To Boldly Go - Act I - 04 - All the Little Things

Act I:
“The Shape of Things to Come”

Chapter Four:
“All The Little Things”



Twilight nibbled her lip slightly in spite of her best efforts to the contrary as the family spacecraft prepared to drop out of warp. She looked over towards her mother who was sleeping soundly, as she normally did on longer trips. Her father busied himself with reading something on his holopad, most likely a news article or the latest philosophical paper. Twilight took a breath, quickly reminding herself of why she was here.

Relax. It’s just a simple trip to the Academy, where I shall enroll and study. No worries. I’ll most likely be able to find a nice dormitory or some other lodging during my stay. No worries. It’s the start of a new Academy year there, so rest assured I won’t be the only new student. Just remember to keep a level head and all will be well.

She was brought back to reality by the characteristic shifting of weight any spacecraft felt when dropping out of warp, causing all inside to lean forward ever so slightly. Velvet stirred slightly, shifting to lean on Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight looked down at the sleeping form of her mother, and began to feel a strange sense of nostalgia. This would most likely be the longest period of time she’d spent away from either of her parents, and she couldn’t help but once more feel anxious. Would she be able to find any fellow alumni that shared her interests? Or would the Equestrians shun her and treat her like some filthy half breed as many of her fellow Saddle Arabians had? And was this decision truly for the best, or was it just another instance of her Equestrian emotions getting the better of her and clouding her judgement in an attempt to sooth a wounded ego?

That single thought seemed to awaken a thousand more thoughts of doubt that began to wildly swarm in Twilight’s mind like a swarm of hornets. She closed her eyes tightly, hoping that maybe attempting to meditate would sufficiently quell the fears. She felt a hand on her shoulder and flinched, whipped her head around to see her mother smiling at her, her smile warm and loving as always.

“Twilight dear, there’s no need to be worried,” Velvet said gently, and Twilight attempted to regain a sense of composure.

“Whatever do you mean by worried?” Twilight replied, inside cursing herself for the bold faced lie. Her mother simply sighed.

“Twilight, you always mutter when you meditate.” she said knowingly. “Now, tell me, what is worrying you?”

Twilight nibbled at her lip ever so slightly, and glanced towards her father, who simply nodded slightly, his face set in it’s characteristic stoic and in-control expression. She looked back towards her mother and let out the slightest of sighs.

“What if the true reason for my enlistment in Starfleet is merely an attempt to smooth my ego or some other emotional response? How can I be sure it’s logical?”

Velvet simply laughed quietly, taking Twilight’s hands and holding them tightly. “Twilight, we’ve already talked about this. You’ve made the right decision.”

“Then why do I feel ill at ease?” Twilight was quick to ask, ever so slightly attempting to pull her hands out of her mother’s loving grip. Velvet’s smile only seemed to become all the more loving.

“Just because you feel a little stress, by no means will this mean you’re heading for disaster. You’re simply feeling an emotion. Nothing more. Nothing to be afraid of. Okay dear?”

Twilight sighed a little louder this time. “I suppose so…”

“Good,” Velvet smiled. She then turned towards her husband, who had been watching the proceedings from his seat. “See Savak? That is how to deal with our daughter’s worries.” she said with playful sarcasm. Savak simply nodded.

“Of course dear Velvet. That is why I defer to you.” he said, his voice level.

Twilight allowed herself to feel some relief. At least she had her family, whom, in times of doubt, would be there for her. She diverted her attention out the window again, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the sprawling metropolis below. Her mother leaned over to join her in looking out the window, a richly nostalgic look in her eyes.

“Oh Canterlot,” she sighed happily. “It’s changed so much since I was here last. Oh!” she pointed towards a castle perched on the side of the mountain that rose out of the center of the city. “There’s Canterlot Castle!” she said with a giddy tone. Twilight, on the other hand, wondered why someone would place a castle in such an illogical and strange place as the side of a mountain.

“Why is it built into the side of the mountain? Why not build it in the valley below?” She asked, eyebrow raised slightly.

“Well, apparently, back in the ancient times, building a castle like that was a sign of magical power and skill among the unicorn kingdoms before the formation of the Federation. It’s a wonderful historical monument either way.” Velvet replied. "And it functions as the main campus of the Academy, so hopefully you'll have a wonderful view of the rest of the city from your dormitory."

Twilight nodded slightly, attempting to process the information so that she could make an informed and logical decision. The spacecraft was already racing towards a cavern cut into the mountain side, which apparently functioned as some sort of indoor airport. The craft flew into the cavern and came to a gentle and controlled landing besides one of the many smaller structures that lined the walls of the spacious cavern.

A gangway extended out to meet their ship, connecting with a metallic clang to the side of the ship. Savak was first to stand, automatically moving to smooth out his garments, before gently taking Velvet's hand and escorting her towards the exit. As they walked away, Velvet motioned for Twilight to follow, and Twilight stood up from her seat and followed close behind.

The door to their craft opened to reveal a carpeted, closed in walkway which lead into the walls of the cavern. The carpets were a fine navy blue, which contrasted nicely with the elegant white walls and ceiling. Apparently, the walkway had been designed with Saddle Arabian's in mind, as Twilight noticed there was a good foot and a-half of room between her father's head and the ceiling. However, the walkway was only as wide as the doorway of their ship, which gave it a narrow and ever so slightly claustrophobic feeling.

They came to a stop at the exit of the walkway, facing the inside of the terminal. Twilight had not expected such a crowd, as literally hundreds of ponies and various other species moved about in droves, all either disembarking from their respective vessels, or greeting those disembarking. Twilight could see Velvet scanning the crowd, seemingly on the lookout for someone. Savak's eyes scanned the crowd as well, seeming searching for the same someone.

"Did you not say that you're brother was expected to meet us here?" He finally asked, looking down at Velvet. Velvet nodded.

"Yes I did Savak. I could have sworn I called him before we left. He said he would be here..." She trailed off, still scanning the crowd. Twilight started to scan the crowd as well, not sure of what to be searching for. However, a white stallion caught her eye, as he was walking directly towards them, followed closely by a very, very tall, midnight blue unicorn with a mane that flowed behind her elegantly, looking like a miniature night sky.

"Mother, look..." Twilight said, gently tapping her mother's shoulder and motioning towards the conspicuous pair of ponies. Velvet's previously concerned expression broke into a wide grin and she started towards the stallion, spreading her arms wide.

"SHINING!" She practically shouted for joy, quickly enveloping the tall stallion in a bear hug. The stallion was to respond with a tight hug of his own and Twilight looked up towards her father with a questioning gaze.

"Does Mother know him?" She asked, and her father nodded sagely.

"I would dare say so, that is her brother."

Twilight blinked, raising an eyebrow and looking back towards her mother and the stallion, who were now heading towards them, both with large smiles, followed closely by the massive unicorn. The trio came to a stop, the stallion looking up towards her father, saluting him. "Ambassador Savak," he said, adding a slight bow which her father returned.

"Admiral Sparkle. May the sun forever shine upon you and your household." He said, Twilight noticing his use of the traditional Saddle Arabian blessing. Usually, the blessing was only used for family, friends, or, as was apparently the case of this unicorn, ponies of important standing. Admiral Sparkle nodded.

"Many thanks Ambassador," he said respectfully, before turning to the mildly befuddled Twilight. She felt a hand on her shoulder and saw that it was her mother.

"Twilight, this is your uncle, my brother Shining Armor. You remember him right?"

"Oh that's alright Velvet," Admiral Sparkle said, briefly looking at her mother before refocusing on Twilight again. "Its been a while, its okay if she doesn't remember her good old Uncle Shining. You've grown quite a bit since I last saw you Twilie," the stallion said in a mature tone. Twilight simply blinked, unsure of how to greet the stallion. The nickname had succeeded in bringing back a series of faint, but noticeably fond memories of the tall stallion visiting several times in Twilight's foalhood, always paired with the memory of something wonderful like a brand new advanced chemistry set or the newest form of mobile deep space telescope.

"Greetings Uncle," she finally said, judging that to be the most appropriate response. She was sure to bow her head slightly as a show of respect, and saw the stallion smile warmly before she was pulled into a sudden, unexpectedly warm hug. She tensed up as a reflex to the sudden invasion of her personal space, unsure if this was how all Equestrians greeted each other. Receiving a hug from her mother was logical, she was her mother after all and Twilight knew her well. However, this was a stallion of whom she only had the vaguest memories of, felt incredibly invasive. It seemed however, that hug was over as soon as it began, as the stallion let her out of his embrace and she was quick to take a step back as subtly as possible, subconsciously smoothing out her now slightly wrinkled dress. She glanced towards her mother quizzically, only to see her smiling warmly as always.

"Don't worry Twilight dear, that's how family greet each other here." she said, seemingly knowing Twilight’s question before she asked it. Twilight nodded slightly.

“Do I return the favor?” she asked and her mother simply chuckled.

“No, it’s okay if you don’t this time.” she said, giving Twilight a quick hug of her own. The quick succession of signs of affection was slightly jarring to Twilight, but she knew that it would probably be incredibly offensive if she were to refuse any such signs of affection.

Meanwhile, standing nearby, she noticed her father and the tall unicorn speaking together, apparently having already known each other. Twilight was surprised to see that the unicorn also had a large pair of wings which were folded neatly behind her back. To Twilight’s knowledge, such Equestrians with that trait were called Alicorns. It was then that Twilight realized it might have been best to brush up on Equestrian culture before the trip over, but alas, the night before her setting out on this journey into the unknown, she had spent it packing her bags and the necessary research had totally slipped her mind.

“Excuse me Miss Sparkle,” a regal voice said, and Twilight turned to see that it had come from the alicorn, who now faced her, looking down at her with a sage expression that mirrored her fathers, albeit carrying a visible sense of pride in it. Twilight swallowed, standing more erect in an attempt to present herself in a manner that was befitting her status as ambassador’s daughter. The alicorn simply smiled and returned with a slight bow.

“My name is Princess Luna, High Admiral of the Celestial Starfleet and I am here to personally escort you to the campus.” she said in a regal tone and Twilight nodded.

“I offer you the greatest of thanks High Admiral,” Twilight said, being sure to bow her head for what seemed like the hundredth time. “But I do not wish to be shown any form of favoritism. I come here as a simple student, and therefore should not be treated differently as any other.”

High Admiral Luna smiled. “Of course, Miss Sparkle. In fact, your father was just affirming this with me. However, there is no doubt that, as the first Saddle Arabian to admit themselves to our fair academy, you deserve something more than a simple shuttle coming to pick you up. Now come,” she beckoned for Twilight to follow, turning to leave. “Our shuttle is waiting.”

Twilight blinked. This felt much too fast. She hadn’t even expected the High Admiral of the Celestial Starfleet herself to offer her transport to the Academy Campus, let alone greet her at the gate. She bit her lip reflexively.

“High Admiral I am flattered,” she began, quickly noticing how shaky her voice had become. “Might I be granted permission to bid my family farewell?”

Luna nodded. “Of course my child. Take as long as you wish.”

Twilight smiled slightly, before turning to her parents. Her mother’s eyes had already begun to water, and she had a sad smile on her face.

“Look at my little Twilight, all grown up and ready to go. Oh Twilight I’m so proud of you!” she unexpectedly leapt forward and pulled Twilight into a tight hug before Twilight had a chance to protest. She herself felt the emotional urge to cry, but held out against it, looking at her father with a questioning gaze.

“My child, I am proud of you. You have brought me more honor than I could have possibly imagined.” he stated simply, coming over and putting his massive hand on her shoulder. Twilight smiled slightly, and felt her eyes tear up slightly.

“Th-thank you father,” she said, her voice becoming slightly emotional despite her efforts to the contrary. Her father smiled.

“Twilight, if you worry for your emotions, you have no fear at this time.” he said kindly. Velvet meanwhile, tightened her hug, still crying into Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight, unsure if her mother’s reaction was negative or positive, attempted to console the crying unicorn with a gentle pat on the back.

“Mother, are you sad?” she asked worryingly, but Velvet shook her head, finally releasing Twilight from the hug.

“Sad? Oh Twilight I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life!” she beamed, her face breaking into a huge smile. Her mascara was smeared slightly, evidence to her recent outpouring of emotion. “My baby girl is going to be learning new things and meeting new ponies! I just can’t help but be joyful!”

“But why the tears?” Twilight asked, unable to understand that, if her mother was happy, why had she been crying mere moments before. Velvet simply smiled even wider.

“These are tears of joy Twilight. Joy that you’ve grown so much and come so far darling! You’re father was right, you’re off to do incredible things. And I’ll be able to see you do those things and be proud of you!”

Twilight’s concerned expression morphed into a smile of her own, and she gently pulled her mother into an experimental hug.

“Thank you so very much Mother. I shall miss you while I’m gone.”

“Oh don’t worry honey, I’ll call everyday and send you little packages and things.” Velvet replied, returning the hug.

“Thank you, and I shall attempt to repay in kind.” Twilight said, this time allowing herself some leeway in showing her gratitude. Velvet nodded.

"Of course darling. Now, go on, no use having an old mare like me hold back your first day, your uncle and the Princess are waiting." She said, motioning towards Shining and Princess Luna, who had stood by patiently the entire time. Twilight nodded, turning towards her uncle and the alicorn.

"Well, I am ready High Admiral," she said, her voice confident. Luna smiled.

"Wonderful, let us escort you then." With that, the trio started towards the exit, with Twilight turning one last time to look back at her family. Her father was, surprisingly, the first to respond, raising his hands and giving her the Saddle Arabian symbol for blessing. Her mother waved goodbye as well, the same happy smile on her face. Twilight felt an intense warmth flow through her, and she returned the favor, saluting her family with a smile on her face.

"Twilie!" Shining called out, diverting her attention back to him and Luna. "We've gotta get you to your admissions okay?"

She nodded, and with that, turned to follow the pair out of the terminal.


///////////////////////


Twilight busied herself preparing for the day’s academic activities. It had been a mere twenty-four hours since her arrival at the Starfleet Academy, and so far, it had been an unexpectedly hectic period of time. It was logical that, as an ambassador's daughter, she received a greeting that might not be typical of any other student, but other than that, it had been a rather low-key reception.

However, even with the surprisingly easy-going aura of the campus, Twilight knew that she had to make a good impression. To her immediate knowledge, Twilight was the very first Saddle Arabian to be accepted into the Starfleet Academy as a student. Yes there had been several Saddle Arabians at the Academy before, her own father among them, but they had all functioned as a purely political and consulting roles. Never had they been active students. As such, Twilight remained on edge.

How would the other students react to her or her personality? So far, they all seemed to be accepting, but she had only spoken with a grand total of three ponies, so she obviously did not have enough information to properly analyze her social skills and see if they were considered acceptable. Of course, she also knew that fretting over the details would only bring her unwanted stress and anxiety, so, she had resigned herself to a bout of recreational reading until her first class, which, judging by the clock on the wall, was in 2.89 hours.

She had only just began reading where she last left off before a sharp knock at the door caught her attention. Furrowing her brow, she at first, ignored the sound of the knocking. Most likely it was just another student who was attempting to locate their own dorm, and perhaps they mistook Twilight’s dorm for their own. However, the first knock was quickly followed by several more, all in quick secession, which finally managed to attract Twilight’s attention away from the book.

Closing it and setting it on her nightstand, she quietly walked over to her door and unlocked it, secretly hoping that it was in fact just another student, and not someone important.

The door opened to reveal an elegantly poised alabaster unicorn mare whose purple mane was manicured in a complicated bang. She wore a large, welcoming smile and extended a hand in greeting.

“Good morning!” she chimed, her voice carrying with it a noticeable Canterlot accent. Twilight simply nodded slightly, putting on a small smile of her own.

“What do you mean good morning?” she said, enjoying the unique opportunity to attempt at something Equestrian’s called ‘humor’. “Did you attempt to wish me good morning? Or perhaps you meant that this is a good morning, regardless of my own opinion on the matter, or that you felt good this morning, or is a morning to be good on?”

The unicorn across from her raised an eyebrow slightly as if confused by Twilight’s question. Twilight instantly regretted her most likely pitiful attempt at blending in, and was about to close the door in shame when the unicorn began to giggle.

“Well, of all the times I’ve wished somepony good morning, never has Gandalf ever been used as a reply,” she said, her voice laced with restrained giggles. “I have to admire such a literary minded pony such as you. My name is Rarity Belle,” she said, extending her hand once more. “And it is wonderful to meet you!”

Twilight took the mare’s reaction to be positive, and she tentatively returned the favor by extending her own hand in greeting, which the other mare took and shook.

“I didn’t catch your name,” Rarity said, her face questioning. Twilight was quick to realize her fumble.

“My name is Twilight Sparkle,” she said, noticing that Rarity was still shaking her hand. Rarity’s eyes widened slightly in apparent realization.

“Sparkle? You wouldn’t happen to be Ambassador Savak’s daughter would you?”

“As a matter of fact I am,” Twilight replied flatly, ”Is that a problem”

“Oh no not at all!” Rarity was quick to reply. “I’ve just never met somepony from such a place known for such culture and knowledge as Saddle Arabia, it truly is an honor.”
Twilight smiled slightly. “Thank you Ms. Belle, I appreciate the gesture.”

Rarity nodded, still smiling. “Wonderful, simply wonderful! Might I ask why you are here? Are you here for ambassadorial reasons or just to observe Equestrian culture?” she asked, tilting her head ever so slightly.

“Well, I have taken it upon myself to enroll into the Academy as a student and-”

“You’re here as a student?!” Rarity gasped, cutting Twilight off. Twilight tensed up slightly. Had she somehow offended the other mare? Was the idea of a Saddle Arabian student just that strange?

“Is there a problem?” she asked, only to be greeted by Rarity shaking her head.

“Oh no not at all Twilight! I just think this is a wonderful opportunity for me to brush up on my Saddle Arabian. You see, I’m currently studying Communications and Linguistics,” she said, smiling proudly. Twilight raised her eyebrows.

“Congratulations Ms. Belle. I know it to be difficult to learn a new language,” she answered, not really noticing the self-conscious tone in her voice. Rarity simply waved her hand dismissively.

“Oh darling, you mustn't keep calling me ‘Ms. Belle’. I hear that and I look for my mother. Just call me Rarity, plain and simple dearie. But as for my class, I’ve been told I have an ear for it. And not only that, it’s both a wonderful learning experience and a way to meet many a new friend. But what class are you taking darling? I simply must know, perhaps we can organize a study meeting or something?”

Twilight nodded in realization and was about to list all her courses, before quickly holding herself back. It probably would be rather unjust to say that she had enlisted in at least forty classes, which would only make her seem self-righteous. Right now she was just attempting to blend in and simply learn. Last thing she needed was the parade her intelligence in front of the others like a prize.

“I’m enrolled in The Higher Sciences,” she finally said, judging that to be the overall straight forward and honest description.

“My, my, my! The High Sciences? That must mean you’re in the upper most percentile am I right?” Rarity asked, and Twilight subconsciously rubbed her arm.

“I do not wish to boast but yes,” she answered.

“Well that’s wonderful darling!” Rarity said, before a beeping sound caught their ears and Rarity looked down to her wristwatch. “Oh damn it! I’m going to be late for class!” she said, and looked back at Twilight.

”Twilight dear we simply must arrange some sort of get-together. Tell me, are you free this afternoon?”

Twilight furrowed her brow slightly. “If by free do you mean that I have no scheduled classes, then I suppose so yes,” she answered. “But, I still must ask you. Why are you so accepting of me? Is it because of my father’s position or something else?” she asked, surprised that the other pony was so inviting. A part of her though, still worried that this all just might be a facade due to her status as the daughter of an ambassador.

“Whatever could you mean Twilight? I wish to be your friend because you seem intelligent and well read, and goodness knows those kinds of ponies are especially hard to find nowadays. Almost everypony here just wants to jump into a starship and go on some wild adventure to some far off place,” Rarity chuckled. “Now, I can meet you at the School Commissary for lunch if you’re willing.”

Twilight smiled more noticeably this time. For the first time, she wasn’t being judged by her heritage or because of the status of a member of her family. She was being judged on her own merits, as her own, unique and individual being, separate from all others. And that felt wonderful.

“Rarity, I would love to do that.”

Rarity smiled. “Wonderful, simply wonderful! See you at three then!” and with that, the mare turned and ran down the hall, leaving a content Twilight standing in the doorway.


///////////////////////////


“...and then I had ta go ta Medical School here in Canterlot just ‘cause mah momma was too damn paranoid ta let a normal doctor take a gander at her. Nope, it had ta be a family member, and not just any family member, but me. Said that I was the only one she trusted…” Applejack said, giving the porter a dirty look as he slowly pulled her suitcases and bags out from the side-compartment of the shuttle craft.

Rainbow simply rolled her eyes. “Really? That’s just fascinating…” she muttered, having long grown tired of the never ending family drama that the orange mare felt compelled to fill her in on. To be honest, she couldn’t wait to get back up in the sky under her own power, if only to make sure her wings hadn’t suffered any permanent damage due to being squished behind her back the whole flight. She had packed only her own backpack and nothing else, carrying it on her own back. She was going to prove herself worthy of Starfleet under her own merits, and not just some entitled daughter of a dead hero.

“Fascinatin’? Ya try callin’ cuttin’ open dead bodies fascinatin’...” Applejack replied, before giving the porter another dirty look and walking over to him. “And damn that porter he’s gonna break mah equipment!” she grumbled, turning towards the porter. “Hey! You! Careful with them bags! That medical equipment costs more than ya do!” and with that she stepped aside, already arguing with the porter over the proper way to carry the heavy bags.

Rainbow simply rolled her eyes and started to walk towards the exit, already thinking on where her new dorm would be. She’d heard that windowed dorms were the best, but they tended to be expensive, so it was probably out of her budget.

“Oh look! It’s Rainbow Crash!” came a loud, disgustingly familiar voice and Rainbow turned to glare at the source of the voice. She was a tall, slim and equally athletic blue pegasus with a snow white mane that was pulled back in a tight ponytail. Beside her stood two identical lavender pegasi, the only way of telling them apart being their vastly different mane cuts.

“Well who are they?” Applejack asked, walking up to Rainbow, apparently satisfied in having wrestled away her heavy bags from the porter. She carried all of them on her back, apparently none the worse for wear.

“Fleetfoot…” Rainbow grumbled under her breath, narrowing her eyes as the trio of pegasi sashayed over, insufferably smug grins glued to their faces.

“Well, well, well,” Fleetfoot sneered, crossing her arms over her puffed out chest. “If it isn’t the Daddy’s girl come to try and get an easy ride into a captain’s chair!”

“Hey Fleetfoot.” Rainbow spat venomously. “Surprised you’re sorry excuse for a mane grew back so damn well after that special shampoo you used.”

Fleetfoot simply narrowed her eyes, staring daggers at Rainbow. “You’re damn lucky I didn’t know it was you at first! Or I’d have my dad splatter your flank all over the side of Canterlot Mountain.” she spat back.

“Oh yeah? Where’s your big old daddy now huh?” Rainbow was quick to reply, shoving herself in Fleetfoot’s face.

“He’s busy. Kinda like your dad...oh wait,” Fleetfoot began, her face quickly returning to it’s previous sneer. “You’re daddy’s dead. My mistake.”

“Take that back.” Rainbow growled, balling her hand into a fist.

“Why?” Fleetfoot sneered. “Do you think it’ll bring Daddy back?” That served as the final straw and Fleetfoot was promptly greeted with a punch to the nose, sending both her and Rainbow, down onto the ground, screaming, yelling and tearing at each other’s hair.

“Damn it sugarcube!” Applejack groaned, quickly dropping her bags and diving into the fray, attempting to drag Rainbow off of Fleetfoot. It didn’t help that the twin lavender pegasi, Flitter and Cloudchaser, were quick to come to the defense of Fleetfoot, and that meant they only managed to get dragged into the fight as well.

Almost instantly, a crowd was formed around the vicious catfight, with several stallions all edging the pair on.

Meanwhile, Fleetfoot and Rainbow traded a vicious series of punches, kicks, jabs and hair pullings, all while trading vicious insults.

“Jerk!”

“Daddy’s mare!”

“Nag!”

“Asshole!”

“Bitch!”

Rainbow was about to come back with a vicious come back for that final comment when she heard a loud, authoritative voice shouted over the sounds of the crowd.

“CEASE THIS AT ONCE!”

The next thing Rainbow knew, she and Fleetfoot were enveloped in separate magical aura’s, each the same shade of midnight blue, pulling them apart despite their best efforts. Rainbow looked to see, of all ponies, High Admiral Luna herself was responsible, and her expression was one of intense, burning disappointment.

“What in the name of stars and stones is the reason for this madness?” she ordered, glaring at Fleetfoot and Rainbow with equal distain. The pair of them avoided her withering gaze, with Rainbow taking new interest in the patterns on the sidewalk.

“Well? Will nopony tell me why you two were attacking each other like rabid animals in broad daylight?” Luna asked again, this time looking around at the crowd of ponies, most of which were attempting to leave.

“I’ll tell ya what happend’ yer majesty.” Applejack said, dusting herself off as both Flitter and Cloudchaser rolled on the floor, obviously defeated.

“Pray tell, who are you?” Luna asked, eyeing Applejack with raised eyebrows.

“Name’s Applejack Apple, ma’am. Came here hopin’ ta be one of yer docs, and ah saw the whole damn thing.”

Luna raised an eyebrow, obviously intrigued by what Applejack had to say.

“Then might you know who started this?” she asked. Applejack nodded.

“Yessiry Bob. It was that mare right there,” she pointed an accusing finger towards Fleetfoot, who instantly shied away.

“She up an’ offended Rainbow here’s Daddy, an’ Rainbow kinda lost her cool.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed and she glared at Fleetfoot. “Is this true Fleetfoot? Did you offend Dash’s father in such a manner?”

Fleetfoot’s evasive gaze and harsh blush was apparently all Luna needed as confirmation, and she dropped the pair out of her magic.

“Fleetfoot I am sorely disappointed in you. I shall have to speak with your father about this. Needless to say he’ll be greatly displeased. I shall be expecting you in detention this afternoon. Understand?”

“B-but-”

“No buts Ms. Fleetfoot. Now go to class before I decide to enact a harsh punishment.”

Fleetfoot bit her lip, saying nothing but still glaring at Rainbow as she walked away. Rainbow meanwhile, kept her satisfaction at seeing Fleetfoot in trouble at bay, knowing full well that she probably also had to answer to the tall alicorn.

“Cadet Dash, I knew your father personally. I believe he would not have condoned such an action as the one you just took,” she said, her voice authoritative as always. Rainbow nodded meekly.

“Yes High Admiral…”

“That being said, Ms. Fleetfoot had no business insulting his memory in such a way, and I myself cannot blame you for reacting so passionately. Family is important, especially those who are no longer with us. We must respect them. However, I still expect you to meet with me and Admiral Armor. Needless to say he will have words with you. Now go, class begins within the hour.”

Rainbow let her shoulders sag, but nodded anyways, gently rubbing a sore spot on her face as the tall alicorn walked off, dispersing the crowd with a glance. Rainbow felt a hand on her shoulder and looked to see Applejack, who had a supportive smile on her face.

“Hey Rainbow, I just wanna say I thought ya did tha right thin’. Iffin somepony went and called my ma or my pa a bad name, I’d probably done a lot more then give ‘em a black eye.”

Rainbow smiled slightly. “Thanks Applejack...that means a lot.”

Applejack smiled. “Now, wadda say we get ta class. An’ maybe after that we can get some cider?”

Rainbow smiled a little more. While Applejack might not have been the most effervescent and cheerful of ponies, she was refreshingly honest. Maybe it was because she obviously took everything at face value, or the fact that she was not a wild eyed fan of Rainbow’s father, there only to attempt to maybe get a tidbit of information about the long-gone stallion. Or maybe it was the simple fact that she risked detention herself by standing up for Rainbow, even after something as obvious and troublesome as a public catfight. Rainbow put a hand on Applejack’s shoulder.

“Applejack, I think that’d be awesome.”


///////////////////////////


Rainbow Dash let out a satisfied sigh at as the shivering fizzy feeling of a glass of Quantum Bomb blew through her veins, filling her with a buzz that could only be compared to flying to the highest part of the sky and then diving down, only to pull up inches from the ground. Quite simply, it gave her a rush.

Applejack had fulfilled her promise, and as soon as Rainbow had finished with her private reaming from Shining Armor about her conduct that morning, the pair had gone to the first bar Applejack could find, The Dark Side of the Moon, where the pair went about drinking and sharing stories. By now, Applejack was across the bar, chatting up a storm with a fellow earth pony, a stallion this time, and Rainbow could tell that the pair would most likely be sharing more than just stories within the hour.

“Hey,” came a deep voice and Rainbow turned to see an incredibly handsome blue pegasus stallion leaning on the bar next to her, a big, suave grin on her face. “Come here often?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Rainbow gave him a smug grin in return, already feeling the alcohol do a number on her inhibitions. She raised an eyebrow of her own, leaning forward slightly.

“Oh...sometimes,” she giggled, not sure if it was because he was actually very handsome or it was the alcohol doing the talking. “Why’d ya ask?”

“Oh...no reason…” he replied, briefly scanning the bar. “Name’s Soarin by the way.” he extended a hand and Rainbow took it, shaking it somewhat sloppily.

“My name’s Rainbow Dash.”

“Oh really?” the stallion replied, raising his eyebrows knowingly. “So you were the one who punched out Fleetfoot and replaced her shampoo with engine grease?”

Rainbow smiled broadly. “Hell yeah that was me! Why? Want an autograph?”

“Nah, I think I’ll wait. But I’ll buy you a drink?”

Rainbow nodded. “I like the way you think. Let’s say we have a drinking competition? First to pass out pays the tab?”

Soarin narrowed his eyes. “You’re on.”


///////////////////////////


Rainbow could barely contain her drunken giggles as she and Soarin entered the semi-darkened dorm room and made their way to his bed, shirts were practically torn off as they got onto the bed, swapping spit and running their hands all over each other like no one’s business.

The drinking competition earlier had quickly paved the way for flirting, which quickly transformed into heavy innuendo, followed by an intense make out session that went unbroken from the bar to his dorm, which was, thankfully, closeby. They had been so busy making out that Rainbow barely noticed the bright, extraordinarily female wallpaper and color scheme of Soarin’s dormitory complex. She was too busy focused on getting ready for the sledgehammer, ready to hear him call her name, lay down the tracks and - a sharp knock at the dorm room door caught her attention. Soarin, still pinned underneath her was quick to start beckoning her to get off the bed.

“Quick! Get under there!” he hissed, practically shoving Rainbow off the bed.

“But why?!” she asked in a harsh whisper, still trying to comprehend what had seemingly turned the sexy stallion into a paranoid wreck.

“Just go! My roommate hates guests!” he said, and Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“Seriously?” she asked incredulously, only to be answered by another, even harder and harsher knock, followed by a sharply accented and frustrated female voice.

“Glidin open the door right now!” it insisted, and Rainbow could hear the sound of the doorknob jiggling violently. “And who’s that I hear in there with you?! Don’t tell me you’re having one of your ‘friends’ over!”

At this, Rainbow raised an eyebrow and looked towards Soarin confusingly.

“‘Glidin’? Who’s Glidin?” she asked incredulously.

“That’s not important right now get under the bed!” Soarin insisted, his voice a harsh whisper, sidestepping the question and once more shoving Rainbow towards the edge of the bed. Rainbow let out an angry huff and scooted off the bed and rolled underneath. Just as she rolled underneath, she heard Soarin fumbling along his nightstand along with the sound of whomever it was on the other side of the door slamming their hands on the door.

“GLIDIN! THE DOOR!”

“Gimme a second!” Soarin replied, and Rainbow perked her ears up. His voice sounded noticeably higher and more androgynous, a wild opposite from the deep, sensious baritone from before. There was the sound of an electronic bell ringing and the sound of the dorm room door’s locks tumbling followed by a new, incredibly smooth and silky feminine voice.

“Okay it’s open!” The voice called out, and Rainbow could hear the door swing open. What the buck? Rainbow thought, raising an eyebrow at the new mare’s voice. Who the heck is that?

“Glidin! Where’s your shirt?!” came the first female voice, and it sounded as if she certainly hadn’t expected to see whomever this Glidin was without their shirt.

“Wha? Oh sorry Rarity,” replied the other mare’s voice, this time very sheepish. There was the sound of the bed sheets being pulled up, followed by some intelligible muttered apologies.

“You had a friend over didn’t you?” The first voice asked, her voice accusatory.

“What?! Oh no I was just relaxing!” the second voice replied, sounding defensive.

“Then whose shirt is this and why do I see that tail sticking out from under the bed?”

Rainbow’s eyes widened to the size of dinner plates and she hastily tried to bend around to yank her tail back under the bed. Of course, during the course of her listening in on the strange conversation, she had forgotten that she was even under a bed in the first place, and her head hit the bottom frame of the bed, causing her to swear loudly. Next thing she knew she heard magic being employed and felt her tail being tugged rather harshly and felt herself dragged along the carpet. Panicking, she grabbed the bottom of the bed frame as hard as she could and tried to pull herself back under the bed.

That only seemed to make whoever was tugging at her tail even more determined, and the magic only increased, and Rainbow felt it reach the base of her tail and yank hard. Despite all her efforts to the contrary, Rainbow lost the battle and was yanked violently out from under the bed and sent tumbling along the floor.

“OW!” she yelled, looking up towards the pony who had yanked her from under the bed. The pony in question was an alabaster unicorn with a purple mane that was done up in a perfectly manicured bang. She wore a bright red Starfleet cadet uniform and wore an expression that could best be described angry suspicion.

“Hello there…” she said, her voice decidedly unamused. “I’m Rarity...and what the buck are you doing in my dorm?!”

Rainbow rolled over so that she was on her back, her stomach stinging due to the carpet burn she had suffered. “Ugh...hello to you too…” she muttered, sitting up, turning to give Soarin a dirty look. Instead, she stopped cold, her eyes bulging again and her jaw dropping to the floor in shock.

Sitting in the bed, cover pulled up to cover her sizable chest, was an incredibly curvy and most definitely FEMALE light blue pegasus with a long navy blue mane blushing furiously. Her green eyes darted worryingly between Rainbow and the unicorn. There was an incredibly long and unbearably awkward pause between the three, only interrupted by the click of the bedside alarm clock.

“Um...who the buck are you?” Rainbow finally asked the pegasus, breaking the silence.

“Um...well…I…” The pegasus stuttered, obviously incredibly embarrassed at this strange turn of events. Rainbow stood up, face still a portrait of complete and utter shock.

“Where’s Soarin?” she asked, only to be greeted by an exasperated groan from the unicorn behind her.

“That is Soarin…or rather Glidin in this case.” she said, already rubbing her temple as if a headache were setting in. Rainbow turned to give the unicorn a quizzical look.

“She’s Soarin?” she asked in shock.

The curvy pegasus nodded meekly and Rarity let out a sigh. Rainbow’s eyes widened as the pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place. Without saying a word, her eyes darted back towards the curvy pegasus, who was still covering her shirtless chest with the covers and seemed to be trying to burrow underneath them in an effort to avoid any further embarrassment. Slowly Rainbow began to shook her head.

“No no no no no no no no no…” she said, taking a step back. “Ponies don’t just switch genders okay...that’s just…” she shivered, “...disgusting…”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “Well congratulations, you just met your first Khatru. They do tend to do that.” she then leaned down and picked up a sky blue shirt with Rainbow’s cutie mark emblazoned on the front. “I take it this is yours then?”

Rainbow looked at the shirt in Rarity’s magic and blushed. It was only now that she realized that she was without one. She was quick to yank it out of Rarity’s hand and pull it back over her body.

“Um yeah thanks I gotta go bye!” she said quickly, quickly making her way towards the door as fast as her legs could carry her.

Meanwhile, Rarity simply eyed Glidin menacingly, arms crossed and eyebrow raised. Glidin meanwhile, shifted in the bed, still blushing furiously. “...can you pass me my shirt please?” she murmured, causing Rarity to roll her eyes and pick up the shirt on the floor and tossing it to Glidin.

“Thanks…” she murmured, pulling on the shirt and sitting in a slightly more upright position. She nibbled her bottom lip, and ran a hand through her mane. “Yeah...sorry about that Rarity...I kinda couldn’t help myself.”

Rarity sighed. “Ugh...it’s just...I never understand why you don’t just stay male.” she said, walking over to the bathroom in order to get ready for bed. It had been a long day, and honestly, she didn’t have time for any of Glidin’s cross gender antics. Glidin simply shrugged, moving to sit on the edge of the bed.

“I told you, the male dorms are like twice as much per-month…” she called out, “And why can’t I bring any of my dates over? You’re always bringing home some new stallion for a ‘personal study session.’” she added, and Rarity simply rolled her eyes.

“Oh please!” She scoffed, turning on the shower and testing the temperature. “First of all, those ‘personal study sessions’ are incredibly informative and two, you have no business lecturing me on my sex life. Goodness knows you’re species is preoccupied with that enough as it is...and thirdly, what do you mean you don’t have the bits? Isn’t your father an ambassador or something? Just ask for the money...” she spread some toothpaste on her toothbrush and set about brushing her teeth thoroughly.

“Um...no that’s my uncle...and he’s the king...and he kinda hates me.” Glidin replied. “He’d sooner cut off his arm then give me money.”

Rarity leaned out of the bathroom, toothbrush still in mouth and eyebrow raised. Glidin simply shrugged again.

“His words, not mine. And Khatrus aren’t obsessed with sex. We just have a...unique view on the subject is all…” Glidin said meekly, looking away in embarrassment.

Rarity simply blinked before leaning back in the bathroom. As she brushed her teeth, she heard the door open again and someone walk in.

"Hey, I’m kinda sorry about bailing on you like that, it’s just...well it was kinda weird and all,” Rarity recognized the voice as that of the rainbow maned pegasus from before. “But if it'll make you feel better, you can call me tomorrow at this number...but stay as a guy...kay? Cause, no offense, but I don’t go for mares if you know what I mean.” The voice said, and next thing Rarity heard was hoofsteps followed by the sound of the door closing shut. Furrowing her brow, Rarity rinsed her mouth and walked back out of the bathroom and looked at Glidin disappointingly.

“Was she serious?” she asked, crossing her arms and raising her eyebrow again.

Gildin simply looked at her, having apparently regained her lost confidence, crossing her arms and puffing her chest out slightly. “You’re just jealous that I got a date Darling” She said, imitating Rarity's inflections with a big haughty grin on her face. Rarity just huffed, rolling her eyes and walked back in the bathroom.

“Whatever Dear just don’t imitate me again or I’ll improve your wardrobe like I did last time.” She said with a smirk as she put her toothbrush away and shed her starfleet uniform, readying herself for her shower. “I still have those scissors you know….”

At that comment all color drained out of Glidin's face. “Yo-you’re j-joking right, Rarity?” She stammered, pulling the covers up over her chest again. "Because I’m still short at least five shirts from the last time you did that.”

“We’ll see Glidin,” Rarity said, stepping into the shower. “We’ll see.”