//------------------------------// // 14 - A Link is Forged // Story: The Conversion Bureau: The St. Louis Massacre // by Cloudhammer //------------------------------// Year 5, Week 19, Friday Gradually, the eye-splitting pain faded and Flare sagged to the floor in relief, sweat soaking his coat and the carpet he’d been laying on. The unicorn opened his eyes and looked around the room, seeing the other guards conferring with Mark. “So... what happened?” His throat was dry as the desert and he coughed weakly. “Flare, you’re awake!” Lariat said as he trotted over and helped the unicorn to his hooves. “As for what happened, you’ll have to tell us amigo. You just started freaking out and collapsed, saying something about blood and pain.” Flare shivered as the ghost of the sensations came back to the front, and with a deep breath managed not to vomit what little breakfast he’d had. “I don’t even know... it just hit me all at once. I’ve never felt or even heard of magic like that before.” Cloudhammer nodded. “Well, the important thing for now is you’re alright. We’ll want to get in touch with the forces we sent to the airport as soon as possible, get an idea of what’s going on...” He trailed off as a unicorn guard trotted in, his eyes dark. He whispered something into Cloudhammer’s ear and the pegasus stiffened, before nodding firmly. “Thank you, does Captain Nebula require assistance?” “No sir, he just wanted to make sure you were kept in the loop.” The unicorn turned to Corporal Burton. “Sir, if I may have a moment of your time?” Mark nodded. “Sure.” The unicorn led him out into the hallway and closed the door behind him. “What did he say Cloudhammer?” Flare asked worriedly. “All of the Marines were killed, by griffons.” The assembled guard’s eyes widened, but Cloudhammer wasn’t finished. “Apparently the National Guard responded and took down the HLF force, but there was a pulse of magic soon after our unicorns arrived. Almost all of the National Guard were killed, and the unicorns there described the exact same sensations that you felt Flare.” “Do we know what caused it?” Flare shook his head to clear the last of the headache away. “No, but knowing Nebula, if he hasn’t started, he will be soon. Now, let’s go. Somepony has to start coordinating this mess, and I’m going to need your help. Aegis, I want you to take Dusty, Anvil and Wrecker, take charge of those civilians who survived and access the Bureau records. We need to find out if any those foal’s parents survived the attack.” He sighed heavily. “As far as telling the foals of those who didn’t, we’ll let Foal Services handle that.” Aegis folded his ears back. “Yeah...you got it, boss...” “As for myself, Lariat, and Flare, we’ll work with the police here and start securing the bodies to prepare to take home to Equestria. Least we can do is give them the chance to be buried back home.” Aegis saluted, before turning to the other earth pony guards. “Well, you heard the General, let’s get to it.” He led them back through the research facility and across the walkway to the Bureau. Passing the police who were covering the bodies of the fallen with sheets, he shook his head in anger at the senseless death that had been delivered. At least the beasts of the Everfree were simple predators in their violence. For another thinking being to do think to do this... he just couldn’t understand it. Finally, they found themselves at the side hallway and Aegis stopped the formation. “Alright, Dusty, I want you to go to the records room, the door’ll be in the director’s office. Grab the employee and Convert records for this week, they’ll tell us who had foals here.” Dusty nodded before trotting further down the main hall. Aegis turned back to the side hall and took a breath to steel himself before trotting to the daycare. The four HLF men had been taken away, but Cheerheart and Cirrus were keeping the foals there for the time being. “S’cuse me, Miss Cheerheat?” The earth pony mare looked up, trotting over as she saw the look on his face. “What do you need?” He sighed. “We need to know the list of names of the parents who had foals here today. We’re going to be doing a sweep of the building, see how many were able to find hiding places when the attack started.” Cheerheart nodded, her eyes getting misty again. Taking a few seconds to compose herself, she opened one of the drawers in her desk and pulled out a thick file folder. Opening it, she motioned him over. “These are the photos of the parents for every foal here for the past week. I can also just give you their names if you want.” Aegis shook his head. “We’ll need the photos if... if they can’t answer back,” he finished weakly, trying very hard not to look at the foals who were whispering to each other, a few pointing at his helmet. One little blue earth pony colt, vivid green mane in a mess, inched forward and bravely tapped on Aegis’ flankguard. Aegis, mildly startled by the tap, glanced down at the colt. “Are you a rhinocelus?” Aegis laughed lightly. “No, no, not a rhinoceros, though a very friendly rhinoceros I met inspired my helmet.” Aegis reached up, unstrapped his helm, and pulled it off to a series of ‘wows’ and ‘oohs.’ The foals stared, wide-eyed, as the brown coat deepened into a dark shade of red, while the tan mane darkened to a rich brown. “But you’re big as one, mister!” claimed a grey unicorn filly. “I know, I went and saw one before I was a pony. They’re a whole bunch bigger than ponies, like you. I didn’t know they could take off their horns and turn colors, though.” Aegis chuckled. This was like trying to explain to Leapfrog why earth ponies couldn’t fly like pegasi not-so-many years ago. Unfortunately, as Aegis grew a bit sober, he didn’t have time to demonstrate he was, indeed, a pony. He had to go find out if these foals had homes and parents to return to. “Well, trust me, kiddos, I’m as much a pony as you are. Now, I do gotta get to work, lots more to take care of.” He held up a hoof at the chorus of disappointed moans from the foals. “Now, don’t ya’ll worry, when I’m all done I’ll be right back, ok?” Aegis strapped his helmet back on, his coat and tail reassuming their earth guard coloration. The earth guards moved out of the room and back down the hallway, stopping in each of the offices on the floor. Unfortunately the scene was the same in every room they found, ponies who’d been just getting started with their day slumped at their desks or sprawled on the floor where they’d tried to bolt. After five such rooms, Dusty pushed open the door to a maintenance storeroom, shaking his head as he didn’t see anything. “Write it off as empty, sir?” “No, we’ll search them all,” Aegis said as he entered the room. “Is there anypony in here?” One of the large garbage cans against the back walls rattled and fell over with a thud, a unicorn mare tumbling out to land sprawled on the floor. “Ouch...” She looked up, nearly bursting into tears at the sight of the two guards staring down at her. “Oh thank Celestia you’re here! I was just getting some more plastic cups when I heard this horrible noise! I peeked out the door and saw those awful humans shooting everypony! I managed to hide in the garbage can before they came in, and was so afraid they’d find me and-” her eyes widened in sudden terror, “-Oh no! My little filly, Spring Joy! She was in the daycare! I-is she...?” Aegis let a smile break out. “Your little filly’s just fine, we’re holding them in the daycare right now to keep them safe.” The mare stared at him blankly for a second, her eyes begging him to be telling the truth. When he nodded she sagged to the floor in relief, the tears finally coming out. “Oh thank goodness!” “Wrecker, take her back to the daycare. We’ll regroup at the stairs to the next floor.” The two black trucks pulled up to park in front of the bullet-riddled police station, eliciting more than a few nervous looks from civilians. The ten men inside got out and calmly took a look around, one snapping a few photographs of the face of the building. “Suppose it’s about time you guys showed up, now that the action is all said and done.” Chief Nance said as he walked down the steps, four SWAT officers walking beside him. “Special Agent McClanahan, FBI. We’re here to begin coordinating questioning of any prisoners taken from the ranks of the terrorists.” The man in front said as he took his badge out of his jacket, noticing the SWAT officer’s fingers not quite move toward the triggers of their rifles. “Your men seem a little jumpy still, Chief Nance.” “Well, I can’t really blame them, given how this day started. As for prisoners, we’re still bringing in the group from out in the suburbs, so if you want, you can kindly have a seat in what’s left of our waiting area.” Nance replied coldly as he escorted the FBI agents into the lobby, showing them to the half shredded couches and chairs. “Now, I need to get back to work, but two of these fine gentlemen will remain here, in case you need anything. I’ll let you know when our officers come in with the prisoners.” He strode off into the rear of the building, the agents looking at each other before Agent McClanahan shook his head and followed after Nance. “Chief Nance, I’m afraid you don’t understand. This incident is being labeled an act of terrorism and as such falls under the FBI and Department of Homeland Security’s jurisdiction. So for the time being I am in charge here. Now, I know you’ve had a tough morning, but I do need your help to start putting the pieces together on where these guys came from, where they got their weaponry, and what their target was. I can start ordering you around, but frankly that’s just going to piss people off on both sides, and I’d rather we work together to figure this out.” Nance stopped outside his office door, holding onto the doorframe so tightly his knuckles were white. Finally heaving a sigh, he turned around to face the FBI agents. “Alright. Here’s the situation as we know it now. The terrorists are still at the airport, though some phone calls coming in say there’s been a flash of red light, and unicorns all across the city are collapsing. I want to send officers to investigate, but I’ve got enough problems on my hands as it is.” McClanahan nodded. “Well, we’ll have more field agents coming in to the St Louis Downtown Airport this evening, and DHS agents the next morning, as well as Red Cross support staff to lend a hand to the local hospitals.” Nance stared at the agent for a few more seconds, before he sighed again and stuck out his hand. “Thanks. Sorry I snapped, just been a really shitty morning. We appreciate the help.” McClanahan took it, the two men shaking once. “It’s what they pay us for. And you can call me Caleb.” “Oliver.” “How are they doing?” Captain Nebula asked as he trotted over to the quartet of soldiers they’d been able to save from the thaumatic burst. Solaris looked up. “Well, physically they’re fine, just need some time to come to terms with the fact that they’re ponies now.” “You understand you’ll have to go on review for this Solaris. Even to save their lives, you still ponified them without their consent.” Solaris nodded, though his ears folded back a little. “I understand sir.” Nebula looked over at the ruined body of the airplane. “Alright, then come on. Let’s see what those griffons were up to that caused this disaster in the first place.” The two unicorns trotted cautiously to the ladder that had been pushed back against the side of the plane. Climbing up the steps, they peered carefully inside. A quick glance toward the flight deck made it clear they didn’t want to go in there, their noses wrinkling in disgust at the sight of the body sprawled in the doorway. Looking the other way, they could see the door to the rear cargo area was twisted and blackened from whatever had gone on behind it. They trotted carefully down the aisle, the copper tang of blood reaching their noses as they drew closer. “You ready Solaris?” Nebula asked as he drew a faint glimmer of power into his horn. Taking hold of the wedged door, he twisted his head and yanked it free, Solaris braced to receive whatever trap might be waiting on the other side, but nothing came beyond deathly quiet. The two unicorns looked at each other worriedly before they carefully made their way into the section beyond. Almost immediately their eyes were drawn to the ravaged body lying against the wall, it’s skin seared black and charcoaled organs spilling out into dust on the floor. There were lines burned into the floor and walls, though what purpose they served wasn’t clear to either of them. Several holes had almost been melted through the hull of the plane, torn ragged like claw wounds. The last thing they noticed was the heat, almost a palpable wave that washed over them. “What... what is all this Captain?” Solaris asked, his ears flat against his head as he looked nervously at the lingering shadows. “I don’t know Solaris... but whatever they did here, they’re not here now. Let’s back out, let somepony more experienced in these matters get a look.” Both of them hurriedly exited the airplane, glad for the breaths of fresh air that awaited them. Nebula bellowed for a quartet of guards to take up position and prevent anypony else from having to see what was inside that plane. Foster found himself torn between wanting to feel relieved that the situation was starting to get under control, and outrage at the failure to capture any of the griffons. The word that the terrorists were, in fact, calling themselves the HLF had only served to increase his aggravation. “Alright, the table’s open. I want suggestions for responses.” “A strong condemnation of the attack, and thanking the St Louis police, the Army, the Marines, the National Guard, and the Equestrians for their assistance in both protecting the city.” Curtis said at once. “Well, we have the images of the griffons, we can inquire with the Equestrian Embassy to see if they entered the country through there.” LaRue said, though his tone made it clear how well he thought that’d work. “Unfortunately, if they were able to use whatever ritual they used to teleport here, then there won’t be any record of their entering the country. We would have to ask Iron Talons directly for the information. And you know as well as I do what he’ll say.” Amber Dusk said to Celestia. Celestia nodded. “I’ll contact Luna, have her speak to the griffon ambassador in Canterlot. He might have some information to give us.” “The real question then becomes what is our response should Iron Talons be responsible?” Kingsworth said, looking at a file folder. “I doubt you’d be willing to order the Royal Guard into Scythion unsupported.” Celestia looked at Kingsworth levelly. “You would be correct. Especially if there’s been smuggling of human weaponry into Scythion. The Unicorn Guard simply does not have enough unicorns skilled in barrier magic to be able to safeguard themselves and the other ponies that would be needed. Not to mention the difficulty that any group attempting to raid an eyrie would face. However, I believe that before any further speculation is made on what course of action should be taken, that we need more information.” “I agree. It may well be that this was a mercenary job,” LaRue pointed out. “We can’t consider deploying military forces to another country, even for this.” “However, regardless of whether or not these griffons were authorized visitors to the US, they still committed an act of terrorism on US soil. Even if the Equestrian Royal Guard will not take action, the US government cannot stand by and allow this kind of attack to go unanswered.” Kingsworth retorted. Amber Dusk snorted. “Do remember that we have lost citizens of ours today as well. But we cannot rush into a course of action without being prepared.” He put his hooves on the table. “When Scythion closed off communications with Equestria, I had my agents begin to... ask, discreetly, about the northern border and the human nations as to the activity of griffons coming and going. The vast majority of it was nothing useful, but there were three griffons in particular who stated they would be in one place, and could not be found for several hours. That was two years ago, twice here in the United States, and once in the northern towns. LaRue glared at the unicorn, “So you’ve had spies operating on US soil as well? That is a serious breach of the diplomatic treaties the United States has with Equestria.” Amber Dusk returned LaRue’s glare cooly. “Is it spying to ask a simple question of the customs officers in our Embassy, or someone who interacted with a griffon? At no time did an agent of Equestria conduct an operation on foreign soil. What Celestia said is true, the Royal Guard does not have the ability to take any action to enter Scythion, especially if they’ve been acquiring human weapons. Whether it’s to retrieve the Hunters responsible, or for more... large-scale maneuvers.” Amber Dusk leaned forward. “It’s my duty to safeguard Equestria and it’s citizens. I won’t be squeamish about what needs to be done to do so.” Celestia put a hoof gently on his shoulder. “Amber Dusk, your dedication is admirable, but I’m afraid that LaRue is correct. In the future, any attempts to gather information will be done only with the approval of the US government. And you and I will need to have a conversation when we return to Canterlot. However, what he said is true, Equestria alone cannot take action against Scythion should it become necessary.” “Then what do you suggest we do? It’s not like we can send troops of our own in with guns to act in concert with yours.” Kingsworth replied as he stared at Celestia. “Well, we only really need the guns,” Sledgepetal spoke up again, the mare feeling out of place as again, every pair of eyes in the room turned to look at her. “I mean, we just need to either find enough unicorns who could levitate guns, or better yet, allies with fingers of their own.” Celestia got a distant look in her eye, before rising to her hooves. “If you all will excuse me, I have a message I need to send.” She made her way out of the room, heading toward the Rose Garden. Once she was there, and certain no human was within the minimum safe distance for her spell, she once again established a connection with her sister. “I see,” Luna said once Celestia had filled her in, “this is a disturbing series of thoughts to follow.” “It is, though we still don’t have enough information to determine an accurate course of action. I’d like for you to speak with the griffon ambassador immediately. I have the feeling that he might be trying to go on vacation in the near future.” “I understand ‘Tia. How far am I to go in talking with him?” “Be civil about it, at least. There is still the likely chance that these Hunters contracted independently. Of more interest to me is First Lieutenant Sledgepetal’s observation.” Celestia filed Luna in on that as well. “I do believe a solution exists right under our noses, and with the right motivation, would be more than willing to lend its assistance.” Luna blinked as she made the same connections Celestia had. “I... see. Are you sure that it is wise to be so hasty though?” “Well, it is true I’d like to have a few decades to ease the idea in, but we are operating under more than one deadline Luna. Even if the Hunters contracted individually, it must be made clear that such actions will not be tolerated. And I know the humans well enough to know they will not tolerate violation of their territorial sovereignty. Better that we remain in the loop and part of the solution rather than them trying to take action on their own.” “You do have a point. Very well, I’ll contact the necessary ambassadors. You know their neighbors are not going to be happy about this.” “Well, why not extend them the same offer? In hindsight, this should have been pursued from a much earlier time. Although there will of course need to be tests performed and results collected, but given the prior research the bulk of the work is already done.” Luna’s astral self shook her head. “Just be careful not to move too quickly, we don’t want to destabilize the situation any further.” Celestia laughed lightly. “I’ll keep that in mind. Let me know what you learn from the ambassadors.” Luna nodded as their shared space faded from Celestia’s vision, the Rose Garden slowly replacing it. She sighed and turned back toward the White House, wondering how President Foster would take the suggestion she was about to make. Aegis sighed as they exited the stairs to the third floor dormitory. They’d found most of the foals’ parents, though two of them had not survived their injuries. He hoped against hope that those were the only two deceased, that he wouldn’t have to break more hearts than he had to today. “Okay, we’re looking for Theodore and Genevieve Hendricks. Their son is Bobby,” Aegis stopped as he saw the photo of the beaming, light blue earth pony colt. “They’re supposed to be here on this floor, Room 327. Check the other rooms on our way down.” Slowly, the four ponies made their way down the hall, opening the doors and peering into rooms, wincing at the rooms that held the remains of ponified residents. The majority of the rooms actually had human survivors in them, and Aegis sent Dusty to take them all down to be processed out by the police. Finally, they stood in front of the door to Room 327, and after a second to steel himself Aegis turned the handle and opened the door... ...only for Fate to deal another blow to his heart. Both were lying there on the bed, the sheets stained red around them.. Theodore had already been ponified, winding up a pegasus; his wife was still human. His last act had been to throw himself atop her to try and shield her, though the bullets had torn through them both anyway. Fighting down the anger that started smoldering in his chest, Aegis turned away from the scene. “Guards, move out. We have one final duty left.” The others silently nodded, though their own scowls of anger were clearly visible. Together, they made their way slowly down the stairs, each wrestling with the knowledge that they would be telling three foals their parents wouldn’t be coming home. Stopping outside the hallway, Aegis turned to the others. “If any of you choose, you can back out now. I won’t blame ya.” When none of the guards took a step back, he nodded. “Alright then, let’s go.” Together, they entered the daycare. The surviving parents had been allowed to take their foals from the room, but Bobby, the grey unicorn filly, and an orange-red pegasus colt remained, the three looking up hopefully as the door swung open. Cheerheart and Cirrus met their gazes, and Cheerheart stifled a sob as she realized the awful truth. Anvil and Wrecker looked at Aegis, and at some unspoken signal took the pegasus colt away to one corner, Dusty leading the unicorn filly away, and Aegis looked down sadly at Bobby. “Mister, where’s my mom and dad? They were gonna come pick me up once they were ponies too,” he said as he looked into Aegis’ eyes. Seeing the downcast expression they held, his own started to tear up. “They’re okay, right? They just gotta be!” Aegis felt his heart breaking as he took a slow breath. He’d, unfortunately, had to do this several times before, but it never got easier. “I’m... I’m afraid that they’re gone.” He tried to find more words to say to lessen the impact, but was interrupted by the colt grabbing his leg with a wailing cry. “You’re lying! Mom and Dad wouldn’t just leave me like that!” Bobby shook Aegis’ leg weakly, crying incoherently as Cheerheart trotted forward and gently pried him loose. With another wail he buried his face into her chest, tears soaking into her white coat. In the other corners of the room, similar screams of denial came from the other two foals, Cirrus trotting over to help the pegasus colt, while one of the adult mares nuzzled the unicorn filly. “There there, just let it out,” Cheerheart said, her own tears falling to the floor as she wrapped a leg around the colt. She gave him a wet nuzzle. “I know that your parents loved you very dearly, and if they could, would be here now. But sometimes the Pale Mare calls ponies to the Eternal Herd for reasons we don’t understand-” “It’s not fair though! They were my Mommy and Daddy! Why’d they have to go?” Bobby shouted as he sniffled, mucus smearing across his muzzle as he wiped at his eyes with a hoof. Cheerheart didn’t have an answer to give him, so she simply hugged him tighter as he continued to wail. The four guards stood stoically, each recalling times of their own when they’d been given a similar message. Some had had the chance to at least say goodbye, but these foals had no warning. Mom and Dad were just gone, never again to tuck them in, or to play the little games and tricks that parents use to show their love for their children. “Confirm Helen, you have all the prisoners?” Switchboard spoke into the radio, glad that he was able to do his job again. “Roger that Dispatch, moving them now to Precinct HQ, will be dispersing after successful transfer. How are you guys holding up?” Helen’s voice came back, sounding more tired than Switchboard had ever heard her. “We’re still a little shaken up here, but otherwise fine. Take care of yourself there 7-12. Say hi to your brother for me.” There was laughter. “Roger that Dispatch. See you tomorrow. Over and out.” Switchboard put the headset down and pushed back from the desk with a sigh, looking over at the clock. The uncaring lights glowed a dull red as they displayed the time. “Is it really only twelve fifteen?” Gary looked up from his seat. “I guess it is.” “So, what do we do now?” Switchboard asked tiredly, climbing down from his chair. “Well, I don’t know who’s supposed to come in and relieve us.” Gary said as he walked over to the coffeemaker. “I’ll brew up a new pot, give HQ a call and see if they can send our relief in.” Switchboard nodded, putting his headset back on as the two other officers in the building came wandering in at the smell of fresh coffee. “Precinct, this is Dispatch, requesting status of relief, over.” “Relief is being assembled now, expect at eighteen-hundred hours. Over.” “Roger that.” Switchboard sighed as he looked over to the three officers. “Got another hour more to go.” There was a chorus of groans from everyone present as they settled into their chairs, a degree of normalcy that they eagerly clung to after the events of the day. Luna rose from her throne as she finished speaking to Celestia. “I apologize, but there is crucial business to be attended to. Sky Shimmer, if you could please continue to organize things in my absence.” Without another word she strode out of the throne room and down the hall. As she passed a shadowed alcove, two patches of darkness ruffled their wings and trotted out to join her. “Do you have need of us, my Lady?” the bat-winged pegasus on her left asked quietly. “Indeed, Starstruck. Celestia has asked that we call upon the griffon ambassador. Given the events in St Louis, she feels that some information might be gleaned from him. Has he left his embassy yet?” “No. The other Nightguard report that he is still within his home, though one who got close enough heard sounds of activity.” The other replied. “Excellent Moongrazer. If you would please go ahead and prepare the area, I will be with you shortly.” The pegasus nodded and leapt into the air, darting through the halls with the precision common to the bats his wings resembled. Luna and Starstruck strode calmly through the halls until they reached one of the castles balconies. Spreading their wings, they took off over the sunlit buildings. “Why is it that we cannot simply confine him to his home and wait for nightfall?” Starstruck asked rhetorically. “Night’s more fun anyway.” Luna smiled despite herself. “I agree. But time is of the essence, after all.” “I suppose.” Starstruck muttered, as the pair banked into a downward spiral over the diplomatic district. New buildings were being constructed on the end of the row, for the ponified representatives of human nations to inhabit. Landing in front of the griffon embassy, Luna could see a number of pegasi in conventional Canterlot dress positioned strategically around the building, though to a casual observer they would appear to be normal citizenry. Letting her awareness spread, she counted a dozen unicorns placed to nullify any attempted teleportation or other magical treachery. Moongrazer stood smartly at attention outside the front door, the pegasus glaring at anypony who came too close.. “He is still inside?” Luna asked. When Moongrazer nodded, she allowed another smile to cross her face. “Then let us have words with him.” Signalling the rest of the Nightguard to hold position, Luna and the two visible guards opened the front door and walked in. The fact that the door had been locked didn’t occur to any of them as a problem. “Who dares to barge in he-” the griffon ambassador shouted as he entered the front room of the building. When he saw who it was standing on the carpet he tried to turn and run, only to find the doors had closed behind him. “Ambassador Sunwing. I am pleased that we were able to find you at home. You and I are going to have a conversation about the activities of some of Scythion’s Hunters this day.” Luna said as she walked forward, admiring a painting on the wall. “Y-you know that Scythion does not control the activities of the Hunters. If they receive a contract, then they are not bound by Scythion law.” “However, when your nation’s subjects have violated another nation’s sovereignty, and taken the lives of both Equestrian and United States citizens, then that, I’m afraid, does not excuse them from the law. In particular the treaty that Scythion and Equestria ratified over thirteen hundred years ago.” The ambassador blanched. “I still cannot tell you anything. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have been recalled to Scythion for the time being.” Luna smiled predatorily, and stalked forward until she towered over the ambassador. “And why the sudden interest in leaving? There is no need to be afraid, unless you knew in advance that you would need to vacate the country.” “You have no proof of these accusations! I insist on being permitted to leave, as per Article Twenty-Four, Section Twelve, Paragraph Eight!” the ambassador shouted as he fluffed his hackles angrily. “Ah, that is true. However, you forget that Article Seven, Section Eleven, Subsection Nine, Paragraph Twelve of the treaty nullifies diplomatic rights should recognized agents of Scythion’s government, including Hunters, participates in any action that causes the death of Equestrian citizens.” The ambassador just stared, trying vainly to come up with a way out, but with the Princess of the Night herself standing in front of him, there was nothing he could do. “What’s in it for me?” he asked rather lamely. Luna leaned in close, letting her eyes bore into his. “Your freedom, if you’re lucky.”