//------------------------------//
// Chapter 26: Targeted Arrival 
// Story: Daring Do and the Hand of Doom 
// by Unwhole Hole 
//------------------------------//

The thin grasses and cold rocks of the tundra stood silent, blowing gently in the breeze. There was no sound, nor were there any living animals to make noise. Overhead, the sky was growing dark with thick clouds that swirled upward toward the twin-peaks of Lyskymm. The sight would have been picturesque or even beautiful had there been any ponies present to witness it. 
Snow began to fall, slowly drifting downward as the sky began to vibrate with strange energy. Suddenly orange lightning flashed through the clouds and the temperature dropped precipitously. Space in the field began to distort as the air began to solidify- -and then the fabric of reality itself cracked violently as it was torn open from within. 
A portal opened, and a pony stepped out. Her long white main trailed behind her, blown by the ionized wind of the spell, and her red eyes scanned her surroundings. 
“Incursion coordinates are confirmed,” she said, softly. She then stepped onto the stony ground. Behind her, more ponies followed. The select group of brothers and sisters she had taken with her, as well as Caballeron and his associates. Those of them who were not Pegasi were wearing portable oxygen masks
Caballeron stared at the portal almost in awe. “This shouldn’t even be possible.” He sidled up to the nameless Pegasus commander. “How did you accomplish such a feat?”
“I doubt you have the background understanding necessary to comprehend the nature of geosynchronous targeting satellites,” she said, curtly. 
The rest stepped through, and the portal began to close. Caballeron stared at it wistfully. “With that power, I could reach anywhere in Equestria at any time. All these years…she’s always been able to get there first. If I could open portals…”
“Which is a moot argument. The required spell takes an incredible amount of power and skill. Even among the Highers, it is considered nearly impossible.”
Zel, who was shivering violently, glared at her. “So knowing this basis/you bring us here, of all places?”  
“As I’ve said. Our employer will spare no expense at retrieving the Hand of Doom. You asked for the mare called Daring Do. She is on this mountain.”
“Can you be sure?” asked Caballeron. 
“Yes.”
“Then we need to set to work finding her, now don’t we?”
“Are you in a hurry?”
“According to our deal, I do not exactly get paid hourly.” 
“Nor do I. I will accelerate the process.”
“Good. Now, from the distinctive peak of this mountain I can surmise that it is Lyskymm. Daring Do will most likely seek out the nearest village, which legend holds is on the north side- -”
“We are familiar structure of the mountain. And we will handle the operation.”
“You don’t know her as well as I do!”
“That is not the point.” The commander moved incredibly slightly and a large armored stallion approached Caballeron. “We permitted you to come with us because of your insistence, as a sign of goodwill. However, until the Hand is recovered, your safety is our top priority.”
Caballeron’s eyes narrowed. “This is MY task, MY ‘operation’!”
“No. You are the only one of us- -and perhaps the only pony in Equestria- -who can translate our sketches. You must not be injured or captured. You are a critical resource.”
Caballeron sneered. “I see. Captured. Exactly as you are doing.” 
Argiopé approached him from the side. For the occasion, she had taken the form of an extremely shapely goat. She put her cloven hoof on Caballeron’s shoulder. “Herr doktor, please listen to her. It would require less work from you.”
“It’s not a matter of work, it’s a matter of pride! I was promised independence in my doings, and yet here you are attempting to tell ME how to do MY job!”
Argiopé hugged his neck. “Perhaps it is a matter of framing? You wouldn’t think twice about sending myself or Rogue to do a task for you. Think of them as your workers. Other henchponies. Like me.” 
Caballeron did not miss a beat; he had grown accustomed to dealing with Argiopé’s idiosyncrisities and knew exactly what she needed to hear and when she needed to hear it. “You are much more than a henchpony, senorita,” he whispered. He kissed Argiopé on the cheek, and Argiopé blushed profusely. Withers and Rogue both turned several shades of green upon seeing their boss kissing a changeling who had assumed the form of a goat. 
Still angry, though, Caballeron turned toward the commander and took several steps toward her. She was shorter than him, but she did not recede on his approach. He realized that he found that as admirable as he found it infuriating. “Fine,” he said. “If it means I get paid on time. But may I be honest?”
“Of course. Honesty is one of the Elements of Harmony. It is critical in how we chose to live our lives.”
“Don’t mock me! I don’t trust you.”
“Nor should you. Although I have been kind to you- -relatively- -I am not subject to pony morality.” She leaned forward suddenly. Caballeron did not take a single step back, and the commander smiled. “That said. I intend to please you. In any way I am able.”
Argiopé hissed violently and momentarily lost a significant part of her surface spell; the result was, for a fraction of a second, a demonic looking goat-insect hybrid. Caballeron held up his hoof to silence her, something that she only allowed him to do begrudgingly. 
“You will work with my associates. If I cannot be there to capture Daring Do, then they will be there in my place. And once you have her bound? Bring her to me.”
The commander paused, considering. “Granted,” she said, quickly. “We will. But first we must find shelter. This mountain has extensive caves which should be adequate.” She began walking. “We should hurry,” she said. “Before your Zebra freezes. Unless you would rather save the cost of paying him.”
Caballeron paused and looked back at Zel, who was now being held by tightly by Brass Knuckles. His shivering had slowed, and his eyes were closed. Seeing him, Caballeron found himself wishing that the minotaur had stayed behind. Had she not been present, he would have been able to put the commander’s admittedly brilliant suggestion into practice.