Two Hours Later,

Southern Ukrainian SSR, Aboard a train headed from Sevastopol to Moscow

Starlight Glimmer stared out the train cars window, taking in the scenery. She was amazed by the fact that in this human world, the trees and the weather were fully autonomous and out of the control of the humans. Back in Equestria, these were entirely under the control of the equine residents of that fair land. Starlight turned her attention away from the scenery and towards Valentovich.

“How long did you say that this train ride would be?” asked Starlight.

Her human guide looked up from his book, What is to be Done? “Approximately 30 hours, not counting the handful of breaks that we will be taking at secure locations in the countryside.”

“Secure locations? Are we in some kind of danger?” asked Starlight.

“Oh no,” replied Valentovich. “The NKVD, our state security apparatus, simply wants to be abundantly cautious. The appearance of a magical unicorn in the countryside could provoke violence from some of our more superstitious rural folk.”

“I’m sure that the sizable detachment of soldiers that are assigned to protect us could deal with any vigilante,” said Starlight, referring to the contingent of nearly two dozen Red Army soldiers in the adjacent train cars.

“My instructions were to get you to Moscow and to obey the pre-approved route,” replied Valentovich, curtly.

Starlight simply nodded her assent. It’s not like she had much of a choice.

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the lack of update yesterday. I was busy with homework and school. I'll try to stay to my daily upload schedule.