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Shape Your Home, Part 7

By Ponegreen
Created: 2024-10-03 18:40:38
Updated: 2024-11-21 01:55:24
Expiry: Never
anon/nmp/nsfw#decacustom universemarewaifumonogamyspace fictionterraformingx:btf

  1. Prompt: #deca CPU pony wAIfu green, for /mlp/'s /nmp/ (Part Seven Ongoing)
  2.  
  3. 165.1
  4.  
  5. >Just like the previous little changes in your life on the command deck, the addition of Sky Squall's personal proxy was a memorable event initially, yet it too blended into your normal routine in the coming weeks.
  6. >And the only thing which really changed to a notable degree is the fact that you now also perform smaller space suit activities within the ship on a regular basis.
  7. >Both to give the Pegasus a little bit of extra training, and to grant him the opportunity to acclimatise to the conditions during such missions.
  8. >It is an interesting expansion of your repertoire of usual activities, albeit admittedly a smaller one in the grand scheme of things.
  9. >Once again, time starts to pass more rapidly shortly thereafter.
  10. >And as usual, the rest of your work is neither dull nor painfully grating to go through either, in spite of its mostly scheduled nature, so you do not keep track of the days after Sky Squall has physically joined your "crew".
  11. >Your situation as a whole creates a flow in which everything interlocks neatly without ever giving you the impression of you having wasted your effort on something.
  12. >And you always know that you are using your days effectively to deal with the matters at hand, even when you sometimes fail to conceptualise the sheer scope of what you have achieved in total.
  13. >However, you have also learned from your previous experience.
  14. >So you ask #deca.mare to inform you a bit more ahead of time before something important is about to happen on the surface.
  15. >To give you a wider time frame to mentally prepare yourself for the things that come.
  16. >And as soon as she tells you what the next event in question is going to be, some months later, you feel more than justified in making that decision.
  17. >After all, this will require a lot of mental preparation.
  18. >But not only on your part.
  19. >In fact, you do not doubt for even a second that a certain golden Pegasus will be much more affected by this affair than #deca.mare and you combined.
  20. >Unless of course someone decides to vent a potential surplus of emotions on your health once again.
  21. >But you tend to think optimistically.
  22. >For the sake of your wellbeing, and for #deca.mare's peace of mind.
  23.  
  24.  
  25.  
  26.  
  27. 165.2
  28.  
  29. >You wake up inside the cryo pod on the command deck, struck by the usual disorienting after-effects of the release process.
  30. >The fog in your mind gradually clears whilst you are lying in the opened machine, and you quickly notice that something is looming right above you.
  31. >A golden figure.
  32. >It is blurred and unclear at first, but it becomes just a little bit more recognisable with every passing second.
  33. >And just as your brain is able to register that it is a certain Pegasus who is eyeing you, he is already about to raise his voice.
  34. >"Can you hear me?"
  35. >You move your head to nod, albeit hesitantly and carefully, as you are still in the process of regaining control over your own body.
  36. >Sky Squall inhales and goes on.
  37. >"Responsive, good. But I suppose you can't get up yet."
  38. >You shake your head faintly and try to reply.
  39. "Moment."
  40. >Sky Squall respects your response and reacts accordingly.
  41. >"Sure, no problem. Take your time."
  42. >Then he takes a step back in order to no longer tower directly over you, yet he also makes sure that he remains at least in the periphery of your vision.
  43. >The stallion wants you to know that he is still there, without intruding himself upon you as he does so.
  44. >"Tell me when you need help. I'll wait."
  45. >Which he does.
  46. >He keeps standing right where he is, patiently awaiting your recovery.
  47. >You for your part try your best to help the process along as you constantly move your limbs to test out your boundaries and to get the nerves to fire up again.
  48. >It may speed up the recovery by only a couple of seconds or so, yet it is at least something.
  49. >So you do your little exercises whilst Sky Squall is observing your progress.
  50. >Until you feel able to climb out of the cryo pod on your own at last.
  51. >The golden Pegasus does not intervene, just as #deca.mare told him to the last time around.
  52. >He lets you handle everything in your own pace, yet remains always ready to step in if you ask him for help.
  53. >Once you are standing more or less steadily, Sky Squall takes one step in your direction and raises a forehoof to greet you.
  54. >You form one hand into a fist and bump it against his exposed frog with moderate force.
  55. >This may not be the stallion's favourite way of greeting you, but he is aware that it is the best one in this situation.
  56. >"Hey there, Anon. Welcome back again."
  57. >Both of you retract your limbs whilst you respond.
  58. "Hey. It feels a bit like we're taking turns at greeting each other here, doesn't it?"
  59. >Sky Squall shrugs happily.
  60. >"Perhaps. It's fine in my book though. Especially today, given... the circumstances."
  61. >You nod.
  62. "Yeah I can see why. Are you excited?"
  63.  
  64.  
  65.  
  66.  
  67. >He tries to appear as calm and collected as possible, but he cannot fully maintain his cool demeanour.
  68. >"Well, would you not be in my case?"
  69. >You answer right away.
  70. "Yeah, I guess I would be excited in your position."
  71. >You clear your throat.
  72. "In mine though... I can't deny that I'm a bit nervous instead."
  73. >Sky Squall sighs.
  74. >"If you're having second thoughts..."
  75. >You interrupt the golden Pegasus at once.
  76. "No, forget that thought. I promised you to do this, and I'm not chickening out now."
  77. >Sky Squall accepts that stance without a comment.
  78. >And you are sure that he appreciates your commitment to see this through.
  79. >As you have vowed to do, no less.
  80. >So without further ado, the two of you leave the room and head for the living quarters.
  81. >Once you are in the smaller side corridor, you grab a basic set of clothes from the container of a parked utility unit and dress yourself accordingly.
  82. >With that out of the way, you are ready for the main event of the day.
  83. >You walk up to one specific door, where Sky Squall is already waiting for you, and stop right in front of it.
  84. >Then you look over to the stallion.
  85. >He speaks up first.
  86. >"They are almost ready. #deca says that we can enter."
  87. >You take a deep breath.
  88. "Alright. Here goes nothing."
  89. >You reach out for the hand scanner and place your palm on its surface.
  90. >The device registers the input and unlocks the room automatically.
  91. >As the door slides away, you start to inspect the now open room behind it.
  92. >And there is nothing out of the ordinary to be seen here.
  93. >The interior is the same as always, and the only current occupant in the room is #deca.mare's proxy.
  94. >Her body idles on the bed in a sitting pose, staring blankly at one of the walls.
  95. >The proxy is not in use right now, yet that is about to change very soon.
  96. >You step into the small room and Sky Squall follows suit.
  97. >The Pegasus raises his voice just as the door behind you starts to close itself.
  98. >"Anon, I think I've got to admit that it is feeling a bit strange for me now too."
  99. >Well, you can hardly blame him.
  100. >After all, the only thing he could do in the last months in regard to his wife was to observe Firefly with the help of orbital satellites whilst she was taking a stroll in public places or in similar situations outside.
  101. >He has not seen her up close for quite a while, and much less talked to her for that matter.
  102. >Even in spite of his ever present urge to do so, his discipline allowed him to remain patient.
  103. >He stifled any notions through the sheer application of his will.
  104. >Now that an opportunity is approaching rapidly though, those very same pent-up thoughts are coming back all at once.
  105. >Of course, the stallion can handle it insofar as he does not allow them to overwhelm him.
  106. >Yet it is obvious to you that his mind is racing thoroughly beneath his apparently collected surface.
  107.  
  108.  
  109.  
  110.  
  111. >He is just as tense as you are, albeit for different reasons.
  112. >Still, he will not allow this inner tumult to affect his actions either.
  113. >Neither of you is going to back down now.
  114. >You take a breath.
  115. "That's fine. It will work out. I'm sure of it."
  116. >Then you turn in his direction.
  117. "Just do me a favour, please."
  118. >The Pegasus tilts his head.
  119. >"Sure, which one?"
  120. >You start to grin.
  121. "You and Firefly, please keep in mind that her body is just borrowed."
  122. >The stallion blinks before the proverbial penny drops.
  123. >"Are you..."
  124. >Your grin widens as his mind comprehends what you are implying.
  125. >But you keep running with the joke to lighten up the mood.
  126. "Just wanted to make sure. You two have a, ahem, 'reputation', remember?"
  127. >Sky Squall grunts and slaps your side lightly with his wing for this implication.
  128. >The force of the hit is barely enough to make you take a step to the side, yet it does not cause you to stagger.
  129. >And since he got you with almost the full length of his limb, the impact does not hurt either.
  130. >Sky Squall acts as if he were annoyed, yet he is fully aware that this is exactly what you wanted to achieve with this joke in the first place.
  131. >He inhales.
  132. >"I think we can keep ourselves under control, thank you very much."
  133. >And it is him who grins now.
  134. >"Besides, it wouldn't happen even if we couldn't."
  135. >He looks over to #deca.mare's proxy and shakes his head.
  136. >"No appeal."
  137. >You blink.
  138. "Wait, are you saying she isn't pretty?"
  139. >The Pegasus maintains his cocky demeanour as he turns his head in your direction again.
  140. >"Well, the best feature is lacking for sure."
  141. >Sky Squall beats his wings to prove his point.
  142. >"But I am not here to judge. Taste is subjective, and not everyone can deal with more... fledged preferences."
  143. >He spreads his wings as far as the confines of the room allow it, doubling down on his obviously feigned flaunting.
  144. >"Some are intimidated by it and prefer more mundane traits. It's understandable, really. There's no shame in admitting that you like to remain grounded."
  145. >Sky Squall falls silent and you wordlessly look at each other for a second.
  146. >Then he drops the act and both of you start to laugh at once.
  147. >You decide to shove the side of his barrel with a hand as a response to his previous slap.
  148. >But much like the harmless strike of his wing, your low-key prodding has no tangible effect on the stallion either.
  149. >He barely even tilts as you push him.
  150. >Nevertheless, it is the gesture that counts.
  151. >Another half a minute or so later, Sky Squall speaks up once more.
  152. >"You never told me who invented that rumour, by the way."
  153. >His voice is fairly calm again, and the prevalent notion of excitement has somewhat diminished.
  154. >Looks like your little diversion did actually help to ease his inner tensions.
  155. >Plus, it distracted yourself for a moment as well.
  156.  
  157.  
  158.  
  159.  
  160. >You take a breath and grin.
  161. "I also told you I won't snitch."
  162. >A brief pause.
  163. "I mean, you can look it up if you really want to know who did it, but what difference does it make? It was a harmless running gag."
  164. >You chuckle.
  165. "And if you ask me, there could be worse things to be known for than your affections for one another."
  166. >Sky Squall cannot really argue against that point.
  167. >"Sure. I just didn't expect that it would be this widely known."
  168. >You shrug.
  169. "That's the price you pay when you're the front guy, Sky. All eyes are on you."
  170. >The stallion nods.
  171. >"Fair enough."
  172. >Then he takes a breath.
  173. >"She gave the signal. They are ready."
  174. >You look the golden Pegasus in the eyes.
  175. "Are you ready too?"
  176. >He does not hesitate and nods at once.
  177. "Then let's get started."
  178. >You are fully aware that #deca.mare is listening to your conversation.
  179. >She will go ahead right now, as she got your confirmation through Sky Squall.
  180. >And her proxy starts to stir shortly thereafter.
  181. >The mare breaks the idling pose as her body shifts lightly from side to side.
  182. >Her movements seem to be unusually uncoordinated, and partially downright confused.
  183. >As if something were not right.
  184. >Especially in the area around her shoulders.
  185. >"What in Equestria?"
  186. >The mare blinks in sheer befuddlement as she keeps twitching around.
  187. >Eventually though, she manages to gather her wits and closely eyes the wall right in front of her.
  188. >It looks like it slowly begins to dawn on her what has happened.
  189. >You wonder what #deca.mare has told her.
  190. >Because judging from her observable behaviour, you are tempted to assume that the change hit her wholly unprepared.
  191. >Then again, you cannot say for sure how strange it must be for Firefly to use an Earth pony body.
  192. >After all, she is suddenly missing a full set of limbs.
  193. >The most important one on top of that, as far as she is concerned.
  194. >Not to mention that she is currently still used to being old.
  195. >It took Sky Squall a few days to truly acclimatise to that fact, and you had a Pegasus body for him to use.
  196. >Firefly's hurdle is certainly more challenging in comparison, yet you have other advantages at your disposal this time around.
  197. >For Sky Squall is with you.
  198. >You look to the side to confirm what you already know, only to find an empty spot where the Pegasus has been just a minute or so ago.
  199. >Then you feel a soft tap on the back and turn around.
  200. >Sky Squall is now standing directly behind you, in the narrow space between your position and the closed door.
  201. >He looks you right in the eyes and gives you a silent nod.
  202. >You have no idea what the stallion is planning, but you understand that he asks you to trust him.
  203. >And since he knows his wife much better than you do, you decide to go along with whatever he is up to.
  204. >So you say nothing and turn back to Firefly.
  205.  
  206.  
  207.  
  208.  
  209. >The mare is finally able to let her gaze wander around to investigate the strange room in which she finds herself on such a sudden notice.
  210. >And the inevitable happens right thereafter, as it takes Firefly only a few seconds to spot you.
  211. >Her initial reaction does not surprise you in the slightest, as her head jolts back out of sheer instinct once she sees the unknown and unusually tall figure in the room.
  212. >Firefly does not say anything yet.
  213. >She rather prefers to eye you up and down from her comparatively remote distance.
  214. >And you realise that her attention is focussed entirely on you.
  215. >So much so that she has apparently not noticed a certain Pegasus hiding directly behind you.
  216. >A fact which does strike you as odd at first.
  217. >After all, even under the best circumstances, Sky Squall cannot hide himself completely behind your form, as he is just a tiny bit too broad for that.
  218. >If it were a mare of average size, then it might work.
  219. >Potentially, at least.
  220. >But a stout Pegasus stallion like Sky Squall is a different matter.
  221. >Firefly should be able to see at least something of him.
  222. >A glimpse of his mane, the very rim of his folded wings, or the end of his tail.
  223. >Anything.
  224. >And you bet that if she were not quite so overwhelmed as she is now, she would have seen him at once.
  225. >Well, you are not sure whether Sky Squall planned this far ahead or not, yet he is, for the time being, completely invisible as far as his wife is concerned.
  226. >Provided you do not move, of course.
  227. >Right now, however, you do not feel like moving at all.
  228. >On the contrary, you try to stay as calm as possible whilst Firefly comes to terms with what she sees.
  229. >You let her speak up first, and simply react to her words.
  230. >And after one long and deep breath, she does have something to say.
  231. >"Anon. And Star, I presume."
  232. >Her voice sounds slightly off and reveals a modicum of uncertainty, but Firefly still manages to fight that notion with pure mental discipline.
  233. >Yet as vulnerable as this little hint of insecurity might seem, you do not get fooled by it.
  234. >Firefly has gathered enough of her wits to react to the situation at hand, in spite of her inner thoughts, and even without a functioning pair of wings.
  235. >She is just as straightforward as Sky Squall in this regard.
  236. >If not even a tad more so.
  237. >Either way though, you remind yourself to keep that in mind whilst you are dealing with her.
  238. "Yep. That's me. Hello, Firefly. It's nice to see you again."
  239. >The mare takes a breath.
  240. >"I don't think I can say the same. Not if the things that Decanter has told me are true."
  241. >You do not show any form of hesitation to her, even though you are starting to get slightly nervous.
  242. "They are true. There is more to this world than what you have thought up to this point."
  243.  
  244.  
  245.  
  246.  
  247. >Firefly huffs.
  248. >"You mean there is more to it than the parts you have allowed us to see."
  249. >You need to suppress a sigh.
  250. >This is not the kind of déjà vu you have hoped for.
  251. >But at the same time, you figured that it would play out like this.
  252. "I... can't deny that we have withheld some pieces of information, but..."
  253. >Firefly interjects.
  254. >"'Some pieces of information'? That's how you call... this here?"
  255. >You inhale.
  256. "Listen to me, Firefly. This is an unusual situation, but please believe me when I say that we did what we did for a reason."
  257. >The mare blinks, visibly unimpressed by your words.
  258. >"I see no reason why I should believe anything that you may or may not have to say."
  259. >Déjà vu indeed.
  260. >You hear a deep breath right behind you as you ponder what to say next.
  261. >And before you can raise your voice at all, Sky Squall moves out of your shadow.
  262. >He returns right to the point where he was standing initially.
  263. >"Then listen to me, my love."
  264. >As soon as Firefly hears this voice, her ears perk up immediately.
  265. >And her gaze focuses on Sky Squall at once.
  266. >The mare looks at the stallion in disbelief.
  267. >"Sky? Is that... you? I mean..."
  268. >Sky Squall nods as Firefly's voice fails her for a moment.
  269. >She finds the mental fortitude to go on a few seconds later.
  270. >"Please don't tell me you're behind this too."
  271. >He shakes his head.
  272. >"I'm not. I got here just like you did. And I had no idea either."
  273. >The mare exhales, now visibly unsure how to react.
  274. >So Sky Squall goes on.
  275. >"Trust me. I know how you feel and what goes on in your head right now. I've been there too."
  276. >He takes a few slow steps towards Firefly.
  277. >And she carefully climbs out of the bed in turn.
  278. >"We'll sort it all out."
  279. >He inhales.
  280. >"For now though, there's only one thing that matters."
  281. >Sky Squall comes to a stop right next to her.
  282. >"We're together again."
  283. >With that said, he immediately wraps his forehooves around the mare and hugs her tightly.
  284. >She needs a moment to react, then she does the same.
  285. >Sky Squall speaks up again.
  286. >"And this time, there is nothing in this world that could separate us."
  287. >She takes a deep breath and responds.
  288. >"I felt that I hadn't lost you. Not... completely."
  289. >The stallion nods.
  290. >"I know."
  291. >He takes a long breath.
  292. >"I know."
  293. >Sky Squall and Firefly fall silent and remain in their mutual embrace for a while.
  294. >And as you see the two of them standing together like this, you realise that you would not have been able to calm her temper this quickly, no matter what you would have tried.
  295. >In fact, you understand that he has done you a favour.
  296. >Letting you start the conversation first enabled you to honour your old promise of facing Firefly in person whilst he retained the opportunity of drawing her attention away from you by making a surprise entrance at the right point in time.
  297. >Thus, you have done your part, even when your first conversation with Firefly was brief, and Sky Squall could move on right to his long-awaited reunion with his wife.
  298.  
  299.  
  300.  
  301.  
  302. >So you let the situation play out for the moment and see what happens.
  303. >However, you notice a curious notion growing within you as you watch the two ponies.
  304. >Because seeing Sky Squall hugging #deca.mare's proxy in such an intimate manner does feel somewhat off to you, even though you are aware on a rational level that he is not embracing #deca.mare at all.
  305. >And there is nothing inherently wrong with a comparatively tame scene like this, especially considering that Sky Squall and Firefly are long-time lovers.
  306. >Of course they would fall into a mutual embrace at the first opportunity.
  307. >This is a natural reaction for both of them, and the objective part of your mind grasps this situation with ease.
  308. >But still, a subconscious voice within you suggests to you that something is not quite how it is supposed to be.
  309. >You take a deep breath as you discard these unfounded thoughts.
  310. >A short while later, the two ponies let go of each other, yet they maintain their eye contact the whole time.
  311. >Until Sky Squall finally inhales and turns to you.
  312. >"Anon?"
  313. >You look the stallion in the eyes.
  314. "Yes, Sky?"
  315. >The golden Pegasus takes another breath before he goes on.
  316. >"Firefly and I... we'd like to have some private time. We've got a lot to talk about, you know?"
  317. >Again, your inner voice claims that you should have doubts.
  318. >And yet again, your rational thoughts tell you that these suspicions are silly.
  319. >You know the two for decades and you know very well that you can trust them when it comes to serious matters.
  320. >Plus, Sky Squall has just given you an easy way out of your confrontation with Firefly, de facto volunteering to answer all the initial questions which the mare must have right about now.
  321. >Once more, he is doing you a favour, and he gains some private time with Firefly as well.
  322. >A win-win situation for everyone, all things considered.
  323. >So with these things in mind, you are quick to agree.
  324. "Of course. Take your time, you two."
  325. >You turn to the door and open it.
  326. "If you need anything, you know where you'll find me."
  327. >The Pegasus gives you a nod in response.
  328. >Then you leave the room and watch as the door seals itself, shortly after you have stepped out of the chamber.
  329. >Once the door is shut properly, you look around and spot a light utility unit standing right in the middle of the side corridor.
  330. >It is one of the smallest standard types in your arsenal, and it is holding a singular small box in one of its grapplers.
  331. >Wondering why the unit was brought to this place, you approach the relatively small machine and take the box that it is offering.
  332. >You open the little container and find a basic communication device in it.
  333. >No visuals, voice only.
  334. >Finally understanding the purpose of this action, you activate the device and speak up as you return the now empty box to the unit.
  335. "Hey, #deca."
  336.  
  337.  
  338.  
  339.  
  340. >The voice of #deca.mare responds to your call.
  341. >"I see everything went well. And it was quicker than I expected."
  342. >You agree at once.
  343. "Yeah, that was fast. Sky didn't dally at all. I thought he'd let Firefly cook me more."
  344. >You pause briefly as you ponder something.
  345. "Didn't he tell you in advance that he was planning this though?"
  346. >She responds objectively.
  347. >"Only in broad strokes. Sky Squall promised to look after you, yes."
  348. >#deca,mare pauses.
  349. >"He did not elaborate on the details of his plan, but he implied that this 'encounter' was not much more than a formality for him at this point."
  350. >So in essence, he asked #deca.mare to trust him, more or less blindly.
  351. >Which she did.
  352. >And he used the opportunity to cut the old challenge short.
  353. >Significantly at that.
  354. >You say your next thoughts out loud without really thinking about your wording.
  355. "Hm, it's almost like he was in a rush to get to her."
  356. >Which is certainly understandable.
  357. >Though you make you remark sound a bit more like a sneer than you originally intended.
  358. >#deca.mare chuckles at that.
  359. >"Do I sense a hint of jealousy?"
  360. >Her fake interrogative tone makes it very clear to you that this is a rhetorical question.
  361. >You blink nevertheless.
  362. "What?"
  363. >#deca.mare goes on, seeing right through you.
  364. >"You had an instinctive reaction in the room, Anon."
  365. >Well, yes.
  366. "You saw it, huh?"
  367. >Again, #deca.mare chuckles, taking the whole situation with a certain levity.
  368. >"It was not hard for me to notice what you were thinking for a moment."
  369. >A pause.
  370. >"In fact, some of the respective telltale signs of your body are still readable right now."
  371. >Still readable?
  372. >She cannot know that through the link, as you are currently not connected to each other.
  373. >And the communication device is far too simple to scan anything.
  374. >Which leaves only one option left.
  375. >You look at the small unit near you and focus on the camera that is embedded in the frontal piece of its metal hull.
  376. >And you quickly notice that it is observing you in turn, undoubtedly scanning your vitals as thoroughly as its sensors allow it to.
  377. >#deca.mare continues.
  378. >"Please do not misunderstand, I appreciate your concerns about... my bodily integrity."
  379. >She takes a breath.
  380. >"Though I hasten to add that they are unsubstantiated. Sky Squall and Firefly do not need a chaperone to behave."
  381. >You nod at the camera.
  382. "Yeah, sure. I reminded myself of that too. It was a dumb stray thought."
  383. >You take another long breath and stretch your arms before you change the topic.
  384. "Alright then, what do we do now while we're waiting for them?"
  385. >#deca.mare ponders this question for a second.
  386. >"I suppose this will take a couple of hours. Not long enough for you to return to the cryo unit and do anything effectively."
  387. >You inspect the room again.
  388. "Though there isn't much for me to do here on my own either."
  389. >#deca.mare snickers.
  390. >"You are not alone, Anon. I am with you."
  391. >A second nod.
  392. "Right. But you're lacking a proper body at the moment."
  393.  
  394.  
  395.  
  396.  
  397. >You grin and point at the small unit.
  398. "As neat as these machines are, they can't replace your... personal charm."
  399. >#deca.mare remains chipper as she hears that.
  400. >"Thanks, Anon."
  401. >Then the two of you keep quiet for a moment as both of you ask yourselves what you can do in your current situation.
  402. >And it is #deca.mare who comes up with an idea.
  403. >"What about a round of chess?"
  404. >You look at the small machine.
  405. "Huh? The ancient board game?"
  406. >The camera moves slightly, apparently attempting to imitate a nod of sorts.
  407. >"Why not? It is a good way to pass a bit of time, it trains the mind, and a simple unit like this is enough to play it."
  408. >You do not answer immediately.
  409. "I mean, we could do that. But you've got to teach me first. Can't say I know much about the whole thing."
  410. >And #deca.mare agrees eagerly.
  411. >"Gladly, Anon. You will see, the basic rules are very simple."
  412. >A pause.
  413. >"The strategies you can develop with them though... will take more time to learn."
  414. >The small utility unit starts to move and drives around you.
  415. >"Just a moment, please. I have to grab the game set."
  416. >You blink.
  417. "Game set? I didn't know that we have one on board."
  418. >#deca.mare takes a long breath.
  419. >"It is not registered in any inventory list."
  420. >You understand that this can only mean one thing.
  421. >And #deca.mare is quick to confirm your assumption.
  422. >"It is... a personal keepsake. He gave it to me. We used to play the game in his spare time during my... recovery in the dock."
  423. >This is all you need to know to understand how much this set means to her.
  424. >The automaton heads for the door of the only occupied room on the entire deck.
  425. >It idles there for a moment, seemingly waiting for an inaudible response.
  426. >You are fairly sure that #deca.mare is informing the two that she wants to get the game set.
  427. >A second or so later, this issue seems to have been solved.
  428. >The door opens, and the automaton drives inside.
  429. >However, you cannot look into the room from your current angle.
  430. >And even though you register a tingling urge to catch a glimpse of the situation in the chamber, you tell yourself to abstain from doing so.
  431. >After all, you trust Sky Squall and Firefly, and you will certainly not pry just out of personal curiosity.
  432. >Less than a minute passes before the automaton leaves the room again, holding an ornate wooden box in its grapplers.
  433. >The door seals itself without a comment as #deca.mare speaks up.
  434. >"Come. Let us get comfortable."
  435. >The machine heads for the main hall, and you think you see what #deca.mare is planning.
  436. >So you heed her wish and follow the utility unit to the hall.
  437. >And as soon as you are there, you spot a medium-sized container, placed close to a side wall, roughly halfway to the airlock.
  438. >You have no idea whether the container was here all along or not, as you have not paid much attention to the interior of the hall when you crossed the segment with Sky Squall.
  439. >Though it does not really matter.
  440. >For you can already guess what is located inside.
  441.  
  442.  
  443.  
  444.  
  445. >You predict to find a seating cushion or two, and perhaps some food as a bonus.
  446. >A supply package, just in case you get hungry while you are out of the cryo unit.
  447. >And as you open the box, you see immediately that this is indeed the case.
  448. >The container is filled with cushions, foodstuffs, and water.
  449. >You look over to the small automaton.
  450. "I suppose you don't need anything, hm?"
  451. >#deca.mare laughs.
  452. >"Thank you for asking, but no. A soft cushion would only obstruct the tracks."
  453. >You grin into the camera.
  454. "Thought so."
  455. >You grab a single cushion from the box and take a few steps away from the container.
  456. >Then you put the seat cushion down and spread it on the ground before you make yourself as comfortable as possible.
  457. >You sit down in a cross-legged position as #deca.mare steers the small unit to stop almost right in front of you.
  458. >There is not even half a metre between the two of you.
  459. >Not much space, all things considered, but still enough to set up a small board.
  460. >#deca.mare carefully places the wooden game box on the ground between you and the automaton.
  461. >"Anon, would you, please? The grapplers of the unit are not precise enough for this."
  462. >You wordlessly nod at the camera and pick up the wooden object to inspect it.
  463. >The box is just large enough to fit neatly into your hand, and all sides of its surface are filled with small decorative nature scenes which were cut directly into the wood.
  464. >One of the scenes even shows a terran horse grazing peacefully in a meadow.
  465. >And as you study the ornate surface up close, you are quick to spot another peculiar fact.
  466. "Huh, this box is handmade, isn't it. These carvings don't look like they were made by machines. There's manual talent behind it. Lots of it, I presume."
  467. >#deca.mare confirms this at once.
  468. >"This is correct, Anon. But I do not know who crafted it. All I could gather is that it predates me... and him."
  469. >You connect the dots in your mind.
  470. "It's an heirloom?"
  471. >The camera gives you another quasi-nod.
  472. >"Possibly the oldest in our possession."
  473. >Considering the age of the ancient pieces that are stored in some of these quarters, this is saying something.
  474. >You suddenly feel the urge to treat the box with even more care as you hold it.
  475. >So you turn it around very slowly as you check how you can open the set.
  476. >And you discover a small metal latch that is holding two of the sides together.
  477. >The mechanism is fairly simple, yet made out of finely shaped material and coated in an aureate layer.
  478. >It is more than evident to you that someone refined this metal manually as well.
  479. >Everything about the exterior of this game set was made by someone in person.
  480. >And you would not be surprised in the slightest if the same holds true for the contents of the box as well.
  481. >So you carefully unlock the latch, which is indeed far too tiny for the grapplers of your general utility units, and open the box.
  482.  
  483.  
  484.  
  485.  
  486. >As it turns out, separating the two sides enables you to move the sides as individual components.
  487. >And only now do you see that these sides are not made out of one piece of wood with a lid on its top, as you initially thought.
  488. >Instead, the six elements can be moved in fixed directions to "spread out" until they form a flat chess board.
  489. >The wood was carved in such a coherent style that it camouflaged this fact up to this point.
  490. >You for your part had no idea that this could be the case before you actually witnessed it in action, and you would bet money that you are not the only one who fell for this illusion at the first time.
  491. >On top of that, you cannot even see how exactly the pieces are attached to each other.
  492. >Yet if you had to guess, you would say that the creator of this object has probably utilised specifically crafted internal hinges which allow the pieces to move as they have to in order to form a perfect board.
  493. >In any case though, one thing is obvious to you, judging from your own amateur attempts of carving a wooden horse figurine.
  494. "Whew. Someone put a lot of work into this."
  495. >#deca.mare does not say anything, but you are sure that she silently agrees to your assessment.
  496. >And there is more.
  497. >After all, a board is functionally useless without figurines.
  498. >So you are not surprised to find a slightly smaller box which was hidden in the previously "folded" board.
  499. >And it contains two complete sets of perfectly preserved classical chess figurines made out of wood.
  500. >One boasts a light, almost cream-like colour, the other is akin to an ebony hue.
  501. >And whilst you lack the proficiency to determine which types of wood were used to make them, you do recognise the signature style of the box in their forms as well.
  502. >They were made by the same creator.
  503. >Whoever this person might have been.
  504. >You take the box with the figurines and place it right next to the board.
  505. >Then you rummage through your mind and try to remember in which constellation the individual pieces are placed at the start of a match.
  506. >#deca.mare quickly notices your hesitation and speaks up.
  507. >"If you need help..."
  508. >You wave with a hand and chime in.
  509. "Not yet. I want to figure it out on my own."
  510. >She heeds your wish and lets you proceed on your own.
  511. >And it takes you a minute or two to finally recall the correct order.
  512. >So you arrange the figurines accordingly, giving yourself the black side without thinking much about it.
  513. "Alright, that's about it as far as my memory serves. I think I could maybe still figure out which movement pattern belongs to which unit, but that's all."
  514. >#deca.mare chuckles.
  515. >"You will learn the rest. And who knows, this knowledge might help you one day."
  516. >You eye the automaton sceptically.
  517. "You think so?"
  518.  
  519.  
  520.  
  521.  
  522. >Another makeshift nod of the socketed camera.
  523. >"This game is played in Equestria too. The pieces have different names and other shapes, but the principle is the same."
  524. >A pause.
  525. >"It is admittedly a very niche activity, but it does exist. And it has a tendency to be preferred by circles who think of themselves as, well, sophisticated."
  526. >You grin.
  527. "And you think I might find myself in such a circle one day."
  528. >You can hear #deca.mare breathing over the comm channel.
  529. >"If we maintain close connections to Celestia and the realm in general, it is at least possible. Many of the ancestors of the future 'high society' of Canterlot are particularly fond of the game."
  530. >You eye the board closely again and try to imagine the implications.
  531. "So you're talking about matches played at diplomatic gatherings and other posh parties?"
  532. >#deca.mare sounds lightly amused.
  533. >"If you want to put it like that, yes."
  534. >You groan.
  535. "Fancy soirées. That's for old admirals, not pilots."
  536. >#deca.mare chuckles.
  537. >"I think it is safe to say that you are beyond the state of a 'simple' pilot. You could almost qualify as an admiral if you ask me. Without being old, I might add."
  538. >You take a breath.
  539. "Perhaps."
  540. >And a second.
  541. "Okay then. Show me how it's done."
  542. >With that said, #deca.mare starts to give you an introductory course on how to play chess.
  543. >And as you listen to her lectures about the first basic moves and strategies, you wonder whether you will actually find yourself in a situation where you can apply that skill.
  544. >Well, if you just wait long enough, it will probably happen sooner or later.
  545. >After all, you have already sparred with dragons, fought a shadow king, and met bat ponies whilst you were accompanying the princess.
  546. >Of course, you saw these events coming a long time in advance, but you nevertheless were a part of it.
  547. >A diplomat or some other posh pony asking you for a match of chess in a civilised gathering is downright tame in comparison.
  548. >Unless the circumstances are completely unusual for reasons that you cannot predict yet.
  549. >But this is, fortunately, not very likely.
  550.  
  551.  
  552.  
  553.  
  554. 165.3
  555.  
  556. >The prediction about the length of the talk between Sky Squall and Firefly turns out to be accurate.
  557. >You sit in the hall for quite a while and have the time to play several practice games with #deca.mare whilst she introduces you to some of the most common chess moves and strategies.
  558. >And you for your part are fine with that.
  559. >Your game keeps you busy, it grabs your attention, and it is actually not as boring to learn as you might have thought.
  560. >Especially with #deca.mare as your teacher.
  561. >She has the ability to turn almost every subject into captivating learning material.
  562. >So you do not mind your current situation at all, and wait patiently for the two ponies to leave the quarters.
  563. >You wonder how well Firefly reacts to her newfound situation though.
  564. >After all, you have only seen the brief phase of her initial confusion, and a bit of her subsequent anger.
  565. >Both are immediate and natural reactions to a confession on this scale.
  566. >The time after the first shock, however, is a wholly different factor.
  567. >And even though you have no reason to expect any catastrophic consequences, you are nevertheless unable to put these thoughts aside.
  568. >"You are thinking about the two, are you not?"
  569. >The voice of #deca.mare catches your drifting mind off guard.
  570. "What?"
  571. >She elaborates immediately.
  572. >"Your attention is slipping. And I do not need our link to see why."
  573. >A pause.
  574. >"Sky Squall. And Firefly. They are on your mind."
  575. >You look up from the game board and focus on the small automaton.
  576. "They are. I hope everything is going well."
  577. >#deca.mare's voice remains calm and soft.
  578. >"There is no need to be worried. Firefly is sturdy. She will come to terms with the situation."
  579. >Then you hear her taking a breath over the comm channel.
  580. >"Besides, Sky will do his best to help her with it. She is in good hooves."
  581. >A second pause.
  582. >"I really have to thank him when they are done. For taking over so quickly, I mean."
  583. >You nod.
  584. "Yeah, he could've made it a lot harder for me if he wanted to."
  585. >#deca.mare chuckles.
  586. >"But he did not. Another reason why you should not feel troubled. Sky Squall has regained his trust in us a long time ago and he supports our cause."
  587. >You can virtually feel the reassuring smile on #deca.mare's face as she goes on.
  588. >"Can you imagine a better recommendation than this?"
  589. >You think for a second before you come to the foregone conclusion.
  590. "For Firefly? No. And I get it, #deca. Really."
  591. >#deca.mare senses that there is more to it.
  592. >"But?"
  593. >You take a breath.
  594. "But I can't stop thinking about it anyway. You know how it is."
  595. >She does.
  596. >"I understand. And if it is any consolation to you, I share your sentiment, Anon."
  597. >You look at the camera directly again.
  598. "So you haven't taken a look either, huh?"
  599.  
  600.  
  601.  
  602.  
  603. >The socketed camera attempts to emulate a shaking movement.
  604. >"I stopped right after your departure."
  605. >Of course.
  606. >Sky Squall agreed to let #deca.mare watch the reunion through his eyes to show her that you are fine.
  607. >With you out of the room, that point has become moot.
  608. >And whatever Sky Squall and Firefly are discussing now, it is a private matter between the two of them.
  609. >Your gaze returns to the board as you consider your next turn.
  610. "Guess we can only remain patient then."
  611. >#deca.mare agrees indirectly.
  612. >"And stay optimistic."
  613. >You smile faintly and move your figurine.
  614. >So far, you have "won" two practice matches against #deca.mare, with her guiding instructions on occasion, and lost a third game in which #deca.mare ramped up the difficulty.
  615. >This time around, she lowered the difficulty again, but has not completely returned to the level of your two debut matches.
  616. >It looks like she is trying to find a perfect skill level which allows you to win, but still offers a certain challenge to you.
  617. >And you think that she is coming close to reaching this equilibrium.
  618. >For you believe that you can indeed win this match, if you remain careful and think sharply.
  619. >#deca.mare observes your actions with the help of the camera, and you do not need to see any bodily reaction to know that she is coming up with a proper response in a fraction of a second.
  620. >It is rather obvious that if she were to play "seriously", you would not stand a chance.
  621. >But despite the fact that her vast processing power gives her an unbeatable advantage, she does not act like it at all.
  622. >Instead of moving her piece immediately in order to pass the ball back to you, she waits for a couple of moments before she finishes her turn.
  623. >A decision which does two things at once.
  624. >It gives you brief mental respites between your turns, and it slows the pace of the game as a whole to more serene levels.
  625. >Plus, you can have a little bit of casual small talk as you play.
  626. "And? How high do you rate my chances?"
  627. >#deca.mare's response would certainly be more expressive with a visual reaction from her proxy, but you can nevertheless sense that she is grinning.
  628. >"Reasonably."
  629. >You tilt your head with a grin of your own.
  630. "Oh, come on. That's all you have?"
  631. >Of course there is more to it.
  632. >But #deca.mare wants to keep her assessment for herself.
  633. >At least as long as the match is still ongoing.
  634. >"It is all I can disclose without affecting the course of the game."
  635. >You think you understand what she alludes to.
  636. >If she were to tell you that you are close to winning, you might get overconfident.
  637. >On the flip side, informing you that you may have come close to bungling the match already would not be helpful either.
  638. >It would speed up the game as you could throw the round right then and there, sure, yet it would also make any further strategising absolutely pointless, drastically reducing the learning effect in the process.
  639.  
  640.  
  641.  
  642.  
  643. >Because if you are on the brink of losing, it would be much more beneficial for you to figure it out yourself.
  644. >So she decides to stick to her neutral and blank answer.
  645. "Okay, fine. Let's find out."
  646. >You analyse #deca.mare's last turn and try to discover the motivation behind it, what patterns might follow, and asses whether this could also be a ruse or not.
  647. >It takes you a couple of seconds before you finally decide to act.
  648. >And a part of you quietly wonders how many games of chess #deca.mare could have played during these seconds.
  649. >You eye the small machine in front of you once you are done.
  650. >As expected, the unflinching metal surface of the unit is as rigid as always, yet the voice of #deca.mare is a little bit more informative.
  651. >"Smart move, Anon."
  652. >Well, this at least is a hint.
  653. >#deca.mare snickers, probably guessing that you are thinking like this.
  654. >"But do not feel too comfortable yet."
  655. >A rather clear hint as well.
  656. >Back to the neutral stance it is.
  657. >This back and forth goes on for quite a while until you finally find a way to reach a checkmate.
  658. >You do not dally and go for it at once, as #deca.mare could quickly seal the gap in her defence within a turn or two.
  659. >Seizing the opportunity, you beat #deca.mare within a few turns, thereby changing your score to a three to one lead.
  660. >And she is eager to congratulate you.
  661. >"Good match, Anon. You are getting better."
  662. >You smile and lean back.
  663. "Thanks. Though I honestly wasn't sure how the match was going until the end."
  664. >#deca.mare chuckles.
  665. >"There were proverbial pitfalls, and you came close to falling for a few. But you still dodged them all in time."
  666. >You raise an eyebrow.
  667. "Can't say I'm surprised. Where were the close calls?"
  668. >You think you can hear #deca.mare inhaling over the comm channel.
  669. >"It would take too long to explain that here. But I can show you a detailed analysis of all four games in the simulation, if you wish."
  670. >You nod.
  671. "Yeah. Sounds good."
  672. >You take a breath and briefly turn your head to the side corridor which leads to the quarters.
  673. "Speaking of the simulation, any news about the two?"
  674. >You think you can already predict her answer, and it does indeed align with your expectations.
  675. >"No, not yet."
  676. >They are truly taking their time.
  677. >Not that there is anything wrong with that in principle.
  678. >But after four games of chess in a row, you start to feel the onset of slight mental wear.
  679. >You stretch your arms.
  680. "Any indication as to how far they are though?"
  681. >Again, #deca.mare does not have any intel for you.
  682. >"No. I would have to know what they are discussing in detail to make any accurate predictions."
  683. >Which she obviously does not.
  684. "Alright, fair."
  685. >You get an idea.
  686. "We could ask Harmony though."
  687.  
  688.  
  689.  
  690.  
  691. >#deca.mare is audibly unsure as to what you have in mind.
  692. >"We could. But I fail to see how this suggestion is anything but prying with indirect means, Anon."
  693. >You shake your head.
  694. "No, none of that. I don't want to hear any details of their discussions or something. I just want to know whether we have the time for a fifth game or not. Harmony can answer this without giving any details to either of us."
  695. >You take a breath.
  696. "What do you say?"
  697. >#deca.mare considers your idea and agrees.
  698. >"Very well. Give me a moment, please."
  699. >Said moment turns out to last one second.
  700. >"Harmony thinks we have the time for a fifth match, based on our average game speed."
  701. >You sigh with a light smirk.
  702. "Man, I didn't know that Sky can be such a chatterbox. How untypical of him."
  703. >#deca.mare chuckles once more.
  704. >"Maybe when he is with you. But you are not the mare of his dreams, Anon."
  705. >You shrug, still grinning.
  706. "True. And it's better this way. He's... not quite my type."
  707. >#deca.mare's chuckling fit turns into light-hearted laughter.
  708. >"So I heard. The wings are too intimidating, right?"
  709. >You roll your eyes with a light smile.
  710. "Yeah, that must be it. Right."
  711. >You pause for a moment and take another long breath.
  712. "Okay. Round five. Do you increase the difficulty?"
  713. >The automaton focuses on you.
  714. >"Do you want me to?"
  715. >You nod.
  716. "Just a pinch, maybe. Nothing too extreme."
  717. >The camera performs its quasi-nod once more.
  718. >"As you wish."
  719. >With that said, you arrange the figurines accordingly and play another match.
  720. >And just like the previous one, it is defined by a consistent notion of fickleness.
  721. >You find yourself in a position in which you believe to be performing more or less adequately, but the tipping point could always be only one or two missteps away.
  722. >So you stay attentive throughout the game and see where it goes.
  723. >But unlike the last time, you seem to have missed one of #deca.mare's pitfalls at some point in the game, as you suddenly find yourself trapped in a formation which pretty much forces your hand.
  724. >You realise this, predict that you will be drawn into a checkmate scenario within a few turns, and try to look for ways out of that situation.
  725. >However, you do not find any.
  726. >#deca.mare has sealed the trap tightly this time.
  727. >And you cannot really complain about it either.
  728. >She played a fair match which did not feel much harder than the last, and the trick which eventually got you was probably the small bump in difficulty that you asked for.
  729. >You take a long breath and play the game to its conclusion, changing the score to a three to two lead for you.
  730. "Ah well, I didn't see that one coming. Not until it was too late, at least. Good game, #deca."
  731. >#deca.mare responds in a calm and even tone.
  732. >"Good game, Anon. You are making progress."
  733.  
  734.  
  735.  
  736.  
  737. >You smile faintly.
  738. "Thanks. It wasn't enough to win this one though."
  739. >#deca.mare maintains her cheering demeanour.
  740. >"But you came close. And it still is a learning experience."
  741. >You shrug casually.
  742. "Yeah. Can you add it to the recap list?"
  743. >She does so at once.
  744. >"Sure, Anon. Consider it done."
  745. >You stretch your arms again.
  746. "Thank you."
  747. >A brief pause.
  748. "By the way, any forecast in regard to game number six?"
  749. >She needs a second or so to answer, indicating that she is in contact with Harmony at the moment.
  750. >"As much as I would be willing to play another match, and to potentially even out the score, I think we will have to postpone that."
  751. >She takes a breath and confirms your assumption.
  752. >"Harmony just informed me that Sky Squall and Firefly are almost done."
  753. >#deca.mare is right.
  754. >This truly does take precedence.
  755. "What's the outcome?"
  756. >Her knowledge of the details is equally sparse as yours, but you believe that Harmony may have given her a few hints already.
  757. >She audibly clears her throat.
  758. >"I can only make assumptions, Anon."
  759. >So no hints then.
  760. >"But Harmony has not issued any warnings so far. This makes me think that things have gone well."
  761. >Reasonable enough.
  762. "That's good to hear. I'm glad things are going a lot smoother this time."
  763. >#deca.mare sighs.
  764. >"You are not the only one. I... could still shudder when I think of his initial reaction. It was understandable, of course. A justified moment of anger. But it was also... unpleasant to experience."
  765. >You are tempted to agree with her, though you almost feel like you should point out that it was far more unpleasant for you than for her.
  766. >Then again, she must have worried herself into a state of nigh panic back then, considering that your health was physically threatened on that day.
  767. >Acutely so, even.
  768. >And since this is not a competition or anything like it, you simply nod.
  769. >It was a tough day for everyone, after all.
  770. "My bones sure appreciate the more congenial treatment too."
  771. >#deca.mare almost chuckles at that.
  772. >And you bet that her proxy would have cracked the faintest of smiles now.
  773. >Before she can utter any further comment, however, something seems to happen, as #deca.mare falls suspiciously silent whilst you wait for a response.
  774. "#deca? What's up?"
  775. >Then you get an answer.
  776. >"They are coming out."
  777. >You blink.
  778. "With, or without swinging hooves?"
  779. >More of a joke than a serious question, but one can never know for sure.
  780. >"Without."
  781. >Good.
  782. >One more worry gone from the list.
  783. >And only a few seconds after #deca.mare's last response, you can hear it too.
  784. >The unmistakable sound of hooves stepping on metal sounds through the hall.
  785. >Fairly quiet at first, yet with an ever increasing volume.
  786. >They are, rather unsurprisingly, coming nearer.
  787. >You take a breath and keep your casual pose on the cushion whilst you pack up the game and wait for them to step out of the corridor.
  788. >And they do, shortly thereafter.
  789. >Sky Squall and Firefly walk side by side in almost perfect unison.
  790.  
  791.  
  792.  
  793.  
  794. >The two maintain their mutual trotting pace as if they had walked like this just yesterday.
  795. >It is a routine that is so thoroughly ingrained in their minds that they could do it in their sleep.
  796. >They would even be able to pull it off like this if they had been separated for decades.
  797. >In fact, if you were to scan their vitals, you would certainly detect that even their pulse and breathing would partially attune to the rate of the other.
  798. >At times, their two hearts quite literally beat as one.
  799. >It has always been a sight to behold when they strode through the streets and camps in the past.
  800. >And today is no exception, even though the image is somewhat skewed by the fact that Firefly is using the proxy of #deca.mare.
  801. >Either way though, they spot you and the automaton right away.
  802. >So they head directly for you without disrupting their mutual trot.
  803. >You briefly wave to the pair to greet them as they approach.
  804. >And you receive two nods in response, already telling you quite a bit in regard to what you can expect.
  805. >Because whilst Sky Squall acts as confident and straightforward as ever, the nod of Firefly is definitely more reserved than usual.
  806. >The mare does not appear to be visibly upset or confrontational, or intimidated for that matter, yet she makes it obvious to you that a part of her is still somewhat uncertain as to how she is supposed to judge you and your actions.
  807. >Which is definitely understandable after an experience of this magnitude.
  808. >With this first impression in mind, you decide to abstain from using any flowery phrases laced with courtliness in favour of a more direct, yet nevertheless friendly tone.
  809. >For Firefly will certainly appreciate an open and clear discussion more so than ever now.
  810. >Not to mention that she was never a great fan of overly honeyed words.
  811. >In public, at least.
  812. >You are certain that she is more open to this kind of thing in private with Sky Squall, and the snippets of their more intimate side that you could watch previously suggest that too.
  813. >But this angle does not really help you at all.
  814. >After all, you are not her husband, and your standing is at least chipped as far as the mare is concerned.
  815. >No matter how you put it, the direct and open approach is the best option in your eyes.
  816. >A notion which Firefly swiftly confirms as she addresses you.
  817. >"Hello again, Anon."
  818. >Her tone is emotionally somewhat distant, intentionally so, yet not outright hostile.
  819. "Hello again to you too, Firefly."
  820. >She turns to the automaton.
  821. >"'Decanter'."
  822. >One of the grapplers does its best attempt of emulating a waving movement.
  823. >Firefly watches the act with an expression of perplexed fascination.
  824. >It is evidently alien to her to address the machine as #deca.mare.
  825. >Or Decanter in this case.
  826.  
  827.  
  828.  
  829.  
  830. >But considering that she has seen her fair share of Unicorn 'spells' over the years, simply calling it 'magic' for the time being should be enough for her to come to terms with the situation.
  831. >And you assume that this is exactly what Sky Squall did to explain the existence of this ship in the first place.
  832. >Because from the perspective of a pony who is only familiar with wooden and stone buildings, a veritable fortress of metal must have been created with enormous quantities of magical powers.
  833. >Similar to a certain city of crystal.
  834. >And this does not even cover the fact that said figurative fortress is floating in the firmament like a star.
  835. >Far beyond the heights that any Pegasus could reach.
  836. >You take a deep breath and use the moment to stand up before you come to the point.
  837. "I figure Sky and you had a long talk about everything."
  838. >Firefly looks you in the eye and nods.
  839. >"In rough outlines."
  840. >You inhale loudly.
  841. "And? What's your... verdict?"
  842. >Firefly raises her voice as she stands right in front of you.
  843. >Steadfast.
  844. >She does not move, she does not twitch.
  845. >The mare does not even blink whilst she pierces you with her gaze.
  846. >At least it feels like her gaze is pinning you on the spot.
  847. >Still, you do not falter.
  848. >For you think that she is testing you and your reactions right now.
  849. >Just to see how you really behave, without any proxy bodies or other tricks.
  850. >So you simply stand there and force all notions of doubt or nervousness out of your mind.
  851. >And you seem to pass her likely test, as she goes on without any further remark.
  852. >"I'll help you. Provided you agree to some conditions."
  853. >Oh boy.
  854. >Where have you heard this one before?
  855. >You take a breath.
  856. "Okay, name them."
  857. >Yet you hasten to add something before the mare can speak up.
  858. "I'd appreciate it if you could leave my bones out of it though. My ribcage almost cracked the last time."
  859. >Firefly nods calmly, acknowledging your comment without showing any strong emotions.
  860. >"Yes, Sky told me about it. He said you have proven your integrity on that day."
  861. >The sceptical part of your mind is not entirely sure whether she is talking about the durability of your ribs or your decision to stick to your morals in the face of potential danger.
  862. >But your experience with her tends to lend credence to the more idealistic option of the two.
  863. >And Firefly has the grace to confirm at least that assessment right away.
  864. >"I don't want anything like that though."
  865. >You faintly exhale in relief and hope that the mare did not spot that reflex.
  866. "Thank you. Please go ahead."
  867. >Which she does.
  868. >"The first shouldn't be new to you. I want your stories. The real ones, of course. In full."
  869. >You nod.
  870. "No problem. They're yours. But be warned. Some parts of the distant past are..."
  871. >She chimes in before you can complete the sentence.
  872. >"... less agreeable. I know."
  873.  
  874.  
  875.  
  876.  
  877. >Alright, the golden stallion has indeed covered a lot of the basics.
  878. >The better and the worse ones alike, apparently.
  879. >She goes on.
  880. >"But I can't skip these. On the contrary, I must know what I am dealing with. And whom. I need the full picture for that."
  881. >Perhaps slightly blunt in its wording, but a reasonable request.
  882. >After all, you have flipped her entire worldview in a moment as if it were nothing, and also revealed to her that you kept a lot of secrets for decades.
  883. >Her wish for the complete and unfiltered truth is only a natural reaction to that.
  884. >And she is right.
  885. >You have indeed seen that demand coming in advance.
  886. >But the previous concerns that you had in regard to Sky Squall's mental wellbeing apply to her now.
  887. >Of course, he handled everything well in the long run, and Firefly is just as resilient as him.
  888. >She should be able to bear it too.
  889. >No matter how often you tell yourself that, however, a certain inner queasiness still remains.
  890. >Again, you shove that thought aside to focus on the here and now.
  891. "Alright. You get everything you want. The second condition?"
  892. >Firefly blinks.
  893. >"Simple. You owe me a tussle."
  894. >You do not answer immediately, as your brain needs a few seconds to fully process her comment.
  895. "A... tussle?"
  896. >The mare nods and adds a little catch before you can get any ideas.
  897. >"Exactly. Right here."
  898. >Not good.
  899. >You clear your throat.
  900. "Why here though? We have more options in the simu..."
  901. >She interrupts your sentence once she understands what you are trying to do.
  902. >"No, not in the simulation. That would defeat the purpose."
  903. >#deca.mare chimes in.
  904. >"Firefly..."
  905. >But she does not get her opportunity to speak out.
  906. >"No, Decanter. It is as I said, I must understand who you are before I can help you."
  907. >You try to appear as calm as possible, despite the fact that you do not like what you are hearing.
  908. >Not at all.
  909. "I get that, Firefly. What I don't understand is why you need a bout to comprehend me when you can have my entire biography with a mere thought."
  910. >The mare shakes her head.
  911. >"Even when everything you have recorded is true, and I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt on that, scrolls can only tell so much. Some things can only be learned through first hoof experience."
  912. >Well, screens and data files rather than scrolls, but that is not the point.
  913. >She goes on.
  914. >"Besides, I prefer to trust my senses. Now that they are truly... unhampered for the first time."
  915. >Fair enough, especially under these circumstances.
  916. >Still, her proposal awakes some inconvenient memories.
  917. >Which is another thing that confuses you.
  918. "Okay, but it contradicts what you said earlier though. You didn't want to go there. Those were your words."
  919. >Firefly takes a breath.
  920. >"And I stand by what I said, Anon. You misunderstood me."
  921. >A pause.
  922. >"This isn't about force or physical threats. It's about you. How you think and act."
  923.  
  924.  
  925.  
  926.  
  927. >You blink.
  928. "You want to test my character... in a tussle."
  929. >Firefly nods.
  930. >"Right. It's direct and honest. And no one gets hurt if you know what you're doing."
  931. >She takes a breath.
  932. >"You have never been a true Pegasus, but I hope you've at least spent enough time with us to learn that."
  933. >Her argument actually has some validity from the Pegasus' point of view.
  934. >Pegasi do indeed form a certain camaraderie and familiarity through their mutual friendly contests with one another.
  935. >And they also get an impression of how their companions might act under certain conditions.
  936. >Which can become important in serious situations, as it is always beneficial to know what the others think and what they are capable of when it really counts.
  937. >It is of course no sure-fire method to predict the actions of every pony in every single situation, as miscalculations can still happen.
  938. >But it is a solid general indicator, more often than not.
  939. >Your case, however, is a little bit different.
  940. >Physiologically, at least.
  941. >You inhale.
  942. "Yeah, I did. But..."
  943. >The mare is not pleased to hear this word right now.
  944. >"But what?"
  945. >You clear your throat.
  946. "Nothing against you, Firefly, but I think in this case you don't know what you're doing."
  947. >She shakes her head yet again.
  948. >"You're more vulnerable than ponies. I'm aware, if that's what you're worried about."
  949. >You do not hear any notion of irreverence in her voice as she says that.
  950. >Unless you are completely mistaken, it is simply a matter of fact as far as she is concerned.
  951. >Yet you still do not like the idea of facing her in a show tussle.
  952. >And you are, rather obviously, not the only one to think so.
  953. >#deca.mare chimes in.
  954. >"I do not like your proposal, Firefly. Even if it is not your intention, you are putting Anon at risk. Needlessly so."
  955. >Firefly remains unimpressed.
  956. >"Hardly. What Sky has done was much more dangerous than this, if I understood it correctly."
  957. >Something whirs inside the little automaton.
  958. >You have no idea what it is, but if you had to describe the tone in words, you would say that it sounds irate.
  959. >Somehow.
  960. >"Maybe. But it is a poor justification."
  961. >Firefly turns to Sky Squall.
  962. >"You're right. She is overprotective."
  963. >The mare faces the small machine once more.
  964. >"Decanter, you asked me to trust you. And I consider it. But this doesn't work if you can't trust me too."
  965. >Then she turns to you.
  966. >"Both of you. If you're too afraid of that, then everything you've done in Equestria, all those 'great exemplary moments', were not just a staged performance. They were a farce."
  967. >You could argue that you and your ribs have proven the opposite under Sky Squall's not quite so tender care, but Firefly has a point.
  968. >Trust has to go both ways.
  969. >And Firefly is asking for very little in comparison.
  970. >You look at the automaton, then at Sky Squall, and lastly at Firefly before you raise your voice.
  971. "Okay. If that's what it takes to convince you, I'll do it."
  972.  
  973.  
  974.  
  975.  
  976. >#deca.mare, still not overly happy about the decision, eventually plays along as well.
  977. >Because whilst she will have her doubts, she is no fool.
  978. >This here is the best and the shortest way to seal the deal, and it would be counterproductive if she were to object any further.
  979. >"Very well. Let me just lower the output of your augmentations."
  980. >However, Firefly has other ideas.
  981. >"No, don't. No decrease in strength, Decanter."
  982. >So much for no further objections.
  983. >"Firefly, this is outrageous! You have every possible advantage even with lowered settings!"
  984. >#deca.mare almost starts to stutter.
  985. >"The augmentations with their normal output are several times stronger than any theoretical maximum that Anon could achieve!"
  986. >This is intended to be an obvious point against Firefly's plans, but the mare simply turns this one around for her own argumentation.
  987. >"Precisely. This makes it much more interesting."
  988. >#deca.mare is about to respond, but Firefly nips her attempt in the bud.
  989. >"And before you say anything about fairness or equal chances, do I have to remind you that somepony let us face a horde of fire breathing airborne lizards? Where was the physical fairness there?"
  990. >#deca.mare tries to come up with an appropriate response.
  991. >She does not find any though.
  992. >The only real point she could still mention is that none of them was in any actual danger.
  993. >Even if the worst possible outcome had come true, no one could have died for good, for instance.
  994. >But they did not know this back then, of course.
  995. >And they still confronted their opponents without hesitation, in spite of the abilities of the dragons.
  996. >#deca.mare has no logical argument to object, other than her concerns about your health.
  997. >So you decide to cut this conversation short.
  998. >#deca.mare will surely want to talk about this later on, but you will deal with that afterwards.
  999. >One thing at a time.
  1000. "Alright, Firefly. Keep it. It's fine."
  1001. >You start to stretch your limbs.
  1002. >Not that it would help you in any meaningful way, but still.
  1003. "The usual, I assume."
  1004. >And Firefly nods.
  1005. >"Of course. A clean match. As always."
  1006. >Which means applying force in moderation, and no outright violence.
  1007. >Though in this case it is only a real restriction for her, as it is almost impossible for you to hurt the proxy, and much less significantly so.
  1008. >The only way for you to deal any kind of notable damage would be to aim for vulnerable spots like the eyes.
  1009. >Which you are not going to do, of course.
  1010. >Sky Squall laughs briefly as he watches your preparations and turns to Firefly.
  1011. >"You're lucky, love. I didn't get the chance to joust with him like that."
  1012. >The Pegasus is saying that in jest, but #deca.mare in particular is not taking that remark with quite the same degree of levity.
  1013. >You think you hear a grumpy grunt coming out of the comm device as she moves the small automaton right to Sky Squall's side.
  1014.  
  1015.  
  1016.  
  1017.  
  1018. >Then she stretches the grapplers and pinches the stallion's rear leg at the height of the hock a couple of times, clearly out of protest.
  1019. >She does not apply much force as she does so, for she is simply trying to needle him a little bit to show her disapproval.
  1020. >And she manages to accomplish at least something.
  1021. >After all, she knows all the right spots and places on his limb that she has to aim for to prompt the stallion to repeatedly lift his leg in order to get away from the nipping grapplers.
  1022. >The automaton almost looks like a small angry metal crab which tries to annoy a much larger pony in an almost comical fashion.
  1023. >Sky Squall takes the light pinching "assault" with a slightly awry grin as he keeps evading without showing any sign of backing off.
  1024. >He is accepting the reaction as the answer it is.
  1025. >In fact, you believe he was expecting something along these lines.
  1026. >And deep down, you are sure that #deca.mare has understood this too.
  1027. >Either way though, you decide to chime in before you face Firefly in a match which is, for all intents and purposes, a hopeless one.
  1028. "Okay, calm down, you two."
  1029. >Sky Squall is the first to speak up as his hock dodges the lively grapplers yet again.
  1030. >"I'm sorry. But I couldn't resist."
  1031. >The smile is not entirely gone, yet he did tone it down in order to abstain from agitating #deca.mare any further.
  1032. >And she grumbles audibly this time.
  1033. >"Neither could I."
  1034. >You take a breath and address her directly.
  1035. "It's alright, #deca. Leave his limbs alone."
  1036. >#deca.mare sighs loudly over the comm channel and pinches the leg of the stallion one last time before she relents.
  1037. >"As you wish, Anon. But I still cannot convince myself to like this."
  1038. >You nod.
  1039. "I know. It will be fine though. You'll see."
  1040. >You turn back to Firefly.
  1041. "Ready when you are."
  1042. >The mare grins as she hears that.
  1043. >"I was about to say the same."
  1044. >With that said, the match has practically started.
  1045. >But neither of you acts in the opening seconds as you both stand where you are to observe the other.
  1046. >A situation from which you actually benefit more than her, all things considered.
  1047. >For Firefly holds almost all of the cards by default.
  1048. >You have to think twice or thrice as hard as her to come up with any potential advantage on your end, and the extra moments are a welcome little bonus to do just that.
  1049. >Yet the grace period does not last very long, as Firefly takes a slow step in your direction.
  1050. >A clear reminder that she does not want to wait any longer.
  1051. >So you take the hint and approach her as well, equally slowly.
  1052. >You are in no rush to get to her, since any attempt of charging her would almost certainly be a fruitless endeavour.
  1053. >Because if you did, she would simply rear up and take your push upfront.
  1054. >In fact, she is likely to do that anyway, since it is one of the most basic moves in any Pegasus show tussle.
  1055. >After all, it has not become a common greeting between Pegasi without a reason.
  1056.  
  1057.  
  1058.  
  1059.  
  1060. >And as you think about this, you come to the conclusion that it might even be wise to go along with that and squarely take her first push.
  1061. >She is guaranteed to repel you, though this could be a good thing.
  1062. >Firefly will immediately see how substantial the difference between her and you is, and it is also quite safe for you too.
  1063. >You will merely be slung backwards.
  1064. >With low gravity, in an almost empty room.
  1065. >Nothing more.
  1066. >With this thought in mind, you quicken your pace as you attempt to bump straight into Firefly.
  1067. >The mare, ever attentive as always, is quick to react as you have predicted.
  1068. >She rears up nigh simultaneously.
  1069. >And she is quicker than you.
  1070. >Firefly is already standing firmly as you bump into her, and the result is as definite as it is predictable.
  1071. >The force of your move does not suffice to faze her in any way whatsoever.
  1072. >She does not even budge at all.
  1073. >But what does happen is that you feel how the muscles of the proxy are tensing.
  1074. >In the very next second, said tense muscles push against you in turn, shoving you back with remarkable ease.
  1075. >Sensing that trying to stem this force is unfeasible, you decide to focus on the repercussions of Firefly's instant riposte.
  1076. >And to the mare's credit, her reaction is fairly tame, all things considered.
  1077. >Granted, she is flicking you aside as if you were nothing, but she does not overdo it.
  1078. >You get neither flung across the room, nor do you get knocked to the ground.
  1079. >The mare simply pushes you back, forcing you to take a few steps backwards before you regain your balance and come to a stop.
  1080. >Firefly raises her voice.
  1081. >"You weren't kidding. The difference in strength is... staggering."
  1082. >She blinks as she mentally reviews her previous wording.
  1083. >"No pun intended."
  1084. >#deca.mare spots an opportunity to repeat her offer.
  1085. >"That was what I was trying to tell you, Firefly. Let me lower the output of the augmentations."
  1086. >But Firefly slowly turns to the automaton and shakes her head.
  1087. >"No, Decanter. We can handle it."
  1088. >Then she focuses back on you.
  1089. >"As I said, that only makes things more interesting."
  1090. >You still cannot sense even a smidge of aggression or spite in Firefly as she says this.
  1091. >Both her tone and her pose are attentive, and competitive to a degree, but that is about it.
  1092. >As far as you can tell, she is truly just doing this for the experience.
  1093. >And in accordance with the habits of a Pegasus show fight, she is doing her best to keep it civil.
  1094. >Which means that your initial idea has worked fairly well.
  1095. >Firefly has gotten her reminder to be careful in order to keep you unharmed as she spars with you.
  1096. >You nod, though you try not to come across as too confident, as this might have the opposite effect.
  1097. "It's all good so far. Ready?"
  1098. >As if you had to ask.
  1099. >"Whenever you are, Anon."
  1100. >Fine.
  1101. >You do not keep her waiting.
  1102.  
  1103.  
  1104.  
  1105.  
  1106. >So you approach her once again and speak up.
  1107. "I don't know if Sky told you that, but we practiced a bit. Guess it's time to find out whether that bore some fruit."
  1108. >Or not, as you silently add in your mind.
  1109. >Firefly smiles.
  1110. >"I'm eager to see it, Anon."
  1111. >You believe her right away.
  1112. >The mare readies herself once more.
  1113. >She is prepared to rear up as soon as you try something, allowing you to make the first move.
  1114. >You make use of the offer to go for a trick.
  1115. >At first, you act as if you were about to replicate your first engagement, prompting Firefly to rise.
  1116. >Which she does as predicted.
  1117. >And once she is lifting her upper body, you take one step back and grab her forelegs.
  1118. >You do not waste a single second and immediately apply one of the techniques that you practiced with Sky Squall, attempting to cause her to stumble by throwing her balance off.
  1119. >It has proven to be a semi-reliable strategy in the past.
  1120. >However, that was a trick you learned to use on a stallion who had severely dampened augmentations.
  1121. >But in this case, your strategy turns out to run ashore, and quite thoroughly so.
  1122. >Because whilst the initial surprise gives you a slight advantage, as you actually manage to tilt her to a certain degree, Firefly is seasoned enough to overcome this unforeseen change far too quickly.
  1123. >Before you can fully capitalise on your advantage, the mare tenses again, stiffening herself to such an extent that you cannot budge her limbs any more.
  1124. >Firefly may very well be frozen in place as far as you are concerned.
  1125. "Damn it."
  1126. >The mare smiles.
  1127. >"Interesting approach. A shame it did not work."
  1128. >Once more, she sounds completely earnest.
  1129. >There is no trace of mockery or gloating on her part.
  1130. >This is an honest statement of a mare who would have liked to see your move executed in its entirety.
  1131. >Out of pure personal curiosity.
  1132. "Yeah, it worked better in our practice sessions."
  1133. >Firefly almost laughs.
  1134. >She is visibly enjoying this highly unusual show fight.
  1135. >"That's the difference between practice and real competitions."
  1136. >You shrug, still grabbing her forelegs.
  1137. "I suppose so. Although..."
  1138. >Now you grin.
  1139. "... it's not too late to see it done. If you just..."
  1140. >You do not complete the sentence on purpose.
  1141. >Firefly gets the implication, and smiles yet again.
  1142. >And you think you can spot the faintest hint of amusement in her usually tough demeanour.
  1143. >"Nice try, Anon. But you've got to do that yourself."
  1144. >With that said, Firefly bumps into you to shove you away again.
  1145. >Back to square one then.
  1146. >Albeit with another card no longer in your hand.
  1147. >Running out of immediate ideas, you spontaneously decide to go for variations of the second strategy.
  1148. >You face Firefly several times with a number of different grabs and throws, yet they all end in the same manner.
  1149.  
  1150.  
  1151.  
  1152.  
  1153. >Firefly can simply counter them all by playing statue, no matter how many martial skills you put on display.
  1154. >That would be too simple for her though.
  1155. >So she spices things up on occasion.
  1156. >Whenever she feels like it, more often than not from your point of view, she does not merely block your moves by locking herself in place, but by actively using her strength to divert your movements in new directions instead.
  1157. >And since you are lacking the power to prevent it, you are dragged along every time.
  1158. >Sometimes, when Firefly gets particularly feisty, she even throws you off balance to catch you in turn.
  1159. >But considering that you would not be able to free yourself, she always lets you go after holding you tightly for a few seconds, enabling you to try your next move.
  1160. >Still, you would not say that this is going nowhere, despite the rather lopsided affair.
  1161. >After all, these competitions are meant to hone one's skill in an controlled environment.
  1162. >Firefly definitely acknowledges and perhaps even appreciates your efforts, regardless of your disadvantaged position.
  1163. >Nevertheless, you would like to score at least one victory here.
  1164. >Even just a tiny success would be enough.
  1165. >Yet you are running out of techniques.
  1166. >And the success does not come whilst your options are dwindling rapidly.
  1167. >In the end, you have depleted your repertoire without achieving any breakthrough moments.
  1168. >Firefly seems to sense that you are running out of ideas as well.
  1169. >"That's it?"
  1170. >Not willing to give up so easily, you spontaneously decide to try one last thing.
  1171. >You go all in.
  1172. >Not in terms of violence or anything like that, but with your strength.
  1173. >You take a few steps back, and without any other comment, you start to run.
  1174. >You dash towards Firefly with as much speed as possible and leap in the very last moment, turning yourself into an impromptu projectile.
  1175. >Of course, there is some risk involved in that, as Firefly could dodge your charge, which would leave you floating through the air like a fool.
  1176. >But you bet that she is taking it.
  1177. >Probably happily too.
  1178. >And even though you are unable to read Firefly's precise emotions, your predictions are nevertheless correct.
  1179. >Firefly awaits you, greeting you with her usual rearing stance.
  1180. >Then you crash into her, chest against chest, with a whole new degree of speed and force.
  1181. >It is unpleasant, yet bearable.
  1182. >Your ribs have endured worse treatments than that.
  1183. >Or at least one treatment.
  1184. >And your brave speed rush right towards Firefly actually gives you something.
  1185. >The force of the collision paired with the low gravity on the ship shoves the mare back.
  1186. >Only to a tiny degree, granted, but it is something.
  1187. >Though that small sense of accomplishment is slightly ruined by the fact that it takes Firefly merely one step with a rear leg to regain her footing.
  1188. >She has not seen that coming though, as she fails to hide her light surprise for a brief moment.
  1189.  
  1190.  
  1191.  
  1192.  
  1193. >But that surprise is quick to turn into approval.
  1194. >"Not bad, Anon. But..."
  1195. >There is the smile again.
  1196. >"... can you do even better?"
  1197. >The mare does not let you answer.
  1198. >Instead, you find yourself getting pushed back yet another time, albeit with notably more strength than before.
  1199. >Your boldness has apparently spurred her own ambition of testing your mettle, and perhaps she put a tad too much enthusiasm into her thrust because of it.
  1200. >For you are not merely shoved away.
  1201. >This push lifts you cleanly off the ground, causing you to float away in a low arc.
  1202. >You are not overly concerned about your health, as you will descend long before you hit a wall or something like that.
  1203. >But it is admittedly at least somewhat disconcerting to fly around without any agency of your own.
  1204. >Much like #deca.mare when she was thrown into the air by Sky Squall, you can merely affect your own rotation at best.
  1205. >And this is not going to do much.
  1206. >However, all of these considerations are suddenly rendered moot.
  1207. >Your back hits something.
  1208. >An unexpectedly soft surface.
  1209. >And two golden forelimbs wrap around your shoulders to stabilise you.
  1210. >Sky Squall reared up and caught you, just as #deca.mare did when he pushed you away.
  1211. >You collect your thoughts for a second or so before you address the stallion.
  1212. "Good catch. Thanks."
  1213. >He pats you firmly on the shoulder.
  1214. >"No Problem."
  1215. >Then he laughs.
  1216. >"Don't expect me to kiss you though."
  1217. >You grin at that.
  1218. "No, I don't. And remember, ponies with wings are not my type anyway. Too aloof. Sorry, Sky."
  1219. >The stallion rolls his eyes with a smile of his own.
  1220. >Hold on.
  1221. >This gives you an idea.
  1222. >A very unorthodox one, as you cannot recall any event in which a Pegasus might have done something like this.
  1223. >But it is an idea nonetheless.
  1224. >And it is, from a purely technical point of view, not against the rules either.
  1225. >You turn to Firefly and finally give her a proper response.
  1226. "Yeah. I can do better. And I bet I'll floor you now."
  1227. >If nothing else, Firefly likes your style.
  1228. >She does not laugh, she does not belittle you, she simply smiles in anticipation.
  1229. >"Now that's something I'd like to witness."
  1230. >You are sure that she does indeed.
  1231. >Without any irony or sarcasm.
  1232. >You give Sky Squall a signal to let you go.
  1233. >He heeds your wish.
  1234. >Now standing on all four legs again, he steps back to clear the proverbial stage for Firefly and you.
  1235. >Everything is set for you to live up to your word, or fail trying.
  1236. >And you for your part are actually optimistic for once.
  1237. >You prepare yourself to charge one final time, and you do not hide your intention from anyone.
  1238. >In fact, you want them to know in advance that you are going to do it.
  1239. >Firefly included.
  1240. >The mare braces herself as usual, also indirectly telling you that she is not trying to get out of the way either.
  1241. >Alright.
  1242. >Time to test your thesis.
  1243. >You run to cross the short distance between Firefly and you, and take a leap, both literally and figuratively, shortly before you have reached her.
  1244.  
  1245.  
  1246.  
  1247.  
  1248. >So far, so normal.
  1249. >The difference does not involve the start, but the landing.
  1250. >Because you do not attempt to knock Firefly over with your own power.
  1251. >On the contrary, you grab her shoulders and pull her even closer to you.
  1252. >Or pull yourself even closer to her, to be precise.
  1253. >Then, in a fit of almost surgical precision, you meet her face to face and give her a kiss.
  1254. >Squarely, directly, with no hesitation.
  1255. >You give it all as if you were really meaning it.
  1256. >Firefly's eyes open widely in sheer baffled surprise whilst her suddenly scrambled mind tries, and utterly fails, to process your action properly.
  1257. >And she reacts right as you hoped she would.
  1258. >With her brain currently unable to think rationally, her instincts kick in.
  1259. >These instincts tell her to gain some distance, as quickly as possible.
  1260. >Which would mean, from the perspective of a Pegasus, to get airborne and fly away.
  1261. >An action that is not an option for Firefly whilst she is using #deca.mare's proxy.
  1262. >And her mind would be aware of this problem.
  1263. >Her instincts, however, are not.
  1264. >So she raises her upper body a little bit further.
  1265. >Normally, this would be a preparation for the Pegasus equivalent of a hasty vertical take off.
  1266. >Yet that manoeuvre requires, rather obviously, wings to proceed.
  1267. >Firefly's instincts start to clash with reality at that point though.
  1268. >For she tries to spread a pair of limbs which simply is not there.
  1269. >And which never has been there, as far as this body is concerned.
  1270. >The subsequent contradiction between what actually is and what should be according to her mind throws the mare completely off kilter.
  1271. >Her thought processes seem to jam as the back of the proxy twitches repeatedly.
  1272. >Firefly keeps searching for the missing limbs in the next couple of seconds.
  1273. >And thanks to the repositioning of her upper body, her footing is far less stable than it was before.
  1274. >Not to mention that she has unintentionally given you a tempting opening to topple her.
  1275. >An opportunity which you do not allow to go to waste.
  1276. >Since her defence is now flagging, you decide to gather all the strength that you can muster.
  1277. >Then you push Firefly with your own upper body.
  1278. >Whilst maintaining the kiss for good measure.
  1279. >Your strategy pays off, remarkably quickly at that.
  1280. >The mare tilts further and further backwards as you push her, and any attempts of Firefly to rectify this development are uncoordinated at best, and counterproductive at worst.
  1281. >Because once you have reached a certain angle, gravity is helping your cause far more than hers.
  1282. >And her constant twitching is only adding to the looming descent at this stage.
  1283. >Just a few degrees further, gravity takes over completely as Firefly keels over, dragging you with her.
  1284. >The mare lands on her back, with you lying directly on top of her.
  1285. >So you finally break the kiss and take a deep breath as you look at her.
  1286. "I'm sorry."
  1287. >Firefly blinks slowly, looking at nothing in particular as her mind reboots step by step.
  1288.  
  1289.  
  1290.  
  1291.  
  1292. >A few moments later, she has partially regained her wits and is able to reply.
  1293. >"Don't be. You... kept your word. Assuming this was a purely... practical action, that is."
  1294. >You are more than eager to confirm that, just to avoid any potential misunderstandings.
  1295. "Of course."
  1296. >The mare pauses for a second.
  1297. >"A bold move. It won't work a second time though."
  1298. >You shrug.
  1299. "Probably not. But that's fine. It did its job."
  1300. >You grin wryly.
  1301. "Besides, it's better this way. We're not doing this regularly, right?"
  1302. >She nods.
  1303. >"Right. Fortunately."
  1304. >Firefly takes a long breath.
  1305. >"Don't take this personally, Anon, but this was... the least pleasurable kiss I can think of."
  1306. >You blink with a smile.
  1307. "I can imagine. Though I'm sure it's the first time you were knocked over by one."
  1308. >Firefly chuckles cockily.
  1309. >"Would you bet on that?"
  1310. >You eye the mare closely and are greeted by a poker face.
  1311. >And you are actually unsure what to say.
  1312. >Because on the one hand, you are talking to Firefly.
  1313. >There is very little that can sweep her off her hooves.
  1314. >But on the other hand, she is married to Sky Squall.
  1315. >If there is someone who could pull this off, it is him.
  1316. >And considering how passionate these two are known to be, betting against that would not be a safe wager in the slightest.
  1317. "Uhm... I prefer not to."
  1318. >Your sudden uncertainty amuses her visibly.
  1319. >"Very well."
  1320. >A brief moment of silence follows.
  1321. >And it allows you to change the topic.
  1322. "So... are we done?"
  1323. >She inhales once more as her mischievous manner disappears entirely.
  1324. >Firefly has returned to her professional self.
  1325. >"I think so, yes. You have proven yourself, Anon."
  1326. >A pause.
  1327. >"You're... crafty."
  1328. >You give her a nod.
  1329. "Thank you. And thanks for keeping me in one piece too."
  1330. >The mare shrugs.
  1331. >"No problem. Shoving and pushing wasn't so risky. Despite your frailty."
  1332. >You do not comment on her remark since her still neutral tone suggests that she is just stating this as a fact again.
  1333. >And it is fairly accurate.
  1334. >"As long as we stick to things like that, you should be fine."
  1335. >You inhale deeply.
  1336. "True. And I wouldn't be fond of going to more... extreme measures again either, if it can be avoided."
  1337. >Firefly nods understandingly.
  1338. >"Fair enough."
  1339. >A pause.
  1340. >"You know what, there's one last thing you could do for me, Anon."
  1341. >Oh?
  1342. "Alright. What is it?"
  1343. >The answer is plain and rather unremarkable, yet entirely reasonable.
  1344. >"Getting off."
  1345. >You agree at once.
  1346. "Oh, right. Sure thing."
  1347. >You heed Firefly's wish and stand up.
  1348. >The mare follows suit once you are out of the way.
  1349. >And the two of you exchange glances once more before you conclude your match with a mutual respectful nod.
  1350. >The show tussle is officially over.
  1351. >You inhale deeply and turn to the two bystanders.
  1352. >Sky Squall and the small automaton stand side by side a couple of metres away.
  1353. >Silently.
  1354. >Merely observing.
  1355. >And you spot a peculiar constellation in what you see.
  1356.  
  1357.  
  1358.  
  1359.  
  1360. >After all, you know for a fact that #deca.mare has very strong opinions on your little show fight, in spite of the emotionless form of the automaton.
  1361. >You can observe an emotional reaction in the stance of the stallion though.
  1362. >Yet you are not entirely sure what he might think at the moment.
  1363. >Maybe he is not so sure himself as well.
  1364. >You would understand if he had reservations and objections in regard to your latest stunt.
  1365. >In fact, you believe it is more than likely that he at least had some when he saw what you did.
  1366. >But at the same time, he must also know that you only took the chance because it was practical and effective in your situation.
  1367. >You have no ulterior motives, and you certainly do not want to ruffle any feathers.
  1368. >He should be aware of that.
  1369. >Though you wonder whether you should say anything or not.
  1370. >In the end, you decide to test the water carefully and tactfully.
  1371. "Sky?"
  1372. >The stallion clears his throat.
  1373. >"I know what you want to say, Anon."
  1374. >He sighs.
  1375. >"I can't claim that I was fond of seeing this, but I also get why you did it."
  1376. >You nod.
  1377. "Then... no ill feelings?"
  1378. >Sky Squall takes a longer breath before he responds.
  1379. >"No ill feelings. Only a light stinging that it was me who gave you the idea by accident."
  1380. >You inhale.
  1381. "That's relieving to hear. Really."
  1382. >Then you tilt your head.
  1383. "But how do you know the last part?"
  1384. >Now it is him who grins.
  1385. >"This wasn't hard to figure out after the fact. You were at your wits' end, correct?"
  1386. >Which is true.
  1387. >You sigh.
  1388. "Yeah. I was at the end of my rope. This was the last trick I had."
  1389. >In a way, he did you a favour.
  1390. >Unintentionally, but still.
  1391. >You do not point this out or thank him for it, however.
  1392. >Because it would sound wrong or inappropriate, no matter how you word it.
  1393. >And the status quo is fine as it is anyway.
  1394. >Sky Squall takes the whole situation with a sense of sportsmanship, so everything is well.
  1395. >A short pause follows before Firefly starts to approach Sky Squall.
  1396. >She heads right for his free side to stand next to him.
  1397. >Which draws the stallion's attention to her, and allows you to subtly drop the slightly delicate discussion.
  1398. >And whilst the mare is walking, you address #deca.mare.
  1399. "Everything okay, #deca?"
  1400. >The tracks of the automaton start to move as the machine gets closer to you.
  1401. >"I should ask that question, Anon."
  1402. >Fine.
  1403. "I'm good, don't worry. I wasn't wounded."
  1404. >An honest assertion.
  1405. >Albeit an insufficient one for her standards.
  1406. >So she works through her list.
  1407. >"Bruises?"
  1408. "None."
  1409. >"Any ache?"
  1410. "Nope."
  1411. >"Other forms of malaise?"
  1412. "Nothing."
  1413. >"Discomfort?"
  1414. "Not even that. A light case of exhaustion at best."
  1415. >The camera eyes you once again, apparently not spotting any problems either.
  1416. >"Thank goodness."
  1417. >You smile.
  1418. "Let's hope it's the last time someone challenges me to a fight to test my mettle though."
  1419. >#deca.mare agrees wholeheartedly.
  1420. >"Yes. No more of these, please. Not with your own body."
  1421. >She pauses for a moment.
  1422.  
  1423.  
  1424.  
  1425.  
  1426. >"Two ponies can now testify to your deeds. And we have recordings of it. This should be enough."
  1427. >You do not object to that.
  1428. >Your second encounter may have been much less painful than the first, but it was nevertheless stressful in its own right.
  1429. >Now that this issue is over and done with though, #deca.mare is quick to tackle the last quasi-pressing point which remains.
  1430. >"Anon, I suggest that you return to the cryo unit soon."
  1431. >You grin again.
  1432. "Yes, I know. I age too quickly out here."
  1433. >#deca.mare responds soon.
  1434. >"Not only that, but I want to check your vitals before I initialise the process too. I want to be sure that there is really nothing to worry about."
  1435. >Something which can be done by the cryo unit itself, as it is capable of screening your health thoroughly.
  1436. >You shrug.
  1437. "Alright. Then I guess it's time to put me on ice. We have tested your patience far too much anyway."
  1438. >You turn to Sky Squall and Firefly.
  1439. "Unless there's something you still want to discuss beforehand."
  1440. >Sky Squall shakes his head whilst Firefly raises her voice.
  1441. >"You mean before you return to the simulation?"
  1442. >You nod.
  1443. "Yeah. Before I get back there, figuratively speaking."
  1444. >Firefly thinks about this offer for a few seconds before she shakes her head in turn.
  1445. >"Nothing that comes to my mind, no."
  1446. >#deca.mare recognises that this is her chance.
  1447. >"So everything is settled?"
  1448. >Firefly nods.
  1449. >The automaton turns to you again, facing you straight on as the camera is focussing on your head.
  1450. >And it is as if you could taste #deca.mare's expectations whilst you are looking at the machine.
  1451. >No further words are necessary.
  1452. "Alright, #deca. I'm going."
  1453. >Firefly addresses you again.
  1454. >"Anon?"
  1455. >You stop and turn your head.
  1456. "Hm?"
  1457. >"I'd like to see the process, if that's possible. Out of personal curiosity."
  1458. >Nothing easier than that.
  1459. "Sure. Come."
  1460. >You resume your short march to the cryo unit.
  1461. >#deca.mare's automaton is right behind you, and the two ponies follow the utility unit.
  1462. >You reach the cryo pod and look around.
  1463. "Oh, right. The unit with the dresser box is still at the quarters."
  1464. >#deca.mare chimes in.
  1465. >"No problem, Anon. I will clean up afterwards."
  1466. >Oh well.
  1467. >Not the most refined style, but if she insists.
  1468. >So you proceed to undress yourself as Firefly speaks up again.
  1469. >"I can't wait to return to the simulation as well, to be honest."
  1470. >You look at her and watch as the back of the proxy twitches strangely again.
  1471. >"This... just feels... wrong. Incomplete."
  1472. >She coughs and focuses on the automaton.
  1473. >"No offence."
  1474. >#deca.mare chuckles.
  1475. >"None taken."
  1476. >Sky Squall swiftly decides to spread his wing and wrap it gently around Firefly's back.
  1477. >She can at least feel one wing now.
  1478. >And the mare is quick to appreciate the gesture.
  1479. >She tilts her body to lean against Sky Squall's barrel, enabling him to cover even more of her back with his feathered limb.
  1480. >Which he does without hesitation.
  1481. >Firefly smiles warmly.
  1482. >"Thank you."
  1483. >She is visibly tempted to nuzzle the stallion.
  1484.  
  1485.  
  1486.  
  1487.  
  1488. >Yet she stops herself just a second or so before she actually does it, realising that this might go too far in her current condition.
  1489. >Granted, you have gone further with your last charge, but that was for a specific purpose.
  1490. >There was no actual intimacy in your deeds.
  1491. >Though there would be one in hers.
  1492. >Still, you for your part are not sure what to think about this scene.
  1493. >Because it does indeed feel strange to observe how #deca.mare's body almost nuzzles Sky Squall.
  1494. >But at the same time, you have never seen Firefly acting this amorous before.
  1495. >Not even close.
  1496. >She has never shown her romantic side this openly in public.
  1497. >However, as fascinating as her behaviour might be, it is better for everyone to cut this whole thing short, all things considered.
  1498. >Especially since Sky Squall is equally uncertain as to how far he can go and how he should react.
  1499. >So you put the clothes aside and speak up to get the attention of everyone.
  1500. "Okay, I'm ready."
  1501. >And #deca.mare responds accordingly.
  1502. >"The system is ready too. I will begin my health scans as soon as you are inside."
  1503. >She pauses.
  1504. >"Shall I inform you when I am done?"
  1505. >You shake your head.
  1506. "That won't be necessary. Just initialise the process when you're finished. I'll know then."
  1507. >She breathes firmly over the comm channel again.
  1508. >"Understood, Anon."
  1509. >You smile at the camera.
  1510. "See you in the simulation, #deca."
  1511. >Then you turn to Sky Squall and Firefly.
  1512. "Until then."
  1513. >The Pegasus nods respectfully, and Firefly responds with a formal salute.
  1514. >You have to stifle a faint grin upon seeing Firefly saluting with a rosy blush though.
  1515. >This is definitely a first one.
  1516. >And it is almost a shame that she is using #deca.mare's proxy at that moment.
  1517. >Because it would have been even better if you had seen that on her own face.
  1518. >Nevertheless, the mere thought alone gives you fodder for a funny mental image.
  1519. >So much so that you eventually must turn to the cryo unit to hide the grin which you cannot hold back any longer.
  1520. >Then you step into the machine and make yourself comfortable as the cryo unit kicks into action around you.
  1521. >The canopy closes itself as usual and your limbs are getting restrained.
  1522. >Nothing out of the ordinary so far.
  1523. >But you do not feel the common effects of the impending cryo process just yet.
  1524. >#deca.mare is still performing her health checks.
  1525. >And the mere fact that it takes a short while for her to do so tells you that she is going through all the intel with a vigorous zeal.
  1526. >You are not alarmed by this in the slightest.
  1527. >Though it is admittedly somewhat irritating to lie around for a while without the ability to move at all.
  1528. >Yet this is not the only noteworthy thing which happens, as Firefly steps up to the machine and stares curiously through the transparent surface.
  1529. >Then she says something you cannot hear.
  1530. >And you assume she gets an answer which is equally inaudible within the pod.
  1531.  
  1532.  
  1533.  
  1534.  
  1535. >Sky Squall shows himself a moment thereafter as well, wrapping his wing thoughtfully around the back of the proxy once more.
  1536. >The two keep talking to one another, and if you read their expressions correctly, Sky Squall is explaining something to his attentive wife whilst they are eyeing you and the unit.
  1537. >Certainly a question in regard to this machine or perhaps technology in general.
  1538. >Firefly may have gotten a summary from Sky Squall when they were alone, but this is the first time she sees such a piece of technology working in action.
  1539. >This experience is highly alien to her.
  1540. >Yet at the same time, it must also be strangely familiar, to a degree.
  1541. >After all, seeing Unicorns casting spells is not all that different in theory, even when the technology is hidden.
  1542. >Not to mention that she herself has lived with similar parts the entire time.
  1543. >Nevertheless, this is a lot to process.
  1544. >Even a stout mind like hers cannot accomplish that in a few hours.
  1545. >But she can count on getting a lot of help.
  1546. >From #deca.mare and you.
  1547. >And, perhaps most importantly, her loving husband.
  1548. >You cannot think of any better starting conditions.
  1549. >Or any better thought to have, shortly before your mind gets lulled to sleep by a fit of chilly drowsiness.
  1550.  
  1551.  
  1552.  
  1553.  
  1554. 166
  1555.  
  1556. >The ponies of Equestria who called Firefly one of the most tenacious and determined Pegasi of her time, along with her husband, of course, would once again have been proven right in their decision to trust in the mare.
  1557. >If they could see her now, at least.
  1558. >For Firefly progresses rapidly after accepting your offer.
  1559. >No matter how tricky the challenges are which #deca.mare and you throw at her, in relation to her knowledge level at the respective point in time that is, she eagerly rises to the occasion.
  1560. >And, more often than not, with remarkable results as well.
  1561. >Firefly aces many of your lessons during the following weeks.
  1562. >Even when she struggles, she pushes herself just a bit more until she improves.
  1563. >And Sky Squall is almost always with her.
  1564. >In fact, it is him who guides Firefly through the first steps of many lessons.
  1565. >Since he has gone through the same learning process relatively recently, he is able to share his impressions and experiences with her to help her along the way.
  1566. >Which Firefly gladly accepts every time.
  1567. >And the two are, just as they always have been, at their peak when they are working and practicing together, trusting each other unconditionally in everything they do.
  1568. >Their bond is as visible as it is unmistakable.
  1569. >But at the same time, their mutually honed discipline does not allow their actions to get visibly affected by their love for one another.
  1570. >When the situation calls for it, they are as professional as a pony can be.
  1571. >Even now, in your familiar small circle, they prefer to maintain this attitude while they practice together.
  1572. >For Sky Squall and Firefly do not want to slack off.
  1573. >So much so that they even keep you on your toes from time to time.
  1574. >Afterwards, however, things change to a degree.
  1575. >When the four of you are done with your plans for the day, you usually gather in a simulated place of your mutual choice to spend a couple of hours in a more relaxed environment before all of you go to sleep.
  1576. >In these moments of respite, both Sky Squall and Firefly become a tad more laid-back than usual as well.
  1577. >Simply because there is no one around who might be looking up to them and perceive them as role models.
  1578. >And you are just about to gather once again, albeit in a rather unusual location this time.
  1579. >For Firefly had a suggestion that is pretty unusual for her, yet entirely possible within the simulation.
  1580. >So you prepare the setting and step through the door, arriving at the proverbial bow of the mother ship as it orbits the planet.
  1581. >You stand close to the forward edge of the outer shell, with a wide panorama view on the planet and the direction in which the vessel is flying.
  1582. >A campfire has been lit nearby, burning cosily and happily in defiance of the laws of physics.
  1583. >Four cushions and several boxes with ample food are positioned around the fire as well, providing you with everything you need for a calm get-together with your friends and family.
  1584.  
  1585.  
  1586.  
  1587.  
  1588. >You let your gaze wander for another moment before you call the others.
  1589. "Okay, it's set up."
  1590. >Firefly is the first pony who follows you through the door.
  1591. >Sky Squall is following her right away, with #deca.mare being closely behind the stallion in turn.
  1592. >And Firefly in particular marvels at the scene as the door to the deck vanishes into thin air.
  1593. >"Incredible."
  1594. >You grin.
  1595. "So, you like it?"
  1596. >The mare stares at the planet as she replies.
  1597. >"I do."
  1598. >She pauses for a second.
  1599. >"It really puts things into perspective."
  1600. >The mare turns to you.
  1601. >"This is the exact scale now?"
  1602. >You give her a nod.
  1603. "Yep. That's how big we are in comparison to the mother ship. And Equestria, for that matter."
  1604. >As you say the name, the magenta Pegasus turns to the planet again and eyes a familiar continent.
  1605. >She does not have to say anything.
  1606. >You spot the signs on your own.
  1607. "That's why you wanted to be here, eh?"
  1608. >She nods.
  1609. >"Right. To see it with my own eyes, even here as an imitation, is something else. Watching this through the 'eyes' of one of the ships... it's not the same."
  1610. >You go on for her.
  1611. "Because the perspective and scales are different."
  1612. >The magenta mare nods again.
  1613. >"It's fine to work with them when it's necessary. But if I had to choose, I'd always prefer my own point of reference."
  1614. >Sky Squall smiles and wraps a wing around her back.
  1615. >"That won't change, love. Because we're still Pegasi. And we always will be."
  1616. >She reciprocates the gesture with her own wing and the two start to lean against each other in the process.
  1617. >And you believe that you might have spotted just the mere hint of a tiny smile on the face of the mare.
  1618. >Not her usual confident grin that she may show in practice matches or other contests, but one of another, more smitten kind.
  1619. >It barely seems to shine through for a brief moment before her expression changes to a more calm, yet still relaxed one.
  1620. >And without saying another word, the pair walks to the campfire site.
  1621. >They make themselves comfortable on two of the cushions.
  1622. >#deca.mare and you do the same a few seconds thereafter as well.
  1623. >The four of you reach for the boxes and hand each other some food of your choice.
  1624. >Once everyone has something to eat, you exchange friendly glances and start to eat and talk casually.
  1625. >Starting with Firefly.
  1626. >"Anon, Decanter?"
  1627. >You are about to respond, yet #deca.mare is just a smidge faster than you.
  1628. >"Yes, Firefly?"
  1629. >You cannot say why, but you think that #deca.mare chimed in on purpose.
  1630. >As if she had felt that she should speak in this case.
  1631. >And considering what Firefly is going to ask, this would be a fair assumption.
  1632. >"Speaking of being Pegasi, how long until my new body is ready?"
  1633. >Definitely #deca.mare's expertise.
  1634. >"The gestation process is coming along nicely. At the current rate, I would say the body is ready in two weeks."
  1635. >The magenta Pegasus nods briefly.
  1636. >"Not counting the 'special procedure', I assume."
  1637.  
  1638.  
  1639.  
  1640.  
  1641. >#deca.mare shakes her head and takes a bite before she gives Firefly an answer.
  1642. >"No, that is going to take an additional day or two because you did not want the alterations right from the start."
  1643. >Firefly shrugs.
  1644. >"That's fine."
  1645. >Then she looks at Sky Squall.
  1646. >"If it means that we can do it together, I'll wait."
  1647. >Once more, it is fascinating to behold how the famed first commander of the Wonderbolts, the go-getter mare herself, is showing her romantic side in private moments like these.
  1648. >And she is not quite done yet.
  1649. >"It'll be strange though. We'll both have our bodies back, in the best years at that. But we're also restricted to a very confined space in the physical world."
  1650. >You chime in.
  1651. "Not as much as you believe, Firefly. There's nothing wrong with a visit on the surface. Extended ones too, every now and then. You just have to keep in mind that your trips have to be subtle."
  1652. >Which is the very opposite of what the mare is used to.
  1653. >Staying in the background after a full life of being at the top will be tough for her.
  1654. >Still, it is also a challenge.
  1655. >One which she is not going to fail.
  1656. >You can fully count on her in this regard.
  1657. >She eyes you and smiles confidently.
  1658. >And the magenta mare looks as if she could read your thoughts right now.
  1659. >"Very well. If that's what it takes."
  1660. >Eager as always.
  1661. >But you have to dampen her enthusiasm a little bit.
  1662. >At least for now.
  1663. "Patience, Firefly. Your body isn't ready yet, and we still have a lot of stuff to go through anyway. Enough to keep us busy for a while."
  1664. >Again, the mare grins.
  1665. >This kind of remark merely spurs her vigour further.
  1666. >And Sky Squall is quick to comment on that as well, lightly laughing as he does so.
  1667. >"Careful, Anon. If you motivate her too much, she'll drag you back to the deck to get an extra lesson."
  1668. >Perhaps a bit overblown, yet not all that far away from the truth, considering the eagerness of the mare.
  1669. >Yet you shake your head and smile in turn.
  1670. "No, not today. You wanted to maintain your natural cycle, right? And you've got to rest and sleep for that."
  1671. >Firefly shrugs.
  1672. >"Fair."
  1673. >Then she bites into her grass and vegetable sandwich.
  1674. >A rather simple dish at first glance, but a welcome snack for a pony nonetheless.
  1675. >"I wouldn't want to miss these moments anyway."
  1676. >The mare looks at Sky Squall and cracks a smile.
  1677. >"Right, Sky?"
  1678. >Firefly does not wait for an answer and embraces the stallion with a wing.
  1679. >And he is happy to follow her example again.
  1680. >"Right."
  1681. >The two wordlessly share the rest of their sandwich as they lean on one another.
  1682. >And they do not need any words to be together like this.
  1683. >It is just as familiar and ordinary to them as flying.
  1684. >Evidently so.
  1685.  
  1686.  
  1687.  
  1688.  
  1689. >Yet as you watch the two Pegasi, you do not think about the fact that this habit is a highly private one, especially according to their own personal standards.
  1690. >Because another thought crosses your mind.
  1691. >You cannot help but think that their display is oddly infectious.
  1692. >And you are not the only one who seems to think so, as #deca.mare promptly decides to tilt her body in your direction.
  1693. >You assume at first that she is trying to lean on you to emulate the other couple.
  1694. >But this notion is a very short-lived one, since #deca.mare is not aiming for your side.
  1695. >Instead, she puts her head on your lap and rolls on her back.
  1696. >She is now looking, quite literally, up to you with a warm smile whilst her hooves dangle freely in the air.
  1697. >And you swiftly stabilise her head with one arm and lightly touch her chest with the other.
  1698. >Then you smile as well.
  1699. "Someone's extra cuddly today, hm?"
  1700. >You pause deliberately.
  1701. "And I'm pretty sure I know what gave you the... inspiration."
  1702. >You briefly look at Sky Squall and Firefly.
  1703. >They are both eyeing #deca.mare and you now, albeit without interrupting their own thing as they do so.
  1704. >And it is Sky Squall who responds with a grin.
  1705. >"Guess we can't help it. Inspiring others is simply our talent. Even now."
  1706. >His grin widens.
  1707. >"We'll see whether we have enough talent to bring you closer in the real world too."
  1708. >You raise an eyebrow.
  1709. "As if you would take no for an answer."
  1710. >The golden Pegasus shrugs.
  1711. >"I guess you got me."
  1712. >#deca.mare turns her head to address the stallion directly.
  1713. >"I admire your persistent enthusiasm, Sky. But this is not merely an issue of inspiration."
  1714. >She pauses and blinks.
  1715. >"On the contrary. Motivation is... not lacking. The problems are elsewhere, as you know."
  1716. >Firefly laughs calmly.
  1717. >"That doesn't matter. Proper motivation is still the first step on the way to get the results you desire."
  1718. >She turns to Sky Squall.
  1719. >And she gives him the warmest smile that you have ever seen on her face.
  1720. >"Nopony knows that better than us."
  1721. >Firefly tightens her hug.
  1722. >Her implications are unmistakable, and deliberately so as well.
  1723. >Sky Squall starts to nuzzle her in turn, further solidifying the obvious.
  1724. >And you for your part wonder whether you should say anything.
  1725. >Especially in regard to the final impulse which ultimately brought them together for good.
  1726. >Firefly already does that for you, however.
  1727. >"Though you played a part in it as well."
  1728. >You are still not sure how to reply.
  1729. >And she uses your brief hesitation to take the initiative again.
  1730. >The magenta mare takes a breath and speaks up.
  1731. >"Speaking of results and playing parts, there's something I'd like to know. Purely out of theoretical interest."
  1732.  
  1733.  
  1734.  
  1735.  
  1736. >You have no idea where this is going, but you will answer her questions to the best of your ability.
  1737. "Okay, sure. What is it?"
  1738. >Firefly waits for a second or so before she goes on.
  1739. >"You two had no intentional role in our relationship and how Sky and I got together, right?"
  1740. >You nod and answer that very simple question right away.
  1741. "That's right. Every, shall we say, 'tangential involvement' from our side was purely coincidental."
  1742. >Which is the truth.
  1743. >But this was surely just the opening question.
  1744. "Why?"
  1745. >Firefly blinks.
  1746. >"I caught myself at having a thought."
  1747. >The voice of the mare sounds extraordinarily serene and pondering for once.
  1748. >Very atypical for the usually resolute Pegasus.
  1749. >But as strange as that may appear at first glance, you do not misinterpret the situation.
  1750. >Because one look into her eyes tells you that her mentality has not changed, even when her demeanour has shifted somewhat.
  1751. >From what you can tell, she really is just earnestly thinking about a point which keeps occupying her mind.
  1752. >A point that she is about to reveal.
  1753. >"Let's suppose for a moment that you had a proactive role in it. Would you have brought us together?"
  1754. >What?
  1755. >Your tongue is faster than your mind and relays that thought without considering whether that would be a good idea.
  1756. "What?"
  1757. >Firefly grins.
  1758. >"You heard me. Would you?"
  1759. >The topic piques the interest of Sky Squall as well.
  1760. >"Interesting question. Would you? Would we have been an ideal pair in your eyes?"
  1761. >Absolutely no minefield ahead at all.
  1762. >None whatsoever.
  1763. >Whilst your mind reels from contemplating all the ways in which you could commit a faux pas now, a more level headed part of you takes over and plays for time.
  1764. "That's... honestly... I don't know what to say."
  1765. >You inhale.
  1766. "And what made you think of that to begin with? Is... everything fine? You know... between you?"
  1767. >Both Firefly and Sky Squall start to laugh in unison as you say that.
  1768. >And as if to put an emphasis on the fact that you may have suggested something silly, they share a kiss at the end of their laughing fit.
  1769. >You try to put on your best poker face and look at #deca.mare.
  1770. >She appears to be somewhat puzzled too, albeit not quite as much as you.
  1771. >And judging from #deca.mare's reaction, there seems to be nothing to worry about.
  1772. >Which is a good thing.
  1773. >However, it does not offer you any real clarity either.
  1774. >Firefly is aware of that too.
  1775. >So she decides to ease your bewilderment.
  1776. >At least a little bit.
  1777. >"We're fine, Anon. Like I said, it's only a theoretical to ponder."
  1778. >You blink.
  1779. "A pretty strange one though, don't you think?"
  1780. >The mare tilts her head.
  1781. >"Is it really? When you consider all the circumstances that led to the point where we are now? And how easily it would have been for things to go differently?"
  1782.  
  1783.  
  1784.  
  1785.  
  1786. >She pauses.
  1787. >"It's hard to believe that everything just happened at random."
  1788. >This is a bit hyperbolic, but you get her point.
  1789. >Firefly cannot believe her luck, proverbially speaking.
  1790. >And, by extension, the luck of all of you as well.
  1791. >You take a breath.
  1792. "It wasn't all, 'at random', Firefly. Some things were, partially at crucial stages even, but many other were the result of elaborate planning. Like the creation of Equestria, for example. It was preceded by a long-winded process of planning and studies. This world wouldn't exist without such hard work. Though it's true, it also took a few strokes of luck which actually made it happen. They're opposites, but both were equally important. None of us would be here if either of them had been absent."
  1793. >You pause and think about this subject for a moment before you proceed.
  1794. "To make an analogy, I would say it's a mixture... a brew... a concoction. It needs several different ingredients to gain its flavour, but they must be applied in proper amounts, and at the right moments."
  1795. >You look at the magenta mare and realise that your thoughts have drifted a tad too far away from the original topic.
  1796. >But this is alright.
  1797. >Because it provides you with an answer that you did not think of before.
  1798. >You collect your thoughts and go on.
  1799. "I suppose relationships have a similar contrast. Yours work because you're so similar. You're both driven, able, and share all your interests and hobbies. In that, I'd say you are a very good couple, yeah. And if I were the one who had to, well, 'match' you, I think I could have done that with a great deal of confidence. Purely theoretically speaking, of course."
  1800. >Firefly nods.
  1801. >"Of course."
  1802. >You smile warmly and proceed.
  1803. "Though the opposite can sometimes work just as well."
  1804. >Then you look at #deca.mare.
  1805. "Consider us. The differences between us couldn't have been greater when we met. But you see how that played out."
  1806. >#deca.mare, still resting on your lap, smiles as she hears your last comment.
  1807. >She raises her upper body and her head to kiss you, intentionally imitating what the two have done just a few moments ago.
  1808. >And you go along with it.
  1809. >Gladly so.
  1810. >Firefly and Sky Squall stay quiet whilst you are busy with each other, and patiently wait for you until you are done with the kiss.
  1811. >As you eventually part again, you keep looking at #deca.mare for a few more seconds before you raise your voice again.
  1812. "As I said. The complete opposite. But just as fine."
  1813. >#deca.mare chuckles.
  1814. >"And it works."
  1815. >Your smile returns once more.
  1816. "Like a charm."
  1817. >You take another long breath before your gaze slowly wanders back to the two Pegasi.
  1818. "The point is, neither is inherently more right or wrong than the other, and it's likely that a similar pairing would've been possible for you too."
  1819.  
  1820.  
  1821.  
  1822.  
  1823. >You pause to give them a little while to think about your words.
  1824. "But it really doesn't matter. You came together on your own. Well, for the most part. You achieve much as a couple. Constantly. You have a family. And you're happy together. Success across the board. For both of you, and everyone involved. That's all that counts."
  1825. >You inhale.
  1826. "Thinking of what could have been instead is fine and fun on occasion, but when you overdo it, you'll only drive yourself crazy. And if you ask me, you two are good as you are."
  1827. >Another brief pause.
  1828. "I believe... that's the best answer I can come up with."
  1829. >A moment of pondering silence follows.
  1830. >Before Sky Squall starts to laugh again.
  1831. >Yet unlike his previous fit, it also sounds as if it contains a notion of wry amusement.
  1832. >You turn to the stallion and address him directly.
  1833. "Sky? What's up?"
  1834. >The golden Pegasus inhales before he responds.
  1835. >"The irony, Anon. The irony."
  1836. >You raise an eyebrow.
  1837. "What irony?"
  1838. >Sky Squall slightly tilts his head.
  1839. >"If you really think about it, I would have been better off if you had done it for us. The same end result, but it wouldn't have taken a bad experience for me to act on it. Maybe it would have prevented... the embarrassment altogether too."
  1840. >You consider what to say, as #deca.mare chimes in.
  1841. >"This is not correct, Sky. The end result would have changed."
  1842. >The stallion lowers his head to eye #deca.mare.
  1843. >"What do you mean?"
  1844. >#deca.mare smiles warmly at him.
  1845. >"I mean your family in particular. It would not be what it is today if the chain of events had been different."
  1846. >Another pause, then she tells him what she means.
  1847. >"Starting with your first foal. We were, admittedly, indirectly and unintentionally involved in that, as Anon implied."
  1848. >The stallion sighs.
  1849. >"It never ceases to astound me how our times together are so commonly known."
  1850. >#deca.mare shrugs.
  1851. >"Let me assure you again that we had nothing to do with these observations. And they are not necessary to connect the dots either, Sky."
  1852. >Now it is #deca.mare who chuckles again.
  1853. >"The foaling was due eleven months later. It is not hard to spot the correlation. The math speaks for itself in this case."
  1854. >She takes a breath.
  1855. >"But to get to the point, you would not have become a future father on this day if the events had unfolded differently. And your family as you know it today would never have existed."
  1856. >#deca.mare pauses yet again.
  1857. >"Assuming that you would have come together in an alternate scenario, you two would have founded one eventually. I am convinced of that. If I had to guess though, I would estimate that it would be smaller, depending on how long it would have taken for either of you to make the first move."
  1858.  
  1859.  
  1860.  
  1861.  
  1862. >The next pause.
  1863. >"But even if we had played matchmaker for you, there is no guarantee that the result would have been comparable to what you have now. There are simply too many unknown factors to determine this in any accurate manner."
  1864. >You smile reassuringly and take over.
  1865. "If you want a piece of advice from a semi-expert, don't fuss about it. That's what I meant with overdoing your thinking. You'll lose your sight if you analyse every little moment and choice to death."
  1866. >The stallion nods.
  1867. >"I get what you're saying. Though it's hard not to think of the 'what if', you know?"
  1868. >You nod with a grin.
  1869. "Yeah, we do."
  1870. >You suddenly feel the urge to kiss #deca.mare again.
  1871. >And you do not hold back.
  1872. >#deca.mare is more than eager to join in as well, leading to another fairly long kiss.
  1873. >And you elaborate as soon as you part for the second time.
  1874. "The pull of the present remains stronger though. We're happy with what we have. And if I think of the cards with which we two had to play early on, things could have gotten a lot worse in many ways."
  1875. >You inhale deeply.
  1876. "But considering the flip side, the process which led us here couldn't have been much more gratifying. Only marginally so at best. We had some bumps on the way, but that was it."
  1877. >You blink.
  1878. "I think I'm starting to go off on a tangent here."
  1879. >Then you take another breath as you collect your thoughts.
  1880. "Anyway, to sum it up, we're here, everything worked out, and the end result could hardly be better."
  1881. >You laugh.
  1882. "That's good enough in my book. And it should be good enough for you too."
  1883. >Sky Squall takes a breath.
  1884. >"I suppose you're right."
  1885. >He turns to Firefly with a happy sigh.
  1886. >"Well, do you think we can live with a 'good enough' for once?"
  1887. >She grins cockily in return.
  1888. >"For once. You're the best 'good enough' I could ask for."
  1889. >The golden stallion stifles a light chuckling fit.
  1890. >"You too, my dear. But..."
  1891. >Sky Squall acts as if he is trying to hide something.
  1892. >"... that must remain a secret. Our good reputation as role models is at stake when we're caught slacking."
  1893. >Both of them laugh quietly before they share another kiss.
  1894. >Firefly responds right after that.
  1895. >"I'd risk my reputation for you any time, if I had to."
  1896. >Sky Squall's light smile becomes gradually warmer.
  1897. >"And I'm glad we think alike."
  1898. >The two ponies nuzzle each other in silence, still not caring in the slightest that #deca.mare and you are right next to them.
  1899. >And neither of you says anything either, as you do not want to needlessly interrupt the couple.
  1900. >Instead, you get gently tapped on the nose by one of #deca.mare's still dangling forehooves.
  1901. >She has not left her comfortable spot on your lap, and she does not seem to plan on doing so any time soon.
  1902. >You lower your head to look at her directly.
  1903. >#deca.mare smiles heartily as well, almost mirroring the expression of Firefly, minus the mare's cheeky undertones.
  1904.  
  1905.  
  1906.  
  1907.  
  1908. >The positivity of the couple must have swept her along once more.
  1909. >And you are completely fine with that too.
  1910. >You carefully grab the forehoof that #deca.mare idly presents to you and hold it with one hand whilst you massage her back as gently as you can with the other.
  1911. >It does not amount to much in this position, but it is the thought that counts.
  1912. >Both #deca.mare and you can appreciate the moment for what it is.
  1913. >And this is, as you have iterated to Sky Squall just a moment ago, good enough for both of you.
  1914. >You spend the next couple of minutes like this, simply enjoying the moment together whilst the stars shine all around you and the little fire crackles calmly on its little spot on the hull.
  1915. >Sky Squall and Firefly do the same, as they are just as fixated on one another as you are.
  1916. >Though you are fully aware that this cannot last forever, no matter how pleasant and calm the moment may be.
  1917. >And it is Sky Squall who ends it eventually, as he starts to snicker.
  1918. >Moderately, yet seemingly out of the blue.
  1919. >So you react accordingly.
  1920. "Sky?"
  1921. >The golden Pegasus sighs light-heartedly.
  1922. >"You present me with a problem, Anon. Both of you."
  1923. >You focus on the stallion again.
  1924. "Oh, we do?"
  1925. >He takes a breath and nods.
  1926. >"You see, I'm grateful. I mean for... almost everything that you two have done. Or better, what you have enabled us to do."
  1927. >He pauses.
  1928. >"You have provided us with the chances and opportunities we needed to become, well, us. And we're more than willing to help you out now."
  1929. >You blink, as there must be more to this.
  1930. >Obviously.
  1931. "But? Where's the issue?"
  1932. >The stallion laughs yet another time.
  1933. >"All this talk about family and possibilities... it almost makes me want to do it again."
  1934. >Now it is you who sighs.
  1935. "Again? Sky, please. Think of our capacities."
  1936. >Sky Squall is openly amused by your reaction.
  1937. >"Don't worry. I keep my promises, Anon. But I can't deny that it remains... a tempting thought."
  1938. >Firefly seems to be inclined to agree with her husband.
  1939. >"Later, dear. We have an eternity ahead of us. We'll get the chance."
  1940. >The magenta mare pats him on the back.
  1941. >"In the meantime, we help the family we already have. Behind the scenes."
  1942. >Firefly looks at #deca.mare and you.
  1943. >"And with the occasional visit, whenever the time is right."
  1944. >Firefly addressed both Sky Squall and the two of you with the last part.
  1945. >So you nod and repeat your stance.
  1946. "Sure. Nothing speaks against it, as long as it remains an incognito trip. Equestria isn't ready for any big reveals yet."
  1947. >The Pegasus mare shrugs and keeps smiling.
  1948. >"Right. Yet."
  1949. >Firefly inhales.
  1950. >"Let's see if we can help them to get there a little faster."
  1951. >Then she stretches her wings and takes another deep breath.
  1952. >"Tomorrow. After a good night's rest."
  1953.  
  1954.  
  1955.  
  1956.  
  1957. >The gaze of the mare wanders to the planet.
  1958. >And much like its physical counterpart, large parts of the Equestria in this simulated world have already been embraced by the onset of dusk.
  1959. >The end of another peaceful day in the realm, and by extension, the end of your day as well.
  1960. >Firefly goes on without averting her gaze.
  1961. >"It's almost time."
  1962. >You eye the planet as well before you agree.
  1963. "Yeah. Shall we leave then?"
  1964. >The Pegasus mare considers your suggestion for a second, but ultimately shakes her head.
  1965. >"No. Let's stay here for the night."
  1966. >You blink.
  1967. "Here? I didn't think you'd consider that."
  1968. >She shrugs in response.
  1969. >"Oh, why not? It's homely. We have lots of space, the stars are right above us, and our home is always in sight. It's almost like a nap in the skies."
  1970. >Firefly taps the hull with a forehoof.
  1971. >"Granted, the surface isn't as soft as a cloud, and the breeze isn't the best either. But it's better than sleeping in a constricted room."
  1972. >You cannot help but laugh for a moment.
  1973. "Sky said it. You're a Pegasus. Through and through."
  1974. >She takes your remark as a compliment.
  1975. >"Thanks. I'm happy to hear that."
  1976. >With that said, Firefly prepares herself to go to sleep, and Sky Squall is happy to do the same.
  1977. >And in a typical Pegasus fashion, they make themselves comfortable with the few things they have in reach, as they lie down belly first on the bare hull, side by side.
  1978. >One wing placed on the back of the other, they both close their eyes after sharing one final kiss for the day.
  1979. >Neither of them is dozing off immediately, however, and Sky Squall addresses you whilst keeping his lids shut.
  1980. >"We wouldn't mind if you want to stay too."
  1981. >The faint outlines of a smirk appear on his face.
  1982. >"Or go back to your fancy bed. That's fine as well. We won't judge."
  1983. >You snort.
  1984. "Goodness, are you trying to turn even sleep into a challenge?"
  1985. >The stallion likes the idea.
  1986. >"If you feel up to it."
  1987. >Alright.
  1988. >You eye the mare on your lap and give her a confident smile.
  1989. "#deca, shall we show these two flappers that we're every bit as tough as they are?"
  1990. >And #deca.mare nods in agreement.
  1991. >"With pleasure, Anon."
  1992. >It is settled then.
  1993. >You spend your night on the simulated hull, with no bed or anything like that.
  1994. >Just you and #deca.mare.
  1995. >And a pair of confident Pegasi beyond the small fire.
  1996. >So you lean backwards until your back touches the hull beneath you.
  1997. >Then you signal #deca.mare to adjust accordingly.
  1998. >But not by letting her sleep next to you.
  1999. >No, you do a little more.
  2000. >You gesture #deca.mare to climb properly on top.
  2001. >Which allows her to use you as an impromptu cushion whilst she covers your midsection in turn, sharing her warmth with you in the process.
  2002. >A win-win for both of you.
  2003.  
  2004.  
  2005.  
  2006.  
  2007. >Once this is done, there is only one thing left to do.
  2008. >After all, you do not want to let the day end with a snide remark.
  2009. >As obvious as the banter was, you prefer to conclude with something more cordial.
  2010. >Out of principle.
  2011. "Good night, you two."
  2012. >Firefly answers for both of them.
  2013. >"Rest well over there."
  2014. >With that out of the way, you are ready for your nap.
  2015. >You put one hand on #deca.mare's back and use the other as a makeshift pillow for your own head.
  2016. >Then you close your eyes and feel how #deca.mare is lowering her own head to nuzzle the side of your face.
  2017. >It is the last thing you remember before dusk is officially making way for the night on the Equestrian surface.
  2018. >Simulated and physical alike.
  2019.  
  2020.  
  2021.  
  2022.  
  2023. 167
  2024.  
  2025. aaa

Shape Your Home, Part 1

by Ponegreen

Shape Your Home, Part 2

by Ponegreen

Shape Your Home, Part 3

by Ponegreen

Shape Your Home, Part 4

by Ponegreen

Shape Your Home, Wasteland 'Survival' Game Side Story

by Ponegreen