//------------------------------//
// Chapter 8: Celestian Intervention 
// Story: The Equestrian Intelligence Agency 
// by General Soarin 
//------------------------------//

Team Hawk
Equestrian Intelligence Agency
EIA Ponyville Headquarters, Ponyville, Equestria
5 Hours After Launch of Operation Harmony

"Thank you for coming Agent Hawk, I have something very important to discuss with you today.” announced Princess Celestia, as Sky Hawk and Spitfire took their seats on the opposite end of the conference table. After making sure that Rainbow was in the hands of the HQ’s medical team, Agent Hawk was escorted by two Royal Guards to a conference room to meet with the Princess. Spitfire tagged along, stating that everything in this operation also fell under her jurisdiction as well, since the Director had been murdered by Laurence’s forces.

The conference room was silent for a few moments, before Agent Hawk cleared his throat to speak. “What is it that you need, Princess?” He asked, guarded curiosity in his voice. Celestia smiled, before clearing her throat as well. “I just received your letter about Laurence, and wanted to ask you what you’ve got on him so far.” She replied, genuine curiosity in her voice. Sky Hawk tapped on his glasses, before activating it’s file browser. “According to what Rainbow sent me, he was born in Canterlot, and lived a somewhat normal life. It says his parents, Dark Wing and Hazel were executed on charges of treason.” Sky Hawk began.

Celestia wrote something down, before she let out a small cough. Sky Hawk looked up at Celestia and raised an eyebrow, before looking back at the file. “Anyway, he managed to graduate from the Canterlot University of Advanced Studies, and ended up getting a job teaching magic at the school. He also served in the Equestrian Marine Corps during the Equestrian-Griffin War, and lost his entire squad in the siege of the capital (Great Aerie). He resigned after the war ended,  and returned to his teaching job for about four years before being recruited by the EIA. That’s practically it.” Sky Hawk finished, before turning off his glasses. Celestia sat there for a few moments, before she stood up. “Laurence sounds extremely dangerous, and I want to approach this situation with care. I’m sorry that I have to do this, but I’m placing this case under the Royal Guard’s jurisdiction. The EIA will give up any progress in the case, and then move on.” announced Celestia, making sure to channel as much authority in voice as possible.

Sky Hawk and Spitfire just stared at Celestia, their jaws wide open in shock for a few seconds, before Spitfire shook her head. “I’m sorry Princess, but what did you just say? Why the hay would you remove us from the investigation this late in the case?” She asked, utter disbelief in her voice. The Princess looked at the two agents for a few moments, before sitting back down. “Laurence is an extremely dangerous pony, and I want elite operatives working on the case. I know the EIA has elite operatives, but I’m putting ponies that I can fully trust in charge now. Please don’t take this personally” Celestia replied, her voice flat. Sky Hawk closed his mouth, before he stood up, his legs shaking a little bit. “With all due respect Your Highness, but you can’t just remove us from this investigation like that. Because of Laurence’s actions, we lost our own DIRECTOR, plus countless other agents in the attack of our Canterlot HQ. This mission is officially personal to me and every other agent in the Agency.” He stated, a forced calm in his voice. Princess Celestia frowned, before closing her eyes.

“I know that he killed the Director, and I know it’s personal, but I’m not going to change my mind. I’m not suggesting that the Royal Guard take over, I’m ordering that they take over. You don’t have a choice Agent Hawk.” Celestia replied, a hint of hostility in her voice. By now, Sky Hawk stopped trying to hide his rage, and he slammed his hoof on the table. “Princess, I will not allow you to remove me from this investigation, only to give it to the Royal Guard to buck up! Because of Laurence, my partner almost STABBED me, and now she’s weaker than ever! I will be the one to kill that motherbucker, not the Royal Guard!” He shouted, fury in his voice.

The room went deathly silent for a moment, before Celestia slowly stood up again. “I suggest you sit down Agent Sky Hawk, before I have my guards make you sit down.” She said quietly, her voice a harsh whisper. Sky Hawk defiantly remained standing, but when the Royal Guards took a threatening step forward, he growled and sat back down again. Spitfire shifted uncomfortably in her chair, before she gulped. “I’m sorry..... He’s just stressed right now, he needs time to unwind and get over this.” She exclaimed, a mixture of emotions in her voice. Both Celestia and Sky Hawk stared at the orange mare for a few moments, before Celestia growled. “I’m going to make this very clear, so that it gets through your thick head Agent Hawk. You will no longer work on this investigation, and you will move on! I will not tolerate your defiance, and I will have you thrown in the dungeon if you do that again. Do you understand me Agent Hawk?” shouted Celestia, pure rage in her voice. Sky Hawk glared at Celestia for a few moments, before he slowly nodded his head in defeat. Celestia forced a smile on her face, before turning to face the door. “Good. Now I wish both of you a good day.” She stated blankly, before jerking the door to the conference open and walked out, followed quickly by her Royal Guards, leaving Agent Hawk and Spitfire sitting silently in the room by themselves.