Sunset watched Tonya shiver as her lover nodded her agreement to the Warden of Death. Sunset was still a little flabbergasted that Tonya had agreed to submit completely to the Dreamwardens Oaths. The ability to dreamwalk wasn't worth letting them mess with her head any more than they already had. Tonya was the only pony that she was willing to let do such a thing, and she'd only agreed to other instances because she had no other real choice.
Besides, from the way Tonya had flinched at mention of Tattered Wing's punishment Sunset imagined it must be horrible indeed. It was best just to avoid the temptation such an ability presented. Hopefully Tonya wouldn't come to regret her decision.
She was concerned about why Tonya would be so nervous about having her thoughts from that night broadcast. Whatever happened was either an impulsive decision or an accident. She didn't think Tonya had it in her to premeditate this. Tonya had been reluctant to even go to Number Crunch to begin with, and Sunset had regretted asking her to do it almost instantly from the hurt in Tonya's eyes that night.
Well, the moment of truth had come. This would decide Tonya's fate. Sunset silently prayed for whatever mercy God could spare her.
The memory came into focus in the starry sky. It was Phobia's house, in the kitchen. The view from Tonya's perspective was of Sunset herself, and no other pony was around. Sunset remembered this well.
"That blasted overly-righteous Broken One is refusing to see that bastard dead!" Sunset's past self fumed.
"He's in custody," Tonya replied. "I'm sure they'll throw the book at him when he's taken to trial."
Sunset's past self started pacing. "It's best if he is just taken care of without any more humans hearing of this. He makes ponies look bad. I'm also not willing to let that bastard just get a cushy jail cell somewhere. I want him dead."
She needs to calm down. If she tries to go take vengeance herself she'll ruin everything she's worked for. Came Tonya's disembodied voice. It took Sunset a moment to realize those were Tonya's thoughts back then.
"Sunset, please, don't do anything rash. I'm angry too, but if you try to kill him you'll end up hurting yourself, and if Phobia ever finds out what will she think of you?" Tonya pleaded.
"She'll think her mother would do anything to protect her and see justice done for her, that's what," her past self said with a stomp.
She's being way too loud. Somepony is going to hear her.
"Sunset, please calm down. Phobia, Rosetta, and Tom are all right upstairs. They're going to hear you," Tonya continued to plead in a hushed voice.
Sunset's past self looked up at the ceiling then back down to Tonya. "I need you to do me a favor. Go to Number Crunch and see if she is willing to take care of this. One way or another I'm seeing that disgrace to the pony race dead!"
She's dead set on this. I don't think I'm going to be able to talk her down. I don't know what to do...and going to Number? She has been trying to be a better pony. This is exactly the opposite of that. I can't go to Number with this. She'll never trust me again. She'll think that no one believes she really a better pony. It will hurt her.
Sunset in the present shook her head. This had been so unfair to both Tonya and Number. Her temper and rage had been out of control. She should have just asked Tonya to help her with letting Tattered Wing do the right thing. So much misery could have been saved. She wondered if she'd ever be able to look Number in the eye after this. She just hoped she had the opportunity to continue to look Tonya in the eyes after all this.
"If that's what you want me to do..." Tonya said. Sunset couldn't see it from Tonya's perspective, but she remembered the hurt that came at this moment in Tonya's eyes.
"Yes...I do," her past self replied.
What happens if I refuse? Will she get mad at me? Will she not want me anymore? I can't tell her no.
"Yes, you could have," she said softly in the present. "I love you, and would never abandon you for standing your ground on what you believe is right, even against me."
Tonya in the present must have heard her, because their eyes met and both teared up as they looked at one another.
Tonya in the past sighed. "Alright, I'll go see Number. I don't think she'll do it though."
I hope she doesn't, anyway. She should hopefully be better than this. I don't want blood on her or Sunset's hooves. I don't want Phobia to find out and think her mother is a murderer. She's already gone through enough.
The only thought for herself that Tonya had through the whole thing was an unnecessary fear of being abandoned. Most of her thoughts were concerns for others. This was good. The Dreamwardens had to see that she was a good mare.
"If she doesn't then I'll find some pony or human that will," Sunset's past self growled. "I'm starting with my reliable option first."
The vision bobbed its head in a nod and then turned, walking out of the kitchen, through the living room, and out of the house.
Tonya took to the air after leaving the house and the view took Sunset's breath away. Everything down below seemed so small. She could see the whole layout of the town, the river in the distance, and she could see woods that seemed to stretch on into the horizon. Sunset loved her magic, but watching this she suddenly wondered if she would have been happier if she were a pegasus. She'd love to share in this with her lover. A pony could lose themselves in the serenity of this.
Tonya's vision was fantastic as well. The details down below were easy to make out as Tonya focused on different things below. At this point Sunset felt a little jealous of Tonya's abilities. It was no wonder that Tonya had been eager to shed the lead pegasus job. She couldn't imagine any pegasus wanting to be grounded in one spot and not being able to enjoy this.
The town hall quickly advanced into view. Out in the street she could see Tattered Wing speaking with the military that had been loaned into town. Tonya descended towards the front doors of town hall and was going so quickly that even just watching it Sunset subconsciously braced herself for the massive impact against the ground. The impact never came as Tonya broke her seeming dive and came in for a graceful landing. Just watching it had about given Sunset a heart attack though.
Tonya headed through the doors and turned her head briefly to the sounds of some guards locking a door at the far end of the right hallway.
Guess that's where he's being held. Makes sense. This town really doesn't have anything that counts as a jail.
The sound of muffled voices attracted Tonya's attention to the left hallway.
And since Tattered Wing is still outside Number must still be here. She's got someone with her though. Maybe I should try to catch her when she leaves.
Tonya sat listening for a moment then shook her head.
Stop putting this off, stupid pegasus. Just head over to her now and find the right moment to discuss this when you can.
Tonya went down the hallway, glancing backwards briefly to see the guards departing.
Guess they're really confident he can't get out of that room. I need to keep a careful ear out for Tattered Wing though. Her walking into this conversation would be really bad. Maybe I really should have just caught Number outside. If I don't do this now I'll lose my nerve though.
Tonya went down the hall and stood outside the door briefly. The voices inside could now be heard clearly.
Number was speaking. "I've done the math on how many humans have gotten these loans. Tell me... what exactly is math to you?"
"Um, a very important subject to learn in school?" A voice Sunset couldn't quite place replied. It was familiar though.
"Mental-abuse-to-humans," Number laughed at her not particularly funny joke. "Sorry, mathematician joke, math is kind of my thing."
Sunset rolled her eyes. If the Dreamwardens wanted to torture a pony they should just subject them to a full stand-up comedy hour from Number.
"I kind of guessed that. I can't thank you enough though. I didn't expect so much help with this," the other voice replied, with a hint in the tone she didn't find the joke that funny either, but also gratitude.
Number is enjoying herself and doing good things. I really hate myself right now.
"I'm happy to help. It feels good being able to do good for someone else and today has been a long day of helping dreams come true. This is definitely my favorite aspect of my job," Number concluded, echoing Tonya's assessment.
Tonya raised a hoof to the door and knocked. She then carefully pulled downward on the side of the door knob and pushed open the door.
She entered into the room with her gaze held low, but the occupants of the room could still be seen clearly. Sitting behind the desk was Number Crunch. Sitting at the front of the desk with an earth pony filly in her lap was Devon Middleton, and a night pony colt sitting patiently close by. Sunset now recalled Tonya having told her that morning about her.
"Number, I know it's late and you want to go to home to your husband soon, but Sunset has something she needs us to take care of," Tonya said in a low, dejected voice.
Number seemed puzzled. "What kind of something? Surely anything else financial can wait till morning."
"It's something else than that," Tonya said as she turned her focus to Devon.
She's probably doing a mortgage contract with this human. This could take awhile before she's ready.
Tonya's gaze went back to Number. "Are you about done here? I need to discuss this with you in private."
I don't know if I want her to say yes or no. I don't want to really do this.
Devon got up from where she was sitting. "We're done. Come on Robby, let's go find some dinner and then go find Miss Phobia."
This human knows Phobia?
"You're going to look for Phobia? Why?" Tonya asked. The tone told Sunset that Tonya was on edge.
"She had volunteered to help with watching my son sometimes overnight and I was going to see what kinds of times were convenient for her," Devon explained.
I guess that's not too surprising. Phobia's always been so nice.
A shake of the head followed as Tonya answered. "Tonight might not be the best night to be bothering her. Her head is likely in a very bad place right now. She's had a very bad night tonight, so I'd recommend waiting a few days at least."
Things like this can alter a person forever. I hope she's to where she can function again soon, but I'm not sure if the same Phobia will be coming back. It's like my friend's been murdered but still there.
"I know the circumstances and concur with Tonya. Tonight is definitely not the night to be knocking on Phobia's door," Number Crunch said in a grim tone. "Maybe in a few weeks she'll be more up to things, perhaps Tonya can let her know you were trying to follow up."
"Yeah, I'll do that for you. She'll need some distractions," Tonya replied.
It works with Sunset. Maybe it will work with Phobia too. I want my friend to be okay.
"Is she okay? Did something happen? She was very nice to me and my foals," Devon asked with worry.
What am I supposed to say to that? The more I think about this the more angry I get.
There was a slight shake of her head. "We don't know yet. She's definitely hurt, physically and mentally. I'm not giving out the details, but hopefully she'll recover soon. Hopefully. I'll let her know you were concerned about her. What's your name?"
"Devon, Devon Middleton."
What!? It can't be!
Tonya's vision now focused completely on Devon.
"Did you say Devon Middleton? As in wife to Paul Middleton?" Tonya asked slowly.
Devon peered at Tonya with a confused looked. "Yeah, that's me. Do I know you?"
Paul never bothered to really introduce me to you. Didn't even bother to invite me to the wedding. So you wouldn't know me.
"It's complicated," Tonya said with an aggravated tone and a hard shake of her head. "Where's Paul?"
"He...didn't come. He drove us to the convention center yesterday and left us," Devon said in a voice full of hurt as she stared down at the floor.
"He did what!!" Tonya screamed.
That fucking bastard! First he turns his back on me after our parents did, now he does this to his own wife? How could he do that?
The little night pony colt fluffed his fur up and stood protectively between Tonya and Devon, looking as intimidating as a small colt could look.
Family is supposed to care and protect one another from danger. They're supposed to see to it that no one gets hurt, not hurt them themselves! Not abandon them!
Devon tried to get the little colt to step back. "I don't want to be discussing this in front of my son."
Tonya focused on the little night pony.
This is my nephew? He seems ready to try to fight me for yelling at Devon. At least somepony in the family is willing to fight for their loved ones. I have family here, I haven't had family in forever.
There was a pause in the thoughts.
Actually, I have had family before now. Sunset and Phobia are my family too. Maybe not by blood, but they're family.
"We'll talk in a day or two. I can't believe he would--He turned his back on me--actually I believe it. Fuck my brother," Tonya said with venom in her voice that echoed her thoughts.
"Brother?" Devon said with confusion. "You're..."
We are not going to go down that road!
"Don't say that name!" Tonya hissed.
Tonya's rage took Sunset aback. She'd never known Tonya to be this angry. Yes, Tonya's anger could be sparked by saying her dead name. Sunset didn't even like hearing her own human name used. But Tonya was in white hot rage.
"Yes, I'm who you think I am, Tonya Middleton. We'll talk soon. For now I have important business to deal with, and I'm not in the mood to deal with more family crap this second, especially family that disowned me. My best friend is in bad shape right now and I can't have this discussion right now."
My best friend who has been better family to me than my brother ever was. She deserves more out of me.
"Alright...if you say so," Devon said hesitantly as the human studied Tonya.
How dare Paul turn his back on his family again! Leaving them here, alone and betrayed. He deserves to be cut out of my life.
Tonya's thoughts paused again.
But am I doing wrong to Phobia? That monster is going to probably get off easy and be back on the streets again. The humans don't care about ponies hurting ponies. If something more drastic isn't done he'll likely be free to hurt her again.
Sunset's breath caught. Tonya was going down a dangerous line of thought. Sure, it was the one that she herself had gone partially down shortly before instructing Tonya to go to Number, but hindsight showed the pitfalls of that.
"And I think that is all the talk we need for tonight. I'm going to be handling a lot of the house and land purchases in town so I'll see you again soon. Take care of yourself," Number said with a forced calm.
Devon seemed to agree and started making her way past Tonya. Tonya glanced at Devon through the corner of her eye as the human walked by with the colt close on her heels. The colt eyed Tonya in return and Sunset could see that if it came to it he'd not hesitate, he'd do everything in his power to take Tonya down. Tonya had been hostile to his mother, and he had that ultra-protective night pony spirit.
If this little colt is willing to fight me for just yelling at his mother then what should I be willing to do to protect my family? Phobia is still in very real danger from Swift Strike.
Tonya turned back to Number Crunch.
The answer is obviously anything. Family should do whatever it takes to protect family, and Phobia is my family. Sunset is right, Swift Strike needs to die. That's the only way she'll be safe. I won't abandon my family to be hurt.
"You need to sit down and make yourself comfortable. You're going to want to get a beer and a cigarette for this talk. I might need that too," Tonya said in a neutral tone.
The sound of the door closing behind them could be heard.
Have to keep my ears peeled for Tattered Wing coming back to her office. I'm going to see to it that this happens tonight.
"What's this about Tonya?" Number asked.
Tonya glanced around the office.
How are we going to do this? The vent...I've seen all the rooms here. Those vents are all the same. Number can get the vent open and he can get out. It's best to do this away from town hall.
Tonya walked over to the seat that Devon had vacated and took it.
"Swift Strike is being held just down the hall. Tattered Wing is out talking with the soldiers right now, but she'll be in here soon," Tonya said in a voice barely above a whisper.
"Alright...what does that have to do with anything?" Number asked.
It means I need to convince you quickly to do this.
"Sunset wants Swift Strike dead. She was hoping you could make it happen," Tonya said out loud, still in a near whisper.
"Sunset can go screw herself. If she really wants Swift Strike dead she can kill him herself and bloody her own hooves. I'm not going to do it," Number's replied firmly.
"She can't, it would be too obvious if she did it," Tonya replied with as her gaze shifted downward.
And I'm sorry Number, but I'm going to make sure she's protected too. I wanted to do right by you, but you're not my family.
"Well then, I guess he's going to live or she's going to have to find another pony to be her hitmare. I've never actually killed anypony myself and I'm not about to start."
If there was another option I could find tonight I'd go to them, but Number is my only one.
"You've arranged killings in the past. You're the only pony she trusts to deal with something like this."
"That was me as a human, that was Annette Crowfield. I'm not that person anymore, I'm Number Crunch now, and I'm going to be a good pony that does the right things. I'm starting over with a clean ledger."
Tonya looked at Number.
What's it going to take to convince her? This isn't something done for greed. This is seeing that he never hurts anypony ever again. And you threatened Phobia yourself, don't think I haven't forgotten that or forgiven.
"You're the pony that threatened to plant Phobia into the ground if I'm not mistaken. It seems to me that you've got a fairly bloodthirsty side to you still."
A bloodthirsty side that is better served making sure Phobia is protected rather than threatening her.
Number turned away and stared at the floor. "I did my time for that. You know I submitted myself for punishment on that because I knew I was wrong. Why are you rubbing that in my face now."
Because you threatened my friend and because I need you to do something worthwhile with that darker side of yours.
"Perhaps you should explain to me why it happened at all if that isn't your nature?"
Number stared at the floor for several seconds before looking up at Tonya. "I really don't know what got into me that day. She started talking and I just started getting so angry, it was like she was pulling the worst parts of me to the surface. That shouldn't have happened."
That sounds like what I can do. Not exactly like it, but eerily close. Does Phobia have mind powers too? If that's so then that just reaffirms that Number does have a pony that can kill in there somewhere.
"It was like she was getting into your head? Pulling all the parts of you that you fear to the surface, is that it?" Tonya asked.
Number nodded back to her.
"Phobia and I are going to need to have a talk about responsibly talking to ponies," Tonya muttered to herself. Sunset didn't think that Tonya meant to voice the thought out loud.
Still, if that side of Number can be brought out with mind magic, then I guess that's what I'll have to resort to. Number is going to kill Swift Strike for me, even if I have to force her too.
The memory came to an abrupt end, and the Dreamwardens all stared down at Tonya who was trembling on the ground.
No, it can't go this way. Please Lord, don't let it go this way. Sunset prayed silently.
"I think we have seen enough," the Warden of Death said in a cold tone. "We have all the pieces of this puzzle now. You did it deliberately. What do you have to say to this?"
"I was so angry...I regretted it later on after I calmed down," Tonya said haltingly.
"It still happened with deliberate intent," the Warden of Death said as she leaned forward to goare down at Tonya. "You were planning out his murder from near the end of the conversation with that human on till you decided that Number Crunch's free will wasn't going to get in the way of seeing Swift Strike dead. You're guilty, the only thing to determine is how we should punish you."
Sunset started to feel panicked. This couldn't be happening. She couldn't lose Tonya because Tonya had a few minutes of rage. One mistake shouldn't cost Tonya her life.
"Take your seat. We shall hear the final defense arguments from your friend and from your lover, then we shall put your punishment to vote," the skeletal Dreamwarden instructed. She then turned to Rosetta. "Come forward, Rosetta Stone."
Tonya all but crawled back to her seat as Rosetta went out with determination. When Tonya reached it Sunset grabbed her into a hug and they both started crying.
"Rosetta Stone, do you have any witnesses or memories to call upon?" The Warden of Death asked. Sunset turned her head so she could watch.
Rosetta shook her head. "No Dreamwarden, I do not."
"Then proceed with your final arguments for Tonya Middleton," the Warden of Death instructed.
Rosetta took a proud, protective posture. "Tonya is my friend, and I know her character. What happened in that final memory was not who she is; it was a product of hurt and anger. She herself expressed regret for it afterward. Further, Swift Strike was an abomination who not only did rape and murder, but also tried that against one of you. Tonya shouldn't have used mind magic like that, but Swift Strike's death was a public service."
The Warden of Death stared down at Rosetta. "And if Tonya had gone and killed him herself without using mind magic it wouldn't be us judging her right now, it would be the waking world's authorities. However, we have to police the use of such magic, and what she did was an abomination into itself. We shall consider your words. Take your seat. Sunset Blessing, please come forward."
Sunset trembled as she stood up and started walking to the center if the court. She didn't know what to say. All she could do was echo what Rosetta had already said. Tonya needed her to do more than that. Tonya needed Sunset to make an impassioned plea for the ages that would make them let her go. Sunset didn't have it though. She was going to fail Tonya at Tonya's most desperate hour.
Sunset reached the center of the court and looked up at the face of Death.
"Sunset Blessing, do you have any witnesses or memories to call upon?" The Warden asked.
Sunset bit her lip and closed her eyes as she shook her head.
"Very well then," the Warden of Death said. "Then make your final argument. When you're done we shall vote."
Sunset's lip quivered as she opened up her eyes and stared at the monster that would possibly kill Tonya. She had nothing. She didn't know what to say. What more was there to say that could convince them to let Tonya go?
"We're waiting, unicorn, and our patience is not endless," the Warden said in that same cold tone.
Sunset fell down and prostrated herself before the Dreamwardens. "Please, I can only say the same things that Rosetta said. You have seen how horrible Swift Strike was. I can tell you again that Tonya is a good pony, a better pony than me. She wouldn't have even been there without me. I'll take any punishment for her, even death, just let her go!"
"Tonya had plenty of opportunities to walk away from what you asked. She consciously chose not to. You weren't there forcing her to do anything," the Warden declared. "Do you have anything but begging and tears to offer?"
"Please...spare her," Sunset blubbered.
"I suppose not," the Dreamwarden intoned. "The vote shall progress now. Warden of Anger, how do you vote?"
Sunset turned to look at the fiery pony, breath held.
"The rules are clear, I vote mind wipe," the angry Warden almost spit. "And the rest of you should too."
Sunset let a sob escape again.
"The Warden of Anger votes mind wipe," the Warden of Death declared. "Warden of Peace, how do you vote?"
"I vote that she should be forgiven and given a parole," the stag said slowly. "The situation was very emotionally charged and she wasn't thinking straight."
Hope dared to bloom in Sunset as she heard that.
"The Warden of Peace votes for no punishment. Warden of Silence, how do you vote?"
Sunset tried to look up at the bull but couldn't make out what he was gesturing from where she lay. She held her breath.
"The Warden of Silence votes no punishment," the Warden of Death declared. That hope started to blaze. "Warden of Lust, how do you vote?"
Sunset stared up at the seapony. The Warden of Lust glanced anxiously first at the Warden of Death, then to Tonya, then to Sunset, and finally to the crowd beyond. The seapony then hung her head.
"I vote mind wipe," the seapony said in a pained whisper, giving no explanation why.
Sunset's heart plummeted as she turned her eyes to the Warden of Death. The Dreamwarden that had been described to her as among the harshest and cruelest of the Dreamwardens. The Dreamwarden who now held the final vote.
"The Warden of Lust votes mind wipe," the Warden of Death declared. "We have a tie vote so it falls to me to pass the tie-breaking vote. I shall consider it for a moment."
Sunset buried her face into her legs and cried for all she was worth. Tonya was doomed. How could she expect mercy from this thing? The Warden of Death had been harsh from the very start of the trial.
"It's quite the predicament your lover is in, isn't it?" The Warden of Death said to her.
Sunset jerked her head up to look at the skeleton, but it wasn't there. Standing on the court floor before her was an aged night pony decked in jewelry.
"I think we should have a private conversation about it," the Warden of Death said as she came and sat down in front of Sunset.
Sunset looked around her. Everything was like it was frozen in time. Nothing was moving, not a sound could be heard. The only things that seemed living were her and the pony before her.
The Warden smiled. "I've made it so we can have this conversation in a mere second. Time has not stopped, but it is moving as slow as I can possibly make it for everypony else. They won't be aware that we ever had this conversation."
Sunset hardened her gaze. "What do you want? To have more time to gloat?"
The Warden laughed. "I want to make a deal. You understand cutting deals, don't you? You do it so often. Whatever it takes to get what you want. Isn't that right?"
"You want me to bribe you for your vote?" Sunset said with wide eyes. "What's your price. I'll pay anything."
"I'm glad to hear that, though I'm not interested in money--at least not directly," the Warden said. "I want you to make some things for us using those resources and contacts you have gathered. We'll even suggest some ponies to aid you."
Sunset's eyes narrowed. "Make what?"
The Dreamwarden shook her head. "That's a secret. You won't even understand what you've made once it is done. We want the parts made in various different places and kept deep in those vaults you intend to make. We'll provide you with instructions on what to have done."
"Were you planning this from the start?" Sunset said as she felt rage building up. "All this to just force me to build whatever this is with no questions?"
The Dreamwarden blinked. "Actually, yes. We actually planned on letting your lover go with a slap on the butt saying don't do that again, but then we realized the opportunity that we had. We don't think we'll get many opportunities like this. What we want is essentially a plan B if other things fall through, but it's an important plan B to have available."
"Plan B for what?" Sunset demanded.
"Again, that's none of your concern," the Dreamwarden said flatly. "You're only concern is if you're willing to do what it takes to see Tonya walk out of this with no punishment other than us checking in on her from time to time to make sure she's being a good filly."
"And if I say no you're going to vote mind wipe?" Sunset asked with worry.
To her shock the Dreamwarden shook her head. "No, if you say no then I will vote for lenient punishment. Such a vote will cause us to have no majority. In that case we turn the vote over to the assembled night ponies. How much do you trust the night ponies? Do you trust them enough to gamble with Tonya's life? Are you a gambler, Sunset Blessing?"
"And if I say yes and then just don't do it?" Sunset asked.
"If you say yes you'll do it. I'll put a compulsion down as part of our agreement," the Dreamwarden replied.
"Does Phobia know about this?"
The Warden frowned. "She knows and expressed her extreme displeasure at what we were doing. Unfortunately for her, she isn't involved, as this is too close to home for her."
Sunset sat silent for a moment. There really wasn't a choice. She wasn't going to risk Tonya's life when she could be sure that it would be spared. She hated being manipulated like this, but it was what had to be done.
"I agree," she said. "I'll build whatever you want me to build."
"Good," the Warden said pleasantly, then smirked down at Sunset. "And for the record, I think the night ponies would have let her off the hook. That's why we showed that full memory from Krik to tell the truth. Most night ponies are mares, and mares have a certain sympathy for anyone killing a pony like Swift Strike. We wanted to make sure that even if you said no that Tonya would not be harmed. You could have gambled and won, but I respect your desire to be sure. Our game is over now though."
The night pony vanished.
"I vote for no punishment, with her future actions being monitored," the skeleton above declared as time began again. She turned to Tonya. "You are free."
Sunset got hit with Tonya dive-bombing her and grabbing her into a tight hug while crying tears of relief. Rosetta quickly followed, creating a small pony pile. Sunset hugged them both.
Whatever price she had agree to pay, it was worth this.