Emeris, Lucretia and I stand outside the double doors leading to the throne room. Even though they’re closed, there’s still plenty to be heard. The chatter coming through is a dull roar. Emeris looks to both of us. We all wear our professional attire. My black button-up trench coat with a reflective shine, accompanied by black boots was the totality of my formal wear. A dark purple button-up shirt was laid out on my bed. It was only visible by a few inches at my collar, and another inch at my cuffs. The silver buttons leading up the right side of my coat, had been polished to a mirror shine.

Emeris is in a similar coat, but it was a nice forest green with golden trim and buttons. His hair was neatly parted to the far right and his long, silky blonde hair was perfectly combed and hung down to his jaw. His shoes came to a slick point at the end, being devoid of any texture at all.

Lucretia wears a white blouse, black slacks and a red sash around her midsection. Her black high heels clicks as she leans from one leg to another. Tiny green orbs hang from her earlobes; a present from Celestia she had found in her quarters. She turns to me and sighs.

“Raiden I really wish we had something else for you to wear. You...look like an antagonist to be honest.” A tiny smile crosses her face for a moment. Emeris clamps a hand on both of our shoulders.

“Remember: we can’t answer questions here how we would in Taraska. It’s not polite to be blunt. You need to be open and understanding, but firm in your responses. I don’t care who deserved what, we’re playing diplomacy here; check your egos at the door. That goes double for you, Raiden.” I let out a long sigh.

“Next person to single me out gets stabbed.”

We all take a last look at each other and nod.

We push the double doors open and every head in the room spins to look at us. All we can hear is the click of Lucretia’s heels. She does her best to stay fierce; her eyes stare straight ahead with a confident slight glare in them. Emeris does his best to act relaxed and friendly, tossing his beaming smile at anyone who catches his eye. I do a healthy compromise of staring ahead blankly, reminding myself that every pony in this room is a fool and they’re wasting valuable planning time.

A pony guard motions for us to sit in an empty pew on the left. As we sit down, the crowd is a mix of angry and nervous. Ponies begin to whisper to their neighbor. Lucretia scans the room to her left and right. I hear a quiet growl from her throat. She leans over and whispers to me.

“This is complete crap; none of our people are here.”

“That’s because it’s the Equestrian's decision. There’s no point in having more than what’s required for Taraska.”

She rolls her eyes.

“It’s still bias as hell.” The crowd once again goes silent and looks down the aisle as the double doors squeal. Celestia enters the room and keeps her eyes fixed on her throne. I cock an eyebrow as a suspicious older colt walks a few paces behind on her right. He’s dressed with an elegant coat that has a large, white fluffy collar and purple for the rest of the fabric. It matches his mustache, tail and mane that have a light pink streak in it.

He narrows his eyes at us as he passes, then sticks his nose high in the air and pretends we’re not even here. Celestia takes her throne, trying to act like this entire trial doesn’t bother her.

“Please rise.” She says in a stern tone. We quietly get to our feet.

“This trial will decide whether the Taraskans will be sent back to their castle...or if they will stay here and continue to watch over Equestria.” The purple colt snorts and rolls his eyes.

“More like rule it.” Several ponies cry out in agreement. Celestia looks down at him and glares.

“That will be enough!” She goes back to staring across the room.

“Representing the Equestrians, will be Dandy Grandeur.” The purple colt turns around and bows to the ponies.

“It is my absolute pleasure to stand with my fellow Equestrians in their time of need, when a voice is needed accompanied by a firm desire for peace.” Emeris groans quietly. Celestia closes her eyes and inhales slowly.

“Representing Taraska, will be General Raiden, First Captain Lucretia and Second Captain Emeris of the Taraskan Army.” We give a short bow as she says our names.

“Each side will now give a short summary of their stance and suggestion to improve the current situation.” Lucretia raises her hand and gets a nod from Celestia.

“Princess Celestia, may I ask for clarification on what you mean by improving the current situation?” Celestia swallows and glances to Dandy.

“Since Dandy is representing the Equestrians, I’ll let him explain.” Dandy gives a grateful nod to Celestia before turning to Lucretia with disgust.

“The problem, Lucretia, is that you Taraskans bring nothing but war with you! We haven’t gotten a chance to address the issues we’ve had with your soldiers, let alone your chain of command!” A few ponies in the crowd yell in agreement as he speaks.

“Your forces constantly tear apart the environment while claiming to save it! You call yourselves heroes, but assert yourselves into every fabric of our society! I believe that’s exactly what a dictator would do!” The crowd starts to get more riled up. He walks across the room with his eyes closed.

“But enough of this, let’s get to it shall we?” He looks up at Celestia and cocks an eyebrow. I see her neck muscles strain, but she gives him a nod. We all sit down in unison. He faces us with a small hint of malice in his eyes.

“I would like to call to the stand...First Captain Lucretia.” I can’t help but let my mouth open for just a second. Starting off with her was...overly bold. Clearly his tactic wasn’t necessarily to make a compelling argument, but to cause as much animosity amongst the crowd. Starting with her was his best option. He probably knows he’ll have a difficult time with Emeris so he needs the crowd on his side first. He’s most likely saving me for later since I’ve actually committed very real crimes. With Lucretia, he’ll probably focus less on arguing and more on making factless accusations that he won't bother explaining. This was not her strong point.

I get up and move out into the aisle. Lucretia slowly gets to her feet, trying to act as calm as she can. I knew remaining calm while someone slanders her wouldn’t be easy. She keeps her confidence the entire way to the stand. The clack of her shoes is the only sound as she keeps her eyes locked forward. Celestia motions with her hoof to the throne on her left. Lucretia walks up to it and somehow does a pivot to turn completely around in her heels, then sits calmly, crossing one leg over the other with both her hands resting on the throne.

Dandy clears his throat, clearly faking it for effect.

“I’d like to start with the very first encounter between our people. Ponyville was under attack and Taraskan came to our aid correct?”

Lucretia remains silent for a few seconds before nodding her head.

“Yes that is correct.”

Dandy purses his lips and raises both eyebrows for a moment.

“During this attack, Equestrians were running for their lives. Tell me, when exactly was it that Taraska decided it was acceptable to forcefully drag terrified ponies from their homes and turn Ponyville into their first base?” Several ponies get on their hind legs and start screaming angrily. Celestia's sharp glare alone makes them sit back down.

Lucretia frowns but stays calm.

“That’s not entirely accurate. We entered the city moments after the attack first happened. We had no way of knowing-” Dandy cuts her off with a loud snort.

“Yes, you had no way of knowing the attack was coming. Luckily for us...and you that you just so happened to arrive just as the attack happened. Early enough to stop it, late enough to excuse any mistakes you make. Correct?”

Lucretia inhales through her nostrils and leans forward.

“What are you implying?!” Dandy shrugs with a smile on his face.

“I’m not implying anything, I’m simply commenting on the miraculous timing of your intervention on an attack you knew nothing about. That’s true right? You had no idea it was coming? None at all?”

Lucretia folds her hands into her lap.

“We knew the Og Nag had fled our city, but their location was unknown.” Dandy turns to her with an exaggerated look of shock on his face.

“So let me understand this correctly: The Og Nag, who were attempting to destroy you and had you cornered, fled your city without reason what-so-ever, hid somewhere completely out of sight, even from Equestria’s most powerful princesses, then re-emerged to attack Ponyville right as you were within range, with all of your units ready to fight?!”

Lucretia’s eyes bulge and all she can do is stare in shock. She begins to speak but a random mare in the crowd speaks first.

“They’re behind it! It’s all a ploy! They want to rule Equestria!”

Celestia stands up.

“Enough! We are here to go over evidence and personal accounts, not yell out theories!” The ponies quietly shrink back into their seats. Lucretia plays with her fingers.

“The Og Nag may have retreated from our city because they had no idea what had happened and decided to play it safe. Another theory is that this Zaran we’ve encountered, ordered them to fall back for that very reason.”

Dandy sighs and rolls his eyes.

“And what were you even doing at Canterlot when the attack occurred?”

Lucretia starts avoiding any eye-contact all together.

“We had received a letter from one of our scouts. It was a forged letter from Princess Celestia asking for aid. When we arrived, there wasn’t an attack happening until after about two minutes of us being there.”

Dandy buries his face into his hoof momentarily.

“So...you receive a forged letter asking for aid for an attack...that just happened to happen after all? Who could have possibly known if the princess herself didn’t? Who would conceal their identity if they’re going to help you? Sounds more like a faulty cover story that you think us ponies are dumb enough to fall for, isn’t that right?!” He points an accusatory hoof at Lucretia. The ponies in the audience get up and yell. Lucretia’s eyes twitch for a second, and then narrow skeptically.

“The only logical theory is that we were meant to deliberately show up at that moment, so we’d look suspicious. Either in that moment, or later on. Also Taraskan castle was attacked simultaniou-” Dandy cuts her off with a loud groan.

“And here comes the pity-party!” Emeris stands up, doing his best to stay calm and professional.

“Princess Celestia, how is this trial supposed to advance forward if he never lets her finish her response?” Celestia nods to Emeris then stares at Dandy.

“Dandy, from now on you will need to be patient and allow Lucretia to finish her responses.” Dandy inhales slowly, but closes his eyes and gives the princess a respectful, deep nod.

“That will be all for now Captain Lucretia. If it pleases the princess, I’d like to call a colt from the audience to narrate his side of the attack.” Princess Celestia gives him a stern look.

“As this will satisfy both parties, I will allow it. After this testimony, the Taraskans will be allowed to defend their side of things however.” Dandy takes an exaggerated bow.

“But of course princess! We are here to discuss this civilly and fairly!” Emeris exhales and shakes his head with his arms crossed.

“Kiss ass.” He whispers. Lucretia gets up and stomps back to her seat. Her hands are balled the entire time with a nasty scowl on her face. She says nothing however. She doesn’t even wait for Emeris or me to move before forcing herself past us. She slams herself down and buries her face in her hands. Emeris pats her leg.

“You didn’t do anything wrong Lucy, this is what he wanted.” Emeris whispers sympathetically.

A teal colt trots up in front of Celestia. He’s taller than most ponies, with a matching navy blue mane and tail. He exchanges bows with Celestia, before the colt sits in the throne. Dandy’s voice changes from sarcastic and condescending, to cheerful and admiration.

“Will the colt kindly introduce himself to the crowd?” The colt clears his throat before looking to the left and right anxiously.

“Toe-Tapper, sir.” Dandy is just a little too happy. Was this pony coached or intentionally selected? Dandy’s behavior changes to relaxed and inviting.

“Well Toe-Tapper, please tell us a bit of yourself...before the war ruined your entire life that is.” Celestia slowly looks over at Dandy, narrows her eyes and lets out a quiet growl. Toe-Tapper looks at the ground and taps his front hooves together.

“I’m….I’m a singer in the Ponytones sir.” Dandy gasps excitedly.

“Well I believe I’ve heard of you! Quite talented you all were! Tell me, what have you been up to since the Taraskans destroyed your only hobby?” Emeris stands up again.

“Objection Princess! It has never been established that Taraska is responsible for any of this! I move to count this tactic as nothing but pure slander!” Celestia once again looks down at Dandy.

“Dandy your tactics are beginning to offend me. You will need to take better care of your wording hence forth, or another pony will need to replace you.” Dandy crosses one foreleg over the other and bows.

“My apologies your majesty!” He slowly trots back and forth, clearly trying to restrain his excitement.

“Very well Toe-Tapper. Might I add that you are so very brave for appearing today. May I ask for you to retell your side of the story?” Toe-Tapper scratches his head. He seems unusually stressed out and confused.

“Well...it’s...been a while. Um, I was at home with my daughter and we were singing old kingdom songs in the living room, when I heard a bell going off. I looked out the window and saw everypony running away towards Canterlot. I’m...I’m not very good with...stress, so I thought my daughter and I should hide upstairs. Then...I heard this...awful screech. I crept over and looked out my bedroom window. There were hundreds of these awful creatures. They were walking all slowly towards the town. Then I heard all this clanking from behind, so I go to the other window and see all these humans in their black armor, just covered in spikes! I thought Sombra had returned or something!” Dandy lets out a sympathetic cry.

“Well that sounds dreadful! You must have been terrified! Please tell us your first...encounter with the Taraskans!” Toe-Tapper plays with his hooves.

“Well...like I told you, my memory isn’t too good, I...I was petrified! So I figured the entire area was going to erupt into one big brawl. So I grabbed my daughter and headed out of my house, but there was nowhere to go!” His eyes tear up and dart back and forth, as if he was making all the same decisions over again.

“I...I...I froze okay?! I cuddled my daughter to me...thinking it was the end! I felt like a failure! I was too much of a coward to save my own daughter! Then...I….” Dandy’s right hoof clicks against the stone floor impatiently.

“And that’s when...you were taken correct?” Toe-Tapper blinks a few times.

“I...I guess I...I just looked up and there nothing but shields and...black metal and…” Dandy’s jaw bulges to the side slightly as he clenches his teeth.

“So the Taraskans took you, then you were rescued by Princess Luna sometime later if I recall correctly?” The teal colt shakes his head slowly, and then suddenly nods.

“Ye...yes that...that sounds about right I…” Dandy narrows his eyes and nods happily as a horrified chorus of gasps erupts from the crowd.

“Well there you have it. Were the Taraskans hoping to hold them for ransom? Maybe pretend to be saviors while getting information out of a bunch of terrified, innocent civilians? Who knows what they wanted. If you ask me, this whole thing wreaks of-”

“Wait!” Toe-Tapper shouts.

“I...I...I actually remember something…” Dandy sighs and tries to hide his nervousness. I raise an eyebrow. I look over and see Emeris hunched over in his seat. He has his hands clasped together under his chin, as he watches the colt with massive open eyes. He doesn’t blink once. His stare goes from Dandy and to the colt, not moving any other muscles besides his eyes. Dandy shakes his head.

“It’s alright Toe-tapper, if you’d like we can speak of this more in private.” Toe-tapper looks up, his eyes wide and on the brink of tears.

“I...I...I remember...her!” He points a hoof at Lucretia, who suddenly sits up and removes the scowl on her face. Every head in the room turns towards her. Dandy nods then turns to Celestia.

“Your highness, the witness has said more than enough for now. Due to his mental state, I move to allow him to return to the comfort of-” Toe-tapper gets on all four legs. He was taller when he wasn’t sulking in fear.

“Yes! I remember! She...Lucretia...Captain Lucretia! She...she dove over her units and scooped us up! I remember her telling us it was going to be alright! She even slew a few Og Nag while rescuing us! Then another soldier escorted us to the princess! I...thank you! I...I can never repay you for what you’ve done!” Dandy purses his lips and nods very slightly. He opens his mouth to speak, but Emeris is first.

“Princess Celestia! I believe you said we Taraskans can speak next, and I’d like to question this colt!” Dandy scoffs at him and turns around, locking eyes with Emeris.

“So you can do what? Traumatize him more? Intimidate him into telling your side of things?!” Emeris calmly walks past me and stands in the aisle. He clasps his hands behind his back and puts on his gentle, friendly smile.

“Not at all Dandy, it just occurred to me that I believe you intentionally lead him into trying to defame the Taraskans who showed up to help. I’d like to ask him to recall events...right before this trial when you two spoke.” Dandy scoffs.

“What do you mean when we spoke?” Emeris takes a few casual steps forward.

“Earlier Toe-tapper said, and I quote ‘Well...like I told you, my memory isn’t too good’ Did you catch that? ‘Like I told you.’ meaning you two spoke before.” Dandy’s face shifts to complete offense.

“How dare you even consider-” Celestia’s powerful voice echoes through the chamber.

“Enough Dandy. I will allow Emeris to question the colt further, seeing as how it is not directly related to the tragedy at Ponyville.” Dandy begins walking back to his seat with a scowl. Emeris keeps his smile on, but narrows his eyes, keeping them locked on Dandy’s face as he passes. Lucretia bumps my shoulder and leans over.

“This should be good.” She whispers.