Agent Sunset Shimmer, part of an organization known only as The Agency, goes head to head with a foreign spy bent on unleashing sleeper cells around the world to ultimately destroy all foreign national powers.
Agent Sunset Shimmer is part of an organization known as The Agency that protects its borders from potential foreign and domestic threats. After discovering a list of possible sleeper cells, Sunset is tasked with finding the source of these cells, which ultimately leads her to Germaney. But as she soon finds out, her target is as cunning and dangerous as she is, leading to a cat and mouse game that could potentially put the world on the verge of chaos.
The building stood about seven stories, located in the middle of downtown. On the outside, it looked like your typical company building, recently remodeled in the last couple years. But on the inside it was much more than that.
This was the headquarters of the Agency, one of many children given birth by the government for the purpose of protection. In this case it was central intelligence, protecting borders from the threats of foreign individuals and countries. To most people, this building was for a company that was most likely in the top two hundred companies of the country. But only those in government power or neighboring agencies knew its true purpose.
The woman sat at her desk, a stern look on her face. Actually, most of the time she looked this way regardless of the emotions she was feeling at the moment. After all, being the director of the Agency was no easy task and most of the time it wasn’t very pleasant either.
Her name was Harshwinny, but she went by the name H instead. She realized early in her career that many were quite intimidated to approach her, so she tried to thaw the ice slightly by suggesting that her staff and subordinates call her H. It seemed to help somewhat.
Currently she was in her office where a young woman half her age was sitting across from her. H took a sip of her tea that was on the table. “Is there anything new to report Agent Spitfire?”
“It’s been a quiet day for the most part ma’am,” the young agent replied. She was in her mid-twenties with short orange hair and was currently wearing a blue suit, although to be honest she always felt stuffy wearing the stupid thing. Most agents and staff always said they could see Spitfire coming a mile away due to always wearing her pair of aviators. “No activity on comms, and any of our potential targets have been following their usual schedules according to our satellites.”
“And Agent Shimmer?”
“Ah yes, she apparently tracked our istallion friend all the way to Manehattan,” Spitfire replied. “May I ask what that’s all about?”
H pursed her lips slightly. “Our friend, Marco Cavallo, is carrying a flash drive that contains a list of potential sleeper cells around the world, including many that are here right now. I can easily say obtaining that drive is a top priority.”
“And you think Shimmer can handle it?”
“Are you having doubts Agent Spitfire?”
“Not at all, I was the one who got her recruited and all,” Spitfire replied. “I’m just surprised the Agency already has seen her as a top agent is all.”
H smiled slightly. “Am I sensing jealousy?”
“Not at all ma’am, it would just be a damn shame if we lost her, that’s all.”
“Agreed. So Manehattan you say? I’d like to have a word with her then.”
“I’ll be very surprised if she answers.”
Subway Underground
Manehattan
As it turned out, Agent Sunset Shimmer was currently busy, ducking behind the brick pillars as Marco opened fire on her with a pistol. Sunset kept her firearm holstered since she needed Marco alive and there were too many people fleeing out of the subway to safety. As soon as the shots stopped, Sunset started moving.
Marco wasn’t really aiming at her since he was running the opposite direction; he was mostly trying to dissuade her from following. Sunset wasn’t willing to oblige. She had to duck and hide again after Marco turned around and opened fire on her again. The man certainly wasn’t military and she doubted he had much ammo.
Much to her annoyance, she heard a ringing in her ear, signaling that someone was trying to call her. She really didn’t want to answer but most agents, even the veterans rarely ever ignored calls from HQ. “To whoever’s calling right now, this is a very bad time,” she said, answering.
“Agent Shimmer, I was hoping for an update.” Sunset tensed slightly. Of course it had to be H of all people. “But judging by the loud noises, I have the feeling Cavallo found you out?”
“Hardly,” Sunset rolled her eyes slightly. She could tell by H’s tone that she was trying to be humorous. “The man’s as paranoid as they come, and honestly I’m not surprised. He was trying to hitch a ride but I ended up cutting him off.”
“Shimmer, I can’t stress enough how important it is you get that drive,” H told her. “Cavallo is only important until either you get it or he tells you where it is. Am I clear?”
“Yes ma’am,” Sunset replied. She looked around the corner and saw Marco taking off again. “You’ll have to excuse me H, I’m currently in pursuit.” She then disconnected the call and took off.
Now things were getting tricky. Marco was leading her down the tunnel to where the path broke into five directions, which meant at any moment a train could come through. Sunset also had little to no cover so the only thing keeping her alive was Marco’s inexperience with a gun.
Sunset did have one advantage though. She had been an active girl since she was young and throughout school she had run cross country and track, which gave her a bit of an advantage during basic before she joined the Agency. And right now, she was slowly starting to catch up to out of shape Marco.
He disappeared to the side and it wasn’t long before a pair of lights shone in her face. Sunset quickly found a gap in the wall and leaned inside as the train passed by. Once she was gone, she continued her pursuit.
Marco was quickly losing speed and more and more Sunset was catching up. At this point, it looked like Marco ran out of bullets and Sunset sprinted after him. It wasn’t long before she was right behind him and then leapt out, knocking him to the ground.
Marco was about ten years older than her and in normal circumstances with his size he would’ve had a slight advantage over her. But with her skills and his stamina gone, he didn’t stand a chance. “Nice to finally meet you Marco,” she panted slightly as she grabbed him and pinned him against the wall. “You know why I’m here, so give me the drive and I might be kind enough to let you walk yourself home.”
Marco was drenched in sweat and sounded like he was going to have a heart attack. “L-Listen to me, we can work something out here!”
Sunset decided he wasn’t listening and twisted his arm back. “This is my one and only deal. If it had been anyone else, you probably wouldn’t even be talking right now. Now do I have your attention? I won’t ask again.”
Marco was quiet for a moment. Then, with much resignation in his voice, he said, “It’s in my back pocket.”
Sunset quickly found out he was telling the truth. The flash drive was very much real and not damaged. She smiled slightly. “There, was that so hard? Now get out of my sight. And get rid of that gun while you’re at it.”
She patted his back slightly and turned around. “Oh yeah, you might want to call someone just in case. It’s rather cramped down there and right now between you and a train, the train will always win.”
Marco didn’t answer but she could tell he wanted to get the hell out of dodge. Sunset then tapped the side of her earpiece. “This is Agent Simmer, I’ve obtained the drive…oh and you might want to have an emergency crew on standby cause I really don’t think Marco Cavallo is going to make it out of the subway in one piece…”
Sunset made her way inside the building using her keycard which automatically opened the entrance door. She nodded slightly to the guards posted inside and out as she made her way to the elevator, taking it to the seventh floor. As it went up, Sunset leaned against the railing and took out the flash drive she acquired. “All this trouble for a small memory stick,” she thought.
The door then opened and Spitfire waited for her outside. “So how was Manehattan?” she asked as the two of them walked across the long hallway.
“It’s rather nice, kind of crowded though and I’m not sure how I feel about the subway system,” Sunset replied.
“So you got it?”
Sunset casually put the drive in the other girl’s hand. “Pretty important apparently.”
“Very important actually,” Spitfire replied. “We’re talking on an international level.”
Sunset stopped in her tracks and stared at her. “You gonna tell me what’s on it?”
“Wait, H didn’t fill you in?” Spitfire looked genuinely surprised.
“Only that it had important files that the Agency was very interested in,” Spitfire said.
“If you two are done chatting, I’d like to see you both in my office.” H was standing right behind them and neither of them even noticed her approaching.
“Of course,” Sunset said as they both followed the older woman into her office. H motioned for both of them to take a seat before Sunset closed the door.
“First of all, excellent work Agent Shimmer on getting that drive,” H stated. “Mr. Cavallo was taken in by local police not too long ago and of course is being questioned.” She smiled slightly. “He also complained about being assaulted, but apparently the assailant was a male.”
“This coming from the guy who was shooting live rounds in a subway,” Sunset deadpanned.
“Eh, even low-lifes have to protect their image,” Spitfire shrugged. “Least she didn’t shoot him.”
“So are you going to explain just what’s on that drive?” Sunset asked.
“My apologies Agent Shimmer, but it was simply need to know,” H explained. “However, I suppose you’re going to try to find out regardless of what I say so I’ll give it to you straight. This drive contains a large list of sleeper cells, not just in this country but all over the world. Someone went to a lot of trouble of collecting all these names. I think you can now understand the significance of all this.”
“We can find their people, but at the same time we can also see cells that belong to our allies,” Sunset said. “How much information does it give?”
“Just names, but these people can be tracked easily,” H replied. “While having this information puts us at an advantage, our allies may feel uncomfortable about us knowing of their business.”
“And any enemy states would be shitting themselves right now,” Spitfire added.
“Yes, as Agent Spitfire colorfully puts it,” H continued. “But even so, we’re not through. We still need to find the ones who found out this information. We may have this list but it’s very likely we could only have a copy of it.”
“And this is why you called for us?” Sunset asked.
“Actually it’s more you personally,” H replied. “We may already have a potential suspect, but unfortunately she plays hard to get.” She then pulled out a file and handed it to Sunset. Opening it, the first thing she saw was a picture of a woman close to her age. “Her name is Starlight Glimmer. She was born in a small town that was originally part of East Germaney years ago. There isn’t much information on her childhood but when she was eighteen she became an agent for the Information Bureau, part of the now unified Germane government.”
“Information Bureau?” Sunset asked. “I’m assuming that’s the Germane equivalent to the Agency?”
“Yes and no. The Bureau handles mostly domestic affairs. Anyway, she was very skilled and rose up the ranks quickly, even at one point asked to be a bodyguard for the Chancellor himself. But about two years ago, she went off the grid completely and hasn’t been seen until now.”
“And you think she’s dug up information on all international governments?” Spitfire asked.
“It’s much more than that,” H said. She then showed them a newspaper article from a few weeks ago. “About a year ago, there have been a large number of disappearances occurring in Germaney and around her borders. Just from this past year, the number has gone up to fifteen thousand.”
“And no one has any idea where they went?” Sunset asked, having a hard time believing that.
“No…and about two weeks ago, a woman who claims she had been kidnapped appeared and went straight to the authorities. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to get very much information from the woman, but she did say she was in some sort of facility in eastern Germaney. However, this story does not end well…
“A week after the woman was found and returned home, there was a report that the woman committed suicide. She had a loving husband and three kids and despite all this, she felt the need to end her life.”
“Well, the entire experience must’ve been traumatic for her,” Spitfire guessed. “But I can see you’re not quite convinced ma’am.”
“No I’m not,” H replied. “There is no doubt she committed suicide, as her family was present when it happened. However, the family said they saw no signs of depression or PTSD. She was relieved to be back with her family and one day it all changes and she kills herself?”
“Let me make sure I have all this right,” Sunset said. “You’re saying this Starlight Glimmer is connected to the kidnappings?”
“Yes. While it may not be on file, there have been reports that Miss Glimmer was recruited at a very young by the EGCP.”
“The East Germane Communist Party?” Spitfire asked.
“Yes, they were the main entity of the East Germane government right up to the fall of the wall,” H said, leaning back in her chair. “They’ve had a long history of taking in children and recruiting them as their very own agents. First, at a young age, they could blend in and rat out any traitors to their superiors, because adults always take children for granted. Once they get older, that is when they learn to fight. I believe Starlight Glimmer is no exception to this. This is why you were chosen for this mission Agent Shimmer?”
“If I may ask ma’am, was it you personally that chose me?” Sunset asked.
“Actually, it was Spitfire here who recommended you,” H said, looking over at her. “Although, she hasn’t quite explained her reasoning.”
Spitfire suddenly looked uncomfortable. “Well…considering you’ll have to eventually interact with her, she may feel more at ease with someone close to her age.”
“And…?” H didn’t feel as if that was the whole story.
“And…well…the thing is with Glimmer she’s…um…”
“Agent Spitfire, will you please do as your name says and spit it out?” H snapped.
“She’s a lesbian.”
It was quiet in the office for a few moments. “I beg your pardon?” H asked.
“She’s a lesbian…I think,” Spitfire replied. “I mean, she could be bi but most of the time she’s hanging around with other women.”
“And what exactly are you getting at?” Sunset glared at her.
“Well I didn’t want to bring it up Sunset but…well like you’ve told me you tend to swing both ways yourself.”
Sunset could feel her face heating up and right now she felt like she was going to melt into a puddle. “Thanks Spits, thanks a lot for telling the Director of the Agency about my sexuality.”
H cleared her throat. “Glimmer’s sexuality aside, Spitfire does have good points for recommending you. You may be our newest agent but you’ve tackled over a dozen missions within the last eighteen months with relative ease if I may say so.”
“That was small stuff,” Sunset said. “This is clearly much bigger.”
“Exactly, an appropriate test to see if you’re all that the Agency needs,” H said. “Of course, if you feel you’re not ready I can completely understand.”
Like hell she was going to turn down an opportunity like this. “No ma’am, I feel as if I’m quite ready for this. A test as you say.”
H nodded. “Very well. Then we’ll get started right away. I’ll give Miss Pommel a call right away and inform her that you’re coming to meet her. She has a few things to give you for your trip. Afterwards, I’ll fill you in more on your current objective.”
“I won’t let you down ma’am,” Sunset said getting up and heading towards the door.
“Oh, and one more thing…”
“Yes?” Sunset turned around.
“Do make sure to brush up on your Germane.”
Coco Pommel was about three quarters of Sunset’s height but she was still able to get around rather quickly. “Germaney is a wonderful place, no matter where you go,” she gushed slightly as Sunset followed her to the lab. “It’s been a long time since I last visited there.”
“You were born there, right?” Sunset asked.
“Oh yes, southwest Germaney,” Coco sighed pleasantly. “The area is truly beautiful.” Once they were inside, Coco got back to business. “Aside from your dictionary and passport, you’re going to need a few things. First is of course is transportation.”
Coco pressed a button, causing one of the small garage doors to open up. “I’d like to introduce the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe." The car was, as she said, a mix between SUV and sedan and a stylish metallic gray.
“I can almost hear you squealing,” Sunset commented.
“Well, I do admit I was able to take it for a test drive,” Coco said, a slight grin on her face. “Needless to say, it’s a really nice ride for both the city and the countryside. Plus, considering it is a Germane manufacturer you won’t stand out as much.”
“So does it have a flamethrower?”
“Huh?”
“Or little miniguns that come out of the side?”
Coco giggled. “Agent Shimmer, I think you’ve been watching too many spy movies. Weapons we’ll get to next of course. The car will be dropped off to you after you land. Continuing on…”
They then moved to a shooting range where a single handgun was sitting. “Some of my colleagues had fun with this one,” Coco said. “Standard Walther PPK. It looks ordinary but…”
“But…?” Sunset urged her.
Coco smiled. “The iron sights have been filed down for a more precise shot; the top of the gun has been fitted for an optional scope, if you’re into that kind of thing. The grip has been modified to your liking and…well go ahead and pick it up.”
Sunset did so and the small lights on the back of the gun went green. “The grip has a handprint detector built in and as such, it will only fire if you’re holding it,” Coco explained.
“You do realize if I said no to this mission, and I had the option, you would’ve wasted a lot of resources into this?” Sunset asked.
“…Well I’m quite certain you were going to say yes anyway,” Coco said. “…Right? Well come on now, why don’t you try it out for yourself?” Sunset then slid the magazine into the gun and quickly aimed before firing all her rounds at a fast clip. Her shots struck at the center of the target. Seeing the impressed look on her face, Coco added, “We were also able to dampen the recoil, giving you a more accurate shot, even when firing at a fast pace. I know, you’re speechless, aren’t you?”
Sunset smiled. She had met Coco about eighteen months ago and back then, Coco was much shyer around others. H had recruited her due to her skills in technology, which at the time was a side hobby of hers, her main being fashion design. Somehow, H was able to use both of Coco’s talents to the Agency’s advantage.
Despite her shy nature, she became quick friends with Sunset and as time went on, Coco started to come out of her shell. And here she was, head of her department now. “One last thing,” she said as the two went back to the lab. She then brought out what appeared to be a watch and put it on Sunset’s wrist. “Sure, it looks like a regular watch, but if you twist the face ninety degrees, small needles on the back of the watch will enter your wrist and deliver an antidote that will negate any poison that happens to enter your body.”
“Any poison?” Sunset looked skeptical.
“Oh yes, we tested with all sorts of different poisons. It took a while to perfect the formula but I can say with pure confidence if for any reason you’re poisoned you’ll be glad to have this. After all, poisoning is the most efficient way of killing someone.”
“So…what else does it do?”
“Well it tells the time obviously…”
“Right…I’m not even going to bother asking how many people actually tested this product.”
“Oh come on it wasn’t that bad, testing only took place when we knew for certain it would eradicate any toxins.” She then coughed slightly. “Well, that should about do it. I don’t know about you but I think this little trip ought to be fun.”
“Wait…you’re coming with me?” Sunset asked.
“Of course! You’re going to need a guide after all,” Coco beamed. “Besides, it’s not like I’m going to be with you twenty-four seven. I’ll leave the dirty work for you. Actually, the other reason is…well…”
“Well?”
“As a fashion designer, I have to make sure you blend in with the culture. No offense but without me, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb.”
“Fair point,” Sunset considered. “Well, it’s going to be a long trip anyway so I could use the company.”
Coco giggled. “Well, as they always say in the fatherland, Auf gehts!”
Later on in the evening, Sunset and Spitfire headed to The Prancing Pony, a bar located right in the middle of downtown Canterlot. Spitfire had herself a beer while Sunset opted for a whisky on the rocks. “You know, sometimes I think, for all the work we do, we’re just not compensated enough,” Spitfire commented.
“You have a condo,” Sunset said matter-of-factly.
“Yeah, but it’s not a house. I mean, it’s like I’m going to be settling down anytime soon but…”
“You found a guy didn’t you?” Sunset asked.
“No it’s…never mind.” Spitfire took another sip of her beer. “You’re mad at me, aren’t you?”
“I’m not mad,” Sunset said as she downed her drink and asked the bartender for another.
“Come on, you can’t bullshit me. Look, I’m sorry, that was personal and I shouldn’t have-”
“Just don’t worry about it,” Sunset cut her off. “But if you mention it to anyone else I know where you live.”
Spitfire laughed. “Duly noted. So…your first real big mission huh?”
“I’m not trying to complain but…I feel a little out of my league here.”
“Oh come on, so what if she has a few more years of experience on you? People are always talking about you, you know. I mean, you’re still new but imagine when you become a seasoned agent?”
“If I make through this mission first,” Sunset replied. “But you’re right though…the Agency has taught me everything it could. Who knows, maybe I have a few surprises up my sleeve…”
Canterlot International Airport
Lufthansa Flight 137 departed at 7:15am the next morning and it would take about eight hours to reach their destination Reingensberg. H had suggested the pair fly commercial to blend in with the crowd more. At least they’d be flying first class.
“I actually haven’t been to Reingensberg personally, but I hear it’s a charming city,” Coco said. “Not nearly as big or as congested as Manehattan of course.”
“And we’re staying at a Four Seasons?” Sunset asked. “This is my first time living the high life.”
“It’s all part of the cover,” Coco said. “You’re from a wealthy family from Bavaria and have been away for about ten years living with your grandparents in Vanhoover.”
Sunset had no issues with that. H had already explained in detail her objectives and her cover the evening before she left.
“We’ve tracked Glimmer’s last location in Reingensburg about four days ago,” H explained. “We believe she’s there for business of course.”
“Business?” Sunset asked.
“If she was the one who originally made up that list, no doubt many, whether diplomats or criminal bosses, want to get a hand on that information and Glimmer will no doubt ask for a pretty penny. We haven’t been able to track her bank records but it’s easy to say she’s inherited quite a sum of money.”
“Embezzlement no doubt,” Sunset thought out loud.
“Perhaps. For now, you need to locate her and track her movements. See where she goes day in and day out. Only once you’ve figured out her pattern then you can finally interact.”
“I’m not quite sure what you mean by ‘interact’ ma’am…?”
“Get close to her, by whatever means necessary. Your cover has you as a wealthy woman as well, which may attract her attention. Share a commonality among philosophies if you must but if she’s willing to trust you, she may give you a key into her organization, and yes, there’s no possible way she’s doing all of this alone.”
Sunset reclined back in her seat and closed her eyes. According to her watch, they had a few hours before lunch would be served. “Wake me up if the attendant comes around…”
Coco just shook her head and smiled. Always business, that Sunset.
Reingensburg
By the time they arrived in Reingensburg, it was well past midnight local time. Fortunately, the long trip gave the two of them plenty of time to rest, even though jet lag was going to set in soon. As promised, the car was waiting for them at the airport and Sunset was quick to turn on the heater.
“I didn’t think it would still be cold this time of year,” Sunset commented.
“Oh yes, it’s like this up until June most years,” Coco said. “Don’t worry, the hotel isn’t far from here.” Despite the short ride, Sunset got a quick feel of the Mercedes and was thoroughly impressed. “It’s a good thing this thing has all wheel drive.”
“How many sports cars in the movies carry all wheel drive hm?” Coco was apparently having too much fun with this. “They can’t handle snow very well can they?”
“I get it Coco, it’s a very handy car to have,” Sunset chuckled.
Once they reached the front of the hotel, a valet approached and offered politely in Germane to park their car for them. They then went inside and headed towards the front desk. The woman at the desk smiled politely. “Good evening.”
“Ah, you speak English?” Sunset asked. That was a bit of a relief.
“Very fluently, I promise you. Name please?”
Coco gave her name, since the reservation was technically under hers. “Ah yes Miss Pommel, here it is. The one bedroom suite, yes?”
There was an awkward silence. “Um…there’s only one bed?” Coco asked. “I remember asking for two queens…”
“Oh dear…unfortunately there’s only one…will that be a problem?”
Coco blushed slightly while Sunset did her best not to smile. “Um…well…are there any other available rooms with two beds?”
“Let me see…no I’m afraid someone managed to get the last one today and currently we’re all booked.”
“I don’t think it’ll be an issue,” Sunset said. “I can always sleep on the futon.”
“I-“ Coco stopped, deciding now was not the time to argue. “Okay, that’ll be fine.”
“Again, we apologize for the inconvenience,” the woman said. “Here are your keys, breakfast is served on the main floor from six to ten and room service is always on standby. We all hope you enjoy your stay at Four Seasons.”
They were on the third floor and on the way up neither of them spoke. Once they reached their room, Coco finally broke the silence. “I’m sorry…this is most embarrassing…”
“Coco…”
“I clearly remember it said two beds. I mean, I’m not the one who booked the room personally but-”
“Coco.” Sunset put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine…really.” She then smirked slightly. “Besides, there’s nothing wrong with sleeping in the same bed is there?”
“…Agent Shimmer if you’re teasing me-”
“You’re getting formal now, so obviously this is bothering you.”
Coco sighed. “No…I suppose there isn’t. I mean, we’re both adults here so I have no reason to be worried.”
Once they were inside, they started unpacking. Both of them packed light so it wasn’t as if there was much to carry. Coco plugged in her laptop and turned it on. “I’ll inform H we’ve arrived. There’s not much we can do right now tonight so we might as well get some R&R in.”
“You know, this is actually a king,” Sunset said from the other side of the room.
“Oh…well that should work out well enough I suppose. Just one question…do you snore?”
“I dunno, you were next to me for eight hours. Do I snore?”
“No…surprisingly not. Um…do I?”
“I wouldn’t know but as long as you don’t sound like a lion I’m pretty sure I can ignore it.” Sunset then plopped herself on the bed. “So Starlight frequents this area?”
“According to the footage from the past couple days,” Coco said. “Let’s see…oh there’s an opera house about five blocks from here. I wish we had time to catch a show…”
Sunset had an idea. “Are there any shows going on tomorrow?”
“Let’s see…” Coco was typing away. “Oh yes, seven o’clock tomorrow. I’m surprised they have tickets on sale still. You’re going to it, aren’t you?”
“I’m curious to see if Miss Glimmer has a certain interest in the arts,” Sunset replied.
“Ah…and then we can track her movements. Okay, I was able to get you a seat. Wow, these prices are not cheap…H isn’t going to be too thrilled about this…”
“I’m sure it’s not nearly as expensive as the car outside.” Sunset got up and went up to the window. Despite it being so late, there were still a lot of cars going up and down the streets. It certainly wasn’t anything like Manehattan but at night, like most likely, the view was quite breath-taking.
Sunset then changed into something a bit more comfortable and tucked herself in. Before she turned off the light, she glanced at over at Coco, still glued to her computer. She was guessing that Coco was going to wait until Sunset fell asleep before even making her way to the bed, probably to make things less awkward.
Sunset closed her eyes and felt sleep take her quicker than she had thought. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.
Sunset woke up early the next morning around eight o’clock. She felt a warm presence next to her and saw that Coco was next to her sleeping, a little bit closer than she imagined. It didn’t help that the nightgown she was wearing was a bit revealing. “Don’t even think about it Sunset,” she told herself.
She got up slowly, not to wake Coco, and made her way to the bathroom where she took a quick shower. Even the showers here were impressive, and Sunset was tempted to stay in it for another fifteen minutes. She put on a bathrobe and came back out to see Coco standing at the door.
“Oh good, you already showered,” she said as she opened up a small case. “This will make things go quicker.”
“What are you…?”
“Listen Sunset, you have to look the part. Standard clothing practically screams that you’re a government agent. But, if Miss Shimmer is wearing, say, a lovely sundress that’s a lot more disarming isn’t it?”
“Okay, I think you’re taking this a little too far.”
“Nonsense! The fashion designer inside me is screaming for me to do this. Come on, what could it hurt?”
She had a point there. “Fine,” Sunset said, sighing. “How long is this going to take cause I’m starving.”
“Oh not long at all…”
The whole process took about forty minutes. Coco applied makeup, eyeliner, spray to straighten her hair out slightly and, to Sunset’s annoyance, insisted on plucking her eyebrows. Apparently, Coco came prepared with clothing for such occasions like tonight. “And how exactly did you get my measurements?” Sunset asked.
“Oh, from Spitfire, though I admit I was able to do some guesswork on your measurements. My mentor always said sometimes we need to measure with our eyes.”
“That’s…never mind…”
Coco then picked out her day attire, which consisted of a green cardigan with a black skirt. As Sunset was putting on her stockings, Coco commented. “I never understood why guys think stockings make women look more attractive? Is it just the look, or are some guys just perverted that way? I always like to show a little bit of skin if I can…” She then blushed as she caught Sunset’s smirk. “This doesn’t leave the room.”
Finally, after Coco showered and got dressed, the two went downstairs to the banquet hall. There was a wide variety of food to choose and Sunset wasn’t worried about piling her plate, although because of a glance from Coco she didn’t stack it as high as she had wanted.
“So, aside from tonight, what’s on our agenda?” Sunset asked after the two were seated.
“Well, we have about ten hours so I figured we might as well check out the area,” Coco said, looking through a pamphlet as she was eating. “Ooh, they actually have both a national museum and an art museum! This might actually be worth the trip!”
“Coco, this isn’t a vacation…”
“I know, but we need to know our way around and if, and of course this is a big if, we were being watched and were spending most of our time in the hotel, it’d look pretty suspicious wouldn’t it?”
“You sound like you’d be a good field agent Miss Pommel.”
“Oh no…” Coco giggled. “I’m not really one for violence…I mean shooting a gun might be fun but I could never…anyway, I’m much more comfortable where I am right now. Now then…” She put the pamphlet over on Sunset’s side. “Where to first?”
