Stalwart heard his stomach growl loudly and then laughed, "Guess it's time for a lunch break. What are you in the mood for?"

She shrugged. "Whatever you are sir."

“Oh really?” Stalwart eyed her skeptically, “Sounds like a cop out answer though. Tell you what, let's get something light, so we can really enjoy this place you want to show me later. What about that cafe there? A refreshing carrot and tomato salad would certainly do the trick, or their sandwiches."

"You’re in charge. I'm just the one who obeys" She said with a small smirk

Stalwart shook his head actually looking a bit stern. "If that's all you think you are here for then you're gravely mistaken about what it means to be in the guard. Off you get."

"Wasn't what I was going for, but the double meaning seems lost." She chuckled, giving him a smile. "Yes, a salad does sound good, I only meant I know two places in Canterlot outside the castle to eat."

"Ah, then yes, I’m afraid I missed whatever the other meaning was. Sorry." He shrugged.

"I figured you would, due to yours and Dawn's bedroom activities."

"Ah, now I gotcha. We'll see what we can do." Stalwart smirked as they headed to the cafe, "Want me to get something to take out for the others? I’ll order for everypony."

"Ah, no it’s fine. Chryssy and Violet won't be joining us. Though I'm sure they could find us easy enough, I didn't exactly give them a time to meet, and a radio would raise questions. "

"A what now?" Stalwart paused and shook his head a couple times, "You know what, nevermind, then let's go in."

"I'll show you some time. It's a pretty neat little device." Twilight said as they stepped into the café.

"I'm sure it is."

Stalwart headed to the cafe's line and waited patiently for their turn, Twilight stood beside him looking around. He was about to ask more, but decided against it

He thought about asking her about being a parent, and having two mare parents in a sense, but knew it was going to come out rudely and it wasn't the place to ask. Such things were common enough he shouldn’t have to rely on them to learn.

"What is it boss?" She asked as she looked at him

"It's nothing, we can talk about it later.” He dismissed, “There's some things books won't teach you when it comes to being a parent. Dawn only kinda gets it..."

"Oh you are most definitely right. Books only partly prepare you for it."

The line had advanced quickly and in very short order, they were at the head of the line.

"I'd like a tomato salad with a side of oats please."

"I'll take some daisy sandwiches." She said. "Three."

The clerk gave them their total, and Stalwart paid. They then moved to the counter where the food was put together, out of the way of the rest of the line.

"So then sir any pointers?"

"About what?"

"Being a guard or anything."

"Well, around here, we generally have good ponies. There are those that like to stir up trouble, steal from others, but in the end, they give up what they have pretty quickly. Jail time is not something they enjoy unless they're homeless, and we have facilities for that."

"Makes sense." She nodded as the two plates were placed on the counter for them to pick up. Stalwart picked up the order for them and led the way to a table. Once there, he closed his eyes briefly, took a deep breath, then started to eat

"Everything ok?" She asked as she started to eat

"Yeah, why?" He looked up at her, a hint of confusion on his face.

"You closed your eyes for a bit there."

"Oh, it's a habit of my mom's, she mumbles under her breath over her food sometimes. Says she's giving thanks to the ponies who grew it and brought it to us and stuff like that."

"Ah, I see. Makes sense." She nodded before starting to eat

He continued to eat at his own pace, hoping she enjoyed her sandwiches as well, see how it compared. The place was busy, plenty of ponies chatting away about various subjects related to them as they ate.

"Pretty decent place." Twilight said after a few bites.

"Want any of my oats? I don't mind sharing" Stalwart smirked as he used a hoof to scoot the bowl toward the middle some.

"Naw I'm good." She said, already almost completely having polished off her meal. When he shrugged, she piped up again. “So where to next boss?"

"Might go around the other outskirts.” Stalwart hummed, “If we had more time we'd visit the Everfree Patrol, but then again.. hmm."

"Sounds good to me." Twilight said as the bell above the door chimed.

"Move it!" Someone said and the sound of someone being shoved into an object that clattered was heard from near the counter.

Stalwart immediately looked over to the commotion, alerted by the sudden sound.

He saw three ponies, a unicorn and two earth ponies. Both were wearing orange bandanas on their forelegs, and were forcing their way to the counter. One of the earth ponies of that group got to the front and shoved a small black L-shaped thing into the face of the worker behind the counter.

"Open the damn register now!" He demanded as the other two carried simile items with the other EP carrying a larger black object then the other two.

Stalwart stood up and approached, fully intent to intervene in this strange occurrence.

"What's going on here?" he announced loudly to them as he approached, causing the unicorn to look at him and float another black L-object in his direction.

"What it looks like, you fucking Screw. Now sit down and shut up and don't try to be a hero." The unicorn spat

"You really picked a bad day for this." Stalwart snorted, looking between them and deciding which target to rush first.

"Yeah? I'm not the one going to end up in a body bag." The unicorn snorted back. The back of the thing moved, making a click sound.

Stalwart didn’t know what hit him as he braced himself for a charge. It felt like a tackle from the side from a small building and he was on his side while a loud bang echoed and ponies started to scream in fear and confusion.

Stalwart grunted, not having been knocked off his hooves so hard or easily since the time he fought Nightfall those two years ago. He heard the bang and grimaced before trying to get back up and apprehend the offenders.

"Stay down!." Twilight still disguised ordered and got up.

"Fucking screws always traveling in packs." The unicorn said as he took aim again.

Before he got off a shot Twilight rushed him grabbing the pistol from his magic and yanking it from his grasp before head butting them in the forehead causing the unicorn to stumble back.

"Damn it." The pony at the counter cursed.

The earth pony quickly turned his pistol in her direction. Another bang rang out half a second later, but Twilight dove to the side, rolling out of the way of his aim.

Twilight came up on her hooves with a plate from a table held by a spell. She flung the dish like a frisbee and hit the earth pony just below the neck. He grunted in pain and winced, missing that a second one went straight for his head.

The earth pony crumpled with a loud clatter of porcelain breaking as his weapon fell to the floor.

"Gods damn it!" The last earth pony in the group said as he brought his own gun up to aim.

Twilight ran as he aimed for her. Several bangs in a row echoed in the space. Hardly anyone noticed the holes being made in the wall behind Twilight, seeing how this guard was running around and distracting the criminal.

Twilight quickly hit the ground, sliding. She grabbed one of the dropped pistols and slid to a stop. With silent practiced precision, she pulled the trigger, and blood started to flow from the earth pony.

He cried out in pain, wincing and shakily bringing his pistol up as he leaned on a nearby shelf to prop himself up and blood dripping from that leg.

A second shot rang out and the gun he held clattered to the ground and a second leg was dripping blood onto the floor, leaving the pony grimacing on the floor with it.

The unicorn got back to his hooves and grabbed a knife from a table in his magic, facing the mare.

"Come here bitch!"

Twilight pushed off the floor and charged him, doing exactly what he asked. His eyes widened slightly even as he tried to move the knife into position with his hoof.

In another second, she was on him, grabbing his knife hoof and delivering a swift jab resulting in a popping sound from the leg and a cry of pain from the unicorn.

Two quick blows to the face and the unicorn crumpled to the floor, knocked completely cold. She looked over to the pony she had shot prior, and sighed as she saw him trying to crawl to the door. A plate happened to float from one of the tables, and a few seconds later, he was taking a mandatory nap on the floor.

Stalwart stood after this, hearing a ringing in his head from the sounds prior. He looked on in surprise at the injuries to the ponies, but kept focused and went to help arrest the now unconscious attackers with some rope from his uniform’s pouch. He began tying them up soundly with his supplies before getting out what was needed to treat the bleeding pony.

Twilight looked around to confirm there were no more active targets before visibly relaxing and letting out her breath and going to secure the firearms.

Stalwart grumbled under his breath quietly, not understanding the situation and wanting an explanation before he looked up at the door. More of his fellow guardsmen were coming onto the scene.

"We heard a lot of loud noises from this area! Is anypony hurt?" the head guard of the group of five that came called out.

Stalwart sighed inwardly, though he didn’t know if it was in relief or something else, and stood.

"These guys. These three ponies are guilty of attempting to rob this cafe.” Stalwart said, then started to give orders, fully intent to pull rank. “Check the civilians for injuries or casualties then help with escorting these to the jails."

The guards saluted then went to their task, spreading out and making sure everypony present was ok.They didn't seem to question him, going to attention before dispersing and checking out the surroundings for any injuries.

"We may have an issue, Captain,” Twilight reported at Stalwart. “one that may need a higher authority to be aware of."

Stalwart looked her in the eye then nodded, "I understand. Guardsmen, we're going on ahead to make a report. I want the ponies that were here kept around for possible questioning as witnesses and for protection. Keep them safe. I'll explain more in your debriefing."

"Sir!" Those in range called with a brief salute, as they continued their duties.

Stalwart shook himself free of dust, then looked expectantly at her, keeping up their disguise, "Guardsmare, I believe you have every right to be a part of this. Will your report be ready now or later?"

"Now, sir." She said.

"Very well. With me then." Stalwart said, making a quick march straight for the castle, already expecting that she would be at his side or behind him. He had questions, but they would wait.

Twilight followed behind, her expression serious. They ignored the looks of ponies who seemed to look at them with intrigue Once on the short road to the castle, out of earshot of anyone else, she heard Stalwart take a deep breath.

"So, what were those loud noises? I've never heard anything like that before, was that all those things do, make noises loud enough to hurt?"

"Guns." She said. "Machines that spit bits of metal ate a high speed."

Stalwart looked at her in stunned surprise, brow twitching back and forth very subtly as he started piecing things together. He thought back to the criminal pony who was injured and then slowed his pace as a critical realization hit.

"Wait... that could kill ponies! What the hay were they thinking!?" He exclaimed, looking to her for answers.

"That's exactly what they were thinking. They are weapons." She said. "Doing whatever the user wants, and those three wanted to use them to rob that place and almost made you into a statistic."

Stalwart tried his hardest not to freeze on the spot, helped by the fact that there were a couple guardsponies up ahead they were already in sight. He processed this new intent of those ponies and re-quickened his pace.

"I'll ask more when we're alone. I don't want to talk about this standing out here." Stalwart quietly said.

"Probably a good idea yeah." Twilight nodded, catching the meaning.

Stalwart went onward toward the castle and down the main hall toward the audience chamber where Celestia was sitting, reviewing a long scroll of items with her attendant. Twilight followed and waited to be acknowledged along with Stalwart

Celestia soon looked over her scroll for a change of scenery and to see her attendant, when she spotted Stalwart.

"Oh, Stalwart, can I help you?" she asked, tone courteous and formal.

"A situation has come up that we must discuss rather urgently, in private." He said simply.

"I see.” Celestia said, pausing and giving him a look over. She set the quill down slowly and noticed the look of dead seriousness by the time she finished, and nodded. “Come then."

Celestia got up from her seat and moved away from it to the side. She turned to face one of the doors that were behind the thrones and opened it before stepping inside.

Stalwart and Twilight moved to the room as well, hoofsteps echoing on the tile until they reached the carpeted room, merely holding a room with a decent sized table, a few chairs tucked under the table, and a few lanterns on the walls. Stalwart allowed twilight to enter first, closing the door behind them.

"Mind making sure we're not overheard?" he asked Twilight.

Twilight nodded and her horn glowed. A moment later the walls glowed as well, then faded. "It's done. Only a powerful magic user will be able to get through."

"What is the meaning of this?" Celestia turned to him for an explanation, her expression hinting at sternness should this be a waste of time.

"Somepony, a group of them, just tried to rob a cafe we were just at for lunch, with intent to kill." He said coldly.

"We have a major problem besides that." Twilight explained as she dropped her disguise and looked at her with concern. She pulled the guns from her saddle bag, not having trusted the guards with them prior. "They were armed with these."

Celestia looked between them and the objects, surprise evident on her face as she examined the tools. She looked down at them after a few seconds of evaluation before speaking. "And these are?"

"Guns. To be precise, a Hemil 9mm and a Carlton machine pistol." She said. "Point is, they are weapons from my world, and they were in the hooves of three ponies wearing the Morning Stars colors, which is a gang outfit from Manehatten."

She looked between them both with grave seriousness, "You mean to tell me that there are more from your world, and they were willing to kill to get what they wanted?"

"At least this group, there may be more.” Twilight warned. “We have a relatively low crime rate for our population, so if it was random then if there are more, they are mostly likely random citizens who are lost and confused."

"I see...” Celestia paused and considered, looking down at the weapons before looking back up to Twilight, “Do we know why this happened, or have any way to tell what others are out there?"

"Not till they come forward. These three most likely were alone and without money or anywhere to stay. But here the thing, the Morning Stars are only in Manehatten. For these three to be here means they ended up here when they arrived, so my people could be anywhere."

Celestia took a deep breath and let it out slowly, having her eyes closed as she considered her options. An uncomfortable pause passed for a good half a minute before she reopened them and turned to Twilight.

"This is rather concerning, for a variety of reasons. Will we have any way of knowing just how many others came? As far as Dawn reported, there was only one portal that opened, and that's where you came in."

"Not till they come forward or are found." She said. "They shouldn't be hard to find as they will be very much out of place and lost. Some may adapt. The only issue is if they think it's safe to come forward. "

"Do you have any recommendations?" she asked, eyeing Twilight more critically.

"Try to make sure the guard doesn't seem like a threat. If they do, we have taught our citizens to avoid discovery and wait for rescue unless absolutely necessary."

"Why would the guard seem like a threat?” Celestia looked at her confused, “They're here to protect just as are yours would be, right?"

"Not all of Equestria are friendly."

Celestia took another deep breath and seemed to give some thought staring at the weapons still displayed, then turned to Stalwart.

"What do you make of this so far Captain?"

"Well,” he replied, stiffening up his posture at the reminder of his rank, “considering that we now have confirmed there are others, it might be best if we gathered them and put them in one convenient place to be rescued, but on the other hoof, it punishes those who want to live peacefully with our own populace. I'd say it depends on what Twilight thinks will happen for the rescue group in looking for those who've come to this world."

"Honestly, gathering up them is a good idea. Most might not realize they aren't alone here and it would make things easier on both sides. Those who want to stay can stay of course, I won't stop them. But yeah, it would be easier than the rescue team having to try and gather them all up."

"Very well. I'm afraid the treasury might not support all of your people for very long, but we can review the map to see where you can safely settle for the time being." Celestia said before she stopped, her horn glowing and there was another awkward silence for about a minute or two.

"What is it?" Twilight asked.

"It seems I barely managed to reach Dawn before she bought her tickets back home.” Celestia replied with a smile as her horn stopped glowing, “I would like to request you stay for a meeting tomorrow, the soonest I can afford some time to review our maps together." She paused and looked more somber. "I also wanted to express my apologies for yesterday. There is much that is going on that has filled my mind of late, but it was no excuse for judging your circumstances as I had before."

She eyed her. "What sort of circumstances?"

"It seems," She said after letting out a sigh, "That Discord is finding this incredibly amusing, and has mentioned something about the boundary between our world and yours is not quite so well defended any longer. I tried to get more out of him, but he seemed to want to go to someplace called the 'Bahamas,' and pull out some sort of sword in a stone."

"That....is concerning."

"You're telling me.” She sighed again, “I've been trying to get Fluttershy to get in touch with him, but she hasn't heard from him either, and won't until their next tea time in three days."

"In the meantime, you may want to lock down the diner and secure the prisoners, as well as all evidence of them."

Celestia hummed briefly as she visibly thought, even bringing a hoof up to her chin. Twilight remained silent as she watched. Celestia shook her head after only another few seconds.

"I'm not sure about locking down the diner, that would lead to more questions, but ponies willing to kill over money at a diner will definitely need to be held with great degree of caution."

"Yes they will. And I meant locked down till you can removed the evidence."

"I get what you're trying to say there, but they'll still remember it happened." Celestia replied, concerned.

"Talk to the witnesses. That is, if you still want to keep this quiet?"

"I do, though I wonder if it is truly possible to hold back that knowledge for much longer, especially with Discord possibly sowing some of this chaos himself."

Twilight merely shrugged. It wasn’t her problem, and this world could do with that secret being widely known for their own defence.

"I will return to this discussion tomorrow when everypony can be present.” Celestia hummed again, an idea cooking in her head and she continued with a certain look in her eyes, “I think I have an idea or two of what can be done, but I will need this time to weigh our options. Is there anything else we need to be aware of?"

"Just that I'll be keeping the guns. I'd rather not have them in the hooves of the untrained."

"That's fine. I do not want such weaponry used if there is any other alternative available."

"I'll do my best but I make no guarantees."

"I understand." She nodded. "If you'll excuse me, I have other responsibilities that still need attending to. I will be sure my sister is present as well if we can manage it."

"By your leave?" Twilight asked, confirming their dismissal.

"You came to me bringing this news, you may leave if you wish at any point."

Twilight simply nodded, donned her disguise again, and saluted. Stalwart provided his own salute before leading the way out, waiting at the doorway for Twilight. She followed him out the door and they left amid some glances in the courtroom until they rounded the corner.

"Well, that was a bit of news..." Stalwart said

"I'll say." She said.

"On the plus side, you get to see some of the ponies from back home come together again, so that's bound to be a plus, right?"

"I suppose. Let's just hope they aren't causing trouble by accident."

"I hope not. Would there be some sort of flyer or key phrase that only they would know about so we can make one? Maybe that's how we can identify them and give them a clue." He offered.

"Anything with the army insignia." She said as they left the palace.

"What if we made a flier with that insignia, or a badge of sorts, so it's a subtle clue to those who would know?" he paused and shook his head, "Then again, if they came here in Canterlot when they were in Manehattan, and could be anywhere in Equestria. Unless we know that there won't be any more coming, then it'd be a constant effort for little gain..."

"Yup. Though those three may have arrived at the same time for all we know.

"We really need to find out. The idea of Discord toying with us, or using this as a chance for his foolishness." he growled, unable to express any more words at that. He struggled to think straight as they walked the halls. "I want to say have a flier up, but we don't want just anypony asking about it or giving away what it is and getting our own residents involved…”

"Yeah, that is the issue." She said

"Is there anything else that you can use to test them, perhaps something that's common only in your world?"

"Technology.” Twilight mentioned before adding, “Music."

"Now we're talking.” He said, ideas firing up, “Maybe the flier with your icon can get the initial interest, then with you or Chrysalis, you can hold some sort of interview thing and ask about those when they come... it'd be tedious, but lets them come to you and screen out those not from the world, right?"

"Yeah." She shrugged

"Is your emblem easy to recreate?" He asked, pausing as a guardspony passed by.

"Gold shield with crossed swords and dark green EDF in the middle." She said casually once he was gone.

"I see... well, if you can make it once, we have ways to copy it for you. Should we just have one in each major city or what?"

"And decent sized town. Most people would head for a population center for easy tracking unless being hunted."

"Seems good to me. Feeling any better about being here with that plan of action or no?"

"Of course, plans always help."

"I guess some things about someone are always the same across all worlds, eh?”

"Yes. Plans mean I have some idea of what to do."

He shook his head. It wasn't quite what he meant, but wasn't worth arguing, not with his wife coming into view on the road outside.

Twilight smiled and bowed as she got close. "Evening, Princess."

Dawn blinked then bowed in return, "Greetings to you too. Do you know Stalwart from s-" She paused as Stalwart started to snicker, "It's Twilight isn't it."

"The Princess of Friendship?" Twilight asked. "I'm Leadweight, a new guard. the captain has been showing me the ropes all day, he is very skilled."

"Except my husband has a hard time holding back laughter when he knows he's trying to deceive me, like how I do in that respect. Besides, you've used that name with me before." she smirked.

"I’m sure I don't know what you are talking about as this is the first time we've met."

She sighed and looked over to Stalwart, "So, what have you been up to? Celestia told me to hold off leaving for at least until after tomorrow, possibly longer."

"Well... we were on patrol, but there was an incident at lunch. We'll need to talk it over in private though, the usual."

"Joy..." she said with a sigh. "Well, at least we'll get to have a good dinner tonight. I fully intend to order more of that pretzel cheese dip thing for an appetizer."

Twilight couldn't help chuckling

She smirked, "you're invited too private, since you seem to know my husband so well already."

"Oh yes so very well. He is very good at showing a private her place."

She eyed her, a mischievous curiosity in place, "Is that so... Well Stalwart, if you take on another trainee, I hope you instruct them well."

Twilight blinked, confused at this turn of events.

"We'll see how this private turns out first.” He chuckled, “After all, they have to pass a few tests to get to that point. Lessons one through 15."

"Hey, isn't that a bit much? you know how much I struggled with 12..."

"Just because you did, doesn't mean she will."

Twilight blinked. This was not going according to plan. "Eh?"

"All in due time, Leadweight.” Stalwart laughed, “All in due time."

This was not going to plan! Abort, abort! Twilight mentally panicked before changing the subject, "So we were going to dinner?"

"Yup.” Dawn chuckled, “That's still in a couple hours though."

"I suppose we have plenty to talk about in the meantime," Stalwart said, turning to lead the way to their rooms. He whispered to Dawn their code word , and they conversed via her horn magic on the way.

Twilight followed not really sure how her trolling got derailed so badly.

Dawn and Stalwart went into her room, and after the three of them were safely inside, Dawn nearly exploded with anger and concern, "YOU MEAN TO TELL ME YOU TWO NEARLY GOT SHOT!? WHAT THE HELL!"
Stalwart visibly flinched, rarely seeing her like this, and her phone link to him didn't betray this at all.

"Only nearly,” Twilight blinked. “and the only one who was shot was one of the Morning Stars."

"That's not the point!" Dawn said, not quite so loud, but still scowling, eyes starting to glisten with tears, "Stalwart, you had no idea how dangerous that was, for you or others... dammit…"

She stopped her yelling and let out a huge breath as she went forward to hug him around the neck, tightly, yet not enough to keep him from breathing

"Hey, we're fine now, aren't we?" He reminded her.

"Look, I was there." Twilight said dropping the disguise. "And if you think I can't handle a couple of gang members with cheap firearms then do I have stories for you."

Dawn took a deep breath and then glared at Twilight, contemplating making her point with force to where her horn started to glow. She stopped herself, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, then let it out as she calmed before speaking up again.

"It's not the gang members or the cheap firearms, it was the stupidly reckless way of handling it that I'm upset about, and frankly, that can be fixed.” She said before turning to her husband, speaking sternly. “Stalwart, learn everything about those things from her, especially how to act and react. Am I clear?"

"Yes Dawn, I got that from the moment I learned they could have killed somepony." he responded clearly.

"Good. I could never forgive myself if you died to something I could have warned you about..." she said, sounding a little shaken before going over to the bed and laying down on it as she continued to reign her emotions in.

"Stalwart did nothing wrong." Twilight said. "He didn't know what they were, for all he knew they were clubs." She said.

"I know... I'm sorry for getting upset." she said quietly. "I just... that ignorance could have gotten him killed..."

"And that's why it was good I was there." She said.

Dawn nodded again, eyes closed as she appeared to be breathing rhythmically, "Yeah..." she says on an exhale.

"Just breath and relax Dawn." Twilight encouraged.

"That's what i'm doing..." Dawn said, trying quite hard not to snap at them.

"Good. Keep doing that, and calm yourself." She said.

Dawn opened an eye and said sternly, "Not in the mood to be commanded right now. Just let me have my space, I'll be ready in five minutes."

"I wasn't commanding you..." Twilight winced, put on her disguise, and teleported away.

"Dammit..." Dawn sighed, still frustrated when she was calming down and not liking being told to when she already was, but she didn’t mean to hurt them in the process.

Stalwart commented, "Your anger got the better of you again."

"I know... I'll apologize to her later."

An hour later a knock came to the door

"Come in." Dawn called out, failing to hide some of the disappointment in her voice.

"Are you both alright?" Chrysalis asked as she walked in.

Stalwart was sitting at his seat reading, only just looking up as she entered, "I'm fine."

"I've... calmed down. Kinda messed up again earlier. Have you talked to Twilight yet?" she asked slowly, guilt still on her shoulders

"She told me what happened." She nodded.

"I hope she's not upset with me. I just got a little carried away, I think..." She sighed, "I'm sorry."

"She is a bit hurt, as she was trying to help, but she is fine. She can get a bit carried away when trying to help friends. I'm more worried about you two."

Dawn shook her head, "That's the second time I've upset her..." She sighed, "But if you say it's fine, I'll try to believe it. I just... i'm not normally like that, I know I'm not..."

Stalwart piped in, "Well, you are pregnant, maybe you're just more sensitive than you already are."

"Maybe..." she shrugged, as if unconvinced.

"Twilight burned a newspaper and then was in the middle of rigging a bomb on it to blow up the ashes because she didn't like what it said. I think it's safe to say ponies react strangely when pregnant."

"I... whoa... that makes my reaction a lot more tame by comparison... still, if she doesn't know already, please let her know I regret letting it all out as I did... she was blameless." Dawn blinked.

She nodded. "I will but as I said I am more worried about you."

"Why are you worried about me then? I was in no danger, was I?"

"You did sort of lose your temper, and I know you would be upset."

"That's not what I would call it…” She shook her head, “I... I was worried when Stalwart told me what happened. He didn't have any way of knowing the threat, but I was still terrified of the idea that he could have been shot and killed from it... I realized my emotions were unbalanced, so I tried to start the routine I had to recenter myself, but Twilight kept interrupting it. I know she was trying to help, but I nearly took out my emotions on her. I stopped myself but... I regret it." she finished with another sad sigh, eyes still closed as she tried to reign in her emotions once again.

"That's why I came to check on you. I know Twilight will be fine."

"I see." She said quietly, "Well, I'm not sure what else to say, other than how I'm worried about how much I've been overeating lately..."

"It's normal."

Dawn looked up to Chrysalis with a guilty 'are you sure' look.

"It's true. You are pregnant after all Dawn." Stalwart nodded, hopping down from his seat to join her, giving her a hug.

She leaned into the hug, and held onto him tightly, sniffling a bit. "I dunno... Am I ok Chryssy?" she asked, feeling vulnerable asking someone else.

"Yes, you are. What you are doing is perfectly normal." She said. "Trust me. Twilight would randomly burst out laughing for absolutely no reason in the late stages of her pregnancy."

"Well, thank you... I didn't think it would affect me so much like this. Then again, maybe I should be grateful I haven't had morning sickness from it. I was dreading that.”

"Twilight didn't think it would be that bad either."

"If that's the case… Now I'm really worried about what I'm going to be like later on in the term..." She sighed and leaned against stalwart even more.

"Im sure Stalwart will understand you don't mean things."

"Still..."

"Dawn, enough.” Stalwart said firmly, “it's time to trust your husband and your friends. Go ahead and rest if you need it. We'll still be here."

"Thanks..." she said, accepting a hug from him before planting a kiss on the cheek and laying down, her eyes drooping as she started to nod off to a mid-afternoon nap

Chrysalis nodded and looked at him. "A word?"

Stalwart nodded, stepping quietly over to her, following her into the empty hall.

"I have located some of my hive. Only a dozen drones."

"Oh? Did you just meet them or what?"

"Seems they arrived the same time as us, but went to ground till they knew more. They are scattered all across Equestria and in hiding due to the hostility." She said "they only felt comfortable checking the link not long ago."

Stalwart grew quiet and thoughtful, "I see... are any of them in danger?"

"Not right now but I instructed them to start making their way towards me."

Stalwart nodded, "That's one option..." He hummed, considering what was said. He looked down the halls and then back to her before saying, "Do they need anything in particular? Should this be brought to Celestia's attention?"

"Not really. We live off emotions so as long as there are people around, we have food."

"What about a home or someplace to work for income at all, at least till the colony idea comes around?"

"Caves." She said. "Or we expand your basement into a miniature hive."

"I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.” He laughed, “Dawn would almost definitely say go ahead, but I say one step at a time."

"Then we we can set up elsewhere.”She nodded. “Changelings only use money when dealing with ponies. Other than that it's a useless pieces of metal assigned a value for some reason."

"Don't ask me, that's not my thing. All I know is Dawn always has a hard time holding onto her bits, but she says it's because she spends them to have more good times and fun with the ponies she likes." He chuckled and looked back to her door, "She also says it doesn't grow more and it doesn't feed you when you're hungry too. Maybe she's part changeling."

"Maybe." Chrysalis chuckled.

He shrugged, still smiling, "So, anything else you wanted to talk with me about?"

"No. Just wanted to inform you of the houseguests."

"Oh, ok, I was wondering why you said having them come to you, but we'd only be here in Canterlot for a couple days or so. So you meant back in Van Hoover."

She nodded. "Yes it will take them a few days to get to us."

"W-well, as long as they behave and so on, I guess I won't mind getting to meet them." He said, getting visibly anxious, "I mean, they're just ponies too right?"

"Well, changelings, but it's not like they are going to hurt you. They are going to check in with me, and then I'll pick a spot for a temporary hive."

He nodded, "All right. I mean, gotta get used to it eventually right?"

She shrugged. "That is your choice."

"Well, if you turned out to be all right, then they can't be that bad either. I just need to get past this fear from that event..." He sighed and shook his head.

"Stalwart, it's fine. I admit what we did was not the best first impression, and the fact you are even willing to try means a lot."

"And I know I'm capable of more." he said, standing up straighter, more at attention, "I wouldn't be a guardspony, let alone a captain for my wife, if I weren't willing to give any attempt I make with everything I have."

Chrysalis nodded and smiled at that answer, to which Stalwart gave a small smile before checking in on Dawn, who was fast asleep. He closed the door softly behind him.

"Well, we have a few hours before dinner, got any plans for now?"

"Not really. Twilight is taking a walk and Violet went with her."

"What do you usually do when you are on your own?" He asked, unsure what to offer them to do or act like a ‘proper’ host.

"Read or learn what I can about people around me. Practice infiltration or lead my hive."

"How do you learn more about the ponies around you? Have you visited the library yet then?"

"Observation and standard information gathering."

"Mind if I observe you for a bit, see what you find out?" He asked, thinking.

"Don't see why not."

He nodded and stood at the ready to follow her, curious about how she does things. Chrysalis obliged, turning to walk for the gate, with him following at a respectful distance and acting as her escort.

They exited the castle and the moment they were out of view of everyone she was wrapped in flames and replaced by a dark blue unicorn with a green mane wearing a decently fancy dress

"Well well.” He whistled, “A bit unique in colorings, but still looking nice."

"Thank you Captain." She said in an elegant, Canterlot-accented voice.

"Well, where should we head first? A street corner, or a park or a café or…" he trailed off.

"A walk through the park sounds lovely this time of day." She said beginning to stroll

"Very well." He said, turning to follow her at her side like a guard was supposed to for a noblemare, picking up on her speech. Sure enough, she started walking down the path with the stride of a Noblemare. "And what is your name ma'am?"

"Clear Meadow, Captain. And yours?"

"Stalwart Shield, Miss Meadow." He said politely bowing as they did their formal exchange. "Of the Van Hoover branch"

"Ah pleasure to meet you Captain Shield, and I must say, it is kind of you to escort a lady around the city."

"It's no problem madam. My wife is not feeling well and I get restless if not moving or helping look over something." he said, trying his best to seem somewhat refined like he was taught.

"I must say that can make things difficult."

"Oh no, not at all." He chuckled, heading toward the park at a leisurely pace.

"I meant when one is an active pony, and your significant other is resting, my dear captain." She chuckled

"It's a balancing act Meadow.” Stalwart chuckled in turn, “In some ways, she helps me slow down, and I help to get her moving. Though her pregnancy has been interesting to say the least."

"Oh? How so?"

He chuckled, "Let's see... sleep talking, shared dreams on occasion, and those are always so random it's hard to keep up. Just last month, she had a constant craving for chocolate, peanut butter, and salty crackers or anything with those things. And that's just the beginning."

"Oh, I could imagine the interesting things she says in her sleep." She chuckled.

"Oh? And what do you think she might say?" He asked, clearly interested

"Well depending on the hormones I'd imagine it could be nonsense or details about a rather risqué thought she has had. Or it could be listing off food she wants to eat."

"Sounds familiar," he chuckled, remembering a couple rather lewd things that were said or dreamt about. "Then again, that's what a good mate does, helps relieve tension, like a backrub." He smirked, knowing it was often more than that.

"Oh yes, absolutely." She said as they arrived at a bench and she took a seat.

He stood next to the bench at first before settling down on the bench, sitting nearby. He looked around, not seeing too much out of place.

"Tell me what do you see?" She asked him as ponies walked through the park.

He shrugged, "A few families, a couple foals playing around with a ball, one playing with a kite, no pony seeming to be up to anything but relaxing or enjoying the day in their own ways."

"Nothing else about them?"

"Nothing that seems unusual. Why?" he asked, "What do you see?"

"What of that couple?" She asked of a unicorn couple walking through the park

He looked at the pair of earth ponies in question. Studying them for a few seconds. He noticed they were sitting in close, one of whom seemed to be wearing a hoof-ring and the other was not, but otherwise casually clothed and talking animatedly.

"They seem relaxed, a bit close like a newer couple or a close couple can be. Pretty typical."

"And one is married while the other isn't and yet they are in a relationship."

"I see.” He answered, slightly surprised that was something she would notice, “Well, Dawn's told me such things were frowned upon back where she's from, but she's learned that it's common for a stallion to marry the mare he wants most in his life, and if she approves, allows him to look around for something refreshing every now and then. The best stallions of course, reassure their wives often of their dedication." he said smugly, as if he always made sure where Dawn stood in his life

"That sounds a bit like changeling culture, not pony." She blinked at him.

"What do you mean?" He asked, a bit more cautious at being told something they did was so similar to Changelings.

"Changelings take mates, that is the one we love, but we view things like sex as a natural thing, and so are free to take lovers if so desired as our heart belongs to our mate."

"That seems natural to me.” He hummed, “When Dawn said she only could mate with one person or else it would be viewed as cheating, even with permission, it just... that didn't seem right at all."

"Strange. That's the view of back home."

"I don't see the problem.” He shrugged, “I mean sure, there's plenty of mares who don't want to see their husband go off and flirt with other mares. Dawn admitted her insecurity about it, but in the end, she was fine with it as long as I stayed by her side. Turns out I haven't really needed to. Her liking our little 'walks' has been more than satisfying."

They both shared a chuckle and Stalwart’s smile faded and he turned to look at the grass in front of them with a small sigh.

"It's funny, the more I learn about you, the less different you all seem to be." Stalwart admitted quietly.

"Just a different culture is all. We still have needs and desires like everyone else. I admit my younger years, I was very arrogant and that lead to bad decisions." She sighed.

"You gotta let things in the past stay that way.” He shook his head, “I believe everypony makes the best decisions they can with the information they have. Granted, best for who is debatable sometimes, but it's not as if you went out to do something stupid for no reason or a poor reason, eh?"

"I invaded Canterlot remember?"

"But you had a reason to do so, with the information you had available, yes?" Stalwart confirmed.

"Pretty much. I also thought changelings were superior to all other races."

"And what have you learned of it now?"

"I was wrong, but it took Twilight breaking me of my arrogance to see it."

"That's not quite what I meant." He said, shaking his head a little, "but I think my point got through."

"Yeah."

"So, what else do you notice?" Stalwart asked, wanting to keep the conversation going.

"Well, now I'm not so sure, as I missed that cultural aspect, so that changes the meanings of things."

"That's fine.” He chuckled, “What about that couple over there, the ones with the picnic basket and blanket."

"Happily married a few years...I'd say had a fight recently and this is sort of the make up for that. Also, they are probably going to have sex when they get home if the picnic isn't ruined."

“H-how can you tell all that? I mean, the guy is definitely leaning in to her and all but still." He chuckled and looked at her in an amused interested way,

"They are being somewhat distant while trying to show affection. Both of them feel sorry for the fight, and since we got here, their lust has increased by 3.47% and is increasing at a rate of .2% a minute."

"Oh right, you feed on emotions... cheater." he teased, feeling only lighthearted playfulness toward them, as if he'd really gotten to know them a fair bit better.

"Use every tool you have available to its fullest. I’m sure as a guard you understand that." She chuckled, taking the tease in stride.

"Well, true." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head with his hoof sheepishly.

"We learn what we can about those we need to. We are driven to learn all we can so we can act exactly like someone if needed. You never know when a random pony you see in the streets form may save your life." She smiled sagely.

He blinked, trying to follow where this slight twist in the conversation happened, "I... what?"

"Simply explaining why we do what we do Captain." She chuckled and patted his leg.

"I don't get it, so I won't pretend I do, but ok." He said, trying to shrug off the confusion.

She sighed before re-explaining. "We have an urge to gather information on people and events, whatever may give us an advantage. A pony you pass in the street, their form may prove to be the perfect hiding place later on. The form I usually wear is that of a young Canterlot noble who fell out of favor long before my invasion and ended up living in a small town. Due to her status she is virtually unknown in Canterlot, yet due to being born there fits in."

"Oh, I think I see now..."

"Same with how you learn the sword. It is your primary weapon. The one you will use on assignment, but you also learn the dagger for if your sword fails you."

"Sure." He nodded again, definitely getting it now, even if they’re mostly trained in spears and swords, it was the principle that mattered.

She nodded smiling.

"Hm, does that mean you could also modify something you've seen, like being a mare instead of a stallion or the other way around if it was better? Or are you limited to just one side of it?"

"Yes we can modify the forms." She chuckled.

"Well, I have to admit,” He said as he started to grin, a mischievous idea crossing his mind. “you've gotten my curiosity raised. We'll have to talk more about that later if we can, in private. I have to wonder just what Dawn as a stallion would look like.”

"Happy to help." Chrysalis smirked before adding in Dawn’s voice, "Master."

He felt a rise of goosebumps down his spine and smirked, "Be careful. You don't want to tempt me or I'll have to explain to Twilight why I put you in a collar."

"Collars can be quite fun." She said smirking back

"Yeah, that's why Dawn wears one from time to time."

"And Twilight doesn't mind if I have a bit of fun from time to time."

"Oh? Is that a hint I detect?" He asked, looking at her slyly.

"Perhaps."

He chuckled and said nothing. He knew she could tell what he was feeling, that he was open to the idea. Granted, he'd want to make sure Dawn was informed, but he could see having a bit of a fun with this Chryssy, who was unlike the changeling image he had imagined from his couple encounters and could explore the ‘what ifs’ he wondered.

“Perhaps we should go somewhere private to discuss some things.” Stalwart said.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Chrysalis agreed.

They moved to a secluded area of the park, and continued their more risque discussion, away from the ears of more innocent ponies, not to mention their eyes.

A few moments passed and they were breathing a little more heavily, relaxing on the grass.

"I think, with your genes, I shall create a brand new hive and with it I shall take over Equestria." Chrysalis said with a shake of her mane.

"Suuuure." He laughed, lying against a tree trunk before it sunk in. "Wait... really?"

"No, of course not. Twilight would never allow me to do that." She said chuckling. "But still, that was very enjoyable and I may just take you with me so the rest of the hive females can enjoy themselves."

"Only if I get to bring Dawn with me and let some of the males enjoy her." He chuckled, joking.

"Don't know. Haven't done anything with Dawn."

"Perhaps you should. After all, she's already pregnant." He chuckled.

"Hmm. She's more Twilight's type." She said.

"Oh? So you think Twilight would want a go with her? I could arrange that." He said, trying to tempt her.

"Perhaps. Perhaps not.” She shrugged. “I don't speak for her, and I don't think she'd go for it."

"I see." He said, settling down and relaxing from his high before starting to get up slowly, "Well, at least we got to have a bit of fun. We've got an hour before dinner normally happens, I'd better check in on Dawn and make sure she's not sleeping the day away."

"Yes, I'd imagine Twilight has returned from her walk as well." She said. "And it was very fun master."

“Well,” he chuckled weakly, “hopefully it'll do as a nice snack before you get your main course from her later. I for one am quite ready for a second run with my wife. If you wish to come watch of course, that will only help her training

"As tempting as that is I should check on Twilight and Violet." She said stretching. "And get ready for dinner."

"I meant after dinner or tomorrow, but that works.” He smiled, “Thank you for your companionship madam. I look forward to further meetings together if you wish for it."

"I will consider it, captain." She said bowing slightly, then beginning to walk to go meet up with Twilight

He walked back to their rooms, keeping her company until they had to part, bowing his head lightly in recognition of what they did before going into Dawn's room. Chrysalis entered their own room.

Author's Notes:

Close encounters of the dangerous and fun kind.

Seems things were not as well off as our favorite military mare and her new friends thought

I have a PATREON with fair rewards. Every bit is greatly appreciated and helps me out.