Canterlot Imperial Palace

Gardens

9:50 PM

Admiral Sir Terrence Hood raised an eyebrow at Princess Luna. "You truly think so?" He removed his hat and rubbed his shaven head, a common idiosyncrasy of his. "Well that's a relief. I've heard some rather amazing things about what your unicorns can do with their magic. I can't even begin to imagine what this funny looking fella must be capable of." He gestured at the Discord's statue and prison.

Luna giggled again. "Thou would indeed be shocked. Discord has been noted committing everything from rearranging entire cities, to changing the gender of unsuspecting Ponies, to transfiguring Ponies and animals into various objects or other creatures. He is a threat to be reckoned with."

With a groan, Ackerson cut into the two's conversation. "Yes, yes. While I'm sure this...Discord guy must be so interesting, may ask where you keep the food?"

Still frowning, Halsey stared at the Colonel with deep loathing. Had she been anyone else, she would have already taught the Colonel a lesson for his arrogance, and general unlikeableness. At least for now, the Doctor held her tongue. Between having Ackerson and Anders here, she could either have an interesting night, or a very, very, bitter one.

"This way." The Princess lead them towards the Ball Room.


Palace Entrance

Twilight Sparkle entered the Palace's grand entry hall in search of her mentor, whilst her friends had rushed to their preferred destinations or individuals for the night.

She finally spotted Celestia at the top of the main staircase. Twilight rushed up to greet her. "Empress Celestia!"

The Monarch face lit up in delight. "Twilight! It is so lovely to see my star student!"

"Oh, I'm so excited to be here! We have so much to catch up on!" The Unicorn replied.

"Well, I want you right by my side the entire evening. So we'll have plenty of time together." Celestia smiled sweetly. At that, Twilight rushed to the Alicorn's side. "That's just what I was hoping you'd say!"

To any observant onlooker, the two would have been almost indistinguishable from a mother and daughter.

In the meantime, Rarity trotted into the entry hall. At once, she had spotted her quarry. She had her eyes set on Prince Blueblood, a gentlemanly-looking stallion with a luxuriously treated blond mane and tail, who peered in her direction before slipping through a doorway into the gardens.

With a gasp and an excited squeal, the white Unicorn chased after him. "Hurry Rarity! Oh..but not too fast. I don't wanna lose him...WAIT! Have to play it cool." Blue Blood was now standing by himself near some rose topiary.

"He's everything I imagined!" Blueblood looked in her direction once more, this time with a picked rose in his mouth. Even better than I imagined."

Not too far away, yet another one of the six friends was starting their night. Fluttershy spotted and a passing songbird. "Oh my! A meadowlark!" She explained.

She followed the little bird further into the garden, and suddenly heard something whistling a loud, but pleasant melody. Fluttershy gasped pleasantly. "I think she's calling to me! It's exactly what I wished for!" Humming, Fluttershy heard a response, and hummed again, pursuing the source of the beautiful melody.

In yet another section of the garden, where many guests had gathered for quiet chats, a certain gold-coated earth pony donning a Stetson hat deployed her apple stall with a single buck.

When Soarin, one of the Wonderbolts, came by the stall, the mare asked. "Howdy partner! You hungry?"

"As a horse!" He exclaimed.

Applejack beamed. "Well what'cha hankering for? Caramel apple? Apple pie? Apple fritters? Apple fries?"

"I'll take that big apple pie!" Soarin said excitedly. He put a few bits in the stall's bucket, AJ handed him the pie, and he headed off, carrying the delicious pastry in his mouth.

"Thank you kindly, sir!" In triumph, Applejack twirled her forelegs in the air. "Yee-haw! In the first minute, I made my first sale. Just like I expected."


Garden Café

VIP section.

Anders and Forge had taken a table in one of the quiet corners. Forge was digging into a delectable-looking piece of cake like there was no tomorrow. The Doctor however, only glared down at her fancy salad.

Forge looked up at her, bits of white frosting still on his cheek. He frowned at her in concern. "Why so glum, Anders?"

"She's here. I can't believe the Empress invited Halsey, of all people, here at the Gala. That woman, was, and is the bane of my career." The Senior General folded his arms. "Why didn't you just explain to Celestia about your beef with Dr. Halsey?"

Ellen peered at him incredulously. "I didn't think I would ever even see her again John! It's been over twenty years."

Forge's frown turned into a grin when he finally figured it all out. "Ohh, this is about egg-head rivalry huh? I see." He chuckled. Anders, who had been furiously toying with a tomato using her fork, now flung the fruit at the General. He ducked just in time, and the tomato soared into some other poor, unsuspecting guest. It was Spitfire.

She looked around to find the source of the projectile, her face a deadly sneer. When she spotted the Minister and the General, Forge waved at her innocently, then put a hand to his face, pointed at Anders conspiratorially, and mouthed "It was her".

Spitfire replaced her sneer with a grin. She waved back at them in a 'your forgiven...for now' gesture and cleaned the fruit off, which thankfully hadn't got in her mane. She than flew towards the entrance, where she spotted Soarin, who still carried the apple pie in his jaws.

"Always hungry after a show. Eh, Soarin?"

Soarin nodded his head quickly. "Heh. Yeah!" In that movement, the pie slipped out and fell towards the marble floor. The Wonderbolt gasped.

Without warning, a rainbow maned pegasus rescued the delicate pastry just before it hit the ground. Soarin grinned at the pie's savior. "My pie! You saved it. Thanks."

He took the pie back into his mouth. Rainbow Dash smiled nervously back. "Hey, no prob."

Spitfire stared at her with recognition. "Hey! I know you. You're the pony that saved us in Cloudsdale and won The Best Flyer Competition."

"Hay yeah! Name's Rainbow Dash."

"Well, Rainbow Dash. Looks like your skills saved us gain. Oh, well, at least they saved Soarin's apple pie." Soarin was now devouring the dessert like their was no tomorrow. "Yeah." He managed to reply in between mouthfuls of pie.

Spitfire was now joined by the rest of her fellow Imperial Wonderbolts. "Wanna come hang out with us?" She asked.

"Sure. Why not?" At that, Spitfire and her comrades made their way out of the VIP section. Following them, Dash's excitement was building. "I'm... hanging... with the... Wonderbolts!" Her voice ended with a squeal of joy as she hurried off after them.


Grand Ball Room

Pinkie Pie made her way into the ball room, and she took in the room's exquisite layout.

"The shiny dance floor... The pretty party ponies... Ooh, the fancy band... Shiny! Pretty! Fancy!" With building anxiety, Pinkie declared, "GOTTA DANCE!"

Bouncing around like a young child or foal on a pogo stick, she began singing. She bumped into many guests as she went.

She bumped into an older Imperial Officer, who's fancy feathered hat and monocle fell off. The Human raised his brow at her, clearly not amused. Pinkie Pie's bouncing also brought her up near Octavia's band, who looked at her with shock and horror as she crashed into their instruments. She even put a few of the guests in what she thought were friendly head locks as she sang at the top of her lungs.

When she ceased, the whole room was silent. Drinks, and pies, various other pastries, had been spilled. The band was in disarray as well. Everyone was staring or glaring at her, earth pony, unicorn, and human. They were definitely not amused, or entertained.

"It's all I've ever...dreamed?" Poor Pinkie Pie's voice cracked, making her sound like Fluttershy for a moment. It would be comical, were it not for the circumstances involved.

Nearby, a magical holographic screen was playing a late night news broadcast. Whatever it was, it caught the attention of quite a few ponies and humans, who looked at each other incredulously.

"Breaking news! The Ministry of Public Health has announced today that a joint medical study with the Ministry of Technology has revealed what scientists are calling, 'The biggest medical discovery since longevity spells and the invention of the medi-grenade.' Reportedly, scientists have concluded that Human biology is not only startlingly similar to Equine biology, but the two species are quote 'theoretically capable of producing viable offspring.' The Ministry of Technology has yet to make a formal statement on the matter." The pegasi reporter shuffled papers around her.

"In other news, the UNSC-based Jotun Heavy Industries has unveiled plans for a joint effort with IMTECH to terraform the neighboring ice planet Aurora. The Plans are reportedly to be sent to the Empress for approval tomorrow morning. Minister Anders has said earlier today quote, 'We at the Ministry are optimistic of Aurora's potential as a scientific, and commercial asset for the Empire.' That's it for tonight. This has been reporter Cloud Chaser, Equestrian Broadcasting Service. Good night, Imperials."

The screen switched to the EBS logo, before cutting off to regular nightly programming for that channel.


Gardens

Rarity was sniffing and inspecting a rose, when Prince Blue trotted up to her. "Well, hello. I am Prince Blueblood." He said pompously, with a white toothy grin.

"I am... Rarity. Oh my, what a lovely rose." Rarity replied bashfully.

"You mean..." He picked the flower with his teeth. "This rose?" He held in front of her, and the unicorn's eyes lit up with delight. At least until he pulled it away, only to pin it on the nape of his tuxedo.

"Thank you. It goes with my eyes." He said, his pompousness increasing exponentially. Rarity groaned awkwardly at the Prince's attitude.

Further into the Gardens

Fluttershy in the meantime, was still pursuing the beautiful melody she had heard moments ago. She hummed, and it whistled back.

The normally quiet mare gasped. "My little meadowlark is right around this bend!" She rushed around the manicured rose hedges. Much to her surprise, instead of a little bird, she found an old golden-tuned groundskeeper instead.

He was whistling the melody with a wheat sprig in his mouth, in a manner very similar to Applejack's older brother, Big Mac.

"Was that you?" Fluttershy inquired.

"Yep. I love whistlin' while I work." He whistled the tune again.

Turning away disappointed, Fluttershy said. "Oh! Yes... Well... Excuse me." As she went further into the plant life, she suddenly heard a wild cacophony of various animal sounds.

Fluttershy gazed at the various animals with joy. "Oh! I see a toco toucan! And a spider monkey! And, oh! Is that a wallaroo?" No longer able to contain her trepidation, she flew over to them to get a closer look.

Startled, they all fled from her. "Oh, Fluttershy. You're such a loudmouth." She said sadly, and quite ironically.


Ballroom

The room was filled with the bustling and murmuring of the guests. The Wonderbolts were among the crowd, chatting away. In the background, Dash jumped up and down trying to get the attention of Spitfire, Soarin, or any of them. But to no avail.

Finally, Rainbow Dash managed to crawl in under the crowds of ponies and humans, much to their dismay. Trying to catch Spitfire's attention, Dash shouted, "Hey, Spitfire! You ever done a rain cloud double backflip?" Either Spitfire was ignoring her, or just couldn't hear her. Dash hoped it was the latter.

Turning towards Soarin, she tried to get his attention as well. "You ever soared past lightning? It's awesome!" He gave no indication he had heard her, and moved away, towards another group of guests.

The Pegasus mare narrowed her eyes in frustration.


Entry Hall

On both side walls flanking the front doors, two groups of earth pony and human painters, accompanied by pegasi artists, were on scaffolding creating twin murals. They depicted what was soon to be the new official seal and flag of the Equestrian Empire.

At the mural's center was the old flag, with the Sun and Moon circled by the two Regal Alicorn Sisters. Next, rays of sunlight radiated outwards, forming a disc around the flag. Alongside the solar circle were two golden garland leaves. Completing the mural was a depiction of Celestia's pet Philomena, the phoenix. She clutched the circular seal in her talons, and her brilliant fiery wings were outstretched. Any astute observer from the Earth would note it's similarities to the banners of the ancient Roman Republic.

Empress Celestia stood at the top of the staircase alongside her star pupil. and was greeting the guests as they arrived. "Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala." She said, with a smile.

"Princess! I've been so excited to spend time with you and..." Twilight began.

"Yes, Me too, Twi..." Celestia whispered, but before she could continue, more guests came before her expectantly. "Oh, good evening! Welcome to the Gala." She tried to talk to Twilight again. "Which is why I..." Two more finely dressed mares approached. "Ladies! Lovely to see you again."

Twilight sighed as she looked down the stairs. More and more and more guests were arriving still, forming an orderly line. She sighed. A "Looks like getting a chance to talk to the Empress is gonna be magic trick in itself."


Gardens

Applejack was still manning her stall, eagerly awaiting more potential customers. "First minute, first sale." She beamed. Then the minutes past. "Second... Fourth... Sixth... Sixtieth minute... no sales." She sighed, unknowingly sharing in Twilight and her other friends' misfortune. AJ rested her head on the counter, distraught and disappointed. "This ain't what I expected at all."

Coincidentally, Pinkie Pie also had her head slumped on a hard surface in disappointment not very far away. She was at a table, all alone.

"I'm at the Grand Galloping Gala... and it's not what I dreamed." She sang sadly.

Closer to Applejack's location, Rarity was laying out a cushion to relax on. Her position was instead usurped by the ever irritating Blueblood soon after.

"This isn't at all what I imagined." She mused sadly.


Entry Hall

10:30 PM

The Empress continued in her duty of greeting the endless legions of arriving guests. ("Good evening! So nice to see you. Welcome!")

Twilight's disappointment grew. "This isn't what I hoped." She said quietly.

In the ball room, Rainbow Dash shared her friends' growing sadness and disappointment. "This isn't hanging out."

In the gardens, Fluttershy still could not get close to any of the timid creatures. "This isn't what I wished for."

Their frustrations building, from all throughout the Gala they spoke in determined unison.

"No" Twilight said firmly. "I've waited all my life..." Rarity said. "...for this moment!" Fluttershy finished. "And I'm not going to..." Pinkie declared. "...let it slip by!" Applejack exclaimed. "If it's the last thing I do..." Dash swore. "...I'm going to make this..." Twilight continued. "The best night ever!" They all said together.

Whether if it was coincidence or magic, or both, that created this mutual moment of determination, what was undeniable was the fact that the six friends were interconnected in an almost mystical fashion.

Garden Woods

Fluttershy set up a standard box-twig-string trap using a carrot as bait. "I just have to be more bold, like Twilight says." The mare told herself. She pretended to leave, in a effort to set up her trap.

"I'm so sorry to have scared you, my friends! But I'm leaving now, so you can all come out!" At that moment, Fluttershy heard something crunching on the carrot. She sprung her trap. "Gotcha! It's okay. I just wanna be your... friend?"

Instead of a small critter, it was the old groundskeeper pony again. Still munching on the carrot, he replied, "Mmm... Sounds good to me." Fluttershy frowned at him.

Grand Ball Room

Back in the Palace, Rainbow Dash was still unsuccessful in her efforts to get the Wonderbolts' attention.

"Come on Rainbow!" She talked to herself, mustering her determination. "If they don't notice you, you gotta make'em notice you." She spotted a grey earth pony in a top hat whose cutie mark resembled the garland leaves on the new Imperial flag. Seeing him gave her an idea.

She approached him, whistling innocently. The stallion gave no indication he detected her. In one swift motion, she knocks him into the air with her head. As he goes flying across the room, top hat and all, she catches him on her back. It would seem it was all to catch Commander Spitfire's attention.

Much to Rainbow Dash's frustration, the Wonderbolt still paid no mind to her presence. She shook the stallion off her back, sending him crashing into a Human in a white UNSC admiral's uniform smoking a cigar.

"You ruffians!" The man exclaimed in between puffs of smoke. Dash, however, did not hear or see the human, she was far too steamed. As she walked away, she did not notice Rarity and Blueblood passing by.

As the two walked, she thought aloud to herself. "Just give him a chance, Rarity. His princely side is sure to come out if you're just patient." Suddenly, Blueblood held out a hoof, stopping Rarity in her tracks.

"Miss Rarity! Stop!" He exclaimed. It appeared somepony had dropped a container of water and had carelessly left it there.

Taking it as a sign of courtesy on the stallion's part, Rarity exclaimed, "Oh. Prince Blueblood! How chivalrous."

"One would hate to slip." Blueblood declared. "Yes. One certainly would." She agreed. "One's cloak should take care of the problem." He said.

"Oh of course it will."

At that, the two stared at each other expectantly. After several moments, Rarity begrudgingly laid down part of her own dress to allow them to step over the puddle. She glared at the aristocrat in front of her as she went. Blueblood had just achieved douchebag status by Rarity's account.

Nearby, Pinkie Pie looked at the band, and she got an idea. Rushing up to the musicians, she whispered to the pianist, Octavia, and the rest of the band. They stared at her with raised eyebrows as she took the microphone on stage.

"C'mon everypony! I know what will make you shake those groove-thangs!" She motioned to the band with a hoof. They started playing. Pinkie Pie started singing. The song was eerily reminiscent of an old Earth song called the Hokey Pokey. Because of this, a certain Colonel nearby heard it, recognized it, and immediately loathed it.

"What's with you Equestrians and the damn singing!" Ackerson whined as he downed glass after glass of wine. He and the other UNSC guests were seated with Princess Luna, Shining Armor, and Admiral Cutter. The Chief had taken position with his fellow Spartans in a nearby corner. All four were chatting quietly with some Wonderbolts and a few off duty Royal Guards.

Admiral Stanforth gave a 'harumph', and took another puff of his cigar. "And what about that crazy rainbow-maned ruffian? Tossed some poor fellow right on me, and paid no mind when I tried to tell her what for!"

Luna tried to give the two men an apologetic smile. "We apologize for some of our subjects'... erratic behaviors."

Lord Hood chuckled lightly. "No worries Princess. I was actually secretly hoping this night would be an interesting one." Luna gave him an incredulous look, while Halsey tilted her head slightly. The Doctor silently agreed with him.

"Truly? I must say, this relieves us greatly that thou hath not taken offense. You are most gracious." Hood nodded at her. "We all need to be a little out of the box from time to time. Well now, who's hungry?"

Luna flagged down a waitress. Everyone looked at the menus. "Where's the steak? Where's the mutton? Where's the meat anything?" Ackerson exclaimed. He flipped through the menu, still expecting to find a listing for filet mignon or even some fish. To no avail.

"Meat? Why would you want to eat meat?" Shining Armor looked at Ackerson, clearly confused. Cutter face palmed, this was going to be embarrassing to witness.

Dr. Halsey looked at Ackerson like he had just suddenly turned into a Covenant grunt and started dancing to Pinkie's song. "The native Equestrians are Herbivores, Colonel. I would expect even a cave man like yourself to realize that." Ackerson looked at the Princess for confirmation. She merely blinked at him.

"Doctor Halsey is right. Our subjects, including the Humans, are vegetarians. No human has consumed another animal for sustenance here in over 15 years, so my sister Celestia tells us." He nodded at Luna, and with an annoyed grunt, the Colonel got up from his seat and stormed off to parts unknown.

Halsey sighed with relief, Parangosky shared Cutter's embarrassment, while Stanforth simply looked at the menu indifferently. Master Chief materialized behind Admiral Hood.

"Sir, shall I attend to Colonel Ackerson?" Lord Hood shook his head. "At ease, son. The Colonel can look after himself. I trust him enough not to get into any trouble." Chief nodded. "As you say sir." He moved to rejoin his comrades and their newfound acquaintances.

Pinkie Pie's singing continued. If it bothered Hood, Parangosky, or anyone but Ackerson, they didn't show it.

Back outside in the garden, Fluttershy was at her wits' end with the animals. They were all literally hiding from her in the tree branches. Bringing her hooves down with force, she puffed out air like a raging bull in a rodeo.

"COME OUT!" The normally quiet, gentle mare bellowed savagely.

Back in the Ball Room

"Yeah!" Pinkie ended her song, waving her hooves in the air. An aristocratic mare with a puffy blonde mane, along with her affluent compatriots, stared and glared at the party pony sternly.

"Young lady, this is not that kind of party." She declared.

Completely misunderstanding her, Pinkie replied, "Ohhhhhh... They don't want a party. These people want a paaartay!" Pinkie Pie pumped her hoof in the air like some fan at a sold out punk rock concert.

Applejack was still having no luck with business. Nobody had yet to buy anything since Soarin. That was when Ackerson strolled by. Smelling the apple pie and other various delicious treats, the Colonel could not resist himself. He stepped up to AJ's stand.

The golden mare's face lit up at once with delight. "What would ya like, sugarcube?" Ackerson stared at her dumbly, before speaking. "I'll have that fine looking pie.." He rubbed his chin, pointing. "...and while I'm at it, throw in some of them apple fritters. Three, yes." His voice was a bit slurred.

"There ya are, That'll be 9 bits then, partner." Applejack replied cheerfully. Ackerson looked dumbly at her again. Without losing her cheerful smile, AJ was secretly beginning to think the human might be 'special' in the head.

"Uhh... Yeah, um... Here's some 'bits'." He threw some odd-looking pieces of plastic in the bits bucket. "That should cover it." Applejack maintained her smile. "Thank ya fer your business." He smiled back smugly, walking away with the desserts in hand. His swayed erratically back and forth as he walked, oddly enough.

AJ peered into the bucket, and frowned. She had seen UNSC credits used by the humans before, but only rarely. There was no steady conversion rate between credits and bits. She merely shrugged it off. A sale was a sale, after all, even if the customer is a weirdo.

Once Ackerson had disappeared somewhere, Applejack spied Rarity and Blueblood approaching her stall. Her face lit up again in a big smile.

"Two apple fritters, please." Rarity asked. "Two apple fritters comin' right up. That'll be four bits." Rarity looked to Blueblood, giving him one final chance to be a proper gentlecolt.

"Ahem." Blueblood simply glared at her. "Ahem." He shot back. "Ahem!"

"AHEM!"

Rarity sighed, giving in. "I'm going to have to pay, aren't I?" Applejack looked at her kindly. "It's okay, Rarity. I got you covered."

"Thank you, Applejack. At least somepony here has good manners." Rarity replied, glaring distastefully at Blueblood. He raised a fritter to his mouth, not looking to see what it was.

He took a bite, and spit it back out. He looked around Applejack's stall in horror. "Oh! Fritters! Dumplings! Caramel apples! My royal lips have touched common carnival fare!" He raised his head haughtily. "I'm going to the buffet for some... hors d'oeuvres." He stepped away. Applejack glared at the stallion, while Rarity followed him, sharing AJ's expression.

"Well, no wonder nopony wants my food. They're fillin' up on those fancy-schmancy vittles. Well, my down-home apples are plenty good for this crowd. I'll just dress'em up a bit and prove it to 'em." She pushed her stall away.

Poor Fluttershy had finally gone full-blown loco. She encroached on a cowering bunch of bunny rabbits in a bush. She even had a giant net suspended above her.

"I'll catch you yet, my pretties. Oh yes. As soon as one of you little birds or monkeys or bears touches this net... you'll be MINE! MINE!" She laughed like a stereotypical card board cutout villain.

"Whoa!" While laughing, Fluttershy managed to end up trapped in her own net. Hanging above, a rabbit peered up at her. She sighed.

Inside the Ball Room, the scene had become fully Pinkie Pie-ified. She was now at a DJ's booth.

"Come on, everypony! You wanted to partay? Now it's paaartaaay!" She terrorized the guests, who tried their best to ignore her and carry on their conversations. "Yeah! Uh! Now that's a beat, yeah! Uh! C'mon, dance! Yeah, woohoo!"

Not much later, Applejack popped through a set of double doors, wheeling in a massive, delectable looking cake. "Okay, all you high-class ponies. Here's a highfalutin apple cake for your hoity-toity taste buds."

Not seeing her friend, or the giant cake, Pinkie Pie leaped off the stage. "STAGE DIVE!" The party pony hit AJ's cart, causing the cake to ricochet off it, and straight towards Rarity and Prince Blueblood.

Without hesitation, Blueblood grabbed Rarity and used her as an equine shield. Her mane, face, and exquisite dress became splattered in apple cake bits and frosting.

The fashionista turned on Blueblood with an angry growl and sneer that could halt a charging Brute Chieftain in his tracks. Her face boiled in rage and approached him. "You, sir, are the most uncharming prince I have ever met! In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!"

Blueblood cringed, backing away. "Ewww...! Uh, stay back! I just had myself groomed!" He began cowering and fretting.

"Afraid to get dirty?!" Rarity shook her head and mane vigorously, coating the 'Prince' in the sugary frosting. He fell on his back, writhing in overly dramatic agony.

Unfortunately, Blueblood's impact was enough to send the golden Alicorn statue in the center of the Ball Room tumbling over a group of unwary guests. The Spartans rushed to stop its descent. A pegasus beat them to it.

"This is my chance!" Rainbow Dash flew under the golden sculpture, catching its fall with her back. "Yes!" She said in triumphantly. Then the weight caused her to sway. "Whoa!"

Her swaying caused the statue to nick a column, which proceeded to topple itself and the other columns via the infamous domino effect. Dash regained her composure, only to find herself surrounded by a rubble pile.

The UNSC VIP's and their hosts looked at the mess with their jaws dropped. Chief, Jerome, Alice, and Douglass stood and looked around awkwardly.

It was at that moment that Empress Celestia and Twilight coincidentally entered the Ball Room. Both the Monarch and her Student gazed at the mess slack-jawed. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Rarity stared at the two newcomers with a mixture of weariness and nervousness.

"Well... it can't get any worse."

Suddenly, a rumbling issued before another door burst open and a horde of animals of various species stormed past. Their dust cloud faded, to reveal a very enraged Fluttershy.

"You're... going to LOVE ME!" She thundered. Ackerson materialized behind her, still holding the apple pie he had purchased earlier. His lips and cheeks were messy with apple fritter crumbs, and he was clearly drunk. Fluttershy paid no attention to him as he shambled towards the Admirals' table.

Ponies, humans, and animals alike ran and galloped to-and-fro in panic. Dr. Anders and General Forge appeared where Fluttershy and Ackerson had just been, trying to figure out what all the fuss was about. "What the hell's happening here?" Forge shouted.

The band somehow managed to keep their cool, and while nervous, stayed in their places. Admiral Stanforth snuck his way around the crowd, and approach Octavia. He whispered something in her ear, and at first she stared at him as if he were mad, and then finally shrugged. Turning to her fellow musicians, she said a few things, and they all nodded. Despite the chaos, the band began to play a new song, Stanforth's own request.*

Ignoring the pandemonium, Ackerson snickered like some crazy jester, and shouted, "Oh, my dear Halsey! I've got a little somethin' for ya, Catherine!" He raised the pie and threw it straight at the Doctor. Chief shot forward instantly, stopping the pie, which splattered over his armor.

While the crowd continued to panic, Forge grinned at the Master Chief. "Nice save Spartan." They both nodded to each other, before a random tomato struck the General square in the face.

"What the hell!" Forge tried to wipe the fruit out of his eyes, whilst trying to find his assailant in all this chaos. Another tomato came out of nowhere, and before Anders could react, she too was pelted with a tomato.

"Now we're even, punks!" Spitfire shouted from the far side of the room. Seizing advantage of the chaos, Halsey broke her professionalism just this once, walked up Colonel Ackerson, and kicked him straight in the crotch. With a comical crack of his voice, Ackerson toppled over like sack of potatoes.

Admiral Parangosky stared at her protegé's writhing form on the floor, her face mortified. Lord Hood turned to Princess Luna, who watched the chaos nervously, her ears drooping down. "When I said 'outside of the box' I didn't mean quite like this..." He chuckled incredulously.

Luna shrugged and smiled nervously, unsure of how to respond.

Still watching from the door, Twilight too, was at a loss for words, "Um, um, uh... Eugh." She sputtered. Celestia leaned down and whispered "Run." At that moment the band finally stopped playing.

Twilight whistled, catching her friends' attention. They all look over, and she made a 'let's get the hell out of here' motion with he hoof. As they rushed out and down the steps, Rarity dropped one of her crystal slippers.

Seeing as she passed by, Pinkie Pie said, "Ooh! Rarity, your glass slipper! Now your prince is sure to find you." Rarity shrieked. "No! Ugh!" She swiftly smashed the fragile footwear. "Let's go!" Rarity grabbed the party pony as they rushed out of the Palace with the greatest of haste.


Joe's Donut Shop

11:55 PM

"Hey, Pony Joe. Another Donut." Spike asked. Joe looked at him in concern. "Don't you think you've had enough?"

Spike wasn't about to let up. He slammed his coffee mug down. "Another donut! Extra sprinkles!" As he said that, the front door bell rung, indicating another customer. Joe looked across the counter at the newcomers with surprise.

"Twilight Sparkle! Ha, ha. Long time no see."

Twilight and her friends were a wreck, and looked rather miserable. Spike didn't seem to notice that fact too much. "Hey, how was the Gala? How was your best night ever?"

Twilight told him all about it.

"That sounds like the worst night ever!" Spike said.

"It was" Everyone said at once. They all shared a good laugh at that.

Becoming serious again, Twilight said, "I just hope Empress Celestia isn't upset with us for ruining the Gala." Without warning, a regal voice broke everypony out of their nervous stupor.

"That was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever!" Surprised, everyone turned to the door. All at once, they exclaimed, "Empress Celestia?!"

Sure enough, Celestia stood near the entrance, accompanied by Dr. Anders and Forge.

"Pardon me, Empress, but tonight was just...awful."

Celestia beamed. "Oh, Twilight. The Grand Galloping Gala is always awful." Twilight tilted her head in surprise. "It is?"

The Empress nodded. "That is why I was thrilled you were all attending. I was hoping you and our other special guests could liven things up a bit. And while the evening may not have gone as planned..." Forge coughed. "Ahem. Ackerson. Ahem." Celestia raised an eyebrow at him, and he smiled at her innocently. Anders hit him in the back of the head with a newspaper. "...I'm sure you'll agree that in the end it didn't turn out so bad for this group of friends."

"You're right, Princess. Friends have a way of making even the worst of times into something pretty great."

"Yeah!" Rainbow Dash agreed. "Hanging out with friends!"

"Talking!" Fluttershy said.

"Laughing!" Pinkie Pie added.

Spike puffed his chest out. "You mean doing exactly what I wanted to do the whole time?"

"Yes, Spike. You were right."

"As horrible and strange as our night was..." Applejack began.

"...being together here has made it all better." Rarity finished.

"In fact, it's made it..." Pinkie said. Sensing what she was going to say, all six friends said simultaneously, "...the best night ever!"

Everyone laughed together. It would seem the night, as weird as it had been, had indeed ended on a very positive note.

The Empress said her goodbyes, and she, the Senior General, and the Minister of Technology took their leave. While Twilight and her friends' night may be over, the Empire's leaders still have business to attend to. UNSC business.


Throne Room, Canterlot Imperial Palace

Quarter past midnight

Admiral Sir Terrence Hood looked up admiringly at the freshly painted Imperial Flag mural above the Celestia's throne.

Turning around, he shook hands with Empress Celestia. "I can't begin to express how nice it is to have finally received the chance to see the leader of our new Ally in person. We've heard of, and have personally seen what your people are capable of. You have made a friend of the UNSC, your majesty. A permanent one." Hood smiled warmly at the Alicorn.

Celestia returned his smile. "My people, Luna, and I thank you deeply for agreeing to visit us and attend the Gala, even amidst such dangerous times as these, Admiral. I also want to personally thank you for your offer of friendship. That means more than you can imagine here in the Empire." She smiled apologetically as she remembered something else. "Oh, and I apologize for the erratic behavior of a specific few of our subjects. And the...pandemonium."

Hood shook his head at her. "You have nothing to apologize for, Empress Celestia. And I apologize; for Ackerson's behaviour. Were I in your shoes, I too would have done anything in my power to make a dull, awful event into one to remember." Celestia's face registered shock, ever so briefly. She had not expected the Admiral to figure out that she deliberately invited the Mane Six and them for that very purpose.

She replaced her shock with an informal grin, to which Hood returned the favor. "You Equestrians have shown that in addition to your gifted abilities with technology and magic, you can throw a boring party, and turn it into something...well, fun." Hood removed his cap and rubbed his head.

"Now, how would you and your subjects like to party, UNSC style?"

Celestia giggled. "We would be happy to visit you all on Reach. We should be able to join in you in just a few short days."

Hood regained his normal professional demeanor. "In that case, until next time, Empress." He shook her hoof again. He then turned to each of the Imperial leaders, giving them each a hand/hoof shake.

"Farewell, Crown Princess Luna, General Forge, Admiral Cutter.. " He continued on. "Aircommander Spitfire, and of course, Lord General Shining Armor."

"Until next time, Admiral Hood." Celestia said.

With that done, four of the Imperials moved to bid farewell to their UNSC counterparts, and exchange pleasantries. Luna, however, ignored them and approached the Master Chief, who was saying his goodbyes to his fellow Spartan II's.

The Chief turned to face her. "Fare thee well, Spartan. We...I, look forward to battling the Covenant alongside you in the months to come."

Chief nodded. "Likewise, Princess. I'm curious as to how potent your magic can really be on the battlefield." Luna gave him a knowing grin. "Not to be a braggart, but I think thou shalt be... impressed. Until next time. Take care of yourself, Chief."

The Master Chief said nothing more, and merely saluted Luna. She raised her hoof to her chest, and bowed, saluting back. At that, the Spartan moved to leave, followed by his UNSC superiors.

As their Pelicans sped away from Canterlot, the Alicorn sisters watched them amongst the other aircraft lights that danced across the night sky. Laying down and looking out over the gleaming city, Luna could tell that even with midnight upon them, the citizens of Canterlot continued their revelries and soirees in the light of electricity and magic energy, quite unlike the Equestria of Luna's distant memory. To say this fact pleased the Princess of the Night greatly, would be the understatement of the century.

Knowing exactly what her sister must be thinking, Celestia approached and laid a wing over Luna's shoulder. "It's a beautiful sight, isn't it little sister?" She said finally.

Luna looked up at Celestia with with joy. She appeared to be on the verge of tears. "More than you can imagine... big sister."


*This is indeed the Halo theme song. The instrumental version, without the Gregorian chorus.