The vertibird crested the bonehills, soaring past the farming communities of the Whitetail woods and gently slowing as the familiar gemstone rooftops of that most famous of Equestrian villages came into view. The place where it had all begun, twice.

Ponyville.

It bustled with life one more, in fact likely the most extensively populated it had ever been. The chimneys and support stacks of the great underground forges dominated the end facing old canterlot, leading up to the chaotic but impressive central promenades, full of restaurants markets, arenas, theaters and the rising Starlight Tower, tallest building in the town. It was constructed of wood recycled from the debris of old ponyville, decorated with huge gemstone windows depicting all the major constellations, four separate high powered telescopes pointing up at the sky above. Constructed atop the ruins of Twilight's treehouse and incorporating its remains into its lobby, it housed the governmental and religious offices of the city.

To the south lay what had once been the great shame of the area, yet was now forming into some unique of its very own. A vast shanty town formerly constructed by refugees after the day of Sunshine and Rainbows, it was once a well known slum but was now improving dramatically due to the dedicated, long term efforts of the ponyville government. Dramatically contrasting it, the approach leading up to the everfree forest boasted carefully organized lines of solidly built residences and high class entertainment premises. It ended at the largest and most distinctive of the buildings in the city, light brown brickwork covered in curling vines and flowering plantlife, solid square blocks stretching out beneath a rising central clocktower decorated with the pink butterfly of the Followers of the Apocalypse.

Fluttershy's Free Hospital, and their destination. Senior Acolyte Sweet Acorn's heart swelled at the sight of it, looking down below at the hellhound children running along the streets below and pointing up at their vertibird with exited eyes. She noticed the hellhounds sat across from her had also allowed smiles to cross their faces, even though their eyes were still narrowed and ready for any danger. Clad entirely in jet black combat armor and carrying heavily modified assault weapons, theirs was an appearance that the pink butterflies upon their breastplates hardly suited. Still Sweet Acorn knew both to be among the most honorable and loyal creatures she knew, and that their fearsome demeanor was dedicated towards deterring any trouble.

And she knew many who might want to cause it, eyes drawn across to the mare seated nearby. She was currently studying ponyville with a wistful eye, the most powerful mare in the NCR and the architect of all its prosperity.

"It's good to be back here." Velvet Remedy commented, turning to Sweet Acorn with a sweet, gentle smile that lit up her eyes, "I've always considered it home."

"More than ever I feel." Sweet Acorn commented, knowing her elder's mind, "The place has really moved upmarket since it was opened to new tenants."

Velvet Remedy chuckled, "Isn't that the truth."

They touched down just outside the hospital, a small unit of Follower security led by another hellhound operative waiting for them. Velvet Remedy was helped down, Sweet Acorn hopping down beside and thanking the two operatives as they brought down her bag and helped her buckle it on. A pair of ponyville city guard were also there, looking proud in their overdesigned uniforms as they doffed their caps. Sweet Acorn had to say that they had never needed any kind of security detail while in ponyville, still Velvet Remedy believed that all the ceremony served an important role in giving the hellhounds pride in their status within the NCR.

As such Sweet Acorn stood back as Velvet warmly thanked and spoke with the two guards, then allowed herself to be escorted to the side entrance of the hospital. There they were greeted by one of the doctors, and led down the corridor to accident and emergency.

Velvet Remedy walked out to the a chorus of excited whispers, beaming out at all their faces as she nodded and made eye contact with each of them. She brought her face up to the hellhound doctor, her voice full of affection, "I was wondering if you would let me help out Dr Lockclaw, as far as my rusty medical skills will allow at least."

He smiled back, looking proud, "Of course Miss Remedy."

"Sweet Acorn?" Velvet called, then smiled and thanked her as Sweet Acorn handed her a medical bag and took her upper robe. Velvet placed a stethoscope around her neck and walked over to a row of wide eyed hellhound children, her voice calm and gentle as she questioned them each about their ailments. One of the hellhound guards lowered and locked his weapon, moving out into the crowd to shake hands and answer questions, the other remaining on firm guard at the exit. Sweet Acorn settled in beside him, taking photos and writing a report for the Followers newsletter, along with finishing off some assorted paperwork.

Finally the event ended, Velvet Remedy thanking everyone and saying her goodbyes before following Sweet Acorn back into the hospital corridors, moving along beside with a big smile on her face, "I do enjoy these visits Sweet Acorn. I so rarely get a chance to speak with the public these days, since... Velvet Promises..."

Sweet Acorn nodded, knowing exactly how she felt.

"Calamity threatens to have a heart attack every time I go out in public. I understand his concern, but it's so isolating sometimes." Velvet considered for a moment before turning her head to look at Sweet Acorn, "There seems to be an unusually high amount of claw deformities among the hellhound young. I suspect environmental and cultural factors, draft a letter asking the city government to look into it for me?"

Sweet Acorn nodded, giving her a smile, "Of course."

"Not a single instance of violent crime today though, and from reports its incidence is right down." She nodded proudly, "If we are going to integrate hellhounds into mainstream society it has to start here, by encouraging tourism and trade links we'll introduce hellhound culture as a core part of the NCR, allow ponies to see them at their best."

"It's working Velvet Remedy." Sweet Acorn stated with confidence, loving seeing the elder at work, "Every step you take leads us closer to the ideal you dreamed of that day you set out into the wasteland."

"It... it shouldn't be my ideal." She hesitated for a moment, looking unsure of herself. She turned her eyes to her guards, brow furrowed in worry, "Bruticus, tell me the truth. Is it arrogant of me to speak for your people? Am I forcing my ideals upon you?"

He smiled, exposing lines of sharp, white teeth, "No pony forces anything upon us."

She smiled back, shaking her head, "The great advocates of your race, Fluttershy, Golden Fields and me. Each one of us quite clearly not a hellhound." She smirked wryly, "It feels presumptuous, but I can't help doing it."

"The government of the NCR are ponies, you are ponies." The hellhound shrugged, "Many would like us to represent ourselves in the council, but we remain grateful to Golden Fields. When he retires, many of his most distinguished aids are hellhounds. Our time will come."

"We remain grateful to our friends." The other guard added, then paused briefly, "I wish more hellhounds were willing to venture outside of the city, join outside organizations like we have. There are too few of us out there."

"Too many bigots." Bruticus commented, snarling a little, "See why they rather stay home."

"Then we will have to bring ponies here." Velvet commented cheerfully, "It's a beautiful city, I think so every time I see it. You know, I had a germ of an idea actually."

Sweet Acorn smiled, of course she did, "Go on."

"Well Equestria had the Equestrian Games, where teams from all over the country competed alongside visits from other nations in a grand sporting tournament." She gave Sweet Acorn a wistful smile, "Imagine, teams from each of the pegasi nations, the zebra nations, the camels, the buffalo, competing against teams from every region of the NCR. And where better to hold it than here, with many great arenas already build, central within the NCR?"

Bruticus laughed, "They would certainly think twice before causing any trouble."

"And it would be a chance to show off your hospitality."

Sweet Acorn considered the idea, thinking it was certainly something she would pay to see. Perhaps a tiny bit impractical in places... "How would you make a race between an alicorn, hellhound and pony remain fair?"

"Actually the current speed record is held by a pony. Ice Flash." Velvet Remedy smiled knowingly, "I've done my research."

Bruticus snorted cheerfully, "We'll see how well that holds up."

"Exactly." Velvet declared with cheer, "We'll end this fruitless violence, let the pride of all the factions of the NCR be decided in honorable competition."

Sweet Acorn chuckled, loving the idealistic side of the high elder, "I will start calculating steps and writing a proposal before the elders Velvet."

¬

But this wasn't just a hospital. That at least was known, that a Followers facility was housed here as well. Sitting where Fluttershy's cottage had once stood now it formed a small museum to her life, along with incorporating a few offices for assorted business. The two hellhound guards here were to prevent vandalism or theft of any of the artifacts on display... and certainly not to guard one of the Follower's biggest secrets.

One of the hellhounds nodded at their approach, leading them back into the offices. They quickly veered off into a side corridor, opening up a janitor’s closet and moving aside a tarpaulin covering at the pack to reveal a set of metal lift doors, "As you will Elder Velvet."

"Thank you." She stated kindly as Sweet Acorn followed her inside, offering the two guards an appreciative nod, "You have the rest of the day off, my sincere thanks for all your help today."

They both bowed, saluted and left, the lift doors closing as they started their decent. The doors slid open again at a small entrance hall, polished white plastic walls bearing portraits of the bearers of the Elements of harmony and a sturdy, reinforced steel door standing at the far end. Another security pony at the door moved at their approach, turning and pushing the door open. Sweet Acorn followed her as they stepped through into the lobby beyond, the symbol of the Followers beautifully inscribed upon the carpeted floor and the walls all covered in squares of polished hardwood. An older, icy looking mare moved from her desk to greet them, bowing her head regally, “High Elder, welcome. I assume you want to get straight to work?”

Velvet gave the mare an affection smile in return, “Yes, thank you Director Hawthorn.”

“No problem Elder. They’re all eager to show you the results.” She stated primly as she ushered them onwards, moving past another security checkpoint and into ‘the warren’. Dozens of office spaces sat separated off by soundproof glass, all featuring the latest technology. Monitors feed out a constant stream of information, Sweet Acorn looking around at the ponies running back and forth tallying, analyzing and writing up conclusions on everything from stock market prices to the current entertainment schedule. Every single one of them had been recruited from the best the NCR had to offer and were using the best interface software and hardware the Followers had, all powered by the crusader mainframe in the basement. This was the throbbing heart of Equestria, something that became obvious with every visit.

They moved further on into a long council chamber featuring a large oval table and doors leading off the executive offices. Seven figures were there to meet them, all standing proudly expectant. Director Hawthorn moved off to the side, Velvet advancing and nodding affectionately to each of them, “Thank you for meeting me like this. I know you’re all busy, but forgive my indulgences. I always love meeting you all outside of the confines of a view screen.”

“It’s never an imposition High Elder.” A large, matronly griffon stated in a deep, regal voice, smirking cheerfully, “We’ve certainly got plenty to go over. The NCR is hopping lately, our analysts can hardly keep up.”

“I’ve noticed, believe me.” Velvet acknowledged, nodding to the griffon, “Anything particularly interesting catch your ear Staf?”

“Oh my, plenty.” She declared with a deep chuckle, “But moving straight to the juicy stuff, Councilor Crow Foot of Salt Lick City and Councilor Bitter Lemon of Fillydephia are apparently engaged in a lot of video calls lately. Plenty of love between their respective representatives too, mutual gift giving, get together, it’s like Hearthswarming.”

Sweet Acorn frowned, that not sounding good at all. Crow Foot wasn’t the most principled of Councilors, and Bitter Lemon was generally considered to view his council responsibilities as secondary to being the biggest crime boss in the NCR. From her tone Velvet Remedy agreed, “Any clue what it’s all about?”

“From what I can gather, alcohol and blood.” Staf stated, moving a claw up to her beak, “They’re thinking of exchanging ingredients and knowhow for mutual improvement of their stills, and at the same time combine their forces to push the Mackerel boys out of Route 52. Bitter Lemon can then likely set up shop up that way, gears all nicely oiled by Crow Foot.”

“Mmh...” Velvet pursed her lips for a moment before nodding to herself, “Ok, allow the plan to go through, but tip Calamity off halfway. Have him arrest the Mackerel boys when they’re weak, blunt the councilors’ own advances. Quietly support local business to fill the vacuum left behind.”

“Letting the bad guys kill each other, then placing the financial support networks for the crime gangs in the hoofs of legitimate organizations. I like how you think Velvet.” Staf chuckled, then turned to a rather skittish looking male earth pony beside her, “Why don’t you go next Hopper?”

The nervous looking stallion gave a hesitant nod before moving forward to start his report, “We’ve convinced Greybeak to mandate more scenes featuring positive cross-species interaction on his network, and offer his support to ‘Salty Meat’ gaining a full time Hellhound cast member. Initial findings on listening habits census is that Manehatten listeners were most likely to tune into programs featuring scenes of extreme violence, and Fillydelphian listeners overwhelmingly ignore national radio stations in favor of local ones.”

Velvet frowned, “That makes it hard to disseminate our message.”

“Yes miss, unless we make an effort to gain influence over the local shows.”

“No.” She waved that off, “It will look bad. Leave that one with me, I’ll think of something. How are the plans for a video network going?”

“Poorly.” Hopper admitted with a deep sigh, “The networks still think video programs are far too expensive to produce, they are still convinced it’s a fad.”

“Hmm... need to work on that one...” Velvet considered her words for a moment before turning to a female unicorn in a rather severe suit, "Snow Shivers?”

The mare frowned, her already cold features icing over even further, “We should have Lonesome Pony shot.”

“Shivers...”

The mare glared at Velvet for a moment before drawing her head up and speaking, “Regina needs to stick to the script. She’s gaining a reputation as, all apologies, a moron. I don’t know if she thought her latest speech about the budget was funny, but her comments have got half of Manehatten openly laughing at her.”

Sweet Acorn winced, Velvet Remedy just gingerly lifting a hoof and rubbing her muzzle. Velvet took a moment to just pause before answering, “Look, Regina isn’t an economist.”

“Evidently.” Shivers answered frostily, “If you wanted a legitimate arbiter, she’s woefully unqualified. If you wanted a puppet, her temperament is disastrous.”

Sweet Acorn glared sharply at Shivers, the mare clearly having crossed the line now, “Snow Shivers, this is the High Elder you’re talking to.”

“That’s quite alright Sweet Acorn.” Velvet interrupted, giving a pained smile, “This is what I pay her for. But I wish to disagree with your point Shivers."

She frowned, "You think she's a good economist?"

"I don't believe she has to be." Velvet gave Snow Shivers a more serious look, "Flowing Script was an economist. Gawdyna wasn't. Regina might do well to remember to not run her mouth around annoying journalists, but her knowledge of a subject only barely connected to her job is irrelevant. That is Life Bloom's remit, and they all know that."

"It's about public perception..."

"The public love her, they always have." Velvet answered in a rather clipped tone, looking genuinely angry now. Sweet Acorn couldn't say she didn't warn them, unable to resist a smirk as Velvet Remedy continued, "Lonesome Pony mocks the politicians he likes for their stupid mistakes, and I've seen it only increase wider popular affection. We've all heard what he says about politicians he doesn't like, and it is far less affectionate."

"Like the things he says about you Velvet?" Snow Shivers stated with a cool smile.

"Yes, like me." She sighed, rubbing the bridge of her muzzle, "I am sorry... but they're all wrong about Regina, and it annoys me. It annoys me even more when she's seen as my puppet, where every good decision is mine, every bad decision is hers."

"For the record Elder..." A androgynous looking alicorn at the end started, levitating a sheath of paper before him, "...all reports are that Regina's opinion polls remain strong. As ever she is particularly popular among the married middle class, which form a strong voting block. All projections are that she will easily win a second term against most predicted opponents."

Velvet Remedy smiled broadly at this, "Thank you Octavius."

He nodded back at her, offering a smooth smile, "Monitoring of government traffic also indicates the council remains broadly loyal to her. Put simply, she is seen as a stabilizing force and a strong leader. Indeed her reputation for having a poor education and moderate intelligence actually seems to contribute to that. The council members seem unthreatened by her authority, and feel she values their expertise and experience."

Velvet nodded firmly, "Yes, well that was the..."

There was a firm knock behind, then the door opened to reveal the security pony that had been at the lobby entrance, "I'm sorry, Elder... we have had a security breach."

Velvet Remedy's eyes narrowed, her left hoof gently brushing against the taser pistol she kept hidden under her robes. For her part Sweet Acorn almost made sure her firearm was ready in case it was needed, "Security were able to detain them?"

"Well that's it High Elder, we're uncertain if she has clearance." The guard cleared his throat, looking nervous, "You see it's... its Arbiter Regina Grimfeathers. She barged past security and found the entrance. We've just managed to delay her at the lobby."

Velvet facehoofed, Sweet Acorn only just resisting a titter, "I... well, this isn't unusual for her I guess."

The guard stammered, "I mean... she's very angry High Elder. She's demanding to see you."

"Of course she is." Velvet wearily exclaimed, nodding to the guard, "Lead me to her. Let's see what's gone wrong this time."

Sweet Acorn had already detected something wrong with this scene, “Is... Regina supposed to know about this facility? Or how to access it?”

Velvet just chuckled, “This is Reggie Grimfeathers Sweet Acorn. I’ve learned there’s few secret bases she cannot barge her way into given the right motivation.”

They did indeed find Regina in the lobby, Sweet Acorn desperately trying not to look too disdainful of the... ahem... head of state as said figure stomped and glared around the room like a filly. Regina’s eyes instantly flicked round as they entered, muscles flexing against her scruffy suit as she growled in greeting, "Velvet, we need to talk."

Velvet quite impressively kept a look of perfect composure on her face, "I am always willing to meet with you Regina. You do not have to make a scene."

"We're far beyond scenes!" She waved an angry claw about their surroundings, "Is this your supervillian lair?"

"Regina..."

"Are you spying on me?!"

Velvet's lips pursed, everypony else in the room silent. She eventually answered, voice cool and controlled, "We keep and analyze data at this facility..."

"Spare me the bullshit!" Regina shouted, claw extending outwards towards her, "You! Tell me how information from here found itself in an anonymous e-mail to my son! Tell me how Red Eye used your exploits in government databases to cause a war between us and the zebra!"

Velvet's eyes went wide as her composure complete failed her for a second, only managing a strangled gasp. Sweet Acorn for her part backed off in panic, wondering if this had been intentional or...

“Answer me!”

"Regina... Reggie, please calm down..."

Regina took an imposing stride forward, her good claw rising off the ground and tightening into a fist, "Don't call me that. You are not my friend."

"Of course I am. Please, let us..."

"I'm not going to listen to this anymore! I've had enough of your lies!"

Velvet narrowed her eyes, making no move to defend herself as the griffon moved in close, "So we're doing this now..."

Sweet Acorn quickly held out a hoof to hold back the security forces as expected Regina threw her claw out in a hard... but then she realized the extended talons, that her claw wasn’t balled.

Regina slashed her claws across Velvet's face, everyone present opening up in a shocked gasp as blood hit the floor. Velvet touched her face briefly in shock before looking up at the griffon, "Regina, what...?!"

Regina swung again, closed fisted this time. Velvet dodged this one with a speed Sweet Acorn didn't think Velvet still possessed, tensing briefly before jabbing with a hoof and stunning the griffon with a strike to the bridge of the beak. A second strong hook from Velvet knocked Regina down, the griffon thumping on her side before instantly rolling back upright. She squared back up against Velvet, circling as she adjusted her jaw, "Huh..."

"Regina, stop this!" Velvet looked to the blood on her hoof, seemingly unable to process it, "You... drew blood... why...?"

"To convince you to take this seriously!" Regina opened her wings, driving her forward with rushing speed. Her claws cut across Velvet's shoulder, Regina halting her progress with a hard flap and dropping with a quick spin to face back up against the mare. Velvet had half turned before Regina attacked again, slamming Velvet across the cheek with a closed fist and sending her staggering, "And you've needed someone to rearrange that smug fucking face for far too long!"

One of the hellhounds took a step forward and shot Sweet Acorn a look, Sweet Acorn quickly shaking her head at him, "It's... a griffon thing. We should let it play out."

"I know thizz." The hellhound hissed, "But griffon challenge demands strike with closed fiszt. Thizz isnt the rulez!""

Sweet Acorn had already logged that information, though honestly Regina had never struck her as a particularly stable griffon in the first place, "I think... she's really upset."

Regina punched Velvet again, blackening her eye. Another strike to the jaw sent spittle flying, Regina screaming in her face, "Fight damn you! You know how this has to end!"

Regina threw another punch, Velvet meeting it with a swinging hoof and a solid crack of breaking bone. Regina drew back in pain and Velvet charged, slamming into the griffon and crushing her against the far wall. Regina attempted to punch downwards into Velvet's back but Velvet slammed a hoof into her gut, then threw her sideways into the ground.

Regina sprawled defeated, gasping in pain. Velvet looked down at the injured griffon, breathing heavily and fur matted with blood, "Is that enough!?"

Regina growled, pushing herself up, turning around and wiping down her jaw. Then she launched herself forward, claws outstretched.

"Regina, you...!" Velvet swiftly opened the clasps of her robes and darted sideways, Regina finding herself tangled in the rich fabric as Velvet neatly dodged the wild attack. A one hoofed buck to the griffon's hip sent Regina staggering sideways, still tangled in the fabric as Velvet slammed her shoulder into the griffon once more. The blow was devastating enough, sending her crashing through toppling chairs.

Velvet took a deep breath to steady herself before advancing slowly towards the panting griffon, extending a hoof, "I'm sorry Regina, but..."

Regina flung a chair at Velvet, catching her across the forehead. It stunned Velvet long enough for Regina to grab hold of another and swing it round, smacking Velvet about the head with force enough to make everyone present gasp.

Velvet staggered, swaying and looking ready to drop. Her voice slurred out, "I... don't..."

"You should!" Regina screamed, throwing the chair aside and advancing forward with an increasingly wide look in her eye, "You spied on me, manipulated me, compromised national security for your own petty ambitions! You turned my own son against me!"

This had gone too far now. Sweet Acorn was wondering whether this was indeed a 'griffon thing' or if Regina was properly trying to kill Velvet, "That's enough!"

The hellhound guard lifted his weapon, pointing it straight at Regina, "Get away from the elder! I will not ask twice!"

Regina stared grimly at Velvet, her chest rising and falling in deep, intense bursts, "Hear that Velvet? Your goons are about to shoot me. What are you going to FUCKING DO ABOUT IT?!"

Velvet kept up her look of shock for a moment more before her expression suddenly firmed, her body tensed... and she leapt, striking Regina hard in the face, slamming both hooves into the griffon’s chest to shove her hard against the wall. Velvet didn't stop there, leaping on top of Regina and baring her to the ground onto her back, bringing a fierce hoof down and slamming her hard in the face... once, twice... "Is this enough!? Is this...!?"

Regina spat blood at Velvet before opening up in a twisted grin, left eyeball already going red and the clear signs of a broken cheekbone, "Yeah... yeah you got me... does... that feel good Velvet?"

"Of course not!" Velvet drew back, tears dropping from her blooded face onto Regina's own broken features, "Why? Why make me...?!"

Regina gasped, gulping as grief flowed across her features, "Because... I didn't think you cared..."

Velvet gasped, closing her eyes tight as the tears dripped down. She finally grabbed hold of the griffon, pulling her forward into a tight hug, "Of course I do!"

Sweet Acorn let out a breath that she had been holding, quickly moving to take control of the situation, "Get a medical team down here!"

"That... that will not be necessary." Velvet answered, stepping down and gingerly helping Regina up onto her claws, "Just bring medical supplies please, and offer my apologies for the mess."

Sweet Acorn frowned, “High Elder, you’re both seriously injured...”

“And we’re both medically trained.” Velvet firmly stated, before shooting Regina a smile, “And we’ve both had the opportunities to patch each other up on many occasions.”

Regina offered a crooked smirk, “That we have.”

¬

Sweet Acorn watched as the two most powerful mares in the NCR sat in the guest room, stitching up each other's wounds in the most homoerotic way possible. She wished she able to record video on these systems, having to settle for simply watching at the two flirted and avoided eye contact, acting like a pair of reconciled lovers.

"I wasn't spying on you Regina."

Regina winced as Velvet stitched up the wound on her cheek, firming her beak in anger, "We already..."

"I was spying..." Velvet emphasized, "...on your government. And there's more to that than you realize."

Regina frowned at her, checking the wound with a claw as Velvet finished off. After confirming it was tight enough she reluctantly wetted a strip of gauss and dabbed Velvet's cheek, keeping a firm eye on the mare as she did, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Velvet smiled softly in the face of her hostility, "What I'm about to tell you is top secret, even from you Regina. It could get a lot of ponies we both care about hurt."

Regina glared at her for a few seconds before nodding, "Go on."

"You pay me to spy on you."

Regina's eyes bugged, her beak dropping open , "I... uh..."

Velvet giggled, giving an apologetic look, "Sorry, sorry. But you know that the National Security forces have an office for information acquisition and processing?"

Regina nodded, "Yes..."

"Well you're standing in it."

Anger quickly returned to Regina's eyes, "This is a Followers facility."

"Technically the Estate of Greyclaw owns the land, the facility itself is owned by National Security represented by Silver Rade, and the staff are employed by me." Velvet answered, looking up at a portrait of Calamity, Silver Rade, Ace Gold, Elegant Waters and Pitch Perfect hanging up on the wall, "It's a similar arrangement to our scientific contracts in the Angels. We provide our expertise to the government, and the government provides the required funding."

Regina countered angrily, "...but this is national security! And I knew nothing about any of this!"

"Because it is national security Regina." Velvet noted, "We wouldn't be very good spies if we advertised our presence. You are technically the head of the civilian government, where as this comes under military jurisdiction."

Regina just glared icily at her for several long seconds before speaking, "They're right. You're power mad, and clearly trying to take over Equestria or something." She extended an accusing talon, "I fought Red Eye! I know a tyrant! Damn you Velvet, I knew this would happen!"

"Regina, I don't need to take over Equestria." Velvet softly reasoned, holding up a hoof, "I tell you what to do, along with the majority of the councilors. The Steel Rangers have burned what political power they possessed on a bonfire of their own arrogance, the military is a joke, and I've pretty much run national infrastructure for years."

Regina went to argue, then her jaw slackened, "I... ugh..."

"And given poor Calamity's declining health Silver Rade pretty much controls national security. I'm sure you must have noticed we've been sleeping together for years now, I only re-married Calamity to get to her."

Regina just stood staring at her with a blank eyed expression.

"And yet the country is still falling apart, we bumbled first contact with the zebra, and half the biggest threats to the NCR were Follower trained." Velvet continued, sighing and shrugging her shoulders, "So for all my vaunted control, I'm doing a pretty poor job of it really."

Regina shook her head firmly, "Velvet, that isn't your... wait..." Her expression curved back into anger, "This is serious! Stop... doing that!”

Velvet laughed heartily, placing a soft hoof on Regina's claw and grinning at her, "Regina, you know I'm not a bad pony, and you know I'm not a mastermind. Stop pretending the only things you know about me are the things you hear on the radio."

Regina pulled the claw back, pouting, "So you and Silver Rade haven't gathered pretty much every scrap of power worth having in your hooves?" She threw her claws outwards melodramatically, "Plotting your take over while you lie in bed together."

"That's actually a rumor I found very amusing, and rather useful." Velvet stated with a little smile, "When we get together, everypony assumes we're talking about Calamity, or our children, or that we're secret lovers."

Regina glared coldly, "Instead its word domination."

"We talk about our jobs Regina. Silver Rade does exactly what her position entails, she keeps the peace on the streets, tackles corruption and makes sure we know more than our enemies. She protects the NCR, as best as she is able." Velvet Remedy concluded, giving a sweet smile, "Those are aims I support, and however much the public would like to invent some elaborate emotional story it seems Calamity simply has a taste for smart, talented mares, and our proximity allowed us to appreciate what we could achieve as a team. She asked me for advice one day, and we found our ideas matched. We set up this place to do what we felt was needed, and for years it has produced those reports that she places upon your desk. At no point did we break any laws, or acts of the constitution."

Regina dropped her head, "I don't approve of this Velvet. My mother wouldn't have approved of this. You have too much power for any one mare."

"I know." Velvet stated softly, "And I'm sorry Regina. I'm sorry I hurt you."

"You don't get to say... actually you do get to say that. You should say that more often." Regina took a deep breath, giving a sulky, childish look, "I don't want to make this about me, but... it is about me. You made my son doubt me, you made me doubt myself. And I know I'm only here because of you, that you got me elected so I could do what you wanted. That doesn't mean you have to be looking over my shoulder!"

Velvet dropped her head, thinking long and hard for several seconds. Finally she spoke, quiet and soft and full of regret, "Regina, I didn't convince you to run so you'd be a puppet to my will."

"Really?” Regina snorted, “Of course not, you chose me because of my long experience of politics and reputation for patience and restraint."

Velvet smiled in amusement, "Earlier today, I was told that your temperament made you disastrous as a puppet. And they're right." She nodded at Regina, giving a warm, encouraging smile, "You're fierce, and proud, and forthright and emotionally open in a way that I have never stopped admiring. And you never back down from a fight."

Regina's expression became troubled, "Velvet..."

"I encouraged you to become Arbiter because I knew you would be good at it." Velvet finished, "Because you are everything I wasn't. Ponies call me the smartest mare in the room, but my family life has been a disaster, I've barely a single friend I don't employ and half of Equestria thinks I'm plotting to take over the world. You on the other hoof... they elected you because they know you're honest, the council follow you because they genuinely like you, and Percival and your children could not wish for a better wife and mother."

Regina paused, looking unsure and embarrassed. Finally she shrugged, lowering her eyes, "It doesn't feel that way sometimes. Sebastian... Red Eye sent him a document listing all my dirty work, all the bribes, corruption... I'm not honest, and I'm not a good mother. He... probably hates me now."

"No he doesn't." Velvet sighed to herself before speaking, "Did you try and get him to hit you too?"

"Yeah..." Regina's face fell, "He wouldn't even do that. He couldn't even look at me."

Velvet just laughed, Regina glaring. Velvet shook her head at the griffon's sulky look, "He doesn't understand Regina. He's grown up in a better world than we did."

"He needs to be willing to challenge me." Regina stated firmly, "It's a hard world out there."

"No, it's not. Because you made it better."

Regina's expression fell further, "With lies and corruption."

Velvet just sighed, "Regina, it's dirty business. But at least you wince every time you have to sign off some blood money, and even if it's for the greater good it's never an easy decision for you." After a second she suddenly gave a angry look and raised a hoof, glaring back at Regina a little, "To be honest, do you not see the dissonance here? I haven't killed a creature in ten years, where as you boast of your skill in combat. I'm not a proud woman Regina, but I do bristle at all these double standards."

"Yeah, I know..." Regina sighed, "It gets easier I guess. I'm not sure why I'd rather him see me as a killer, rather than a liar."

"Because for some reason, the latter is still a far more serious accusation." Velvet smirked, "Not that I'm bitter."

Regina smiled softly for a moment before it once more left her lips, "Velvet, not that I'm not sympathetic, you're probably right... but the reason I'm here is still something we need to talk about."

Velvet took a breath, "Your son receiving that message."

"Yeah." Regina looked Velvet in the eye, no levity in them, "Whoever sent it must have had access to this facility Velvet. They must have had access to you."

Velvet's mouth twitched, a second before she nodded once again, "Yes... that seems to be the most likely answer."

"Percival has always been certain that Red Eye's bandit operations were a smoke screen for a much more sophisticated operation based in the very highest corridors of power." Regina stated with an accusing tone, looking Velvet firmly in the eye, "And that they were receiving funding, big funding, from a major NCR organization."

Velvet sighed, nodding her head, "Yes. I wasn't going to say anything, not until we were sure but... we are now almost certain that the main contributor towards Red Eye's cause are the Rangers." She met Regina's stare, the griffon already seeming skeptical, "The money, the resources, the Intel... all lead right back to ranger holdings."

"That makes no sense Velvet." Regina gave her a challenging look, "The Rangers are fighting Red Eye."

Velvet nodded, "As you say, it makes little sense from the outside. But you have to look at the long term benefits."

"So enlighten me." Regina waved her claws at Velvet, "What does it accomplish?"

Velvet nodded, taking a deep breath before starting, "Well we figured out that something was wrong with the picture we were being shown rather quickly. Towns were being raided that never existed, caravans burned that produced neither wreckage nor corpses. I originally wondered if this was some sort of insurance scam by the merchants in the area, and it appears it is in part. However the ultimate beneficiaries of these insurance scams can all be identified as ranger shell companies and affiliated organizations. The rangers are making a great deal of money out of this, we're almost certain."

Regina looked a little disappointed, "So... this is all about money?"

"No." Velvet quickly assured, "The money is being placed straight back into the operation, likely being used to pay and equip the raiders. I have no reason not to believe that they are real, we have had independent sightings of their movements. The battles between them and the rangers themselves seem to have taken place, I have concluded the casualties on both sides are certainly real enough."

"They're... paying raiders to attack them?" Regina shook her head, "Tell me I'm missing something."

"The Rangers have gained a great boost in public support since the attacks on FIllydephia, at a time when they need it most.” Velvet offered, though not without an element of uncertainty in her voice, “They look like heroes again."

Regina frowned, "It doesn't look like that from here. The Rangers are almost finished. A whole group went up north to fight Red Eye and never came back."

Velvet's eyes filled with worry, her voice going quiet, "Yes, well... I think their investment might have misfired on them."

Regina's expression shifted, becoming very grave all of a sudden, "The explosion at Ranger HQ... they believe it was an attack on them, originating from an outside faction."

"But the chances of an outsider infiltrating their main facility are truly remote." Velvet observed.

"So... a group the rangers set up has started... attacking the rangers?" Regina looked a little lost now, "Why?"

"That is where I move into outright speculation." Velvet admitted, "But the death of Peach Trees and the disappearance of Swift Lancer places authority in the hooves of Elder Victore Scrivener. Her political leanings are widely considered isolationist and anti-NCR."

"I'm still lacking something here." Regina impatiently observed, "If they're trying to rally support for themselves within the NCR, then why then move down an anti-NCR direction?"

"Well maybe not everyone involved is working for the same goal. In my experience compartmentalized conspiracies are all too easily subverted." Velvet observed, "Take the Screwball Society, a collection of lost souls looking for divine guidance. All taken advantage of by a group of greedy corporate barons looking to destabilize Velvet Promises, in turn taken advantage of by a Followers Elder with delusions of godhood." She pursed her lips in worry, her voice serious, "It has always been my opinion that 'Red Eye' does not exist, that he is in fact a symbol representing a group of individuals working together. That brings forward the possibility that they may not be all working for the same goals, and even that High Elder Peach Trees and Stern Lancer were part of the conspiracy themselves. That would grant a clear motive for their assassination, to wrest control of the ‘Red Eye’ movement."

"The end result still makes no sense." Regina observed, "The Rangers are almost destroyed, and we're just about to arm the regular military with their tech. That’s bad for them, no matter how you slice it."

"It's a fair point, and one we've been asking ourselves." Velvet admitted, "...but thinking about it, what if the conspiracy has been subverted for the very purpose of destroying the Rangers somehow? The conflict with the Twilight Society for instance, and especially how they were able to assault a major Ranger facility and almost totally destroy it. It never made sense."

Regina's expression grew grave, "The attack was allowed to succeed. Somepony on the inside tipped the Society off, then let them succeed."

"This cannot just come from the Rangers, he must have contacts in other organizations... such as the Twilight Society themselves quite possibly.” Velvet reasoned, “And to do the things he was accused of Red Eye would need help from individuals within the government, individuals with access to government databases and internal records."

"And they would need access to you."

"Yes..."

Regina grimaced, deciding not to push that point, "I still don't get the motives here. Why cause trouble between us and the zebra?"

"Perhaps a targeted strike against this Caesar." Velvet offered, "He was always our preferred partner, despite the unsavory rumors of corruption of authoritarianism. An attempt to sour relations between us and him may suit the aims of those devoted to the NCR's republican and democratic ideals."

Regina gave her a hard stare, "Another thing that points towards the Followers Velvet."

"I suppose so, yes. I have suspected that Zenai was an agent of his, though I have ruled out her being high ranking. And yes, Fluttershy too. She would never work with bandits, nor deal in the sort of violence we've been seeing... but she does have a history of anti-governmental activism." Velvet narrowed her eyes, "I'd note that this Red Eye's knowledge of the inner workings and philosophy behind the actual pony is exceptional."

"So there's a high ranking member of his organization involved?"

"Either that or one that's studied the subject intensely. They are certainly very well read." Velvet commented, "That's one of the biggest differences between them and the real Red Eye. While Red Eye was a fan of the classics, that was only noticeable in his philosophies. This fake Red Eye tends to allude and even quote directly from literary works, even when talking to common raiders."

"So a pretentious scholar raider boss." Regina concluded, "There can't be that many of those."

Velvet smiled, "You'd be surprised. Red Eye wouldn't have lasted long promoting nopony but illiterate thugs. We've tallied more than a dozen on our 'missing in action' list alone... including one interesting member, though I don't know if it's relevant."

Regina crossed her arms, staring Velvet down, "Go on."

Velvet nodded and quickly pressed a few buttons on her pipbuck, eventually calling up an image of a chubby faced stallion in his late twenties maybe, thuggish and sullen looking, "An application for amnesty, requesting a position in the NCR's border patrol. The stallion in question expressed continued admiration of Red Eye, and among his skills listed that he was fully literate and proved it by running off a number of texts... texts that this fake Red Eye has quoted from repeatedly."

Regina narrowed her eyes at the name, "Dust Kicker... Dust Kicker? The mercenary?"

"None other." Velvet confirmed, "Curious isn't it? How every single member of that group has something linking them to this Red Eye. Even Star Swirl is of course an alicorn, even if she never directly worked with the slavers. Now that they've all gone off the grid I can't help but wonder at the connection."

Regina's expression darkened, "As much as I would like to deny it, Arick is hardly the most trustworthy of griffons..."

"And my son is... at that age." Velvet gave a sad nod, "And hates me specifically. There is motive there, and he does possess some of the required connections."

"Wait a moment..." Regina began, narrowing her eyes in thought, "Could this be connected to Velvet Promises? A hatred of authoritarianism, dislike for the Rangers, involvement of the Twilight Society..."

"That is certainly a valid interpretation." Velvet agreed, then looked troubled for a moment. She held up a hoof, tapping it against her jaw, "You know that gets me thinking..."

Regina gave her a questioning look, "Penny for them?"

"Well... I don't want to name names, it's likely nothing." Velvet frowned deeply, not looking like she was convincing herself, "But I spoke with a pony connected with the rangers who expressed a lot of respect for Velvet Promises..."

"Who...?"

There was a sudden sharp knock at the door, Regina pausing at the start of her sentence. After a moment she abandoned what she was about to say, calling out, "Come in."

The door opened, a Followers guard entering and giving a quick bow, "Lady Arbiter, I have a priority transmission from General Brigandine, Code Orange."

"Orange?" Regina answered in surprise, Velvet's face tightening and her lips curling into a frown.

Sweet Acorn herself was well aware of what that meant, stopping the recording and saving it to a hidden folder before powering down the computer and retrieving her jacket. She swept it over her hooves before moving out into the room and out into the corridor, meeting Velvet and Regina as they hurried towards her at a hurried pace, "Elder, I heard a commotion. Is everything alright?"

"That's to be seen." Velvet answered with a reassuring but still strained smile, nodding to Sweet Acorn, "Please, follow me Sweet Acorn. It seems General Brigandine has something important to tell us."

¬

They stepped into Velvet Remedy’s private chambers, the guard making sure to shut the door behind them and stand guard outside. The room was as ever, elegant and comfortable, Velvet Remedy always having had a taste for tasteful luxury. Sweet Acorn took position beside Velvet and Regina as they moved to the sofas in front of the main view screen, bringing out her pipbuck and preparing to take minutes, “High Elder, Arbiter, whenever you’re ready.”

Velvet nodded, “Please Sweet Acorn.”

She pushed the button on her pipbuck and the screen activated, revealing the well worn features of General Brigandine. He nodded curtly, looking stressed and nervous, “Arbiter...” He paused for a moment, looking surprised, “...you’re hurt?”

Regina scowled, “This isn’t a social call General.”

“Ah, yes... indeed, this is a code orange. Do you trust everyone in the room?”

Regina gave a short nod back, “Of course.”

“Very well.” General Brigandine looked less than convinced, still he briefly looked down at his notes before continuing, “Seven hours ago, the storms between here and the Zebra lands stopped.”

“I know.” Regina answered with a note of impatience, “I asked recon to check it out. Have they found something?”

“Y... yes. To say the least.” The general took a deep breath, “With the storms gone we were able to extend our camera grid across the sea, and quickly located this photo.”

He held up a photo, extremely blurry, showing several grey mechanical shapes on the water’s surface. Regina frowned at the sight, eventually asking, “What am I looking at?”

The general nodded, “Lady Arbiter, we got the analysts to look at it, and... well they’ve identified two of the big ones to be zebra dreadnaughts, and the third to be the ENF Harmony, a Equestrian heavy battleship from the war.” He put the photo down, nodding gravely, “The others are smaller, but appear to include several cruisers and what look like troop transports. They are all heading for the Equestrian coast.”

Velvet instantly spoke up at this, her voice sounding unusually calm, “Are you telling me a zebra invasion force is heading this way?”

Regina on the other hand spoke in a voice barely below a bark, “ETA?!”

“Two weeks, maybe?” The general shrugged, “They have speeded up since the storm passed. We are attempting to find technical specifications.”

“I assume you’ve attempted to hail them?” Velvet gently inquired.

“High Elder, we were waiting for the Arbiter’s go ahead.” He explained, “We did not want to tip them off to the fact that we are aware of them.”

“Fair enough.” Regina stated, clenching a talon tightly before moving it up to her beak and responding in a tense, barely controlled voice, “Give me options.”

The general drew himself up, “Well...”

“How quickly can the air fleet mobilise?”

Velvet Remedy looked across at Regina, eyes disapproving, “Regina, we should try diplomacy first.”

“Carry a big stick.” She replied curtly, still looking at the monitor, “We surround the zebra fleet, point every gun we have at them, and then open a channel. Ask them to give us good reasons not to blow them out of the water.”

Velvet spoke softly, “Testing them might go badly...”

Regina’s response was sharp and angry, glaring across at Velvet, “They’ve tested me! I’m sick to death of these assholes picking a fight with the NCR. First the Enclave, and now the zebra want a go? Fine, we’ll kick their ass same as the others!”

Velvet pursed her lips, then turned up to General Brigandine, “General, how prepared are our ground forces to resist invasion?”

The general paused noticeably before speaking, “That information is technically top...”

Regina spat, “Just tell her already Brigandine! She could almost certainly read the same information off a spreadsheet just next door!”

“Very well.” He expressed with a sigh, “I can have a whole division up there by their ETA. I can have a further two within a week, with another one protecting New Canterlot.”

Regina blinked, looking shocked, “Really? I thought we wouldn’t be ready for months.”

General Brigandine grinned, looking rather proud of himself as his whiskers fanned outwards, “Ever since the unfortunate incident at Demonivore I’ve had my people working on plans for Equestria’s defence. As I said earlier, we’ll lose the ports. Still I’ll have five thousand souls defending the passes upwards into Equestria, with another fifteen on their way.”

“There.” Regina gave a satisfied smirk, neck feathers puffing out, “I’m on my way back to inspect the preparations, have everything be made ready Brigandine.”

“Of course Lady Arbiter.”

Velvet Remedy turned as Regina made her way to the door, gently warning, “Regina, I don’t approve of this course of action. We know very little about their capabilities...”

Regina stopped, then slowly turned to give her a withering glare, “Velvet, you might be the ‘smartest mare in the room’ but care to remember my talents. I spent most of my life in the Talons, warfare is in my blood.” She smiled, feathers puffing out even more, “And if they all think me weak, let me show them what I showed Red Eye, Sunny and the Enclave.”

Velvet watched her leave, silent for a moment before she turned to Sweet Acorn, “Please type up those minutes for me Sweet Acorn. I have to prepare for the worse.”

“Of course High Elder.”

~

Sweet Acorn finished uploading the camera footage and security information, clicking send before sitting back and waiting for a response. The only sound in the darkened confines of Velvet's office was the soft hum of the monitor in front, window shuttered down and door locked. After a moment her eyes flicked to the screen as text scrolled across.

:- You have something to report?

Sweet Acorn decided to get the important information out of the way, "I think Velvet Remedy suspects Silent Steel."

:- Expected. I told him that would happen.

"What should I do about it?"

:- Delay her by a week. Then convince her to confront him personally.

She hesitated at this. She trusted the intentions of the pony on the other side of the screen, but wasn't willing to bet the lives of those she cared about on that trust, "You're not going to... hurt her?"

:- Of course not. We have agreed on this from the start, Velvet is important.

:-Let her take along a couple of those big hellhounds, talk to him in his manehatten office. Besides, we are both aware that Silent Steel would never raise a hoof against Velvet Remedy.

Sweet Acorn wondered, but she knew not to question, "Velvet is now certain of the Steel Ranger connection as well."

:- As expected. We have now reached the point where nothing but the network matters however, and I will soon have other resources in the field. Even the raiders are fully expendable, should that become needed. I have made sure that most of Hopeville's defenses are fully automated, and Sandreda's forces are fully capable of plugging any holes that may occur.

Sweet Acorn had a feeling this next bit of news wouldn't be a surprise, "The zebra armada is two weeks out. Regina has ordered a cautious assault upon it by the NCR airforce..."

:- As incapable of reasoned thought as ever. That reckless imbecile has just been waiting for a chance to get innocent ponies killed.

Sweet Acorn gulped, having almost never seen the pony express anger like that, "Excuse me?"

:- Nothing, it's just... predicable.

:- We will see how this works out for her then. And please, tell me the result of Regina's and Velvet's meeting.

"They..." Sweet Acorn wondered how to describe it without making it sound... twee, "They had a big fight, then they... shouted at each other a bit, then... they hugged, bandaged each other up and said sorry."

It took a few moments for a reply to come.

:- Interesting.

:- I am pleased. The bonds of friendship can be strong it seems.

"I guess so."

:- Well...

:-...

:- It seems that I will have to try harder then...