//------------------------------// // Press Conference // Story: Unicorn Attack! // by milesprower06 //------------------------------// Queen Haven usually rehearsed her speeches, but right now, she was wondering if she wanted to play this a little looser for more authenticity. It would certainly help sell the situation, seeing as how both of Zephyr Heights' princesses were missing, and the castle just went through a half hour of pandemonium. Not to mention canceling the biggest event they've had in two months. Pipp never canceled. Yes, might as well keep things somewhat authentic for now. Pipp and Zipp were well out of signal range by now, and gods only knew where they were going with those other ponies. "Your Majesty?" Corporal Thunder announced his presence barely a moment after opening the throne room door. "Everything is ready, and reporters are standing by." Haven took a deep breath, and gave him a nod. "Lead the way, Corporal," Haven said, taking a step towards the open door. "Um, Your Majesty? Your crown?" Thunder asked, motioning to the fact that said item was not atop the Queen's head. Had she even summoned her mare's maid as she was preparing for this conference? "Thank you, Thunder, but I'll go without it. Perhaps it will lend credence in the situation I find myself in," Haven reassured him. A bit unsure, but confident in his queen, and lead her down the hall to the press briefing room. He entered and immediately stepped to the right, standing at attention next to Sergeant Zephyrwing as Haven came through the doorway and the photographers, journalists, and reporters gathered in the seats in front of the podium rose in volume, asking their questions all at once as Haven stepped up to the podium and raised her hooves, asking for silence. "Now," Haven began, looking across the room at all the ponies holding up smartphones. "I know you all came here tonight hoping to get footage and interviews during and after Princess Pipp Petals' debut of her new song. Clearly, that is not what has happened tonight, as just before we were scheduled to go live, my eldest daughter, Princess Zipp Storm, absconded with the crown jewel, and she and Pipp immediately left the premises, and their whereabouts are currently unknown." This statement caused murmurs and questions to once again rise among the crowd, one in particular rose above, from ZBS reporter Skye Silver in the front row. "Your Majesty, do you have any idea why they would do such a thing?" He asked, holding his microphone up. "Mares and gentlecolts, I need to be very clear; it is not my intent, nor is it the intent of my daughters, I'm sure, to spread false hope. But Princess Zipp believes that the crystal once set in my crown is part of the key to restoring flight to all pegasi of Zephyr Heights." The volume of the press room increased once more, as questions, and uncertain smiles, spread throughout the crowd. "Now I cannot tell you what I do not know," Haven continued, raising her voice over the reporters. "I don't know where Zipp and Pipp have gone, what they plan to do, how long they will be gone, or even if they will succeed. I do know they will try their best. I know that just as I do, that they love Zephyr Heights with all their hearts. I apologize for the confusion tonight, and I will not be taking any questions, as I've told you everything that I know. I will be retiring for the evening, and will be hoping for my daughters' safe return, whether they succeed or fail in their doubtlessly daunting task, and I hope you will do the same. Thank you, Zephyr Heights, and good night."