//------------------------------// // A Deal is Struck // Story: A Deal With The Devil // by Dimitri2278 //------------------------------// Aug 4th, 2029 Location: Classified 0730 When morning came, Cpt. Pereira used all his mental training to keep to himself when Rainbow had strolled confidently into the living room to find him and Sgt. Peretz playing cards. "Good morning," she said in a cheerful tone as the two men turned to look at her. "Good morning," they replied nearly simultaneously. Sgt. Peretz in a similar tone, while Cpt. Pereira was more stoic. Rainbow walked over to the small folding table they had pulled out for their game. "Whatcha playing?" "We were just finishing up a game of crazy eights," said Cpt. Pereira as he played two cards and finished his hand, causing Sgt. Peretz to shake his head. "Well, it was nice playing, but I have something I need to do," he said as he stood up and walked out of the room. Once Cpt. Pereira did. He made his way to his room and pulled out his phone. He then pressed the General's number and waited until the beeping stopped. "General, are you there?" "Yes, what is it?" replied the man on the other end. "Last night, I caught Rainbow on the computer. She had somehow hacked into it and-" he was interrupted as laughter erupted from the General. "I am sorry, but did you just tell me that a pony hacked into and used a computer?" he asked in a sarcastic tone. "Yes! Did you not hear me!?" replied Cpt. Pereira, frustrated at not being believed. "Wait, you're serious?" Cpt. Pereira took a deep breath as he began to explain all that he had seen and heard. After twenty minutes, he had finished. "I know it's a lot to take in. But I hope you understand the concerns I have," The General remained silent, as the whole room seemed to hold its breath. "Sir?" He heard a cough. "Yes, well...I'll take this into account," "Sir, what do you-" he was cut off as the phone emitted a "beep," and he held it up to his face, only to see that the man had hung up. "What the hell?" - Aug 4th, 2029 Location: Classified 1657 When Cpt. Pereira returned he had had a conflicted air about him, and, while both Rainbow and Sgt. Peretz had tried to ask him about it, he left and went to his room. The rest of the day had been spent getting ready for the meeting and playing more video games. But now, Rainbow could barely hold back her giddiness as she sat waiting for the meeting to begin. Behind her stood Cpt. Pereira, with the same neutral expression he had worn throughout the day, while Sgt. Peretz had been told to wait outside. At that moment, Cpt. Pereira's phone buzzed in his pocket, and he opened it to find the link to the ZOOM meeting. He quickly sent the link to the computer before helping Rainbow through the process. "Alright, we should be online...now," he pasted the link and pressed enter, as the screen became split between multiple individuals with their names and flags displayed in front of their desks. "So, you're the one who's been causing up so much trouble," said the US representative as she nodded. "Yes, I'm Rainbow Dash, Manager of the Cloudsdale Weather Company," she began with a neutral expression. "And on behalf of the CWC and the Pegasi of Cloudsdale. I would like to thank you for meeting with me on such short notice," "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Dash," began the French ambassador. "But, I believe it is time we move on to more important matters," "I agree. Let us get on with it," replied the Chinese official. The Israeli representative then cleared his throat. "Captain, Sargent, would you please give us some privacy?" he asked as he gestured for Cpt. Pereira and Sgt. Peretz to leave. The two men looked at each other before nodding and leaving the room, with Pereira turning to give one last suspicious glance before he closed the door. "So, what can we do for you?" asked the Russian ambassador. Rainbow cracked a grin. "The question should be, what can I do for you?" she began as the gathered representatives sat back and waited for her to continue, with some raising their eyebrows while others steepled their hands. "You see, as a pony on the inside of the barrier with high-ranking ponies who support my cause. I have a lot of money and influence to throw around, but I lack weapons and training. This is why I need your help. If my plan to overthrow Celestia from the inside is going to have the necessary firepower," The German ambassador cleared his throat. "So, what you are saying is you need us to send advisors through the barrier?" he asked in a sarcastic tone as he shook his head. "I am sorry, Miss Dash, but this is impossible," the rest of them quickly realized the truth of his statement and nodded in agreement. The British ambassador turned to her with false compassion. "I am sorry, but my German friend is right. There is no way possible to get our men through-" she paused as she noticed her grin had not faded. "Haven't we made it clear to you already? You're not getting our-" she then broke out into a fit of laughter as the delegation looked on with shock or concern. "I am sorry, but you are wrong. There is a way to get humans through," all those present gave her looks of shock, curiosity, and intrigue. All except for the Israeli official. "Wait, you mean to tell us we can actually go inside that death trap without...dying?" asked the US delegate as Rainbow nodded in response. Then the Indian representative put a hand to his chin before gesturing to her. "How would that be possible?" Rainbow smirked as she steepled her hooves. "We at the CWC have developed a machine capable of mimicking a unicorn's ability to teleport. Which would allow any human using it to teleport through the barrier. But, since it is still under construction, it should be ready within a few days," they all were silent as she finished, each clearly thinking over what she had said. "Alright, Miss Dash, I will consider sending a few small-arms and several people to test this device of yours," replied the British representative as the others continued thinking. "I propose we send one man from each of our countries as the first test," said the French ambassador, this time getting a nod of approval from the others. The German ambassador cleared his throat. "Now that that is settled, what do you want in return?" he asked as Rainbow's smirk grew wider. "Simple...I will repay all damages caused to your nations by Celestia and open up Equestria for global trade," she began as the others sat back and listened. "In exchange, I simply ask for UN recognition and that control of Equestria be hoofed over to the CWC and Cloudsdale. However, if either side refuses to hold up their end of the agreement...there is no deal," as she finished, their expressions remained largely neutral. "Well, I can agree to these terms," said the Chinese delegate. "I also believe this to be a fair deal," said the US representative as the rest followed suit. "Good, now. Before you all leave, I would like to ask that you each call me again to write out the paperwork," said Rainbow as the Israeli representative put a hand to his chin. "Actually, I have a better idea. Why not have all of us meet in Tel Aviv to sign in person?" he began as he turned to Rainbow. "Or pony, in your case," she and the others nodded before the meeting officially ended. 'That was easier than I thought,'