Scholars of semantics, business management and alcohol have concluded after years of study that any establishment whose name contains the word "Cantina" will lure only the most despicable, suspicious and dangerous members of society. Granted, these studies are mostly comprised of collections of notes scribbled on cider-smelling napkins, but if ever there has been proof of their veracity, that is the Ponyville Cantina.
After the economic boom which turned the small town into a bustling industrial city, the Cantina was reduced from the biggest bar in town to one of many establishments offering the same services to hundreds of laborers; the only customers who still frequented the pub were old time regulars and the aforementioned shifty, dangerous types.
At the time, the only two customers in the bar were representatives of either category.
The owner of the bar, an earth pony named Brindle, stroke his moustache as he carefully observed the two patrons, sitting at the opposite ends of the bar; the regular was a purple earth pony with a grape and strawberry cutie mark, and was currently occupied with staring at the bar through the bottom of an empty cider mug, an expression of mild confusion on her face.
The other one, however, was more interesting. She was leaning on the bar, her face resting on her front hooves. She appeared to be immersed in deep thoughts, although the appearance might have been just due to the several glasses of cider she had chugged. However, what really stood out about her were her looks; it was rare enough to see a pegasus in there- let alone one with a rainbow mane and wearing an airfleet captain hat.
Suddenly, the pegasus rose up, still deep in thought.
"More." she mumbled.
Brindle poured another glass of cider, rolling his eyes. She didn't look like the type who would take "You've had enough" as an answer.
The pegasus sipped some of the beverage, before asking "Is anyone hiring around here?"
"I'm assuming you're looking for a job on an airship." Brindle
"Not just any airship, chump. I need something worth it. Something spectacular."
"There's the royal airfleet."
"Not exactly what I had in mind."
"Well... you must have heard about the Harmony."
"The what now?"
"The Harmony. The new airship, built by Rarity Industries."
"The Harmony... that does sound cool."
"I have no idea if they're hiring, though."
"They will be hiring when I walk in there, show off my awesome moves and leave them speechless."
Brindle though for a few seconds whether it was a good idea to inquire further. The pegasus seemed very determined and equally tipsy.
She trotted out, throwing a few bits on the bar. Just before walking out of the bar, she turned around and smiled.
"I have a tip for you. In a few minutes, look up... and prepare to be blown away."
"So, darling, tell me, why do you should I appoint you as captain?" Rarity leaned forward on her desk, looking up and down the pegasus who was applying for the position. She had already reviewed a number of applicants, but none of them was quite qualified enough o handle the Harmony. The airship rested just outside the window, occupying the entire courtyard of the main industrial complex, its gigantic indigo balloon standing out between the brick walls of the factory.
"Well, I... I am good with directions, especially north..."
Rarity tried to look at the applicant in the eyes. After a few seconds, she deemed it impossible seeing how one eye was firmly aimed at the ceiling and the other one looked out of the window.
"...and I have traveled a lot, and seen a lot of Equestria, and also other places..."
Rarity stared harder. The grey mare had a somewhat odd look to herself- like something was severely out of place, and not just her eyes.
"...and I've traveled on a lot of airships, land-ships, sea-ships, a tar..."
The pegasus suddenly stopped talking and turned towards the window.
"...but I guess you won't need any captain anymore."
For a few seconds Rarity just looked puzzled. "I... am not sure I understand..."
"The ship is flying out on its own."
"The...ship...is... wait..."
Rarity ran to the window, her eyes widening. Outside, the massive blimp was, indeed, flying up. It had already flown above the roof of the factory and was soaring higher and higher.
"GUARDS! STOP IT!" Yelled Rarity, before fainting on a conveniently placed chaise-lounge.
Derpy looked around herself for a few seconds, noticing how no guards whatsoever were answering the call. She sighed. Once again, she had to do everything by herself.