5. Friday Night
In Applebloom's bedroom, the shining rays of the sun stabbed through the blinds of the window, right into the eyes of a very sore earth pony stallion. The glare of light hit him straight in his eyes, permanently waking him. Weakly rising up from the bed, the pony cursed the day, and desperately tried to return to sleep, his form entangled in the red blanket.
But his body rejected this. After tossing and turning for several minutes, the stallion finally yielded. Literally falling out of bed, he took in the world around him.
The room was filled with a fine wooden dresser and armoire, as well as end tables on either side of the king-sized bed. The headboard was elaborately carved, and the carpet was as soft as the fur of a newborn foal.
Standing up on all fours, the pony frowned.
"Where's that yellow mare from last night? Oh what happened?" He began massaging his back, which ached for some reason. Trying to walk out of the room, he cringed at a pain in the rear half of his body.
"Ohh...I remember..."
Essentially limping out of the room, he made his way into a long hall filled with large windows. Standing in front of one such window was a neatly-dressed blue unicorn wearing a dignified expression. He turned towards the stallion and spoke.
"Ah, good afternoon sir. It appears you have finally decided to get up."
" 'Afternoon'? What time is it?" The earth pony asked, wiping his eyes.
"A quarter past noon. I began to dread you'd never awaken. Come downstairs to the breakfast room. I have prepared for you a meal." Jeffery began to lead the pony to the intended destination.
"You made me food? Well....uh thank you. Um...where's that filly? From last night."
"Mistress Applebloom departed at 8:30, as she does every weekday. Prior to her leave, however, she gave me the instruction to provide you breakfast...er...lunch rather." The two were now around the breakfast table.
"Now please, sir. Take a seat. I will have your meal momentarily."
The stallion complied, and ten seconds later the handycolt placed a tray on the table. He had prepared for the guest a daisy sandwich, to be washed down with fresh apple juice.
The stallion looked puzzled at the simple meal. Jeffery took note of his countenance.
"I understand it isn't much, but this is one of the Mistress' favorite meals.
"No it's fine. Though seems like a place like this would have more...variety." He cringed again at his sore body.
Jeffery struggled to withhold a smile. "It seems you were not physically prepared for last night's escapades, eh?"
The pony took a bite and glared at the unicorn. "Yeah well I wasn't expect her to–"
"Please sir, spare me the details. But it appears to me that fate had been kind towards you."
The earth pony rubbed his back again. "How so?"
"From what I have heard and can deduce, your courter's companion yestereve is much more abrasive. Perspective, sir."
"I'll keep that in mind." He said dryly.
After his meal, Jeffery took the dishes and placed them in the sink. He then shooed the stallion towards the front door.
"So uh I guess I'll go home now. Should I leave my name or phone number or something?"
"No. Such familiarities are of little concern to Mistress Applebloom. Though you might want to take this with you." The butler levitated a bottle of some unknown white liquid into the hooves of the stallion.
"What's this?"
"Read the label." Jeffery opened the door and gently pushed the guest out. "Good day." He then shut it, and looked out the window at the stallion walking towards the front gate.
He then sat down on a chair in the Applebloom's living room and grabbed his book. Sighing, he turned to his bookmarked page.
"I do so hope this habit dies soon."
----------
At the Manehattan Public Library, ponies were coming and going, renting books and tapes as usual. The librarians stamped and reshelved items, ever vigilant over the books that insensitive patrons would not return to their designated locations.
Among the countless ponies to enter the establishment was a blue-uniformed orange policemare. Trotting up the front desk, she cleared her throat and addressed the attendant.
"Excuse me, Miss..." Babs looked downed at the nameplate. "Pageturner. Could you direct me to the political records?"
"Why certainly, Officer. On the second floor you'll find the Hall of City Records."
"Thank you."
"It's my job. and if there's anything else you need, please don't hesitate to ask!" Pageturner said, her face beaming.
Babs Seed traveled up the stairs and looked around for the desired section. Passing by great throngs of bookshelves and study desks, she came to a sunlit hall that led to a detached part of the library. Inside this building was the Hall of City Records.
The Police Chief had come here to help piece this mystery together. What was going on in Manehattan? Every City Council meeting, everything they said, every trial, every sentence; everything that the bureaucratic machine of the city did was recorded in some way. And it was all here.
Well, the recent history of the city was. Only the past hundred years or so. But that's all that mattered to Babs. Scouring the shelves of government documents, microfilms, and audiotapes, she gathered a giant stack of material and took it into a small projection room.
Placing the documents and such on a small table, she picked up the first item and began to read.
"Hopefully this'll point me in the right direction."
Hours passed in her little chamber. She played the microfilm footage and listened carefully to the tapes. She made copies of the pages and annotated them with highlighters, and wrote things down in her notebook. Babs Seed must have gone through over a hundred records.
But it was time well spent.
Sitting at the table, after having finished the last roll of film, she placed her hoof under her chin and began to think very hard.
"Hm...so let's see here...City Council has ten members...in October, six resigned." She carefully looked over her notes.
"Two because of sex scandals, one for immoral conduct, and three cited as 'personal reasons'. No unifying factor to them. They were male, female, earth pony, unicorn, pegasus, several different pawrties. Diametrically opposed to each other. So it couldn't have been a coordinated pawrty attacked. Those six were replaced with..." Her eyes widen.
"Sweet Celestia! The Mayor appointed replacements!" She grabbed a copy of the Town Charter. "The mayor can't just appoint ponies to elected positions!"
Again she got another piece of paper; this time a newspaper dated the day of the appointments. "There is an awrticle criticizing this action, but it's fairly small and on a random page. I'd make it a front page story. And then there's next day's paper. Another smawll awrticle apologizing for the previous one. Almost like they didn't want nopony to know..."
She grabbed some city documents. "And here...the zoning records say that all them lots have been bawt up...three members of the council have purchased a few lots for...6 MILLION BITS EACH!?" Luckily the room was soundproof.
"Jeepers! Where'd those politicians get that kinda money? They only get ten thousand annually as Council members."
She sifted through the profiles of the council members. "The only one could afford that ludicrous price is that pompous Fauntleroy. Wait a second! Why didn't I see it before? Those three...they were the same three out of four who didn’t resign!"
Babs seed then realized something much bigger. "The Mayor...he dropped 10 million simoleons on a beach house just outside of Marebu."
The Policemare recalled one of the rolls of film which detailed a press conference by the Mayor answering allegations about embezzlement of the city treasury.
"He says he got all that money from investments. However...I looked through all sorts of companies that could supply him with that kind of income, and he ain't a shareholder. Somepony is giving these Council members cash...and I gotta hunch it's got something to do with pardoning Palomino and the cocaine peddlers...but why?" She took a look at the Mayor's picture in disgust. "I never liked him...or the rest of City Council. But I suppose one is still clean."
Babs groaned in disgust at the pony who apparently still had some integrity. If only he weren't so insufferable. "Blue Suit. Looks like he's the only one I can trust, though."
She would have to continue this later, as it was already almost three o'clock. She would have to return to the Station soon. Gathering up all the things she took off the shelves, Babs Seed quickly walked out of the Library, but not before being stopped by the librarian sitting at the desk.
"Find everything alright, dearie?"
"Oh yes ma'am. I sure did." Babs replied, heading out the door.
Unbeknownst to either of them, a silver unicorn dressed in a very expensive-looking suit was quietly watching Babs as she exited the Library. He lowered his eyes back onto the book just under him.
"What are you up to, Babs Seed?"
----------
Day turned to night, as it inevitably always does. Applebloom stood in front of a large gilded gate with a large dollar sign in the upper center. Flanking the gate on either side was a tall brick wall. Spaced at regular intervals along the wall stood towers, each with a light fixture at the top.
Taking a deep breath, the yellow pony walked up towards the intercom box beside the gate.
"Alright Applebloom, time to mare up."
She rose up her hoof and pressed the button. A dignified voice sounded from the speaker.
"Rich Residence."
"Hello. Ah'm Applebloom. Ah was told that there was a party here."
"Ah yes! Come inside, Miss Applebloom."
The gate slowly swung open, revealing the large mansion on top of the hill. She took her time as she made her way towards the house, appreciating the beautiful surroundings. The lawn was covered in a fresh blanket of white snow, and the still, quiet air gave off a peaceful ambience. Under the light of Luna's Moon, the evergreen trees along the property and the light snowfall set the mood for a warm, winter's night party.
Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all, just like her dinner date the other night.
Moments later, the guest stood on the stone porch. Making some last minute adjustments to make sure she looked not only presentable, but exceptional, Applebloom then knocked on the door, and awaited a response.
Answering the door was tall pegasus dressed in a tailcoat. He was eerily similar to Applebloom's own handycolt.
"Good evening, esteemed guest. You will find Miss Tiara down the hall, in the parlor. And please; allow me to take your coat."
The businesspony allowed the butler to do just that, and placed the garment in a large closet beside the front door.
"Thank you." Applebloom then walked through the hall, admiring the large collection of paintings and pottery placed on tables along the hall's length. This contrasted starkly with her home. The Applebloom Mansion was large and filled with many rooms, but it had a practical feel to it; there weren't many pieces of "art". Modern art never really appealed to the industrialist.
But she could respect Diamond Tiara's tastes. It was her money, after all.
At the end of the hall, Applebloom came to a large room, as high as two stories. The expertly decorated parlor was a giant of its kind, containing dozens of tables and chairs, a multitude of art around the walls, and very expensive-looking chandeliers lighting the room. Large windows were draped with curtains, and must have bathed the room in sunlight during the day.
Swinging doors periodically opened as waiters came out to place appetizers on a long table, decorated with exotic flowers just like at the Ball in Canterlot. On another wall was a bar, complete with a bartender serving cocktails.
There must have been several dozen ponies conversing with each other inside this massive room. Applebloom looked around for the hostess, but to no avail. Walking up to the tables, she started looking for her name on the nametags. She soon found her spot, but much to her surprise, Applebloom was seated next to Diamond Tiara.
"Might as well get a drink. Ah wonder what—" She turned around, and became startled by a smiling pink pony who stood right in front of her. The pony's dress matched the purple creamsicle of her fashionably styled mane topped with a tiara. Adorning her body was, naturally, diamond jewelry. All white, clear, and skillfully cut.
"Applebloom! I’m so glad you could make it!" Diamond Tiara said, grabbing the mare for a hug. The red-maned pony uncomfortably reciprocated the action. "Come on! Let me introduce you."
Diamond Tiara led her guest into a circle of polished and well-to-do ponies. "Everypony, this is my good friend Applebloom. Applebloom, of course you know Silver Spoon."
"Good evening, Applebloom." The grey filly warmly said, adjusting her glasses.
"Allow me to introduce you to Pish Posh, Bourgeois, and Opulence." All three were rather young, wearing the epitome of gross extravagance. The gems on their jewelry alone probably cost over a hundred thousand bits, Applebloom thought.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance." The unicorn identified as Posh stuck out her hoof to the earth pony.
Applebloom was about to speak when Diamond Tiara leaned up to her ear and began whispering. "Remember, your accent."
Hearing this, the nouveau riche pony cleared her throat, and prepared to do her best to appeal to these old money daughters. "The pleasure is all mine."
"So tell us, Applebloom," Posh began again. "What is your family involved in?"
"Well...I'm—"
Diamond Tiara interrupted, having planned out much of this prior. "The esteemed Apple family owns shares in dozens of great enterprises. Applebloom here has been given management over her family's flagship company; Apple Industries."
A succession of "oohs" and "ahhs" followed. They seemed to be warming up to her.
"You were given a company?? My parents say I'm 'fiscally irresponsible' and have no business in any position of power. Can't say I mind, though. Work is soo uncouth." Opulence replied.
"Indeed. I'd ruin a perfectly good hooficure, not to mention get dirty! Once I had to..." Posh's eyes started tearing up. "Make my own breakfast! Oh it was simply awful!"
"That all sounds terrible!" Applebloom said, doing her best to put on a poker face.
"What hard work have you been made to do?"
The red-maned mare answered without thinking. "Um well in college I made money by shoveling coal." As soon as the last word left her lips, the posse looked at her in the most puzzled manner.
Applebloom thought fast on what to do next. Then it hit her. She immediately burst out laughing. The rest followed suit.
After a few moments, Diamond Tiara wiped a tear from her eye and responded. "Oh Applebloom you really had us going! Now if you excuse us girls, she and I will go get a drink."
The pink mare led her "friend" towards the bar. Waiting for the bartender to finish with the ponies already in line, she glared at her guest.
"What were you thinking? You need to watch yourself."
"Ah know, Ah'm sorry. But them mares're dumb as a post."
"Yes, those three really aren't the brightest. I'm convinced they think money comes out of thin air. Now what do you drink?"
"Appletini, Ah suppose."
"Coming right up. And even talking to me you should still talk...normally. It's good practice." A minute or two later and Applebloom was hoofed the requested drink. Taking a sip, a sudden question popped into her head.
Applebloom knew it probably shouldn't have been asked, but she needed to know. "Hey Tiara, what's the deal with Amber Foods?"
"Huh?" Diamond asked, shaken from watching over her party. "Oh! Rich Enterprises bought them."
"H...How'd you get them to sell?"
"I hardly think this is an appropriate time to discuss matters of business." The hostess said, visibly annoyed.
"Please? Ah—I know them, and...you must have done something pretty...uh...convincing."
"Oh! You want a little advice from me about business, eh?" Applebloom nodded, even though that was far from the truth. "Ok! You caught me. It's true I've had my eye on Amber Foods for quite some time. They kept rejecting every offer I made. So I eventually offered every member of their lovely family shares in Rich Enterprises, as well as 50 million each. It was a pretty penny, but you need to take risks to get anywhere in life, right?"
"That's not a bad tactic. Did you let them run it still?"
"Of course! It's their company. I just wanted to 'extend' the family! But wouldn't you know, most of them retired. Only Amber Waves opted to remain."
"Huh. Interesting."
A moment later, several chefs came from the kitchen and rang a few bells. "Dinner is served." Waiters erupted from the double doors wheeling carts of fresh food to the guests. Every table soon was covered in 5-star meals, steaming with delicious aromas that drove the ponies mad. Before they ate, however, the hostess needed to make a toast.
"Attention! Attention!" Diamond Tiara called out, lightly tapping a crystal glass. "I wish to thank everypony who came here tonight, especially the lack of special occasion. But I must say I have enjoyed your company, and hope to continue enjoying it for a long time to come." Soft hoofstomps followed. "I also want a round of applause for my dearest friends Silver Spoon and Applebloom!" She gestured towards them as the room applauded. At first the yellow mare thought she'd be humiliated by ponies would hated her, but strangely they smiled and whispered what sound like kind things.
Perhaps Diamond Tiara could make her into a proper high society pony, or at least appear to be.
The rest of the night wasn't very notable. Applebloom was introduced to some more ponies during the meal, and elicited positive responses from them, with Diamond's help. Adapting her country charm with an appropriate Manehattan upper class presentation, the industrialist managed to form solid acquaintanceships with the other guests.
By the time everypony began leaving, most would say goodbye to her. Soon only she, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon were left. As she was about to leave herself, Applebloom was stopped by the owner of the home.
"Goodbye, Applebloom! Be safe!"
"Thank you. Bye!" Walking down the steps of the porch, she heard Diamond Tiara yell one last time:
"We can do something when Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo come into town! I'll call you!"
"Alright!" The departing guest acknowledged.
Soon, the yellow mare in the red dress was out of sight, and off the property. Diamond Tiara retired to her living room. She plopped down on a recliner, and Silver Spoon took a seat in a large chair. The pink pony opened up a drawer in the table beside the recliner and took out a small notebook. Flipping to a particular page, she clenched a pen in her mouth and jotted down some things.
"She's a nice filly. Quite polite for a country bumpkin." Silver Spoon said, staring into the fire.
Diamond placed the pen down onto the table. "Yes she is. Things are going smoothly. I see a beautiful marriage between the two of us."
"But what if she refuses? It will be difficult to achieve otherwise, and she is rather attached to her work."
"Her willingness is immaterial, Spoon. But I do have methods to entice her with." She looked away from the fire and called out to her handycolt. "Saddlesworth! Could you fetch me a cigarette?"