As the conversation between Prince Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, and Nomad came to a close about two hours later, Shining gave a weary, but relief filled sigh. After initial introductions wrapped up, he and Nomad had agreed on a few facets and conditions of their cooperation with the US Government and their military.

Primarily, the Ghosts needed a better base of operations and equivalent facilities. Though Celestia's old castle was isolated and easy to defend, there was no nearby area capable of hosting US vehicular assets, and storage of supplies and ammunition was becoming an issue. Shining agreed to lease to the Ghosts one of the old Crystal Guard Barracks buildings, one that had been slated for renovation but was still habitable and furnished.

In exchange, some of the Ghosts would help further train a unit that Shining referred to as "The Sabres" in use of firearms and some US military gear, and Nomad apparently recommended one of his men, apparently nicknamed "Domino" for that task. What made Nomad happy personally, however, was the fact that the Crystal Empire had something he didn't expect to have for some time, ready to use.

During the Equestria Games, the Empire had set up a small visitor's complex near the stadium to host outside dignitaries. It hadn't been used in a while and was in need of some light renovation…but the nearby chariot-racing airstrip that could also service and house larger airships meant another advantage for the Ghosts.

They could now use US air power for whatever purposes they needed, such as close-air support, transportation, and resupply runs to other resistance holdouts.

Which made not only the Ghosts and the Rulers of the Empire happy, but Lt. Colonel Mitchell as well. Mitchell soon requisitioned a set of Blackhawks for transportation, and two MQ-9 Reapers outfitted with full payloads for fire missions. Along with the pilots and crew to service them, the Navy also supplied additional ordinance, more ammunition, and some requested equipment upgrades for the Ghosts.

Finally, the US Navy agreed to send over a massive cache of needed supplies, including much-needed water and raw materials, surplus MREs, traditional electrical and solar-powered generators for basic infrastructure, and more.

"So, what's left?" Shining asked Nomad, who gave a weary but gratitude-filled smile.

"That's everything, I believe." Nomad replied. "Once we arrive, we'll get right to business. It's a pleasure to be working with you, Prince Shining Armor."

"Feeling's mutual." Shining nodded. "See you soon."

Nomad nodded as the connection ended. As Shining looked to the vacant seat where Cadance was previously, as she had retired to bed earlier, he smiled, envisioning Twilight sitting there, safe and sound.

"Just hang on, Twilight." he whispered, sitting up and heading for his bedroom. "We'll be there soon. Just be safe and stay alive."

====
Occupied Canterlot, Chambers of King Diomedas
10:15 PM.
====

"Your Majesty, I have brought important news."

KIng Diomedas turned away from his work and watched a trembling messenger come forward.

"What is it?" he asked darkly.

"Prince Ajax has gone missing. We presume...he was captured...." the messenger stammered, only for the entire room to shudder and low growling noise to sound. Diomedas's horn glowed with gold energy as his anger took physical form, and was then released in a blast of magical power. A blast that sent the messenger flying into the wall, into a dazed heap.

As the King strode forward, the anger in his eyes a raging inferno, he stared down the messenger into a whimpering mess.

"How?" he snarled. "I did not foresee this."

"We don't know." the messenger squeaked. "The company he was sent with...we found their bodies and armaments, but no sign of the Prince himself. We are searching for him diligently as we speak."

Diomedas spun around and turned to the window, closing his eyes, as a flashing picture appeared in his mind's eye. He could see his son and his troops resting, then they were attacked, fired upon by invisible arrows. Soon, his soon was all that was left, and the last thing Diomedas could see was Ajax being dragged off into the woods.

But there was no indication of who was responsible for this act.

Diomedas growled loudly, and then cast aside a table with his magic, shattering it into pieces.

"Find them. Whoever they are, and make them suffer." he roared. "I will have their heads atop the gate as ornaments, do you understand? That is my order! GO!"

The messenger stammered his understanding and departed. Diomedas simply threw the door closed and prostrated himself before the fireplace.

"O, what power in the heavens that has given me this sight...what is it you see that I do not?" he prayed fervently. "What great force is it that seeks my downfall? I demand to know, for I am your receiver! I must know! I must!"

As Diomedas tightened his hoof's grip on the stone mantlepiece, he extinguished the flames with his magic and threw aside his cape in anguish. Slowly regaining his composure, he repaired the damage he had done using his magic, and headed for his bedroom chambers.

====

Twilight Sparkle, on the other hand, listened to this unfold with a gleeful smile, the first one she'd given in a long time. It was no secret that any misfortune on the Eqaharian royalty's part was well received by the captive Princess, as her room was just down the hall from the chambers of the Royal Family.

Striding away from the balcony, she froze at the sight of an Eqaharian maid setting a large plate of food and a glass of wine on the main table. She was an earth pony, with a pale gold coat and a green mane. Her cutie mark was a quill and feather duster, and she seemed occupied by the task at hand.

"Um...Hello?" Twilight asked. The maid jumped and turned around, trembling sightly.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" she stepped aside, giving a curtsy. "DId I disturb you, Princess? I apologize if I did."

"No, it's fine." Twilight replied, taking the bread from the plate. "If anything, I must've scared you."

The maid nodded, and gave a weak smile.

"Actually...would you mind staying for a bit?" Twilight asked. "I...just want to talk."

"As you wish." the maid replied. "My name's Bianca, Princess."

"It's nice to meet you, Bianca. Though, normally it's Prince Hector who brings me dinner." Twilight observed.

"He's out looking for his brother with a full host." Bianca replied. "Prince Ajax went missing a few days ago. His Majesty was...upset to hear the news."

"So that's what that tantrum from down the hall was about." Twilight noted. "Bianca...thanks."

"For what?"

"For just...being here." Twilight sighed. "Ever since I was captured, I haven't had any chance to talk with anypony who isn't royalty, or Prince Hector for that matter. It's...relieving to see a new face."

"I know the feeling. I was impressed into the royal family's service." Bianca replied.

"What do you mean by...impressed?" Twilight asked.

"Back in Eqaharia...I was taken from my family by my Lanistae, a lord who owned the land my family lived on.." Bianca said, noticing Twilight's confused expression at hearing the Eqaharian term. "He wanted me to be his...mistress as he was taken by my youth. I refused, and thus was given to Prince Hector as a gift when he visited years ago. Since then, I have served the Royal Family as a maid. In all truth, I doubt I fared better under my Lanistae back then, rather than now."

"That's horrible." Twilight said. "Tell me, Bianca...how bad is it for the normal ponies of Eqaharion? How do they fare? Please, tell me all you can."

Bianca nodded, and composed herself.

"It's...quite bad." she replied. "All surplus food that is grown or harvested goes to the army for rations. We have little time to wash ourselves or study and learn. Our work takes precedence over everything. At most, we get five hours a week to ourselves. Our food is of poor quality compared to what we serve the lords, and our water is bitter."

And the work is degrading and back-breaking. While we serve the soldiers as well, many are quite...rowdy with the maids sent to clean and heal them after battle. I've been slapped on my flank more times than I can count, and furthermore, sometimes we're assigned...comfort duty to the captains and commanders."

"Tell me that's not what I think it is." Twilight asked, horrified beyond saying anything else.

Bianca merely nodded, her embarrasment and sadness clear in her eyes.

"How can they be so cruel?" Twilight gasped. "Is there anyone who could help you?"

"The Head Maid does her best to limit those who are sent to the barracks, but the soldiers demand they be seen to at all times while not in the field. They act and behave like swine, every one of them, while their leaders turn to the side."

"Just last week, three soldiers pinned a friend to a post, bound her, and...raped her out of desire alone." Bianca said. "The soldiers were caught, but they only received a few lashes from the whip as punishment. The maid was given scant medical attention, and sent right back to work."

Twilight dropped her jaw. The Equestrian Guards were held to strict standards of civility, and if one of them committed an act like she'd heard, they'd be judged by Princess Celestia herself, very harshly.

"I'm so very sorry." Twilight put a hoof on her shoulder. Bianca shuddered, but nodded in thanks. She continued, tears starting to fall.

"And that's not even how bad it can get, Princess. Sometimes, the maids are assigned to his Majesty, King Diomedas." she cried quietly. "He prefers it rough and his partners...bound tightly and helplessly. He truly knows no mercy to those who displease him, even with his...partners of choice. Maids who are chosen for this are condemmed to a dire fate. f they do poorly, they are punished. If they do their best, they are sent back with no benefit."

Bianca began to cry openly, and Twilight loosely hugged her from the side.. There was silence for several minutes as Twilight comprehended what she was doing. But she didn't mind. Equestrian or Eqaharian, everyone deserves a helping hoof in time of need, she told herself. Especially after going through the experiences that Bianca did.

"We all suffer in one way or another, but some have suffered more than others…" Bianca finished. "But there is little we can do."

There was silence for several more moments. Twilight kept the embrace going until Bianca composed herself again, and she gave a reassured smile.

"Princess, thank you so much for listening to me. I know you must be busy."

"It's fine, and know I care and I always will. " Twilight replied. "If it would help you...I think I have an idea."

"What?"

"Instead of serving the soldiers or the Royal Family, how about you serve me for a change?" Twilight said, brushing a tear away from her cheek. "You won't have to go through any of that again, I promise. It helps that I've been confined to my chambers for heaven knows how long. "

"I...I accept, Princess." Bianca replied. "I'll tell the Head Maid of your request immediately."

Bianca got up, curtseyed gratefully, and left. Twilight looked at the plate of food she had mostly ignored, and deciding that she had an appetite after all, began to eat. As she did, she let a thought come across her mind.

"I may not be able to help my friends right now...but I will help you, Bianca. I promise."

Yeah, this chapter went into some pretty messed-up stuff. Why did I write it, you may wonder?

Because in war, everyone suffers. Everyone. Civilian or soldier, good or bad, one side or the other. And those who cannot escape it are those who deserve aid the most.

Also, I wanted to make it known what it is that the Eqaharians stand for. And what the Ghosts are fighting to topple. Plus, it's known that in war, on both sides, there's good and evil. I wanted Twilight to experience the good for a change.

Bianca will also play a role later in the story for Twilight's own agenda of either escaping or being rescued.

Next Chapter - The Ghosts move to the Crystal Empire, Hector returns to Canterlot empty handed, and Twilight adjusts to a new routine with Bianca.