The next three weeks were a whirlwind of activity. Princess Celestia had been right on the money; investigators discovered that Morten had been attempting to funnel Equestria's healing tech to his wife's company for months. The thought of that greasy prick trying to sell those potions for a mint to his rich buddies made me sick to my stomach, and I was beyond happy to assist the DOJ and their Equestrian partners. He got better than what he deserved, having to resign in disgrace, staring down the barrel of a ten-year prison sentence, and being barred from entering Equestria for something like a couple of hundred years.

Thanks to my cooperation, State had extended my leave for an additional few days after my diplomatic status had expired. My last day in Equestria arrived far too quickly for my liking, and found me drinking my last bottle of "Lunar Reserve" on my government-funded couch, my apartment was a doozy, wide open with a high ceiling as per Equestrian norms (kept the Pegasi from feeling boxed in.) I was going to miss the wide bay windows that gave me a beautiful view of the sunset, my little kitchen that was the site of many an abomination over the last year and change. Sure, I could stay under the new Ambo, but truth be told politics was starting to grate on my last nerve, and I had severe doubts about my ability to stomach another self-serving prick in the office. I finished my beer with a sigh, and made my way to the front door, had a train to catch after all. One final look around the apartment capped one of the best times of my life; God only knew the good memories were few and far between.

I chucked my beer in the trash and hoisted my bag onto my shoulder, sighing heavily as I pulled the door open. And almost pissed myself as I ran smack into a Pegasi Mare, her hand raised to knock was the only glimpse of her I got before we went down in a cat-ball of feathers and cheap government-issue suit. Hardwood isn't called hardwood for no reason, ouch, "Are you okay, Miss? I'm so sorry about that".

She sat up, brushing herself off, "I'm all right, just my pride." Her voice was husky, with an accent I couldn't quite place, almost Slavic sounding, Western Equestrian maybe? She flashed a smile my way as I got a good look at her. She looked tall for a pony, at least my height, with a honey-colored mane that fell just past her shoulders, her eyes were a striking deep green as she looked herself over for any bumps or bruises, accenting her chestnut brown coat. I watched her for a moment before pushing myself off the ground and offering a hand. "Hell of an introduction, I'm Zack, Zack Andrews."

She accepted my outstretched hand, and I pulled her to her hooves. "You're not kidding, I'm Emerald Glow, and you're just the man I was looking for."

"Oh? Any particular reason?" I could feel my guard snap into place; I'd never seen this mare before. Her attire of a simple zip-hoodie and jeans was casual, a little too relaxed, almost artificially so, she carried herself with an air that could only be described as military. What could she possibly want with me?

"Her Highness, Princess Celestia, would speak with you immediately. I'm your escort to the castle." She finished with a smile and cocked her head expectantly.

Cute.

"Not to be rude." I leaned against the doorframe, "But is her Highness aware that I'm getting on a train in forty-five minutes?"

She dismissed me with a wave of her hand, "She is, and knew you would bring it up, she said you would find your departure delayed so the two of you would have ample time to speak."

Huh. Now that's odd; maybe the Princess wanted to discuss the case in person before I left for the States? I couldn't fathom why, though. Either way, I couldn't keep her waiting. "Well, Ms. Glow, lead on."

She smiled, "Outstanding, follow me, and please call me Emerald. I think we're well-acquainted enough by now." She finished with a cute giggle.

I rubbed the back of my neck as we started down the hall, "Yeah, I guess you're right, Emerald it is then. Call me, Zack".

A few flights of stairs later and we burst into the afternoon sun, Canterlot was all hustle and bustle around midday, reminded me of my stints in New York, everyone had somewhere to be, and no-one had time for any bullshit. As we walked down the main drag, weaving through crowds of Ponies and Humans alike, I watched foals running around like mad as their parents tried to control them, a mixed table of Ponies and Humans laughing at one joke or another. I took it all in and felt a pang in my chest, this place was magical, and I didn't just mean literally, I meant in how Humans and Ponies had meshed together, there was almost no animosity or suspicion, we simply got along. It always made me feel like there was hope as long as we could set aside our differences, work, live, and love side by side. I shook off my daydream and focused on the walk and what awaited me.

Our journey was spent in silence, with Emerald shooting me sideways glances every so often. I could almost hear her thoughts, what made this human so unique that the Princess had requested a private audience? In truth, I was more than curious as to the same, and I was about to ask when the main gate of Canterlot castle came into view. I'd be finding out one way or another very soon. The guard, an earth-type stallion, perked up as we approached.

"Halt and state your business."

Emerald took the lead "Lieutenant Emerald Glow, escorting Zack Andrews for a meeting with her Highness Princess Celestia."

The guard snapped to attention and saluted, "Lieutenant Glow ma'am! My apologies, I didn't recognize you out of uniform ma'am."

Emerald smiled and returned his salute, "Relax Corporal, no harm done. May we proceed?"

"By all means, ma'am, Mr. Andrews." The guard relaxed almost imperceptibly as he stepped aside, and we continued into the castle proper.

I'd only been here once before, with Ted and his entourage. Still, the sheer beauty of the place hadn't diminished, white marble made up every inch of the architecture, magnificent archways and turrets topped with spires flying the Equestrian flag stretching into the sky. It was breathtaking on its worst days. Emerald led me through the grounds and into the main hall, high ceilings and stained glass windows reminded me of a few cathedrals I'd visited back on Earth, the lavish tapestries commemorating Equestria's history dotted the walls, all in all, I felt as though I'd fallen into something straight out of a fantasy novel, which in many ways I guess I had. This whole experience had been life-altering, magic was real, the world was populated by fantasy creatures from Griffons to actual Dragons. I had always been a bit of a nerd, so this was my nirvana in many ways.

"Zack?" I jumped a little as Emerald interrupted my ruminations. Then I noticed we were standing in front of a massive oak door, Celestia's sigil front, and center.

"Sorry." I muttered sheepishly, "Got a little lost in the artwork." I waved my hand at, well, Everything.

Emerald chuckled. "It happens all the time with new visitors to the wing. No harm done, now the Princess is waiting, and it's time for me to get to my shift. It was a pleasure meeting you." She held out her hand, which I shook gratefully.

"The pleasure was mine Emerald, stay safe out there."

"I will." She finished with another winning smile before starting down the hall; I watched her go until she disappeared around a corner.

Time to have a sit-down with an immortal Princess, nothing to be nervous about.

I raised my hand and knocked. "Come in; it's open." Answered a voice from the other side.

I pushed the heavy door open and was greeted by even more beauty. Thick curtains had been thrown open to allow as much sunlight as possible into the large room beyond lay a white marble balcony with a view clear to Ponyville in the South. Pillows formed a pile in front of a large fireplace, reminding me of floor pillows that dotted homes all over the Middle East. It was a room fit for a Princess to be sure, a perfect mix of comfort and practicality. The centerpiece was a large oak desk, currently occupied by the beaming Solar Regent, who stood as I entered.

"Mr. Andrews! A pleasure to see you again."

I bowed, "Likewise, your Highness, though I am a bit confused as to why I'm here."

She stepped out from behind the desk and crossed the room, answering my question as she came. "I apologize for the somewhat cloak and dagger way I arranged the meeting, but I believe you will not be disappointed in what I have to say. Please, sit." She finished, indicating one of the floor pillows. I obliged as the Princess settled in across from me. She regarded me carefully for a moment before she spoke.

"I have had the opportunity over these past weeks to reflect upon our introduction's circumstances, and I still feel the sting of my hand in your withdrawal from Equestria. To my shame, when I arrived at the Embassy, I believed you to be an unwitting accomplice in the Ambassador's misdeeds at best, and an active participant at worst. I opened my mouth to speak, only to have her silence me with a raised hand. "However, the more we spoke that night, the more I was able to understand you truly, and what I saw was a man possessed by the pursuit of goodness, even if success wasn't guaranteed. I saw honor and integrity, and the drive to maintain both, no matter how dangerous the strait."

I had no words for the naked praise, but more than modesty, I could tell that Everything she was saying was honest, somehow, she had looked into my soul and seen things I was only barely aware of. "Princess, I-"

"I would like you to stay in Equestria and work for the Crown as a direct liaison between myself and your government. I have spoken with the necessary representatives, have been assured and offered assurances that no conflict of interest would occur on either party's behalf".

My jaw suddenly found itself acquainted with the marble tile. "Princess, I don't even know where to begin. This is an amazing opportunity and, quite frankly, Everything I ever wanted. But how would something like that even work?"

She hummed thoughtfully, "Well, you would work for both myself and the State Department as a bridge between us. Using your unfailing moral compass and negotiating skills, we will ensure that nothing like the Ambassador's folly occurs again for the betterment of both worlds.

"And State signed off on this?"

"I believe that after Ambassador Morten's extracurricular activities, your government is eager to showcase some good faith. It isn't necessary, of course, Morten was only one man. But I saw the opportunity to give you what you wanted and gain an ally that could be trusted."

Gobsmacked, I tried to gather my thoughts, "What would my duties be?"

"Oh assorted tasks, the scrutiny of trade and admin documents, accompanying me to meetings and acting as one of my assistants, working with my staff, in addition to whatever your government may ask of you. Generally, applying your intelligence to improve relations and to show that a human can work for and with the Crown. Of course, you would be paid, and well, along with a home in the city, your visa would be extended indefinitely as well. Should you accept, of course." She flashed a million-watt smile, and that same weird brightening of the room came along with it. She already knew what my answer would be, hell she had me at hello.

"I accept," I whispered, it was all I could manage as I offered my hand. She slipped her smaller hand into mine, and my whole arm went up several degrees.

That same smile blossomed on her face, reaching her deep purple eyes, she was incredibly beautiful, up close or far away didn't matter. I felt a smile spreading across my face as we held eye contact for a few moments. Most of the rest of me was the same temperature as my hand for all the wrong reasons.

Bury this attraction; it won't lead you anywhere good.

The smile never left her face. "At the risk of sounding cliche, I believe this is the beginning of something beautiful."

An hour later, I was briefed on my new duties, paid a full month in advance, man that was a few zeroes, and given the keys to my new apartment. Celestia had insisted I take the rest of the week to settle in and get a feel for my new neighborhood. I was still in shock as I stumbled past the gate guards, clutching my backpack and heading toward my new home. I barely remember the walk, my mind was racing, I couldn't believe what had just happened, and I'm sure it showed on my face as I strolled through the front door of the Midnight Rise Apartment complex.

Celestia said the place had been commissioned by her sister Luna for visiting dignitaries and diplomats. It showed the lobby was huge, black marble composing the lion's share of the surfaces, including the front desk where a light coated stallion sat idly thumbing through a magazine, one of his ears perked and swiveled my way as the door closed behind me. Setting his magazine down and favoring me with his best customer-service smile. "Welcome to the Midnight Rise! How can I help you?"

I smiled back, weakly, "I um, I live here now, I guess." I thunked down my key along with the residency letter Celestia's secretary had handed me before I left the palace. His eyes widened as they tracked down the page.

"A letter from the Princess? You must be an important man."

A chuckle slipped out before I could stop it. "I wouldn't go that far, Mr.?"

His blue eyes flicked up to meet mine, "Star Chaser. A pleasure."

"Pleasure's all mine bud. Call me Zack. I assume I'm all good to go?"

He nodded, "Everything seems to be in order, You're in 15B, straight up the stairs behind us, third door on the right. If there's anything you need, I'm a phone call away."

"Thanks, bud. I'll try and stay out of your mane."

He laughed now, "No worries, Zack. Helping the residents keeps the boredom from killing me slowly."

I laughed with him and waved over my shoulder as I headed up the stairs, 15B, here we are. Whatever I thought I was ready for, it was worlds beneath what greeted my eyes as I opened the door. The apartment was the size of my childhood home, with a wide-open living room framing a hearth, a huge flatscreen TV, and a faux leather couch about the length of a city block. Across the street was the kitchen with granite countertops and a gas range stove, too bad I couldn't cook to save my goddamn life. I wandered across the hardwood floors, somewhere along the way my bag slid off my shoulder, down a mile-long hallway was the master bedroom, a massive four-post bed that looked sinfully soft and inviting. I all but collapsed onto it and confirmed my suspicions. This was the most comfortable bed in the history of anything and Everything.

I spent a few moments face-planted into the memory foam goodness, reflecting on the last few weeks, when a knock at the door broke scared the shit out of me. Who knew I lived here outside of the castle staff, the Princess, and some high-level state officials? I padded back down the hallway, happy to find that the butcher block had knives included, I pulled out one of the sharper-looking ones and made my way to the door, sliding up to the knob-side and looking through the peephole.

"Son of a bitch."

I twisted the knob and opened the door.

"Hello, Frank."

The grey-haired man smiled. "Hey, Cowboy." He whistled as he took in my apartment. "Look at you, charming royalty and everything. State was kind after Morten, huh?"

I set the knife down on the counter, "Yeah, they were. Morten was a shitbag on a good day. I honestly didn't expect this though, chalk it up as a win."

Frank nodded, "I definitely would, I heard about what went down, been following it pretty closely. Kathy sends her love as always."

"How is Kat? It's been too long since I saw her and the kids."

"She's good, kids are good, Annie is about to graduate high school, Brandon is starting college, headed to UMass in the fall, time fuckin' flies hey brother?"

I shook my head; time really did fly, it had already been two years. "Well, that's outstanding, he gonna follow in his old man's footsteps?"

Frank scoffed, "Kid's gonna get his MBA or whatever and have a nice quiet life."

"Probably for the best. Jesus, Frank, it's good to see you." I sniffed a bit.

He laid a hand on my shoulder and squeezed, pulling me into a hug as my sniffling turned to tears. When he spoke, his voice was thick, with barely contained emotion. "You too, kid. You too.

Author's Notes:

Constructive criticism is more than welcome. Until next time everyone!