//------------------------------// // Volunteering, Fallout, and Propositions // Story: Consequences // by shallow15 //------------------------------// “Well, it's the damnedest thing I've ever seen,” said Tough Love as he got up from the stool at the end of the exam table. “But, yeah, as far as I can tell, you've got a clean bill of health.” “You could try not sounding so disappointed, darling,” said Rarity. She gave her now-former physical therapist a smirk. “Or were you planning something truly horrendous when I got back from my unexpected absence?” “Maybe,” Tough Love said with a grin. “I went to the county museum while you were gone. Spent a lot of time in the medieval section getting ideas.” “I knew it! You may have others fooled, but not me, you fraudulent mountebank!” The two of them laughed, and Tough Love folded his arms as he leaned up against the counter. “Honestly, I think I'm going to miss the insults most of all.” “Well,” Rarity said, looking down at her feet. “I had some thoughts on that.” “Oh?” “I've been thinking about all the other patients who come here. People who aren't lucky enough to have magic on their side which can miraculously heal their injuries.” “What are you saying, Rarity?” Rarity looked up. “Well, obviously, I'm not qualified to help with actual therapy or anything like that, but if the clinic could use a volunteer to wash towels or wipe down equipment or things of that sort, I'd like to help.” Tought Love blinked. “You want to volunteer?” Rarity nodded. “I think I should give something back. I got lucky. I was only incapacitated for a couple of weeks. I feel like I should be helping those who are going to be dealing with their problems for longer.” Tough Love considered for a few moments. “Well, I'd have to check with my boss, but I think we could use a little part-time help around here.” Rarity let out a squeal of delight and leaped off the table. She threw her arms around Tough Love's neck and hugged him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Tough Love managed to escape Rarity's bear hug. “Okay, you're welcome. Good grief, any more of that and I'm the one that'll need help.” Rarity flashed him a wicked grin. “Turnabout is fair play, darling.” The girls were called out of class the next afternoon. They were sent to the conference room when they arrived and found that Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna were there talking to Tempest Shadow. “Ah, girls,” said Celestia as the door opened. “Come in. Have a seat.” “What's she doing here?” Rainbow Dash said, suspicion heavy in her voice. “Agent Shadow – “ Luna began, before she was cut off by Tempest clearing her throat. “Ah yes, excuse me. Ms. Shadow has a few loose ends she needs to wrap up concerning everything that's happened over the last couple of weeks.” “'Ms. Shadow?'” Sunset asked, frowning. Tempest let out a small sigh. “That's the first thing. STORM is being reorganized. After everything involving Stormking went to the right people, a special subcommittee started an investigation. For right now, STORM operations are suspended, as are all field agents.” “Who's runnin' the show now?” Applejack asked. “The subcommittee appointed an interim director. She has a much less draconian view of how things ought to be run.” “Well, that's good,” said Twilight. “But that still doesn't explain why you're here.” Tempest opened a manila folder on the table in front of her. She pulled out some papers and distributed them to each girl. “First off, this is a formal apology from the government for your illegal arrest and incarceration. Everyone involved has been suspended, demoted, or terminated from the agency.” “'Terminated?'” Fluttershy squeaked. Tempest smiled. “Terminated as in 'fired,' don't worry. Additionally, financial compensation will be sent to your parents or guardians. The checks will be made out in your names, so what you do with them is entirely up to you.” “How much are we talking?” asked Rainbow, leaning forward. “Rainbow Dash!” Rarity snapped. “Must you be so crass?” Tempest looked at Sunset. “Since you are living on your own, I was able to bring yours to you directly.” The former agent slid an envelope across the table. Sunset picked it up and opened it, looking at the check inside. Her eyes bulged out of her head. “This is...” “What the government feels is adequate compensation for the time and inconvenience of the investigation,” Tempest finished. “How much is it?” Rainbow demanded. Sunset passed the check to her. Rainbow looked at the amount and let out a barely audible squeak. Sunset took the check back and put it in her pocket. “You all got the same amount,” said Tempest. “As I said, what you choose to do with it is up to you. There's one other thing, Miss Shimmer.” Sunset's frown returned. “And what is that?” “After talking with the interim director, she and I agreed that some extra compensation was in order for your assistance in clearing up the matter of Agent Drops' death and the disappearance of Cantata Luster. So she pulled some strings.” Tempest pulled more papers from the file and passed them over. Sunset looked at them and stared even harder at them than she had at the check. “What is it, Sunset?” Fluttershy asked. “Papers,” Sunset replied. She looked up at Tempest in shock. “Legitimate naturalization papers.” “Congratulations,” Tempest grinned. “You're officially a citizen, with all the rights and privileges there unto.” Sunset looked back down at the certificate of citizenship, the Social Security card, and all the other bits and pieces that meant she now officially existed. She felt tears forming in the corners of her eyes. She could get a driver's license. She could go to college. She had a future. She looked up at Tempest. “Thank you!” “I thought it was the least we could do,” Tempest replied. “The documents you had weren't going to last forever.” Sunset suddenly found herself in a congratulatory group hug as her friends nearly tackled her to the ground in enthusiasm. “WOOO! SUNSET OFFICIALLTY EXISTS PARTYYYYYY!!!” Pinkie Pie bellowed as confetti, streamers and balloons popped out of nowhere. The hug ended and the girls took their seats. Tempest brushed some confetti off her shoulder and closed the folder. “There is one more thing though.” “And what's that?” Sunset asked. “When STORM is up and running again, things will be different, but we're still interested in what's been happening out here.” “We're not working for you,” Twilight said firmly. “Don't even ask.” “I wasn't going to. The interim director has determined that whatever it is happening, it seems to be largely confined to Canterlot City and its immediate environs. Moreover, it seems that you girls have things pretty much under control on that front.” “So, you're NOT going to force us to become some sort of magical girl hit squad?” Rainbow asked, confusion in her voice. “No,” Tempest replied. She turned her gaze back to Sunset. “However, we would like to be kept abreast of any sort of magical incursions that you encounter. Informal reports, if you will. In return, we can help ensure that no one else gets suspicious of what happens out here or what you can do.” “Who would we report to?” Sunset asked. “Me,” Tempest responded. “When the re-org is finished, I'm not going to be a field agent anymore. I'll be riding a desk. The interim director feels that since I already have the background on you girls, I'd be suited to act as your liaison.” “So if we encounter anything magical that we have to deal with, we report what happens to you, and STORM covers it up?” “If necessary,” Tempest replied. “But let me be clear. This is a request, not an order. If you decide you don't want to associate with us, that's fine, but we can't guarantee what you do won't garner public attention, and that might lead to other people like Stormking, or worse, taking an interest in you and your abilities.” “Is that a threat?” Rainbow Dash frowned. Tempest blinked. “No, just what I said, a request. If you work with us, we can protect your secret. If you decide not to, we can't. It's that simple. It all depends on how much of a liability you'd consider us at this point. Personally, I wouldn't blame you for turning the offer down after everything that's happened.” The girls looked at each other, then at Sunset, who was sitting in thought. She folded her arms and looked at Tempest. “What about a trial run?” Tempest blinked. “I'm sorry, I'm not following you.” “Show us STORM can do what it says it can,” Sunset explained. “There is one thing left over from all this that we need taken care of that we can't do ourselves. If you can pull it off, then I think we can work with you under those conditions.” “What do you need?” Sunset told her.