Author's Notes:

So, despite the city 40 minutes from my work going up in violent flames and my entire site being threatened with evacuation, I've still managed to pop out another chapter. Personally, I feel like this one could have come out a bit better, but oh well.

Unfortunately, this chapter is only moderately edited, as one of my editors was unable to get to it due to personal deals. It'll be updated sometime tomorrow.

Edit: Chapter is edited!

It was some days later, after the mess of the press conference, and Corporal Ada Forth’s arrival in Canterlot, that Celestia was finally able to get everything prepared for her big reveal of her plans to the public. Of course, the damage Jack's outburst had created would certainly cause issues for her regardless. Celestia had planned on chastising the Staff Sergeant over his choice of words to the public, but had decided against it when he began pouring himself entirely into completing the new training course, and overseeing the new construction that had been ordered to take place in the Royal Equestrian Army’s only base of operations and training camp. Something had obviously clicked in his head, and now he was rarely seen doing anything but working or drinking in his room.

Corporal Forth had arrived shortly after the construction of the castle training grounds had been completed, and Celestia quietly thanked the Emperor for sending a more level head that Jack could easily defer to. The woman had taken up residence in one of the guest wings, and so far Celestia had yet to hear one complaint.

Right on time, a quick knock sounded against her door, causing Celestia to smile as she opened the door with her magic. “Please, come in everyone.” She turned to watch as Jack and Ada walked in, and were followed by Flitter, Mythic, Petyr, and Field. Smiling to the small group, Celestia began preparing herself. “Thank you all for coming. Are you all ready for teleportation?”

Jack blinked in concern and struggled to get his thoughts to catch up. “Uh… nooo...? What about my titanium?” He looked to Ada, who looked equally concerned and confused.

“Do not worry Staff Sergeant.” Celestia's horn lit up as her spell charged, creating a bubble of magic around the entire group. “So long as the magic doesn't touch your titanium, we’ll be fine. Off we go.”

In a flash, the entire group disappeared from Celestia's study, and teleported to the observation point near a very large hangar. Immediately, Jack's legs began spasming and trying to move as his brain fired off confused signals. Letting out a noise of distress the marine fell over onto the grass and gagged. The corporal didn't fair much better as she reeled and lurched forward, retching onto the grass. The others only seemed somewhat ruffled by the sudden displacement.

“Oh god...” Jack mumbled as he fought to get his bearings. “Where am I?” He drunkenly sat up and looked to the still ill Ada with concern. “You alright, Ada?” He relaxed and groaned as the woman nodded jerkily.

“My apologies, the first time is always rough.” Celestia mentioned apologetically before looking to her sister and the small group of technicians that were standing by a large radio set. “Is everything ready?”

The technicians nodded, while Jack and Ada were picked up and cleaned off. “Yes, Princess, Shield is reporting green across the board and ready for lift off. The radio relay stations in Manehattan, Stalliongrad, and Canterlot are reporting that they are live and waiting for the signal. The nation is ready to hear you.”

Taking in a small breath, Celestia turned to her group, and the stands that had been erected in the field to house her command staff, and the engineering staff. Nearly a hundred ponies sat in the bleachers, waiting eagerly to see the fruit of their labours. Celestia smiled as Jack and the others took their seats; once everyone was prepared and Luna had reached her side, she began her planned speech.

“For nearly a thousand years, Equestria has been a nation that enjoyed unending peace, and happiness. In my rule, I have seen to it that my ponies are safe from any and all threats.” She took a breath, allowing her smile to wash over those present. “But as of recent, the world has become far more violent than it has in those long thousand years. Our enemies are plenty, and our people lack the means to defend themselves. Our enemies have invaded us, taken us, and killed some of us…” Celestia took a short moment of silence in memory of those she couldn't protect. “But that ends today, for today marks the day that Equestria and her allies refuse to stand idle while evil seeds this world. Today is the day that three new lines of defence are launched. The first being the rejuvenation of the Royal Equestrian Army, and the beginning of its subsidiary, the Royal Militia.” She smiled as those present clopped their hooves and clapped their hands. “The second is a special initiative that will see the absolute best our partnered nations can provide, striking down and rooting out evil wherever it may hide and fester. The Joint Special Operations Group is hereby started, under Royal decree.” Again there was the clopping of hooves, and the now more enthusiastic clapping of hands. Taking a moment to allow the applause to die down, Celestia smiled proudly. “And our third line, a joint endeavour between Equestria and the humans of Terra, our largest, and latest combination of magic and technology-” She looked to the techs and nodded, and watched as they sent the all clear. The roof of the hangar began to shift, opening up to allow the beast inside to rise. A massive sloped hull of riveted steel plates and a flat topped deck rose from the hangar, the airship’s towering superstructure nearly blocked out the sun. Celestia beamed with pride as the massive rotor engines lifted the steel behemoth free from its mooring shackles, and it lifted into the sky. “The Sky-Carrier, HMS Stalwart Liberty. Acting as a mobile relief station and defense platform, it's magical generators can produce a shield large enough to blanket Canterlot completely from harm.”

The crowd watched with wide eyes as the Sky-Carrier rose further into the air, and a familiar tilt-rotored VTOL took off from its flight deck. The applause came suddenly, and shook the bleachers like thunder. Jack shared a look of surprised excitement with Ada, before he looked back to Celestia.

The princess breathed a silent breath of relief as the ship maneuvered and floated closer. “This ship, and it's sister, will mark the beginning of a new era of peace, not just for Equestria, but the entire world. Thank you for listening, my ponies.” She nodded to the technicians, who cut the feed and transferred it to a nearby station to play music. Turning back toward the bleachers as the VTOL buzzed closer, Celestia cleared her throat for everyone’s attention. “Thank you all so much for your hard work and toil. I'm sure the engine troubles that Codename Sword is suffering will be dealt with swiftly. Those of you who were told you would be given a guided tour, your carriages will arrive shortly. If my group could please join me?” She looked to Jack and the others, who quickly stood and approached.

Behind Celestia, Snake brought the VTOL in for a skilled, soft landing in the grass, and waited for the group to board. Once everyone was aboard, he lifted off and began his return trip to the ship. Passing by the flight deck, Jack was finally afforded a good look at the vessel. It was visually similar to earlier aircraft carriers from world war two, but it was obviously geared toward beings and vehicles that could land and take off in a very small area. Instead of having a completely flat deck, the Stalwart Liberty housed a large number of defensive gun nests, and protective superstructure for a myriad of emergency services. Smack dab in the middle of the flight deck was a frail looking rod that shot straight up and nearly met the command tower in height.

“That's the shield rod. In the center of the ship sits the generators and the shield talisman bank. In combat, the ship can shield itself, or it can use its full power to deploy over a much larger area.” Luna said proudly as the VTOL was waved in by flight crew on the deck. Snake brought the craft in for a landing, and immediately cut the engines as the ground crew began to drag it toward an elevator. “But of course, the Stalwart has the ability to evacuate entire towns in a single swoop, and it has facilities to treat even the worst of wounds. Regardless of threat, she’ll be able to defend against it.”

The elevator rattled down, into the innards of the carrier. Another ground crew was waiting as the elevator finished its descent down the side of the carrier, and they quickly pulled the VTOL into the hangar. Inside was a host of carriages, and one more VTOL. Once the vehicle came to a stop, the passengers were allowed to disembark. Standing by the edge of the hangar, a proud blue unicorn stallion in a sharp white uniform began marching with a pair of attendants greeted the group.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. Welcome aboard the Liberty!” He saluted sharply toward the princess.

Nodding toward the stallion, Celestia began introductions. “This is Captain Berry Chord, our first airship captain. How is she performing, captain?”

The captain greeted each guest personally, before answering the question. “Stellar, beyond stellar! Our launch went perfectly, and all systems are green. I personally can't wait for our maiden voyage!“ The captain grinned broadly, before turning to Petyr and Field. “Mr. Morosov, your work on the magitech generators is amazing, Mr. Note, your work in hybridising the human technology will go down in history! Thank you.” He turned back toward his ship. “Well come on then! I'm giddy like a school colt to get this tour underway!”

The tour was a thorough one, taking them through every major facet of the Sky-Carrier’s guts and inner workings. The massive magical generators baffled Jack as they set his teeth fillings on edge; their power output visible in a central flux chamber that crackled with violent purple lightning. The medical facilities were obviously top notch, and the ship seemed to be clearly honouring tried and true human designs, but it certainly held an air of elegance unakin to human naval vessels. While the heavy bulkheads to guard against sinking were not present, heavy duty blast doors were placed strategically through the ship, ensuring any boarders would have to fight claw and fang for every single inch. The operations tower was a considerably more open affair, with maps and charts readily available on rollers and massive control consoles dominating nearly every wall. A strategy table contested the center of the room, where a small, magical token for the Stalwart Liberty sat placidly over a large field. Jack poked the small round stone it was being projected from, before shaking his head and muttering ‘magic’.

Soon the official tour was over, but Jack wasn't entirely satisfied. While the rest of the group looked around, or spoke quietly with the captain and his aids, Jack slipped out and exited out onto the flight deck. He wandered passed the gun nests, and eyed the armaments critically. A pair of heavy machineguns were set up in every nest, and they seemed to be yet another Equestrian invention that had been heavily inspired by Earther designs. The guns in use reminded Jack of the Browning M2, but seemed far too guilded for his taste. At the very least they had the appropriate anti-air sights on them, and an open swivel. Nearing the end of the flight deck, Jack found himself a comfortable seat against a blinking marker post. He fished out his squashed packet of cigarettes, and sparked one as he looked over the Equestrian countryside as it spread off in every direction.

The soft clop of hooves made him perk momentarily, and cast a look over his shoulder at the approaching pony. Snake lifted his hoof in greeting as he approached, before taking a seat near Jack. “I hope this spot isn't taken.”

Smiling as he puffed off his smoke, Jack offered one of his remaining cigarettes to the yellow pegasi pilot. He took the moment to quickly scan Snake's flight uniform, to learn what he could before being rude. It was crisp and freshly pressed, and had a pair of leaves pinned to the collars. “Still not used to Equestrian rank badges. Major?”

Snake nodded, and offered his hoof with a smirk as he took the cigarette with his wing and stuck it in his mouth. “Major Dandelion Price.”

“I can see why you prefer to go by Snake.” Jack said jokingly as he shook the Major's hoof and lit the cigarette. Jack looked back toward the countryside and puffed thoughtfully. “Thanks for the save back in the hive.”

Shrugging as he opened a small satchel and fished out a can of fruit and a fork, Snake looked out toward the horizon as well. “It's my job Sergeant, to make sure you crazy ground pounders all make it home alright.”

“Right, and plunging head first into hell is just operation normal.” Jack smiled as he glanced back toward the flight deck, and caught sight of Ada approaching. He lifted a hand in greeting, and had it returned swiftly.

The young woman approached, before squatting down and snagging Jack's smoke from his fingers. “These’ll kill yah luv.” She smirked as he scowled at her, before she took a short drag off of the last of the cigarette. “Princess wants t’ head back t’ the castle soon. Flyin’ there.” She said with a relieved smile, obviously not wanting a repeat of the teleportation. “She's got some kinda big plan. So I figure, wanna head on the town and cause trouble after?” She grinned lightly toward Jack.

“I know just the place, Corporal.” He leaned over and stole his smoke back, before sucking in the last of it. Crushing it under his boot, be stood and offered a calloused hand to the woman.

“Damn, just got comfy.” Ada griped as she accepted the hand up.

Shaking his head as he looked over toward Snake, Jack offered the same hand. “Come on Major, let's go home.”

As the trio walked back across the flight deck, Ada took another long look around and shook her head. “Y’know, when I first got ‘ere, I couldn't believe the Griff's had flying galleons. Just confused the piss out of me. Now I'm standing on twenty thousand tonnes of steel, and my brain jus’ refuses to figure the silliness. Fookin’ ponies, eh Staff Sergeant?”

While Jack agreed with the sentiment, he wasn't about to start his tirade about magic and the related bullshit. Thankfully, the Major seemed at least slightly knowledgeable about how the ship was even able to stay afloat. “Those magitech generators you all saw? Well, almost three quarters of their power goes into magically reducing the weight of the ship. I think as of right now it only weighs a few thousand tons, and the engines are more than powerful enough to keep it up and moving at that weight.”

“Huh.” Ada and Jack spoke at the same time, before shrugging at each other. As they continued down the deck, Jack watched as Celestia and her remaining group exited the command tower and neared Snake's VTOL. Flitter waved over toward them, and beckoned them in as the princess’ spoke with the captain. Jack pretended to not see the look of disapproval that slipped through Flitter's eyes when she glanced at Ada.

“Thank you again Captain Chord, and please, have a safe voyage.” Celestia gave the captain a nod as he saluted sharply. Turning to the approaching humans, Celestia smiled. “Ah. So nice of you to rejoin us. The Major will be flying you two back to the castle, where I will need to see you, Jack, immediately. “ She shared a look with Luna, before looking back to her group. “Is everyone ready?”

Flitter held up her hoof as Celestia's horn charged. “Can I fly back with them, Princess? I've never gotten to ride in the helicopter.” She smiled as best she could, and knew that Luna could see right through her paltry excuse.

“No, I'm sorry lieutenant, but we need you to be present for preparations.” Celestia continued charging her horn as Flitter's features fell, and within seconds, the entire group vanished with a pop and a flash before Jack and Ada.

“Alright, I'll be honest with you Ada.” Jack began as he laced his hands together behind his head. “That looked really fucking cool.”

“....Aye… it did.” The pair sighed as they turned toward the more conventional means of travel. “What'd you think she’s got planned?”

He shrugged as he clambered into the crew hold of the VTOL and strapped himself in. “Hell if I know, probably the usual super secret princess club shit.”

Snake stuck his head around the partition wall to get a look at the pair. “Ready?” He nodded at the pair of thumbs up he received, and began starting the engines. He perked slightly as his bulky headset crackled and voice came through. “Look’s like we're getting Wonderbolt escort into the capital.”

Quirking a brow, Jack leaned forward and yelled to be heard over the roar of the rotors. “Why do we need an escort!?” At the Major's simple shrug, he grunted, and asked a second question. “The fuck is a wonderbolt!?”

The Major laughed as the helicopter lifted smoothly off the deck and twisted on its axis. “The only branch of the military anyone gives a fuck about!” He put full power into the engines, shooting the craft forward and toward the capital. As the Equestrian countryside blurred passed underneath them, Jack slid open one of the side doors, and relaxed against the deck as the wind buffeted him.

“You're messin’ my hair Staff Sergeant!” Ada complained jokingly as she slid closer to the open door and Jack. The pair shared a light laugh, before Ada suddenly pointed passed his head toward the horizon. “That's gotta be our escort!”

Approaching fast on the horizon was a pair of blurred shapes with smoke trails following them. The pair of dots swiftly closed the distance, and blitzed over the craft. Jack tried his best to follow the blurs, but eventually lost sight of them as they rolled back around. Once they reappeared, matching Snake's speed, Jack burst out laughing.

“They're super spandex pegasi! Look!” He pointed at the one that had alighted to the side with the open door. It was obviously a mare, and one with a vibrant flame-esque mane. Her smoke trail appeared to be on fire as well. Jack tossed a salute out the door, and earned an aileron roll from the speedy pony. “They some kind of airshow group, like the Blue Angels?”

Shrugging as he sent his craft shooting across a massive orchard, Snake chanced a look over his shoulder. “Kinda, yeah. Wonderbolts are basically the heroes of all pegasi. You know, the fastest, toughest fliers Equestria has to offer. Some ponies are crazy about them-”

“Look out!” Ada cried as a prismatic bolt shot in front of the craft and in the path of the roaring engines.

Cursing loudly, Snake slammed down on his flight stick, sending them into a steep dive to avoid the inbound pegasi. Jack yelled in surprise as he was tossed about the crew compartment like a ragdoll, and then out the open door. Held in by only the fat braided canvas lanyard that was strapped around his waist, Jack howled in pain as it went taut and cut into him. The craft rolled again to avoid a particularly large tree, and Jack was slammed hard into the fuselage. Eschewing her own safety, Ada opened her seat harness and dove to the edge of the crew compartment in a bid to snag Jack as he dangled. As the orchard tree tops zipped by below his feet, the VTOL keened and roared while it's pilot weaved back and forth, trying to avoid the rainbow coloured pegasi that continued to blitz it. With a roar of exertion, Jack hauled himself up on his lanyard and snagged Ada’s outstretched hand, just as his feet hit a small tree house. His feet ripped the shingles clean off as Snake was finally able to gain altitude. With great effort, Jack was finally able to haul himself back into the crew compartment with Ada’s help.

The first thing he managed to say as he sucked in great gulps of air was “WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!?”

“Some civilian just tried to take us down, the bolts caught them!” Snake managed breathlessly as he leveled the VTOL out. “Everyone alright back there?!”

Ada gave the pilot a thumbs up, before motioning to Jack's stomach. “I need to see the wound Jack!”

Currently holding a hand over the pulsing pain in his stomach where the lanyard had tightened, Jack tried to wave her off. “I'm fine! Just hurts like hell! How far to Canterlot?!”

“You're not fine Jack, you're bleeding all over the place!” Ada gestured angrily toward his stomach as she pulled his stained top up.

Seeing the blood leaking off his abs, Jack cursed and let his head sag back. “Fuck!” The skin had been yanked off by the lanyard, cutting a fat red line across his abdomen that exposed the muscle underneath. Now that the adrenaline had begun to ebb, Jack could feel the pulsing pain increase agonisingly further and further, even as Ada did her best to see to the wound.

Thankfully, Canterlot wasn't too far out from where the altercation had happened, and when the VTOL came in for its landing, the culprit was already having her hide tanned by both wonderbolts. Ada was out of the VTOL the moment it set down, and was waving down a doctor. Soon enough, a medic was found, and to make matters worse, both princesses and their group from before were on the field and approaching.

When the niggling need to suppress the pain however possible reared its head again, Jack wasn't able to fend it off. Popping open the battered plastic case, Jack thumbed the last remaining needle free from its prison. He glanced up, making sure nobody was watching, before plunging the needle’s contents into his trademarked bicep. Relief flooded his system, blocking out most of the pain and placing a pleasant fuzz over his mind. With the pain that arced across his stomach forgotten, Jack stood up from the VTOL and fixed his bloody shirt. Looking to the side of the VTOL, he chuckled lightly as he placed his hand on the large dent in the fuselage that was suspiciously human shaped. Shaking his head, he began to meander over toward the gathering group and the doctor.

Ada was the first to take notice, as she wasn't all that interested in the wayward civilian. Her eyes went wide and she cursed loud enough to draw everyone's attention. “Jesus fookin christ, Jack! How in the bloody hell are you able to stand!?” She hurried over, rushing the unicorn doctor along. Now with the rest of the group looking at him, they all assumed a look of serious concern and shock over the blood that stained through his white shirt and dribbled down his cammies.

As the doctor pulled up his shirt, revealing the extent of the damage to the others as she began to work, Jack looked to the others and smiled. “Tis but a flesh wound.”

“You pulled your fookin skin off Jack! That's not a bloody flesh wound!” The others shared the Corporal's sentiment as they crowded around with concern.

Looking over her shoulder at the now downtrodden Rainbow Dash, Celestia shook her head. “While I'm glad you've still got your sense of humour Staff Sergeant, we really should take you to the hospital. The ceremony can wait for when you're not bleeding all over yourself.”

“I'm fine! Look, she's already using her magic. Magic fixes everything, right?” He grinned a little dopily, and had it returned weakly by most of the group, save for Ada, who narrowed her eyes at him.

Taking his arm, Ada looked to the present royalty. “I'll take the blighter to medical, your ‘ighness. I still want to know why this fookin’ civi’ tried to take us down though.”

Looking indignant at Ada’s tone, Dash pawed the ground and continued to look down, to avoid the angry glares from the wonderbolts at her side. “I thought that your machine was another bad guy, and that the wonderbolts were trying to stop you, so I came to help.”

“They were flying escort you stupid shite!” Ada yelled at the pegasi, her face flushing red.

“Well I know that now!” Dash yelled back as she took a confrontational step forward.

“You coulda killed the Staff Sergeant, pasting him across the fookin ground!”

“It's not my fault!”

The pair began to argue heatedly, before they were interrupted by a shout. “That's enough you two!” Luna stomped her hoof, silencing any argument. “What is done is done. Let us be thankful that nobody was killed, but right now Jack needs proper medical attention.” She glared at both women, who thankfully backed off from their confrontation.

Ada shot a hateful glare at Dash, before throwing Jack's arm over her shoulder. “I'll take 'im. You all go back to whatever the bloody hell you were plannin’.”

As Jack lifted a finger to ask a question, he was interrupted by Flitter, who pressed up against his side and looked up at him with worry. “I'll help you, corporal.”

For a scant moment, Ada looked peeved at the intrusion, but the look swiftly vanished. “Yeah, fine, whatever. Let's go!”

Without any further interruption, the pair hauled Jack off toward the castle hospital. For the entire walk there, Ada held her tongue and glared forward as her question went unspoken. Flitter did her best to see that Jack wasn't going to hurt himself, but as they continued down the halls, the pain of his wounds became more apparent as the morphine high quickly slipped from his body. What had been good for over an hour of relief was barely good for ten minutes of respite now, and the moment the pain returned with all of its biting fury, the tingling need for more morphine swiftly followed on its heels.

The doctors worked as quickly as they could, cleaning the wound and removing the excess skin, before applying a magical graft bandage. While the pain remained, Jack could now move around without bleeding everywhere. Wincing as he sat on the edge of the bed, he did his best to hide the burning that stretched across his stomach.

“Well…” He grunted as he pushed off the bed and got to his feet. “At least we know the Major can fly.” He grinned weakly at the pair who were standing with him.

While Ada rolled her eyes, and Flitter smiled, Jack caught sight of Princess Luna approaching. Smiling at him as she closed the distance, the princess came to a stop before him and cleared her throat as she looked at the girls. “Would you two please come with me?” At their nods, her attention shifted to Jack. “Are you well enough to move on your own Jack?”

He nodded as he scratched at the back of his head. “Still stings, but I can move around. Just no more stunning heroics for me today.”

Smiling lightly at his humor, Luna nodded. “Could you please go get changed and meet Sergeant Taven and Private Mythic? They'll take you where you need to go. Please don't tarry.” With one final smile, the princess led the two girls off to places unknown, and Jack was left alone to find his way back to his room.

Once inside his small haven, Jack collapsed into his bed and let out a pent up groan of agony. His stomach itched and burned as the graft bandage worked it's magic on his abused flesh. “Fuck my life… ugh… ow..owowow…” He winced and bit his lip as he slowly pushed himself back up, and went about changing out of his blood stained clothes. Eventually stepping out into the hall in his clean clothes, Jack was greeted by his two guards.

Taven looked relieved to see that Jack was mostly fine, while Mythic seemed grumpy and indifferent, as usual. Taven trotted forward, and motioned Jack to follow. “We're meeting in the foyer. Did you wash up?”

“Nah. I just splashed some water on my face and rubbed on some pitstick.”

“So a spa visit by your terms.” Taven grinned and prodded.

Unable to keep a faint grin from his features, Jack gave the stallion a light shove. “Can it, batboy.” They continued down the hall for a while longer, before Jack spoke again. “So what's this meeting about?”

Mythic simply grunted the response. “We don't know.” Taven simply shrugged in agreement.

“Great. Stellar.” Jack sighed as he fought the urge to scratch at his bandages. “Let's get this over with so I can drink.”

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Within the castle's foyer was a large gathering of nobles and military officials who weren't busy with the Stalwart Liberty. At the head of the group was Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna. Slowing as he entered the foyer and all attention turned to him, Jack suddenly felt horribly underdressed for whatever event he was about to attend. Celestia smiled up at him, and he couldn't help but notice how considerably more regal she looked.

“Could you join us at the front please, Mr. Kessle?” Nodding quickly at the Princess’ request, Jack double timed it down the stairs, and marched up to the front. With a slightly quieter voice, Celestia spoke to him again. “When you went to get changed, I had hoped that you were going to wear something more formal.”

Grunting in response, Jack clasped his hands behind his back and straightened his spine. “If someone had told me to, instead of staying quiet, I would have.”

The princess smirked lightly as she stepped forward. “Sass is unbecoming of you, Jack. Now, please behave.” She stepped up to the top of the steps, and regarded the small crowd before her. “Thank you all for coming for this ceremony. I know it seems like I've been holding a large number of speeches lately, but I promise that is is the last of them. For the week.” The princess smiled as the crowd chuckled in good humour. “We are here to thank Staff Sergeant Kessle for his bravery, and courage under fire. Staff Sergeant, could you step forward please?”

Doing so, Jack suddenly felt horribly self-conscious about his scraggly appearance, and began to wish and pine for a chance to actually do something about it.

Princess Celestia smiled toward him, giving him a nod of approval and calming, she continued. “Since his agreement to render aid to us, the Staff Sergeant has continually thrown himself into situations that would leave our own injured or worse. With the help of two of his bodyguards, he defended the town of Ponyville from an infected horde of unprecedented size. He then went on to remove arms and ammunition from an enemy that would have surely used them against us, while again putting himself in the line of fire to keep his squad members safe when said enemy attacked.” She paused for a moment as she let her words sink in. “And finally, his recent actions against Queen Chrysalis's changeling hive. Entering the hive with little backup, he nearly single handedly destroyed the seat of power, destroyed powerful weapons of destruction, and saved twenty of Equestria's citizens from further harm. He was prepared to sacrifice himself to ensure our citizens escape, and while that sacrifice was not needed, the meaning behind it has not been forgotten. Staff Sergeant Kessle, would you kneel?”

Thoroughly embarrassed from the surprising speech, Jack could feel pride worming it's way back into his body and mind after its long hiatus. Going down on one knee, Jack muttered softly to the princess. “Hope you know what you're doing.”

“Of course I know what I'm doing, I'm a princess.” Celestia said softly as she unsheathed the sword that Luna had held ready for her. Giving the exquisite thin sword a twirl, Celestia held it before herself and above Jack. “Jack Kessle, for your bravery and loyalty, I dub thee, Knight.” She gently tapped his shoulders with the blade, before tapping his head. “Sister, would you retrieve the Knight-Sergeant’s weapon of station?” Celestia smiled just a little brighter as the specially made sword was brought over. “Rise, Knight-Sergeant Kessle.” She stepped aside as a fully flushed Jack stood tall and proud.

Stepping forward with the sword in her magic, Princess Luna held the weapon out to him and bowed her head momentarily as he took it. Holding onto the fine gold wrought mahogany sheath for dear life, Jack fought back the feeling of being overwhelmed as the crowd broke out into hoof stomping applause. Celestia thanked the crowd for their time, before reminding them that the Gala was only a few days away, and that they needed to prepare themselves. With the ceremony officially over, and the crowd dispersing, Jack's peers were finally allowed to reach his side and pester him as his brain tried to keep him under control.

“Congratulations Jack.” Flitter nosed his side as she smiled; watching her friend struggle with the praise.

“Was that supposed to be special?” Ada jeered before punching his shoulder as he stared at his new knightly sabre. “Yah dopey blighter, stop staring’ at your new toy!”

Trying and failing to keep his chest from swelling, Jack carefully strapped the broad sabre’s sheath around his waist. Turning, he held up a finger to ask for a moment of his peers time, before quickly marching to Celestia’s side. “I need to ask for something.”

The princess looked to him and smiled lightly. “Ah, now that you have station you think you can just march around asking for things, hmm?” She winked at him in good humour. “Go ahead, Jack.”

“I want a royal pardon for Baron and the permission to hire anyone I see fit into JSOG.”

The princess blinked in surprise, before smiling further in approval. “Granted. I was expecting something else, but I believe I prefer this.” She looked to her sister for a moment. “We have another gift for you, but it can wait. For now, relax, and clean yourself up. Try to prepare Corporal Ada for the Gala.”

“I'm not ready for the Gala, Celestia.” He sighed lightly before shrugging. “I'll do what I can, so long as you foot the bill. That Rarity charges an arm and a leg, I swear.”

With a huff of a laugh, Celestia simply shook her head and began to leave. “Try not to find trouble, Sir Kessle.”

“I don't find trouble, Trouble has my ass on radarlock.” He grinned a bit, before shooting her a short salute as he turned back to his friends and began his night.

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