A week passed by without many occurrences to take note of. Primarily I spent the time continuing to train Sunny and Chaser in basic military drill, melee combat, formations and even how to operate my rifle and pistol. With regard to the weapons I only showed them the basics in case they required to use it in an emergency, how to load, make safe and fire the weapons, though I didn't actually let them fire off any rounds due to us still being in town and my ammunition being limited. Chaser was physically unable to handle them both for obvious reasons, but it was still useful for him to know how it worked. Sunny, however, was able to operate them with her magic. I also spent the odd few hours working on Applejack's farm to earn a bit of extra cash, I can't exactly mooch off everyone forever so I figured it was best to have my own source of income.

In the passing week, the others were successful in tracking down A.K. Yearling and apparently discovered she was actually Daring Do. Apparently Rainbow was a complete fangirl around her, though she was successful in getting A.K. back on track with her book. Rainbow had also been assigned as a coach in order to choose the flag-bearers for the 'Equestria games.' basically, it is this world's equivalent of the Commonwealth games since the competitors were all from Equestrian territories. I heard it was the Cutie Mark Crusaders who got the honour of carrying the flag for Ponyville, it is kind of interesting that in their sporting tournament they compete with town against town instead of nation versus nation.

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"John," Twilight's voice draws my attention from my morning coffee. "You have a letter."

"A letter? Who the hell would even send me a letter? Everyone I know lives here in town," Putting the mug down I reach over the table and pluck the letter from Twilight's magic. Opening the envelope reveals a number of documents. The first bears a dark stamp portraying a half crest moon. Luna. Rapidly scanning through the letter I pick out the key details, Equestrian citizenship paper contained within, meeting with the town mayor to sign the paperwork off, Luna visiting later in the evening.

Twilight takes a seat alongside me, "What does it say?"

Flicking through the other papers I present her the citizenship form, "Looks like after today I will officially be Equestrian." I don't know how to feel about this, it almost feels as though I'm surrendering to this world, accepting that I will never return back home.

"You don't seem too happy about it," Twilight obviously was able to pick up on my concerns.

"It's just... I never imagined that I'd become a citizen of another country. I've always been proud to be English, but now it feels as though I'm just destroying my identity to start again." Throwing the other papers to the table I lean back in my chair.

"It's not throwing your identity away, becoming Equestrian won't change a thing about who you are. I understand that you're proud of your origins but this will open up new opportunities for you."

"Yeah... The joy of taxes," I say in as much of a sarcastic tone as I can manage. Standing from the table I move to wash my empty mug.

"John, your letter also says Princess Luna is coming... You need to prepare!"

"Prepare? For what? It's hardly for anything official," Twilight's eye began to twitch.

"There's nothing casual about a visit from royalty! I doubt you would be like this is it was a visit from your Queen."

"Well no, but that's because she is a Queen, the head of state for my country and I made an oath of allegiance to her. Luna and Celestia are not my monarchs yet," I swear at that point Twilight was about to explode. Turning back to her I pull a grin, "Look at it this way, do you expect everyone to address you formally twenty-four-seven?"

Twilight glances around, "Well... No."

"Exactly, I haven't exactly been requested to address them formally. If they say something then I will behave more formally but until then, what's the point?" -I pick up my letters as I walk to the door- "I will be back later, a meeting has apparently been arranged for me with the mayor."

Just as I'm about to leave the library Sunny walks in from outside blocking the doorway, "Morning, John. Got any plans today?"

"Just some boring ass bureaucratic meeting at town hall. Want to come?"

Sunny turns back to leave through the door, "Sure. I've got nothing else to do today, but only if we can head into town afterwards."

"Well everyone will likely run at the sight of me, so it will be a boring walk through town." Sunny just smiles at me, her magic enveloping something out of my view.

"You may want these then," I find my phone and a pouch of money suspended in the air alongside me. Taking hold of them I pocket the items.

"After you," Raising my hand I point to the door. Sunny smirks before heading out the door with myself following shortly after.

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Our approach into town went about as well as I expected as most did the usual and ran for the hills, however, a rare few actually stood their ground and observed me as I walked down the streets. I'm honestly quite surprised that some of the townsfolk are getting braver around me, especially since I've only been outside Twilight's library and at Applejack's farm.

I spare a glance to Sunny as we walk, "So what exactly do you want to look for while we are in town?"

Sunny just shrugs as she strolls down the road, "I don't really know. I'd just like to browse the market and see what else this town has to offer."

"Reckon they've got a pub?"

Sunny stops and looks over the various building surrounding us, "I think I heard Rainbow mention a tavern somewhere near the park."

"Great, I could do with a pint." I rummage through my pocket and remove the money pouch, beginning to count the money I realise that I have no idea what the value of this currency is.

Sunny rolls her eyes, "You sure do enjoy your booze."

Sighing I return the money pouch to my pocket, "That I do. Now let's get this meeting out of the way." Increasing my pace I advance on a circular building which I believe to be the town hall. Entering through a large set of double doors I find the foyer to be a smaller rotunda, two set of stairs curve with the wall to meet together at the top adding an additional floor. An open doorway to the side leads into a large hall, a stage assembled at the far end. A desk is positioned between the two sets of stairs, a light coloured Unicorn mare is fast asleep against the desk, a small pool of drool covers the stack of paperwork she is using as a pillow.

Sunny sneaks around the desk and prods her hoof against the sleeping assistant, "She's completely out of it."

Pulling out my phone I wave my hand to Sunny signalling for her to get closer, "Get in close, Sunny. We are going to get a sneaky pic," I turn facing away from the two and lean back against the desk, Sunny moves in closer to the secretary and begins to pull a face. Just as I'm about to take a photo the screen of my phone turns to darkness, the occasional empty battery flashing on the screen. "OH SHIT!"

My sudden outburst wakes the dozing secretary, as soon as she realises she isn't alone she wipes her mouth against her forehoof, a light blush painted on her face. "Um... hello. Can I help you?" She turns to Sunny who immediately abandons her photo position, trying to act as nonchalant as possible Sunny steps away from the desk as she pretends to view the various paintings on the back wall.

"Unless you can charge a Lithium-ion battery then I doubt it," I run my hand over the phone case.

The secretary just stares blankly at me, "I... I don't even know what that is. I take it that you are John Davies?" I nod to her. "The mayor is available now for your appointment. Head upstairs and head down the corridor, her office is the first room on the right."

"Thanks. Come on, Sunny," Abandoning her position she joins me up the stairs. We make our way down the corridor and find ourselves in front of the mayor's office. Knocking on the door I push it open before waiting for a response. Within the office is a mare sat behind a desk, she has a beige coat and grey mane, a white collar with something similar to a teal ascot tie is secured around her neck, a golden trimmed pair of glasses sitting on the end of her muzzle.

A small smile is present on her face as she looks up from her work, "You must be John Davies" -She raises her hoof to the chairs situated in front of her- "Please take a seat." Closing the door behind me I take a seat, Sunny moves to the chair alongside me. "So the Princess has informed me that you require a notary to complete your citizenship."

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By mid afternoon I was finally finished with all that bureaucratic nonsense, throughout the entire meeting I swear that Sunny was just moments from drifting off. We decided to make our way into town and look for something to pass the time until evening.

"Well, we've got a few hours to kill until Luna is meant to see me. What do you want to do?" I ask as we idly stroll down the street.

"John, since you're now Equestrian it may be best to address her correctly when you see her."

"I've already had this conversation with Twilight. Besides, I will always be English before an Equestrian."

Sunny pauses on the spot, her head tilting she looks to me. "I thought you were British?"

"England is part of Britain. England, Scotland and Wales make up Britain. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom."

"Well that's just confusing," Sunny begins walking again.

"It's not that confusing," I join her as we walk. Out of force of habit, I take hold of my phone and hold it as we walk.

Sunny spares a glance to my phone, "So what was wrong with your phone earlier?"

"It's run out of battery. Unless I can find a way to charge it, then it's essentially useless."

"Reckon you can find a way to charge it?" Sunny plucks the phone from my hand with her magic. Levitating it she examines the charging port on the phone.

"I've honestly have no clue. If I can open it up and check the battery I may be able to figure out the power output I require, but even then I could still cock it up and make a mess of my battery. Not to mention I don't even have a charging cable. I wonder if that story about charging a phone with a potato is true."

Sunny floats the phone back into my waiting hand, "I'm sure we can figure it out."

I am about to reply until I'm cut off by the Rarity. "John, Sunny, It's good to see you both. I didn't expect you to be in town," Turning around I can see Fluttershy and Rarity.

Sunny looks to the pair, "Well seeing as John is now an Equestrian citizen we thought that looking around town was long overdue."

A smile forms on their faces, "Well then, maybe you two would care to join us on one of our regular spa trip to celebrate."

I turn to walk away, "Hell no. I'm not going to a spa." As I move Sunny pushes back against me.

"Come on, John. You made me sit through that dull meeting with you for two hours. It's time to return the favour," She looks up at me expectantly. Looking back over my shoulder both Fluttershy and Rarity share the same expression.

I release a displeased sigh, "Do I really have to?"

Sunny nods to the others as she moves to walk alongside them, "Yes, you do."

I stand and wait for a moment as they continue walking, with nothing else to do I reluctantly walk behind them. The walk itself takes us no longer than five minutes, the three girls chatted idly throughout the journey. Once we make our way inside I find myself in a waiting room, a variety of couches and chairs are scattered throughout the room, various plant pots fill the corners of the room, behind a counter is a blue mare with a pink mane who is checking items off a clipboard.

Rarity steps up to the counter, "Good afternoon, Lotus. Fluttershy and I are here for our usual appointment, we have also brought two guests who will be accompanying us."

Lotus looks up from her clipboard, she initially seems taken aback when her eyes lock onto me but like a professional, she soon recovers and smiles towards us. "But of course, Miss Rarity," Her accent remind me of an Eastern European, although it seems fairly over exaggerated. "This must be the Human you've told me about, I'm sure we can accommodate his needs."

"John there is a changing room down the hall to the right," lifting her hoof, Rarity points the hallway out to me.

I move to the hallway but pause before I make my way down, "I haven't exactly got anything to change into."

Lotus moves from around the counter, "I'm afraid there's no clothing allowed further in. We can provide you with towels to cover up though, Miss Rarity had mentioned that you always wear clothes."

I mumble under my breath, "There's a reason for that." I make my way into the changing room and find a number of available lockers. In each locker is a set of clean white towels, I grasp the closest one and throw it over a bench. Stripping down I remove all my clothing and place them in the locker. Wrapping the towel around my waist, I secure the locker before making my way towards a sign which shows the way to the main spa.

Once I'm in the main room I find that the others are already positioned on a set of massage tables. I take the last free table and lay on my stomach, the towel positioned so it covers my lower back and upper thighs. The girls are all wearing a basic white gown with purple trim, except for Rarity who had a letter 'R' added onto her gown with golden trims. Sunny turns her head from the others and faces me.

"Why do you always cover up anyway? Twilight never told me why."

"Well male genitals are external, so if I didn't cover up you'd all be getting a face full of my cock."

Sunny looks away with a heavy blush on her face, "Oh. well, then that makes sense."

"Still doesn't stop you lot from strutting about without anything to cover up."

Sunny's blush intensifies. Behind her, I can see both Rarity and Fluttershy blushing as well, "Well, our tails cover-"

"Unless you're flashing, then it does nothing," Sunny just buries her face into the massage table. I could swear Rarity was snickering quietly.

Once we finished our conversation a number of masseuses join us on the main floor, Lotus makes her way alongside me whereas another mare who looked exactly like her with the opposite colours of a pink coat with a blue mane made her way to Rarity. They're more than likely twins. Two other masseuses gather around Sunny and Fluttershy, once they're all in position they bring a set of curtains between us all to allow privacy.

Following a momentary pause, a set of hooves press firmly against my shoulders. This is actually kinda nice. Her hooves push and knead in all the right places, releasing the tension from the previous weeks training and the work on the farm. She continues to work, moving from my shoulders onto my back, she spends considerably more time here likely due to all the pressure I've put on my back muscles from carrying heavy bergens for extended periods of time back in Afghanistan.

I lose track of time as she continues on my back, working deep into the muscles she also moved onto both of my legs. Before too long she requests that I move onto my back, shuffling on the table I roll onto my back as I hold the towel in place. Lotus repeats the process by working on my upper chest then abdominal muscles, for some reason though I can't shake the feeling that she was spending longer than required on my abs. Maybe the ponies here just like abdominal muscles? It seemed to have been the same with Twilight when she studied my anatomy.

From behind the curtain, I can hear Rarity call to me. "John, we are heading to the steam room. Will you be joining us shortly?"

"Yeah, I will do soon." The sounds of the three girls walking away makes me realise that I am the only one from my group still in here, shortly after the other masseuses can be heard leaving as well. I'm left alone with Lotus as she finishes off the massage.

Over the next five minutes she finished with massaging my legs, she got a little too close for comfort at some points but I decided not to bring it up. With the massage finished I sit up and stretch my arms, "Thanks, Lotus. I haven't felt this relaxed in ages."

"But of course, that's what we are here for." Lotus's eyes look down to the floor, a light blush is evident on her face. "Would you care for a... happy ending?"

Holy shit is she offering me a hand job? Or would they call it a hoof job? I stare at her momentarily from the initial shock of her request, a blush is on her face as she looks up to me with her sultry eyes. "Um... maybe another time," I'm likely not going to accept her offer in the future. "Where is the steam room? I should catch up with the others."

"Come, I will show you," Jumping off the table I once again wrap the towel around my waist, following Lotus she leads me to a room with a wooden door. Opening the door for me I make my way inside and join the other three in the steam room. Sitting back against the bench I'm still unable to believe what I was just offered, this is the second pony who has come out with something like that to me. Maybe when I get back I should look at a law book or something to find out what exactly the law says on this. Back home this sort of thing would definitely be illegal, but since there seems to be a number of sentient species I guess it's tolerated here.

Fluttershy's voice brings me back from that train of thought, "John, is everything okay?"

"Y...yeah everything is fine, just lost in thought."

"What were you thinking about... If you don't mind me asking."

I wave my hand dismissively, "Nothing important, just thinking of home." A lie but it should stop them probing.

Rarity calls over from her position, "I've nearly finished the new uniform for you, John. I just need your opinion on the last piece."

"Of course, which part is it?"

"It's your head wear, I was thinking of a dress peak cap similar to that in the photo you showed me but I'm also considering alternatives," Rarity runs a foreleg over her forehead wiping away the sweat.

"How about a beret? We would wear them as our standard uniform."

Rarity claps her hooves together, "A beret? That's genius, John. That will surely complete the look, it's so unique compared to the dress of other officers."

I lean back against the bench and close my eyes, positioning my arms behind my head I allow myself to relax in the steam room.

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Once the sun began to set Sunny and I make our way to the tavern she mentioned earlier. Walking through the doorway I can hear a band playing along with the laughter and conversations of various patrons. Admittedly when I enter I am stared at by a few of the ponies, their conversations lowering in volume as they whisper to one another. I decide to ignore it and make my way to the bar, I've had this kind of reception in the past when going to a bar in Northern Ireland, it's safe to say a fair few people there weren't exactly fond of the army there and for good reasons.

When Sunny and I sit at the bar we are soon approached by the bartender, "What can I get for you?" Credit where it's due he managed to keep his voice calm, however, I could still see the slight trembling in his legs.

Pulling out my pouch I remove a few coins, "Two pints or lager."

He just stares at me, confusion showing on his face. "What the hay is lager?"

"It's beer," Again he just looks at me confused. They seriously don't serve lager here? This best not be the case for the whole country. "Okay then, what alcohol do you serve then?"

He leans against the bar, a hoof running along the bar taps. "We've got ale, cider, wine, whisky, brandy and vodka."

"We'll have two pints of ale then."

Sunny raises her hoof stopping the bartender. "Make that one ale and one cider, please."

The bartender grabs two tankards and fills them to the brim with our selected drinks, "That will be six bits."

I select the coins and present them to him, he happily pockets them and makes his way down the bar to serve some other customers. Grabbing hold of my tankard I bring it to my lips and take a sip, the dark brown liquid packs a bit of a punch signalling its strength. Placing the tankard down I turn to Sunny, "So was that a good price? Or did I just get ripped off?"

Levitating her own tankard Sunny looks to me as she has a drink from the cup, "Well that was about the standard price you could expect outside of Canterlot. Why? Don't you know how much a bit is worth?"

"I've got no clue if its the same value as the pound or an American dollar. If I went by the pound then the drinks would have been about the same price, three pounds and fifty pence would usually get you a pint at a bar. Here though you only seem to have bits, you haven't got anything between one and two bits," I take another swig of my drink.

"Your currency sounds complicated."

"Wait till I tell you about exchange rates, then you'll be really confused." I place down the tankard, my finger running over the rim.

"What time did Princess Luna say she was going to see you?" Sunny glances around the tavern at the various patrons.

"She just said in the evening when she had an opportunity."

"Haven't you still got to be back at the library before nightfall?"

"No, actually. In the message she said to be out of the library for the evening so she can talk to me away from the others," I take another drink from my tankard.

Sunny looks down at her tankard, "Yeah, slight problem there, John. I'm one of the others."

I just shrug, "We will get to that when the time comes. I wasn't going to sit at the bar by myself, I'd look like a loner."

"Oh, thanks for making me feel so special," Sunny rolls her eyes, a small smirk formed on her muzzle.

"Hey I bought you a drink, you should feel honoured."

We continue to talk as the night goes on, a few of the patrons even come by briefly to talk to me once they realise I'm not going to cause any issues. Being in the bar has probably made me feel more welcome than anything else that has happened to me so far here. I've always loved the pub scene, the relaxed environment where everyone is here to socialise with friends, unlike clubs where everyone is only out to just get wasted and fuck.

A few hours pass as we share numerous stories of our days back in training. Sunny particularly found the story where we used Tom as a battering ram in training to smash a car window with his head, he was wearing a helmet of course. We moved a while ago from the bar and took control of a free booth in the back corner, a steady supply of drinks were brought over our way. The only thing that brought our attention to Luna's arrival was when the rest of the tavern fell quiet and the band cut off mid song.

"Please go about your activities, my subjects. Don't let my presence deter you in the slightest," Gradually everyone returns to their conversations, the band once again continues to play. When Luna approaches our booth Sunny attempts to stand and salute, though after our drinks she stumbles initially as she rises from her seat. "I take you have been enjoying the night, Corporal?"

"Yes, your highness," Sunny remains standing at attention.

"And what about you, Lieutenant? You seem to enjoy the night," Luna sits across from me.

"I love the night, it's a great time to unwind and relax after a hard day. Heck on a Friday night I used to live at the local pub back home," I down the last of my drink, slamming the tankard to the table. Summoning the bartender I raise my hand and whistle, he immediately makes his way to our booth and bows to Luna. "Another two ales for me and the Princess," I pull out my pouch to retrieve some coins.

The bartender raises his hoof, "But of course, for the Princess, the drink is on the house. I shall also provide you with a free drink as well."

I nod my thanks to him as he makes his way to the bar, "So do you wish to have the discussion now?"

Luna glances towards Sunny who is still standing on the spot, her posture slightly relaxed on account of the drinks. "Indeed, we shall."

"Sunny," I call to her causing her to straighten her posture. "Head back to the library, I will be back after my talk with Luna."

Sunny salute us both, "Yes, Sir!" She makes her way to the exit, as she leaves the tavern the bartender sets the drinks on the table and bows to Luna before making his way back to the bar.

Luna levitates the ale to her muzzle and takes a large draught, "Still referring to me by name and not by title. You do realise you are now my subject?"

I just shrug as I take a drink from my own tankard, "Would you prefer me to speak to you in constant formalities?"

Luna shakes her head, "No, John. Only refer to me by my title when we are around others in a public setting. I quite enjoy speaking to another on normal terms."

"Well how about now? We are in public."

Luna scans the tavern, most of the patrons have moved to the other side of the building providing us with some privacy, "No. It seems like we have been given some space to talk freely. Anyway, I wished to inform you that the materials you had requested have been delivered to the library, they are all currently stored in the basement. How long do you believe it will take for you to manufacture what you require?"

"Fuck knows. I have to make the bullet casing, the bullet itself, primer and then I have to get the chemical balance right to make a sufficient propellant to propel the bullet without damaging my rifle."

"Will it be difficult?" Luna takes another swig of her drink.

"Well, I've never had a need to make any of them before. I should be able to figure out the correct chemicals required, the difficult part will be the bullet and casing as I've never used a press and have to get all the measurements correct to ensure it fires correctly, not to mention the chemical ratio for the propellant so it won't blow up in my face."

"I understand, but I must ask that you make this a priority. Next week your presence is required in Canterlot in order to familiarise yourself with the Platoon you will be leading, I'm afraid we may need to deploy forces sooner than anticipated."

I lean forward against the table, "Why? What has happened?"

Luna rubs her hoof between her eyes, "The Militarists are rapidly gaining ground and have captured the capital of Griffonstone. It won't be long before they push on our colony of Trottingham just the coast. They will also push closer to the land border up north potentially defeating the Royalists and Prince Gerlach."

"Luna we will need more than a military Company to fight a threat like that."

Luna's eyes shrink as they lock onto mine, "What exactly do you propose?" Luna takes another swig of her drink.

"We will need at least a couple of Battalions, maybe even a Regiment or two." Luna immediately splutters as she takes in her drink.

Regaining her composure her wide eyes lock onto mine, "You can't be serious! It was difficult enough convincing my sister to send even one Company, yet you potentially want me to send hundreds... thousands of soldiers to the Griffin Empire!"

Leaning to the side I can see a number of patrons now looking in our direction following Luna's outburst. "If the situation is that severe then you will definitely need more than roughly one hundred and fifty soldiers to effectively engage the enemy."

"How do you expect me to convince her to provide more support?"

I raise my tankard and take a large swig, "If you don't provide additional forces then they are more than likely going to fail in the Griffin Empire. Following that the new Griffin leader will attack your colony resulting in the deaths of civilians and your guards stationed there to defend it. Send in a strong force now to keep them back, otherwise, you may find your whole entire army fighting in the future against the entire Griffin military within your own borders."

Luna looks down at the table, her eyes closed as she releases a drained sigh. "I can make no promises, but I see your point. I may need your help in order to convince her."

I raise my tankard and hold it in front of her, "You've got a deal." Luna just smirks as she raises her tankard to meet mine. We both throw back our drinks, I'm surprised when she finished her's before me and smacks it on the table, "Wow, I'm surprised you beat me."

"What? You think that just because I'm a Princess I can't handle my drink?" I can practically hear the laughter in her voice.

"We shall see about that, Luna," -I raise my hand and whistle to the barkeeper- "Two more ales."

Time to drink her under the table.