//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Finding The Trail // Story: The Equestrian Intelligence Agency // by General Soarin //------------------------------// Agent Sky Hawk Ponyville Library 1 hour after launch of Operation Harmony (J) "For the eleventh time Rainbow, I will speak with the team, not you! I know Twilight is your friend and all, but Director Armor gave me control of this operation." shouted Agent Hawk, as he landed gently in front of the Ponyville Library. Agent Hawk was not at all happy with the Director’s decision to pair him up with Rainbow Dash, but he knew that orders from the Director had to be followed. After giving Agent Hawk his partner, Director Armor then proceeded to give Agent Hawk the mission specifics. Agent Hawk was to find the Bearers of Harmony, and stop any evil plans that involved them. He had access to everything that the Agency could give him, and had access to all Agency files that related to his mission. Once Agent Hawk had his mission specifics, he started flying to the Ponyville Library to question the EIA team that was posted there on the night of the disappearances. “Fine, but keep in mind that they're my agents, and they have had a hard time so you better not go hard on them" Agent Dash replied in a harsh tone. “I will do what needs to be done.” replied Agent Hawk as he walked in to the library. As they entered the library they were welcomed by two grey and two green stallions. “Team you all know why I am here.” “Yes, Sir” they all replied. “So how is going to tell me what happened here?” asked Agent Hawk, authority in his voice. A grey stallion stepped forward and Hawk trotted over to him. “What is your name Agent?” asked Hawk, as the Agent gave a quick salute. “My name is Hedge, sir.” replied the stallion, a deadly calm in his voice. Agent Hawk gave the agent a quick look over, before slowly nodding his head. “And why are you the one to tell me what happened here tonight?” asked Agent Hawk. Agent Hedge gave the senior agent a small frown, before looking at Agent Dash. “I am the leader of this team set to guard Twilight Sparkle, sir.” He replied curtly. Agent Hawk nodded, then turned to face the rest of the team. “Could you please tell me what has happened here Agent Hedge?” questioned Agent Hawk. Agent Hedge looked at his team, before returning his gaze back to the senior agent. “I am sorry to disappoint you sir, but none of us can remember what happened.” Replied Agent Hedge, a hint of nervousness in his voice.“What do you mean, you cannot remember! You must have at least seen the attacker!” said Agent Hawk, a hint of frustration in his voice. Agent Hedge started shaking, and he shrank back a little bit. “I am terribly sorry sir but we all got knocked out before we even knew what had happened.” He replied. Sky Hawk gave Agent Hegde a death stare, before he took a step toward the frightened Agent. “What kind of agents are you? Letting the enemy easily knock you all out and take your objective. You don’t deserve to call yourself agents.” shouted Agent Hawk, disgust in his voice. Rainbow quickly thrust herself in between the senior agent and the team, and gave Agent Hawk a hard stare. “Agent Hawk I can assure you that my teams are of the best ponies the EIA has. And I am sure they would never let the enemy close to Twilight without a fight if they had the chance to do it.” Stated Rainbow, a deadly calm in her voice. Agent Hawk muttered something inaudible, before turning around. Rainbow let out a sigh of relief, before glancing over to her team. “If none of you have anything else to say about this horrible incident that has taken place here, then I would like you all to get back to EIA and deliver full report to Director Armor. I am sure he would like to know what happened to his sister” said Rainbow. Agent Hedge nodded, then ran as fast as he could out of the Library, the rest of his team following closely behind. Rainbow and Hawk lingered in the Library for a bit, and tried to look for evidence of what happened. However, they ended up finding nothing, and headed off silently into the dark night towards Rarity's Boutique to talk to the team sent to guard Rarity. They arrived at Rarity's Boutique, and immediately saw the team having a huge discussion. When the team spotted Rainbow and Hawk trotting towards them, they quickly lined up and welcomed them. Rainbow smiled, before walking over to the leader of the team, Bon Bon. “Ah, Agent Bon Bon, it has been too long since we last met. Agent Hawk, come over here and let me introduce you to one of the best agents I have - and the leader of this team - Agent Bon Bon.” Rainbow exclaimed. Both Agent Hawk and Bonbon looked each other over, before Agent Hawk finally cleared his throat.“ I want to keep this brief, so would you be so kind and give me a full report on what happened here Agent Bon Bon?” said Agent Hawk, a forced calm in his voice. You could tell that he was really annoyed with the whole situation. “Yes, Agent Hawk I will tell you what happened. We detected several shady ponies heading towards the boutique but sadly we did not have time to react before we got knocked out. But I heard one of them talk about a pony named Laurence before I fainted.” explained Bon Bon a serious and professional tone in her voice. Something sparked in Rainbow’s eyes, and she gazed absently at the ceiling. “Hmm, Laurence... where have I heard that name before?” muttered Rainbow to herself, as she paced back and forth. Agent Hawk looked at Rainbow with a look of curiosity on his face, before he cocked his head to the side.. “What do you mean Rainbow? Where have you heard that name before?” asked Agent Hawk. Suddenly, Rainbow’s face lit up, and she whipped around to face Agent Hawk. “I think I saw it in the briefing of a search and rescue mission yesterday! Agent Laurence was part of the Force Reconnaissance Division, and he disappeared without a trace three days ago.” Exclaimed Rainbow. Agent Hawk grinned, before turning and walking for the door. “Then we must get back to Director Armor, and report this right away. This just may be an important clue, thank you for your help Agent Bon Bon.” replied Agent Hawk, as he walked out the door, spread out his wings, and took off towards Canterlot. Rainbow lingered for a few seconds, before quickly saying goodbye to her team and took off after her partner.