It had been a few weeks since Spike's crew returned to Skull Island, and they had just pulled back to the main docks. As a raven flew away from the ship, Time Turner walked up to Spike as they were still docked on Skull Island and said, "Captain, I've got a bit of bad news." before handing him a piece of parchment and continuing, "We've got some corruption within the Royal Navy, they're asking for my help. They seem to have the stupid idea that because I'm on your crew, I'm immune from punishment."

Spike took the paper and started reading it. He was infuriated the soldiers of the Royal Navy were making illegal trades with the Krokoptians. He asked Time Turner, "Doctor, it the Chrono-Emerald fully charged?"

He nodded, "Yes captain. Any specific location you want first?"

Spike said, "First, we're heading back to the castle in Equestria, I have to show this to my mother. She's still the Queen, it's her duty to decide which soldiers she trusts with this information. I know the girls would never succumb to such corruption, but we still need to tell her."

Time Turner smiled, "Aye, aye captain, I'll get the Chrono-Emerald ready to deploy." before walking towards the steering wheel.

As Time Turner activated the Chrono-Emerald, the ship instantly went forward, and warp jumped from the Skull Island skyways back to the castle docks. As he walked off the ship and onto the docks with Spike, he asked, "Are you sure this is a good idea captain? If we alert any of the guards, they might slip away when they realize we're onto them."

Spike nodded, "True, but my mother and aunt Luna know that too. They'll keep things quiet with guards we know we can trust."

As they went to meet Celestia and Luna, Celestia looked up from her book and asked, "Spike? I didn't expect to see you so soon. It was just a week ago since you left."

As Spike explained the situation, Luna growled lightly, "Sickening, to think that members of the Royal Navy are making such a mockery of their ranks."

Celestia nodded, "Indeed. The Krokotopians won't be willing to start another war with Equestria, but we can't let these guards continue to put the peace treaty at risk."

Spike thought for a moment. Very few of the guards had ever seen him in his pirate garb, especially his helmet. He said, "I think I have an idea. I could pose as a freelancer willing to do illegal business. Technically, I'm a wanted criminal by the Monquistans, so I know how to fit in with the shadier networks in the Spiral."

Time Turner's eyes widened when Spike suggested what he did, "Captain, are you sure about that? We-"

Spike interrupted him saying, "Yes, I'm sure, and I'm aware of the risks. But the risk to Equestria is a greater risk than having me look bad. If theses guards are left unattended, we may lose the Marleybonians as our allies against Monquista and Valencia. If we have corruption in our ranks, it makes us look bad."

Time Turner could argue with that, and said, "I understand captain, you're right. I'm willing to do what it takes to weed out this corruption within the Royal Navy."

Celestia spoke to her son in a calm, but firm tone, "It won't be that simple Spike, the treaty with Krokotopia has... unfortunate agreements."

"Mother, I know you well enough to know that when you speak in that tone, you're hiding something. And I also know you well enough that when you try to hide something, it's usually something extremely important. Spill it."

Celestia sighed, "Sometimes I hate it when you know me that well. But you're right, I'm hiding something. Despite Equestria winning the war, we allowed the Krokotopians to keep their slaves. The was from before Sombra became King, so we had no disagreements with the idea of slavery. You of all people know what happened when Sombra was overthrown and executed."

Spike groaned, "Which means I can't go around leading a slave revolt. I'll restrain myself from doing anything along those lines. Even though we won the war the first time, we don't need to wage a second war, especially since we're already fighting Monquista and Valencia. Waging war with Krokotopia is the last thing we need."

Celestia nodded, "Right. I trust your judgement Spike. You've always done what you think is right. As your mother, that's worth more than anything to me."

Spike smiled lightly, "Thank you mother. I know dad would feel the same way, and I'm proud to be your son."

As Spike and Time Turner went back to the ship, they were met by Twilight's older brother, Shining Armor, who asked them, "I heard you're dealing with some corruption in the Royal Navy. I know I'd stick out like a sore thumb around corrupt soldiers, but I ask that I'm not left in the dark your highness."

Spike smiled, he knew Shining Armor would never succumb to the corruption that stained the navy. And plus, he was Twilight's older brother, even though Twilight technically outranks him. But he nodded, "Don't worry, I'll keep you in the loop as much as I can."

Shining Armor saluted, "Thank you my prince. Oh, and one more thing, Keep Twily under control when it comes to romance." before walking off.

Spike's eyes widened and he was somewhat nervous when Shining Armor mentioned his romantic relationship with Twilight, but nodded, "No worries." before stepping back onto his ship and activating the Chrono-Emerald to get them to Krokotopia.

And so, Spike has learned of corruption within the ranks of the Royal Navy. Sickened by said corruption, he ventures into the barren desert realm of Krokotopia, in secret from his people, he delves into the darker side of piracy, the side that his people don't know about.

Can he weed out the corruption without being discovered? Will these dealing cause damage to his reputation with his citizens, who love and respect him and adore the stories of the prince's adventures around the Spiral?

Only time will tell...

To be Continued...

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