to the Gryphon King, "Is this plea acceptable, King Myrmidon?"

The King nodded, "It is."

Celestia turned back to the scribes, "Scribes please notate that guilt has been established with no dispute by either side." She turned back to Razor, "Native Advocate, are there any more Grievances? If so, list the next one."

Razor continued fluidly, "Grievance Two: the use of the resources of the Gryphon National Game Preserve without written or verbal permission from any recognized representative of Gryphonvale."

Celestia nodded, "So noted." She turned to Artex, "Human Advocate, how do the Marines respond to the claimed Grievance?"

"Guilty, but justified by way of ignorance." Artex said.

"Is this response acceptable Major Heartford?" Celestia asked.

The Major sighed quietly, "It is."

"Is this plea acceptable, King Myrmidon?" Celestia asked.

"It is." the King replied.

Celestia turned back to the scribes, "Scribes please notate that guilt has been established with no dispute by either side." She turned back to Razor, "Native Advocate, are there any more Grievances? If so, list the next one."

"Grievance Three: the capture and prolonged imprisonment of Gryphon citizens without cause or justification." Razor said.

Celestia nodded, "So noted." She turned to Artex, "Human Advocate, how do the Marines respond to the claimed Grievance?"

Artex hid a smile, "Innocent. We would like to establish that there was a cause, both for the initial capture and the prolonged imprisonment."

Celestia turned to the Major, "Is this response acceptable Major Heartford?"

The Major nodded, "It is."

Celestia spoke again, "Would you like some time to consult with your Advocate and Consultant?"

"Yes." the Major answered simply.

"Very well, proceed." Celestia said.

Artex and Darryl walked up to the Major's podium and leaned in close, "Who were the people in charge of trying to learn the Gryphons' language and who was in charge of their care?" Artex asked.

"That would be Lieutenant Butters and Sergeant Holiday." The Major answered quietly.

Artex whispered to Darryl, "Bring them in here A.S.A.P. I have a feeling I know what Grievance they're going to list next." Darryl pushed his way through the tent entrance as Artex turned back to the other Voting Voices, "Human Advocate has summoned Lieutenant Butters and Sergeant Holiday as witnesses. While we wait for them to arrive, may we hear the next Grievances if any?"

Razor took a breath, "Grievance Four: the unethical and cruel treatment of the captive Gryphon citizens while imprisoned."

Celestia kept her expression neutral, "So noted." She turned to Artex, "Human Advocate, how do the Marines respond to this claimed Grievance?"

Artex did not waste a second, "Innocent. We wish to establish that the Human Marines treated the Gryphons as well as their situation allowed."

"Is this response acceptable, Major Heartford?" Celestia asked.

The Major grumbled under his breath, "It is."

Celestia continued, "Would you like some time to consult with your Advocate?"

"Yes." The older man answered.

Artex stepped up close to the Major, "In order to prove this point, it will be necessary to show Princess Celestia and King Myrmidon where the Gryphons were kept and then compare it to the arrangements of your Marines. I need your permission to do so."

The Major spoke quickly, "Granted. Hopefully we won't be staying there any longer."

Darryl suddenly walked in with two Marines in tow. One was a middle aged Arabic man and the other one was a young Asian woman.

Artex turned and descended to the ground, "In regard to Grievance Four, Major Heartford has given consent for the Voting Voices to view where the Gryphons were kept and compare it to the accommodations of their captors. In regard to Grievance Three, Human Advocate presents witnesses Lieutenant Butters and Sergeant Holiday."

Celestia spoke to Razor Wit, "Native Advocate, are you ready to proceed in questioning the witnesses?"

Razor nodded, "Yes."

Celestia gave a small nod, "Proceed."

Razor stepped out toward the center of the pavilion tent, "Witnesses step forward and identify yourselves to the Voting Voices: Princess Celestia of Equestria and King Myrmidon of Gryphonvale."

The young Asian woman spoke first, "Sergeant Chelsea Holiday, United States Marine Corps."

The middle aged Arabic man spoke next, "Lieutenant Yoseph Butters, United States Marine Corps."

Razor continued, "Sergeant Holiday, please state your involvement and the significance thereof with the Gryphon citizens during their imprisonment."

Chelsea Holiday stood at attention while she spoke, but she was obviously under stress, "I was one of their keepers at first, but after we discovered they were intelligent, Major Heartford placed me in charge of trying to decipher their language so we could communicate with them. I had contact with them on a daily basis but they were extremely resistant to communicate at all. I attempted every method available, short of maltreatment, but they were not at all willing to put forth any effort to respond." Chelsea's voice rose at the end of her statement, but she kept from yelling.

"How was it that you discovered they were intelligent?" Razor asked.

Holiday answered honestly, "The first one we captured had an array of finely crafted and specialized tools for hunting, which indicates a high level of intelligence. After we had captured several, we witnessed them speaking to one another when they thought we were not paying attention. We could not understand their words, but we did recognize them as words."

Razor had her next question already lined up. She could tell that the Sergeant was becoming upset for some reason, but she had to do her job, "Why were the Gryphons not immediately released once you discovered they were intelligent?"

Chelsea's eyes widened slightly, "Are you kidding? They have razor sharp beaks, talons, claws, they can fly, and even the smallest one has to weigh at least four hundred pounds, most of it muscle. Any one of them could tear a single unarmed person to shreds. What if we let them go and they brought back hundreds of their kind?" Her voice had risen again, but she took a breath and calmed herself before continuing, "We would not have fared well. We were mostly weaponless at the time. We were not going to free what appeared to be an apex predator that was likely pissed off and may well have wanted to kill us." She sniffed quietly and continued, "We lost nearly four hundred people. We were in a bind and they wouldn't fucking talk to us." She wiped her nose, "We wanted a peaceful solution damnit! If we'd had the chance to talk to them then maybe we wouldn't have lost almost four hundred good Marines!"

Celestia's brow creased, she knew there was something else, "Do you have anything else to say on the matter Sergeant Holiday?"

Chelsea snapped, "You're damn right I do!" she snarled, "Why the fuck are we on trial!? My goddamn brother starved to death so we could feed those fucking Gryphons!" She sniffed again, eyes filled with impotent rage, "He CHOSE to give up his food for them and now their asshole of a King has us on trial!" She turned to a stunned Myrmidon, "Did we have our last meal this morning, huh!? Haven't enough of us died already!?"

Celestia spoke quickly, "That is uncalled for Sarg..."

Chelsea turned her glare on Celestia, "It's pretty fucking clear whose side YOU'RE on..."

"ENOUGH." The command was not particularly loud, but the weight behind it was impossible to ignore. Chelsea Holiday tried to straighten her posture, but her emotions were warring within her mind. Celestia stepped down from her podium and serenely approached Chelsea Holiday. Her maternal instinct was pushing her to comfort the distraught young woman, "Sarg..."

"We ate them." Chelsea said quietly.

Major Heartford's voice was harsh and commanding, "Be silent Marine!"

Celestia held up her right wing toward the Major, "Please, let her speak." She lowered her head to Chelsea's level, "Go on."

Chelsea sniffed, "The ones who died, we ate them. The Gryphons eat much more than we do. We gave them the best food we had: the animals we hunted, the berries we picked... we tried so hard to get them to talk to us. They may have been our prisoners, but we did our best to treat them well. We were starving to death trying to get on their good side so they would talk to us." Her voice was quiet, "We had to eat our dead." she said, tears streaming down her face.

She took a breath and did her best to straighten up, voice trembling, "We. Are. Marines." She said slowly, "We protect those who cannot protect themselves, no matter the cost. I refuse to let us be judged unfairly." She turned her head to Myrmidon, "If you want us, you're going to have to work for your meal."

Celestia wrapped a comforting wing around a stiff Chelsea Holiday, "There will be no more lives lost to this event, I swear."

Artex interrupted, "Human Advocate requests a brief recess."

Celestia nodded, "Granted. We will reconvene in ten minutes."

King Myrmidon had a thoughtful look as he held a whispered conversation with Razor Wit and Heidi.

Major Heartford looked decidedly angry when Artex approached him. The Emissary leaned toward the older man, "I need a word with you Major. Right now."

The Major growled quietly, "Fine. Not like this can get any worse."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Artex asked emphatically, "How can I help you if you withhold things like that from me?" He paused as a thought hit him, "That's why there's nothing left of the dead to bury. You had to eat them."

The Major held his expression, "To admit we were forced to resort to eating our dead!?" He whispered bitterly, "They would see us as monsters."

Artex took a deep, slow breath and closed his eyes, 'God help me! Give me something, ANYTHING! I can't let this go the way it's heading! They've suffered enough! Give me wisdom! Let me see the answer!' He prayed silently as his mind spun in a thousand different directions. He called upon his old meditation technique, 'I must not fear. Fear is the mind killer. Fear distorts reality and makes wise men into bumbling fools. I will perceive the world as it is, untainted by bias or assumptions. I will act and react with poise, grace, and control for the benefit of those around me. Once I have mastered my fear I will remain . . . alive.'

He felt his body relax at the old mantra and his mind cleared. He began sorting pieces of the puzzle together as his mind engaged in constructive exercise. The pieces began falling into place faster and faster as his mind sped through possible scenarios by the dozens. The different strings of possibilities all branched away in different directions and finally converged into a single collective thought, 'That's it.'

Artex opened his eyes and regarded Major Heartford calmly, "Actually Major, I think one of the notions you had back when we were discussing the tribunal, is exactly what we should do. I know you're upset right now, but I need you to be an absolute paragon of Humanity right now. I think we can solve this, but I'm going to need you to be willing to drop all the Grievances if I ask."

Major Heartford quirked his right eyebrow, "What about everything you said about 'learning from what happened'?"

Artex shook his head, "Let me talk to Celestia about that. Will you drop them?"

The Major nodded, "Of course. I never wanted to do this in the first place," he looked at Chelsea sadly, "I should have told them everything."

Artex nodded, "Yes, and that's my fault. I told you not to. Let me try to fix this Major."

Dwayne Heartford looked down at the Emissary and thrust out his jaw, "Very well."

Artex stepped away from the podium and headed for Celestia, 'I just hope I'm right about Myrmidon. Everything hinges on him.'

* * *

The tribunal reconvened a few minutes later. Chelsea Holiday had been asked to stand in front of Major Heartford's podium. She was much more calm than before.

"Are there any statements before we continue?" Celestia asked.

Artex watched Razor Wit closely, trying to read her every movement. The tan mare swallowed hard and glanced up to the Gryphon King. Myrmidon gave her a tiny nod and Razor turned forward, "Native Advocate has been informed that Voting Voice King Myrmidon wishes to drop all Grievances and also requests that those Grievances on which guilt has already been established... be stricken from the record."

Celestia held her neutral expression, "This is highly irregular." She looked to the King, "Are you certain? Major Heartford will still have the chance to press his Grievances against Gryphonvale and by International Law he will have every right to do so."

"I am certain." Myrmidon said in a flat tone, "What more could we ask of these people? Any and all lessons that could have been learned through this tribunal would be double punishment for what they have already suffered. I speak for my people when I say there is nothing to be gained by continuing this tribunal."

Celestia closed her eyes calmly, "Granted. Scribes strike all Grievances by Gryphonvale against the Human Marines."

"Major Heartford wishes to likewise dismiss all Grievances." Artex said quickly.

Celestia smiled, "Granted."

"King Myrmidon wishes to address Major Heartford directly." Heidi said.

Celestia shook her head, "That cannot happen in a tribunal. However, if there is nothing to be learned and no Grievances to be aired..." she waited briefly in case there were any words against it, "Then I declare this tribunal closed. Everybody may speak freely."

Myrmidon wasted no time, "Major Heartford, something has come to my attention regarding you and your people." He held his head erect and looked at the Major intensely, "I would like to hear why you decided to become a Marine. From what little I know of the culture of your people, every member volunteers to become a Marine. From what I have heard the training is very difficult. Marines are held to a higher standard than most. What is the objective and mission statement of Marines?"

Major Heartford put his right hand to his chin and thought. Darryl looked thoughtful as well. Lieutenant Butters and Sergeant Holiday exchanged deep, contemplating looks. Artex felt a stirring of something. It was something he had felt before, but he had trouble placing where he had felt it. His brow furrowed in thought, 'I know it wasn't too long ago. I want to say Celestia was there too...' and suddenly it hit him, 'The forest! Right after the big man from Argentina killed the mare!' The realization snapped him back to the present. He looked up and locked eyes with the Alicorn Princess. Celestia smiled as warmly as she ever had. She gave Artex the slightest of nods almost as if she had read his mind. Artex slowly inched away from the stage and podium. He had an idea of what was about to happen.

"I chose to become a Marine... because I needed to." the Major finally spoke, "There's too much injustice in the world. I realized that I could make a difference. The Marine Corps gave me the training and opportunity to do so." His voice gained a subtle intensity, "As Marines, our duty is to carry out the orders of our superiors for the betterment of Humanity. Sometimes that requires us to rescue civilians and sometimes that requires us to kick some ass, which we do very well. While a Marine may have to take lives, we do it with the knowledge that for every life we take, that sacrifice preserves the lives of many more."

As he spoke, the Major's visage almost seemed to regress. He did not look like an older man anymore. Standing up behind that podium was a young man with fire in his soul and the strength of youth to back it up. He believed every word he said and he was more than willing to tell others about it, "Any Marine is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We live and work and kill and die while striving toward a single goal. Our goal may not be attainable," he smiled almost eagerly, "But that doesn't stop a Marine from trying. Everybody else can say 'that's impossible', but as Marines, we see it as a challenge!" he slapped the top of the podium with his open palm, "Our goal is peace. We may never see it happen, we may die trying to make that dream a reality, but until we do... we're going to be there to keep on keeping on." The Major stood up straight and to Artex, he looked proud beyond proud, "That's why our motto is Semper Fidelis, always faithful."

Caught up in the intensity of pride for the corps, Darryl couldn't help himself, "The few..."

Sergeant Holiday continued the expression, "The proud..."

Lieutenant Butters finished it, "The Marines."

"OOH-RAH!" The shout was contributed by every one of the two thousand plus Marines in the camp.

The pavilion tent was silent for a moment before King Myrmidon spoke again, "I need to speak with my people about something, but before I go, I have a few more questions Major. I ask that you answer these questions candidly and in a direct manner. Do all Marines feel the same way you do?"

The Major almost smiled, "The vast majority do."

"Does your dedication reach only as far as Humans?" Myrmidon asked.

The Major crossed his arms again, "I would think the treatment of your citizens would answer that, but no. An innocent is an innocent. We only protected Humans because we weren't aware of other species. If any living thing can think and feel as a sentient being, the Marines, MY Marines anyway, will fight for them."

"If peace is ever achieved, what will you do?" The Gryphon King asked.

The Major leaned onto his podium, "The Marines will keep training so we can be ready if war should break out again."

"Are Marines opposed to working and fighting alongside non-Humans?" King Myrmidon asked.

The Major actually chuckled, "Hell no. We use M.W.D.s, Military Working Dogs. They train with us, eat with us, sleep with us, and fight with us. They may not be Human but to us, they're brothers and sisters all the same."

"Are you and your Marines willing to abide by the laws of a country that is not your own?" Myrmidon asked.

The Major lifted his chin, "Possibly, so long as those laws do not conflict with our own morals and beliefs."

The King sighed, "Would you and all of your Marines be willing to meet my Gryphons and I in this field in one week?"

"We'll see what we can do. We have to eat and I'm not going to lose any sleep over feeding my Marines, even if that means you getting upset about it." Major Heartford replied.

"If food and medicine are supplied, will you return?" The King amended.

The Major nodded stiffly, "Every day that it's here, so long as everyone understands we have no way of paying it back and that accepting it doesn't mean we owe a debt to anybody."

The King held up his right forelimb, "One last question. Do Marines hold jobs outside of service?"

The Major nodded, "We all have skills and we do our part, within reason, to earn our keep."

King Myrmidon nodded somberly, "Be here tomorrow morning for the food and medical care. I will return in a week."

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