I sat beside a water fountain. Water didn't flow through it anymore, but it was still a central location and watching people go past was interesting enough, and gave them a chance to see me and get used to the idea that I wan't going to try to steal their humanity away or something.

The ponies who went past would nod at me and smile, or sometimes wave or even rush up for a hug. They were all pretty happy to see me, and I felt good returning the warmth.

The humans were a mixed bag. Some were curious, others cautious, a handful outright nasty looking, but most just walked past, more intent on their destination than me.

Sandra leaned against me. "This is really good, you know. If they have a pony on the upper echelon, even if he doesn't think much like one, he's a lot less likely to let them set rules based on being a pony alone getting you less than a human would."

Dusk shook his head. "Part of it depends on how much they make public. They may hide this ever happened, even if it does influence his personal decisions."

A soft crackle issued from my walkie talkie and I pulled it out. "William here, what's up?"

"We've got a new task for you, a big one. Feel free to bring your friends."

Sandra perked her ears. "Finally." Dusk stood up, and soon we were all on our way back to the central HQ. "Think they want us to work with a stubborn community?"

Dusk tilted his head. "Or maybe a unicorn messed up with one of the cleanups?"

I winced at the idea. "I'm thankful they seem to cast by rote, and they know how to feel for the gift, so they should know if they missed something, though I imagine that'll only happen if the pony has more then the usual amount."

Cindy shook her head. "They wouldn't call us for either of those things. It must be something new, or planning."

We arrived shortly after, and they waved us inside without fanfare. The circle of officers was present, though a few were missing. Our pony friend was there, dressed sharply despite being four-legged. He must have noticed our looks, because he cleared his throat. "I had my old uniforms resized and adjusted. Expect to see a lot more ponies following the trend I'm offering soon."

~That's the first time they used the word 'pony' instead of 'little horse'. Progress.~

The female leaned forward. "We're not here to discuss clothing standards. A rogue feral's been spotted, and it's a huge one. Huge enough that I'm not eager to send our average horses or my men after it." She pointed her pen at me. "You have the best odds of negotiating with it and coming to a peaceful arrangement. If that fails, long-range bombardment will be the next option."

Sandra tilted her head a little. "Is it that dangerous that bombing it is literally choice #2?"

She frowned a little. "It is a dragon. A horse-dragon. Four arms, two legs, one head thank god, and demonstrated ability to breathe fire. It's already demanded 'tribute' from a few settlements, but it hasn't actually hurt anyone yet, which is why we're hoping William here can resolve it peacefully, before we have to resort to overwhelming violence."

The pony clopped his hooves together. "If we can bring it in, that will be a huge increase in our capabilities. It can serve as a transport, mobile attack platform, messenger, and more, and it'd only need food, not rapidly-dwindling fuel supplies. First priority is to de-escalate the situation. It is in its best interest to join us and be a part of things. Dragon-sized or not, we can and will kill it if we have to."

Dusk nodded his head. "Have you found its home yet?"

One of the other officers nodded and pointed up towards a map. With a press of a laser pointer he was able to indicate a particular mountain. "It's making no large effort to hide where it comes from. We theorize it feels invincible right now, and so has little reason to be subtle about its movements. That works in our benefit. Do not make it clear that we can threaten it. If things go poorly, we'd rather catch it unawares and end that battle before it ever begins."

It was settled, mostly. I wasn't looking forward to the idea of maybe being roasted alive, but Cindy insisted she could help with that, at least a little.

When the meeting was declared over, we made to depart, only to be interrupted by the pony-officer in the hallways. "I need to talk to you, man to man, as it were."

Cindy perked her ears curiously. "What's wrong?"

He frowned a little. "I had a wife of thirty years, decided she didn't want to be married to a horse. I can't force that, but to be frank, I don't feel like being alone either. I'm no novice to the dating scene, but where does a pony even start? I still prefer the look of a human, to tell the truth, but I don't think most of them want to get friendly with a pony, even one with a few fancy medals."

Sandra's ears wilted and she shook her head. "That's awful. It was this or dying, wasn't it? She should... at least try to be understanding."

Dusk nudged Sandra. "Easy to say. Your loved one suddenly changing species isn't something everyone can just ignore."

I offered a hand towards the new pony. "To start, we really should get your name."

He gave a quirk of a smile, putting his hoof in the offered hand. "Major Smith, pleased to meet you all. We're not here to point fingers at my ex. I don't blame a person for not wanting to kiss a horse."

Cindy shook her head. "Don't be so certain of that. Make yourself available and try going on some dates like normal. I bet a few women will get interested in you, even if you are a pony. You're a cut above most."

Sandra raised a hoof. "As for ponies, they're easy, depending on what you're looking for. Uh, casual's almost too easy, but I doubt you want that."

He frowned. "I'm not looking for a random pony to hop on top of."

Dusk pointed at Sandra's cutie mark. "Look for those. Anyone with one has their stuff together, up here." He tapped his head.

Major Smith's ears went upright. "Huh, that explains how I got one."

Dusk threw up his hooves. "Everyone's getting one before me!"

Author's Notes:

Darn site outtages! They make me typo in fury.