In the days leading up to the event, the Gala was all anyone could talk about. It was supposed to be even more grand this year, but if speculation was to be believed, the street party might just be bigger. When the night finally came, those who had prepared the longest worried the most.

Princess Luna paced back and forth at the top of the stairs that sat before the grand entrance hall; her dress billowed and shone with the thousands of stars embedded within it. Considering how the Gala the year prior had gone for her, she had every right to worry about this year's. “Have you checked on Jack?”

Busy following the disquieted princess around was Flitter, who was quickly feeling like her starched uniform was far too plain. “He's with JSOG, Luna. I'm sure he's fine.”

Finally, the clock chimed, and the giddy Gala-goers began to stream into the castle. Luna glanced toward her aide with imploring eyes. “Please, go check on him. We have several ambassadors coming tonight, and I'd rather he not spoil things by getting utterly drunk and rambunctious.”

Smiling toward the princess, Flitter nodded and began to head toward Jack's wing. As she grew closer, she could hear his music thumping away, and soon enough she could hear laughter. Nearing his door, Flitter took a spare moment to reread his warning sign. Trespassers will be molested and shot. The threat always brought a smirk to her features. Giving her head a shake, Flitter pushed the door open and entered. Gathered around a small table was most of the JSOG team, which consisted of five people in total. All the eyes turned toward the door. And immediately Flitter noticed the lack of both Ada and Jack. She was surprised to find both Petyr and Field Note sitting at the table, playing poker with Taven, Hard Tac, and a well disguised Baron. Some of them lifted hooves in greeting, while the others went back to the game.

“Where's Jack and Ada?” Flitter asked as she entered the room and took a seat.

Motioning toward the bathroom door, Hard Tac placed his bet, causing Taven to curse. “She's helping him trim up, whatever that means.” Both soldiers were in their dress uniforms, and seemed utterly polished. Baron eyed the bet and the stallion who had placed it with scrutiny. She was wearing considerably more plain clothes; it was obvious she didn't plan on joining in on the festivities within the castle.

Doing her best to hide a small frown at the captain's words, Flitter took a seat by the table and waited. “What are you playing?”

Grudgingly matching Tac’s bet, Taven sat back and checked his cards again. “Texas hold’em. One of Jack's games.” The stallion looked to the massive human who sat next to him. “Your bet, Pete.”

“Da, da…” The big man stared hard at his cards as a curse sounded from the bathroom. Flitter immediately perked at the sound.

“Don't worry, Flitter dear.” Field fixed his bow tie and shifted in his smart suit. “He's been whining and cursing up a storm in there for almost an hour.” The bat pony smiled winningly toward her, but didn't receive a smile in return.

As Flitter was beginning to remove her attentions from the bathroom door, it swung open and Ada marched out, cleaning her hands on a towel. The woman's athletic frame was hugged tightly by a sly red strapless dress that seemed more tease than practical as it hugged her curves and flaunted her assets. Jealousy flared in Flitter's mind as she watched the human adjust her pert bust and plant her hands on her hips. “I've done all I can for the sod.”

“I'm not a sod, you damn blimey!” Jack stormed out of the bathroom, and the card game stopped in its tracks. “Okay, now you're all making me self conscious.” The man standing before them with a slightly bemused expression lacked the rough, scraggly mane of black hair that Jack did; instead replacing it with a high and tight buzzcut. A good hooful of scars danced across his skull, marking out injuries and surgeries. The bushy beard that had consumed most of his face was now long gone, leaving a severe jaw line and thin drawn lips open to the air. His cheeks looked blatantly gaunt, giving him the visage of a skull wrapped in scarred leather. This newcomer wore a fine form fitting black dress coat with brilliant crimson trimming and gold clasps, as well as a smartly cut pair of sky blue uniform dress pants with a blood stripe going down the outer seam of each leg. He almost seemed to stand taller while in the uniform, his back straight and his polished boots pointing forward.

“Sweet Celestia, Ada, you're a miracle worker. There really was a soldier under all that!” Hard Tac grinned as the corporal waved off the praise and gave Jack a long once over that would have sent Flitter's blood boiling, if she had been paying attention to anything but the new and improved Jack that stood before her. Ada admired her handiwork for moment before speaking.

“I suppose he looks th’ part.” She grinned mischievously. “The lieutenant certainly seems t’ think so.”

The realization that everyone knew she was staring caused Flitter's cheeks and ears to burn a bright red. Smiling in good humour as he strapped his sabre to his hip, Jack simply shook his head at the group before him.

“You know Jack, they captured your likeness very well.” Petyr stood from the table and fixed his button up vest. The big man's clothes were obviously custom tailored to fit his bulk, but again Rarity had outdone herself and made him a fine outfit that consisted of a red silk vest, black dress pants, and a black button up shirt.

Quirking a brow at the larger man. Jack finished suiting up as he placed his white uniform hat over his trimmed dome. “What do you mean Pete?”

“Your likeness. In the movie.”

Jack paused and slowly looked toward Petyr. “They made a movie about me?” The small incredulous smile on his face was beginning to spread into an open toothed grin. “Was it any good?”

To his chagrin, the larger man shook his head no. “Now knowing you personally, they did a horrible job on your character, and the set pieces are unbelievable.”

“...Was it rated R?”

“PG-13.”

“Fuck!” Jack cursed brightly and scowled hotly. “Alright, everyone up, card game’s on hold. Let's go make ourselves seen at this damn tea party.” He fixed his uniform again as the others stood and got ready.

Baron simply lounged in her simple clothes as the others moved about. “I'll hold down the fort until one of you comes back, I suppose.”

Waving a hand as the group began to exit, Jack smiled to the disguised changeling. “I'll send a hooker up for you.” He ducked out of the way of a small clump of flying brass shell casings that had been used as poker chips and laughed as he left Baron behind to her own devices. Joining his group outside, he began the short walk into the main castle halls. Far before they reached the foyer, he could hear music and the rumble of a thousand quiet conversations. Discomfort began to settle over his brain, and to cope he began to gently scratch the fur between Taven's ears.

The stallion shook his head a little, before melting slightly, much to the amusement of Ada. “Didn't figure you for the type, luv.” She took careful note of how jealous Flitter looked as her own ears flicked.

Rolling his eyes as he focused on calming himself, Jack simply shrugged and continued. “Flitter's hair is all done up, Hardy is all the way on your other side, and you'll break my fingers. Petyr and Field ain't the type to enjoy random petting.” He grinned slightly. “Besides, he doesn't seem to mind.” Jack dug his trimmed fingertips into the base of the stallion's tufted ears and began scratching away merrily.

Frowning toward Taven as the batpony’s wing fidgeted and fluttered, Field shook his head as Taven emitted a low pitched 'eeee’ of enjoyment. “How embarrassing.”

“Can it, nerd.” Jack pointed at the stallion threateningly as he continued to torture his bodyguard. His grin was brought back by the sniggering laughter coming from Ada. Looking toward the main doors that lead into the grand hall, Jack took in a steadying breath. “Alright team, divide and conquer. This is all about the hearts and minds, so try not to smack anybody in the mouth.”

Glancing at the trim human at his side, Hard Tac snorted lightly. “That for us, or you?”

“Me.” Jack answered. “Definitely me.”

Entering the main hall, the group immediately drew the attention of the few present guards and the crier. The crier stood before the main doors, and announced every group that came in to the gathered crowd. The crier cleared his throat as the group approached. “Good evening. Names?” As the group gave him their ranks and names, he split them up into groups of two. Flitter felt her heart squeeze painfully as Ada and Jack were linked together by the crier, and she was placed with Sergeant Varenikov. She tried to hide her heated glower by glaring at the floor as Jack offered the crook of his arm to the fit woman and she took it readily. The crier called out their names, and Jack walked proudly into the maelstrom of political deceit and smiling lies.

After entering with Taven at her side, Flitter began to immediately seek out Luna as she tried to ignore Jack and Ada. Finding the Lunar diarch was simplistic, but getting to her through the throng of pompous nobles and stuffed political figures was proving to be problematic. Carefully weaving through the crowd, Flitter took note that Taven was still by her side. “You don't need to escort me around, Sergeant.”

Shrugging lightly, Taven continued to follow her. “If you want, I'll leave. I don't really have much else to do here.”

Looking down for a moment, Flitter simply shrugged and allowed the enlisted stallion to escort her through the crowd. Weaving her way through the press of hoity ponies, Flitter trotted up beside Princess Luna. On the outside, the princess now seemed utterly calm and composed, but the little nuances, like the ear flicks and the tiny clenching and unclenching of her jaw told Flitter that whatever issue Luna was having wasn’t dealt with. “Princess? Are you alright?” Flitter ensured to keep her voice low; when Luna’s eyes flicked over to regard her, Flitter couldn’t help but smile a bit. “Jack is behaving.”

The Princess of the Night sighed softly, and pressed a weary smile out for her aide. “I had my first chat with the Nagalan Chancellor, Selkin.” Flitter watched Luna without blinking, taking in all of the facial twitches and tells. Luna shook her head and scoffed. “Naturally it lasted all of two minutes before I offended him. I must try to find him and apologize…”

“Well… it’s not too surprising Princess, the Nagala are a very strict species, they’re all about the little things. Proper posture, proper eye contact, enunciation; they’ve got a set of rules for every social encounter and the smallest slight can set them off.” Flitter glanced up, and realized Luna was staring at her with wide eyes. Feeling her cheeks flush hotly; Flitter look down and pawed at the marble. “I’m just… paraphrasing from the book of course, I’ve never met one before , so-” Flitters sentenced squeaked to a stop as Princess Luna grabbed her muzzle with both hooves and turned her head so she was looking at the refreshment table. Her expression swiftly matched the princesses’ with wide saucer eyes and a keening look of abject horror.

In tandem, they both uttered the same word to express the situation that was unfolding onto their laps. “Shit.”

Standing by the alcoholic refreshment table, Jack juggled between bowls as be filled them with what he had been told was a rich red Cabernet Sauvignon. Having filled his bowls full of expensive wine, he wheeled on his heels and ignored the scoffing mutterings coming from the nobility around him. Marching back over to Ada and his new pint-sized snake friend, he handed a bowl to each of them before taking a seat on the marble ledge.

“A bowl, marine? Little unsophisticated innit?” Ada smirked lightly as the Nagalan Chancellor’s forked tongue flicked at the wine.

Jack simply shrugged as he took a swig of the rich red wine. “I'd rather not be getting up every five minutes for another glass.” He grinned toward the Chancellor. “Liking it so far, Selkin?”

The three foot tall Nagalan flicked his tongue again as his thin pencil moustache twitched on his scaly face. “It issss… acceptable, while it hassss a mossst pleasssing aroma, it ssseemsss robussst; we lack sssuch thingsss in the homelandsss. Isss a bowl sssuitable?” He cocked his cobra shaped ‘head’ at Jack, who was halfway through his own bowl.

Chuckling as he took another drink, Jack nodded in agreement. “Normally not a big fan of wine; it's for women on diets, like clear liquor.” His joke earned a snort of a laugh and a rib jab from Ada, and a low hiss of approval from the Chancellor.

“Women on dietssss… Assss you sssay, Sssserrah Kessssle.” Selkin’s pencil moustache twisted up in a serpentine smile. “The princessssesss wish for the Nagala to join in their union of nationssss, but tell me Ssserrahsss. Why should the Nagala care? We have been ssssuccesssssful in our sssssolitude.”

Jack's eyes followed Ada as she stood and straightened her dress out. He followed her curves for a moment, before redirecting his eyes upwards. “Off to make friends Corporal?”

“Mhm.” She smiled toward him, before finishing her bowl of wine. “I'm off to win the fookin hearts and minds. Luck, Jack.”

Waving to her as she began to walk off, Jack took one final moment to appreciate Rarity's hard work and rigorous SAS training, before returning his attentions to Selkin. “Sorry Selkin, had to check out the view. Now, where were we?”

The diminutive cobra-man bobbed his head in understanding. “I too have an attractive female I cannot approach. I assssked you, why my people sssshould join.”

“It's less can't and more shouldn't.” Rolling a hand as he finished off his drink, Jack gave the question some thought before speaking. “Well, I can answer why on the military scale of things, but having open trade routes and access to out of country resources will be huge for your people, trust me.” His eyes flicked back to the crowd, and he finally caught Flitter and Luna staring at him nervously. Rolling his eyes at them, he turned his attentions back to the snake man and launched back into his explanation.

“I think he has it covered, somehow…” Flitter shook her head lightly before smiling up at Luna. “He cleans up really nicely, doesn't he?”

Smiling toward the scene before her, Luna nodded lightly and began to relax. “Yes, indeed he does. I barely recognised him when he walked in. I know you couldn't stop staring.” The princess teased lightly, causing Flitter to blush brightly. Patting the smaller pony on the back, Luna found herself smiling easier. “It's alright Flitter, your feelings aren't wrong. In fact, I'm sure my niece would help you with your quest of swooning.”

“I'm not swooning…” Flitter muttered softly to herself. “I just… I'll figure it out Luna… Maybe I could ask Miss Sparkle? I mean, she won over Max pretty easily, maybe she has some pointers when it comes to human men.”

“I believe she arrived with the rest of the Bearers, you should seek her out, Flitter. Before Ada makes your situation even more difficult.” Luna looked over toward the slim woman as she chatted idly with the two wonderbolts who had made an appearance. “She seems to have an appeal, and she's most definitely using it to tease our little marine.” Her ears perked slightly as Chancellor Selkin slithered up toward her. “Chancellor, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Knight Ssssergeant Kesssssle ssssspeaksssss ssssense, and I have come to ratify our agreement.” The snake man swayed slightly, having been seduced by the bowl full of red wine. “He has alsssso convinced me to assssk for a bottle of wine to bring back to my queen.”

Glancing up at the refreshment table, Luna caught Jack's smirk and light hearted wave, before he refilled his bowl and meandered off into the crowd. Shifting her gaze immediately back down to the small Nagalan, Luna nodded respectfully. “Of course Chancellor, we'll do so after the Gala. For now, enjoy yourself, and I'll be sure to have a fine bottle sent to your accommodations.”

“Acceptable…” The Chancellor swayed again as his fork tongue darted out to taste the air. Without further words, he began to slither off into the crowd, occasionally causing a noble to jump in surprise.

Shaking her head in disbelief, Luna smiled genuinely toward Flitter. “Remind me to hug a marine when the night is done. Actually, where-” The princess paused and looked about. “I have lost sight of him, and for some reason I feel as if I should be intensely worried.”

“I see him, ma’am.” Taven said quietly, before pointing off toward the exit. Jack was standing by Ada, the wonderbolts, and a slowly growing group of ponies. He was motioning wildly with his hands, gesturing and posturing as he told a vivid tale.

“So we're locked down at the bottom of this skinny ass canyon, with sixty year old Soviet lead snapping and whizzing over our heads like wasps, and our radio guy had been fighting for an hour to get somebody to just come and give us a hand. Mind, we're out in the middle of nowhere, and nobody in the right mind is gonna come and get us. So, I'm sitting there next to Asta, when this call comes in over the radio. It sounds like some kind of country hick, asking for our position!” He laughs and smiles, before drinking more wine. “So we're like 'aight, fine’ thinking it's gonna be a couple of fast movers dropping JDAMs on top of us, or, from the sound of this guy's voice, a fuckin’ crop duster to buzz by and dust them with cow shit or something. So imagine our surprise, when a pair of Super Cobra gunships drop into the canyon like leaves,” He mimicked the side to side falling motion with his hands. “And they come in sideways, dropping Hellfire's and twenty mil gatling rounds down on the shitty little collection of mud-huts above us, scattering haji and giving us enough cover to climb the goat trail up to this hamlet.” He smiled and shook his head. “Crazy bastards stayed on station long enough for us to start kicking doors in.”

The group before him smiled at the tale before returning to their muted singular conversations, while a scant few remained focused on the marine. The leader of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire, glanced up toward him as he finished off his bowl of alcohol. “So this world you're from, it sounds like your people are always at war. How do you people get anything done if you're so busy killing each other?”

Ada smirked and patted Jack's back as she answered the question. “Conflict breeds ingenuity. And we've had a lotta conflict. ‘Aven't we?” Nodding in agreement, Jack smiled brightly as his cheeks slowly tinted red from his copious drinking. Shaking her head in amusement, Ada caught sight of a prismatic pest approaching, and her enthusiasm immediately shriveled up and died.

Coming to a stop before the small group, Dash smiled sheepishly and waved. “Hey. Mind if I join in?”

“Ye-” Ada started, before being cut off by Jack.

“Come on in!” He leaned over and wrapped an arm around the mare's neck, dragging her into the group. “You guys met this chick before? She's crazy, I swear.” He grinned happily as the Wonderbolts chuckled in good humour, and Ada glowered toward the mare. “If she hadn't nearly turned me to paste, I'm sure Ada wouldn't be so sour!” He shot a smirky grin at the woman, and received a hard punch in the shoulder for his efforts.

“Wait… you're not angry at me?” Dash brightened considerably. “Awesome!” The mare bumped his thigh lightly as she smiled. “Listen, I'm sorry about attacking you, the thing you were in just looked super evil!”

Shrugging as he finished off his bowl of wine, Jack smiled openly at her. “Just stay away from Snake, he might smack you one for talking shit about his ride.” He glanced around, somewhat enjoying the mild orchestral music that was wafting from the stage. He began to stop paying attention to the group around him and the conversation that was starting up without him. Eventually, his eyes fell on a face he had never expected to see in the castle. Excusing himself from the group, Jack strode over the the off white mare with the electric blue mane, who was making eyes at one of the orchestra players. Stealing up behind the occupied Vinyl, Jack flicked both of her ears without warning, earning a started yelp from her.

“Max you fu- oh, shit, hey Jack.” Vinyl rubbed her ears and glared half heartedly at him. “Well don't you look like a fancy idiot.” She said as she gestured to his getup, before cracking a mild smile as she shifted in her luxuriant dress. “How's it going Killer?”

“Speak for yourself, we're in the same boat.” He ran a hand through his cropped hair, still getting used to the feeling. “It's goin. Just figured I'd come over and be friendly like.” He smiled toward her, before glancing at the slate grey cello player she'd been staring at prior. “You should go talk to her, I doubt she'll bite.”

“Wait, you think-” Vinyl snorted and burst into open laughter. “Dude, we're dating.” She grinned toothily at him. “And she doesn't bite, but she certainly likes being bit.” Vinyl waggled her brows as Jack feigned a gagging noise.

“Gak! Gross, lesb’ns!” He gave her shoulder a light shove before laughing. “Fuck, alright, I'll leave you to it.”

“Hey, are you gonna be taking part in the dance?” Vinyl looked out to the crowd. “Cause I'd kill to see you and Max try to outdo each other.”

Simply shrugging as he he rested his hands on his belt line, Jack looked out toward the crowd and saw that the gaggle of nobles and affluent were beginning to spread out, making room in the center of the room. “Haven't seen him all night, but I might dance a bit. It's been forever though, so it might be more graceful flailing.” He smiled at the memory and shook his head. “Looks like they're gearing up for it now, I'd better skedaddle before-”

He was cut off mid sentence as Ada swooped in and snagged him by the elbow. “Y’know how to dance, right marine?”

Blinking in surprise as the woman hauled him toward the open floor, Jack's smile shriveled slightly at the idea. “Uh… kind of? I mean, I can do a mean tango when tequila is involved, but anything else and-” He grunted as she hauled him into the center with the other couples and clamped onto his arm.

“If y’ step on my toes I'll snap your dick in half.” Ada said as she smiled toward the crowd while Jack grimaced and tried to hide it with a thin, fake smile.

“Okay…”

Off in the crowd, Flitter felt her blood pressure skyrocket as Ada beat her to the punch and hauled Jack onto the dance floor. Failing to hide her rage, Flitter barely noticed the stallion at her side as she seethed. Sighing lightly as Flitter slowly destroyed herself from within, Taven nudged her side and began pulling her toward the floor. “Come on, let's show them what's up.”

Resisting the pull, Flitter looked toward the doors as she fought tears. “Sergeant, I-I… I need to go, okay?”

Pulling the mare close, Taven whispered into her ear. “You're not going to win Jack over if you run off to sulk every time another woman shows interest. Desperation doesn't appeal to him.”

“I'm not-!” Flitter stopped herself from shouting, and quickly realized just how badly she was reacting as her ears flattened. “I'm…. I'm not desperate…”

“Then show him. It's just a dance.” Taven offered his hoof to her, and with some short deliberation, it was taken.

“It's just a dance…” Flitter said softly toward herself as they entered the space with the small group of other dancers. Flitter fought to keep her gaze away from Jack and Ada as they took their places. “Do you know how to dance Sergeant?”

Nodding, Taven took the appropriate position and rested a hoof on her side. “I know the basics. I'd appreciate it if you called me Taven for now.”

Flushing lightly at the mild contact, Flitter nodded and got into position. “Of course, sorry… I don't do well with big crowds so I'm stressing out and… ugh.”

“That's alright Flitter, at least you're not drunk to cope like Jack.” Taven grinned slightly, showing off his fangs for a scant moment before he looked back to the other gathered dancers as they waited for the music to start. “Oh, it looks like princess Sparkle and Maximilian have finally shown up. This should be good.”

Looking away from the woman clamped onto his arm, Jack immediately brightened as a young, fit man walked onto the floor with a short alicorn at his side. The pair took their places, and seemed utterly consumed by each other's presence. Jack shifted slightly, before slowly returning his attentions to the woman at his arm. He smiled toward Ada and earned a humorous eye roll from the woman for his efforts. Perking a brow, he quietly spoke with her. “What? What was that for?”

“Y’like a dog, swear to god. 'Oh, friend? Friend! Hello new friend.’ Now you're all sad 'cause he's more interested in his bestiality kink than being your buddy.” She teased as she took his hand in hers and set her manicured hand on his uniformed shoulder. “Put your other hand around my waist, yeah, like that.” She smiled toward as she pulled herself slightly closer. “Ready?”

With his hand resting on the small of Ada's back, Jack fought back a scowl at her words and simply nodded as he looked over and caught Taven's eye. Nodding his approval toward the stallion, Jack returned his attentions to the svelte woman in his arms. “You know, you look really pretty in that dress.”

Humming in approval at the comment, Ada perked her chest slightly and grinned mischievously. “Yer just innit for the view, ain'tcha Jack?” Sucking in a breath of surprise when he pulled her closer as the music started, Ada smiled and relaxed as they started to slowly dance across the floor. “Not bad… for a marine.”

Taking extra caution to not crush her delicate toes under his vulcanized rubber treads, Jack gave Ada a careful, well timed spin that earned him a shooting glare from Flitter. “I'm trying. Must be the wine, making me fancy.” They waltzed closer to the gathered crowd, where Jack suddenly reached out and plucked a wine glass from a server's tray. “Yoink.”

Unable to not watch the pair before her, Flitter gave her head a shake and focused on Taven. “Sorry Taven, I'm… getting distracted.”

The stallion simply shrugged as he maneuvered her passed the other couples. “It is pretty impressive how he can drink so much and still move.” Taven gave her a gentle spin, before catching her with an outstretched wing. “He still can't dance though.” The stallion chuckled as Jack nearly dropped Ada during a dip. The man quickly recovered, and scooped up another wine glass to suck down. Sharing a smile with Flitter, Taven shook his head. “He's got to be the funniest alcoholic I've ever known.”

Feeling a modicum of stress leaving her system as she danced, Flitter managed a meek smile. “So how obvious is it?”

“It's pretty obvious every time you're near him.”

Flitter frowned inwardly and looked away toward the crowd around them. “He’ll never see me how I see him, will he?”

“We'll talk about it outside.” Taven set Flitter into a low dip and continued to gracefully dance across the ballroom. Taven watched as Jack cautiously stumbled through the long dance, before surprising everybody with a deep bowing dip that nearly saw Ada on the floor, before pulling her up as the music ended. Shaking his head at the marine’s antics and need to compete, Taven and Flitter bowed to the applause of the crowd, before exiting the floor while the others mulled about. Leading Flitter outside into the dark, Taven took a seat on one of the benches overlooking a well dressed apple farmers bakery stand. “Jack is… I don't think so, Flitter. Not with what happened with that mare Poppy.”

Nodding sadly, Flitter took a seat next to him on the bench. “I know… he's just gotten comfortable around us, and it's been months… should I… let him go?”

“No.” Taven stretched his leathery wing and sighed as Flitter looked to him in surprise. “He's your friend Flitter, your best friend even. Maybe he doesn't see you in that light right now, but down the road?”

“So I should stick around just in case he decides to change his mind?” Flitter shook her head. “I… I'm in love with him Taven, but I… I can't stay if he can't love me back. Not while Ada flirts shamelessly with him.”

“Can I butt in on this conversation?” A new voice asked, causing the pair to look over. Princess Sparkle smiled warmly at them as she leaned against Max, who smiled idly as he watched the revelries continue in the castle.

“Princess!” Flitter exclaimed as she and Taven went to bow, only to be stopped by a vehement head shake by the short alicorn.

“Please, no bowing. I'm hardly royalty.” She smiled kindly toward the pair as she leaned against Max's leg. “So I hear you're having boy troubles?”

Max quietly huffed with amusement as he looked back toward the busy ballroom. “I don't think that guy counts as a boy, Twi.”

“Well… whatever, the question still stands.” Twilight shifted and bumped his leg with her slightly pudgy flank. When Flitter nodded weakly and gazed inward toward where Jack was sharing more stories with anyone who would listen to his drunk tales of valor. Twilight followed her gaze and smiled softly as she spoke. “Human men are… you need to be direct. Go talk to him, tell him how you feel. I know that if I had just talked with Max, the start of our relationship would have been much less…”

“You chasing me through the streets while in heat?” Max offered casually, which caused the princess to turn bright red and cough.

“Y-yes, um… that.” She cleared her throat and tried to compose herself slightly.

Shaking her head at the show, Flitter looked down at her hooves and thought hard on how to broach the subject. “Thank you Princess.”

Smiling brightly, Twilight nodded and rubbed her face against her human's thigh. “No problem! Mr. Kessle seems like a nice man, I don't see why he wouldn't listen.” The princess shared a loving look with Max, before they quietly excused themselves and split off, heading toward the observatory.

Moments later, Jack appeared from the hall and quickly trotted out to where the pair were. Looking around, he frowned lightly and rolled his eyes. “Go fuckin’ figure, everyone says 'go talk to Max, go talk to Max!’ but the mother fucker always fucks off on me. Slippery one eyed bastard.” He huffed and planted his hands on his belt. Shaking his head, he smiled toward Taven and Flitter as they sat next to each other on the bench. “I'm not interrupting anything am I?” He asked with a light teasing leer.

Coughing into his hoof as Flitter flushed at the implied accusation, Taven shook his head. “Nope, just chatting. I was just about to go.”

“Actually!” Jack exclaimed as he held up a finger. “We're plannin’ on goin’ into town and participating in the revelries with Baron. Just chattered with Vinyl, and she's letting us into the club for free tonight!” He rocked on his heels with drunken excitement. “Come on guys, even Pete's comin’ along!”

Infected by his drunken excitement, Flitter found herself smiling meekly as she nodded. “Sure, I'd like that Jack. What do you say Taven?” She turned to her impromptu wingbat and sent him a silently pleading look.

Sighing as Flitter looked to him with desperation, Taven flashed a fang filled grin at Jack. “Wouldn't miss it for the world.”

Grinning happily at the approval, Jack shot the pair a thumbs up as he wheeled on his heels and started back toward the Gala. “Great! Meet back at HQ in thirty minutes! Selkin! We're going on an adventure!” The snake man seemed to materialise from the crowd and coiled up around Jack's torso, taking a perch on his shoulder as he hefted his wine glass.

“Adventure!”

Walking passed the drunken pair as they began to gallivant, Celestia shook her head in humor as she trotted with a uniformed officer of the army. The pair seemed very interested in Flitter, who hopped up and saluted swiftly to the uniformed Colonel. As the so far unnamed Colonel told her to stand at ease, Celestia smiled softly toward the eager young officer before her. “Good evening Flitter, I hope you are having a lovely evening.” Flitter nodded quickly, and stood at parade rest as Taven simply stood by her side. Nodding, Celestia motioned toward the Colonel. “This is Colonel Glow. Colonel Glow, this is First Lieutenant Falenas.”

The stallion nodded and smiled toward Flitter as he ruffled his large burgundy wings. He had a shortly cropped brown mane, and a pair of even blue eyes. “It's good to meet you. I've been hearing good things about Thunder’s daughter, and I'm glad to see it wasn't all crap.” He offered his hoof toward the now shocked Flitter. “I served with your father. He was a damn fine soldier, and a better friend.”

Shaking his hoof as she fought against her own shock, Flitter nodded on instinct. “Yes sir, can I help you with anything?”

“I hope you can. I hear that you're still without a posting, is that correct?” When she nodded, Glow smiled. “I'd like to offer you a posting in Twin Peaks Pass in my command staff, effective immediately.”

Shock reset in her brain, and this time Flitter couldn't keep herself from staring at the Colonel with a slack jaw. “I… I'd be honoured to sir! I-” She paused mid-sentence, remembering Jack. “I um… may I have a night to consider your proposal, sir?”

“Of course Lieutenant, after all, a posting with the Rangers isn't exactly a walk in the park. I would understand if you wanted an easier first posting.” The Colonel said with a near smirk as Flitter tensed at the joking accusation.

“I'll have my answer for you tomorrow morning, sir.” She saluted sharply toward the Colonel, who saluted back and turned to leave with Celestia. Once they were gone, Flitter deflated slightly as the shock finally passed through her system. Taven quirked a brow at her as she groaned and shook her head. “Well that makes things complicated…”

“Flitter Falenas, is that you!?”

Flitter's blood ran cold in her veins, and she fought to keep an angry growl from escaping her lips. The giddy feeling that she'd been entertaining had all but fled her mind. Turning to the offensive voice, Flitter smiled thinly toward her lavishly dressed mother. “Good evening, Grace.”

“Oh, too good to call me 'mother’ now?” Grace trotted over, her expensive dress nearly trailing through the grass. She was smiling toward Flitter, though it held no warmth, and it was quick to vanish. “Your sister and I thought you were dead! What in Tartarus are you doing at the Gala!?”

Bristling with barely withheld anger, Flitter ignored the worried glance from Taven as she regained her composure. “We, if you really must know, I joined the army and I'm here on a professional level as Princess Luna's temporary aide.”

“You WHAT!?” Grace squawked in shock, before the condescension came in thick. “Don't lie to me young lady, what have you really been doing?”

“She's not lying ma'am.” Taven said levely as Flitter glared. “She's an officer in the Royal Army, and was just given a posting.”

Grace simply rolled her eyes at Taven as she snorted derisively. “I have no reason to believe the word of a Leatherwing. Flitter, you-”

“The fuck did you just call my friend?” Fury overcame Flitter as she stormed closer to her mother.

Seemingly unaffected by the anger in her daughter's eyes, Grace simply shook her head and stuck her nose up. “Flitter. That is no way to speak to your mother. Now, go-”

“Shut the fuck up for once in your life!” Flitter yelled at Grace, causing several Gala goers to stop and turn as anger overcame the pegasus. “Just because you manage to squeeze two kids out of your sopping fuckhole doesn't make you a mother! You are by far, one if the shittiest ponies I've ever known! You only care about yourself and your damn career! I don't think you're even capable of loving, and for the life of me, I can't figure out how my dad managed to even be near you long enough to fuck you! You're rude, you're vile, and I honestly hope that you contract a horrible fucking disease and die!” By the time Flitter's assault finished, she was nose to nose with the shocked Grace, and a good crowd was watching on as the officer ripped into the mayor of Cloudsdale.

Without warning, Grace cuffed her estranged daughter across the muzzle hard enough to produce a crack. “You will watch your tone, you little brat! I gave you everything-” Grace's own tirade came to a jarring halt as Flitter rocked back forward on her hooves and drove her hoof into Grace's face. Knocking the older pegasus over, Flitter clambered onto her and began raining trained blows down upon her face. Flitter was barely aware of the hooves trying to pull her off as years of psychological abuse burst through the dams of her self control.

“Lieutenant! Flitter stop!” The voice didn't belong to her mother, it belonged to Taven. As the stallion hauled her off of the now bleeding and bawling Grace, Taven held a hoof out to the approaching guards. “That mare attacked her, it was self defence.”

Taking the word of one of their own as truth, the pair of guards grabbed Grace and hauled her up. “Ma’am, we're going to take you to a hospital, but you are going to be barred from the Gala.”

The loss of political clout seemed to cut through the shock and pain, causing Grace to jerk her head upward. “You can't be serious! It's the word of a Leatherwing over mine, and I'm the mayor of Cloudsdale! I'll have your jobs!”

“Is that so?” Luna's voice came out as a level growl of disbelief as she approached the altercation. “You dare attack my friend, and aide, and then have the gaul to spit racial slurs at one of my guard?” She glared stellar daggers down at the rapidly shrinking Grace. Lifting her own nose in the air at Grace, Luna spoke levely and with an icy air of calm. “Consider yourself banned from the castle grounds for life, and your position as mayor on hold. Cloudsdale deserves a mayor who isn't an utterly foul example of a pony. Guards, remove this wretch out of my sight.”

Watching as her bloodied mother was hauled off, kicking and screaming, Flitter sat down heavily on the bench and cradled her face in her hooves. Sitting down gently next to Flitter, Luna carefully set a large wing over her back and pulled her in for a hug. Pressing her face into the princess' fur, Flitter failed to suppress an emotionally pained keening whine and a shudder. The weakness only lasted a moment, before Flitter pulled away and wiped her eyes.

“Thank you, I…” She sniffed again and dabbed her eyes as the Lunar diarch gently stroked her back with a wing.

Sitting down on the bench next to the mares, Taven smiled lightly toward her and patted her hoof with his own. “You don't need to thank us Flitter. I'd do that any day of the week for you. All of us would.”

Giving her aide a light nuzzle that mused her mane, Luna smiled toward the pair. “Indeed we would. To be honest, when I heard the hide tanning you were giving that vile mare, I thought for a moment that somehow Jack had been turned into a mare.” She grinned slightly as Flitter laughed wetly and wiped her eyes again.

Chuckling at the joke, Taven offered his hoof to Flitter. “Come on Lt, let's get you cleaned up and we'll go meet up with Jack.” The mare nodded as she took his hoof and allowed herself to be led off to a bathroom the be cleaned up. Her uniform was only slightly spattered with blood from Grace's nose, which she had assuredly broken. The knowledge made her feel slightly better about herself as Taven helped her clean the tears off her fur and straighten her mane, which had taken the better part of an hour to originally fix up.

Sighing softly, Flitter bumped Taven’s flank, earning a somewhat surprised, curious look from the operative. “Thanks for having my back, Taven… I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there.” She smiled toward him, and earned a friendly nod in return.

“‘Course. We stick together, or we die alone.” He grinned somewhat at the grim metaphor, before motioning toward the door. “Come on, I bet we're late as it is.”

Nodding in agreement, Flitter quickly matched step with the bigger stallion, and made her way to Jack's room. Beyond the door they could hear raucous laughter and loud movements as things scraped around in the room. Entering, the pair were just in time to catch Jack's responding insult to Ada’s insulting crack at Canadian culture. “Ah’ve reloaded me rooty tooty point n shooties, had me scones at Cheeki Nandos for dintah’, I do believe I’m ready to waffle stomp all over their chimney pomps I do!” Mocking her voice and putting on his best bastardized cockney accent, Jack grinned as the Brit flushed with indignant anger and embarrassment.

“So ‘elp me god… I will murder you.” She muttered quietly as the group around her all laughed loudly.

“God save the king!” Jack chirped drunkenly, before Ada bounced a thick book off his head. Rubbing his head as he laughed, Jack grinned at the woman. “What, no comeback this time, Corporal? Qu’es ce fuck!?” His eyes drifted to the door, before lighting up again at the sight of Flitter and Taven. “Yooo! Look what the bat dragged in!”

“How nice for you all to finally join us.” Petyr said felt as he continued to stare at Baron, trying to crack her poker face.

“Sorry we're late.” Taven apologized as he waved Flitter through. “We ran into some unsavoury guests.”

“Nothing serious.” Flitter assured as best she could.

The group at the table let out a concerted groan of disbelief and discontent as the freed changeling cleaned the table, again. Grinning happily as she took the bits, Baron shot a smile toward Flitter and Taven. “I guess this means we're heading out finally?”

Ruffling Flitter's fixed mane affectionately, Jack nodded. “Yep! Come on ladies and gents, let's go man about town.”

Chatting between each other as they trotted through the busy castle halls, the special operatives eventually found themselves exiting the gilded halls and leaving the stuffy noble celebration behind. Outside the castle walls, they descended into a massive street celebration, where it seemed like the entire city was taking part. Stall vendors yelled over the din of the crowd, hawking their wares to the party goers. The group began to have issues navigating the crowd, and would have never found Vinyl's club if not for Jack's height advantage and seeming comfort in crowds. The small building squatted off the main thoroughfare, but it's thumping music could be heard for over a city block. Approaching the club doors, Jack whistled over the sheer length of the line; it curled around the building, and snaked off across several storefronts. The bouncer at the door lifted his head, and caught sight of the group approaching. Sighing hard, the bouncer simply opened the door and waved them in as the line booed and jeered.

If the music had been loud outside, it was even louder inside the club. It felt like the bass was punching Jack in every organ, and his grin was growing ever steadily. Motioning toward the bar, Jack ordered two hard drinks without speaking, and when they arrived, he offered the second to the snake man that was still perched on his shoulders. Knocking back the shot, Selkin nearly fell off of him. Whatever the Chancellor had to say about the alcohol was lost against the waves of music and bass. Ordering a full round of shots, Jack drunkenly navigated the thick crowd and had to play keep away with the shots to keep the plastered politician from drinking himself to death. Setting the tray down at the table in the booth his group had appropriated, Jack began dispersing the alcohol amongst the group, before proposing a toast over the thrum of the club.

“To all the poor bastards who didn't make it!” He hefted his shot up and slammed it back, before pouring the spare shot out on the floor as the others drank.

Gagging at the harsh bite of the booze, Flitter shook her head and winced as Petyr smacked his lips and Ada cooed. “Celestia… how do you drink this crap Jack?” She looked up at him as he sank down another two shots. “Hey. Maybe you oughta slow down? We still have plenty of night ahead of us…”

“See, Flitter wants to be a desi’ driver!” Ada smacked Flitter's back a little too roughly, causing her to grunt in pain as Jack laughed.

“Ah’ll be fine!” He rolled his hand for emphasis as he slouched into the booth. “S’ides, ah got my friends here, ah couldn't be any better.” He grinned happily as he pulled Baron into a bear hug that saw her eyes bulging comically. As the group began to delve into personal conversations amid the loud music, Jack suddenly pulled Baron back to his side and pointed out into the crowd. “Baron, Baron it's Mythic! We gotta go getem!”

Looking nearly panicked, Baron quickly shook her head no. “I should leave him alone, Jack…”

“No, fuck that! You guys gotta talk! You just sit on your damn hands and you'll regret it forever.” He gripped her shoulders and looked Baron in the eyes. “Ah know you're scared you're gonna lose him, but you gotta try.”

Looking up at Jack with wide eyes, Baron swallowed weakly, before knocking back one of his shots to bolster her courage. “Okay, I'm going in.” She began to scoot over Jack's lap, earning a laugh from Ada.

Waving to the changeling as she weaved her way through the crowd to the grouchy guard, Jack relaxed and knocked back another shot. “Now let's see if he's gonna try an kill’er.” The group watched as Baron crossed over to Mythic and took a seat next to him at the busy bar. The stallion turned his head slightly toward her, before flinching back in shock. Baron set her hoof over his and spoke, but the words were lost to distance and music. Slowly, Mythic seemed to relax, but his shocked expression didn't leave his features. After a minute, Baron gestured toward the booth that held the group, and Mythic nervously looked over. Jack and his company waved with varying degrees of enthusiasm, and the stallion seemed to flush. The group returned to their own conversations, while Jack continued to monitor Baron. When the two ponies embraced tightly, he whooped loudly enough to draw the attention of everyone in the club momentarily.

Taking the moment where everyone was distracted by the act, Taven nudged Flitter and motioned toward Jack when he had her attention. Fear niggled at the edge of her mind as she rapidly burned through every possible conversation and outcome inside her head. As she lifted a hoof to tap Jack's shoulder, Ada piped up as she finished her drink.

“Let's fookin dance!” She motioned for everyone to leave the booth, and was met by raucous agreement as they all started filing out. As Jack turned her head to smile broadly toward Flitter, Ada tugged on his crisp dress blues. “Come on then, you drunken navy reject! Let's see how you really dance when yah don't have a stick up yer bum!”

He jabbed a drunken finger at her, as if accepting the challenge. “Ah will step on every last one of your cute little toes!” With his attention stolen, Flitter was forced to act fast; grabbing onto his arm, Flitter shot him a pleading look that immediately grounded his ass. He motioned to Ada that he'd be on the floor momentarily, before turning what little drunken attentions he had left onto Flitter. “Wuz up Sparky?”

Inside Flitter's mind, everything went into panic mode. She felt as if she was physically fighting to get the words passed the lump in her throat, to get those three little words out into the open. When she failed to speak immediately, Jack quirked a brow. They were alone in the booth now, and she had his undivided attention, however small it was. “I-i…”

“Ah can't hear you Sparky, yah gotta speak up!”

Terror cut through her mind, and the words she needed tumbled away. “I've been given a posting. I'm… I'm taking it.” Shame in her mind became horribly apparent as a sad frown flicked across his features, before being covered up by a happy smile.

“Thats great news! Your first deployment!” He hugged her tightly and nuzzled into her mane with his close shaven chin. “Ah’m so proud of you!”

“Y-yeah…” Flitter tried to share his enthusiasm, but inside she felt hollow.

“Come on, let's hit the floor!” He scooted from the booth, and pulled her free as well. Not fighting against him, Flitter allowed herself to be dragged off into the maelstrom of bodies and abusive music. Trying her best to enjoy the closeness with Jack, Flitter soon found herself separated from him. She knew that Ada had pounced upon him as soon as she could have. Catching sight of the pair briefly through the crush of bodies, Flitter was quick to realize exactly why humans had been barred from the Gala dance floor. The incredibly close, lustful dancing set her heart on fire, the aches of which brought tears to her eyes. Fighting back the tears, Flitter began making her way toward the exit.

She was swiftly blocked by a familiar baticorn’s body however, and he smiled toward her with drunken enthusiasm. “Heeey!” Field yelled to her as he danced before her. “Leaving so soon?” At her swift nod and attempt to scoot past him, Field quickly intercepted her again. “You want some company maybe?”

“I’m not interested Field.” Flitter tried to move around him again, only to earn an angered glare.

“Is it because I'm a freak?” Field demanded.

Shaking her head at him, Flitter fought down the pain in her heart. “No, Field, I'm just not interested right now-”

“He's never gonna love you, so why don't you give the rest of us a chance, huh?”

Pushing past the drunk stallion and the inbound form of Petyr, Flitter managed a short look to the big human that spelled everything out for him immediately. Petyr nodded in understanding, and swiftly wrangled the irate Field as Flitter slipped from the club and all but bolted back to the castle.

______________________________________________________________________

The night flew on for Jack and Ada, and while the others eventually went their own ways, the pair stuck together through the night. Having had more than enough to drink, Jack carried Selkin back to the castle as Ada leaned on him for support.

“That wasss an amazing adventure, Ssserrah Kessssle!” Selkin writhed and squirmed against Jack, but wasn't allowed to slither on his own, having proven that he was far too drunk to be trusted to not fall on his face.

Patting the snake man's head, Jack eased open the door to the Chancellor’s castle room and deposited him on the huge bed. “Alright buddy, that door over there is the bathroom, if'n you gotta puke try and get there.”

Selkin waved him off as he coiled up in bed. “Good night, my friend….”

Chuckling lightly as he slowly walked toward the door, Jack lightly waved to the politician. “Night buddy.” Closing the door behind him, Jack grinned to Ada. “That's the last one, where am I dropping you off?”

Snaking her fingers around his waist, Ada smiled lustfully, Ada motioned down the hall. “Let's see your room and figure from there.”

Chuckling as he put a hand around her waist, Jack began to tread down the halls toward his room. “Sounds like a plan.” The walk was thankfully quiet, as almost every single Gala-goer had either left or retired for the night.

Reaching his bedroom door, Jack paused and let his scarred hand rest on her wide hip. Ada smiled lightly, and didn't remove his hand as she ran her fingers through her hair. “I had fun tonight Jack. Been a long fookin time since anyone treated me like a real woman and not a bloody attack hound.” She ran her hand up his arm and her smile turned sultry. “I know we're supposed to be working together, and this's a little unprofessional, but uh… you fancy a shag?”

Grinning as he opened the door, Jack nodded to her. “Yeah, yeah ah think ah can fancy that a lot.

Sighing with relief, Ada stepped into his room and let her hair down. “Oh thank Christ, I thought I was gonna go mad. Been two bloody years!”

Pulling off and carefully folding his uniform jacket as best he could, Jack nodded in understanding. “Three years over here.” Setting his white peaked cap aside on his nightstand, he began working at his polished belt, before a pair of slim hands interrupted him.

“Don't you go takin’ all the fun away for me now, Jack.” Ada said as she had him turn around to face her. Looking down on the slightly shorter woman as he ran both hands down her hips, Jack huffed in amusement before cupping both his hands under the cleft of her toned ass. Pulling her up to meet his lips. Jack closed his eyes. Wrapping her arms around the back of his head, Ada locked lips with him like a woman starved for love and attention. The kiss lasted for a mere few seconds before Jack sat down on his bed and Ada shifted in his lap, her hands wrapping around his back and searching for purchase. He jerked slightly as her hand crossed the deep brand scar on his back, but she was quick to move her hand away. Again, they met as they both pulled drunkenly at each other's fine clothes. Once nude, Ada pushed the large man down and straddled him as she let out a shivering giggle. Tracing a finger down his chest, she leaned in close and nipped at his lip. “Leave the lights on Jack, I wanna see this. I want to see you.”

Pulling her close on his lap and earning a husky moan for his efforts, Jack rested his forehead against hers as she settled on top of him. “Don't you worry darlin’... I'll be here all night.”

The night came to a close, with cries of pleasure being muted by the thick castle walls. Across the castle, in her own room, Flitter tearfully packed her bag and violently degraded herself verbally for her failure to raise her voice. She had been given the chance, she'd been given all the support and encouragement that her friends could spare her, but it hadn't been enough to overcome her cowardice. Curling up into a ball of self hatred on the bed, flitter pulled Jack's PDA close and began weakly scrolling through the videos of him. Since the cave, he'd taken a few pictures and videos of his time in Canterlot, and Flitter knew that there were several were he spoke. She already missed his voice, his hands. Would it be too late to go to him now? She checked the time, and shook her head. No, it was far too late, and there was the chance he would have unsavoury company. Eventually, she fell into a fitful rest, with Jack's PDA playing before her.

Author's Notes:

Oh lord. Okay, first off, fuck this chapter. Fuck it in the mouth. This was probably one of the hardest chapters to write, if only because I've written it before and I ended up running into something like 3 writers blocks. Thankfully, I managed to get it pumped out, and it's been edited pretty much fully. (I'm sure I missed something) For those who've joined the story a little later, I'm referencing what was known as Omake 2: Electric Boogaloo. I ended up removing it from the chapter list and revamping it for this chapter. For those interested in seeing how jack's drunken Gala adventure went originally, the link can be found here: DAS LINK

This chapter could also be renamed 'Jack fucks up, Part 17392618'

In other news, Urimas Ebonheart has done some awesome artwork for ballad!