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Displacement

by hornethead

Chapter 57: Solstice

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Chapter 57: Solstice

*click, click, click*

*snap*

*click, click, click*

*snap*

James sat on a bench in front of his locker, fiddling with the revolver. Behind him, the door opened, letting Sparks into the ready room.

"You ready to go?"

James shoved the weapon in his shoulder holster and re-checked the 1911 in the holster on his thigh.

"Yeah, all good here. All the supplies loaded up?"

"Yep. You sure you want to do this? I mean, she did invite us as guests. You don't have to work."

"I know, but that Intel we got has me worried."

"You think something's gonna happen?"

"Crashing the Summer Sun Celebration would be a good distraction, focus everyones' attention away from the real action."

"Well, at least get some sleep on the way over, it's a long flight to Baltimare."

"Yep," James agreed as he stood up and hefted his rifle and made for the door, "and it's gonna be a long week."

=====================================================================

Hours later in the afternoon sun, the Clipper began it's descent to Horseshoe Bay. James was laid out on a bench in the main cabin, peacefully slumbering. Flash prodded him awake, gently rousing the sleeping man.

"Hey, we're here."

"Huh, what?"

"We're here, we're at Baltimare."

The human sat up and rubbed his face, "Alright, tell Myst to do a couple flyovers of the city and the surrounding area, especially the spot Celestia chose for the event this year. I want a good canvas and an understanding of the terrain and possible blind spots." James ordered.

"Got it." Flash walked up to the cockpit to relay the instructions.

James swung his feet down to the deck and stretched out his arms. On the bench across from him, Sparks was also napping. James got up and swatted the the unicorn a few times on his shoulder with the back of his hand.

"Rise and shine, princess, time to get to work."

The rusty red engineer yawned and stretched his body out on the bench, "Already? That was fast..."

The aircraft began banking slightly, angle gradually increasing as Myst put the Clipper into a lazy turn.

"C'mon, let's go," James urged, "we're gonna do a little scouting before we touch down."

Sparks jumped to his hooves, "Really? Awww, I was hoping to check out the city."

"Maybe later, right now we need to stake our claims," he picked up the binoculars and headed over to the ladder, "we're gonna make sure if there are any surprises, we see them coming."

"Half the Royal Guard will be here, if anything does happen, they'll be able to handle it."

"And if I do my job right, if anything does happen, they won't even know until after I've taken care of it."

"I guess there's no arguing with you..." Sparks huffed.

"As AJ's brother would say; Nnope." James replied as he began ascending the ladder.

James and Sparks spent the next few hours surveying Horseshoe Bay from the top deck of the Clipper, noting points of interest and positions with wide and unobstructed fields of view. Occasionally, they sent Flash down to take a closer look at the goings on and the construction for the event that was to take place in just a few days. Once he was satisfied with his team's understanding of the terrain, he had Myst put them down by a small stand of trees a short distance away from the grounds of the event.

James jumped down to the ground and walked around, stretching his legs and taking in the scenery. The spot where they had landed was on a wide, circular patch of land that made up the northern tip of the land that encircled the bay. To the west was a small isthmus that attached the tip of the 'horseshoe' to a strand of earth that led all the way back to the city of Baltimare. Behind him, Sparks and Flash began breaking out the camp gear while Myst shut down her airship for the day.

Stretching his chest and taking a deep breath, the human spun on a heel and went to help his team set up their sleeping arrangements for the night. He helped clear spaces of debris, dug a fire pit and chopped wood for the fire using an ax borrowed from the construction workers. He was in the middle of building a second pile of wood when his radio crackled with Myst's voice.

"Sorry to interrupt your labor boss, but we have company."

James picked it up from where it lay nearby and keyed the mic, "What kind we talkin' about?"

"Uh... it looks like your boss, boss."

"Shit."

"Yup."

"At least i got some warning, love your sharp eyes, babe."

"Ha ha, don't let Sparks hear you say that."

"Already did." Sparks replied over the radio.

"Whoops, my bad brother." James said jokingly.

"Don't worry, I don't really mind. Rainbow Dash on the other hoof..."

"Dude, don't joke."

"Yeah, be a shame if our commander came down a case of flying broken legs!" Flash snickered from behind James.

"Damn, you all in on this? Fucking pack of wolves, you three."

The four of them shared a brief laugh before Myst interrupted again, "That's great, that's great, but seriously, she's getting closer..."

"Alright alright, I'll move to intercept. Once you're all done, go ahead and chill, Flash, you got the first watch." James ordered

"Aww damn."

"Joke's on you, jende."

James swung the ax down into the log he was about to split, embedding it deeply into the wood where it stuck. He then broke into a quick jog, making his way around the stand of trees to the side facing the isthmus. In the distance, he could see a golden chariot being pulled by two pegasi of the Royal Day Guard flying fast and low towards him over the healthy green grass. Standing regally where the driver normally would was the goddess of the sun, Princess Celestia, with her flowing pastel colored mane and glowing white wings. As she came near and pulled to a stop, James stood at attention and delivered sharp and crisp salute to his current boss and ruler of the nation he now served.

"Please be at ease Commander," she said in her soothing voice as she stepped down from her transport, "this is not an official visit, I just wish to see how you are doing."

"Just fine, ma'am." the human replied curtly, "Myself and my team have just arrived and picked our spot for the night."

"Hmm, I see. They are all here I trust?"

"All except Garth. We talked it over and decided that he would stay back in Ponyville for the event. The townsfolk there are still pretty uneasy about his presence and we thought given that most of Equestria would be here for your event, having someone that might induce fear to that many individuals at once attending might not be in our best interests. Besides, he was adamant about completing his projects with Fluttershy." James quickly explained.

"An unfortunate decision, but perhaps it is for the best. I see you've chosen to rough it out here, away from the city. Are you sure you would not prefer to stay at one of the many fine hotels in town? I can have one of the Royal Suites reserved for you and your team at once."

"That's very generous ma'am, but I think we'll be just fine out here. Well...."

"Yes?" Celestia asked expectantly.

"It might be good for one of my team members to get a feel for the city."

"Commander, you wouldn't happen to have come out here to work under a Royal Invitation, have you?" The Princess asked suspiciously.

"Not exactly, I just like to have my bearings." The human said innocently.

"Hmm... Well, I would be happy to accommodate one of them. There is plenty of room on my chariot, just send them here and I shall take them back with me. Other than that, please enjoy your stay."

James shot off a quick salute, "Yes ma'am."

He spun around and marched back to the camp site. When he rounded the trees, Flash, Myst and Sparks were waiting for him. James walked over to the group and stood in front of them.

"So, what'd she say?" Flash asked him.

"Not much, just welcoming us here. Oh, and Sparks, I'm sending you back with her, check out the city."

"Alright!"

"You know what," James continued, "we should stay in pairs, take Myst with you."

"Really?!" The two unicorns exclaimed in unison.

"Yeah, really. You better hurry up though, she's waiting on you both."

Upon hearing this, the two unicorns bolted in opposite directions, Myst to her ship, Sparks to his tent, to gather some personal items. Myst grabbed a small overnight bag from the cockpit while Sparks just grabbed a vest and some toiletries. Myst trotted with her bag around the trees to where the Princess was waiting. Sparks went to follow, but James stopped him before he left.

"You got protection?" James asked him.

"Ha, of course I do. I keep one in my wallet all the time. Besides, I can buy more in-- "

"C'mon. Not that kind. I mean the other kind. The kind we use.

"Oh." Sparks turned his head and lifted a corner of his vest with the tip of his horn revealing a holstered pistol. "Always ready."

"Outstanding. Let's hope you don't have to use it at all."

"For sure."

"Alright, have a good trip. Make sure you both come back early on game day."

"You got it."

Sparks snapped off a quick salute and trotted after the pilot. James briefly watched them go before walking back over to where he had left the ax and yanked it out of the log to resume his task. As he set up to split the next log, Flash walked over to him.

"Just the two of us, huh?"

"Yep." James grunted as he swung the ax down, producing a loud crack as the ax head split the log in twain.

"Uh... how are we gonna start the fire?"

James paused, lowering the ax to his side, "What do you mean?"

"Well, Sparks usually started our camp fires and I can't find the matches anywhere."

"Shit."

Hours later, James was sitting by a crackling fire, sipping some water and eating an oatmeal cake. He didn't particularly like the taste, but it was filling. He and Flash had finally gotten the fire started by using an old flint and steel kit that James had found in the vault a few months back. They hadn't been successful at first as they had no real kindling to speak of down by the bay shore, but James took one of the rifle rounds and knocked the bullet off the top with a rock. After sprinkling the explosive powder around the bottom log and spraying it with sparks from his flint kit, the wood ignited with a whoosh and a flurry of smoke.

A dull red crescent moon was rising over the ocean in the east, Its light slowly eating up and blocking out that of the stars around it. James had taken over the watch and sent Flash off to bed, leaving him alone to stare up at the beautiful night sky and meditate on his thoughts. He had built a good life for himself here in Equestria, and even though the violence he had fought in his former home had seemed to follow him here, he was somewhat content with what he had done. There were regrets. He had left behind his best friend in the world when he got here, he had lost another due to his lack of situational awareness and he was afraid of what he might have to do to prevent losing anyone else.

Absent mindedly, James pulled the slim chain that hung around his neck out from his shirt and fiddled with the small incandescent gem attached to the end. Feeling restless, he rose to his feet and walked down to the shore where the water met the sand and gazed out over the endless empty expansion of space that stretched seemingly infinitely on across the water. James had always been good at planning ahead, assuring himself to be ready for almost any situation. However he knew that he could not prepare for everything and there was an infinite amount of variables he would never be able to think of. He could handle the consequences of his actions that only affected him, but when those consequences could touch the ones he loved was what worried him most.

=====================================================================

"You got a good view up there?" James asked into the radio, craning his neck up to the still darkened sky.

"Sure do, got the best seat in the house." Flash reported.

High above, the charcoal shaded pegasus was reclining in a soft fluffy cloud. James was down below him, strolling in his civilian attire amongst the thick crowd of ponies that had been gathering and growing since the night before. Sparks was doing the same, patrolling around the mass of bodies for anything suspicious. Myst was back with her airship, the stand of trees where they had chosen to stay had been roped off and declared off limits, which wasn't much of an issue since unless you climbed high up into the tree tops, or to the top deck of the Clipper, the event would be obstructed by the surrounding leafy branches.

Although James and his crew was technically attending in a recreational capacity, he felt it necessary to at least stay on their toes. He didn't worry too much, as the company of Royal Guardsponies that were overseeing the event had been personally selected by Captain Shining Armor. Still, it never hurt to be careful. James patted the spot under his arm where his shoulder holster sat, feeling the reassuring shape of his M1911 under the vest he wore. The revolver he had left in the Clipper with the rest of his equipment. Hopefully, he wouldn't have to use any of it.

James began meandering towards the front where the low stage had been built. Close behind it was a medium sized tent with myriad royal decorations where the Princess Celestia was preparing to raise the sun to begin the longest day of the year and set off the celebration that would last until nightfall. Focused as he was on the movements and sounds of the crowd around him, James wasn't particularly paying attention to the way he was walking which resulted in him accidentally bumping into one of the attending ponies who was wearing a flowing sundress of orange and yellow with a large floppy straw sun hat.

"Ouch!"

"Whoops, sorry, I didn't mean to run into you." The human apologized.

The pony started to turn around, "It's quite all right, I'm sure you-- James! What a pleasant surprise!"

"Rarity? What're you doing here?"

"Oh please, all the most fashionable ponies attend this event every year, it's the perfect time to show off our summer styles. Besides, Twilight invited us along, how could we refuse? She never misses a single Summer Sun Celebration you know..."

"Us?" James inquired.

"Why yes, both Pinkie Pie and Applejack have accompanied us here, though I haven't the slightest idea as to where they've run off to. Probably already stuffing their faces no doubt." The purple maned unicorn said with a hint of annoyance.

"Oh, RD didn't come?" James asked a bit anxiously.

"No dear, I'm terribly sorry. She wanted to, but work came as a priority. The weather team in Ponyville has been planning a massive summer shower for a good time now, it seems they are finally following through with it."

"Ah, well." James said, downtrodden, "I'll see her tomorrow."

"I'm sure you will." Rarity replied with a smile. "Oh look! It's starting!"

James looked where the fashonista had now focused her attention. James turned his eyes towards the stage and saw that Celestia was now standing in the middle of the stage, Twilight was standing a little ways off to the side. Behind them both, a soft glow began to appear on the horizon where the sky met the sea. Up on the stage, Celestia's horn began glowing, gradually building in intensity. James decided to do one last check.

"Any of you see anything?" He called into the radio.

"Nope."

"Negative."

"All clear."

"Good. Enjoy the show."

James watched at the light on the horizon became brighter and brighter. A sliver of flame peeked out over the edge of the water. Then, all at once, Celestia flapped her powerful wings and propelled her self up into the air. She hung above the stage as the sun jumped up behind her, illuminating her form from behind and casting a silhouette over the crowd of ponies. It was one of the most beautiful things James had ever seen.

Celestia lowered herself back down to the ground to a multitude of ponies lauding her with stomps of their hooves. It nearly caught James off guard, he almost thought it was a stampede. The 'applause' began to die down, Celestia stepped forward in preparation to give a speech.

"Citizens!" She started in a booming regal voice, "Now begins the Summer Sun Celebration!" This was met with more cheers and applause, "Enjoy yourselves on this, the longest day of the year. The summer months are halfway through and soon we shall once again transition into the fall and winter months. So I urge you all to rejoice and be merry, before we return to short days and cold mornings."

When she finished, another cheer went up from the mass of earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi. Celestia retreated from the stage and the crowd began to disperse, making their separate ways to the vendors and food stalls that had set up the day before.

"How did you like it?"

"Huh?"

"I asked you how you liked the Princess' performance." Rarity said.

"Oh, sorry. I was a little distracted." James apologized, "It was really good. Pretty cool to see how things work around here. Does she raise the sun like that every morning?"

"Oh heavens no. It's usually quite a droll affair, more of a casual occurrence. She is quite powerful, after all."

"Uh.. yeah."

"Hey boss." Flash's voice crackled in James' ear.

"Yeah, what's up?"

"We got some movement to the rear of the crowd, western end. I see a bunch of ponies getting shoved around, a lot of them look pretty scared."

"Alright, I'm on my way."

Rarity, having only heard half the conversation, looked quite perplexed, "James, what's going on if you don't mind me asking?"

"Uh, nothing, probably. Just go ahead and enjoy yourself, I have something to take care of." James started walking off in the direction Flash had told him.

"Oh, ok. Shall we meet up again later?"

"Yeah, sure, see you later." James said almost dismissively. He was now in work mode, his mind pushing out all distractions.

"Hey James, I see what the problem is. We got a pale green earth pony, light gray mane, stallion. It looks like he was attacking some mares, he just broke away and is now weaving through the crowd at a fast pace." Flash informed.

"Got it, I'm moving." James replied as he broke into a run.

The human wove through, dodged and hurdled ponies as he sprinted to the location of the situation with determined speed. Soon, he saw a break in the crowd as it began to thin out and spotted the target. James saw that the pony in question was carrying several bags, his first thought automatically jumped to explosives. The pale green stallion saw the human barreling towards him and galloped off in fear. James was fast, but a full grown stallion could still out pace him. He briefly contemplated drawing his weapon, but dismissed the thought, there were too many civilians, if he missed an innocent could take the bullet instead.

"Flash--"

"Already on it."

The silvery maned pegasus dove from his fluffy white perch and aimed directly for the target. The earth pony was fast, but the pegasus was faster. Flash plowed into the target, knocking him down to the ground and pinning him there. James caught up just a moment later. As he got to the scene, the human started clearing it of civilians.

"Everyone back, get back, it could be dangerous." He ordered.

All the ponies around them enthusiastically complied, getting as far away from the action as they could. James walked over to where his teammate had the stallion pinned.

"Hey, check this out." Flash said amusingly.

He bent down and gripped something with his teeth. With a flick of his neck, he whipped his head around and tossed the object at James' feet.

"My purse!" A mare from the crowd cried.

The gray maned stallion began to bawl, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'll never do it again, just please don't hurt me!"

James face palmed, "Are you serious? Fucking thieves."

"Yeah, he's got quite the haul." Flash produced six more purses.

A unicorn and two pegasi in Royal Guard armor galloped to the scene, "What's going on here? I demand an explanation!" The unicorn barked.

James turned to confront him, "Commander Kaughn here, RSTG. Just got a common purse thief here, nothing to worry about."

"Sir, Lieutenant Stryde, I'm in charge of security for this event." The unicorn gave a salute.

"Carry on, Lieutenant. He's all yours if you want him."

"Of course." He looked over his shoulder to the two pegasi, "Blaster, Comet, restrain the perpetrator."

Flash got up and backed away from the earth pony and the two pegasi guards moved in and affixed linked chain cuffs to the stallions hooves before pulling him up to his legs and awkwardly leading him away to a holding area.

"Thank you for your assistance Commander. I apologize for whatever inconvenience this may have caused." The unicorn said to the human.

"It's all good, thanks for hauling him off."

"Enjoy your day, sir." The lieutenant gave a curt nod which James returned before he turned around and trotted after his two subordinates and their prisoner.

"Well, that was anti-climactic." Flash said offhandedly.

"I'm glad it was." James replied to him.

"So what now?"

"I don't know about you, but I just want to relax."

"You, relax? Now I've heard everything." Flash joked.

"By the way, I heard Pinkie's around here somewhere. If you hurry, you might find her before she eats too much candy."

"Really, she's here?"

"Yup."

"Why didn't you say so earlier!?" Flash said in annoyance.

With two powerful strokes of his wings, Flash took off and zoomed out over the crowd in search of the mare. James began walking over to the food vendors, feeling like he needed a snack. He also wanted to track down Rarity and Applejack, Twilight he assumed would be with the Princess.

"Hey, everything good?" Sparks asked on the radio.

James keyed up his mic, "Yeah, we're all good here. Go ahead and have Myst lock down the Clipper and bring her out to the party. We've had our excitement for the day, let's have some fun."

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