//------------------------------// // Chapter 31 // Story: Off Duty // by awf //------------------------------// Entirely professional while they were at work. That was what they had both agreed. Things were weird enough as it was, without bringing others into whatever was happening between Celestia and Rawsthorne. At least the DA had moved their meeting to Wednesday, so Celestia had some more time to prepare. In addition, the days left her too exhausted to pursue the relationship further, which was just as well for the moment. The human didn't object to them sharing a bed, though. It was nice and the mare was only too happy to cuddle up against her owner each night. That part really helped her relax. At long last the day came and Celestia found herself sitting at a table in one of the lush, bright, wood-paneled meeting rooms. The mare looked over to the lady who entered while Denis held open the door for her. The district attorney stopped to look at the alicorn. Of course Celestia also inspected this new human. Her hair, slightly graying, was tied up in a very tight bun. The dress was plain black over a white shirt, with only a slim gold chain as decoration. Her one accessory was a brown purse hanging from her shoulder. She also wore half-moon spectacles, the alicorn noted. It all put her in mind of a successful, middle-aged woman. Everything about the DA screamed of professionalism and competence, but Celestia didn't let it intimidate her. She smiled pleasantly and inclined her head in a slight bow. Before she could introduce herself the woman spoke up. "You must be the protege Denis spoke of so highly. Celestia, right?" The mare bowed again. "That is right, Mrs..." She turned her voice up in a question. "Miriam Adams," came the smooth reply, along with the outstretched hand. Celestia carefully placed a hoof in it to receive the shake. "Mrs. Adams - I have familiarized myself with the most important procedures and the court terminology. Denis has not yet given me any case details, so I only know what was reported in media." Her temporary boss took a seat next to the alicorn while the lady walked around to sit opposite them. She pulled a sheaf of papers from her bag and spread them out before her. She glanced through the paperwork, then looked up over her glasses. "I have seen your work on that contract or whatever it was. You seem competent, Celestia." It sounded like high praise. Even Denis confirmed it: "Yes, ma'am. I have offered her a job here, but she has refused. This case is the exception due to its nature, of course." "Of course," the lady answered. She glanced down at the papers again. Celestia chose to be silent unless asked a direct question, at least until she knew a bit more about this Miriam Adams. "And I see that her owner - this Mr. Rawsthorne - does not wish her to testify?" It was her own wish to avoid all the publicity and exposure that would bring. Her human had just been kind enough to put it forward as his own request. Celestia was very grateful for that. There was a pause and the pony realized they were both looking at her. "Oh, sorry! Yes, that is correct, Mrs. Adams." The woman nodded slightly. She kept her eyes on the pony, but steepled her fingers and touched the tips to her chin. "So, tell me, Celestia: why are you interested in this case?" she asked at long last. The mare picked her words with care. "Ponies are involved, and-" "Do you know them personally?" came the question, interrupting her. "No, nothing like that, but where I come from, Mrs. Adams, all ponies look out for each other. Denis tells me that this case will likely set a court precedent. That, in turn, will help all ponies on Earth." "Hmm," murmured the woman, apparently deep in thought, "commendable. Very altruistic." The alicorn decided to turn the tables for a moment. "Why are you pursuing this case, Mrs. Adams? What are your motivations?" Denis looked at the mare in shock, but didn't say anything. Miriam just kept staring at the pony. In a few more moments, Celestia would have withdrawn the question. She didn't want to offend the lady or seem impertinent, but slowly the DA smiled. "Valid question. I took the case, Celestia, because I did not agree that those men have committed theft. I wish to see them convicted for kidnapping." Celestia instantly warmed up to the woman. She smiled beatifically. "I wholeheartedly agree. I wish to do everything in my power to make that happen." The lady brushed a speck of dust from the sleeve of her shirt and pursed her lips for a moment. Then she picked up one of her papers and slid it across the table. "Here is what we will do," she said, suddenly all business and efficiency. The pony glanced at the paper, but only read the underlined word in the first paragraph. "Amicus curiae?" Miriam nodded. "You owner is a very good attorney, Celestia. He knew that the judge would not accept you as a witness since you were, by no stretch of the imagination, involved." She glanced over to Denis before continuing. "That leaves us two options: expert witness or... this." Celestia searched her memory. She was sure she had seen the phrase written down and 'expert witness' gave her the last bit of the clue she needed. "Ah, of course! I remember now. An 'amicus curiae' renders assistance to the court by means of special insight, pertaining to the case." "Exactly. The key difference is that normally such a person does not attend the court hearings." Celestia was already smiling. It sounded just like what she had wanted! The lady leaned closer, as if for a better look. "You will provide materials, which will be considered through the process. I will make sure you have the reports after each hearing and you will prepare for me briefs with any information you feel we can use. Not to mention more briefs, which I will give to the judge." It sounded like a lot of work, but the Princess would not shy away from it. She would not let her subjects down in this! This was a good way she could serve them even on Earth! "Of course! It will be an honor, Mrs. Adams!" Even Denis was grinning with anticipation. "With you two, this will be an easy win!" They both looked at him. Celestia was the one who sighed. "Denis - do not count your chickens before they are hatched." "I was about to say the same thing," Miriam confirmed. "We will have a lot of work and a difficult fight. I engaged your firm because you and your associates are conscientious and do good work. Celestia is simply an added bonus." She pushed another paper forward. "Here. You will need to sign this NDA, and the brief. I will file it today and let you know as soon as I have the court's decision." The mare hadn't considered the possibility that she would be denied! She opened her mouth to ask, but Miriam predicted the question. "Do not worry. Even if amicus curiae is rejected, you will still help me win this case - as a personal adviser." It made the alicorn smile with relief. It would have been a cruel fate to bring her here, just in time for such an important case, and with the skills she had in these matters, and then prohibit her from helping! She levitated a pen and quickly made her signature on the documents. The DA carefully slid them back into her purse. "Good. Now I can show you the complaint and the report from the initial hearing. Tomorrow we will go through our evidence and police reports." The pony nodded happily and leaned closer to see better. "Oh, and call me Miriam," the woman added absentmindedly. Eventually Miriam concluded her interview and Celestia breathed a sigh of relief. She had made a good impression and so had the woman. The alicorn was happy that the lady was on their side in this trial. The woman was clearly competent and very passionate about her job. They both had a lot of work to do before the next meeting, but for now Celestia pushed it out of her mind and decided to have a restful evening. It was Wednesday, she remembered. Rawsthorne was easily persuaded to take her to the pony meet up, at least for a few hours. Then, as soon as they returned home, the mare would do something about them. Her and Rawsthorne. A very strange concept. She wasn't entirely sure it had really happened! She had taken to sleeping in her human's bed ever since the fateful moment on Saturday and the man didn't object, but she came to bed late and rose early. The most she had done was give the human a tired lick before falling asleep. From his side... They had cuddled on the couch and watched a movie or two. Well, leaned against each other, at least! That was almost like cuddling, right? It wasn't as if she had time for anything else. As she had promised him, Celestia still kept the house in order and cooked. It would not do to let her standards slide just because she was now - maybe - dating her owner. Later that night she would see if she might tease something more from the cryptic human. Some clue of where they stood. Maybe even a kiss or two. The mere thought made her smile. And then... The pony purposefully avoided thinking about the future beyond a few weeks. She wasn't sure how the two would handle things once she returned home. Perhaps it was a good idea to leave their relationship where it was? No, she thought and shook her head. She wanted more! Maybe just not get too invested, in case Rawsthorne took the admission of her deception poorly. It would not do to get her heart broken on Earth. "Everything okay?" the human asked. Celestia became aware of her surroundings and saw that they were already parked near the pony meeting place. The human had turned his car off and was looking at her with a touch of concern. "What? Why do you ask?" A hand came to her withers and Celestia leaned into the touch. A scratch was always welcome. "You mumbled a bit and kept shaking your head there. Deep thoughts?" the human asked. "It depends..." "Oh? On what?" She wondered if she should bring anything up right then. It wasn't the best time - despite them being half an hour early, Celestia didn't want to burden Rawsthorne with a difficult question and then leave him in the company of what were basically strangers. "Nothing important, really." "The case?" the human guessed. Celestia decided to roll with it. She had thought about Miriam a little, so it wasn't even really a lie. "Yes. With Mrs. Adams on our side, I think we can win it, but I wish I could be more sure." The hand slid up higher to tease open her ear, which she had folded flat down. It was nice and the mare closed her eyes. "Mmmm." "Don't worry. Denis usually does trade law, but he's a good attorney and you'll be helping him," Rawsthorne said calmingly. It helped and Celestia sighed in comfort. She decided to try a little experiment. "Thanks. A kiss before we go?" She held her breath and didn't open her eyes. There was silence and her ear went back down in misery. Apparently Saturday hadn't meant anything. At least leaving Earth would be easier then, the pony thought. There was a rustle and the mare reached for her magic to open the car door, but just before she could, the hand was back under her muzzle and gently lifted up her face. Lips brushed hers. It wasn't a passionate kiss, but it was there. She smiled and opened her eyes. "Thank you. Does that make us coltfriend and fillyfriend?" Celestia cursed her own weakness. She hadn't meant to spring this on the human, she had specifically decided against it, but the kiss had brought up hope and she just had to know! "I'm not sure what it makes us. It's a very complicated situation," the human said slowly. At least he didn't bring up her being his slave, Celestia thought. Why was he hung up on that so much?! "There's no hurry, Greg. We will figure it out. I notice you didn't say 'no'!" He ruffled her mane a little and laughed. "You're right, I didn't. We have time, so no point in rushing it." A few more months, Celestia thought quietly, but kept her smile. It was enough to perhaps deepen their relationship and build it into something lasting. She was sure they would find a way, if that happened. She could always offer Rawsthorne a job in her house! Or, failing that outcome, their feelings could change into something more... physical. That would also be acceptable. Once it was over, they would part ways - hopefully amicably, and they would both be richer for the experience. The least desirable option was that nothing further happened. They went back to the way they had started. Strictly professional. If Rawsthorne decided it is too strange to 'date' his slave. Date! It reminded her. "Oh! You still owe me dinner someday! You promised! Someplace nice." Her human grinned a little. "Yes, I did. I will see if I can arrange something for Friday evening, okay?" "Yes!" The mare waited a few seconds more, hoping he would kiss her again, but he didn't, so she opened the door and stepped outside. The human followed shortly after. "We won't stay too long today, don't worry. I just wish to say hello to everypony and let them know I'm still alive." They were some blocks away from the meeting place, but the alicorn changed into Supple Branch. One of the others might run into them, despite it being some time before the official meeting start. "Okay, I'm ready. Lead the way!" She fell in step beside her human. There was something else. "Could we get pizza afterward?" She failed to spot Rawsthorne's mischievous little smile. "Too lazy to cook, already? Maybe this 'us' isn't a good idea-" "I'll cook! I'll cook! No pizza then, sorry. I shouldn't have-" Only then did she notice that Rawsthorne was holding back laughter. She frowned a little at him and bumped his rump with her muzzle. "Joker..." He didn't even apologize! The mare considered giving him a long, warm and, above all, wet lick! However, it was chilly outside and she didn't want Rawsthorne walking around with a moist face and catching a cold. Humans did that a lot, apparently, at least according to Wendy the receptionist. They weren't the first ones in! Celestia had expected that they would need to wait for one of the others out in the hallway, but when Rawsthorne tried the doorknob, it opened. Glowbug was already inside. Both mares looked at each other and their ears folded back. It was almost synchronized. "Good luck," her owner whispered to her and went to look for Mrs. Turner in the small 'owner's room'. The alicorn made her way into the room. "Good evening." The changeling in disguise inclined her head. "To you, too. Have a seat? I made cookies." There was indeed a tray on the coffee table and it was giving out an amazing aroma. Pineapple. Not a common choice, but Celestia still felt her mouth water a little. Glowbug was sitting on a chair to the side - it was her usual place. And the couch was usually occupied by Lake Frond and Rock Lichen, so Celestia nudged another chair closer to the cookies and jumped up. "I'll just try one!" It made the unicorn laugh. "Don't worry. There's plenty." Such generosity! The alicorn smiled back pleasantly. "So-" Glowbug began first so Celestia fell silent and let the changeling speak. "So, how'd your heat go? We haven't really spoken since- the ring." It was true - Celestia had seen the changeling on Skype a few times and nearly tapped her once or twice, just to say hi. But she had decided against it each time. Apparently Glowbug had done the same. Glowbug. "Why such an obvious name? Weren't you worried ponies would figure it out?" The unicorn grinned. "You didn't!" She had a point there. "Okay, that is true, but still? Something like 'Firefly' would have been better, no?" Now the other creature looked down at her hooves. "It was what Mr. Hudson called me. It was a joke, but I kept it when I got out. I liked him." "Oh? Who was Mr. Hudson?" The unicorn looked up sharply. "You don't have to do this, you know? Just pretend in front of the others. We don't have to see each other a lot." It was tempting, but Celestia remembered that day they both found out about their disguises. The changeling had acted unlike anything she had been expecting and there was one important thing, first. "I would like to try. I behooves me to do as I preach, does it not? Friendship is for all." She was sidling up to the issue, hoping a way to put it would pop up. But there was nothing. She'd just have to go out and say it. Celestia sighed and lowered her gaze. "Were you in Canterlot when- during Princess Cadence's wedding?" The changeling didn't answer. After a few moments the alicorn looked up. "What does that matter?! That's ancient history! What are you going to do about it anyway?" "Please - I'd just like to know." The bug in disguise groaned and looked up at the ceiling in exasperation. "Fine! I was. Okay? Now what?!" Glowbug was right. What should Celestia do with this information? Besides, the entire Hive had been involved in that attack. Could she really blame one drone for the decisions of her Queen? The unicorn sensed her inner struggle and her face softened. "If it helps, the explosion broke my wings. It took me months before I could fly again, and it hurt like hell." That didn't make it better, but Celestia appreciated the gesture. "Thank you for telling me the truth." She wondered how one went about forgiving. It wasn't even what Chrysalis had done to her, personally. She was miffed about Cadence and Shining Armor, but that was all the Queen. In Glowbug's case, it was what the swarm had done to her subjects! There weren't many deaths, thanks in large part to Twilight Sparkle and her friends, but there were some. "You know," the creature under scrutiny spoke up slowly, "we didn't all agree with the Queen." That was interesting news. Until now, Celestia had thought of the changelings as a unified whole. They had always acted with singular purpose. Or else their disagreement hadn't been very visible. "You didn't stop her." Glowbug's hoof hit the armrest on her chair. It made a loud thump. "The Hive comes first! Came first! We might not agree with the Queen, but we don't argue! This is about family!" There was obviously conflict there. Celestia filed it away for further study once she was back in Equestria. If there was dissent among the changelings, she might be able to help nudge them along somehow and have Chrysalis dethroned. Maybe, away from her influence, the changeling race could be reformed? It was something Twilight Sparkle had once said - no creature is too far gone that they can't be redeemed. Except, there was still the whole 'eating of emotion' matter. Again Glowbug seemed to guess her thoughts. "I know what you're thinking! I see how you're looking at me! I didn't get any of your precious ponies' love! The Queen was the only one who fed during that disaster!" "How about now? You're slowly sucking these ponies dry? The ones you call your friends!" The changeling rolled her eyes in despair. "Stop with all these prejudices, Supple! Have you ever asked me how it works?! No! So who are you to judge?" "So tell me how it works." The anger seemed to drain from Glowbug and she returned her eyes to Celestia. "Why bother? You hate us. Let's just agree to stay out of each other's way. I won't sell you out, so you can have your precious friends, and you do the same for me." It was that solution again. Celestia really wanted to take it, but it felt incomplete. She would be leaving things unfinished. "No." The alicorn ran a hoof down her face and tried to regain her calm. "Look - you are right. There is a lot of prejudice and preconceptions. I promise I will listen and I promise I'll think about it, seriously. Okay?" The two watched each other for a while. At long last, Glowbug shrugged a little to herself. "Okay. I don't understand it, not really, but - " she began and paused to think. "You know how changelings feed on love? We need food, but we also need to absorb emotion, or we die." It made Celestia's stomach twist, but she forced her face to stillness and nodded. "Yes." Glowbug spread her hooves in a grand gesture. "Well, it's different when the feelings are directed at us!" The alicorn wasn't entirely sure she wanted to hear nuances of how the bug creatures drained their prey, but now she was interested. She waited for Glowbug to continue. "It's... strange. Normally we have to - like, imagine sucking water through a long hose. It takes effort." Despite her self-control, Celestia shuddered and closed her eyes, but then she made herself open them again and looked at the unicorn. "Go on." "Well, these ponies are my friends." "But you're in disguise and lying to them." "True," Glowbug agreed, "but I think I've been in this disguise so long that I've actually become Glowbug the unicorn. I don't feel like I'm lying to them. It's something like... make-up, okay?" "Make-up?!" The changeling held up a hoof. "Just bear with me, okay? It doesn't feel like a disguise. It's just who I am now. We've become friends." Her face brightened up and the mare began to speak more quickly: "Oh, and there's also Mrs. Turner! She knows exactly who and what I am, but she still likes me! She's also my friend!" Okay, so a changeling could be likable. Celestia didn't see it making much of a difference. The emotion would run out, sooner or later. Changelings fed more quickly than the feelings could be replenished. "So? You just suck it out of them. I think that's even worse!" Glowbug jumped from her chair and flailed her hooves excitedly. Her face was animated as she tried to explain: "No, no! It's different! I think it's because they share their feelings with me willingly! It's so much more filling!" The hooves went to her belly. "I don't know why or how or anything, but I like my friends and they like me, and somehow I'm not hungry. I don't have to drain them!" It would be a remarkable breakthrough, if it could be proven true. "Really?! You befriended ponies and a human and now you don't have to suck out their love to sustain yourself?" Glowbug jumped a little and smiled. "Exactly! I don't know why this should be, but I'm happy it is! I don't want to hurt my friends!" "That's... curious." The unicorn stopped and stared pleadingly at the alicorn. "So you see? I'm not- doing all those things you say about me! I don't know what's happening to me or how, but it is!" Celestia wished she had time to examine this in more detail, but she heard voices on in the hallway. "The others!" Glowbug returned to her seat, but she kept a soulful gaze on the alicorn. "Please? I just want to be with my friends!" The alicorn made a snap decision. The changelings were liars and actors, but this pony seemed genuinely concerned. Besides - Celestia found this the most telling of all - Glowbug really wanted Celestia to have good opinion of her. She could have just left it all alone. They both knew each other's secret, which was enough to ensure mutual silence, but she wanted the alicorn to approve! Maybe there was such a thing as a good changeling? "Okay, okay. I'll ask Gregory if we could meet - just us two. So we can talk some more." The hope in Glowbug's eyes confirmed it. She smiled beautifully at the alicorn. "Thank you! I'd like that!" They fell silent when the door opened. It was the couple - Lake Frond and her coltfriend. "Hi! Hi!" the mare greeted. She ran to Glowbug to give her a hug. Celestia watched them. They were both smiling at each other. Two ponies, genuinely happy to see each other. The thought fled when the happy mare gave her a hug, too. "Hi, Supple! Haven't seen you a while. Heat passed okay?" It was such a sudden change of topic that Celestia couldn't hold back a blush. It made both Lake Frond and Rock Lichen chuckle. "Poor filly! That bad?" All she could do was nod. "Uh, is H-heavy Hoof coming?" She had worried about meeting the stallion in person, after their little performances and especially now that she had begun something with Rawsthorne. Celestia hoped the pony wouldn't take it too hard. He had to understand that her agreement and promises were due to her heat, right? "Yeah, he usually comes with Belle Hop. They live closer together, so Peter sometimes brings them both," Rock Lichen explained. Celestia felt her face fall and it made the earth mare chuckle a little. She hugged the distraught alicorn again. "Don't worry, sweetie. He told us how bad you had it. We understand. Nopony is going to make fun of you, okay? Or they'll have me to answer to!" The Princess sighed and nodded into her friend's mane. "Thanks." The couple took their places on the couch and inspected the bounty before them. "Ooh, lovely! Which one of you brought these?" It was Lake Frond who asked because her coltfriend had already stuffed a couple in his mouth. "Glowbug. Here, let me try one!" It was a mark of how seriously she had taken their discussion. Celestia had completely forgotten about the cookies! They were delicious! Maybe if a changeling could learn to bake like that, she really could be reformed, the alicorn thought! She made sure to smile at the unicorn to show her appreciation. She got a grin in return as she returned to the chair. Maybe, with a bit more talking, she could call her a friend? Celestia took a spot further away from the table. It wouldn't do to seat herself next to the sweets and eat them all. She had to leave room for pizza later! There was the sound of running hooves outside and the door burst open. It was the pegasus, who seemed flustered and impatient and worried. She was in quite a state. "Come on, come on, give it here," the pegasus harassed her owner. She was almost dragging Maggie into the room. "Glitter, sweetie? What's wrong?" Lake Frond asked for all of them. They had never seen the pegasus so upset and it was even more worrying when Glitter Dust simply ignored the question and poked her muzzle at Maggie's hand. "Give it, give it!" The human sighed and reached into her backpack. "Fine, fine! Here. Sheesh!" She brought out a laptop and the pegasus pushed the cookies away to make room. Luckily Rock Lichen caught them and returned them to the table. "Take it easy!" Lake Frond said and walked around to try and give the pegasus a hug, but Glitter Dust slipped away and looked at the door. "I hear the others coming!" She ran there and opened it. "Come quick!" she called. Heavy Hoof and Belle Hop came in, looking around in wonder, but the distraught pegasus was already back at the table, looking at the laptop, which was starting up. "Come on, come on. You gotta see this. All of you!" Glitter Dust said urgently. She looked around and made a few nervous steps toward the unicorn and Celestia. "This is huge, guys! I only found it today!" "What is?!" Rock Lichen asked and shuffled closer to the laptop. He made room to his side for Lake Frond, who had fallen silent and was looking at the screen with nervous curiosity. Belle Hop also came closer and sat on her haunches so Heavy Hoof could see over her head. When it looked she had all their attention, Glitter Dust pushed a button with a wing feather. The screen flickered and displayed what the pegasus had last been looking at. They all gasped, even Glitter Dust. "Is that-" Belle Hop asked, but Glitter interrupted her. "I t-think..." she said quietly. "Guys, I think Equestria has fallen!" They watched in silence. It was a photo on Facebook and it featured their princess, the room was definitely human. She had just taken a bite out of a vase of daises. She was smiling a little, with a part of a flower still poking from her muzzle. A collar encircled her neck. There were already thousands of comments, mostly exclaiming how beautiful the pony was. No one spoke. They understood why Glitter Dust was so worked up. If their Princess had been captured and enslaved, Equestria was most likely gone. Celestia felt her blood run cold. She could have sworn that her heart skipped a beat when she saw the picture on Glitter Dust's computer. It was the one Wendy took, that Monday a week ago! How had the pegasus found it so quickly? Or, for that matter, why was there a picture of her somewhere on the Internet which could be found?! She barely stifled a small gasp when she remembered. The birthday! Those humans took so many pictures of her! Being ridden by children and smiling about it! What would her ponies think?! If those in front of her were any indication, it wouldn't be pleasant at all! She wrenched her mind back to the present, where Heavy Hoof was making a small speech. "Look, maybe Equestria is gone, or maybe they just have her! We can't know for sure!" He was trying to keep hope alive, but the pony seemed on the verge of tears. "Yeah, and how would that happen, unless they stormed Canterlot?!" Rock Lichen demanded. He looked even more miserable than the other stallion. Lake Frond hugged them both. Her ears twitched as the mare thought up an answer, then folded down flat when she realized what it was. "M-maybe," she said and gulped in terror, "they just foal-napped her? Or maybe she was invited for diplomatic talks and they did something to the food?" "But she's smiling!" argued Belle Hop, pointing at the image. "That doesn't look like somepony who's been foal-napped!" They fell silent for a moment. Celestia wished silently that they wouldn't probe further. She looked at Glowbug, who was staring in shock and horror and - yes - bemusement too. Celestia returned the glare, just as Heavy Hoof came up with another explanation. "You know," he said slowly, as if afraid of the idea. "There are those... training centers..." All ears went down, even Glowbug's. It was a very dark rumor. Nopony among her friends had been able to confirm or deny it. They just whispered about it whenever they felt depressed. Places which took in rebellious or difficult ponies and... re-trained them. From the mental image she had, Celestia thought about whippings and worse. She hoped fervently that the laws she forced upon humans had put a stop to such places. It would cause her no end of nightmares to think otherwise. "Well, we gotta save her!" exclaimed Glitter Dust and hit the table with a hoof. "No way we're letting the Princess be someone's pet!" 'No no no no, please let the Princess be someone's pet!' thought the alicorn. "Okay, what do we do?" That was Belle Hop, who had walked over to sit by Glitter Dust's side. They looked defiantly at the other ponies. Celestia had to try something, anything, to get them to abandon this idea. "No, m-maybe we shouldn't get in-involved!" She mumbled it, because it sounded hollow even to her. No pony would leave another in obvious danger. If she had seen Luna like that, wouldn't she move the heavens to free her? The alicorn looked down as all eyes focused on her. "What? What kind of talk is that?!" demanded Glitter Dust. "No, we're doing this! If Equestria is still there, the Princess will know how to get there. And if it isn't..." They all drew shuddering breaths at the prospect. The knowledge that Equestria, its ponies and their friends and families were safe, somewhere beyond the reach of humans, had been a major factor of their happiness. "Well, if it's gone, then we'll rebuild it. With Princess Celestia! She'll know what to do, we just have to break her out!" Glitter finished. That made the others stiffen up with resolve. It looked like they were really going to do it. "Please, let's not do something stupid. We should think this through!" It was a plea and the alicorn looked at Glowbug for support. The unicorn sighed, rolled her eyes and joined in: "Yeah, maybe we take a few days and think it over? We need a plan, at least." They were about to start muttering darkly, so Celestia tried again. "She doesn't look like she's being beaten. We need a plan before we do anything irreversible." It felt like she was giving in to this madness. She should tell them. Except, she couldn't, not before she told Rawsthorne. The mare was caught between a rock and a hoof, with no way to wriggle out of it. She needed a few days! To think. To come up with something. Heavy Hoof came to her aid: "Supple is right. We need a plan. We can't just run away. Do we even know where the Princess is?" Glitter Dust tapped on her laptop. "It was posted by someone by the name 'Wendy Locker'." She inspected a few things, clicking through the screens faster than Celestia could follow. "No location. Damn. I'll have to read through the comments, see if someone sounds like they know her. Or, I could ask this lady directly," the pegasus murmured. "Good, then we need a way to get there. Glowbug, can you do anything?" Rock Lichen asked. The unicorn looked at Celestia, who shook her head slightly, still with that pleading look on her muzzle. "I- I'm not sure. I don't know any travelling spells, and teleportation won't work over any real distance," she explained. It was the truth, but at least she hadn't given them more ideas. "C-could we ask one of the owners?" suggested Belle Hop. "Supple, aren't you always saying how nice Rawsthorne is? Do you think he'd be willing to help us? Just get us on a train, or something." Celestia nearly squeaked in fright at the idea. "I really don't think so! We- he has a lot of work..." Belle Hop looked at the others. "Glitter, how about Maggie? Or maybe Heavy Hoof? I know Rock and Lake's humans won't help." The brown stallion shook his head. "Sorry, I don't think so. They probably wouldn't stop me if I explained, but they won't help. I'll sneak away, just in case." That left the other pegasus. She scrunched up her muzzle. "I'll ask, but not until after I know where. In case she takes away my electronics and starts tying me up or something. If you don't hear from me in a few days, just go without me!" The earth mare spoke up for the first time since they had seen the picture. "She looks... happy," Lake Frond said quietly. Heavy Hoof waved it away. "Brainwashed, probably!" "Guys, GUYS!" Glitter Dust whimpered suddenly. "We can not tell the humans who she really is! Maybe they don't know, but if they find out, it's gonna be trouble!" The others looked at her and Celestia almost aplauded. Smart mare, don't draw attention. Don't tell the owners. In particular, don't mention it to Rawsthorne, please! "Why not?" asked Rock Lichen, trying to work it out according to his scrunched up muzzle. "If the authorities knew, do you think they'd let her walk around like that? She's a political figure. If they destroyed Equestria, they'll want to keep her hidden so she can't organize any resistance. Princess Luna, too! And Cadence, and Twilight Sparkle!" "Maybe they just don't care? If they won, maybe it was just an auction?" supplied Heavy Hoof slowly, but he didn't quite believe it. "And if Equestria hadn't fallen, they will especially want her to have a bargaining chip!" the pegasus finished and thumped the table again. "Not a word about the Princess, then!" Rock Lichen agreed. Glitter fiddled with her computer a little more, then she groaned. "No, you idiots!" she moaned. "All these idiot ponies in the comments, calling her 'Princess'! Tartarus!" she explained to the others. It made Celestia's heart sink lower. "W-what are they saying?" Belle Hop pushed her way to the laptop to read. The alicorn didn't dare look at her face. "Despair, mostly. Looks like a lot of ponies came to the same conclusion as you, Glitter." Celestia had to fight back tears. "H-how many ponies?" Silence again as the two pegasi examined the Internet some more. "Couple dozen. Okay, we have to stop them from saying it before some human spots it..." There was the sound of typing and the Princess looked up. "What are you saying to them?" Glitter Dust dictated what she was typing slowly with the tips of her wing feathers. "Hush you fools, don't say who she is! Delete your comments!" "I hope that's vague enough," said Heavy Hoof. Rock Lichen hugged his friend. "We don't have a lot of choice." "Guys, she seems so happy," repeated Lake Frond, more loudly. This time they all heard and fell silent. Everypony inspected the screen again. "Yeah, it's weird. It's like she wants to be there. I think Supple was right. The Princess isn't being beaten," muttered Belle Hop. "Tell me that username again, I'll try and talk with this 'Wendy'. See if I can find out more." Glitter Dust peered at the computer too. "Yeah," she said, "I thought about doing that, but she's not online. I'm waiting for her to accept my friend request." Celestia gulped. The receptionist would be only too happy to share details about her favourite alicorn coworker. She had to warn the woman - plead with her to keep quiet! She realized what that meant and her heart descended all the way down to her hooves. Rawsthorne would have to find out. Tonight. He could probably call Wendy and ask her to keep quiet. Please, she thought, don't let Wendy check her Facebook before that! Before she fessed up to her owner. It was too soon! They had been doing so well! He had kissed her earlier and now she'd have to reveal the lie. Maybe she could get away with simply explaining her station? Maybe downplaying it a little. He needed to know just enough to help her deal with these ponies, before they did something stupid. No. If there was a chance for anything between Rawsthorne and her, she would have to give him the whole truth. Even so, he might not want to keep her around. Her vacation had just ended, the alicorn knew that very well, but she wanted to see this case to its completion. It could take months, Miriam had said, and Celestia needed to see that it won! Then she would tell her friends and then she would leave for Equestria. Except it was more complicated now. Soon all her ponies on Earth would know that the Princess was enslaved. It would make them lose heart. She would somehow need to get the word out to them, but what could she say? 'I was getting tired of all that freedom I had, so I went to try slavery for a bit?' 'Hey, I know many of you are suffering, but I thought I'd treat this slavery thing as a joke for a bit, no hard feelings?' 'So, about this collar around my neck...' No. She couldn't tell them, and right now the alicorn couldn't think of a way to explain! She needed time to think! "Uh, guys... I'm kinda tired with all this work I've been doing. Mind if I leave? I want to think about the Princess for a bit." The mares looked at her and noted her expression. "Oh, you look awful, sweetie," Lake Frond said and went over to give Celestia a gentle hug and a nuzzle. "Go get some rest. We'll talk about this some more." "Please - let me know whatever you decide. I want to be a part of it." Maybe if she learned about their plan soon enough she would be able to stop it. Glitter Dust nodded. "Yeah, sure thing! I'll tell you on Skype if we decide anything. Get some rest." "I think I'll walk out with you. Let me get Mrs. Turner," said the unicorn. "Want me to fetch Rawsthorne as well?" Celestia just nodded gratefully. The others went back into a huddle. "Look, we obviously need to get away if we want to do anything and we need Glowbug out of her ring, so she can help us with locks and walls," Heavy Hoof was explaining. It made Celestia want to grit her teeth in frustration. They would work on this rescue plan, it looked like! "Yeah, that's right and we'll need someplace to stay. Remember, if she was brainwashed, she won't want to help us at first," Glitter Dust explained. The alicorn suspected her friend had seen too many human movies, but the others seemed to be eating it up. "That's right! Try and find out where she is. Let's hope it's America, because I don't think we're getting past customs. 'Wendy Locker', that's American, right?" asked Rock Lichen. "I don't think we can reach Europe." "I'll fly there if I have to!" Glitter Dust growled. The stallion shook his head. "Across the ocean? This isn't Equestria, Glitter. Earth is huge!" He didn't wait for an answer, but continued with his speculation. "Let's hope it's America. Unless it's around some desert bit, there will probably be forests. We can hide out there until we figure out how to get her home. It'd just be grass and bark and evergreen trees, but I think I know how to make snow igloos for warmth and with Glowbug's magic, fire shouldn't be a problem." There was a chorus of agreement. "Then what?" asked Lake Frond, but Celestia didn't hear the answer. The two humans and the unicorn came from the owners' room and the ponies fell silent. Glitter Dust spread a wing across the screen to obstruct the view. For once, the pegasus inadvertently helped her. If Rawsthorne had spotted the picture, he might have commented on it. She hurried out ahead of their owners with Glowbug right on her hooves. "We'll go ahead and chat a bit, that's okay, right?" the unicorn asked. Both Rawsthorne and Mrs. Turner nodded. The mares hurried onward. "That could be a problem," her friend said and Celestia heaved a sigh. "Tell me about it. What do I do?!" "I'd say 'I told you so', but that could have been me, so I won't." "Thanks." Maybe there was a touch more sarcasm in her voice than Celestia intended, but Glowbug didn't seem to mind. "You'll have to tell him now, you know?" the unicorn pointed out. "Yeah, I know." Celestia sighed sadly. "It was just going so well! The case - I can really make a difference here! I can't deal with this and the case at the same time!" They stopped and waited for the owners to walk back into sight before going forward. Glowbug gave her new friend a hug. "I feel ya. Have you considered telling them?" The alicorn barked a laugh. "Tell them what? That I have been making a big joke about their situation? I hinted to Silent Brook that I could get him home and he nearly bit my head off!" "Yeah, that's usually a problem. Ponies get used to living here. Unless their owners treat them real bad, they don't want to risk getting stuck with worse humans. You hear stories." Celestia could understand it. Things could be worse so easily. "Even Heavy Hoof?" Glowbug shrugged and looked into the distance. "You know, it sounds tragic, what they're doing to him, but I heard some rumors..." "What rumors?" The unicorn rounded up on Celestia and stared right in her eyes. "Swear to me you don't tell this to anyone!" "I swear!" The changeling held her gaze for a moment longer. "I'm not sure, mind you, but I think Heavy Hoof had gotten it on with his mistress and I don't know if his master knows!" It was quite hard to believe, but it made sense, given his eagerness. Even so, Celestia didn't see how it pertained to the stallion wanting to stay. Human women couldn't be that much better in bed, could they? "So, what does that change?" "I think he likes her. A lot. If you know what I mean, and I think he likes his master, too. I talked with him on Skype a few times... after, and he doesn't seem all that depressed, if you get what I'm saying." Celestia felt her eyes widen and her mouth open in surprise. She stopped walking so she could stare at her friend. "Oh!" "And it looks like they... like him back. Who knows what's really going on, but that pony likes it here. Having to run away to save you will break his heart!" It became even more important to stop them, then. "He won't. I'll put a stop to it." "Okay. I'll see if I can think of something," the unicorn promised. Celestia noticed that their owners were almost upon them. "Thanks, Glowbug. You- you're a real friend. I'm sorry about-" She didn't get to finish. "It's fine," the mare said and hugged her. "Just remember once you're back. We're not all bad. Tell them that making real friends fills you up more than stealing love. Hope that helps." Celestia knew what she meant. If this news spread through the changeling Hive, it could be the push they needed to say to no to Chrysalis! It was, perhaps, a start of something big! "You don't want to go home?" Glowbug thought for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I like it here and I don't know what Mrs. Turner would do without me. Now hush." The two broke apart just as their owners came within earshot. It was a good thing a human hearing was that much weaker than pony. "Ready to go?" asked her human. Celestia nodded silently. "Time for pizza?" She shook her head. "Actually, I'd just like to go home. I'm tired. I will make you dinner, if you like." That raised his eyebrows. He quickly said goodbye to Mrs. Turner and Glowbug, then went back to staring at Celestia as they headed for the car. "What is bothering you? It can't be the case. Is it 'us' again?" he asked. The mare shook her head. She wondered how to say it. "I'll tell you when we're home, okay? Just - leave me in silence for a bit, please? I need to think." Rawsthorne shrugged a little to himself. "Sure, not a problem." The mare crawled into the car and immediately let her eyes unfocus into the distance. She had to find some words which would make it right between them. There had to be some! "Greg?" He waited to clear the intersection before glancing at her. "Yes?" "Please remember that I love you, all right? As a friend and as- something more." If he was shocked at the outright admission, her owner hardly showed it. "Where is this coming from? Didn't you say yourself we should take it slow?" She sighed and looked away from him and out the passenger window. "Yes. I did, but it's important you know. Please?" She nearly flinched as a hand sought out her ear. "I'll remember. Whatever is bothering you, we'll figure it out. We saved you from the basement monster, remember?" The mare couldn't help smiling. A tear ran down her cheek and she kept her muzzle turned away from the human. "Thank you. You are a good human, Greg."