Gordon and the girls stepped on board the ferry that would take them to Trottingham just in the nick of time. The ferry was similar to the MV Ulysses that runs the Holyhead to Dublin route and featured similar services. The two hour journey would give them plenty of time to grab a bite to eat and a look around the few shops that were on board.

"OK girls, Gordon," said Twilight, "We'll meet back here before we dock."

The girls and Gordon agreed and went off in their own little groups, Rainbow and Gordon sticking together. Their first destination was the food court at the bow of the ship which featured a panoramic view of wherever the ship was pointed. At the moment, it was the Manehatten dockyard. Holding hands they headed for the counter of one of the fast food joints specialising in fried chicken.

"Hey, welcome to Griffon Fried Chicken, can I.......take.......your.......order?" asked the pegasus mare, her cheery demeanour evaporating as her brain registered the sight of Gordon. Rainbow was the one to answer.

"Yeah, we'll have the Chicken Mega Bucket Deal and two coffees. That OK with you Gordon?"

"Yeah, I'm OK with that."

The mare hastily punched the keys on the till, "Th-that'll be 11.99 p-please."

Gordon handed the mare some bits before Rainbow even got her wallet out.

"Thank you sir," she replied taking the money, "And here's your change."

Gordon took his change, "Thank you. I take it you're shocked to see me?"

"Well I recognised you from your picture in the paper, I guess I thought I'd never actually see a human. Anyway, your order won't be long," the mare said before walking away.

"Thanks for paying."

Gordon turned to Rainbow and saw her smiling sweetly, "You're welcome Dashie."

"So, you looking forward to seeing Trottingham?" she asked.

"Yes, it'll be nice to see if there's anything still recognisably human. How do you think the locals will react?"

"I'm not sure. They'd definitely be interested in you though, no doubt."

"Will there be any Griffon's there?"

"Definitely. Trottingham is hugely popular with them, in fact; about 5,000 Griffons live there."

"What's the Griffon homeland like?"

"It's a bit like Equestria, but their Royals don't actually rule. They elect fellow Griffons to govern the nation."

"A parliamentary constituency monarchy."

"Yeah that's it!" Rainbow relied, her eyes lighting up in recognition, "How did you know that?"

"My nation has the same structure of governance. The sovereign reigns, but doesn't govern, though they do have Royal Prerogative Powers."

"Cool."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sales mare bringing their order.

"Thanks," said Rainbow as Gordon picked up the tray.

"So where do you want to sit?" Gordon asked.

"By the window overlooking the bow."

The two walked over to a free table, Gordon noting some of the nervous looks he was getting from some passengers.

"There's even ponies here that are afraid of me."

Rainbow followed Gordon's eye movements and saw what he was referring to. Most ponies were visibly nervy about Gordon, looking at him and whispering amongst themselves. Some even moved their chairs slightly away from him.

"Don't worry about it, ponies in Trotingham will be much more welcoming."

"You sure of that?"

"Positive. Say Gordon, have you ever been on a boat like this before?"

"A few times. I've been on the Pride of Hull, Pride of Rotterdam and Pride of York. All three being Ro-Ro vessels that sailed the North Sea between Hull and the port cities of Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Zeebrugge, though they no longer do the route to Amsterdam."

"Why not?"

"Not sure, but they're not the only vessels I've been on."

"What other ships have you sailed in?"

"The RMS Queen Mary 2, the MS Queen Elizabeth, MS Oasis of the Seas and MS Allure of the Seas. I was booked to travel on the MS Harmony of the Seas but ended up here in Equestria a few weeks before she was due to go into service."

"Wow. Are they big ships?"

"Well, the last three ships I mentioned are all Oasis-class ocean liners, about 1,200 ft long, 236ft high, a 154ft beam at the waterline. They comprise 16 passenger decks and travel up to 23 knots. To put it into comparison, the Oasis-class cruise ships are five times the size of Titanic."

Rainbow sat mouth agape and eyes wide, remembering the Titanic from the film, "Those are huge! Equestria's largest passenger ship isn't even the size of the Titanic and they don't even come close to matching their speed."

"How fast is Equestria's fastest passenger ship."

"Pride of Canterlot, she's 700ft long and can only reach seventeen knots....so long as the stokers shovel in coal like their life depends on it and weather conditions are in their favour."

"The Oasis-class ships can easily reach over 20 knots without breaking a sweat, the same goes for the other ships I mentioned."

"Did you do a lot of travelling?"

"I did when I had the chance. Just after my lottery win I was on leave from the Army and took Michelle and the kids on a 14-night Caribbean cruise on the Allure of the Seas, in the Royal Loft Suite."

"I take it that wasn't cheap?"

Gordon laughed, "Oh no."

"How much?"

Gordon leant over and whispered into her ear, a moment later her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

"I didn't even know numbers went that high," she said in shock.

"Neither did I, but I don't regret it at all. I had a great time with my family, memories I'll cherish forever. Their premature deaths make the memories all the more special. Actually, I think I still have the footage I filmed on my phone, want to see it?"

Rainbow nodded and grinned excitedly.

Gordon got his phone out and went to his recorded videos, flicking through them until he found the one he was looking for. He handed the phone over to Rainbow who, after wiping her hands clean of fried chicken, took the phone.

"Just tap the screen to start playing."

Rainbow did so and watched the video, looking on in awe at the suit Gordon and his family stayed in and all the attractions and features of the vessel.

"There's more to do on that ship than there is to do in Canterlot or Manehatten. And our cruise ships don't have half of what these have."

"Remember though that the Oasis-class vessels are amongst the largest ships sailing, smaller vessels don't have the same features."

"They're still more awesome than our cruise ships, which seem incredibly dull by comparison."

"Well, Equestria will just have to build their own."

"That'll take forever though," Rainbow pouted.

"It'll be worth it."

"It better be."

"Whilst we're on the subject of travel, do you think it would be possible to see the Griffon homeland?"

Rainbow looked up to Gordon and saw sincere curiosity. She figured it was understandable that Gordon would want to know more about the Griffons given their friendly relationship with humanity.

"It might be, we might have to arrange something with them given you don't have the necessary documents to let you legally cross the border."

"True, I have a Passport but I doubt it's valid in this world. Speaking of Griffons, do you think they're aware of me being here?"

"I should imagine so, their ambassador and diplomats in Canterlot would most likely be aware of you and sent word to Jorvik."

"Jorvik?"

"Capital city of the Griffon homeland. Sound familiar?" she asked, seeing the look of familiarity on his face.

"Jorvik was the Viking name given to the city of York over 1,000 years ago."

Rainbow blinked again in yet more disbelief, "How many similarities are there between our worlds?"

"It might be easier to list what isn't similar."

"Yeah, at least one similarity is knowing a sexy mare when you see one."

"Well I always did have a good eye for detail," he replied, winking at her.

Rainbow's cheeks went crimson before playfully throwing a napkin at Gordon, "Pervert."

"Like you don't enjoy me chasing your tail."

Rainbow's blush went redder. Her tail also unconsciously began waving from side to side, prompting her to grab hold of it and keep it steady across her lap.

"Seems like your tail agrees with me."

Rainbow grit her teeth and looked down to her tail, "Don't encourage him."

Gordon couldn't help but laugh, much to Rainbow's irritation. Though it was only seconds before she too began laughing. Ponies from other tables all began looking at the pair befuddled, not knowing what it was they found amusing. Others were more amazed and confused at the sight of a human laughing, some ponies questioning each other on the matter.

Gordon and Rainbow were oblivious to the other patrons and continued eating their fried chicken, and enjoying each others' company. After a few more minutes, they had finished and the began walking out of the fast food joint. They hadn't gotten half way before they were confronted by a Pegasus pony.

"You, human! What are you doing here?"

"Leaving, now if you don't mind, out of the way," Gordon replied firmly, realising the stallion was looking for trouble.

As Gordon and Rainbow made a move to get past the stallion, he mirrored the move to block their progress.

"Answer my question ape! Why are you here?!" the stallion asked, his wings now flared and teeth clenched.

Guy thinks he's tough, he'll learn the hard way to not mess with the Queen's Guard.

"Listen punk!" Rainbow shouted, "We're not interested in whatever racist issue you have, so get out of the way before you get Gordon and I angry!"

"Ooooooh, I'm so scared," the stallion responded.

"Yer will be if you don't get lost."

The stallion turned around and saw the rest of Rainbow's friends, "Of course, the Elements of Harmony."

"That's right," Twilight responded, a scowl on her face, "So I suggest you avoid looking for a fight if you don't want to suffer the consequences."

The stallion began to feign terror and fright, deliberately shaking himself, "NO! Not the Rainbow Beam of Friendship!"

The girls weren't the only ones looking at the stallion like he'd lost his mind. Gordon however, decided to give his honest opinion on the stallion.

"You're a fucking moron."

The gasps sucked a good proportion of oxygen out of the room, the ponies shocked at the use of such language; even more shocked it was directed at another pony. The stallion unsurprisingly, didn't take too kindly to being spoken to in that manner.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

"I said you're a fucking moron."

"Don't you know who I am?"

"Don't know, don't care. Now out of the way!"

The stallion got as close to Gordon's face as his 5'6 height allowed, "Make me!"

It was a rather comical scene to many ponies. A small, slender built pony trying to challenge a much larger human into a physical fight. Other pegasi in the area face (and wing) palmed. They were well aware Pegasi were not renowned for physical strength and instead had to rely on slightly-superior-to-human reflexes and agility, and also aware that human physical strength was the same as that as Earth ponies, i.e. in physical fights with Pegasi and Humans, it was humanity that usually won.

Gordon stood as tall as he could, his towering 6'4 frame making the pegasus stallion look like a foal in comparison.

"I don't need to."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Look behind you."

The stallion did and jumped in fright at the sight of the ship's security officers.

Gordon whispered into the stallion's ears, "If I were you, I'd do as they say."

The security officers walked towards the stallion, whom himself was starting to show a little unease.

"What's going on here?" asked one of the guards.

"I was attempting to leave with my marefriend when this stallion decided to get in the way."

"He's a human, you know what they do! You can even smell the sex on them right now! He's been here a matter of days and already he's bedding our mares!"

"Any sex we've had was completely consensual!" Rainbow defended, oblivious to a reddening Gordon.

"Sure it was," the stallion replied.

"Enough!" bellowed the Chief Security Officer, before turning to Gordon, "If you wish to leave with your marefriend then do so, while we ensure this Pegasus does not get in the way."

Gordon and Rainbow did not need telling again, they quickly left and were followed by the other girls. As soon as they left the fast food area, he spoke up again.

"Why do random ponies randomly keep approaching me out of the blue sprouting random shit?"

"Because you're a random person?" suggested Rainbow.

"Nah that's Pinkie."

"Touche."

"Gordon dear," Rarity started, "I couldn't help but hear you earlier refer to Rainbow as your marefriend."

Gordon felt himself go rigid, "I did?"

She nodded, "Not that I mind, I just didn't know you and Rainbow were that far along so soon."

"Well.....it's clear we like each other.....I've have to accept the fact I may never see home again, so I may as well make the most of what's become of my life, and that includes Rainbow."

"Really?" the mare in question asked, "You really mean you want me in your life?"

"Really really."

"What will ponies think? If they're anything like that stallion-"

Gordon gently placed his hand on her muzzle, silencing her, "Let them think whatever they want. We're together now, and nothing and no-one will change that."

The now official couple hugged each other, much to Rarity's delight.

"Well, aren't you going to kiss her?" Rarity asked.

"What? Now?" asked Gordon.

"Well why not?"

"Because-"

Gordon didn't get to finish his sentence.

Gordon and the girls walked out of the ferry terminal and into Trottingham itself, attracting stares from other ponies and griffons as he made his way through the terminal. Being gawked at like a zoo animal was really starting to get under his skin, evident by his clenched knuckles, already beginning to go white.

"It's like they've never seen a human before," he muttered.

"I know I have," Rainbow replied, grinning sultry.

"Rainbow please refrain from making sordid jokes when we're in public," Rarity chided.

Twilight, being the hyper-organised control freak she is, had a map of Trottingham unfolded in front of her; telling everyone in the vicinity that she and the others were tourists. Gordon looked at the map also and noted many of the street names had English place names, and some areas in Trottingham were seemingly named straight after their Nottingham counterparts, one such example was Old Market Square.

"Why don't we start there?" asked Gordon, pointing to it on the map.

"Sure, it's as good a place as any to start," replied Twilight, "What about you girls, are you all OK starting at Old Market Square?"

They all agreed and the group immediately began making their way to the square, Twilight guiding everyone on the way.

On the way Gordon was looking around, taking in the architecture of the buildings. Many had the tell-tale signs of Anglo-Saxon influence and building methods of the 12th Century. Cobblestone streets and timber framed houses lined the narrow streets and brought homely and comforting sense of familiarity to Gordon.

After a few minutes of walking through the winding, narrow streets they finally arrived at Old Market Square. Like it's Nottingham counterpart it was a large open space but with market stalls open every day except Sunday. The hustle and bustle of traders and customers became louder as the got closer. Stalls of all different kinds covered the square; fish mongers, butchers, bakers, cobblers and cordwainers, fruit and veg, coffee, tea, spices, chocolate and so on.

"Looks lively," Gordon said aloud.

"Do you have these in your world?" asked Twilight.

"Yes, some markets are better than others though. In towns in England, markets are usually held on one day of the week though."

The group entered the market and began looking around, still drawing the attention of others. The hustle and bustle of the market, the medieval buildings and absence of smartphones (except his own) , gave a real feeling of what life may have been like during the medieval periods when town markets and fairs were a huge thing.

Gordon and the girls browsed several stores, some of them buying a few things including Gordon who bought some chocolate for himself and Rainbow. As they were browsing, Gordon's nose detected a very familiar smell known to any decent Englishman.

Tea.

Striding over to the stall on the double, he looked at the wide range of teas on offer. All kinds of teas were in view with as many coloured boxes to match. After a few seconds of browsing, the stall keeper spoke up.

"Have you seen anything you like sir?"

Gordon looked up and saw a dark purple Earth pony with a lighter purple mane, and a light blue scarf tied around her neck.

"I'm just looking, but since you ask have you got any black tea?"

"We sure do," she replied, turning around and getting a box down from a shelf, "How many would you like? We have boxes of 40 and 80."

"Just a box of 40 for now."

"Certainly sir, I'm Camellia by the way."

She extended her hand which Gordon gracefully took, shaking it gently, "I'm Gordon. An avid tea drinker."

Camellia giggled, "I know."

"You do? How?"

"I live in Ponyville."

"Oh," Gordon replied nervously, "So you probably know everything that's been going on."

"I do, but like Lyra; I like humans and don't believe what's been said about them is true."

"No doubt that makes you unpopular."

"To some ponies, but most have no problem with it."

"That good to hear, almost as good as knowing I'll never have to worry about running out of tea."

Camellia giggled, "Will you be a regular at my Ponyville store then?"

"If this tea tastes as good as it smells then definitely."

Camellia giggled again, "Charmer. Oh and if you need a tea set then I'd suggest going to Raspberry Vinaigrette, also in Ponyville. She has the finest tea sets around."

"I'll pay her a visit. How much for the tea?"

"One bit fifty pence," she said as she put the box of tea bags in a brown paper bag.

Gordon handed some money.

"Thank you sir, and here's your change."

"Thank you. I hope we see each other in Ponyville sometime."

"Likewise Captain."

"Please, call me Gordon."

"Sure thing Gordon, bye now."

"Bye."

Gordon and the girls walked away from the stall, Rarity offering put the tea in her bag along with his chocolate; which he accepted, and continued to look around the market a little longer.

After browsing the market for a little more, the group consulted the map again. As they did so, they were interrupted by a stallion's voice.

"Excuse me?"

The group turned around and saw a green earth pony approach, wearing the formal uniform of a Trottingham Police Officer.

"Yes?" replied Gordon, "Is something wrong?"

"No not at all," replied the police officer, "I just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Inspector Bob Delta, head of Delta Squad. I oversee the protection of any and all remaining human artefacts."

"A bobby called Bob which is a human name, and Inspector Delta overseeing Delta Squad?" Gordon replied sceptically.

"Both coincidences I assure you, and most ponies in Trottingham have human names. Though I must say, I never thought that I would ever actually get to meet a human."

"Everyone I've met so far says that."

"I gather that Her Royal Sun Butt wasn't pleased."

"Not in the slightest."

"That's PRINCESS Celestia to you Inspector!" yelled Twilight.

Sighing tiredly, he raised his arm in the direction of Twilight, "Inspector, this here is-"

"Twilight Sparkle," interrupted the Inspector, "I know who she is. We've met before after all."

"When?"

"A few years ago," replied Twilight, "At a conference I attended with the Princess in Baltimare."

"What did you do?" Gordon asked, turning to the Inspector.

"Nothing note worthy."

"Nothing note worthy?!" Twilight screamed, "You told her in front of highly important delegates to and I quote, 'piss off and mind your own business you fucking hypocrite'."

"So?" the Inspector said, shrugging his shoulders not giving a damn.

"So? You can't speak to the Princess like that!"

"I can when she threatens citizens I swore, ironically to Celestia, to protect and to serve."

"Princess Celestia never threatens her citizens!"

"Oh, then what would you call threatening to send in the army to occupy Trottingham over a novel depicting benevolent humans being killed by the ponies they welcomed into their community. Essentially the Human Era but with the positions reversed."

"That novel, if anypony can call it that, portrayed ponies in a unflattering light. Princess Celestia was right to ban it."

"No she wasn't. She has no right to tell me or anyone else what to think or read."

"Anyone?" queried Gordon.

"Yes, here in Trottingham we use the more inclusive anyone, everyone, somebody, someone.....rather than the slightly racist anypony, everypony and so on."

"They're not racist terms!"

"How would you know? Have you ever spoken to a Griffon on the matter, or a Minotaur, or a Hippogriff?"

"What did you want?" Twilight demanded.

"I came only to offer a suggestion or two for Captain Gresley here to visit."

"You know me?"

"You've been in the papers recently, you're big news here in Trottingham. And Griffonia for that matter, and popular too."

"Glad to be somewhere I feel welcome."

Gordon didn't notice the slight wince of Rainbow.

"Where do you suggest?" asked Gordon.

"First, the Museum of Humanity followed by the Trottingham Memorial Garden."

"Museum of Humanity?" asked Gordon, "How does such a place exist with Celestia on the throne?"

The Inspector grinned smugly, "It helps having staunchly pro-Human Griffons on Trottingham's side."

"No doubt it prevents Celestia from completely floccinaucinihilipilificating humanity."

"That's one way of putting it," replied the Inspector.

As they were making their way to the Museum of Humanity, Gordon explaining that floccinaucinihilipilificating was a real word and what it means, the group went down an affluent street several meters wide with stone and brick buildings, each several stories high. According to the map, the tall stone building that stretched halfway down the street was a regional office for Equestria's Merchant Navy.

About halfway down the street, a limestone monument stood in the middle of the road. It was about forty feet high and was slightly narrower at the top with three wide shallow steps at the bottom. The monument was flanked on each side by flags which, according to the map, represented the three branches of the Equestrian Armed Forces, the National Flag of Equestria, the Red Ensign of the Merchant Navy and the Saint George Cross.

The Saint George Cross being the national flag of England and the flag used by Christians during the Crusades.

Walking over to the monument, which according to the map was simply named 'The Cenotaph', he saw words words carved in the stone.

THE GLORIOUS DEAD

The resemblance to this Cenotaph and the Cenotaph in Whitehall was striking, almost as if someone had picked it up and placed it here. Memories of Remembrance Sunday started going through his head; the Two Minute Silence, Elgar's Enigma Variations Nimrod, the Last Post.

"Gordon?"

Gordon turned to Rainbow, "Yeah?"

Rainbow gently raised a hand to his face, "You're crying."

Gordon wiped away the tear, "Mourning. I was mourning, not crying."

"You don't have to pretend around me Gordon."

"I'm fine Dashie," he replied softly, gently wrapping her in a hug, "You don't need to worry."

Rainbow affectionately returned the hug, "OK, but if you ever want to talk, you can do. You know that right?"

"Sure."

The two held hands again and continued walking.

"Are you OK Gordon?" asked Rarity.

He nodded, "Yeah I'm fine."

Rarity looked at the Cenotaph and then back to Gordon, noting his clearly pre-occupied expression.

"It's the Cenotaph isn't it?"

Gordon, after a couple of seconds, nodded meekly, "We have one that looks very similar in London. Every year since 1919, a memorial service is held in which we remember those who lost their lives serving their country. This Cenotaph even has the same inscription as the one in London."

"It sounds like a very dignified ceremony."

"It is. Does Equestria have such a ceremony?"

"Sadly, no."

"There will be after I tear Celestia a new one."

Though Rarity felt uncomfortable with what Gordon implied, she knew well enough to not become confrontational with Gordon on matters regarding military etiquette and remembering fallen comrades.

Twilight however, wasn't so tight lipped.

"You mean you'll just barge into her office and demand she show proper respect to those who lost their lives serving Equestria?"

"Yes."

"For once, we agree on something."

Gordon turned to Twilight with shock apparent on his face.

"Don't look at me like that Gordon, we may disagree on everything else but I agree we should remember those who give their life for their country. I know if my brother was killed in action, I wouldn't want his sacrifice to be brushed aside and forgotten about."

"So you'd help me in this matter?"

"Only if you promise not to call her names like 'Sun Butt'."

"Fair enough."

Twilight, Rainbow and Gordon began walking again, leaving behind the other girls. Rarity whispered to the others, all of them in joking disbelief at what the just witnessed.

"Did Twilight and Gordon just agree on something?"

"It sure seems like it, "replied Applejack.

"The world's going mad," added Pinkie.

The Museum of Humanity was a large brick structure several stories high with large, archway windows all around. Ponies, Griffons, Hippogriffs and Minotaurs could all be seen entering and exiting the museum and a few others milling about outside. Like at every point in their day in Trottingham, Gordon attracted stares of everyone in the area.

As soon as they entered the museum, the receptionists at the front desk nearly had a panic attack.

"He's here! Captain Gresley is here!"

The receptionists frantically tried to sort themselves out at the unexpected arrival, one of the workers sending another to get the manager. As their colleague hurried away, the remaining receptionists introduced herself to Gordon and the girls.

"H-h-hey there. W-w-welcome th-the Museum o-of Humanity, I'm Rebecca Smith; Reception Supervisor."

Gordon noted Rebecca's frantic state, and her human name, "I guess I don't need to introduce myself."

Rebecca shook her head, "No no, we know who you are; and the Elements of Harmony. The manager will be here shortly, he'll probably want to give you a tour personally."

"I'm that popular?"

"Well you are human, that's bound to attract some attention. Especially here in Trottingham."

The pounding of hooves against the floor could be heard as the museum manager rushed to the entrance. The manager's eyes went wide in shock as he saw for himself, a human in his presence.

"Captain Gresley?" the manager said extending his hand, "I'm Andrew Warburton, manager of this museum."

"Interesting name," Gordon replied, shaking his hand.

"Most ponies, and a fair few Griffons, have human names. Though sadly, it does lead to discrimination against them from ponies elsewhere in Equestria," he replied, looking the girls, "Love and tolerate only applies to ponies with pony names it seems."

"That's not true," Twilight replied, "Everypony is welcome in Equestria."

"Many Trottingham ponies have been refused services in other towns and cities and have even been turned down for jobs elsewhere in Equestria simply because they have a human name, but we the people of Trottingham welcome everyone, even if they don't welcome us. Something we take great pride in."

Twilight had no response.

"So, what sort of things does this museum have?" asked Gordon.

"Mostly dioramas of how life was eight centuries ago when humanity first arrived, and how ponies and humans lived together. We have a few 'approved' artefacts on show as well."

"What do you mean by 'approved'?" asked Gordon suspiciously.

"I mean artefacts that Princess Celestia allowed us to show, including items that she forced us to show, so long as we agreed to describe the items and how and why they were used in the manner she wanted."

"Sounds like a clandestine way of spouting her anti-human propaganda."

"That's exactly how the museum founders saw it, but they agreed if only to preserve a few human artefacts. Most Trottingham ponies and Griffons can see through the political bullshit in the artefact descriptions. Even the young ones."

"That's preposterous!" Twilight said, irritation clear in her voice and eyes.

"Read the descriptions for yourself if you don't believe me, in fact; why not ask her yourself? You are her student after all."

"I think I'll do just that."

"Then if you'd like to follow me, I'll give you a tour."

"How much does it cost?" asked Twilight.

"Nothing, we won't charge visitors to read what is essentially the Princess's anti-human propaganda."

The manager turned away whilst Twilight grit her teeth in irritation, yet again becoming angry at hearing her mentor and second mother being accused of spouting anti-human information.

Twilight was looking at a sword in a glass cabinet and read the accompanying text.

It was common for humans to maim their targets, with weapons such as this sword, in such a way as to prevent or hinder their victims escape attempts. For example, it was usual for humans to cut off the wings of Pegasi to prevent them from flying away, whilst Unicorns would have their horns sawed off to prevent magic being used against their human aggressors.

Twilight grimaced in discomfort at the thought of a Pegasi's wings being hacked off, or a Unicorn's horn being sawed off. As a Unicorn herself it sent a chilling shiver down her spine. She moved her attention onto another artefact, this one being an axe. The accompanying text was just like before and told of how humans used them against ponies in the most gruesome ways imaginable.

She turned her attention to yet another artefact, this time a shield with a white background and red cross.

The red cross on a white background, known amongst humans as the Cross of Saint George, was a symbol used by Christian Crusaders during the human Crusades which, at the time of humanity's arrival, already spanned approximately one hundred years and was already in it's Third Crusade to what the humans called the Holy Land. The Holy Land being a region of humanity's home-world considered holy because of its association with the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians regard as the Messiah.

"Interesting," Twilight said aloud.

"One of the few things-" Gordon said, causing Twilight to jump in fright.

"Sorry," Gordon said, "Didn't mean to scare you."

"That's OK," she replied, "You were saying?"

"I was saying that's one of the few things that's actually correct and doesn't bash humans as blood thirsty savages."

Twilight sighed tiredly and folded her arms, "You must be getting tired of hearing that."

"It's certainly starting to wear me away."

"If only things happened differently all those years ago."

"......if only."

The manager, Andrew, continued giving a tour of the museum; taking the group through several displays ranging from more weapons, shields, armour, clothing, pottery and even musical instruments. The museum even had dioramas showing 'life scenes' in various situations. Most were harmless, showing life in a typical house of the time, or an average work day for a baker or blacksmith.

The dioramas that boiled Gordon's blood were the ones depicting humans injuring and killing ponies. Noting his restrained anger, Andrew spoke up.

"I realise such a display angers you Captain, but we are pretty much forced to show this; if we didn't.......well, let's just say we wouldn't see the outside of a dungeon if we disobeyed the Princess."

"Princess? A singular term. I assume you mean Celestia?"

"Yes. I despise having to perpetuate her anti-human propaganda, but I'm powerless to fight her."

"I'll see if I can do anything."

"If you could do anything to allow us to tell the truth we would be eternally grateful."

Gordon wasn't sure what he could do, but he was adamantly determined to find a way to allow the museum to provide accurate and factual information that wasn't tainted by propaganda. For the time being, he decided to move the conversation on to the founding of the museum itself.

"Could you tell me more about the museum, like when it was founded or who built it."

For the first time during the tour, a smile formed on Andrew's face.

"I'd be delighted to."

Gordon quickly gathered the girls to hear the story and once again followed Andrew as they slowly walked around the museum floor.

"The museum was founded approximately six hundred years ago, just under two centuries after the arrival of the first humans. This was mainly due to the danger of displaying anything human in the aftermath of the Human Era. Had ponies of the time done so then all human artefacts would have been confiscated and destroyed."

"Then how did those ponies hide the items we see now?" asked Twilight.

"The larger and more valuable items were handed over to the Griffons in secret and left with them for safe keeping, whilst smaller and not exactly obvious items were hidden amongst ourselves. After a couple of centuries, it was decided that the time was right to build a museum to showcase the human items. The Griffon government helped finance the plans and building began."

"What happened after that?" asked Gordon.

"Princess Celestia found out and demanded we cease building and handover all the human artefacts. Naturally, we refused. The matter reached the highest levels of the Griffon government and after prolonged negotiations, the Princess allowed us to continue....albeit with conditions."

"The propaganda in the item descriptions," Rainbow said, oblivious to the look of disbelief from Twilight.

Andrew nodded, "Yes, that and the Griffon's had to relinquish control of Wight Island in the Celestial Sea."

"What's Wight Island?"

"Though small it provided an ideal strategic point for the Griffon Royal Navy. They were in the process of building a major naval port for their fleet."

"They gave up something of great importance to the defence of their realm for a museum?" Gordon asked, shocked that anyone would make such a huge sacrifice.

"Yes. As far as they were concerned it was a worthy sacrifice to preserve the memory of humanity."

"Why was preserving humanity's memory so important to them?"

"To answer that, I would suggest visiting another place in Trottingham."

"What place is this?"

Gordon and the girls walked down a quiet road with oak trees lining each side all the way down, their leaves swaying and rustling gently in the cool, gentle breeze. One their left side was an immaculately manicured hedge that continued on to a stone archway down the road. Gordon and the girls continued walking until they reached the archway where they came to a stop and looked at the words that were carved out over head.

Trottingham Memorial Gardens

"Memorial Gardens?" asked Fluttershy.

"It's a cemetery," replied Gordon, "It's a cemetery specifically for fallen soldiers."

"But Equestria hasn't been at war since the nation was founded and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna became Princesses," replied Twilight.

"No war that you know of," replied Gordon, looking at Twilight.

"And just how would anypony 'hide' a war?"

"Remove the pages from the history books and deny all knowledge of any such event."

Twilight huffed in annoyance, "Let me guess, you think Princess Celestia is covering something else up?"

"Governments cover things up all the time, a great example from my world is the Roswell incident in 1947."

"But Princess Celestia says there has been no war during her reign."

"Then you can bet there has been war."

"But-"

"Twilight in my world you know something to be true when the government officially says something doesn't exist or they deny all knowledge of it."

"In YOUR world maybe," Twilight rebutted harshly, "But here when the Princess says something is so, then it so is."

"You believe everything she tells you?"

"Yes, she would never lie to me."

"What if she said your friends were a distraction to your studies and were holding you back from reaching your potential?"

"Don't twist my words Gordon, Princess Celestia would never do that."

"You're avoiding the question."

"I refuse to answer it."

"Why?"

"Because-"

"GUYS!"

Twilight and Gordon were interrupted by Rainbow who forced herself between the two.

"Will you please not argue like this? I don't like seeing it," she said with clear worry in her voice, "I get that you both pretty much disagree on everything but please don't argue with each other like this."

Twilight and Gordon both looked to their mutual friend and could see her close to tears. The other girls also looked on with worry, both for Rainbow and Twilight and Gordon. They both looked back to each other again and nodded slightly at each other, mutually agreeing to end their spat.

"Sure Dashie," replied Gordon, giving her a hug, "Sorry to get you upset like that."

"I'm sorry too Rainbow," Twilight added, hugging her friend also.

"Thanks guys," Rainbow replied, smiling softly, " Are we going inside?"

"Yes, as a military man I can't ignore this place like it doesn't exist."

The group made their way over to the entrance, Gordon and Rainbow holding hands again, and went inside. Almost immediately, Gordon felt the same way he did whenever he visited the military cemeteries on Earth; and the same sombre feeling that came with it. Looking around, he and the girls noticed a fair amount of visitors; including several Griffons.

It didn't take long for the sea of gravestones to become apparent to the girls, all of them shocked the sheer amount of them.

A small limestone monument stood just inside the entrance that led to the rest of the cemetery, and as he got closer to it; on a black marble tablet fixed to the stone, an all too familiar verse, carved into the marble and painted gold, became visible. At the foot of the monument was a wreath of poppies and a small flickering flame.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Word for word.

Gordon stood for a few moments, just staring at the inscription. Realising he was drifting into his thousand yard stare again, Rainbow gently wrapped her arms around him consolingly. Gordon reciprocated by putting his arm around her waist, gently pulling her in closer.

"You OK Gordon?"

He nodded slightly, "I'll be fine."

"If you ever wanna talk, you know I'll listen right?"

Gordon turned to her and smiled, "Yeah, I know. You'll never leave your friends hanging."

"I wouldn't be the Element of Loyalty if I did, or even much of a pony for that matter."

Gordon and Rainbow continued walking, followed by the other girls, and noted what looked like a tomb set in front a set of steps; a set-up reminiscent of the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. As he began walking, Rainbow and the other girls began to notice other visitors looking at Gordon; some whispering amongst themselves to each other.

Gordon and the girls continued to walk slowly through the cemetery, looking on at the thousands of headstones of fallen soldiers. Carved into each headstone was the name, rank and date of death. According to Rainbow, the dates put the deaths approximately 20 or so years after the arrival of the first humans.

Enough time for a whole new generation to be born and raised, thought Gordon.

Most of the gravestones had human names, most of English origin but a few with German, French, Spanish and Italian names sprinkled among them. The names strengthened Gordon's theory that the original humans were indeed on a Holy Crusade. The origins of the people's names were all Christian nations who, eight centuries ago, banded together to reconquer the Holy Land from Saladin.

As they continued to look around, a stallion's voice caught their attention.

"Excuse me?"

They turned around to see a brown furred Earth pony with black mane and tail. His mane was slicked back and he was wearing a black suit, white shirt and blue tie.

"Yes?" replied Gordon, "Can we help you?"

"I was just wondering.......are you a human?" the stallion asked nervously.

"Yes," replied Gordon, expecting more abuse.

"By the stars," the stallion whispered in disbelief, "A human walks among us again."

The stallion quickly shook himself back to his senses and approached Gordon, "Apologies, I'm William Ironsmith; Mayor of Trottingham."

"William Ironsmith?" Gordon asked, surprised at a pony with a human name.

William nodded, "Yes, there's quite a few ponies in Trottingham with human names. They did found the city after all, even if it was by a slightly different name."

"Nottingham."

"You know of it's history?"

"A little. The founders named it after the city of the same name in my home country, England."

"Many of the founders were from England," he replied before his face soured and turned to the gravestones, "But I think you've realised that."

Gordon nodded solemnly, "Yes."

"I'm somewhat knowledgeable on matters regarding the history of this city, and of the 'Human Era' as we call it. If you have any questions, I'd be more than happy to answer."

Gordon looked to Rainbow and was about to talk when she spoke first, "If you wanna go off with the mayor you can do; the girls and I will have a look around."

"You sure?"

"Sure I'm sure," she replied, "Go on, I'll be fine."

"OK."

The two gave each other a quick kiss before Rainbow headed off to the others and immediately began talking quietly amongst themselves. Gordon watched as they went away before turning back to the mayor.

"By the way I'm Gordon Gresley, Captain Gordon Gresley, former adjutant of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards," he said extending his hand.

"Sounds impressive," replied William, shaking Gordon's handshake, "So you're a military man?"

"Was. I left the army two years ago. Personal reasons."

"I understand. Was there anything you wanted to ask?"

The two began walking slowly through the cemetery and the first question on his mind was the first thing he saw after entering the cemetery.

And it brought more questions than answers.

Mainly, how did this make it to Equestria if the first humans arrived 700 years before it was written? And if there were other humans, where were they and what happened to them?

"Yes, where did you get the ode from at the cemetery entrance? It's word for word the same as in my world."

"It's something that has been passed down for centuries, even before the first appearance of humans eight centuries ago."

"How is that possible?" asked Gordon, shocked to his very core, "The first humans were from 800 years ago, how did an extract of a poem make its way to Equestria; a poem created only a hundred years ago?"

"I honestly don't know. I really wish I had an answer for you Captain, but I do not."

Gordon continued looking at the sea of white gravestones, whilst some had pony names; most did not.

"Why do so many of the graves have human names?"

"Because it was mostly humans who gave their lives for Equestria."

"What?"

"Humans willingly fought to save Equestria from a Changeling invasion just under eight centuries ago. The humans were outnumbered six to one and they were still victorious. Had it not been for those humans.......Equestria would have been conquered and consumed by the Changelings."

"Consumed?"

"After Changelings drain their victims, they are then placed in a goo-like substance where they....are turned into Changelings."

Gordon felt like throwing up. The Changelings sounded like the Borg and the Flood in which you cease to be what you are and suffer a fate worse than death. If the first humans saved Equestria from a malevolent foe, why does Celestia hate them all so much? He could understand the ones who committed atrocities against her subjects, but the ones who stood in defence of her realm; why hate them?

"How many humans lost their lives?"

"We don't know for certain, but our estimates put the number at around 10,000. We have 7,749 human graves here, with the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior representing those we could not find or identify."

"Did any humans survive?"

"Yes."

That brought up another question to which Gordon felt like he wouldn't like the answer.

"What happened to the humans who survived the battle?"

The Mayor looked Gordon in the face with a sorrowful, painful expression.

"Celestia killed them."

Author's Notes:

Here's a comparison between the Titanic and Oasis of the Seas. https://malcolmoliver.wordpress.com/titanic-vs-oasis-of-the-seas/

Does anyone think this story might get a TV Tropes page at some point?

I have a Patreon account and support has been a big help. My Patreon Donors (very nice, generous people) are listed below:

Andrew Adams
Tankoncow

If you wish to become a donor as well you can become one by going here.