As we resurface from the lowest level of the barracks Dawnstar breaks off and heads back to her room leaving myself and the Princesses to walk from the barracks back to the castle. By the time we reach the courtyard the sun is at it's lowest position ready to go to sleep for the night, all of the guards have left the courtyard to rest for the day.

Coming to a halt at the centre of the courtyards Celestia turns to me as I scratch the scruffy beard on my face, "You need a shave, John."

"I will do at some point, I haven't exactly been prioritising shaving the last three weeks."

Luna smirks as she strolls past her sister, "I think it suits him."

I cross my arms together as I face Luna, "I still can't believe you were so eager to shoot me."

Luna shrugs, "You offered for one of us to do it. I aimed for the armour as requested."

Approaching Luna I poke her chest, "We still need to fit it onto a pony to test it fully. It's a breast plate so maybe you should try it while I take a shot."

Luna quickly shakes her head, "No. No... It looked like it hurt."

"It did hurt, that's the point."

Luna narrows her eyes as she looks to me, "I take it that you only want to do it to get payback for the homecoming celebration."

Smirking I pat her shoulder, "I will get you back for that."

Celesita chuckles as she steps between us, "John would you be willing to accompany me so we can talk? First though my sister and I will have to attend to our duties."

Clapping my hands I rub them together as I look to the two sisters, "Sure. Lead on."

Celestia closes her eyes as a golden hue surrounds her horn. My vision blurs as the sense of falling fills my body, less then a second later I regaining my senses to find us both standing within her study. Celestia makes her way out of a set of double doors which lead to her balcony, from there I watch as she waits for Luna to do the same at the balcony on the opposite tower. Once both are ready Celestia rises into the air with her hooves outstretched, as she horn glows brighter the suns position lowers until it is no longer visible. As soon as the sun disappears from view I look over the Luna to see her actions mimicking her sisters, facing the horizon once again it doesn't take long until the moon begins to poke over the horizon.

As it continues to surface Celestia comes to rest on the balcony, turning back to me she smiles softly as she joins me back inside and closes the doors. Making her way to one of the cushions she slowly lowers herself down as she looks to me, "Pour yourself a drink of your choosing. I shall have a glass of gin, if you would be so kind to pour one for me," Stepping to her liquor cabinet I pour her drink first as I browse the various spirits stashed away. Finding a bottle of twelve year old rum I pop the cork and fill my glass with a generous helping before replacing the cork and joining Celestia. Holding her glass to her she takes it within her magic, "Thank you," Glancing to my glass she smirks, "Rum? Good choice."

Sitting down I inhale the strong drink before bringing it to my lips, "That it is, personally I'd prefer a larger but I have yet to come across it in this world. So... what did you wish to speak to me about?"

"Just a general conversation. The last time we talked was before you went to the Griffin Empire. I read the reports on your exploits, the title as the 'Liberator of Griffonstone' which their military has started to call you. I had even heard of your... confrontation with Shining Armor, yet despite that he nominates you for the Lunar Cross. My sister was quite thrilled when she told me you accepted to be rewarded with the medal at the ceremony in two days time, the last of our guards have returned from the Griffin Empire and I do believe it is time we thank them for their bravery and service."

Resting the glass alongside me I pinch the bridge of my nose, "Not everybody made it back. We did good out there but some made the ultimate sacrifice."

Celestia lowers her head, "I know. We will never forget what they did for us and the Griffin Empire."

"If I may... I have a suggestion."

"By all means," Bringing her drink up she takes a sip.

"In Britain we have a ceremony where we commemorate the contribution of every man and woman within the British Commonwealth who gave their lives during times of war. I would like to continue that tradition here... if I may."

Celestia smiles softly as she raises her head, "I think that sounds like a wonderful way to remember all they have done for us."

"It is held on the second Sunday in November, the Sunday nearest to the eleventh. Our symbol is a red poppy which is worn over the heart."

"A red poppy? What is the reason behind that?"

Smirking I sit back, "If you wish to learn then you will have to attend my class tomorrow."

"I heard that Luna persuaded you to do that. I think it would be good to allow my ponies to learn more about your species and country."

Scoffing I drain a sizeable portion of my glass, "I don't know why I agreed, it seemed like a good idea at the time."

"Well I shall be sure to be in attendance, as will my sister."

"Teaching royalty? No pressure then. I take it Twilight is going to be there too? I highly doubt she'd miss an opportunity such as this."

Celestia chuckles softly, "If I know Twilight she will be there bright and early to find the best seat. She has always been fascinated with learning about new topics and species."

"No offence to her, but she needs to get a life," This earns a small laugh from Celestia, "It's all well and good learning new things but she still needs to get out there and enjoy life."

Celestia cocks an eyebrow, "You mean like you do by getting intoxicated and having my sister propel you across the grand hall?"

Clicking my fingers I point to her, "Exactly. That is living it up, being thrown across a room by royalty surely is a once in a life time experience."

Taking a drink from her glass Celestia pauses when she looks to me, "I wanted to thank you for helping to prioritise developing new armour for our guards, we lost too many and I hope this will help to keep them safe."

"Don't thank me yet, all we've done is developed Kevlar and been able to determine how to manufacture it. Based on your manufacturing facilities dedicated to military production it will take a while before it can be produced on such a scale for every soldier. It will have to be issued generally overtime, pick the units you wish to prioritise to have the new armour. I'm hoping Sunny will come back to help me develop the armour. I know she has been one for tinkering so hopefully she will have a good idea to help make armour that will suit your guards the best."

Nodding her head slowly Celestia locks eyes with me, "Are you two close?"

"Well I'd like to think we are, she's a good friend. I know the war took it's toll on her, I'm just hoping she can overcome it and continue to serve."

"And the rest of your team?"

"Chaser is probably my best mate out here, Silver Spark is quite the character but we got on well where it counts, Colbalt is a bit more reserved but he's a good soldier and we have no issues. For the others who served in my squad at the end I'm afraid I haven't really got to know them on a personal level, they seem to be good soldiers but I need to get to know them better."

"But you'd wish to continue working with them?"

Raising my glass I stare at the contents, "Of course, stick with who you know."

Celestia stands and saunters over to a nearby desk, taking out a scroll she starts to write something with a quill, "I shall try and arrange that for you, John. I'm sure that they would also prefer to work with you," When she finishes writing on the scroll she turns back to look to me, "I shall let you be on your way then, no doubt you will need to prepare for tomorrow. I'm sure we will learn much about your culture and species as a whole. Good night, John."

Tossing back the last of my drink I slowly stand up, "Night, Celestia," Leaving her study I close the door behind me. I begin to make my way down the various corridors as I remember the way back to the room I've been using for the last few weeks, though since I've never headed there from this side of the castle I end up getting a little lost.

Strolling down one hallway I find numerous stained glass windows which seem to show major events of Equestria's history. The first one I examine shows Luna and Celestia on either side of a creature which is made up of multiple animals. The next one shows the six girls from Ponyville standing against an Alicorn which I know to be Nightmare Moon, I remember reading up on it from one of the many books contained within Twilight's library.

As soon as my eyes lock on the last window I freeze on the spot to study it closer. Stepping up to it I find a representation of the battle of Griffonstone. I find myself at the centre of the window at the gates of the palace, my rifle raised towards a representation of the general who is aiming his own pistol towards me. Below us it shows numerous Griffins fleeing from a barrage of artillery fire from cannons located at the bottom left corner with Shining Armour commanding them. The Wonderbolt's including Spitfire are flying over the top of the window at the arch with numerous Royalist Griffins joining them on each side. Grinning at the photo I step back and take a picture with my phone, saving it as my screensaver I continue down the hall to find my room to rest for the night.

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In the morning I had one of the guards escort me to the University, thankfully it was only a five minute walk from the castle gates. Finding my way to the lecture hall I slowly pace around the room as I take a look at the layout. In all honesty it's not too different from one back home, a single podium with a desk is positioned at the front alongside a screen which an old projector is pointed towards. The seating themselves just appear to be curved steps to me, I could easily climb each one with each step, the only thing identifying them as seating is the cushions provided for the audience to sit on. Counting up each cushion I find enough for two-hundred and fifty ponies. Teaching a small group is one thing, a crowd of this many though is kinda disheartening.

Moving to the projector I examine it more closely to see if it can be of any use, flicking the switch it powers on projecting a light against the board at the front of the hall. Moving to the podium I take an ink pot, quill and thin piece of paper and bring them back to the projector. Trying to test it I draw a basic doodle of a stickman and insert the sheet into the free slot on the projector, to my surprise the picture shows on the board it may not be the best quality but it'll do. Loading up my phone I select the world clock which brings up a picture of the globe, taking a new piece of paper I start to sketch the entire globe onto the sheet in order to show it to everyone who attends.

Completing the drawing I glance to the clock to see that I only have twenty minutes left until the lecture is due to start, switching the projector off I leave the paper inside ready and take the spare sheets and ink pot back to my podium. Running back up the stairs I open the door to immediately bump into Twilight knocking us both back.

"Shit. Sorry, Twilight. I didn't see you there."

Twilight regains her composure and smiles to me, "It's alright. Where are you rushing off to?"

"Going to get a coffee before the lecture starts, I may bore myself so much I fear that I will fall asleep from my own story."

Rolling her eyes she walks in, "Go ahead then, John. The others will be here shortly."

"You mean Luna and Celestia?"

"There's also Cadence, Shining Armor, all the girls from Ponyville. Everypony is here for the ceremony tomorrow so they all decided to come here today to learn more about you."

Shining, if he acts like an ass he can sit in the naughty corner. Scoffing I raise an eyebrow, "Rainbow? I highly doubt she volunteered."

Twilight smiles sheepishly, "She may have needed some persuading."

"That's what I thought. Take a seat anywhere you'd like, I won't be long."

"John?" I stop at the door way and lean around the door frame to look at Twilight, "I want to apologise for how I acted at the hospital. I didn't understand why you acted the way you did. Luna explained everything to us in more detail this morning."

"It's alright, Twilight. How did the others take it?"

She pauses as she looks away, "Fluttershy is still scared of you after hearing about it, she may get better over time but for now she's a bit cautious."

Sighing I rub the back of my neck, "I should have guessed. Are the others okay?"

"They understand why you did it, they should be okay."

That's something at least. "Good. I'll be back soon, I wouldn't imagine we'd spend forever in here."

Leaving the room I pass by various ponies as they start to slowly enter the room, following the various signs it only take me a minute to find the campus cafe. As I queue for my drink I notice the girls as they make their way to the lecture hall, they don't seem to notice me though due to my position but I don't mind. Paying for my drink I walk back into the lecture hall and move straight down the steps towards the desk and podium, pulling the chair back I sit down and rest my feet on the top of the table. Looking up to the rear of the hall I find all four Princesses and everyone else I was told were attending all sat together.

As more ponies gradually enter I look to the clock and see I still have five minutes until I'm due to begin. With nothing to do until then I take out my phone and decide to play a song as others start to come in. Turning the volume up I rest the phone on the table and start to play 'We didn't start the fire', It mentions some events and people through recent history so I figure it's kinda relevant. A majority of the room sit and listen to the lyrics of the music, I can't help but chuckle when I notice Twilight trying to note down all the names and events which are mentioned within the song.

As the song comes to an end I take a look back to the lecture hall and find that every seat has been taken. What surprises me is that there are a few other races here as well, I notice a small gathering of Griffins, a pair of Minotaurs, and several Zebras. Looking closer to the Griffins there is one which stands out, scanning her I can't help but smirk when I recognise Janine.

Standing up I pocket my phone and look over everyone, "Hello, for those of you who don't know I am Lieutenant John Davies. I am here today to tell you a bit about human culture and about the species in general, I will be honest with you I have little to no idea where to start. I may as well tell you all a little bit about who I am. I'm twenty-five years old, before I came here I lived in a country called England which was part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland..."

I spend the next ten minutes going on about who I was before coming to Equestria. Telling everyone about my college education, my job as a mechanic before enlisting in the army, general hobbies and activities I would take part in during my spare time. As I draw to a close about who I am I flick on the projector and take hold of a stick which I imagine was for pointing to parts of the projection. I give everyone a moment to look at the crude drawing of the globe I did before they arrived. Pointing the stick to the British Isles I look back to everyone.

"This is Britain, England is the main body at the south and central part of the island. Wales is here on the west and Scotland to the north," -Moving the pointer to the side I tap against the Irish landmass- "This is Ireland in the early 1900's the whole nation used to be under British control, now though we only control Northern Ireland leaving the main body, the Republic of Ireland, as it's own independent nation. At it's height the British Empire was the largest in human history, Britain controlled one-fifth of the worlds landmass and one-quarter of the worlds population. There was a saying, 'the sun never sets in the British Empire'. When the sun set in one part of the empire it would still be raised in another..."

I continue on about the general history of Britain, going over various countries under our control, the industrial revolution spreading across the globe, great writers such as William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens and the modern politics within the country. I never realised how much I knew, from what I was saying I was able to spread it out over the space of an hour reaching the half way point of the lecture. Not really knowing what to go onto next I rest back against the table.

"That's pretty much all I know with regards to British culture and history. I suppose now I will just answer any general questions about myself or my world."

A number of ponies raise their hooves to ask questions. Looking over a number of them I point towards a mint green Unicorn mare sitting in the front row, "How many humans are there?"

"The UK has just over sixty-million people, the entire globe has just under seven-billion."

When I look up to Twilight I find a large stack of scrolls which she has already managed to fill with numerous notes. With her hoof raise I point to her, "If your nation controlled a quarter of the world's population then how come your population is so low compared to the rest of the world?"

"We had a quarter of the worlds population at the height of the British Empire around the time of 1913. But after certain... events the empire lost a large number of its citizens and eventually had to give up its territories overseas."

Another voice calls out from within the crowd, "What events?"

Running my hand through my hair I stand from the table, "The Great War. In 1914 the world entered a global conflict which saw a rapid development in military technology and resulted in the deaths of over seventeen-million people across all fronts."

The room falls silent as everyone looks to me in a state of shock, the only sound I can hear is the soft snoring of Rainbow at the back who soon gets awoken by a jab to her ribs from Applejack. Twilight recovers enough to ask another question, "Why did this war even start?"

Waving my hand in the air I look to her, "Lots of stupid reasons. All the major empires and kingdoms were ready to go to war, all it needed was somebody to strike the fuse. Serbians killed the Austrian heir to the throne, Austria invaded Serbia, Russia came to the aid of Serbia, Germany helped Austria by declaring war on Russia. Germany decided to invade Russia's ally France through neutral Belgium to try and prevent a war on two fronts by defeating them before the Russian army reached their border, however Belgium was under the protection of Britain due to an old treaty so Britain declared war on Germany to defend France and Belgium."

Shining adjusts himself in his seat, "But how did so many die?"

"No point in beating around the bushes, we developed new weapons to kill our enemies. The First World War saw the creation of aerial combat through the development of fighter planes to attack other air crafts, bombers were also created which would drop high explosive ordinance onto defensive fortifications. Britain invented the tank, a mechanised and heavily armoured tracked vehicle which was fitted with heavy weapons intended to break through the German trench lines in order to end the stalemate. Gas was also used for the first time in war, Chlorine gas was deployed to poison the enemy weakening their defence. New hand held weapons were also manufactured including the development of machine guns which could fire off multiple rounds at a faster rate before having to reload," Everyone seems to be disgusted with what I had just told them. I can image for a peaceful nation the development of a gas to poison others would seem absolutely revolting and horrific.

Once again the mint mare calls out, "The First World War? You had more then one global conflict?"

"The First World War was between 1914 and 1918. The Second World War began in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, the war would go on until 1945 following their surrender. Britain entered the war against Germany when they invaded Poland but didn't see combat until France was invaded in 1940, the United States of America entered the war when Germany's ally Japan attacked their navy in Hawaii in 1941. Earlier in the year Germany attempted to invade Russia bringing them into the conflict on our side. In the end the two factions were the allies and the axis. Britain, America and Russia were the allies, Germany, Italy and Japan made up the axis. By the end of the war over sixty-million soldiers and civilians had been killed. The war saw the creation of the most deadly weapon ever deployed in combat, the atomic bomb."

"What's an atomic bomb?" Another stallion calls out from somewhere to the right.

"An atomic bomb is a WMD, a weapon of mass destruction. Only two were used against another nation, both cases were in World War Two against Japan. The atomic bomb which was dropped on Hiroshima was a nuclear fission bomb which harnessed the power of a nuclear reaction from uranium which produced a substantial level of heat which was over six-thousand degrees centigrade. The explosion was enough to level the entire city, those who were close enough left no trace of their existence apart from their shadows burnt into the ground. They were deployed to reduce the number of casualties which would have likely occurred if we invaded main land Japan, the United States were the ones who deployed the weapon."

Again everyone is frozen in a state of shock, I'm pretty sure that if somebody came to our world and told us about the atomic bomb before it was invented nobody would believe that it was real. The fact that one weapon could destroy an entire city is a terrifying thought, however in a weird way it has kept the peace, the fact that the major nations could level an entire country has stopped them from invading one another.

Celestia finally speaks for the first time this lecture, "Yesterday you mentioned a day where you commemorated those who gave their lives in war. You said that you would wear a poppy as the symbol of remembrance. Why is that?"

Thankful for the change of topic from devastating human weapons I'm more than happy to answer, "During the First World War soldiers found that the first signs of life to appear over the fields of battle were red poppy's, they inspired the world famous poem In Flanders Field's. The poppy became the symbol of remembrance for us. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month we hold a two minute silence and a ceremony to honour those who gave their lives, we hold the main ceremony on the Sunday closest to that date. That signified the day the guns fell silent over Europe following the end of the war."

Waiting a moment before continuing I rub my hands together as I clear my throat, "Right then, enough doom and gloom for now. How about we change topics from the wars and go onto something else..."

The rest of the hour thankfully moved onto other topics, nobody decide to bring up war again throughout the lecture. I had many questions about a range of topics. What I used to maintain when I was a mechanic, the basic functions of cars, human anatomy, general appearances of females, why I always wore clothing and many other weird and wonderful topics. The mint mare particularly seemed to ask a fair few questions compared to the others, looking at her closely I think I've seen her a couple of times around Ponyville. Once the class draws to an end everyone slowly makes their way out of the lecture hall. Running my hand though my scruffy beard I breath a sigh of relief.

That could have gone better. Thank god I didn't become a teacher back home.