//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Basic Briefing // Story: Torchhoof // by zzuxon //------------------------------// CHAPTER 1: Basic Briefing Twilight was in a remote corner of Sweet Apple Acres with the rest of the Elements of Harmony. “So you can tell us what you’ve been doing now?” “Yes, yes I can.” Twilight had a smile of relief on her face. “AWESOME!” “Well what is it Twilight? Does it have to do with candy?” “No Pinkie, it’s not about candy. Now, before I tell you this, you all have to promise, PINKIE promise, that you won’t tell anypony about this. You can’t tell Gummy, or Angel, the Cake babies. You can’t even tell a ROCK, because somepony may hear you. Understand?” The rest nodded, or said yes, than proceeded to chant “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” and made the accompanying motions. “OK. I am an agent of Torchhoof. It is a top-secret investigative and intelligence agency. It’s run primarily by Princess Luna and Dr. Whooves. We investigate 2 main fields, threats to national security, and paranormal or extraterrestrial activity.” The other mares were silent for a moment. Then Rainbow Dash spoke up. “That. Is. AWESOME!!” “Well darling, how long have you been an agent of this… Torchhoof organization?” “Ever since Nightmare Moon. Interestingly, my family has a history of being Torchhoof agents, my older brother, both my parents, my uncle, and more. Anyway, my first assignment was taking care of that Dragon that was filling the air with smoke. In fact, a good deal of our adventures was secretly Torchhoof assignments. Remember The Great and Powerful Trixie?” “Of course.” said Applejack. “She was more than a braggart. You know about Hezbollama of course.” They all had heard of the radical terrorist organization based in Llamistan, mostly comprised of Camelids - Camels, Llamas and the like - though members from other species were not unheard of. “Trixie was a Hezbollama agent and sympathizer. She was secretly setting up magical bombs around Ponyville. If they detonated, they would have released compressed dragon flame and radiation. Luckily, a couple of agents here and I managed to disarm all of them. I didn’t apprehend her immediately in hopes I could get some info out of her. We had agents set up to cut her off when she ran off.” Fluttershy spoke up. “Do you have to be a Unicorn to be a Torchhoof agent?” “What? No, why would you think that Fluttershy?” “Well, you know, paranormal research. And Intelligence operations, you know espionage, working undercover things like that. They seem like things Unicorns would do.” “No, not at all, although unicorns do hold a slight majority. Last time I checked I believe that the distribution was approximately 45% Unicorns, 30% Earth Ponies, 20% Pegasi, and 5% other species, like Donkeys, Zebras, Griffons, Time Ponies, and Dragons.” Fluttershy inhaled sharply. Twilight wisely followed up with “It’s okay, they’re nice dragons.” “So, Twi’, why is Torchhoof such a secret?” “So our enemies don’t see us coming. That is part of our creed, everywhere, and nowhere. Applejack, your cousin Braeburn is an agent.” “You’re kidding me!” “Nope. So is Zecora, Ditzy Doo, Lyra and a few other Ponyvillians.” “Twilight, I’m afraid I won’t be able to call you an egghead anymore.” “Sure you will Dash. I know what you’re thinking, but I’m not usually a field agent, fighting bad guys and such. I work in the theory room. We research opponents and phenomena, and form theories on how to beat them. Then we relay the info to field agents.” Rainbow Dash started giggling. “So even when you have an awesome job, you’re still an egghead!” “Heh, yeah. Anyway, I know what some of you are thinking but are too polite to ask. ‘How does one become a Torchhoof agent?' Well, first you have to get an invitation from an active-duty or retired Torchhoof agent that is approved by no less than 3 active-duty agents and Princess Luna, Princess Celestia, or Dr. Whooves. Afterwords, you must take an entrance exam testing your mental faculties and loyalty to Equestria. If you pass, you’re an agent of Torchhoof. And, Princess Celestia just approved your invitations. You’ll be getting them soon. That is why I’m going to take you to local headquarters to meet some of my other friends there. It’ll help you make your decision. But first I’m going to introduce you to some of my friends from Torchhoof.” Twilight Sparkle lifted her mane and touched a spot on her forehead. Her eyes turned a solid blue, much to the shock of her friends. She experienced something completely different. Hello Agent Twilight Sparkle. What is your request? “Please give me the current off-duty roster for District 1. “Agent Shining Armor, Agent Frost Blossom, Agent Closed Case, Agent Triple Cross, Agent Ditzy Doo- Um, belay. Are Agents Atom Insight, Copernican Circuit, Queenside, Effect Reaction, or Live Wire on the list? “Copernican Circuit?!” exclaimed Applejack. Rainbow Dash leaned towards Fluttershy. “What is she doing?” “I think we’re hearing half a conversation.” All designated agents are on the list. “Excellent! Put me through to them. -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Queenside was somberly sitting in his Manehatten apartment, eating. He was having a pretty good day, when an awful image popped into his head. He shuddered. But then, an all too familiar ring went off in his head. “Identify Caller.” Caller is Agent Twilight Sparkle. Queenside’s demeanor brightened somewhat, thankful for a distraction. “Put her Through.” -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Live Wire was performing a delicate electrical operation. This wasn’t easy for him, considering his boundless energy. He didn’t mind though. He was OK using his own body as a conductor. He saw himself slip, before it actually caused an accident. “Oops!” he said giggling a bit, right before approximately 470 watts passed through his body. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!” He dropped the wires to recuperate. “Heh, whew, I love that.” He heard a ringing in his ear. At first he assumed it was an after-effect of the voltage, but then he recognized it for what it was. “Oooohhh! Identify Caller!” Caller is Agent Twilight Sparkle. “This’ll be good! Put her through!” -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- “Thanks for fixin’ our computer Ms. Circuit!” Copper saw Applebloom’s beaming face look up at her. “You’re welcome.” “Eeyup. We do appreciate you helpin’ us with our problems. 42 bits, right?” “Big Mac, you know you get half-price for customer loyalty. You’re one of my best customers.” Big Mac handed Copper 21 bits, and she walked out the door. She was flying back to Cloudsdale when she heard a ringing in her ear. “Identify Caller.” Caller is Agent Twilight Sparkle. “Put Her Through.” -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Atom Insight had just left a lecture in Canterlot. It was a fascinating topic, a scientific explanation for cutie marks. It is one of the “hot topics” in biology, and Atom was pleased that his own theory (Cephalopod-like chromatophores in the flank receive a sub-conscious signal when the individual discovers their special talent. Explains the suddenness of the phenomenon as well as the seemingly intelligent design) was similar to the renowned Nucleus Oxyribo’s. He was about to begin researching other’s ideas when a familiar tone rang out in his head. “Identify Caller.” Caller is Agent Twilight Sparkle “Excellent. Put her Through.” -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- “What do you think, Detective Reaction? Looks like strangulation.” Effect Reaction looked at the unconscious body, then spoke up with a marked Trottingham accent. “No. DOCTOR! TAKE THIS STALLION TO THE ER! He couldn’t have survived a good hoof stomp, and the victim is alive. Besides, while the throat is slightly flattened, there is little external damage. There is merely less blood in circulation. He’s suffering from internal hemorrhaging and bleeding, likely magically induced.” He was about to go and see if he could get any more info from the crime scene, but received an irritating ring. “*sigh* Identify Caller.” [i'Caller is Agent Twilight Sparkle. “Hmm. Inspector Lead Strain! I’m going to have to temporarily leave this case!” Then, more quietly, “Put her through.” -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Twilight’s vision was interrupted when 5 windows opened in front of her eyes. Each contained a friend and fellow Torchhoof agent. “Activate Conference call, with myself as the hub.” “Ah, hello Ms. Twilight. It seems we’re all here.” “Queenside, you outrank me. If anything, I should be calling you sir.” “Force of habit, I suppose.” “Hey Twilight why’ve you called us is it something fun does it have to do with getting SHOCKED?!?!” “Eh, not quite Live Wire.” “Twilight, I just attended an excellent lecture by Nucleus Oxyribo. It was on cutie mar-“ “Atom, while I would love to discuss the lecture, there is a more pressing matter at hand.” Effect Reaction’s eyes narrowed in concern. “Is it serious?” “No, not the way you think. You know my friends from my civilian life?” “The Elements of Harmony?” “Yes Copper. As you know, I’ve been lobbying for them to get an invitation to the entrance exam. Well, Princess Celestia just approved the invitations. She asked me to tell them about Torchhoof, introduce them to you guys, and show them District 1 HQ, to help them make their decision. I’ve already told them about Torchhoof, I want them to meet you before they see D1HQ. I’m sending you the location now. Please come.” Surprisingly, Effect was the first to speak. “Of course. I’d love to meet a few prospective agents.” "Excellent. Close conference call." Twilight's eyes returned to their original state. “Twilight, what did you just do?!” “Arcane-Mechanical implants, Rarity. I was communicating with some friends.” -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Copernican Circuit and Live Wire were the first to arrive. Copernican Circuit flew down and landed, Live Wire sort of appeared at the end of a yellow blur. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Dash and Pinkie all looked the two ponies over. Copernican Circuit was a Pegasus. Her coat was lavender, close to the color of Twilight’s coat. Her mane was done up in a ponytail, a darker purple with blue stripes. Her tail was rather generic, also purple and blue, and her eyes were a light brown. Her cutie Mark was rather strange. It was a white circle inside a slightly bigger red circle. Inside the white circle was a rough silhouette of a pony holding a briefcase in his teeth. It was identifiable as the emblem of the Nerd Herd, the largest computer maintenance company in Equestria. Live Wire was an earth pony. His coat is bright yellow. His Mane starts neon green at the bottom, then changes to an electric blue at the top. His tail does too, except in the reverse order. His hair is also very large. Imagine a more masculine, spiky version of Pinkie Pie’s hair, and you should be pretty close. His eyes are the same blue as his mane, and his cutie mark is two wires, exposed and frayed at the ends. Blue sparks travel between the two. He also has abnormally small irises and pupils. Live Wire, despite being an earth pony, appeared to teleport between the 6 elements, as he shook hooves and introduced himself. Pinkie Pie hit it off with him immediately. “Oooohhh you’re fast! I like you!” “I’ve heard you’re pretty fast too Pinkie Pie!” “How’d you get so fast?!” “Well when you’re constantly getting shocked by high voltages of electricity the rest of the world just gets slower!” The two broke out in laughter in unison. Meanwhile, Copper was introducing herself in a markedly calmer manner. She was having a conversation with Applejack, one of her best customers, when Atom Insight arrived. Twilight addressed him. “Hi Atom. How’s Canterlot this time of year?” Rainbow Dash was shocked. “Canterlot?! How’d you get here so fast?” Atom explained: “Government officials such as Torchhoof agents use underground subways for rapid locomotion.” Atom Insight was a Unicorn. His coat was forest green, with peacock blue eyes. His mane was rather short cut, and blonde with blue streaks. His cutie mark was an atom coming out of a book. Twilight did a quick flash to get everyone’s attention. “When everypony gets here, I’ll have them introduce themselves to everypony at once. Is that OK?” There were nods of assent all around, except perhaps from Fluttershy. It was a few minutes later when Queenside and Effect Reaction joined the other nine ponies. Effect Reaction was an earth pony. His coat was a very dark navy, nearly black. His mane and tail were primarily white, with a bit of sea-green. His mane was cut very short by pony standards, in a similar style to most humans. His cutie mark was 3 dominoes viewed from the side, the first 2 of which are in the process of toppling each other over. Queenside was a unicorn, and a fairly tall one. His coat was a light navy. His mane was, like Effect’s, very short. The difference is that, strangely, what exists of his mane is oriented forward meeting at a point. His mane and tail were primarily silver, with maroon streaks. His eyes were also silver, like his mane. His ears didn’t have tips, and his cutie mark was a black rook. He also had a slight limp, and smiled very little. “Excellent. Now we can introduce ourselves. Who wants to go first?” Live Wire was immediately next to Twilight. “Hey my name’s Live Wire I’m an electrician from Manehatten outside of Torchhoof except I shock myself a lot but that’s OK ‘cause it’s fun and it’s how I move so fast. That’s why I was asked to be a Torchhoof agent I think.” Copernican Circuit volunteered next. “Uh, Hi. My name’s Copernican Circuit, but you can call me Copper. As you can probably tell, my day job is as a computer maintenance specialist. It’s my special talent, and it’s what I do for Torchhoof. Many enemies have computers, and I can extract info, plant viruses, or sabotage their system.” “Hello, I’m Atom Insight. I’m a scientist. I work in Canterlot. My special talent is learning, pretty much. I can use magic to kind of… absorb information. I’ll focus on a topic, and suddenly, I’ll know some pertinent info. I can even read minds, but it tires me out. It’s very helpful in the theory room.” “My name is Queenside. I don’t have a day job, unlike my colleagues. I’m living on a military disability pension, and my Torchhoof salary of course. My talent is strategy. It doesn’t manifest magically for me though. Instead of some special ability, my standard magical abilities are just more powerful.” Rainbow Dash raised her hoof. “Why are you on a disability pension?” This got her an Applejack shoulder to the ribs. “Don’t ask ‘im that!” “No, it’s okay. Come up and touch my front left leg, young mare.” Rainbow obliged, and gasped. “It’s… plastic.” “Yes, yes it is.” Effect Reaction then stepped up. “Hello. I am Effect Reaction. I am a detective, and I work in Manehatten, though I come from Trottingham, as you can likely tell. My talent is deduction. It started as an ability to see the complex web of cause and effect at a higher level than most. I’ve developed it into an innate eye for the smallest details, and knowing what they imply. It’s given me the highest success rate in the MPD. It’s also what attracted the attentions of Torchhoof.” The Elements of Harmony introduced themselves too, but you know about them, so we’ll skip that part. Twilight concluded. “Alright, now that we’ve all introduced ourselves, lets get some rest. Tomorrow, we’re heading to district 1 headquarters.” AUTHORS NOTES: Please comment. Constructive criticism is appreciated. Also, please say who your favorite OC is: Atom Insight, Queenside, Copernican Circuit, Effect Reaction, or Live Wire?