After an evening of last minute preparations and an early start, Chaser, Sunny and I find ourselves on the train heading towards Canterlot. For some stupid reason, they had the great idea to host this meeting at 07:00. It wouldn't have been an issue if I read the letter before hand, but it now means that we had to get up at stupid o'clock in order to get to Canterlot on time.

Since we were to attend a formal meeting, I decided to make myself presentable by wearing the military tunic Rarity had made for me, along with wearing the numerous ribbons and medals I was awarded on my chest. The red velvet of the material fits tightly around my chest yet doesn't cling to my skin. I also made sure that Sunny and Chaser's uniforms were in top condition, meaning a lengthy uniform inspection for the two of them. They were even given a crash course on their new weapons, leaving Sunny with the L14A1 shotgun and Chaser with our untested aerial weapon system, the 'aerial gauntlet'... I'm not imaginative... I can't come up with names to save my life.

The gauntlet is a basic design which is easily used by a Pegasus. It fits the right forehoof of the user with a reinforced, yet lightweight steel cuff. The cuff has a natural groove carved into it, allowing the barrel to be moved from the right side of the forehoof to the left. When it is on the outside of the wearer's forehoof it is safe, when it's on the inside it's ready to fire. When it is ready to fire, a trigger extends alongside the barrel which the user can easily push down when in flight, allowing the operator to fire with ease. To reload, they only need to replace the enchanted gemstone on the rear, this also allows for a variety of spells to be used with the weapon system in order to change the ammunition type.

We arrive in Canterlot with only twenty minutes to get to the meeting, meaning that we have to run through the Capitol towards the castle. You have no idea how many looks you'll get when you're sprinting through the streets with a pair of fully armed guards alongside you. I even have to keep a hand on my sword in its scabbard in order to keep it from repeatedly slapping me on the back of the leg.

Arriving at the castle, I glance at my watch to see that we were able to arrive with ten minutes to spare. Slowing our pace, we move past the Guards on the main gate as we regain our breaths. The Guards seem to be giving us some odd looks as they watch us enter, they soon return to their active duties when they realise that one of the breathless idiots is a senior officer.

Navigating the hallways, I find the room I'm after when I notice a pair of officers enter a side room. Peeking inside, I find a number of officers scattered around a large circular table as they idly converse with one another. Making my way inside, I correct my uniform and find that there is an empty seat alongside Hussar, unfortunately, it's also alongside Shining Armor.

Making my way to the free seat, I pull the chair back and sit in the uncomfortably low chair. As I remove my beret and rest it on the table, Hussar leans alongside my ear and whispers to me. "You're almost late."

I give her a coy smile as I grab an empty glass from the table and fill it with water, "Fashionably late." Glancing over my shoulder, Sunny and Chaser stand at ease alongside the rear wall, a number of other guards who are acting as officers escorts are also present throughout the room.

As I take a long drink from my glass, I survey my surroundings. There are at least twenty commanding officers of various units present, many of them are at least three ranks above me, making them Colonels. A number of the rest have various rank slides containing numerous small crowns, similar to the three and four-star General ranks within the US military, with crowns replacing the stars. I can notice straight away that some of them are giving me odd looks, likely wondering as to why I'm even here. Sitting alongside Shining's second in command is Colonel Swift, Luna's Colonel which I met during the wargames. Alongside him is a set of thrones, likely ready for Luna's and Celestia's arrival. When I look across the table, I notice Spitfire in her officer's dress, her eyes quickly moving away from me when I look at her.

The chamber we find ourselves in is completely spherical, solid marble pillars are located a few meters from the table in order to keep the ceiling overhead secured. Various pieces of art work fill the walls, many of which seem to depict ancient battles and military leaders from Equestria's history. A few rectangular windows sit high on the walls, just below the ceiling in order to provide some natural light. A number of lanterns glow with unnaturally bright flames, leading me to believe that they all must be enhanced by magic in order to increase their effectiveness.

I'm broken away from my reccy of the room as Hussar leans over to me, "Please tell me that you had some results with the funding we received. I'd bet you anything that somepony here will bring up the funding we received. We need to have had some results."

I turn my head to focus on her and respond in a hushed tone, "We have. I brought two new prototypes with us, we have made progress."

Hussar breathes a sigh of relief, "Oh, thank Celestia. I thought we were going to be hung out to dry with nothing to show for it."

"I was hoping you'd have a little more faith in me." I grin as I glance back to the other ranks, "What can we expect in this meeting? I take it you've been to one before."

Hussar silently scoffs, "Hardly. Only very few Captain's have ever been invited to attend as a commanding officer. The main exception usually being Captain's of the Guard at various castles across Equestria. We've probably only been invited for technological advice, support... and an outside military opinion."

I cock my brow as my eyes snap onto Hussar's, "Outside military opinion? What the hell do you mean by that?"

"W-well... you're not just an Equestrian officer... you're from an f-foreign army," Hussar stammers as I keep my eyes firmly locked on hers. "You may do things differently than us. I'd imagine that once the senior officers have given their opinion from an Equestrian perspective, the Princesses may ask for your view from an outside perspective... and a military official in a foreign army."

"Are you suggesting that they want my opinion because they believe that I'd be able to gauge how other nations militaries will feel about our actions?" Before Hussar can respond, the main doors are opened and everyone quickly rises from their seats. Copying their action, Hussar and I come to attention and stare forward as the Princesses enter the room. Everyone remains in position as they move towards their seats, the only sound is the echoing of the Princesses' hooves against the cold floor.

As they reach their seats, Celestia looks over everyone before addressing us, "Please, sit down." Everyone does as she requests, quickly returning to their seats as the Princesses find theirs. Celestia quickly looks over everyone in the room, I can't help but notice that both she and her sister seem to look at me for a little bit longer than the rest of the officers.

"I want to thank everypony for attending, I know that many of you had to travel far in order to attend. Before we begin, I want to remind everypony that the details of which we are about to discuss are to remain between those who are in attendance here today. Much of the information we are discussing is sensitive and is to remain classified." I can't help but imagine Chaser shuffling behind me, his inability to keep a secret likely going to result in him nearly yapping about what is going to be discussed today.

"The first matter that we will discuss is to congratulate those among us who have completed their duties to the highest standard and have thus received promotions effectively immediately." Well, that won't be me. I was promoted after being here for a few months. If I magically became a Major, that would likely piss everyone in the room off. "Major General Thunder Strike will be taking over for Lieutenant General Soaring Skies, who retired last month after thirty years of service, I'd also like to congratulate Colonel Swift for his promotion to Brigadier of the Lunar Guard."

After a brief pause, she turns her head to Shining alongside me. "With Captain Shining Armor's role within the Royal Guard here in Canterlot, and having taken over key roles within the Crystal Empire, my sister and I have agreed that the rank of Captain is no longer suitable for his role. Therefore, Major Shining Armor shall be in charge of the Crystal Empire Defence Force, where he can continue to lead by example and help instruct new recruits as they join the Crystal Guard and the Equestrian military."

As Celestia starts to go onto the first item on the agenda, I find myself zoning out as I look blankly towards her and her sister in an attempt to make it seem as though I'm listening. Great, that jack ass is now a higher rank than me... fucking fantastic. Meh... I'll just continue to ignore his shitty instructions. He's Solar, I'm Lunar. If he doesn't like it, then tough shit. I let out a mental sigh as I start to idly run my finger over the table. Time for military politics to bore me to death. I became a front line officer to avoid this shit.

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After an hour of boring conversations regarding recruitment drives, media portrayal and minor military postings, Celestia slowly looks over everyone at the table. "The next item we shall discuss is funding." As soon as she says that last word almost every single eye in the room flicks towards me. Don't mind me, I'm just the black sheep of the group.

"Recently, my sister and I had published the new economic plans for the Guard, including the funds particular units will receive over the next few months. It had been brought to our attention that there have been some concerns as to where the funds have been allocated to. I'd like to take this opportunity to hear from you, to voice your concerns so that we can address them."

I cautiously roll my eyes so nobody will see me as I mentally throw my hand up like a child in school. Oh, miss! You gave it all to the human who stands out in this room like a sore thumb. We're fucking pissed off about it. The back of my neck starts to tingle as I prepare for everyone to have a go at me for the funding both Celestia and Luna gave me. Question is, who's gonna have the balls to speak up first.

"Your highness," A Lieutenant Colonel by the name of Pine Springs begins as he looks to the Princess. "A number of units, including my own, have had some concerns as to the fact that you have devoted a significant proportion of funding to a single Company." Numerous officers begin to murmur in agreement as some of them look to me. "The fact that these funds have been given to a new unit with limited personnel is almost insulting to those which have served yourself and your sister since Equestria was founded."

Celestia waits momentarily as the other officers continue to grumble to one another. "I am aware that many of you are not fully supportive of this decision, but it was made by both myself and my sister in order to improve the Equestrian Guard."

"Improve the Equestrian Guard?" The Solar General, a middle-aged golden Unicorn, Sunstreak repeats as he scoffs slightly. "How is giving that much funding to a unit with only a few hundred soldiers going to benefit the rest of us?"

I'm half tempted to step in myself in order to show him the work that Dawnstar and I had put into our new toys, but I agreed with Celestia what our plans were to remain classified until the final products were constructed. As I sit back thinking that Celestia will inform them that my work is hush-hush, she slowly turns her gaze to me. "I have agreed for the Captain to work on a number of designs which will hopefully allow the Guard to operate more effectively. Although I cannot go into specifics about his current works in progress, I have been informed that he has at least completed one design."

The General shakes his head, "And just what exactly is this new design? So far, with the amount he was given, I am expecting to see a number of developments."

As Celestia nods her head for me to begin explaining my work, I rest my arm against the back of the chair and look to Sunny behind me, "Corporal, would you be so kind as to present me with the L14A1?" Stepping forward, she removes the sling from around her body and holds it in her magic alongside me. Taking hold of it, her magic drops, "Thank you."

I slowly stand up as I hold the shotgun out in order for everyone to see it. "As you all know, the Rangers had previously developed rifles to be used as the standard issue weapon for our unit. It has entered production and is being issued to numerous units across Equestria to enter active service. The rifle has one purpose, medium to long range engagements. In order to compensate for that, we have developed this." I run my hand slowly along the weapon system, "The L14A1 combat shotgun. Designed for close quarters engagements which can be used in non-lethal situations."

"That's just the rifle you previously developed with a makeover," Pine Springs exclaims. "You used all that money for a cosmetic change."

I shake my head, "It's a shotgun, not a rifle. It is an entirely different weapon system, made from scratch. It is being manufactured and issued to the Rangers, upon completion of appropriate training. Corporal Sunny Shield has been trained for the use of this weapon system, even Princess Luna has seen a demonstration of this weapon during a weapon demonstration I held for the Rangers."

The officers all slowly turn their heads to Luna as she looks towards me. "It is true that the weapon that the Captain has in his hands is indeed of a different design to his previous work. From what I saw, it seems to be sufficient for the role it was developed."

"You mentioned 'non-lethal situations'," Shining Armor states as he looks to the weapon. "What exactly do you mean by that? How can it be used so that it won't cause severe injuries for those it is used against?"

I pass the shotgun back to Sunny as I turn to Shining, "The shotgun can implement various types of ammunition for different situations. The most common shell type is buckshot, which contains numerous pellets in order to hit its target. There are other types of ammunition which we are yet to develop, slug rounds, flechette rounds, and the non-lethal bean bag round. The bean bag round was designed for the use of apprehending suspects without causing long term trauma or life threatening injuries."

Brigadier Swift leans against the table, as though he is actually intrigued by the concept. "But how does this 'bean bag round' work?"

"It works on the idea that the shell contains a small bag which houses lead shot. The bag is then fired from the shell and weapon system where it expands in flight, creating a larger surface area where it impacts. This type of ammunition will strike the targets muscles, causing a spasm. If fired at a targets leg, it will cause the leg to give way, causing the target to fall to the ground. The round is used on Earth by law enforcements across the globe for riot control and as a non-lethal way of incapacitating dangerous individuals."

The Solar General scowls slightly as he raises his voice, "This talk of non-lethal projectiles is pointless. The concept itself is redundant, magic can easily be used to apprehend targets." To reinforce his point, his horn glows softly as he levitates the glass in front of him.

I narrow my eyes slightly as I look across at him, "With respect, sir, not everyone has magic at their disposal."

Swift nods his head as he turns to Sunstreak, "I agree with the Captain. For a Unicorn, this type of equipment is worthless. But you forget that the entire Guard are not Unicorns. It will surely prove useful for units who have a limited number of Unicorn personnel at their disposal." I wasn't expecting any of the officers to stand up for me, particularly a Brigadier. It's good to know that I've got a senior officer on my side.

"That's all well and good," Spitfire calls out from across the table, "But what about the fact that many units who have requested funding have been denied since it has been diverted to this single unit?" I can't help but notice that Luna seems to be giving an irritated glare in Spitfire's direction upon her observation, likely annoyed by the fact that she decided to bring up this issue after their 'discussion'. Despite Luna's claim, I can't help but think that she did more than she claimed.

I lower myself back into my seat as I look to the Wonderbolt Captain, "You forget that these developments are to be available to all units, not just the Rangers. To show that I'm not working on equipment which will only benefit the Rangers, I have begun developing a weapon system to be used by aerial units, such as your own Wonderbolts." I lean back as I look to Chaser, "Sergeant, please step forward and present the aerial gauntlet."

Following my instructions, he steps forward and holds his forehoof out for the rest of the officers to see. Taking hold of his hoof, I move the weapon system into the ready position as Chaser holds it out. "This is one of the prototypes I am currently working on, this development only came about recently on our own initiative. It is an adaptation of the spear developed by the Solar Guard. It allows a Pegasus to mount the firing mechanism to their forehoof, acting as a lightweight weapon system which can be used in flight. It will allow them to carry out strafing runs on targets, all while reducing the impact of the extra weight of ammunition. When it's completed and has passed various testing, then you are more than welcome to the design."

Celestia nods her head, "Thank you for explaining the work you are carrying out, Captain." She slowly shifts her gaze over the other officers as they all turn to face her. "My sister and I believe that the work the Captain is carrying out will be beneficial for the entire Guard. As he explained to me, it is better to have this equipment available on standby in order to defend ourselves should the need arise. I want to reinforce that we are not looking to produce only weaponry for the Guard, but also defensive equipment to protect our guards."

"That is correct," Luna adds as she lifts her hoof towards my escorts. "Following the use of a chemical bomb in an attempt to attack his unit, the Captain has made sure that all of the guards under his command receive adequate protection. As many of you may have noticed, his escorts are even equipped with that protective equipment right now. He has ensured that his unit is fully trained with the use of the equipment and that everypony has access to it."

Nobody else decides to respond to Luna as she looks back and forth over them, knowing that their arguments will quickly be countered by her as soon as they throw them at us. As Celestia is about to continue with the meeting, Sunstreak lifts his head, "Your majesty, I'd like to raise another concern which a number of officers have before we continue, if I may?" Celestia nods her head as she looks to her General. Is he going to throw out the 'we think that the Captain is Luna's pet?' Spitfire said that a number of officers thought there was something going on, whether it be romantic, sexual or a drone who'll follow every order.

Sunstreak turns his gaze to me as he lifts his hoof, "Many of your senior ranks feel uneasy by the fact that you have this human, a foreign military officer, as a decorated officer within your own Guard." What? That is what this is about? A number of officers begin to murmur to one another as they focus on me. "Without any formal training, without sufficient security checks, and with little information on him, you let him join as an enlisted officer within our military."

I scoff as I roll my eyes, "No formal training? I spent an entire year at Sandhurst military academy as an Officer Cadet to reach my rank of a Second Lieutenant. Not to mention I spent half a year training as an engineer, followed by another fourteen months to transfer to an ATO, the skill which I'm utilising to create all of this equipment. I spent over a third of my military career in training, then I spent almost a year and a half, in total, in a foreign country during a war. I am formally trained, I had plenty of security checks in order to attend Sandhurst and I've been nothing but forthcoming about my information with regards to military service."

"So you claim," The General responds in a sceptical tone. "You haven't even taken the oath in order to enlist with the Guard."

I let out a soft chuckle as I shake my head in disbelief, "You're bringing all of this up, just because I haven't taken an oath? Fine... although I took an oath when I joined the army, I'll do another one to appease you." I fold my arms as I look around the room, "Will that make everyone happy?" Nobody responds as they seem more interested in how the General will respond.

Rather than having a go at me, Celestia breaks the silence, "I suppose that the formality may have been missed out during our haste in making preparations to deploy to Griffonia." She turns her head to the General, "As the Captain has yet to officially make the oath, will you carry out the ceremony?"

Sunstreak doesn't seem to be too thrilled with the Princesses response, but he fails to express his view. Reluctantly getting out of his chair, he steps around the table towards me as I copy his action. As we meet with one another, his horn glows a soft golden hue as he looks to me. "Raise your hoof." Not bothering to correct him, I raise my right hand as I look to him. His magic slowly connects to my hand, allowing me to feel it slowly pierce my skin and move to the centre of my chest. "This oath is protected by magic, the words and meaning becoming a part of you as they fix themselves to your life force."

I mentally roll my eyes at his choice of words. Despite my scepticism, I find a combination of words pushing themselves to the front of my head, my vision becoming filled with a golden text which is inscribed in the air in front of me. As my eyes scan through the words, a strange sensation begins to run through my chest, almost as though the meaning is literally being taken to heart.

When the General gives a slight nod, I begin to read the magical text before me. "I do solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm that as a member of the Guard of the Royal Sisters, I will bear true allegiance to the diarchy of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I will serve faithfully in accordance with the law, to protect the royal family and all subjects of whom they rule over. I shall observe and obey all orders of the Royal Sisters and of the Generals and officers set over me."

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"Tensions are continuing to rise around the Macintosh Hills," Swift states as he addressed the room. "The Diamond Dogs continue to regularly tunnel into the main hills and towards the infrastructure of nearby towns. This has caused numerous issues with the general population in the area. Primarily on the outskirts of Coltchester, the Diamond Dogs have caused cave-ins and have even had confrontations with the local gem miners."

"Are there any updates on the Ridge Cats in the region?" Shining asks as he leans against the table.

"Just the usual intelligence. Some minor movement of population groups, though that is to be expected from nomads. However, there has already been one altercation between the Diamond Dogs and the Ridge Cats."

"An altercation?"

Swift nods his head, "To put it mildly, yes. One particular tribe weren't too keen when they lost a cave network which linked to fire water as a result of Diamond Dogs digging around. There was a small skirmish. From what our scouts have gathered, six Ridge Cats were killed and nine Diamond Dogs met a similar fate." I remember fire water. From what I can remember, it seems to be similar to, or this worlds equivalent of oil.

I clasp my hands together on the table as I look to Swift, "Was this fight simply over fire water, or was it the result of something else?"

"Something else?" Swift repeats. "Nothing that we're aware of. The two groups haven't been on the best of grounds. It is possible that the loss of that particular source of fire water was the final nail in the coffin." Swift turns his attention to the Princesses, "Your highnesses, I know that you were reluctant to involve the Guard in this matter, but the situation has yet to improve. We need to consider options, if not the Guard, then something else needs to be done."

Celestia and Luna lean closer to one another as they begin to whisper, keeping their conversation hidden from the rest of us as we wait expectantly. After a brief moment, Luna turns her head, "What does everypony else think? We are open to suggestions."

"Reinforce the Guard at Coltchester," Thunder Strike calls out. "If there is a risk to our citizens, then we need to prepare. The more Guards, the better."

"More Guards?" Shining asks as he shakes his head. "That will only antagonise the situation. We need to seek an alternative approach to resolve the situation. Send some senior officers to establish meetings between the communities."

"A Diamond Dog and an Equestrian officer at the same table?" Sunstreak shakes his head as he chuckles softly. "That will definitely lead to a fight. They would likely act out against us in such a situation."

"We can't relocate the Diamond Dogs again," Spitfire states. "They were relocated after the attack in Ponyville. Relocating them will cause a lot of conflict, they likely won't go quietly."

The officers soon begin to talk over one another as they attempt to get their ideas heard. A variety of proposals are thrown around wildly, forcing the Diamond Dogs to move, creating zoning laws on tunnelling in the area, attempting to get the Ridge Cats to change their culture and find a permanent place to settle, and even building a wall around the town to prevent the Diamond Dogs from entering.

Getting tired of the constant bickering, Celestia raises her forehoof which gets the officers to quickly cease their arguments. "Thank you all for your input, but there is one officer who has yet to share his view." Turning her head, she looks directly to me. "Captain, what do you think would be a suitable solution to this issue?"

Thanks for putting me on the spot, Celestia. I run a hand over my chin as I look to the officers around me. "There is no perfect solution. No matter what we do, there will be consequences. I think deploying the military or increasing the garrison at this time would be a bad idea, it would look as though we're asking for a fight. We could keep other neighbouring garrisons on alert in order to respond if required, but we shouldn't move further."

"That's it?" A Major General asks as he scoffs. "Sit around until something happens?"

"I'm just saying that involving the military at this moment in time is a bad decision. It can be considered in the future, should the situation change, but not before then. In the mean time, however, I agree with Major Shining Armor. Attempt to establish meetings on neutral ground between the groups, find a peaceful solution. Always attempt diplomacy before taking military action. Just, maybe send an official diplomat instead of an officer of the army."

Nobody offers any sort of argument to my suggestion, everyone remains silent in their seats. Although Shining can be an irritating arse, he is right in this situation. I'd rather not see another conflict because we prematurely deployed a fighting force. With nobody else speaking up, Celestia looks over the rest of the officers. "All those in favour?" I look over everyone as a majority begin to raise their hooves, only a small percentage don't seem too keen on this idea. "Very well. My sister and I shall begin making preparations to set up a meeting."

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After many boring hours of diplomacy and bureaucratic nonsense, the meeting finally comes to an end. Everyone retires to one of the many parlour rooms around the castle, allowing officers to get some refreshments and mingle before returning to their rooms for the night or heading back to their garrisons. Sunny and Chaser didn't feel like sticking around after having to stand on the spot for hours, instead, they decided to store their kit in their rooms before heading into the city. I was half tempted to join them, but it's probably better for me to be sociable for at least a little while.

"Well," Hussar starts as she looks to me. "That could have gone worse."

I nod my head as I swirl a glass of rum in my hand, "True. I would have liked to propose a new training camp, but it's probably better to leave that idea for a little while longer."

"You did have the support of the others over what action to take in the south."

"That's different," I reply as I bring the glass to my lips. "I just expanded on Shining Armors opinion, not throw a new idea right at them. If I said 'hey, let's build a new army base for the Rangers to garrison and train new soldiers,' I bet I would have ruffled a fair few feathers."

Hussar releases a single scoff as she looks to me, "They probably would have torn you a new one."

"Yeah, I bet they would have. That's Ruperts for you, always shitting on everyone's parade. You weren't exactly very talkative in there."

"The second in command is mostly there as a formality. You'll primarily only have the commanding officers speak. We're just there to take official notes and act as your personal assistant."

I grin as I drain the last of my glass, "I always wanted a secretary."

Hussar rolls her eyes as she begins to move away, "Don't get used to it." As she leaves, I take another look around the parlour before wanting to call it a day. Resting the empty glass on a nearby table, I'm about to leave until I notice Spitfire stepping away from Soarin and Shining. As she goes to select another drink, I step alongside her. "Spitfire, can we have a word?" Spitfire doesn't speak, only giving a soft nod before the two of us step to a corner away from everyone else.

Looking up at me, Spitfire quickly drains the glass she just collected. "I-is this about the meeting? When I called you out on needing so much funding? I had to do it, the Wonderbolts wanted me to press the issue. Just tell Princess Luna that it was nothing personal against you two."

Nothing personal? Wait, why is she acting like this over asking about the funding? Unless... Luna did more than just talk to her like she claimed. I want to believe Luna, but I find myself quickly doubting her words. "Why would I need to tell Luna?"

"She didn't want me telling anypony about what I saw. Not that I did.... I just, don't want her thinking I did," Spitfire's response was almost too quick, her eyes darting around the room nervously as she spoke.

I quickly look over my shoulder to make sure that nobody else can overhear our conversation. Leaning closer, I whisper to her, "What did Luna say to you?" Spitfire remains silent as her eyes lower to the floor, discomfort clearly showing on her face. "Spitfire, I need you to tell me. She told me that she only had a conversation with you. Is that true?"

"N-no. She did more than talk."

I knew it. I had hoped she had only done as she claimed, but part of me couldn't believe that she'd only talk to Spitfire. I pinch the bridge of my nose as I release a sigh, "What did she do?"

Spitfire takes a deep breath as she closes her eyes. "She came to me in my dream, assaulting me with her magic and pulling my wing from its socket. She slowly began to pierce my wing with a knife. S-she... tortured me." My eyes widen as I take a step back, my hands clenching slightly. "She said that nopony would believe me, that it was all a bad dream, that she would be the only pony to prove that she was there. 'She could do anything and nopony would believe me, it's her word against mine'."

She's right, only Luna can enter dreams. If she claims that Luna tortured her, then she'll need proof to back up those claims. There has to be something to support her claim. "How do you know it really was her, and not just a dream?"

Spitfire remains silent for a moment, it is as if she can't think of a way to prove that it was really Luna in her dream. After a pause, her eyes open as realisation seems to hit her. "She said, that I would feel every piece of agony, until she allowed me to awaken or I died in the dream. 'That is how the Rangers train for combat'."

Fuck... there is no way that she knew about our training. Only my squad, Luna and Celestia are aware that we carry out training in dreams. Spitfire couldn't know about it, it's not like we go around bragging about our training in dreams. The only way she could have gotten that information is from my team... or Luna herself.

Leaving Spitfire where she is, I make my way for the exit and quickly leave the room. For fuck sake, Luna. Torture!? Are you fucking kidding me!? Don't you know better!? I storm through the halls as I make my way towards Luna's tower. Only a few servants are in the corridors as I pass, each of them giving me a wide berth as I stomp past them. Rushing up the spiral staircase, I look to the two Thestral guards posted outside. "Is the Princess in her study?"

"Yes sir, but she requested not to be" -Pushing past them, I throw the doors open and storm inside- "Disturbed." Before either of them can come after me, I slam the doors shut and face the desk in the centre of the room.

Looking at the desk, I look to a very surprised Luna as she eyes me with curiosity. Rubbing my face, I slowly pace towards her desk. "So, you only had an amicable discussion, did you?"

Luna sits up straight as she watches me in surprise, "What are you talking about, John?"

"When you got the funding back. You said that you only talked to Spitfire."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Luna responds as she maintains a stoic expression.

I release a frustrated groan as I rest my hands on the end of her desk, "Don't play stupid. I know what you can do in dreams, what you're capable of. The details she gave me were quite specific."

"What did she say I did to her?"

"That you did more than bloody talk."

Luna pushes her paperwork to the side as she watches me, "I certainly didn't do anything. She's lying if she said that I did anything else."

"'I could do anything and nopony would believe you, it's your word against mine'."

"What?" Luna asks as she slowly rises from her seat.

"That's what you told her."

"I never did anything of the sorts."

I lift my hand and pinch the bridge of my nose, "Then how did she know about the Rangers' training in dreams? You told her that. Only we know about that training." Luna doesn't respond as she keeps her eyes focused on me. "Care to explain?"

"She's lying!" Luna shouts as she slams her forehooves on the desk.

I give an unconvinced chuckle as I push back from the desk, "Really? You're getting awfully fucking defensive!"

"Because I'm right! Of course, I'm going to defend myself!"

"Then explain the training!? Explain it to me! How the fuck did she know about it!?"

"M-maybe she was talking to somepony in the Rangers. I have no idea!"

"Yeah... just as she stormed off from my office, she stopped to ask if we carry out our training in dreams!" I slam my fist down on the desk as I lock my eyes onto Luna's. "Don't bullshit me."

"I'm telling you the truth," Luna responds through gritted teeth. "She's lying."

"You're not being truthful. All ponies that I've come across are shit liars! I can see right through it!"

"Yet you failed to see through her lie!"

"Because I highly doubt she made it up on the spot. She isn't lying. You, however, are literally lying through your teeth." I release a sigh as I close my eyes. "I want to believe you... but... I don't."

Luna remains silent momentarily before removing her forehooves from the desk, "Then I don't know what to tell you, other than it's the truth."

"Would you stop fucking lying to me!" I shout back at her as I open my eyes once again.

"I'm not lying to you! Why would I lie to you, of all ponies?"

"Luna..." I step directly in front of her and stare into her eyes. "Look me in the eye... and tell me you didn't torture her."

Luna tries to keep her eyes locked onto me, but they involuntarily seem to break contact. "I didn't torture her."

I let out a frustrated groan, "I fucking knew it." She doesn't offer a response, only lowering her head as she looks at the desk. "How could you? Torture? Of all things."

"Do you think I wanted to do it!?" Luna shouts back as she locks eyes with me. "I had little choice. I can't allow either myself or my sister to be blackmailed, compromising the nation's security. I couldn't have anypony finding out about us. I did what needed to be done. Am I proud of it? No... but I had no choice. Ruling a nation isn't all sunshine and roses, you've got to do often unpleasant and unspeakable things."

"But not torture, Luna! It was uncalled for! I mean, for crying out loud, you could have mentally scarred her for life!"

"I'm sorry!" Luna snaps as her wings flare out. "There! Are you happy now!?"

"Of course not!" I respond as I step back towards the door. "You tortured her, one of your own officers. I cannot abide by torture, no matter the circumstances. And what makes it worse... is that you lied to my face. Clearly... there's still a bit of Nightmare Moon still within you, wanting to make others suffer."

Luna's eyes widen as she stomps towards me, "Y-you did not just say that! You think that I am heartless!? Wanting to watch ponies suffer!?"

"You're sure making it look that way!" Luna stares intently into my eyes, almost as though she's attempting to pierce my soul with her glare. "Oh, so am I your next victim!?" I shout back as I match her glare.

Luna is quickly taken aback by my comment as she steps back, "Why would you think that?"

"Cause you've done nothing but show that you're sticking out for numero uno... yourself." Before I can react, a pain shoots across my cheek as Luna's forehoof makes contact with my flesh. My head rocks to the side from the slap as I hold my hand to the sore skin.

"You think I'm heartless!?" Luna shouts at me, her eyes beginning to tear slightly. "Then what are you still doing here!? You clearly don't wish to be around somepony like me, so just go!" I lick my lip, being met by a minor taste of copper as I find a small cut on my bottom lip. Groaning, I throw the doors open, almost hitting the guards on the other side before slamming the doors shut behind me with all my might and marching back down the stairs

Torture! What the fuck was she thinking!? I can't believe her!