Vinyl and Octavia were escorted part of the way home by an agent while they were blindfolded because they were only new minor agents. Once they reached an alley in central Canterlot and no pony was looking the agent quickly took the blindfolds off and ran.
“Bye...I guess.” Vinyl said.
Vinyl looked at Octavia who seemed rather panicked. Her eyes were wide and she was shuddering a little.
“Uh, Octy are you okay? You seem a little bit… shaken up.”
“I mean, we just got taken from our house while we were sleeping then became spies who will have their memory erased if they break a rule.”
“Just don't break any of the rules then.”
“But what if it's an accident?”
“Well then we’ll just have to make sure we're very careful. I mean it can't be that hard considering Derpy hid an entire underground base from us.”
“You know what Vinyl? You're right, I need to calm down. I'm being unreasonable. Even though we're literal spies now. Do you think we’re going to have to have a gun fight or something crazy like that?”
“That would be awesome!”
“No it wouldn't!”
“Yeah it would! What if we also have hand to hand combat fights?”
“Vinyl we are going to die!”
“No, calm down Octy, Derpy knows what she's doing and she'll help keep us safe.”
“Yeah, you're right. I'm just freaking out because this is all sort of new and strange. You know what I mean? I'm just a cello player one day then the next I'm a spy.”
“You’re a cello player who just happens to be a spy as well, not just a spy.”
“Thanks Vinyl, putting it that way really helps.”
“No problem.”
They walked out of the alley and to their surprise found themselves quite close to home. It was the alley on the side of a bakery 3 blocks up from their house. In celebration of being accepted into P.O.N.E. and Derpy helping them in their new spy journey they decided to buy a cake. Vinyl wanted chocolate and Octavia wanted vanilla but they decided on blueberry for Derpy. Fifteen minutes later they were home. Vinyl reached to open the door but before she could pull down on the doorknob the door opened and Derpy was standing there.
“Hi you guys. I heard the news that you got in. Come inside.”
Vinyl turned to Octavia who just mouthed “That was weird.”
They walked inside and put the cake in the fridge then sat down next to Derpy on the couch. She looked really excited and without warning hugged both of them.
“I’m so proud of you! I can’t believe you actually got accepted into P.O.N.E.! Most ponies who find out just fail the test and get their memory wiped. It’s amazing that both of you are such good friends that you passed the test and joined P.O.N.E.”
“What do you mean? What was that test about?” Asked Vinyl.
“That test is to determine two things. One is to determine if you can keep the secret of the agency and the other is to determine possible good agents. The first part doesn’t even matter if you can’t accept the risk of being an agent, you just get your memory erased anyway.”
“Wait, so the test said we were trustworthy and capable of being good spies?” Vinyl questioned eagerly.
“Yes, and that’s why I’m so proud of you both. You proved yourselves worthy of being loyal friends and being able to take risks to help other ponies.”
“Wow, not many ponies must pass that test then.” Said Octavia.
“Well very few ponies find out about P.O.N.E. and even fewer pass the test, so yes, it is a very rare occasion.” Replied Derpy. “One thing you need to know though is that there are some rules which I need to tell you.”
Vinyl groaned and asked, “How long is this going to take?”
“Umm, it might take a while so get comfortable.”
Vinyl groaned again and propped a pillow behind her back. Derpy went upstairs and came back five minutes later.
“What took that long?” Asked Octavia.
“I had to go get the rules.” Said Derpy. “Sorry this is mandatory. Even though it takes forever. Ok so the first rule is obviously not to tell anypony about the organization or anything that could lead them to discovering the organization. Second rule, which is also pretty simple, is don’t use equipment on civilians without authorization.”
After what felt like hours to Vinyl and thirty minutes to Octavia, Derpy finally finished reading the rules.
“Thank Celestia that’s over!” Vinyl said while laying upside down over the top of the couch.
“Oh come on Vinyl it didn’t take that long.” Said Octavia. “Oh Derpy we forgot to tell you when we got here but Vinyl and-, me and Vinyl got a cake to celebrate becoming spies and you getting new prodigies.”
“Aw, thanks you guys.” Derpy exclaimed while smiling.
Across the room Vinyl grinned at Octavia who was clearly trying to work on being less formal.