open MLP Nations, Politics RP Thread

[Lordav 3,427]

@@Derplight Sperkle, 

 

"Well, you cant bring a train on a battlefield, now can you. And we dont know much about pegasi, but a cahrge on one of these would break the strongest formation." The captain patted the creature (its weird calling it horse... XD) "And loyal too if trained properly."

 

The captain takes out a cigar, and lights it.

 

"A sight to see, eh. Now you got my attention."

[Derplight Sperkle 1,013]

@@Lordav

 

"The strongest formation? I would doubt such a creature could break any of our elite regiments in combat. I am also sure there are counters to your beast right there. If our armies ever do go into combat, I put my money on the great Sovneigh Union any day," the captain said as he inspected this beast of burden. Dumb animals always seem to be scared of gunfire, I'm sure this beast would take its rider anywhere else when faced by a line of muskets.

 

"And yes, Stalliongrad is the most grand of all our cities here. You will be amazed by the sights there."

 

@@SilentFlight

 

"Captain what is taking so long for their fleet to respond to us? I should be on that ship hours ago!"

 

"Supreme Leader, the fleet hasn't responded to our ships yet. I will try to hail them again."

 

"If they don't respond soon, we will head back to the Capital, I have business to attend to."

[Lordav 3,427]

@@Derplight Sperkle,

 

"Actually you would have to form a specific formation. To stand a chance against a charge. This boy here..."

 

He patted the beast,

 

"Led a charge head on against a line of armed riflemen... Lets say...It wasn't a pleasant experience for the enemy. They are bred and trained from birth to become fine war animals. I doubt it... Fillies are trained from birth with hard discipline. We have never ran, never surrendered. Make your soldiers fear you more than the enemy... More than death. Every regjment is a single entity... Not just a group of soldiers. Strip away their name, their compassion and their mercy... Thats how u get a fine soldier... And ours are the finest."

 

The group follows their 'guides' deeper into foreign territory.

[SilentFlight 41]

@@Derplight Sperkle

At port of pegapolis

 

Send a message back to the sovniegh union telling them I have been call to a meeting of the eastern and southern nations and I assume the a representative or himself will be in attendance at the meeting so we can discuss it there if he wishes to have a private meeting he can meet me at my ship at the location of the meeting.

[StormRider245 61]

@

 

Crystal Lands

 

Capital

 

Blue Crystal was reading his reports from all his 4 cities plus the capital at hsi throne room of his 50m tall "castle crystal." Reports didn't really told about anything serious problems or special founds. Only small corruption still, but nothing he couldn't handle

 

Blue Crystal put the papers away and walk to one of his many windows. From there: He could see that there is a lot of ponies busy doing their jobs. Most of their are smiths, food makers and miners.

 

"Hmm... I really hope we can still rise. I have finally managed to take the corruption to control and even though our land is still young just as I am, we have been risen. But we cannot work alone for rest of our lives... There's have to be some else nations out there..." Crystal Heart thought, while looking a distance to see his mighty crystal wall.

 

The all is about 20 meters tall wall which lasts so long, until it hits with the mountains, surrounding the whole capital. Every 4m distant has a big crystal build and the wall has one big crystal on the left side and one on the right side. Mountains surrounding back of the capital, is too steep to be climbed, but they are still very important to Crystal Lands, as those mountains works their rich power source. They and their caves contains the crystals and diamonds Crystal Lands needs to survive.

 

Suddenly: He heard his door knocking

 

"Yes? Come in." Blue Crystal said and turned to look towards the door.

 

"Your greatness, we have got report from our west city, we are known to live near the other nation. We don't know its name yet, but we know we aren't living as only nation here." Royal guard told him.

 

"Very well. You may leave." Blue Crystal respond shortly. Soon he heard door to be closed.

 

"Another nation... Could it be?" he thought while still staring a distances from the window.

Edited March 6, 2015 by StormRider245

[WindyParadise 59]

@@WindyParadise, 

 

Outside the coast of Dominion, a highly decorated trireme, the golden eye on the black sail shines in the sunlight, the gold plated stylized eagle shaped ram also glistened in the sun, bright white and blue painted, and 2 large eyes painted on each side, there were a few pegasi flying around the ship, the unicorns aboard helped drop anchor as they saw buildings on the land, the captain started talking to his crew.

 A small patrol of 5 Guards turn a corner past some trees to begin patrolling the coastline and immediately notice the ship. Cautious as always, the lead pony motions for his comrades to keep quiet as they begin walking toward the USS(Unidentified Sailing Ship) hoping they didn't just stumble upon some pirate ponies.

 

@@WindyParadise, "It shouldn't take more than a day or two depending on how our situation with the Griffons. We're not sure of what their intentions are yet but if they turn out to be hostile it might take longer, or we might have to come to you instead. A lot is is weighing on what happens in our meeting with them." He turns and smiles at who he assumes is the commanding officer of the guards. "Is there something the matter sir?" He asks.

"Don't mind him, he's just upset that the Dominion has decided to seek out it's neighbors instead of hiding away back home." She gives a smile back at the Captain who gives a huff and turns his head away in annoyance.

 

"I knew gryphon once, he was a kind fellow and liked to explore a lot. Last time I spoke with him he said he was heading east. Are gryphon's to the east of here unfriendly creatures?"

[Skullbuster 1,906]

@@WindyParadise,

 

The captain and several pegasi guards,  all in very elaborate and decorative armor start flying towards the shore, once they get to the beach they land "Captain, why did we stop here?" The captain turned around to face the pony who said that "Well, it seems we accidentally left behind 2 boxes of food, so we are going to need to search around for more, if we cant find any food here we are going to have to return to Cidonia" 

[WindyParadise 59]

@@Skullbuster

Nearing the boat the lead pony, dressed in a simple and undecorated armor, motions for his patrol to stop at the bottom of the ship before clearing his throat and calling out to anyone on board.

 

"Hello up there! Anypony home?" After he finishes he motions for two of the soldiers to quickly sneak to the other side of the boat and await for his call or the sounds of battle before boarding/returning.

[Skullbuster 1,906]

@@WindyParadise,

 

(the ship is out in the middle of the ocean, theres no way you could walk to it)

 

The captain spotted the group of ponies some distance away on the beach, he called out to them "HEY! OVER HERE! WE HAVE IMPORTANT THINGS TO SAY!" the other pegasi flew up and waved their arms to get their attention

[WindyParadise 59]

@Skullbuster

(Sorry, I assumed you had anchored the ship a bit closer to shore. lol)

 

The lead pony, shaking his head out of a random daydream as he gets tapped on the shoulder by another patrol-guard who points at the Pegasi further down the shore. 

 Bloody Pegasus, always causing problems. He thinks to himself as they begin trotting over to the unknown ponies.

[Skullbuster 1,906]

@@WindyParadise,

 

As the group of ponies approached, they could see the pegasi's highly decorative ad elaborate golden armor

 

the captain spoke "Greetings! I am Captain Calixi!" she said "We are here on a diplomatic mission from the great nation of Cidonia, exploring the world and extending our greetings to the other nations of the world"

[SharpWit 2,614]

 

 

"Don't mind him, he's just upset that the Dominion has decided to seek out it's neighbors instead of hiding away back home." She gives a smile back at the Captain who gives a huff and turns his head away in annoyance.   "I knew gryphon once, he was a kind fellow and liked to explore a lot. Last time I spoke with him he said he was heading east. Are gryphon's to the east of here unfriendly creatures?"

"Well the least he could do is not hide his face when with someone of equal rank." Captain Hagel said with a slight chuckle. "It's hard to say about the griffons though. They've gone and anchored a fleet off our shores. They haven't done anything that I know of yet but it is a little disconcerting." He said in a slightly more serious manor. "I'm afraid I must get back to my exercises though. These men behind me have much to do, before we return back to our bunks tonight. I'll send word to my superiors as soon as we're done. I hope our nations may have good relations."

[Firehearted 120]

@@SharpWit,

 

The Admiral stood on the deck in thought.

 

"Fine... We'll take it. We didn't get what we came for but the Emperor will still be pleased... The food in question is more for the Earth Pony serfs than for Griffons.

 

"Do not be surprised if their are occasional spikes in the prices of metals. We are working on a new... Project and we prefer to buy materials up front and in full which sometimes sends the metal market into a tizzy for a week or two.

 

Rails you say? Personally I'm surprised we haven't gone to rails yet with how industrial we are. That can most definitely be arranged. As I am sure you are aware the land in which we would have to build goes right through the Buffalo Territory... We can arrange to purchase the land from the locals and defend the rails once they are complete from any Equestrian squatters who may encroach on the land.

 

We are fine with the tariff. 

 

The military alliance however, I am not allowed to make. That is the Emperor's choice"

[Gatekeeper Giggle 2,902]

@, 

 

"thats a big chest" she turns to one of her unicorns "take that with us, i just have to show you around the palace!" The unicorns grab the chest with their magic "come along every pony!" she starts walking back to the palace, all around them pegasi hover near by, some with crossbows "dont mind them" the queen continued "they are there to make sure none of you try to kill me while im not looking" she said in an oddly happy tone "which you wouldnt believe how often thats happened to me!" they got back to the palace up the stairs to the throne room again "oh its so exciting to have guests over! ok um... we will start that way!" pointing to the left at a door, on either side of the door were two earth ponies standing completely still, un moving, occasionally glancing at the group before looking forward again

"This is one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen!" The chief diplomat said, waiting for the queen to continue the tour. "And do not worry, I understand your concerns about security; I welcome the extra guards."

 

@

 

"You've never heard of...a railroad? I thought trains were everywhere. Hmmmm... no matter. A railroad is a fast way of transportation around here. A trip from here to Stalliongrad by hoof would take quite a few days. Train, it will take just less than a day." 

 

A messenger arrived with a parchment and handed it to the unicorn manager. "Ah yes, we have received a response." He read over it quickly and handed it to the diplomats. "It seems the Supreme Leader wishes for you to read this."

 

Message reads:

 

You may proceed on your journey to the capital. If it is of utmost importance you must meet me in pony, you will have to wait until I return. If you don't need to meet me, you can talk to the mayor of the city.

 

"Also, could you give me that message once you are done, it's not everyday we receive letters from the Supreme Leader himself...."

" Of course." The diplomat said, hoofing the letter back to the messenger. "Thank you for you help! If you could further help us by escorting me and my assistants to this... train, then I would be most grateful." 

[StormRider245 61]

@Stormgiggle

 

Crystal Lands

 

East city ((25km away from the border))

 

Blue Crystal has traveled to the East city. It is to be known of harvesting some Crystals and Diamonds in some of the caves that lays there, but as well one of the Crystal Lands border with another nation. As he arrived there, he could see another walls, surrounding their city and a gate, that will take to the farther west and other gate to the south. He went to the gates to talk with Royal Guards, guarding the west gate. Just like in Capital walls: They are as well 20m tall and has the big crystals in few spots.

 

"Royal Guards, have you seen anything suspicious at the west?" Blue Crystal asked

 

"No sir, we are still keeping our eyes open." One of they Royal Guards respond to Blue Crystal.

 

"Hmm... Very well. Keep on at your work, we are not sure what lies behind the border. Let's hope the best and fear the worse." Blue Crystal said while leaving and walking to the castle. Each cities has one castle, that are made for Blue Crystal to live and his Royal Guards.

Edited March 6, 2015 by StormRider245

[Skullbuster 1,906]

@,

 

The queen lead them down a hallway "Im glad you like the palace, oh over there is a large swimming pool" she said pointing down the hall "and those rooms are just servant quarters," motioning to the other doors in the halls, she then lead the group to the other end of the throne room to the hall to the right of the throne "down this hall is the luxury bath, and more servant quarters" she then lead them to a hall at the very back of the throne room, "this hall leads to a special place" the hall was longer than the other 2, in all 3 halls there were other earth ponies, standing near the walls, mainly beside door ways, some things of note about them, all of them were female, and unarmed, the queen opened the door at the end of the hall and it lead to a balcony "this is just one of several great views I have, from here you can see our grand stadium below where we hold all sorts of events, but right now it looks like its just break time for the manticores" down below several manticores filled the stadium, roaring and interacting with each other "Pretty cool right?"  

[SharpWit 2,614]

@@Firehearted, "Then I suppose a meeting with the Emperor is in order. After our Kaiser return's from his journey south, we'll send him your way for further negotiations. We'll arrange for the purchase of the land, and we'll bring you part of the bill when we arrive. In the meantime we'll begin construction of the railway." He climbs down the ladder and back into the rowboat which begins to head back to shore. "If you recall earlier when I said that you will never see us coming, this is what I meant by it." When the boat was some sixty feet out, twelve areas that were lined up in front of the ships appeared and large objects rose from the water. "Це так само, як я вже сказав . Є справедливе поїздки адмірала!" He yelled joyfully, as he and the submarines went back to shore, and the clouds began to dissipate, making the weather clear once more.

[StormRider245 61]

Crystal Lands

 

East city

 

Blue Crystal was at his Castle, staring his busy East city. Then he look at the distances but not to the West.

 

"Hmm... I wonder if there does exist other nations... I really hope we can avoid conflicts with them. as it is unsure how great and/or dangerous they are." Blue Crystal thought before he took one of his Diamond spear and begun investigating it.

 

"I will stay here for few days. Then i'll move to the North City and possibly sent sails to the Northern lands... Our colony needs help to survive... But if they are unfriendly, we'll show no mercy." Blue Crystal thought before throwing spear towards the closest shooting target. It hit almost bulls-eye.

[AmberDust 1,118]

Somewhere in Konyushnia

 

I stood in the snow looking out into the blizzard.

"Any luck finding where we are, Major!?" I shouted.

 

"None, Mr Lightfeather!"

 

"We ready to move?"

 

"Yes we are!"

 

"How many?"

 

"Three wagon pullers and two privates! Their fire went out in the night!" Damn... If we keep it up like that we won't have enough men to go back.

 

...

@@AmberDust,

The storm showed no sign of letting up after a few hours of travel.

"It think it's time to head back, Major"

"A little more, Mr Lighteather, then we'll head back"

 

"Sir!" Shouted a scout in front of us. "I see light through the snow!"

 

"What? Then move!" A small town was nestled in the area and we'd stumbled into it. Civilization.

 

A Pegasus guard looked up from his post.

"This storm is unbearable," he said to his comrade as he squinted through the snow. "I can't tell ground from sky."

The Earth pony next to him looked up and tried to see as well. After a moment, he said,

"Can you tell ground from Griffon?"

"Griffons?" The Pegasus repeated quizzically. The two took a few steps forward and squinted at the flurry. There was, as a matter of fact, a caravan of ponies and griffon headed towards them.

"Alert the base," the Earth pony said sharply. "Whether they're friend or foe, we must be prepared for them."

@@AmberDust,

After a very long, arduous journey by sea, a vessel bearing diplomatic flags came into Konyushnia's sothern most waters.

 

(I can't remember if we arranges this ahead of time, so bear with me)

 

"Welcome, welcome, friends!" A large Unicorn stallion said, greeting the newcomers at the port with semi-drunken happiness.

"It's so nice to see peaceful foreigners. Not something I've seen in a long time." The stallion smiled behind a great grey beard. He chuckled and walked forward to meet the strangers.

"What brings you to Konyush?" He asked.

Edited March 8, 2015 by AmberDust

[SharpWit 2,614]

(If you don't want to read all of this skip to the bottom for the summary.)

 

The Kaiser smiled at the news of the Griffons wanting trade. "Still forty ships though? Those feather brains always feel the need to show off." He walked out onto a balcony and watched as the large airship, the Nightingale, was being brought out of its shed. The size of it dwarfed everything in comparison. "Not that we're any better of course. I'll see you on board." He said to Herr Händler, his official delegate who met with them. A servant entered the room as he left, lightly stomping a hoof as custom was, to politely get one's attention. The Kaiser turned around and nodded his head in acknowledgement. "Your things have been packed and are on their way to be stowed on board sir." The servant said. "Very good. Once you have finished all of your tasks today you may go home to your family. No sense having you here when no one else is. You'll receive full pay of course." The Kaiser responded. "Thank you sir. Also sir, there is someone to see you sir. He brings news from the west sir." The servant said. "Bring him in then." Shortly after leaving, the servant returned with Captain Hagel, who gave a salute, and held a folder under his wing. "What news do you have for me captain?" The Kaiser asked. "Sir, while patrolling the western border in making sure the nation was secure before you left sir, and training my new recruits, a caravan approached us to make initial contact sir. They hail from a nation just across the Raging River called the Dominion of Kartrin. They're seeking partners in trade." Captain Hagel said. "Why have we never heard of this Dominion?" The Kaiser asked. "Sir, we have never traveled farther west than just beyond the Raging River, and they have been keeping to themselves up until now. They wish for a proper formal meeting" "Well I guess I'll have to extend my trip then." The Kaiser turns to the servant. "Please go and have two more smaller airships prepared for me." the servant nods his head and exits. "What did you make of this caravan Captain?" "Sir, They had a diplomat and twenty-five guards which were armed lightly in comparison to us. Their diplomat seemed nice enough but the Captain of their guard didn't want to have anything to do with us. I'm not entirely sure of what that was about, but as of now I don't regard them as a substantial threat sir." Captain Hagel said. "Just to be safe, it's best to keep on high alert even when I'm not gone. We can't have others creeping up on us, even if they can't inflict much damage. Captain, since you were the first to meet this Caravan, I would like for you to lead from one of the small airships unless you have other duties that require your attention." Said the Kaiser. "It would be an honor sir. I will gather my crew immediately."

 

A few hours later, the Kaiser gives a speech in front of a very large crowd from the top of a locomotive. Behind them is three groups of guards from the army, navy, and air force, arranged in proper Abendstern colors. The crowd is cheering loudly and waving flags while shouting praise for their leader, the armed forces, and the nation itself. down the broad street about a mile of track has been laid down till the edge of the capital where the Nightingale, along with four small airships and eight hot air balloons. tethered to them. Several hot air balloons and a few small airships patrol the skies, ready for anything. The crowd goes silent at the sight of the kaiser. "My fellow citizens of Abendstern!" he said with the broadcast spell cast on him. "Today we make history! Today we go beyond where any of us have gone before! With our greatest achievement, we shall travel south, and establish contact with the Pegasi! From their, we will discover whether we are compatible with one another and establish treaties and open new markets, to further the greatness of us, and this already great nation! As you are all well aware by now, the Griffons in the kingdom north east of here recently had a fleet in our waters! I can assure you that we were well prepared for the unexpected occasion! Luckily for them, they did not mean us harm, but rather trade! Behind me is a mass of guards of which many of you personally know as friends and family! But these guards are not armed with rifles! They are armed with shovels and picks! For we have struck a deal with the Griffons! After having purchased much of the land east of us, finally allowing us access to the eastern sea, we are going to construct a railroad from here to the them! And now that we shall posses a new sea boarder, a canal shall be dug so we may travel freely, not just by air, but be water as well! These tasks are cumbersome, but I know that we of all the species, are capable of accomplishing this! We shall increase our power as our infrastructure grows, and spread our influence to all we come across! After we have finished our business down south, we shall head towards our newly discovered neighbors west of us, and then meet with the Griffon Emperor himself .And with that, I bid you all fair times while I'm gone, and forever after my return!" The Kaiser saluted the crowd at finishing his speech, and waved as the locomotive made its way down the track. A parade of guards followed from behind with the crowd roaring the whole time. The Kaiser gave a final wave from the Nightingale and the airships all took off as the rear gate door shut. They flew south and reached the border a little ways into the night. Looking to either side, out in the distance could be seen only by the Bat Ponies, were the airships patrolling the border. Once in a ways, they tethered themselves via thick ropes to posts in the ground rather than land themselves after having cleared the nearby clouds, knowing that this would provide full visibility for miles around when the sun rose. 

 

Summary:

@@SilentFlight, The Kaiser has arrived in a large airship(Basically the Hindenburg) along with four smaller airships(like those in the show) and eight hot air balloons. They are fully armed but mean peace. They chose airships for defense, carrying capabilities, and style. They can't be seen by night, so contact will have to be made during the day. They are inside the border a little ways.

@@WindyParadise, After visiting Pegasonia, will come to you.

@@Firehearted, After visiting the Dominion of Kartrin, will come to you.

[StormRider245 61]

@Stormgiggle

 

Crystal Lands

 

East city

 

Blue Crystal was reading his reports at his throne room. He didn't found anything interesting from them, only some possible sights.

 

"Hmm... I cannot stay here very much longer. I will soon go to North city and will go to search, if there would be some other nations at the west or north." Blue Crystal thought while thinking: Will he encounter enemies or allies.

[Gatekeeper Giggle 2,902]

 

@,

 

The queen lead them down a hallway "Im glad you like the palace, oh over there is a large swimming pool" she said pointing down the hall "and those rooms are just servant quarters," motioning to the other doors in the halls, she then lead the group to the other end of the throne room to the hall to the right of the throne "down this hall is the luxury bath, and more servant quarters" she then lead them to a hall at the very back of the throne room, "this hall leads to a special place" the hall was longer than the other 2, in all 3 halls there were other earth ponies, standing near the walls, mainly beside door ways, some things of note about them, all of them were female, and unarmed, the queen opened the door at the end of the hall and it lead to a balcony "this is just one of several great views I have, from here you can see our grand stadium below where we hold all sorts of events, but right now it looks like its just break time for the manticores" down below several manticores filled the stadium, roaring and interacting with each other "Pretty cool right?"  

The chief emissary was very confused as to why the queen would have en entire room of her palace dedicated solely to holding a large pool of water. He decided it must be so if the palace ever came under siege, everypony inside the castle would have enough water on hand to wait out the siege. 

 

"Your castle is gorgeous, your majesty." The chief emissary told the queen. 

 

When the Emissary reached the balcony and saw the manticores, he was surprised, but not startled. He had been training most of his life to become a diplomat, and he had known and prepared for the fact that he was going to see strange creatures, places, and ponies. Still, the strange creatures made him nervous, although it didn't show on his face.

 

"Prey tell, what are those creatures down there, your majesty? I have never before seen anything quite like them!"

 

 

 

"Welcome, welcome, friends!" A large Unicorn stallion said, greeting the newcomers at the port with semi-drunken happiness. "It's so nice to see peaceful foreigners. Not something I've seen in a long time." The stallion smiled behind a great grey beard. He chuckled and walked forward to meet the strangers. "What brings you to Konyush?" He asked.

"Greetings! We're here to deliver a message to your leaders, and establish diplomatic relations with your nation."

 

@@StormRider245,

 

A messenger approached Crystal Tower's throne, with a wake of a hoof he gave the messenger permission to speak.

 

"Sir, it appears our scouts have discovered another nation south of us.

 

"Very well, send out another ship."

 

"Sir, this nation is attached to ours by land."

 

Crystal Tower stroked his beard, intrigued "Is that so? Strange how we've only now just discovered them. Send a full delegation of diplomats, headed by one of the magi. We can't afford to screw this up."

[Skullbuster 1,906]

@,

 

"Those are the mighty manticores! ferocious beasts known to tear ponies apart with their mighty claws! and sharp teeth! and their stinger is filled with a powerful poison! natures perfect killing machine...and they all obey my command!" she did a little joy hop, she then turned to him "Well, Id like to show you more of the palace, but i have to keep some things a secret right? cant go around spoiling all the fun, anyway business time! would you like to negotiate anything on behalf of your nation? we can discus terms over in the stadium during some kind of game like manticore racing, or extreme chariot racing, or how about while we sit in the throne room and watch some dancers do some music"

[Gatekeeper Giggle 2,902]

@,

 

"Those are the mighty manticores! ferocious beasts known to tear ponies apart with their mighty claws! and sharp teeth! and their stinger is filled with a powerful poison! natures perfect killing machine...and they all obey my command!" she did a little joy hop, she then turned to him "Well, Id like to show you more of the palace, but i have to keep some things a secret right? cant go around spoiling all the fun, anyway business time! would you like to negotiate anything on behalf of your nation? we can discus terms over in the stadium during some kind of game like manticore racing, or extreme chariot racing, or how about while we sit in the throne room and watch some dancers do some music"

The emissary was now completely shocked, although he was careful not to show such emotions. Had the queen just suggested they discuss important matters of state out in the stadium, where anyone in the crowd might overhear?  

 

"I would prefer that we remain in your throne room to discuss this, your majesty." 

[StormRider245 61]

@Stormgiggle

 

Crystal Lands

 

East City

 

A Royal Guard was approaching Blue Crystal crystal castle. Once he was there, he knocked his throne room door.

 

"Yes? Come in." Blue Crystal said and Royal Guard step in.

 

"Sir, we have detected movements on east lands. I suppose there are someones or something heading our place." Royal Guard told him.

 

"Hmm... Very well. If they are not here to cause troubles, let them in to my speak. If they are unfriendly, warn them first and if they will not listen... Kill them." he said kind of saddened voice "kill them."

 

"Yes sir." Royal Guard said and left back to his gate.