Title:           Captain Anonymous - Chapter 25 - The Deal
Author:          somewritefag
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/E9042npg
First Edit:      Sunday 9th of August 2015 11:28:42 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Sunday 9th of August 2015 12:21:11 PM CDT

                                        Captain Anonymous - Chapter 25 - The Deal
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>Shining is still dripping with sweat as you begin to enter the castle, foam forming at the corners of his mouth as he pants heavily. You dismount him and start taking his armor off.
 
“Let’s get this stuff off of you and get you hosed down quick, you’re burning up and dehydrated, you just about ran yourself to death out there.”
 
>After removing all of his armor you find a shower in the castle that has a detatchable showerhead attached to a hose. You have Shining sit on his haunches while you turn the water on, not too cold at first, just luke warm, and begin spraying him down, slowly decreasing the temperature over time. You shield his eyes as you spray off his face and muzzle.
 
“Open your mouth,” you say before slowing the stream, cupping your hand under his chin and allowing Shining to drink as much water as he wants, which he does greedily for several seconds before indicating he’s satisfied.
 
>You lift his tail and spray down his hindquarters, back legs, and sheath, then his belly and chest. He lays down with a sigh, resting his head on his crossed front legs as you continue to pass the soothing cool water over his body repeatedly, running your hand up and down his back and sides, continuing to spray him until you feel his body temperature start to drop.
 
>“This feels great, thanks Anon,” Shining says with a nicker.
 
“You deserve it, pal, and a whole lot more. We had practically no warning but we still managed to pull it off and accomplish something really important, and it’s all thanks to you.”
 
>”You think we should go tell the princesses everything is okay now? Lift the lockdown on the city?”
 
“No, Shiny, I’m still suspicious of their motives. It might have just been inexperience, but that pilot was flying his ship without seeming to care about being detected, which strikes me as very odd. I don’t want a single pony out in the streets until I know for absolute certain that we weren’t just fed a bunch of lies.”
 
>You reach for the knobs, turning the water off and reaching for a towel. Shining steps out of the shower, shaking himself off a bit and standing in front of you. You dry him off vigorously before grooming him with various brushes until his coat, tail and mane are slick and shiny. Shining lets out a sigh of relief as you finish.
 
“Feeling better?”
 
>”Much. Thanks again Anon. I coulda done it myself but… it was nice to just have someone take care of me like that.”
 
“Like I said, I owe you a lot more than that, but we’ll talk about that later. Let’s go talk to our lovers and princesses.”
 
>Shining walks alongside you as you venture deep into the castle. When you finally come across the group of alicorns, you find them sitting at a table, playing some kind of card game and looking bored out of their minds. Twilight’s ears perk up and she jumps from her seat when she sees you. She leaps into your arms unexpectedly, knocking you off balance and nearly causing you to fall. When you regain your footing you place a hand under her rump, her legs on either side of you as she squeezes you as tight as she can, then kisses you deeply.
 
>Cadance and Shining exchange much more toned-down gestures of affection, gentle nuzzles, soft nickers, little kisses here and there.
 
>”I’m so so SO glad you and Shining Armor are okay, Anon,” Twilight says, refusing to let go of you. You stroke her back as she hugs you, making an attempt to find your way to a chair, her weight coming to rest on your lap as you sit down, Twilight resting her head on your shoulder, occasionally rubbing her cheek against yours.
 
>”Mister Anonymous,” Celestia speaks up, concern evident in her voice, “What happened? Can you please give us an update on the situation?”
 
>You and Shining explain everything, Twilight nearly falling asleep in your arms as you comfort her. She must have really been worried about you.
 
“I think it’ll be safe for the four of you to come out with me whenever their ship lands. I’d like the four of you to stand behind me and Shining in a chevron formation while four unicorn guards, two on either side, stand abreast of us, for added protection. We want to make a big first impression on whoever this is. It will likely be their unit or fleet commander, not just the captain of a ship, so technically I’ll be outranked. Just remember, stick to the original plan as much as you can. Refer to me as your king, play the part, etcetera. We shouldn’t have to put on as much of a show as I was originally planning, but still one just long enough to leave the commanding officer with the distinct impression that I’m in charge here.”
 
>You look at the ponies around the room, Cadance and Shining Armor are sharing a bit more of an intimate embrace than before, but one by one they all acknowledge what you have to say, even the sleepy filly in your lap that you wish you never had to let go.
 
“Alright Twily, cuddle time is over,” you laugh softly, shaking her gently. She pulls you into one more deep, passionate kiss before nuzzling you and hopping out of your lap, allowing you to stand up. You motion for everyone to leave the room with you and prepare to go exit the castle.
 
“Shining, can you go round us up four unicorn guards?”
 
>”Sure thing, Anon.”
 
“Oh, and put your armor back on when you’re done too, okay buddy?”
 
>”Will do,” Shining says as he trots ahead of the rest of you to carry out your instructions.
 
>The rest of the ponies remain quiet as they walk alongside and behind you.
 
“Something tells me we’re going to get a quick response. We should expect a shuttle to be landing in the town square very soon, so we should all go there and wait.”
 
>Celestia looks over at you as she walks by your side
 
>”What about the citizens of Canterlot, Anon, are they safe to leave their homes?”
 
“Not yet, Princess, we have to be sure their intent is genuine. Let’s leave Canterlot on lockdown for now, just to be safe, okay?”
 
>By the time you reach the town square, Shining is already there with the four guards you requested, with his armor on, just as you’d asked, smiling and turning his side to you. You give him a long and strong hug before mounting him once again. The princesses all stare at you as Shining paces back and forth, waiting for the arrival of your guest.
 
>”I guess the two of you really do sort of look quite impressive together…” Cadance offers to break up the silence as you wait, drawing a smile from both you and Shining Armor. Even Celestia and Luna are eyeing you with more than just curiosity.
 
>”I always did love a stallion in uniform,” Celestia giggles. “The two of you really are quite handsome and look marvelous as a team like that.”
 
>”If the two of you were not already mated to other mares I would eagerly court you,” Luna says bluntly.
 
“What do you think about that, Shiny? Every princess in Equestria has the hots for us now,” you say with a good laugh.
 
>”Like you said earlier, Anon, it’s good to be at the top, hah!” Shining says, joining in your laughter. Both Celestia and Luna look away and blush momentarily, also avoiding the jealous glances of Twilight and Cadance.
 
>You soon hear the sound of a shuttle’s engines, even before it comes into view.
 
“Places, everypony, form up and get ready,” you say, riding Shining to a position in front of the mares and in the middle of the four unicorn guards.
 
>The shuttle lands several yards away, the door opening and steps lowering. Two armed guards step out and stand on either side of the door. The four unicorn guards take a defensive stance. Shining throws up a shield surrounding your group just to be safe.
 
>The officer on board steps out and approaches you, a guard on either side.
 
“I asked that you come alone. I am King Anonymous, ruler of this world, and you are under my protection while you are here. I welcome you to Canterlot Admira-“
 
>Your jaw drops and you do a double-take when you see who it is.
 
“’liv, is… is that you?”
 
>A better look at her face confirms who it is. That old flame from the Academy. A woman you’d been seeing on and off again over the course of your whole career.
 
>“My goodness, Anon, you and your steed there are quite an eyeful. So, from Captain to King, that’s quite a promotion for you. You know, everyone back at command thought you were dead. When we debriefed our pilot I had to come see for myself. When word gets back home that you’re alive it’s gonna make waves.”
 
“Shining you can drop the shield, buddy, we’re okay. Guards, at ease.”
 
>She motions for her guards to stand down. You give a loud, excited laugh/gasp, dismounting from Shining Armor and approaching your old friend rapidly, embracing her in a tight hug.
 
“Jesus, ‘liv, I never thought I’d see you again… when did you make Admiral?”
 
>She hugs you just as tightly, the two of you closing your eyes as you embrace, tears escaping despite your best efforts to hold them back. As you release each other from the hug, she pulls you into a kiss, causing Twilight to pin her ears and snort, pawing at the ground angrily. You gently push her away, she gives you a confused look for a moment.
 
“You worried about regulations forbidding fraternization with a higher ranking officer all of a sudden? That never stopped us before,” she says, going in for another kiss which you block. You take both of her hands and hold them up between your chests as you whisper to her.
 
“Ah, ‘liv, it really is wonderful to see you again, really… but, circumstances have… changed since our last encounter.”
 
>”Obviously. Is there something else I should know, Anon?”
 
“’liv, I’m in a relationship now. I’m sorry…” you whisper, slowly backing away from her.
 
>She clears her throat and wipes her eyes.
 
>”My apologies, Your Highness.”
 
>You mount Shining Armor again.
 
“Allow me to introduce you to the most important ponies in my life, and indeed all of Equestria.
 
“Princess Celestia, princess of the sun,” you say, Celestia bowing her head slightly as you introduce her, each successive pony doing the same. “Princess Luna, princess of the night. Princess Cadance, Princess of the Crystal Empire, and Princess Twilight Sparkle, princess of Friendship.”
 
>You pat and rub Shining Armor’s neck affectionately.
 
“And this is my right-hand stallion, the noble and loyal Sir Shining Armor, Prince of the Crystal Empire.”
 
>”And these ponies, they all answer to you?”
 
“That’s correct, Admiral.”
 
>”How did this happen?”
 
“Don’t worry about that. Let’s just say I befriended the right ponies.”
 
>”You said you were in a relationship…”
 
>You motion for Twilight to step forward and stand next to you. She does as you ask, standing proudly beside you and her brother.
 
“Indeed, Admiral. Princess Twilight here is my future queen,” you say, smiling down at her lovingly.
 
>A look of disgust flashes over the Admiral’s face.
 
>“I see. So *this* is how you came to power. You can’t really be attracted to this… *pony*… can you?” She says, gesturing to Twilight.
 
“It’s a bit more complicated than that, Admiral, and yes, I love Twilight with all of my heart, but we have much more pressing matters to discuss,”
 
>You lift your head to speak to the guard ponies, turning your head to each side
 
“You are dismissed, gentlecolts.”
 
>”I’m surprised that pony can carry you like that, especially with all that heavy armor.
 
“Shining Armor is a very strong stallion with great endurance, he has been a close companion to me, and a fierce protector of both myself and our subjects. I do apologize for shooting down your scout ship, Admiral, but I assumed the worst when I saw your fleet emerging from QT jump. I needed answers and that was the only immediate way to get any.”
 
>You eventually dismount from Shining Armor again.
 
“Perhaps we should go inside to speak further.”
 
>The admiral turns to her guards
 
>”Stay with the shuttle, I’ll be safe.”
 
>The guards nod and take their place next to the shuttle.
 
>You turn to the mares standing behind you.
 
“My dearest friends, perhaps it’s time to break with the formality a little and relax a bit. Let us gather in the main meeting hall, you may proceed ahead of us.”
 
>They all nod to you and enter the castle. You take hold of Shining’s reins as though you’re leading him alongside you, but that doesn’t seem to bother him. When you get inside, you start to remove his armor, and then his bridle. He rears up to give you a hug, and the two of you share a close embrace for several seconds, closing your eyes tight as you squeeze him, making sure the Admiral gets a good look.
 
“Go on ahead now, Shiny, we’ll be along shortly.”
 
>Shining simply nods his head and trots in the direction of the meeting room as you walk alongside the Admiral.
 
>”So, these ponies really revere you?”
 
“And I love them. I love them all. With every fiber of my being. I’ll do anything necessary to protect them,” you say, immediately making your position clear. She turns to face you.
 
>”And if the Confederacy gives you new orders? Perhaps assigns you to a new starship, or promotes you? What then?”
 
“My duty to the Navy died when they abandoned me on this world, ‘liv. THIS is my home now, I don’t intend to leave it.”
 
>”The Council may not be happy to hear that,” she replies as you continue to walk. “Times have changed, Anon.”
 
>You pull out a chair for the Admiral when you enter the room, taking a seat across from her.
 
“Perhaps you should bring me up to speed before we begin, Admiral.”
 
>She nods.
 
>”Anon, I’ll get straight to the point. Nine worlds have seceded from the Confederacy. Forty seven members of the High Council were assassinated in a terrorist attack shortly afterward. They call themselves the ‘True Way.’ Unfortunately many of our highest-capacity shipyards are now within their territory. We’ve been scrambling to build new ones.”
 
>You place your face in the palms of your hands, resting your elbows on the table. Even if you had gone through with the original plan, you’re already too late. The Admiral continues as you mourn internally.
 
>”The ‘True Way’ seeks to reunite the Confederacy under their doctrine – aggressive expansion through any means necessary. They believe the Confederacy’s approach to first contact makes us appear weak, and that newly encountered worlds should be coerced into joining through a show of force rather than careful diplomacy.”
 
“Casualties?” you ask after a long, deep sigh.
 
>”The rebels have already begun to move on us. Karnaria Prime is hotly contested territory right now. Loyalties on that world are divided equally, and we’ve already engaged the rebels there both in space and on the surface. The battle continues as we speak.”
 
“Admiral. Casualties?”
 
>The admiral looks down at the table.
 
“We’ve lost 19 warships. Confederate military casualties stand at 67,000. We estimate the rebels have lost 114,000 troops by count of 28 confirmed starships destroyed. Civilian casualties on Karnaria prime… 480,000 is our best current estimate.”
 
>You stand up from your chair, walking to a window and taking off your hat, resting it against your chest as you look up at the sky, then bow your head in silence for several moments. Over a half million people dead, all because of you.
 
>Because you screwed up and didn’t follow protocol.
 
>Because you were so brazen you thought you were above the law, and if you could just turn things around here, it’d be one more accolade to add to your record - another notch in your belt, another medal on your chest. Your heart falls heavy with remorse and grief.
 
>If only you’d left this world at the first sign of aggression, as demanded by protocol, maybe none of this would have ever happened…
 
>Your voice wavers as you speak, not turning from the window.
 
“Their blood is on my hands, Admiral.”
 
>She shakes her head.
 
>”Anon, this has been coming for a while. Your encounter with this world was just the tipping point. Don’t be too hard on yourself, you couldn’t have done anything to prevent this. If you had access to some of the intel that I had over the last five or six years, you’d understand. Hell, despite the Council’s best efforts to contain the situation, even they still failed. Nobody blames you.”
 
>Twilight approaches you, sitting on her haunches and nuzzling you, looking up at you sympathetically. You place a hand on her head, not turning to look down at her.
 
>”Anon, let me be blunt, I didn’t come here to watch you wallow in self-pity and shame, sit your ass back down because we have much more than that to discuss.”
 
>”How dare you speak to His Majesty that way!” Cadance yells out in feigned indignation as she slams a hoof on the table.
 
>”You are our guest here but you will maintain proper respect for the King,” Celestia says, frowning at the admiral.
 
>You return to your seat, Twilight at your side, pulling her chair next to yours so that it’s touching and leaning into you as close as she can.
 
“Easy, easy ladies, the Admiral is correct. I can mourn later, but right now we have much to discuss,” you stare across the table at your old friend, folding your hands on the table. “Your young ensign said that this world has been declared a Protectorate. Is this true?”
 
>She nods in response.
 
>“Yes. The rebels will come here if we are unable to keep them at bay. Their ‘council’ wants this planet, and its inhabitants. We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
 
“The Confederacy’s sudden concern after all these years is quite touching. What is expected of us in return for your ‘protection?’”
 
>“All we wish is for our scientists and engineers to be allowed to visit this world and speak with the inhabitants about this exotic energy they have harnessed. Working together we may be able to develop technologies so advanced that the rebels wouldn’t stand a chance if they tried to invade. These technologies would also allow us to retake the seceded worlds and make sure those responsible answer for the loss of life they’ve caused. It would be mutually beneficial for both of us.”
 
“How many ‘engineers and scientists’ are we talking here, Admiral?”
 
>”As many as you’ll allow. Any further landing parties will be unarmed, I’ll see to it that the order is given.”
 
“And what of the garrisons the Navy likes to establish on the worlds of their ‘Protectorates?’”
 
>”None will be established. Instead we’ve been ordered, with your permission, Your Highness, to begin constructing a starbase in high orbit to act as a staging area.”
 
>You rest your hand on your chin, looking down and away.
 
“And what are the Council’s intentions once the war is over?”
 
>”The Council intends to invite this world into the Confederacy with open arms.”
 
“I see.”
 
>You sit back in your chair in quiet contemplation, all eyes resting on you as you think about the situation. You get the feeling that if you refuse this request, they might become more forceful in ‘encouraging’ your cooperation.
 
“So long as my subjects are not harmed or disturbed, so be it. You may build your starbase, Admiral. In exchange I would like to request a small ship for myself and my delegation, to allow us to travel much more efficiently, and perhaps visit this starbase from time to time.”
 
>The Admiral nods
 
>“We have several small multi-purpose ships, we would be glad to allow you to choose one as your personal craft. If you’d like to come aboard I-”
 
“Do you have any EM-33’s?”
 
>The Admiral shakes her head
 
>“They’re obsolete, replaced by the new EM-53. Faster engine, sleeker design, more maneuverable, also capable of QT jumping. This flavor comes with light weapons as well.”
 
“Weapons? On something so insignificant?”
 
>”Your Highness, they’re slapping weapons on everything they build these days. Even my shuttle out there is armed with dual forward particle cannons.”
 
“I didn’t see any weapons on your shuttle…”
 
>”Neither will any of our enemies. They’re hidden behind a holographic compartment where the forward ventral storage bay used to be.”
 
>You smile
 
“Clever. Alright Admiral, I’d like to request one of your EM-53’s be delivered to my permanent possession promptly, if you won’t miss it.”
 
>”Pfft, you can have ten of ‘em if you want. That’s not even a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things.”
 
“Indeed. I also have another request.”
 
>”I’m listening”
 
“No more scout ships, if we’re to be friends then let’s not spy on each other, shall we not? I’d like some long range communications equipment delivered to me as well. I expect to be contacted for clearance before any other ships attempt to enter the atmosphere, is that understood?”
 
>”Of course, Your Highness,” the Admiral smiles at you.
 
“And we’d appreciate it if you’d build your starbase far enough away that it isn’t an eyesore. You may not know this but this planet does not rotate, instead it’s orbited by its star. I want to be able to enjoy my dear Celestia’s beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and my dear Luna’s beautiful starry night without anything ruining it.”
 
>”That’s not a problem either, the location we had in mind should keep it obscured from your view.”
 
“Are you to be the station commander once this starbase is built, Admiral?”
 
>”Yes. You’re going to be stuck with me for quite some time, Anon. I do so hope you’ll come see me now and again.”
 
“Certainly. We’d love a tour of your station once it’s completed, wouldn’t we?”
 
>All the ponies at the table nod hesitantly. Celestia stands up and whispers in your ear.
 
>”Anon may I see you in private for a moment?”
 
>You nod.
 
“If you’ll excuse me for one moment, Admiral, I’ll be back shortly.”
 
>Celestia walks with you to a corner of the room where you won’t be overheard and keeps her voice to a whisper.
 
>”Anon, I’m not sure I like the idea of your people building this thing, this ‘starbase’ near Equestria.”
 
“Princess, I’m not thrilled about it either, but trust me, it’s much better than the alternative. These people pose no threat to us, I’ve known Olivia for my entire career, she would never deceive or lie to me, not even under orders.”
 
>”Very well, Anon, but I want your people’s access to Equestria to be limited. I don’t want our skies filled with dozens of their ships constantly coming and going. A few dozen of your people, at most, may visit at any one time.”
 
“That’s a reasonable request. Is there anything else?”
 
>”These people… they’re willing to protect us in this way, solely for an open exchange of information? They don’t want anything else from us?”
 
“THIS is the Confederacy that I knew and loved, Celestia. Generous and benevolent, respectful of sovereignty. If the civil war has separated the wheat from the chaff then we have nothing but the best people we could possibly want on our side.”
 
>”What is this ‘exotic energy’ she spoke of?”
 
“That’s their term for ‘magic.’ They don’t understand it at all, but they’d like to. It fascinates and scares them because of what it did to my ship. That’s why they’d like to send the scientists and engineers, to study it – if you’re okay with that, of course. We have some very bright scientists, what they and ponykind may learn from each other might startle you. Once they have a grasp on it they may even offer you new perspectives on and uses of magic.”
 
>”That is an intriguing possibility, I must admit. Anonymous, can you think of ANY reason we shouldn’t trust them?”
 
“I’ve taken the necessary precautions, we’re going to be okay. I wasn’t going to allow them to establish any garrisons on the surface, but since they’re constructing a starbase it’s a moot point. If we ask them to stay out of the way, they’ll stay out of the way. Their biggest fear is that the True Way will capture Equestria, enslave all of pony kind, and harness magic for their own use, which would give them a huge advantage over the Confederacy. It’s in their own best interests to comply with our requests.”
 
>”If you believe so, Anon, then I suppose this is an acceptable arrangement. There’s one more thing.”
 
“Yes?
 
>”If we truly are to be friends I believe it’s time we dropped the charade. I don’t want to give them any reason to mistrust us, and I don’t want to maintain this act for a prolonged amount of time.”
 
“I understand. When we return to the table, we can come clean. I’ll tell her everything, okay? Then I’ll count on you to handle the situation from there if you’d like.”
 
>Celestia nods before returning to the table with you. You take your seat and offer the Admiral a quick smile.
 
“I’m afraid I have to come clean to you about something, Admiral.”
 
>”Go on, I’m listening.”
 
“I’m not really the ruler of Equestria. I’m no king.”
 
>”I already knew that. I was wondering when Princess Celestia was going to make you drop this ridiculous act you’ve been putting on, and why Princess Cadance wasn’t furious about you riding Shining Armor.”
 
“How did you know-“
 
>”Like I said Anon, I have access to a LOT of intel. Did you really think I’d bring my fleet here without doing my homework first? There were rumors that you were still alive, but we were never able to confirm it. The scout ship was a test – to try to draw you out of hiding from wherever you were. We knew it would be irresistible bait for you, Anon, that you’d find a way to bring it down if you were really here. Though I can see these ponies must have a lot of trust in you, if all of their leaders looked to you for guidance in this situation. That’s a good sign of things to come.”
 
“I’ve earned their trust over a great deal of time, ‘liv. They certainly don’t give it out freely or to just anyone. Do you still agree to all the terms we discussed?”
 
>”Of course. Though I sense that there was more?” she asks, turning to Princess Celestia.
 
>Celestia clears her throat
 
>”Admiral, I thank you and your people for offering your protection. In addition to the conditions Anon stated, I would also request that no more than two or three dozen of your people are on the surface at any given time. If your people wish to study magic, this is the best place, and there are many ponies here they could learn from.”
 
>”That’s no problem at all, Your Highness. We would also like to extend the invitation to you that, should any pony wish, they may visit the station once it is constructed – to see your world from the outside in all its beauty.”
 
>”A gracious offer, thank you Admiral.”
 
>”Is there anything else?”
 
>”Not at this time, no.”
 
>The Admiral pulls out a pad from her jacket and begins tapping at the screen.
 
>”This treaty outlines all of the terms of our agreement, all we need is a signature and retina scan from each pony in the room.”
 
>”This is rather lengthy,”
 
>”Take your time, Your Highness, there is no rush. If you have any question just let me know and I’ll be happy to answer them.”
 
>Celestia nods, taking her time to read over the rather lengthy document, eventually determining that every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ is crossed; that the treaty spells out the terms exactly as they were just discussed, and there is nothing else hidden in the wording. The Admiral offers her the device’s pen, which she levitates and then signs the treaty with.
 
>”Now if you’ll just put your eye over that little spot right there and hold it open for just a second…”
 
>Celestia does as asked and the device takes a scan of her retina.
 
>”Excellent.”
 
>Each of the rest of the ponies in the room scrutinize the document closely, but all eventually end up doing the same as Celestia. You expect the pad to be passed to you next for your signature. Instead the Admiral picks it up from the table, thanking the ponies present for signing it as she stands up.
 
>”Captain, your EM-53 will be delivered within the hour. Should you decide to come and visit, you’ll find me on my flagship – which I’m sure you’ll pick out from the rest easily. I’ll be returning to it now to put out the orders for construction to begin.”
 
>She looks at Celestia again
 
“With your permission, I’ll have communications arrays installed here in your castle, in the castle at the Crystal Empire, and at the castle in Ponyville. It’ll give the three of you direct contact with each other as well as with us, and with the Captain’s EM-53.”
 
>All present grant her permission to have the comms devices installed.
 
>”Your Majesties, I look forward to the day when Equestria joins the Confederacy, should you ever decide to do so. Your unique race will be a very welcome addition to our family.”
 
>You and the Admiral salute each other before she turns to leave the room, showing herself out and returning to her shuttle, while you and the ponies remain in the meeting room. You watch her shuttle leave the surface out of one of the windows.