A Man with a straw hat

by Flip_The_Table

Canterlot: Roger in Equestria! Who is Nightlight?

As Eli slowly regained consciousness, rubbing his head in confusion, he was suddenly startled by the sight of Roger, who seemed to mirror his every move. They both froze, their eyes meeting in mutual surprise, before pointing accusingly at each other.

"You!" they exclaimed simultaneously, their voices filled with disbelief. Roger crossed his arms, his expression mirroring Eli's own bewilderment. Eli's mind raced with questions as he tried to make sense of the surreal encounter. How was it possible that he was face to face with Gol D. Roger himself? And why did they seem to share the same physical presence?

Roger's pout mirrored Eli's as they contemplated their situation, feeling a sense of resignation wash over them. "So, we're dead already, huh? So much for adventure," Roger lamented, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Eli placed a comforting hand on Roger's shoulder, shaking his head in reassurance. "Hey, we're not dead. Just passed out... but I feel kinda odd here," he replied, his gaze shifting to his own body. It appeared as a grey figure, distinctly different from his original form but still recognizable.

Curiosity piqued, Roger reached out to poke Eli's chest, only to gasp in astonishment as his hand faded through his companion's body. The realization sent a shiver down their spines, prompting a flurry of questions about the nature of their existence in this unfamiliar realm.

Roger's triumphant declaration was met with a disapproving frown from Eli, who urged him to focus on the task at hand. "Focus, Roger. We may be in the same body, but it's still us. We gotta work together on this," Eli emphasized, his tone serious and resolute.

Taking Eli's words to heart, Roger scanned the dark room with renewed concentration, his impatience evident in his restless movements. "Nothing... where is all the action?" he exclaimed, frustration coloring his voice as he flung his arms up in exasperation.

Eli sighed, understanding Roger's eagerness for adventure but also recognizing the need for caution in their current situation. "Patience, Roger. We'll find our way out of this. But we need to approach this with caution," he advised, his voice calm yet firm as he prepared to navigate the challenges that lay ahead.

Eli's hiss drew Roger's attention, prompting him to listen attentively as his counterpart began to speak. "We're passed out, so I guess when we are out cold... it's just us here," Eli mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Actually... this could give us the moment to talk, since you're gonna take over my body," he suggested, prompting Roger to lower a brow and cross his arms in contemplation.

"Why are you so... okay about this? I mean... I'm taking over 'your' body here... but it's also me too," Roger questioned, his curiosity evident in his tone. Eli mirrored his posture, crossing his arms as he considered the question.

"I guess whatever happened to me back at home is over... I died, simple as that, and now I live my life as you," Eli concluded, his words carrying a sense of acceptance and resignation. Roger grinned in response, recognizing the wisdom in Eli's words. "But... I think I'm only here when you need me... I feel so... free," Eli confessed, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his realization. He let out a resigned sigh before adding, "Oh yeah... I do..."

Roger watched as Eli slapped his own face, snapping himself out of his despondency. With a stern look, Eli turned to face Roger, his expression serious as he made a request.

"Roger... I have one simple request. It's not too hard for you, but before I tell you, are you with me on this?" Eli asked, extending his hand in a gesture of agreement. Roger eyed the offered hand, adjusting his straw hat with a grin before accepting the handshake.

Suddenly, a simple blaze formed around their clasped hands, causing Roger to gasp in surprise. "Never. Mention. Who. I. Am," Eli declared firmly, his words imbued with a sense of urgency. Before Roger could respond, the dark room began to fade, replaced by a blinding white light enveloping their surroundings.

"Whoa! What the hell is going on?" Roger exclaimed, his voice filled with alarm as he felt the ground beneath him rumble ominously. Eli struggled to maintain his grip, his hand slipping from Roger's shoulder as the surroundings began to blur.

"We're waking up! Just remember my request! You know where to find me," Eli's voice echoed faintly, growing increasingly distant as Roger felt himself slipping away.

With a sense of urgency, Roger reached out to grab onto Eli, but it was too late. The ground gave way beneath him, and he plummeted into the abyss, surrounded by blinding white light that consumed his senses.

As he descended into the unknown, Roger clenched his fists, determined to remember Eli's words and honor his request. With a final surge of determination, he braced himself for whatever awaited him on the other side, ready to face the challenges of this new reality head-on.

Roger gasped, jolting upright in shock as he found himself abruptly awakened. A startled doctor pony stumbled backward, his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at Roger in horror. "You—how the buck are you awake that fast?" the doctor exclaimed, his voice tinged with astonishment.

Shaking off his daze, Roger rubbed the top of his head, trying to make sense of his sudden awakening. "Man..." he muttered under his breath, his mind still reeling from the disorienting experience.

As he glanced over at the doctor, Roger blinked in surprise, his gaze meeting the pony's with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Despite the doctor's obvious shock, Roger couldn't help but wonder about the events that had led him to this moment.

"Got any food?" Roger asked, his stomach rumbling loudly in anticipation. The doctor pony's response was immediate and incredulous. "THE FIRST THING YOU THINK IS FOOD?!" he snapped back, clearly taken aback by Roger's request.

Ignoring the doctor's reaction, Roger laughed heartily as he hopped out of bed, patting his arms in a show of readiness. "Where is my stuff... horse thing?" he asked, addressing the bewildered pony with a grin.

The doctor, still reeling from Roger's unexpected behavior, yelped in alarm and made a hasty retreat towards the door. However, his escape was thwarted by a collision with the doorframe, leaving him dizzy and disoriented as he flopped onto the ground.

Concerned but also bemused, Roger watched as the doctor scrambled to his feet and hastily made his exit from the medical bay, disappearing from sight in a panicked flurry. Left alone in the room, Roger couldn't help but feel a pang of confusion mixed with his ever-growing hunger. With no answers forthcoming, he resigned himself to wait patiently, eager to satisfy his craving for food and uncover the mysteries of this strange new world.

As Roger adorned his head with his familiar straw hat and gathered the rest of his belongings, he couldn't help but marvel at his surroundings. "Huh... this place is not half bad," he remarked, casting a critical eye over the items scattered around him.

However, it was the stained glass windows that truly captivated Roger's attention. Intricately crafted and adorned with vibrant colors, they depicted scenes of two ponies engaged in various activities. Roger found himself drawn to the mesmerizing display, his curiosity piqued by the vivid imagery and artistic detail.

Approaching the windows, Roger examined them closely, taking in the rich tapestry of colors and the skillful craftsmanship that brought the scenes to life. Each pane seemed to tell a story, a testament to the culture and history of this enigmatic world.

"Freeze! You're under arrest!" a guard shouted, causing Roger to pivot and face the pony who was now brandishing a sword with intent. Roger raised his hands in a placating gesture, attempting to defuse the situation. "Whoa there!" he exclaimed, his voice calm but firm. "Hey, I don't mean to cause any—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Roger was forced to duck as the guard's sword sliced through the air, narrowly missing him. Anger flared within him as he realized the guard's hostile intentions. "This horse is trying to cut me!" Roger growled under his breath, his frustration mounting.

With lightning reflexes, Roger seized the blade as it came down for another strike, his grip tightening around the hilt. A wide grin spread across his face as he locked eyes with the trembling guard, who recoiled in fear at the sight of Roger's formidable strength.

In one swift motion, Roger effortlessly disarmed the guard, snatching the blade from his grasp with ease. The guard watched in stunned silence as Roger held the weapon aloft, a silent warning against any further aggression. "I'd say you need to work better on your swings," Roger remarked coolly, his voice laced with a hint of amusement as he deftly disarmed the guard. With a casual flick of his wrist, he aimed the blade back at the stallion, his demeanor radiating confidence.

"Your belt and your money. Hand them over," Roger demanded, his tone firm and commanding. The guard, still shaken from the encounter, complied without hesitation, handing over a bag of coins and his belt.

Roger wasted no time in securing the newfound loot, fastening the belt around his waist and stashing the bag of coins away. With a triumphant grin, he tipped his straw hat in a mock gesture of gratitude. "Thank you kindly, horse," he quipped before turning on his heel and striding away from the pony, leaving him stunned and defeated in his wake.

As he disappeared into the bustling streets of the city, Roger couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration coursing through his veins. With his newfound weapon and wealth in tow, he was ready to embrace the challenges and adventures that awaited him in this strange and unpredictable world.

As Roger passed by the imposing castle walls, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at their grandeur, marveling at their sheer size and intricacy. Lost in his admiration, he was abruptly jolted back to reality by the sound of a familiar voice echoing through the corridor.

"Hey, you're that guy I saw earlier," Roger remarked, recognizing the doctor from before as he approached a nearby door. With a curious expression, he pushed the door open, revealing a room filled with startled ponies who gasped in surprise at his sudden appearance.

The doctor, who had been standing among them, let out a startled gasp before promptly fainting on the spot, much to Roger's bewilderment. Confusion clouded his features as he surveyed the scene before him, taking note of the ponies clad in gold armor who now pointed their weapons in his direction.

"Hey... You guys got any food?" Roger inquired casually, his nonchalant question causing several jaws to drop in disbelief. Amidst the startled reactions, the figure seated in the center of the room, who exuded an air of authority, regarded Roger with a keen interest.

"So, you've come here to talk with me..." she observed, her tone measured and composed. Roger simply shrugged in response, feigning disinterest as he turned his entire body around and began to walk away. "Nah," he declared casually over his shoulder, his demeanor seemingly indifferent. However, his attempt to leave was thwarted when the group of armored ponies suddenly moved to block the doorway, effectively trapping him within the room.

"Unfortunately for you, I won't let you leave... Can you please tell me your name? I wish to know who you are so I can—" Princess Celestia began, her voice calm and authoritative, but she was interrupted by Roger's sudden outburst.

"I don't need any help... or actually I do!" Roger interjected, hopping back to his previous position as he looked up at the imposing figure before him. His curiosity piqued, he couldn't help but inquire further. "Wait... who are you?" he asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

A warm smile graced Princess's features as she gracefully unfolded her wings, exuding an aura of regality and grace. "I am Princess Celestia, ruler of the land of Equestria," she introduced herself, her voice carrying a tone of both serenity and authority. Roger's light laughter echoed through the room, drawing disapproving glances from the guards who stood at attention. However, his demeanor remained unchanged as he addressed Princess Celestia with a mischievous grin.

"Name's Gol D Roger, so you're here to help me?" he inquired casually, adjusting his hand on his newly acquired belt with a hint of swagger. Celestia observed the gesture, her expression unreadable as she cleared her throat in response. "Yes, Mr. Roger. What is it that you need?" she asked, her tone measured and composed. Roger's grin widened as he pointed a finger at her, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Give me all of your money and a ship for the sea!" he exclaimed with a burst of laughter, his request delivered with a boldness that bordered on audacity. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Princess Celestia, awaiting her response to Roger's unexpected demand. The guards stood frozen in disbelief, their jaws hanging open at the audacity of Roger's bold declaration. Even Princess Celestia herself appeared taken aback by his brazen request, her expression a mixture of surprise and contemplation as she processed his words.

"Where did you get that blade, Mr. Roger?" Celestia inquired, her tone measured and composed despite the tension that lingered in the air. Roger shrugged nonchalantly, his demeanor unapologetically blunt as he casually withdrew the sword from its sheath. "Oh, this? I robbed it from one of those armored dudes," he admitted with a hint of pride. "I like it," he added, his gaze sweeping over the assembled guards who bristled at his words.

Swords and spears were drawn with a menacing clatter as the guards moved in closer, their expressions steely with determination. Roger scanned the room, taking in the sudden escalation of tension, before his gaze settled on Princess Celestia, who regarded him with a stern frown as she stood tall and imposing before him.

"Mr. Roger, you're under arrest for piracy. Do the right move and—" Princess Celestia's command was cut short as Roger sprang into action with lightning speed. With a swift motion, he dashed towards the nearest window and smashed through it without hesitation, plummeting towards the bustling city below.

As Celestia rushed to the window, her expression hardened with determination. "Get more of the guards and stop that... thing," she ordered tersely, her voice laced with urgency.

With a sense of purpose, Celestia turned away from the window and swiftly issued commands to her attendants, marshaling the castle's defenses to apprehend the fleeing pirate. As the city guards mobilized to intercept Roger's escape, Celestia remained steadfast in her resolve to uphold the law and protect her kingdom from the threat of piracy, her determination unwavering in the face of adversity.

Roger's heart raced with adrenaline as he tumbled upon impact, but he quickly regained his footing and sprinted down the hillside, his grin never faltering despite the rough landing. With agile movements, he navigated the terrain, his senses sharp and alert as he made his way back to the ground level.

As he reached the building, Roger wasted no time in darting towards it, his footsteps echoing in the empty streets as he sought refuge from the pursuing guards. Ducking behind a nearby wall, he pressed himself against the cool stone, his breath coming in quick gasps as he listened intently for any signs of his pursuers.

"Huh, these guys sure get lost fast," Roger remarked with a chuckle, his confidence undeterred by the close encounter with the guards. Whistling a carefree tune, he emerged from behind the wall and strolled nonchalantly into the bustling city of Canterlot.

Adjusting his straw hat with a grin, Roger observed the scene around him with keen interest. Children scampered about, their laughter filling the air as they played games and chased each other through the streets. All around him, ponies went about their daily lives, their colorful forms weaving through the crowds with graceful movements.

As he walked, Roger couldn't help but notice the curious stares directed his way. Some shoppers eyed him with wonder, intrigued by his unusual appearance and human-like features. Others regarded him with a mixture of caution and suspicion, as if unsure how to react to the presence of a creature so unlike themselves.

Roger's stomach growled loudly, betraying his hunger as he placed a hand on his abdomen and groaned in discomfort. "Boy... I sure do want meat," he remarked casually, oblivious to the shocked gasps and ensuing screams that echoed around him.

Perplexed by the sudden commotion, Roger looked around in confusion, scratching the top of his head as he tried to make sense of the reaction. "Was it something I said?" he mused aloud, his brow furrowing in puzzlement.

Shrugging off the strange response, Roger's attention was drawn to a nearby ice cream shop. With a nonchalant stride, he approached the stallion behind the counter, who whimpered nervously under his gaze.

"Hello, I'd like a five— no six— nah... ten scoops on a cone please!" Roger chirped cheerfully, placing a bag of bits down on the counter with a confident flourish. The stallion's jaw dropped at the audacious request, his eyes widening in disbelief before he quickly composed himself with a forced smile.

"Certainly... uh... ma'am?" the stallion stammered, his attempt at politeness faltering as he struggled to address Roger properly.

"I'm a guy, horse," Roger deadpanned, his expression unamused as he corrected the stallion's assumption. The stallion's frown deepened at the correction, his embarrassment evident as he hastily responded, "I'm a pony, sir," before turning to scoop out the requested ice cream.

With a satisfied smirk, Roger leaned against the counter, watching with anticipation as the stallion meticulously piled scoop after scoop onto the cone. Despite the awkward exchange, his excitement for the towering treat remained undiminished, eager to indulge in the sweet reward of his boldness and appetite.

"Come on! He's got to be somewhere, but where?" a guard exclaimed anxiously, scanning the crowded street for any sign of Roger's whereabouts. Just then, Roger tapped the guard on the shoulder, causing him to whirl around in surprise.

"I think he went over there," Roger said casually, gesturing in a random direction before taking a nonchalant bite of his ice cream cone. The guard nodded gratefully and hurried off in the indicated direction, eager to apprehend the elusive culprit.

However, his steps faltered mid-stride as realization dawned upon him. With a sudden sense of urgency, he spun around and dashed back towards Roger, his swords drawn and ready for action.

"Hang on a second, you're the beast!" the guard accused, his voice filled with determination as he closed in on Roger, his blades gleaming in the sunlight.

Roger's instincts kicked in as he swiftly drew his own sword, the clang of metal ringing out as their blades clashed in a fierce confrontation. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he met the guard's attack head-on, his resolve unwavering as he prepared to defend himself against the relentless pursuit of the law.

With a confident grin, Roger rose from his seat, his grip on his blade tightening as he faced off against the determined guard. The guard, fueled by his duty to apprehend the perceived threat, gritted his teeth and lunged forward, aiming to overpower Roger with sheer force.

However, Roger remained calm and composed, his movements fluid as he sidestepped the guard's attack with ease. With a deft step to the side, he allowed the guard's momentum to carry him past, effortlessly evading the clash of their blades.

As the spectacle unfolded, ponies nearby watched in awe, their eyes wide with amazement at the display of skill and agility before them. Roger's confidence and grace under pressure left a lasting impression, earning him the admiration of onlookers who marveled at the sight of the mysterious newcomer effortlessly outmaneuvering his would-be assailant.

"Pretty strong for a novice," the guard remarked with a grudging admiration, his tone tinged with respect for Roger's skill. Roger chuckled in response, his grin widening as he prepared to face the challenge head-on.

"I'm more than a novice... I'm a pirate," Roger declared proudly, his voice filled with confidence as he launched into a flurry of attacks, his movements swift and precise as he sought to gain the upper hand in the duel.

The guard deftly dodged each strike, his movements fluid and controlled as he countered with a powerful kick to Roger's chest, sending him staggering backwards. Despite the blow, Roger's smile remained firmly in place, his spirit undeterred by the setback.

Suddenly, the guard shouted out a technique name, "Harmony Slash!" His blade began to glow with a faint aura, and Roger's eyes widened in surprise as he braced himself for the incoming attack. With lightning reflexes, he attempted to dodge, but it was too late.

The force of the Harmony Slash shattered Roger's sword, sending him crashing to the ground from the sheer impact. As he struggled to regain his footing, he was met with the sharp point of the guard's blade pressed against his chest, a silent reminder of the danger he now faced.

"You're brave, not trying to give up that easily... who are you?" the guard inquired, his tone tinged with a hint of curiosity. Roger's grin widened at the question, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint as he leaned back slightly.

"Names Roger... and I'm a human," he declared proudly, tipping his straw hat in a casual salute to the pony guard. The guard nodded in acknowledgment, repeating the word "human" with a sense of intrigue.

"Well, we shall see once we find out more about you... human pirate," the guard declared, lifting his sword high in preparation to subdue Roger and bring him into custody. Before he could strike, however, a cry for help echoed through the streets, drawing both their attention.

Roger seized the opportunity to make his escape, but his resolve wavered when he spotted a mare in distress, held captive by a menacing stallion wielding a knife to her throat. The guard hesitated, torn between apprehending Roger and coming to the aid of the innocent victim.

With a swift decision, the guard shifted his blade from Roger to the assailant, his expression hardening with determination as he prepared to intervene and protect the innocent pony from harm. Roger watched the unfolding scene with a mixture of uncertainty and anticipation, unsure of his next move in the face of this unexpected turn of events.

"Freeze, put the knife down—" the guard began, but before he could finish his command, Roger sprang into action. With lightning speed, he closed the distance between himself and the assailant, seizing the pony's hands and wrenching them upwards with a powerful force.

The stallion cried out in surprise and pain as Roger deftly disarmed him, causing both the knife and the mare to tumble from his grasp. In a swift motion, Roger released the pony's hands and delivered a decisive blow to the top of his head, stunning him into submission.

With the threat neutralized, Roger swiftly retrieved the fallen knife and offered a casual tip of his straw hat to the astonished guard. His actions had saved the innocent mare from harm, earning him a moment of admiration from the onlookers who had gathered to witness the dramatic rescue.

"Thanks for that, bye!" Roger called out as he swiftly darted away from the guard, his movements agile and decisive. However, his escape was abruptly halted by the sudden manifestation of magical energy, which ensnared him in a glowing aura, effectively immobilizing him.

"Halt! Why did you save that mare?" the guard demanded, his horn glowing with the power of his magical restraint. Roger grinned in response, his eyes shining with a hint of mischief as he addressed the puzzled guard.

"He was a bad man. I didn't stop him, then who will?" Roger replied confidently, his tone unwavering as he sought to justify his actions. With a subtle movement, he managed to break free from the magical hold, demonstrating his resourcefulness and quick thinking.

Leaving the guard momentarily speechless, Roger began to walk away, his demeanor unapologetic and self-assured. As he departed, the guard was left to ponder the unexpected turn of events, his confusion evident as he glanced back and forth between the rescued mare and the departing pirate.

"Why in the princess's name would a pirate save a mare?" the guard muttered to himself, his brow furrowed in contemplation. Before he could find an answer to his question, more guards arrived on the scene. "Sir Galade! We're here for your aid! Where is the human?" the rookie guards exclaimed as they rushed onto the scene, their faces determined as they sought to fulfill their duty. Galade, the veteran guard, averted his gaze momentarily before addressing his subordinates with a sense of resignation.

"We didn't find him... and this crook was causing problems. Take him, we will search later..." Galade instructed, gesturing towards the captured assailant. As the rookies moved to apprehend the troublemaker, Galade's eyes lingered on the direction in which Roger had vanished, his thoughts filled with a mix of frustration and begrudging respect.

"I'll let you live this time... pirate," Galade muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with a grudging acknowledgment of Roger's audacious actions. With a sense of duty weighing heavily on his shoulders, Galade prepared to lead his team in pursuit of the elusive intruder, determined to bring him to justice for his daring exploits in the heart of Canterlot.

---

"Ha! That stallion will not see that coming!" one of the pirates exclaimed triumphantly, his voice tinged with excitement as he surveyed the scene before them. The trio stood together, their figures illuminated by the flickering flames of the burning house nearby. Dressed in rugged black coats and bearing the mark of seasoned marauders, they were unmistakably pirates of the lowest caliber, driven by greed and the promise of ill-gotten gains.

Their laughter echoed across the desolate landscape as they reveled in their brazen act of arson, heedless of the chaos and destruction they had wrought. For these rogue ponies, the pursuit of wealth and power knew no bounds, and they would stop at nothing to achieve their nefarious goals, even if it meant leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

"Yeah, I bet he will be begging for us now!" the second pirate chimed in, his toothy grin revealing a mix of excitement and menace, accentuated by a prominent gold tooth. Meanwhile, the third pirate busied himself with cleaning his flintlock, a grim expression etched on his face as he attended to his weapon. Their confidence was palpable as they surveyed the burning home, convinced of their own superiority and the fear they had instilled in their victim.

However, their triumphant moment was short-lived as a dark blue stallion approached them, his expression one of irritation and defiance. "Hey... that's my home you set on fire," he declared, his voice tinged with anger as he confronted the pirates. In response, the trio of rogues swiftly turned their weapons towards the stallion, their movements synchronized in a show of aggression.

"Man, today is not my day..." the stallion muttered under his breath, his tone resigned as he found himself outnumbered and outgunned in the face of the ruthless pirates. "Indeed, now give us your bits!" the lead pirate demanded, leveling his gun at the stallion. However, before the pirate could make another move, the stallion sighed deeply, his expression unwavering as he prepared to face his assailants. With a swift movement, he ducked under the incoming attack and delivered a powerful uppercut to the pirate holding the gun, sending him reeling backward.

As the other two pirates reacted with shock and fury, the stallion remained composed, his movements precise and calculated. With a deft maneuver, he intercepted their sword swings with his own blade, skillfully parrying their attacks with ease. The clash of metal rang out in the air as the stallion held his ground, his determination clear despite the odds stacked against him.

The other two ponies gasped in astonishment as their swords were effortlessly caught by the stallion's blade. Before they could utter another word, they found themselves doubled over in pain as the stallion delivered swift punches to their guts, knocking them unconscious.

With a disdainful shake of his head, the stallion regarded the fallen pirates with a mixture of disappointment and contempt. "You three make pirates a joke, you know..." he muttered, his voice tinged with disdain as he assessed the incompetence of his attackers. Retrieving the sword from one of the defeated pirates, he inspected it with a critical eye before nodding in approval. "Hmm, not bad. I'm taking it," he declared decisively before turning on his heel and walking away, leaving the defeated pirates sprawled on the ground behind him.

One of the defeated pirates, his voice strained with pain and disbelief, mustered the courage to speak. "Who... who in the princess' name are you?" he managed to choke out, his eyes still wide with shock.

Stopping in his tracks, Nightlight turned back to regard the pirate with an enigmatic expression. Adjusting the short beard on his chin and then pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, he revealed his name with quiet authority. "Names Nightlight," he declared, his tone firm and unwavering. "And I'm going to steal your boat now."

Comments

[DisplacedWriter]

14 likes/2 dislikes ratio. Story is looking good, keep it up!

[ToMahkAros]

11/10, will keep reading!

[Underwall]

If he gets his own crew, make sure Roger gets a doctor to join sooner rather then later.