(The next day)
Having awakened, the eight girls took their turns showering, then went to the lobby. Using some of their hard-earned Simoleons from the job yesterday, they bought some food and a drink each from the vending machine. Not exactly filling, -much less healthy- but it was better than nothing.
Anyway, Kris apprised them of the situation and gave them their jobs for the day.
"Alright. Since you girls are living here for the short term, you'll need to do some work. Here-" she said, tossing each a work uniform, "-put these on. After that I need you to fix a few things around the building. Basically, if it seems broken, fix it up. Also, the windows of the building will need cleaning again, as will the floors. I'll be around if you have any questions"
Sunset was quick to give a division of labour. "Okay! Applejack, you're the best mechanic of us, you fix the broken machines. Rarirty, you chat up any of the Richies that come along -but for the love of Celestia, avoid Daddy Bigbucks AT ALL COSTS!-. Dash, you're the sporty type; Chat up Misty Waters in the basement, when you get the chance. I get the feeling that we'll need her friendship some day soon. The rest of us will be cleaning the windows. Again." she said, deadpannng at the end. "I really despise those rats with wings. Even Fluttershy couldn't stop them." she added with no small amount of annoyance. "We'll meet up later, back at our little slice of the workspace."
Before they went to their jobs, Rainbow Dash came to a nearly literal screeching halt and said to Applejack, "By the way, AJ, get us before you fix the TV on the third floor. You'll see why later."
Applejack shrugged, but went off to do her duty.
--------------
Down in the basement, Rainbow Dash saw Misty Waters and went over to talk to her.
"Hey!" Misty greeted, "You new here?"
"As it happens, yeah." Dash replied.
"Cool. Think you can work out and chat at the same time?" Misty queried.
"You know it!" Dash said smugly, taking a set of 20 pounder kettlebells.
---------------
Applejack set about fixing -and generally doing maintenance on- the various appliances in the building, from the water fountains to the clocks.
Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind. She began to struggle, but the one behind her said, "SHH!"
Applejack turned around and saw a ninja standing before her. "What in-" she began, but was interrupted.
"No time. Name's Heidi Shadows. When you're able, find me at the carnival. I need to talk to you and your friends."
Applejack nodded. "'Kay. But was that really necessary back there?"
"I'm a ninja; of course it was." Heidi said, before throwing down a smoke bomb, disappearing.
"That was weird." Applejack said, getting back to work.
--------------
Rarity was chatting with Lottie Cash about whatever came to mind.
"Hahahaha! I love blonde jokes! Yeah, I know, I AM blonde, but I'm smarter than your average Rich girl, if you know what I mean."
"Perfectly understandable, dear. Speaking of, what rep group are you in, darling?"
"Let me just put it this way:" Lottie said, "I wouldn't leave the Richies if you paid me to. Actually, WOULD you pay me to? Never mind; doesn't matter. Anyway, my name is 'Lottie Cash'. You should have figured that out right off."
"Fair enough."
"I have to say, Rarity," Lottie changed the topic, "I LOVE your hair! I take it you dye it?"
"Actually, no." Rarity said, bringing her fingers through her hair, "This is entirely natural, believe it or not, darling,."
"NO WAY!" Lottie exclaimed. "Seriously?! How?"
"Funny story, that..."
-------------
Back in the basement, Dash and Misty were sparring, trading blows.
"So." Dash said, "How often-" she stopped to throw a few punches, "Do you come here?" she said, dodging a flurry of punches.
"Just about ev-" Misty began, pausing to throw a few more punches, then avoid some from Rainbow Dash. "Every day." she finished. "Why?"
"Ah, just curious." Rainbow Dash replied, shrugging.
-----------------------------
Later, the girls met in the hallway of the Law Offices floor of the building. At this point, Applejack was nearly done fixing the TV. As soon as she was done, a projection appeared.
"Hey, ladies! It's me! the ghooost of Mister King! No, don't bother answering." the 'ghost' said, "This is actually only a recording, but I've thought of everything that you'll reply, so... I don't expect that'll stop you anyway. Heh."
The girls exchanged glances. This one was a nutter, alright.
"Anyway, when Bigbucks first came to me, wanting to buy the place, he made me an offer that he said I couldn't refuse."
"What did you do?" Twilight queried.
"I refused, by golly!" King said. "I said that he'd have to throw in a yacht or something. He said 'Okay', and THEN
I sold the place. Gosh, I'm embarased. I hope everyone can forgive me."
"That's okay, Mister King." Fluttershy said. "We forgive you."
"Thanks, if you said you do. Anyway, Bigbucks is up to something sinister -beyond his business practices-." King said, joking at the end. "I'm not sure what. but you need to find out and put a stop to it. Restore King Tower to its soaring glory!"
"Soaring?" Dash scoffed, "It only has like, five floors."
"Well, yes, but think about the history of the building; the atmosphere. It's just so homey."
"We won't let you down Mister King." Twilight said.
"I know you won't let me down, girls. Remember me!" the projection said before disappearing.
The girls went back to the apartment space to rest up for the night.
----------
Back in the Law Offices, the projection of Mister King reappeared briefly. "I hope I made the right choice." he said, before disappearing again.
Quest Completed