"We, the Citizens of Equestria, in order to preserve the peace so rightfully returned to us, do hereby call upon our Royal Majesty, Princess Celestia, to disband the Service created by her Sister, the recently corrupted Nightmare Moon. This Service, sworn in her blighted name, presents a constant threat to the peace and well-being of this nation. In the interest of peace, prosperity, and the persistence of the land, this Service must end."

~Petition to Princess Celestia
Shortly after the Nightmare's Banishment

The mare stopped at the sound of her name echoing down the empty corridor. Turning, she saw a stallion cantering toward her, a smile on his face. The unicorn looked familiar, but she couldn't quite place from where. His neck and left hind leg were wrapped in bandage, and there were stitches along his flank. Perhaps he was in the hospital with me? It was certainly possible, and she had done her best to ignore everypony else there. Figures I would catch the eye of some other patient. This is not what I'd hoped to come back to.

The unicorn came up next to her, still wearing that happy smile. "It's nice to see you again; I'd heard you'd gotten out early. Guess the dogs can't keep you down for long, eh?"

Balloons laughed. "Oh, I remember. Didn't mean to say that you got off easy, please don't think that. Still, though, how are you feeling?"

Celina looked herself over. "Well, I can't put too much pressure on my leg or it starts to bleed again, it hurts to take deep breaths, and doing so sends me into coughing fits that have their own version of pain, my body is generally bruised and sensitive to the touch, and the doctors keep fussing over the cut near my ear. They want to keep an extra eye on it because it qualifies as a 'head wound.'" She sighed, which almost sent her into a coughing fit. "So... good, I suppose. I'm still walking."

His smile had faded while she spoke, but it came back at that. "I'm glad for that. We lost so many, it's good to be able to walk. I mean, Gleam is still..." he trailed off, his smile flickering a bit. "But they say she'll recover, given a bit of time. I just hope it's sooner rather than later."

"What? No, just... it would be nice to see her up, to know she's still with us. I would rather we didn't lose another pony to this mess. I mean, even Autumn has disappeared now. It's starting to kinda feel like a cursed mission."

"I'm fairly certain he started being a traitor before then. I really don't think the mission had anything to do with it. Besides, I'm not really sure if 'mission' is the right word; we were basically ordered to stay here."

He was kind of cute when he smiled like that. "What about you, then? How are you feeling?"

He laughed, but it quickly died with a wince. "A little the worse for wear, but I'll manage. I've finally been allowed some time outside of the hospital, so I thought I'd use it to wind down. Talking of, I'm glad I ran into you. Care to join me for the afternoon?"

She would have sighed again if it didn't hurt so much. "Are you asking me on a date?"

"Why not? The mission—I mean, the outing was rather stressful, even then. Who could blame me for wanting to imagine a nice, relaxing ride with the prettiest mare in the group?"

He's certainly forward. "Well, when you put it like that... no. I'm in no mood or condition to be ridden."

He stopped, and blushed. "Wha... no, no, I didn't mean that! I meant... here, come on; I'll show you." With that, he turned and began trotting down the corridor.

Celina watched him go, and soon found that curiosity was moving her own hooves after him. It can't be anything bad, she reasoned, not after the way he retreated at my ridden comment. Besides, I know my magic is stronger than his; I can defend myself if necessary. The thought was less than comforting, but it was enough to prevent her from forcing her hooves to turn around. Balloons continually trotted forward, never looking back, set on his destination.

They soon left the inner corridors of the mountain, entering the public halls of the palace proper. Unicorn guards were still posted at the threshold, checking and double-checking anyone who tried to cross. It wasn't easy work, maintaining the searching spells, and while Celina would voice sympathy for them in their duty, she was overly thankful that she was not going to be sharing it with them; not while her wounds persisted, anyway. Balloons said nothing, himself, preferring to simply follow through the motions. The guards were probably thankful for his co-operation, but to Celina it just made him unreadable. She still didn't have any idea what this was about, and there was a growing unease in the pit of her stomach. It was still tenable, and not strong enough to overpower her curiosity; not yet.

He didn't look her way until they reached one of the grand balconies the palace boasted. Large enough to hold a whole wing of pegasus guards, it was mostly used as a landing platform as they showed up to and departed from their shifts. Balloons pointed to the opposite side. "That's what I meant."

Celina looked over, and almost laughed. All the tension she had built up collapsed at the sight. She looked at the stallion, a half-smile on her lips. "A hot air balloon?"

He nodded. "Yep. This late in the day it'll need to be held aloft by magic, but I really don't want to wait until morning; I need to be in the air again." His eyes drifted at those words, but he quickly came back. "So," he asked, all smiles again, "care for a ride?"

She couldn't help shaking her head through her smile. "Is this the balloon you were dreaming about back then?"

"Of course," he said, trotting off toward his balloon. "What did you think I meant?"

Half an hour later, they were floating above the city, looking down upon its denizens running about their daily lives, nary a worry in the world. Celina watched them, amazed at how the change in view had changed the city. She still believed that the magic unicorns possessed was the best possible thing she could ever have, but she could now understand why the pegasi were so proud of their wings; the open sky felt so free. She could only imagine how it felt to a pony who wasn't confined to a basket. Perhaps there's a spell for that. I may have to look into it.

She looked over at her partner, currently fiddling with the magical flame above their heads. He was so engrossed in his task, keeping the balloon aloft in the midday heat. She couldn't fault him for that, of course, but it seemed so ironic that after pursuing the sky's freedom so much, he was stuck watching a flame. Wanting the sky, but trapped by the flame. Perhaps I misjudged him, she thought. He's willing to do the ugly things to see his beautiful dream. She turned away from him, and once again swept her eyes over the beautiful city below. Purposefully, she let herself slump over the side of the basket, gazing at the city.

"I mean... I know we go out there and prevent problems, but nopony will ever know. No thing will ever know. Every time we do it, it's as if nothing ever happened, so our enemies never know that they have been stopped, time and time again, so they always keep trying." She sighed. "It never stops."

She turned and faced him. "I'm serious, Balloons! Every day, every mission... it feels like we're only delaying the inevitable. It feels..." Again, she slumped against the side of the basket. "It just feels so pointless."

He came up behind her and nuzzled her neck. "Hey, cheer up. Look." He gestured at the scene below; Canterlot spread across the mountainside, ponies running along the streets, off doing some errand or another. Peaceful. "We make this possible. Because of us, every pony you see here can enjoy their lives, free from the fear of violence or war. Even if it is for just one more day, they live happily." He smiled. "How can that be pointless?"

"We're deluding them," she answered. "They think this world is perfectly safe, and so they wander into danger without a second thought. How does that help anypony?"

"We're here to prevent that, remember? We stop the danger before they walk into it."

"Doesn't always work, does it?" she remarked. "Who was that mare? Dreary Skies? The one the dogs had?"

She waved her hoof. "You know who I mean. Her. We certainly didn't do much for her, did we? Several months she languished there, and the only reason she's free now is because a traitor ignored orders." She faced him again. "How many more do we miss? How many ponies are still held captive somewhere, or killed in ways that could have easily been prevented if they had only known? How are we helping them, really?"

He paused, thoughtful. "I'm not sure I can answer that, but I think the princess knows what she's doing. She's been around for a few years."

Beneath her, she saw the open markets. Ponies filled the narrow street lined with merchant carts, haggling and bargaining their way to new wares. Several blocks away the train pulled into station, sending up a cloud of white steam as it came to a stop. "I'd like to believe that, too," she said, "but sometimes... Remember that dragon near Ponyville? The one that almost choked Equestria in smoke? That was a simple matter, an easy job for the Hunters, but she sends foals to deal with it."

"Those mares did defeat Nightmare Moon, and they brought Princess Luna back to us."

"They had weapons, then; tools. Tools that our princess now has locked away. She sent them unarmed and naked."

"By luck, sure; I heard they almost made the situation worse. Did the princess not trust her own Service so much that she'd send some foals to the dragon's mouth? Is that the kind of decision a sane leader would make?"

"I'm not suggesting anything, Balloons, I'm just... I don't know, thinking out loud. The princess has experience beyond almost anything else in this world, and I know she cares about us, it's just... I wonder if her long years have made her forget who the rest of us are. Made her forget what being mortal is."

"I'm not..." She shook her head. "I'm not conspiring against Equestria, Balloons, nor am I trying to make you do the same. I still believe in the princess, and I know we wouldn't be able to find a better leader anywhere else, but sometimes she just seems so... I don't know. 'Ineffable,' I guess."

"She has lived for over a thousand years; she has a much wider perspective than any of us."

"I know that, and that's why I have to believe in her: she's the best thing that could ever happen to us. Who else could give us such wisdom?" She thought about that a moment. "Well, except for princess Luna, maybe, if she ever leaves her room. But still, don't you think that may be the problem? Her perspective, I mean. Maybe she's too caught up in the bigger picture that she forgets about all of us individuals who make it up." She shook her head, bringing a smile to her lips. "No... No, I'm sorry, I'm rambling now. Look... thanks, I feel better; I guess I just needed to say it." She kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks for listening. And for not turning me in as a traitor."

He looked out over the city, past the outer walls, beyond the horizon. His eyes fell on a tall mountain in the distance, where a threatening cloud of dragon smoke once poured from. "No," he said, "I think I'll let it slide for now." Her looked back to her, a coy half-smile on his lips. "But in return, you'll need to help me land this thing."

The next few minutes were probably the most interesting minutes of the whole ride. He was sidled up next to her, whispering quiet directions and encouragements in her ear while his magic was wrapped around hers, giving it gentle nudges and guidance. It tickled. She found herself smiling, holding back giggles as she brought them back to the balcony where they left. They landed roughly, the solid thump almost knocking Celina off her hooves and sending Balloons to the other side of the basket. He got up, laughing and wincing all at once.

"Hey, give me some slack," she retorted, hugging her wounded leg close. It didn't look like it had started bleeding again, but it still hurt. "It's my first time."

"Magic theory," she countered. "Magic practice still takes some... well, practice."

"Theory, is it? Well, then, I expect you'd be able to pick things up quickly. Next time should be smooth as silk."

He nodded. "Yep. If the doctors let me, I'll be up again early tomorrow morning. If not, I won't be denied the morning after. And I am not accepting another ride without you."

She stared for a moment, her mouth open through her smile. "You sure this isn't some trick to lure me back so you can arrest me?"

"Nothing of the sort," he promised. "On my life's work in the Service, I only wish to take you to heaven. You're responsible for bringing us back."

She laughed, and it quickly turned to coughs. She didn't mind, though; this stallion was too absurd. "Very well, Balloons; I'll be here."

"Why not?" she asked, walking up to him. She kissed him again, quickly, this time on the lips. "It suits you." With that, she turned and went back into the palace, leaving a bewildered unicorn behind her.

It was midday when the train pulled into Canterlot station. With the hiss of steam and the screech of brakes, it came to a halt before the loading platform. The doors flung themselves open and passengers hurriedly exited, rushing to their next urgent event in life. One earth pony, his tan coat still sullied from his days of travel, stepped out and, slowly, took a deep breath. It's good to be back.

Spotter watched the balloon float overhead as he trotted easily along the wooden platform, never bothering to try to maintain the crowd's frantic pace. Bodies shoved past him, some half-whispered comments about inconsiderate ponies reaching his ears. He didn't care; there were too many ponies wasting their lives galloping from one event to another, and he had no inclination of being one of them. He had rushed enough to get here as fast as he could, and still he only made it near four hours early. As unsuccessful as that had been, he decided he was going to take those extra four hours for himself; he had the time.

He was going to stop by his home to get cleaned up before heading to the palace to deliver his report. He was going to have a nice meal of fresh vegetables, scented flowers, and sweet fruits. He was going to relax a bit before letting the stress of work back in. The report was good news, and it could wait.

The poster caught his eye, and he stopped cold. At this distance, all he could clearly make out was the large WANTED across the top, but that was all he needed to get his mind racing. What in Tartarus? he wondered as he approached. Who got these out? How did they get these out? Who could warrant such a—

He recognized the pony in those sketches. Eyes wide, he galloped the rest of the way over, stunned as he read the proclamation. Autumn... His eyes drifted to the palace. What happened here?

"Pay no attention to that," came a voice from behind him. Turning, he found himself facing two white pegasi in the golden armour of the Royal Guard. "Just a prank some ponies pulled off last night," the large guard continued. "Managed to cover most of the city with these."

The guard nodded. "Indeed. Pulled the idea from some storybook, I imagine. Excuse me," he said, trotting passed Spotter. He stopped in front of the poster and, with a quick motion, tore the thing down.

"Well, you're only just now taking the posters down. Surely most of the city has seen them already and, prank or not, some likely took it seriously. Anypony come up and tell you terrible stories of a masked traitor wandering the streets?"

Spotter shrugged. "Curiosity. I just got here, I'd kinda like to know the type of ponies I'll be living with for the next several years."

"Of course," the guard said, feigning politeness. "There have been no reports. The ponies of this city know better than to believe such nonsense as this. You may take comfort in that fact."

He was lying. The stiffness in his voice, the change in his breathing, the shifting of weight on his hooves; the small actions spoke volumes to Spotter. He looked back at the other guard, obviously the junior of the two, but he only followed his senior's leads. "Well," he said, facing the older guard again, "that's quite a relief. Wouldn't want to move in with a bunch of crazies, eh?" The guard only gave a professional smile and a single, quiet laugh of agreement. It stank of impatience; the guard clearly wanted no further part in this conversation, he had a job he wanted to get back to. "But then," continued Spotter, "it was somepony who lives here that put these up to begin with, so maybe we're not completely in the clear. There's obviously some crazies about. Hope they're not my housemates. I tell ya, that would ruin my week, and I've been through a lot this week. Ever met a gryphon before? Let me tell you, you do not—"

"Excuse me," the younger guard interrupted. "I hate to interrupt, but we do need to be on our way. Surly and I have a schedule to maintain."

"It's quite alright." Surly's tone was almost flat, a trick of many years on the beat. Anypony else may have missed it, but Spotter easily heard the irony in his voice: he wanted to be walking away just as much as his junior. "There is always time for the citizens."

"Oh, no, you're right, of course," Spotter replied. "You have places to be, gotta keep the city safe and all that. Keep us regular ponies out of harm's way, rescue kittens from trees, usual stuff, and here I am just blathering on about gryphon encounters three days from last Friday. Had to give her the boot just yesterday, and what a nightmare that was. Can't imagine what it would be like to live in one of their households. Probably don't even celebrate Mother's Day. Seems a bit ungrateful, don't you think?"

"Fascinating," the younger guard said, a clear note of annoyance coating his words. "If I ever see one in this city, I'll be sure to ask it about its holiday practices. Now, if you'll excuse us?"

Spotter cringed and gave an apologetic laugh. "Oh, of course, of course. Silly me, there I go again. Please, don't let me be in your way." The older guard, his jaw set in mild irritation, nodded curtly as he joined his junior. Spotter allowed them three steps. "Oh! Hey! Hey, listen, I just want to apologize for wasting your time back there; it was rude and inconsiderate of me. I know you guys got lives to live, and jobs to do, and you really don't need random citizens pestering you with meaningless drivel. I mean, I've heard some of the things that get said about some ponies and their ridiculous questions! A-heh. My favourite is the one when they asked one of you guys if you were all related, what with all of you being white and such. Well, 'cept for the unicorns; they're grey, but I guess they figured that was a different family. In-laws, maybe."

Surly, while clearly irritated, had adopted an expression of quiet resignation, prepared to listen patiently for the next several hours if need be; a true professional. His junior looked about ready to do anything to get away from the rambling lunatic. "Anyway, I was just wondering if, before you go, I could have that poster you tore down? I think it would make an interesting souvenir of the day I arrived in Canterlot. 'The first wanted pony in generations!' I'll tell my friends. Sure, it's just a prank, but it's still a good story. And can you imagine the—"

"Here." The younger guard tossed the poster over, and immediately began walking away. Surly blinked, then gave a polite nod as he joined his junior. Spotter watched them go, then picked up the poster and dropped it in his saddlebag.

"What is this?" Spotter flung the question at the councilpony before him, a pale green pegasus mare of the Operations branch. Between them, thrown onto the pegasus' desk, was the poster he had collected from the guards. "Is this some kind of joke? Are we trying to cause panic?"

The pegasus looked up from her desk, regarding her visitor with a disdainful gaze. "Is that any way to address your superiors?"

"Hang your rank," Spotter responded. "You won't be keeping it if things go south because of these. Sun and stars, Skymoss, there's a reason we stopped using these!"

"Really? Then why do I find this city covered in these posters? Trying to undo centuries of our princess' hard work?"

"Am I?" Spotter brought his hoof down on the poster. "If this is your line, then I will gladly step away from it. Why was this sanctioned? Whose idea was this?"

"Mine." Both ponies turned toward the source of the interruption, and a white unicorn walked into the room. He stopped in front of Spotter. "I'd heard you were back."

"Vice-Commissar," Spotter replied. "Did you take leave of your senses, or are you vying for an early retirement?"

Golden Lock didn't say anything, his eyes darkening slightly as he looked from Spotter to the poster on Skymoss's desk. Spotter took the moment to check himself. For all his talents, he could never get an accurate read on Lock; this was a unicorn who knew what signals he was sending, and only let the ones he wanted be seen. Genuine or fake, they all came across with equal sincerity. Long experience had taught him that Lock was always hiding something, but it was impossible to know what was truly going on behind those golden eyes. Dealing with him always made Spotter uncomfortable.

"Walk with me." The order was given plainly as Lock turned and left the room. He was several seconds gone before Spotter sighed, collected the poster, and followed after him, Skymoss glaring at his back as he left.

They walked in silence through the expansive halls of the Service, a nervous scratch tickling Spotter's stomach. Their initial direction led him to believe they were heading for the Vice-Commissar's office, and the next turn cemented that thought. Trying to keep himself calm, he glanced around at the ponies of the Service who likewise walked the halls. There was little change to the order of things, he noted; ponies were still running to accomplish whatever tasks occupied them at the time, still gathering in corners and laughing at bad jokes, still skipping a minute of work to grab some small bite to eat. It was as it had always been, but now there was a shadow behind every sparkling eye. Everypony seemed to be resisting an urge to look over their shoulder. Everywhere he looked, a single word was hanging in the air, and it asked a question that no-one had an answer to. If one of our own could turn traitor, then who can any of us trust? Spotter shuddered and looked to the floor.

They entered the office, Golden Lock walked behind his desk and opened one of the drawers. Spotter stood there as he shuffled through it, finally pulling out a folder and laying it open before him. He looked up to Spotter. "This is your debrief," he began. "You were sent on a mission with Autumn and Sly to investigate the presence of dogs in the Morlan Mines. The mission, as such, has been resolved, and final reports have been given; only yours is absent." The folder turned toward Spotter in a magical golden glow. "Do you have anything to add?"

The change in subject made Spotter wary. He had practically insulted the Vice-Commissar to his face, and all he was getting was a debrief? His mind shifted into overtime, trying to figure out what angle was being played as he stepped forward to read the reports. They were incredibly detailed, more so than they should have been. There were items that only he, as the lone stay-behind, could know. He hoofed through the papers, trying to find an explanation; he found a name. "Grey Gale? You sent an elite pony after us?"

"After Autumn, when he ran off against my order," Golden Lock corrected. "I had intended to detain him and his companions, but once they reached the mines, Gale knew better than to risk Equestrian safety for my blind arrogance. He ordered his team to assist in secret, and it was with his help that they escaped. It is with his help that we know what became of the dogs, but nopony has your talents. I expect you found some things that everyone else missed."

Lock raised his brow; a gesture of curiosity. "What's wrong? Surprized that I will admit to my own faults? I am a reasonable pony, Spotter; I know when I must take my lessons."

"Is this why you blanketed the city with posters of Autumn? A lesson of humility well learned: try to destroy the pony who exposed your faults."

He sighed; it was a tired sigh, and it carried a hint of pain. "You've been absent, Spotter; you don't know what happened. I excuse your blatant disrespect for that; not even a pony of your talents can see everything." He turned then, and with a subtle weariness looked down upon the city through his windowpane. "You aren't the first pony to think I am pursuing Autumn for my own ends, but you should know that Keystone has me placed on probation. My hooves are tied; I cannot do anything without either her backing or that of the council. I cannot pursue a private war."

Spotter was silent; a lot had happened while he was gone. On probation? Keystone's serious about this. Of course, if Lock couldn't do anything on his own, then that meant he wasn't the only one who thought the posters were a good idea. "Why the posters?" he asked. "We've never needed them before."

Lock turned his head, looking at Spotter with a single eye. "A necessary evil. In order to find a pony like Autumn, everyone in the city must be looking for him. In order for that to happen, they must first know about him."

"So you'll cause panic to catch him? Spread fear throughout the peaceful lives of Celestia's subjects? This is half of what we're supposed to prevent, and you're here making it!"

He turned away from the window to face Spotter, his eyes darkening dangerously. "Mind your tone, agent. I am well aware of my duty to Equestria and her populace. Do you honestly think me that much of a fool? I act only for the good of Equestria, and I know what I am doing. There will be no panic—the whole thing is being declared a grand prank. The ponies will believe it, of course. We live in a peaceful propensity unheard of by our neighbours; who could believe an actual traitor exists? But while they disbelieve, the mere idea is novel and the prank is intriguing. Yes, ponies will still talk; and when they see him, they will talk more about him. We shall hear their whispers, and our hunters will find him."

It was an impressive speech. Spotter wondered how long he had been practicing it. "You must realize that not all ponies will believe the cover-up," Spotter countered. "What happens when they start spreading the tale, and you aren't there to call 'prank'?"

Golden Lock shook his head. "The only ponies who would believe them are their own ilk, and they are few and far between. The hunters can stop any damage they might cause before it becomes a problem. I told you," he said, looking Spotter squarely in the eye, "I know what I'm doing."

"Is that what you told Keystone? Or the council? What of the Princesses, then? Did you—"

"Enough!" Spotter resisted the urge to step back. "The decision has already been made. The council, a body made of several voices, a body designed to debate the merits and flaws of any action, agreed to go ahead. I have no need to justify their decision to you. What does interest me, however—" he pushed the folder closer to Spotter "—is your report."

For a moment, Spotter didn't move. Half of him wanted to push the matter, but the other half warned against pushing too far on a pony he couldn't read. He ground his teeth. "Do you need it right away?"

Golden Lock visibly relaxed, though he held his dominant composure, a quiet reminder of who was in charge. "Not all of it, no; you may put it together later today, but have it on my desk by supper. Right now, however, you will tell me about Autumn."

Lock put on a strained smile and spoke slowly, as though explaining things to a small foal. "You have worked with with Autumn for almost a year now, and nopony has your talents of observation. You must have seen something that could help us find him. Perhaps a habit of his, or a hobby? Somepony he talked of often?"

He waved that aside. "We've already asked her; she is being unco-operative. This is why I am asking you."

"No, you misunderstand: he talked of Dew often. Well, as often as he talked of anypony. Autumn wasn't really social; most of our conversations were about our current mission, and he shied away from every off-work event." He paused. "Never got the chance to see any hobbies."

Golden Lock looked to the windowpane briefly, considering the information. "And you noticed no indications that he would turn traitor?"

Spotter didn't believe it; Autumn could hide under a stiff breeze, but it was far too easy to catch that pony in a lie. "I would like to look over the evidence you have. Perhaps I can make something of it that has been overlooked."

Somehow, he wasn't surprized when the Vice-Commissar shook his head. "You are no longer an Intelligence pony, Spotter; you were transferred by your own request, if you'll recall. You should have more faith in your old fellows; they are doing a fine job in your absence."

"Never-the-less, I'd like to see it. For a pony like Autumn, I think I could be a useful asset in finding him."

Silence; the room seemed to darken slightly. "Your dedication is admirable, but your help is not needed; I have the Autumn case on the back of a very capable pony. And if you must know," Lock said tersely, "the report came in this morning. All the evidence has been verified; it is genuine. You will let this matter go." He kept speaking, cutting off anything that Spotter tried to say next. "Have your full report on my desk by supper, and get yourself cleaned up; there is another matter I shall need you to look into, close to the borders of the Dragon Kings. You'll be working with Last Leaf, under the command of Sunflare on this one. You leave before nightfall." He turned away, once again looking out over Canterlot. "Dismissed."

Spotter hung back for a moment, instincts rooting him to the spot. The room stank of unspoken words and hidden agendas, but still the Vice-Commissar was displaying nothing that betrayed such things. Spotter couldn't help but wonder if, perhaps, he was just imagining things, nervously grasping at even the slightest hints of unstated motive in the presence of a pony who gave none himself. Perhaps he was giving too much credit to the whispers, and making mountains out of mirages. So he lingered, but only for a moment. Quietly, he bowed and trotted out, leaving the white unicorn to watch over his city.

Starwind lay on her bed, exhausted, but so happily warm. Grey Gale was nestled up behind her, his grey limbs wrapped around her silver body, his breath brushing her neck every few seconds. She liked that feeling; like a miniature breeze after a hard flight. Mostly, though, it meant he was still there. She could never admit that to herself: that she loved him just being there. His warmth, his sweat, his strength wrapped around her. She felt safe in his embrace, like she could fall asleep and never have to worry about waking up again.

She ached, but it was a good pain; a memento of him, in a way. She didn't want to move lest she disturb the feeling, and it was something to be savoured. She almost reached down to cradle her stomach, but stopped herself; this moment didn't want to be disturbed. Instead, she simply lay there, wrapped in his embrace, a contented sigh on her lips.

He grunted, and the bed shook as he unwrapped himself from her and got up. She rolled her head over to watch him stand, and took a moment to admire the sight. "You seemed excited," she said. "Something I did?"

"Don't flatter yourself, Starwind; it is unbecoming." His head turned toward her. "And stop pouting."

Ignoring his command, she rolled herself over. "What's wrong with me? Did I disappoint you?"

"You performed admirably, as usual," he said, turning his attention to the sink. "Chestnut complained about your incessant teasing, of course. You may want to go a little easier on him; he is still young and susceptible."

He washed his face. "The mission is no place for wanton games. I've told you this before, yet you still play."

"Because I know when to stop," she countered, rolling out of bed. "It isn't my fault if the colt can't keep his focus." Her pout was gone, replaced by a devilish smirk. "And if you hate having fun on a mission so much, then stay at home next time. I'll be sure to make up stories of just how dull it was."

His head turned slightly, just enough that one eye saw her. "Enjoying one's work is a different matter entirely."

There was a sparkle in his eye. "Well, something's got you excited. If it isn't me, then... should I be jealous?"

He turned back to the sink and looked at her reflection in the mirror. "A very... intriguing mission has presented itself. I am finding it hard to turn down."

"Oooh, the traitor," she whispered, rolling her head along his neck, the white of his mane mixing with the black of hers. "How very patriotic of you."

He didn't move, continuing to stare fixedly into the mirror. "It is... a tempting challenge; to find the unfindable pony." She felt his wings quiver. "It is hard to sit still with that on my mind."

"Mmmm... picking a stallion over me," she teased. Her neck was wrapped around his, and she whispered in his far ear. "Now I am jealous." Gently, she bit his ear, and immediately was off him, cantering away toward the door. "Let me know when you've finished admiring yourself," she called, leaving the room.

Starwind entered her kitchens, a single thought on her mind. Apple. Apple. Apple apple apple. She opened several of her cupboards in search of her elusive prey, eventually finding them in plain sight on the dining table. She grumbled at them for hiding from her, picked one up, and balanced it on the back of her hoof. Slowly, she turned her hoof, carefully examining the fruit before taking a satisfying bite out of it. Wherever these apples came from, she thought as she let the sweet juices fill her mouth, I thank Celestia they exist.

Grey Gale came in shortly after. He had cleaned himself up and his coat seemed to sparkle in the afternoon light coming through the windows. He helped himself to one of her apples, and chewed it thoughtfully. Between them, there was only the sound of crunching apple.

She paused, giving him a sidelong stare before slowly swallowing her last bite of apple. "And why would I want to do that?"

"I shouldn't need to convince you to act for the good of Equestria. It should be something you leap at the chance to do."

"You can't expect me to believe you're doing this 'for the good of Equestria,' Gale. More likely you want the fame."

"But there is notoriety. Imagine the hallowed halls of the Service, echoing with hushed whispers. Did you hear? Grey Gale found Autumn! He was cowering in some dark alley, pissing himself in terror! I guess he wasn't invisible after all. Oh, I'm sorry... you've already thought about this, haven't you?" She leaned in close. "Is that what makes you wet?"

Grey Gale took another bite from his apple, chewing it slowly while Starwind glared at him. Finally, "Working for one's own benefit runs counter to what is asked of us. We—"

"Oh, staaaars," she complained, collapsing over the table. "You always say the same things." She rolled onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. She reached a hoof upward. "I wonder who you're really trying to convince."

"—that I am a useless pony, and that I should take my job more seriously." Only her eyes moved when she looked at him. "It's such a boring speech."

"Doesn't mean you have to be so dull about it. What's wrong with having a little fun?"

He looked away from her, and a thoughtful breath escaped his lips. For her own part, she kicked off her hind legs, pushing all her weight onto the table, where she kicked the air lazily, tracing out random lines with her forehooves.

"Wha?" Starwind immediately righted herself, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Did you just...?"

He looked at her mildly. "I have been unsure whether or not I should pursue this mission. As you have said, I have something of a, hm, personal goal in this. The tales of Autumn are... exceptional. I was worried that I might let my own goals get in the way. But, perhaps, you are right. Perhaps I should embrace this, and have my fun." His last sentence came with a smile.

She had forgotten to breathe, it seemed. She sat there, crouched on the table, her mouth agape. Slowly, a smile spread to her lips and little bursts of laughter escaped through it. "Well! Grey Gale admitting to wanting some fun! Who would have thought it possible?" He gave no reaction, so she cocked her head as her smile turned sultry. "Perhaps I'll join you after all. Just the two of us, chasing after a rogue traitor." She leaned forward and licked his cheek, whispering, "It would be just wonderful."

"Not just us. The whole team will be there, and we will be working closely with the Hunters."

"Depends on how you count them. Upwards of fifty, I'd say, but with little in common."

"We could try, but I doubt the council would approve. Likely they'd call 'goose chase' and be done."

"Oh, I agree, but try telling the council that. Without something more solid than this..."

The two unicorns were huddled over a large table, a world map painted into its surface, but they turned at the sound of the third voice, startling them from their hushed conversation. Their shock quickly turned to joy. "Spotter! Welcome back, old friend! How've you been?"

Spotter smiled. "I've been better, but I've been much worse as well. So far, though, I'm surviving."

"Well, that's good to hear. We'd hate to have you die before our next round of tea."

He laughed. "It's good to know you have my best interests in mind. At least until after you've had your Jasmane."

"Don't you know it!" The two ponies laughed with him, giving him a playful punch. "So, then—"

"Right, I'd heard you got a new mission." North began rummaging through the papers on the table before him. "Working with one of the mares who ran off with Autumn, yeah? Leaving before nightfall, was it?"

"Short notice," said South, joining his brother with the papers. "Hm, Dragon Kings... I thought we already sent the file; didn't you get it?"

"I did, and I'm not asking for that." The Poles both stopped and looked curiously back up at Spotter. "I'm looking for information in Autumn."

"Ah," said North, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Bad bit of business, that."

"Out of the blue, that's for certain," agreed his brother. "Teamed with you, didn't he? You didn't notice anything?"

Spotter shook his head, and the brothers glanced at each other. "Don't that beat all?" South just nodded, so North continued, looking back at Spotter. "Well, the story we know is that he was seen planting some device near the princess' quarters, fled with it when they questioned him, and hasn't turned up since."

"Still in the city, though. We got a poster hit this morning: old mare looking out her window. Near the palace, actually. Mare said he disappeared right before her eyes." South shrugged. "Sounds like him, anyway."

"Anyway, after he vanished, we did a search of his quarters, and... we..." He stopped, a curious look coming over his features. South soon mimicked it. "Spotter—"

North slowly nodded. "Thought not. Seems a bit odd, don't you think?" South nodded also, glancing back over the table littered with various messages from hunter ponies. "I'd put you at the head of this investigation, you know," North continued, his voice distant, "but between the evidence and this, I... "

South looked around, then dropped his voice low. "The evidence that came in? Six items, each of varying degrees of incriminating, from circumstantial to outright accusatory. A small group was assigned to verify the pieces, but—"

"—They were doing a rush job, kind of a cursory glance over each piece. Now, South and I don't run like that, and so we pushed our way in; started causing trouble, looking into each piece. And you know? Compelling as some pieces were, it didn't sit right. It's like you taught us—"

"—'If it's too convenient, it probably is.' Like that journal? Full of plans; well thought out ones, too. Had contingency plans, as well; could work through most any situation. But, you know—"

"—Who would leave something like that in a desk drawer, locked or not? Especially inside the palace itself? Just seems... convenient, you know?"

"So we looked deeper into it, and each piece looked like it had a trail, like it came from somewhere else. But the moment we tried to follow that trail, it vanished. Like... you can see it out of the corner of your eye, but when you turn your head to look at it..."

"So we try to tell the others, get them to help shed light onto this, but they all keep brushing it aside. 'It's fine,' they'd say, 'don't worry about it.' They kept fighting us the whole time. Then, this morning—"

"—The case was closed; evidence packed in storage. They'd called it good, golden, and verified, and ignored everything we'd said."

"We've filed a report of Negligence," finished North, "but it'll still take a few days before that'll get this opened up again." He looked back to the table, then at Spotter again. "Would... I'd like it if you'd take a look over what we gathered; you might find something we missed."

The knot in Spotter's stomach had grown. His jaw was clenched tightly, and that was the only thing preventing him from grinding his teeth. Slowly, he relaxed his jaw and forced a smile. "I'll take a look, though I doubt I'd find anything you missed, North; you guys learned quickly."

South nodded. "Thanks. I'll be sure to get you the folder before you go." He glanced up at the clock. "...Shouldn't that be now?"

South glanced back at Spotter, nodded once, then ran out the door. North gave a dry chuckle. "Kinda feels like someone wants you away from the palace, doesn't it? You just got back and they're sending you out again." He turned back to the table, returning his attention to the reports that littered its surface. He spoke absently over his shoulder. "Might just be coincidence, but Last Leaf just got the 'OK' by the doctors. The moment she's good to go, she's sent off on a mission. Maple Song, too; she left yesterday. Even Dew was reassigned this morning. Shame, that; I always liked seeing her when I came in."

North shrugged. "Still in hospital care, so I can't really say. One of them's in a coma, but the other two should be out soon. We'll see what happens."

South came running back in, holding a folder which he promptly slid into Spotter's saddlebag. "There you go," he said. "Please... be careful out there." Spotter nodded, bid farewell, and walked out of the room.

His thoughts were dark as he trotted down the corridor, heading for the teleportation chamber. Late as he was, he was sure to get yelled at by the unicorn leading the mission, but that thought was far from his mind. Instead, his focus was on the conversation he had walked away from; there were far too many coincidences for his liking. He couldn't—or at least, wouldn't—accuse anypony on merely hunch, so for now he resolved to dig as deep as he had to to find his proof.

He thought back to the mines, where Grey Gale had come up behind them and helped them in secret. Why did he do that, he wondered. Why in secret? He would have to look over Gale's report, try to find some reasoning behind the pony's decision. As his thoughts drifted back to Autumn, the weight of the folder in his bag was suddenly a lot heavier; six items without any apparent source.

Equestria's Secret Service

by EdwardJ

VIII - The Hunt Begins