//------------------------------// // Phone Calls, Assistance, and Headphones // Story: Consequences // by shallow15 //------------------------------// But first, she had a call to make. After returning to her hotel to get some sleep, then doing her morning workout and shower, she made the call. “Canterlot Education Association, how can I help you?” “This is Agent Tempest Shadow with the Specialized Taskforce Overseeing Remarkable Matters. I'm looking into recent events which seem to pertain to two high schools in the area. I was hoping to make an appointment with President Neighsay to discuss this with him.” “One moment please.” Tempest listened to the muzak that came from the phone for a few seconds before the receptionist's voice returned. “Agent Shadow? The earliest opening I have is on Thursday morning. Will that work?” “I'm afraid not. I'm on a tight schedule myself,” Tempest answered. “Does he have five minutes to speak with me on the phone? That would be helpful.” “Let me ask. Can you hold for another minute?” “That's fine.” More Muzak, then a nasal male voice came on the line. “Agent Shadow? President Neighsay here. You wanted to speak with me?” “Yes, President Neighsay, I'm conducting an investigation into some strange events that have been occurring in the city lately and several of them seem to focus on two local high schools.” “I see. And which school are these?” “Crystal Prep Academy and…” Time to play the trump card. “... Canterlot High School.” There was a pause, then: “Why am I not surprised?” “I'm sorry?” “Canterlot High is one of our… problem schools.” Tempest frowned. “Gangs and drugs?” “No no, not in that way. In terms of performance, CHS is actually very good. I just don't care for the administration style. But that's neither here nor there. How can I help you?” “There was apparently some sort of incident last spring at something called the Friendship Games,” Tempest began. “I'll be speaking to Principals Celestia and Cadance later today about it, but I understand there was another administrator at the time?” “Ah yes,” said the president. “Abacus Cinch. One of the finest administrators in the county, if not the state, in my opinion. It was a pity to lose her.” “I'd like to speak with her, but I haven't been able to find any contact information for her.” “That would be because she's traveling. As I understand it, Abacus decided to take early retirement and see the world.” “I see.” Mentally, Tempest cursed. “And I assume she's overseas at the moment?” “Actually, I believe she's back in the country,” Neighsay said. “Now that I think about it… could you give me your number, Agent Shadow? I'll make some calls and have Abacus get in touch with you if I can find her.” Tempest suppressed a sigh of frustration. It was better than nothing. She gave Neighsay her number and said goodbye. Things better go right at the school. "Nice to see you again, Agent Shadow," said Celestia as Tempest entered her office. "Principal Celestia," Tempest replied. "Is everything arranged?" "Yes. I'll be calling each student you requested out of class so you can talk to them." "The band and the DJ that planned the laser show?" "Yes." "And the team from the Friendship Games?" Celestia nodded. "And Twilight Sparkle. She was on the Crystal Prep team before transferring here." "Really? Interesting." "I've set aside the conference room for you to use." Celestia got up from her desk and led the way out. "Do you know how long you'll need?" "As long as it takes." "Really?" Celestia smiled. "I was talking to Principal Cadance a little while ago and she mentioned you had a meeting with her this afternoon." Tempest looked at Celestia's guileless face. "Yes, but that's after school lets out for the day." "Ah, I see." Celestia smiled and opened the door to the conference room. "And here we are!" Tempest entered the room and stopped short when she saw Luna sitting at the table. The vice principal stood up and extended a hand. "Agent Shadow. So nice to see you again." Tempest reluctantly returned the handshake, then looked at Celestia. "What's this about?" "We felt it would make the parents of our students feel more comfortable if Vice Principal Luna was here to observe your interviews. Make sure everything is above the board." Tempest frowned. "I was under the impression my investigation wouldn't be interfered with." "And it won't be," Luna replied. "I will simply be here to observe and provide assistance should you need it. Besides, I certain you don't want to accidentally intimidate them by accident, do you?" A tight smile crossed the STORM agent's features. "No, of course not. It'd be… well, a nightmare if that happened." Tempest allowed herself a small sense of satisfaction at the look the two sisters exchanged. "Well then," said Celestia, somewhat awkwardly. "I'll page your first interview then." Celestia left the conference room. As she did, she let a smile of her own appear. Let's see how diplomatic you really are, Agent Shadow. "Could you take your headphones off please?" Tempest said to the blue haired girl sitting across from her. The girl gave her a thumbs up and a smile, but didn't take her headphones off. Tempest's frown returned. "Did you hear me? Take the headphones off now!" Luna cleared her throat. "Vinyl has chronic tinnitus. The music helps cancel out the ringing in her ears. She can hear you just fine, I assure you." Tempest gave Luna a skeptical look, then turned her attention back go the girl. "Is that true? Can you hear me?" The girl smiled again and nodded. Tempest's frown didn't go away. Something was off here. "All right," she began. "I understand you assisted the --" She consulted her notes. "-- Rainbooms with some special effects for their performance at the Battle of the Bands last fall. Is that correct?" Another nod. "Can you tell me what sort of effects you created for them?" The girl's grin widened and she began gesticulating wildly with her arms. Tempest stared at her for a solid minute before looking at Luna, perplexed. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Agent Shadow," Luna said, an equally broad smile on her face. "We're so used to this, it must have slipped mine and my sister's minds. Vinyl is also mute." "Mute," Tempest said flatly. "I'll be happy to help translate if you like. Or she can type out her responses on her phone." Tempest glared at Luna, then looked back at Vinyl, who looked at her expectantly. "Do you mind starting over? The agent sighed. It's going to be a long day.