//------------------------------//
// Old Perspectives  
// Story: Dividing Unity 
// by Bently96 
//------------------------------//

       And so, after the short, yet significant reign of the night, the day was successfully starting to prevail again. Though with a yield becoming lower every day, the light as always started naturally taking the place of the dark. As imposed either by his discipline, either by the nature itself, Ruhig started to wake up following those basic signs of the new coming day. Ignoring the passing circumstances, Ruhig was yet again imposing himself in a good moral spirit, starting his quite usual morning routine. Naturally, this very routine didn’t consist of anything, extraordinary or unusual. After tidying up his dormitory and taking as usually care of the hygiene question, Ruhig set the water to boil, preparing his tea consequently. While in the process of preparation, Ruhig approached the exit oh his house, picking up from the doormat as usually the daily number of the newspaper he was subscribed to. Intentionally having a relatively weak bond with the high society in which he was a part of himself, Ruhig naturally subscribed to one of Mr. Focus’s newspapers, in order to preserve a constant level of omnipresence around the cultural and social life of Canterlot’s high hierarchy. Though profoundly disagreeing with the very concept of gossip, which he knew was present in the content of the newspaper as dominant fraction, Ruhig picked it up, returning back in the house, by the kitchen table, where in the pleasant ambiance of gramophone played classical music and his tea, he started as officially greeting the brand new day. While rapidly passing with little interest his eyes through the practically gossip filled lines, Ruhig laughed a little, appreciating some more the rather strategic location of his mansion, somewhere above the clouds, hidden from most of the curious eyes. Quite soon, Ruhig finished his tea and relatively large breakfast, cleaning up the kitchen, and successively approaching the wardrobe. As always, he picked up his suit tailored under his size, curiously admiring another spiritually rather close to him outfit. After putting on his suit, he took out of the wardrobe, as thanks to his usual curiosity, the old, yet gracious diplomatically-military uniform, remembering his very foalhood. In a matter of seconds, Ruhig’s youth passed rapidly through his mind recalling the way of life imposed back then by the society…
As a little known fact by the Equestrian ponies, a few decades ago, they were at the stake of war with Ruhig’s homeland. It was a rather intense time, when everypony was prepared to do anything in its competences in order to achieve the desired result. Unluckily for Ruhig, that time had fallen above his foalhood. While originating from a rather rich and socially advanced family, he was sent to study in a prestigious institution for foals, institution which besides a good education, was basically putting a great accent on a military type education, fact explained by the complicated times he was living in back then.  Along with the rest of the empire, where the new generations were studying basic medicine care and hygiene, Ruhig and his entourage were studying the art of war from a far more refined point of view. Ruhig’s institution was preparing the new foals in 2 major aspects: Piloting and maintenance of military equipment, and training in the use of fire weapons and explosives. While choosing back then his, “secondary mandatory” school profile, Ruhig didn’t have a wide choice, taking in consideration his natural assets. While most of his friend were studying basic mechanics, Ruhig, belonging to the ironically rare in the empire Pegasus class, didn’t have to study how to pilot flying contraptions, being assigned to study the very weapons and tactics. Though being since back then a convinced pacifist with a great passion for arts and social sciences, Ruhig assimilated rather well in the concepts he was thought aside the school curriculum, gaining a wide experience and discipline. During his further life, those dark times at the stake of war have fortunately overpassed, Ruhig still maintaining that experience which somehow still marks him to the day.
While gently passing his hooves over the uniform, Ruhig remembered yet again the true price of peace, realizing the rather crucial role he plays in the fortification of this noble concept. For a few seconds, those thoughts brought a small condition of pride by Ruhig, who was already arranging back the luxurious uniform, foreseeing in anticipation the events planned for the current day. And so, without further endue, Ruhig left his house, starting as usually his daily commute in Canterlot. On the way there, he was quietly enjoying the light and warm sun rays, covering proportionally the skies. This pleasant entourage disappeared just as quickly as it appeared on Ruhig’s way, as soon as he started losing altitude, overpassing a thick layer of clouds, depriving the city Canterlot almost partially from the delight of the light. Yet on his way up to the embassy, he was as usually feeling the warmth Canterlot was emanating, perhaps due to the fact that the holiday season was arriving closer every passing day, even if it was brining cooler and cooler days along of it. After a few straight minutes of calm, perhaps relaxing flight, Ruhig landed at the entrance of the embassy.
Once arrived, Ruhig was carefully and delightfully observing the working contingent, that, perhaps alike himself, were in anticipation of the events bond to happen in another few hours. Along the way up to the last floor, where his office was naturally located, he was slowly, yet happily greeting most of his colleagues he saw. Arrived on the last floor, Ruhig approached a window facing the “back yard” of the embassy, as if visually checking the level of preparation for the social gathering planned for later. Yet, in the canter of the carefully decorated tables, statues and arbores, there was a rather large, clean patch of land. The only true visual bond that empty parcel had with the rest of the back territory was a long red carpet that seemed to conduct straight to the back entrance of the embassy. Right after admiring the festivity open space, Ruhig turned back, entering his office. While entering, he just took a sit in a rather relaxed manner, taking a random literature book out of the library shelf, as expecting something unplanned to happen. 
After approximately twenty minutes of relaxing reading, someone knocked at his office door. While rapidly, yet quietly rising up from the couch and inserting the book back in the drawer, Ruhig said….
“Yes, come in.”
In the next instant, a secretary entered quietly standing at the entrance of the office….
“Mr. Ambassador, there is a visitor waiting for you.”
“Who ?” asked Ruhig a little exited realizing he exits his somehow predictable day routine.
“It’s Mr. Focus Word, he is waiting in the reception room. Shall I call him in ?”
Ruhig smiled somehow relieved “Actually no, I will go and meet him myself. Thank you for announcing me.”
“You are welcome Mr. Ambassador” said she while leaving the office, carefully closing the door after her.
Ruhig mumbled to himself “Well that certainly adds some novelty, before Ironshell’s arrival.”
And so Ruhig slowly, but firmly, exited his office, heading to the reception room, that was by itself a major space for the upcoming festivity. Arriving there, Ruhig immediately observed the thin and tall Mr. Focus, wearing besides his tailored suit, a shoulder bag for stallions. Ruhig confidently approached him.
“Hello Mr. Ruhig.”
“Hello Mr. Focus” said he while shaking his hoof. 
Focus started looking around saying “I see you are practically ready for tomorrow’s event Mr. Ruhig.”
“Almost, all a matter of perception. What brings you here Mr. Focus ?”
“This night, this building will host a prestigious event, and *laughs*, you can say it’s my duty to document it.”
“Well, the interesting events will start a little sooner, but I perfectly understand. I suppose it would be better to discuss this in my office.”
“If you say so Mr. Ruhig.” Replied Mr. Focus who was expecting a little less formal metting.
In a rather short amount of time, both Ruhig and Mr. Focus walked up to the last floor, entering Ruhig’s office. Mr. Lock took place on a chair before Ruhig’s desk, while Ruhig sat by it, facing in a relaxed manner Mr. Lock.
Calmly facing Mr. Focus Ruhig said “Now you have my full attention Mr. Focus.”
“Well, I know tonight is the ball organized in the honour of the future signing of the Alliance.” Said Mr. Focus.
Ruhig laughed shortly “Most of the Canterlot city knows Mr. Lock, especially the guests, you being one of them.” Continued Ruhig while rapidly pointing at him.
Focus smiled a little embarrassed “Well….yes. As you also might know, I also have many publications, many of them bringing up to everyone the cultural life of the city.”
“I recognize that, you do a very fine job might I remark.”
“Thank you. And since this gathering has a rather great echo in the life of this city, I feel I should document it. I would like to ask Mr. Ruhig of your permission to have a few reporters attending your embassy tonight.”
“Perfectly understand that. I suppose we could achieve a compromise.” Said Ruhig while looking in a random file.
“What do you mean Mr. Ruhig ?
Ruhig continued “Well, Mr. Focus, this is, just as you said a great event in the political life of the city, as yet a rather private gathering. I wouldn’t like the guests to be intimidated by reporters walking through them, wearing large, bulky cameras. They wouldn’t feel quite comfortable.”
“Oh well, I forgot about that.”
“Yet as I said just now a compromise is quite possible. I wouldn’t like some curious journalists ruining the time of the guests, unless, a guests would be the one to document it.” Said Ruhig looking Mr. Focus in the eyes,
Focus asked somehow deceived “What do you mean by that Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Well, I recall the fact that you have a higher journalistic education. What would you say Mr. Focus, if I granted you permission to take up a small camera at tonight’s gathering, letting you document everything you might think is worthy of it. You are after all an elite guest, and your presence would be considered perhaps even an ornament for the night.” He smiled.
“Sounds like a good idea to me. But can I ask something else ?”
“I am listening.”
“Mr. Ruhig, besides tonight’s event, you said today has planned something else, just as important.”
Ruhig laughed slowly “Great journalistic instinct…and yes. In a short time, the Alliance documents are planned to be escorted here, in order to be stored in a vault for protection before the official formalities. It’s a matter of *looks at his pocket watch*, less than an hour actually.”
“That seems interesting,  I’ll document that as well Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Hmm, I suppose there is no actual impediment in that, except one. We have no necessary personnel or equipment for that.”
“If you mean by that journalists and cameras, then it’s all here” said proudly Mr. Focus, while proudly tapping his rather, compact shoulder bag.
“Do you have a photo camera right in this bag Mr. Focus ?” asked Ruhig quite intrigued. 
Focus smiled “Almost.”
Mr. Focus rose from his seat, bumping his right hoof in the shoulder back. In the next few instants, the elegant accessory converted in a vintage, photo camera.
Ruhig looked amazed saying “That is one, nice tool you have there Mr. Focus. Must be quite useful as well.”
“You bet Mr. Ruhig, the only problem is trying to fold this thing back” said Mr. Lock while pressing the lens back in the back with a considerate physical effort.
“How much do they cost?” I’d like to have one for my vacations.
Focus laughed proudly “Well, they are not for sale, at least at the moment. I ordered it from a company specializing in the domain of optics equipment. It’s an expensive pleasure.”
“Oh, I see. Well, if you wish, you can stay here and document the arrival of the document.”
“Thank you Mr. Ruhig.”
“No problems at all.” 
“And a last question“ said Mr. Lock while looking curiously around the room.
“Ask right away Mr. Focus.” Responded Ruhig relaxed.
“Are they original ? asked Mr. Focus while pointing at a certain wall decoration.
“Well, you can be most certain of that, but not to worry, they are inoffensive. And as we are still on the subject, it’s also a rather exquisite accessory.”
“I can well see that.” 
“Since I suppose I can’t entertain you any further until the documents arrive, perhaps you should consider just admiring our modest embassy Mr. Focus” said Ruhig while rising up from his chair.
“I think so. But it’s not that modest actually, it’s a luxurious building Mr. Ruhig.”
Ruhig smiled “We put a great accent on our international relations.” 
After a few moments, Mr. Focus and Ruhig left the office, heading straight back again to the reception room, considering the fact that it was a rather representative location. While confidently tapping Mr. Focus on the back, Ruhig went further on, admiring the specific grace of a building in the final process of preparation. Quite soon, he closed in, on the storage facilities of the building, where, naturally, the beverages and aperitifs were kept cool for the night being. While passing through the containers, Ruhig, to his own amazement and somehow pleasure, noticed Ms. Touche, as involved in the last preparation details. She seemed to have been already dressed up as fitting for the planned gathering, wearing a beautiful rose coloured dress. While she was carried away in thoughts of her own, Ruhig, specifically for his mannerism, approached her rather silently and unnoticeably.
Ruhig smiled “Good day Ms. Touche.”
Touche responded a little surprised “Oh, hello Mr. Ruhig.”
Ruhig laughed a little “Already with the head in work I see ?”
“I, was just checking a few last formalities” said she while rapidly rearranging a notebook. 
Ruhig briefly smiled “Pedantism, another quality I greatly appreciate.”
“Thank you” said she looking at Ruhig while sighing and lightly smiling.
“But today you Ms. Touche, as most of our embassy colleagues deserve a break. As of now, the last cares regarding today’s formalities had fallen on my hooves.”
“Ah, do you mean meeting your old mate, the general ?”
“Precisely, *smiles*, also you have that remarkable memory.”
Touche smiled “Thank you.”
Ruhig deeply inhaled “The life is a marvellous thing Ms. Touche, one day you are a filly, or foal learning to walk, the next you are thousands of kilometres away from your homeland.
Ms. Touche just laughed a little. 
Ruhig continued “And you couldn’t even believe the circumstances me and Ironshell became friends a long time ago” as he laughed.
“How ?” asked Ms. Touche intrigued.
“Well, at first we hated each other, fighting every day. Then we suddenly became good friends. Life has sometimes a misleading concept of interpersonal perception.”
“That’s….interesting.” replied Ms. Touche.
Ruhig realized he is being carried away in front of a colleague “Yes. Well, we should return the back yard Ms. Touche. Ironshell’s transport is bond to appear any minute now.”
“I suppose you are right Mr. Ruhig.” Answered she back while taking a rapid look in her notebook.
Successively after that, they both started slowly walking to the above mentioned location. While heading to the back yard, they were both observing along the way, that a great number of the embassy workers were heading there as well.  Soon, they were all there, in the back yard. All the embassy workers have aligned before the only empty, large parcel of land which had the red carpet conducting to the entrance inside the building. While Ruhig and Ms. Touche were taking their places as well, they saw Mr. Focus, trying to fit in the alignment as well.
“Mr. Focus, over here” loudly said Ruhig.
In the next few instants Mr. Focus approached, taking a place near them.
“Thanks Mr. Ruhig and” turns to Ms. Touche, smiling confidently “hello there, Ms. Toucha I recall.”
Touche politely corrected him “Touche.”
“Oh, yes.”
After smiling a little observing this little scene, Ruhig slowly exits the alignment. He approaches 2 other Pegasus ponies, both dresses in a rather specific uniform, each holding some noble gas, modern lamps of a deep red coloration. He addressed to them…
“Gentlemen, I should go first and verify the situation up there” said he while taking a look at his pocket watch. I will call you in a few moments.
“Understand Mr. Ambassador.” Replied one of the stallions.
And so, Ruhig made another few steps forward, unfolded his wings and quite rapidly took off. While lifting up with a relatively high velocity, he took a brief look back, at the ground, as if verifying the presence of the entire working contingent. In a few seconds, Ruhig overpassed the thick cloud layer which was keeping the earth in a relative isolation from the sun light, lifting up to the warm and bright section of the air space. He stopped in the middle air, hovering perfectly still. Ruhig took a brief look around, observing that he is located on a small, clean from the clouds parcel of the sky, closing his eyes. Now he was letting his ears percept the world, the way his musical education and predilection used him to, along his life. While standing perfectly still, listening in, Ruhig was starting to hear slowly, a noise to which he got used during his life. After some moments of listening in to that vibrant, closing sound, he started heading back on the earth. Rather quickly, partially thanks to the force of gravity, Ruhig landed, approaching yet again, the 2 specially dressed ponies.
“Alight gentlemen, you may proceed.”
The two Pegasus ponies leaned slowly their heads in confirmation and took off correspondently. Ruhig just approached Mr. Focus and Ms. Touche, smiling in anticipation.
Ruhig addressed Mr. Focus “You may prepare your camera Mr. Focus, soon you will see a contraption of an incredible novelty and performance. At least for Equestria.” 
Focus unfolded the camera “If you say so Mr. Ruhig.”
In a few moments, everyone was starting to hear that loud, unique sound, approaching them every passing second. Soon, from beneath the clouds layer, the 2 Pegasus ponies were lowering, indications with their special lamps the route for that very contraption. After some time, all the embassy workers, Mr. Focus, Ms. Touche, everyone except Ruhig, were looking amazed at the zeppelin landing with a mathematical accuracy on the empty parcel of land reserved for it.
This zeppelin was a marvellous contraption combining the best technological novelties achieved by Ruhig’s homeland. The first thing that attracted attention to that mode of locomotion was its imposing  size and construction material, the very balloon being constructed of new metal allies, overpassing the yet present in Equestria, old fashioned, fabric construction. Secondly, another imposing asset of the zeppelin is its power, achieved thanks to six, golden coloured propeller engines working on the modern principle of internal combustion. They are located parallel along the surface of the zeppelin, being united to it with flexible joints, allowing a great mobility. And last but not least, the zeppelin attracted the eyes thanks to its beauty, marvellous décor, and golden emblem of their homeland imprinted on it.
Soon, the zeppelin has landed, its main metal door opening thanks to a hydraulic mechanism. Ruhig approached the entrance of the marvellous vehicle. Once the door opened, Ruhig saw right away General Ironshell, his old childhood friend. He was a medium sized, but athletic earth pony, with grey coat coloration, wearing a green, military uniform ornamented by a variety of decorations. Ironshell, stepped out of the zeppelin, being followed by a few other soldiers 2 of them carrying a large, metal crate. They started to walk on the earlier prepared red carpet, eventually facing Ruhig.
Ruhig saluted with a serious face expression “General Ironshell.”
“Ambassador… “said Ironshell saluting as well.
“Ruhig….” Completed he.
For a few seconds they were both just looking one another in the eyes. Then suddenly…
“I’m joking here, hi Ruhig” said Ironshell laughing a little.
“You got me here for a moment” smiled Ruhig.
Ignoring the fact that this was a rather official meeting, Ruhig and Ironshell were trying to keep a rather unofficial conversation. Eventually, most of the embassy workers have dispersed through the building and its correspondent territory. After a few minutes, Ruhig and Ironshell were entering the meeting room, where the vault was located. Along the way, they have been followed by a small group through which Mr. Presspapier, Ms. Touche and Mr. Focus. At the entrance of the building, one of the soldiers noticed the unfolded camera Mr. Focus had by him, interdicting the entrance in the special room.
“Why can’t I enter ?” asked Mr. Focus a little revolted.
“For measures of security, no recording equipment of any kind is allowed inside” said the soldier who closed the door practically in Mr. Focus’s face, locking it from inside.
Focus mumbled from behind “That was rude.” 
And so, the only ones who were allowed to be present in the meeting room during the transmission of the documents were the diplomatical figures through which Mr. Presspapier, Ms. Touche, Ruhig, and the military personnel responsible for its proper, secure delivery. In the next moments, the 2 soldiers carrying the metal crate had stopped in the centre of the room, gently putting it down. The room terhad fallen in almost a complete silence. Everyone except Ruhig and Ironshell had grouped, observing carefully the actions the two will execute. In a firm, yet calm manner, Ironshell took off from his neck a silver chain on which a golden coloured key was hanging. While doing so, Ruhig opened the vault, carefully rotating the coding wheel in the right manner. Ironshell closed up to the metal crate, inserting the key in the nicely ornamented keyhole, opening it. The lock mechanism protecting the content of the crate had shattered in a specific manner, Ironshell, taking out a delicate, relatively thick, red colored leather folder. He took it, walking up to Ruhig and transmitting him the precious cargo. In the next few moments, Ruhig introduced the folder containing the “SAS Alliance” papers in the vault, immediately closing it after. After that, Ruhig, yet again, covered the vault with the majestic stallion portrait, turning back to Ironshell.
Ironshell said dedicated “As of this moment, the responsibility for the documents falls fully over your shoulders Ambassador Ruhig. Until the signing of the treaty in two days, you must protect it, with the price of your life if necessary.”
Ruhig simply salutes General Ironshell with a firm face expression…
“The Empire may count on me.” Solemnly said Ruhig.
And so concluded the official meeting between Ruhig and his old foalhood friend. As of that moment, everyone was quietly leaving the meeting room. While doing so, Ruhig smiling briefly looked Ms. Presspapier and Ms. Touche in the eyes, exiting the room together with Ironshell, followed by his subordinates. After some moments, they both entered Ruhig’s office, the soldiers entering there as well. Observing that, and wanting to have a nice chat, Ironshell said at the entrance…
“At ease.”
The soldiers went away from the door in a disciplined manner, Ironshell closing it up afterwards. 
“So glad to see you after so many years Iron” said Ruhig while closing up to a complex carved library shelf.
“Yeah, me too Ruhig.”     
“Except your new uniform and athletic profile, you haven’t changed a bit Iron” said he while laughing a little.
“I can’t say the same about your fashion Ruhig, but you grew up in height” laughed Ironshell looking up at Ruhig.
In the meantime Ruhig took out of a shelf a Cognac bottle and two special glasses. While putting on the table he said…
“Oh the memories, so many things have changed and we are still the same. Well, not from the social point of view, more from the psychological one.”
Ironshell inhaled saying “Yeah, I remember how I used to be a simple officer.”
“Would you like one ?” said he while pointing at the Cognac bottle and glasses.
“No, I’m on duty, and” looks at Ruhig amused “I don’t remember you ever drinking that kind of drinks.”
“I don’t do it as often as you might think, especially alone. I take them out mostly for guests” he laughed.  
“Well….you can put them back in that case Ruhig.”
“Already” replied he while putting the bottle back in the special shelf.
“So, do you think you can handle on you own the protection of the documents for a few days Ruhig ?” said Ironshell laughing, as implying the simplicity of the task.
“Well, actually yesterday reappeared back from the past a threat regarding them, and extra measures of security would be quite fitting” said Ruhig with a rather serious tone.
Ironshell said with an understanding tone “Hmm, do you need some soldiers to stay here for the weekend to protect them.”
Ruhig replied relaxed “Oh, I don’t want to create difficulties for you Iron. When I said that more security would be fitting, I imply already its presence.”
“But who is a threat to them Ruhig ? This may be serious.”
“Mr. Alca.” Said Ruhig calmly.
“That very Alca ?!” Asked Ironshell intrigued.
“Exactly” said Ruhig becoming already surprised of the reputation this entity had by his dear compatriots. 
“It’s like we travelled around twenty years in the past, repetition. Well, how do you plan on protecting them alone, from HIM, Ruhig ?” said he somehow concerned. 
“Do you remember Iron, your childish talks about the way you could ornament your offices in a theoretically distant future ?”
“Yeah…”
Ruhig continued confidently “At some point I found this idea rather useful. Please take a better look around.”
Ironshell turned around rapidly looking through the room. After a few moments his face was betraying amusement mixed somehow with admiration and confusion.
Ironshell laughed “You actually did that Ruhig ?!”
Ruhig smiled “As the last resort, hope never to get to use it for its actual purpose.”
Ironshell laughed “You are one odd fella Ruhig. You’ve always been. That’s actually amazing” said he while looking around again.
“Didn’t even expect another reaction” said he while slightly patted Ironshell on the back.
“So you say you’re ready to take the matter in your hooves if something wrong goes on?”
“You know me well Iron, I have always been keen to have a reserve plan. If you recall the graduation night for example.”
“Yeah, as well as not asking help from anypony when actually needed. Well, I think I got to go already” said Ironshell while rising up from his chair.
“New assignment soon ?”
“You bet. I have to escort here in a few days the Prime Minister himself. So I have to depart now.”
“Ah, understand. Good luck and God Speed” said Ruhig while rising up and firmly shaking Ironshell’s hoof.
“Thanks Ruhig, you too.”
After a few minutes, Ironshell was already preparing to depart together with his crew. While Ironshell’s crew was entering the zeppelin in an organized line, Ruhig and Ironshell were saying their last replies one to another…
“Well, I suppose we will see each other quite soon Iron.” Continued Ruhig.
“Yeah. Will you appear at our annual reunion ? asked Ironshell while pointing at Ruhig laughing.
Ruhig smiled “I always do.” 
So, Ruhig and Ironshell shook each other’s hooves, saluting, Ironshell last embarking the air vessel, after whom the mechanized door had closed. The six powerful engines of the ship orientated upwards, helping it gain altitude in a rather short period of time. Quite soon, the zeppelin exited the field of view, as it entered the thick layer of clouds. Right after he lost any visual, and later auditory contact, Ruhig headed back in the embassy, why was performing its very last steps of preparation.  While heading inside, in the large reception room, Ruhig saw Mr. Presspapier who was just sitting quietly, as if looking around his entourage. Ruhig approached him.
“Well, it seems the most difficult task planned has been realized Mr. Presspapier.”
“Yes, it seems. *thinking a little* But still the problem presented my Alca can’t leave my mind.”
“Don’t worry Mr. Presspapier, I got everything under control.”
“Are you sure Ruhig.”
“Absolutely. Speaking of which….have you seen Mr. Focus ?”
“Oh, he went back home in order to change for our further festivity.
“Aah, understand. Well *smiles thinking* now I can say is that all left in our competences for todays is to enjoy this pleasant, Friday night festivity.”
Presspapier said warming up “Yes, I think so.”
In the next moments, the specially hired orchestra has entered the territory of the embassy, and more specifically of the reception room, escalating together with their musical instruments on the specially decorated scene. Ruhig was watching with a great personal pleasure, the preparation of a small, room orchestra, composed of percussion, winds and string instruments.
“This should assure a nice entertainment for our guests” said Ruhig to Mr. Presspapier while proudly pointing to the preparing orchestra.
“Perhaps you are right Ruhig, but….I don’t know much about this field of activity” said he while lightly laughing, pointing to Ruhig’s “Piano” cutie mark.  
“Yet again *smiles lightly*, all a matter of perception dear Mr. Presspapier” said Ruhig while retreating in his office.
After a relatively short amount of time, the festivity was bond to begin. One after another the prestigious guests were starting to enter the large territory of the embassy infrastructure, their presence being announced according to the formalities and social predispositions. It was no later than 6 PM, but the guests started to become accommodated to their ambiance for the night being. While sitting in his office, rearranging a little his bowtie, Ruhig was calmly looking at the sunset, anticipating, as always, an interesting evening. From the downstairs, and more accurately from the voluminous reception room, he was already able to hear, thanks to his refined ears, the harmonious music of the compact, yet professional orchestra. Successively after that, Ruhig decided to appear in front of the guests, as imposed by his elevated status in that international institution. While walking through the small groups of chatting ponies, Ruhig picked up a glass of champagne from one of the waiters walking though the guests, carrying silver plates, together with a small silver spoon from a table nearby. Ruhig started to gather a lot of attention around him, as he was confidently walking with a relaxed manner up to the large scene on which the room orchestra was located. As elevation the scene, he observed many rather familiar entities such as Mr. Presspapier, Steampuff, Lock and Ms. Touche looking up to him. With a rather elegant movement, Ruhig lightly and repetitively stroke the small spoon against the champagne filled glass attracting the attention of the guests. The orchestra continued playing the joyous melody a little more quietly…
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our modest, embassy. Tonight, we are celebrating, our long awaited SAS” smiled Ruhig while uplifting a little the glass filled with champagne.
Understanding the humour, many of the guests laughed a little.
“….By this I mean the Steam Alliance of Steel. During many decades, our prosper empires have had some, rather interesting, and perhaps provoking interrelations. But now, more than ever, we are heading straight into the future, as we are, the future. This economical-political cooperation may be very well compared to this beverage * smiles while accentuating the glass he is holding*, its effects being for both of us, a condition of ecstasy and pleasure….”
Many of the guests smiled, looking between themselves.
“Some say that family is like wine, the longer you preserve it, the more precious it becomes. Now I shall raise a toast, for that the small family in formation between our two empires, lasted enough to make its value rise above any conceivable expectation” said Ruhig while sipping just a little of the glass content. Enjoy your evening further ladies and gentlecolts. 
After saying so, Ruhig walked off the scene under some calm, yet long applauds. For the next half hour, Ruhig has completely dedicated in the, somehow routine of his official obligations, paying attention and engaging in small discussion with many of the guests present the current evening. Though he wasn’t bonded to many of them, Ruhig tried to maintain friendly relationships, trying to assure the social success of the gathering. During this time Ruhig got a chance to exit the relatively crowded reception room, exiting in the nicely decorated, enlightened back yard. As talking with the wide variety of public figures present at the moment, Ruhig finally got to have a chat with Mr. Lock, who, apparently was enjoying himself, while sipping a drink and looking at some chatting mares from afar. 
“Hello Mr. Lock, having a good time ?” asked gladly Ruhig while unnoticeably yet curiously trying to comprehend the direction at which his interlocutor was looking.
“Oh yes, a lot, you did a great job with that short speech Mr. Ruhig” said he while taking his look off the previous position, looking at Ruhig.
“Thank you Mr. Lock, made it on the go actually. As speaking of jobs, I hope your contraption will do us a great favour as well.” said he while referring to the vault guarding the documents.
“Don’t worry Mr. Ruhig, its content is perfectly safe” said he while levitating his glass, sipping from it.
Ruhig said somehow relieved “I greatly count on that.”
“Speaking of the content *coughs a little*, I’ll return to the subject of its influence over my business Mr. Ruhig.”
“Mr. Lock, I am greatly aware of the reputation your brand has managed to obtain in Equestria over the years” said he while taking a drink from a nearby table.
Lock interrupted curious “And ?....”
Ruhig continued smiling while sipping “It has a good reputation, and I am fair certain that despise the excellent engineering expertize my homeland has, if has a strong chance to leave a mark on the local market.”
“Are you sure Mr. Ruhig ?”
Ruhig inhaled a little “I am not a master in economical sciences Mr. Lock. My highest qualifications are related to Diplomatical relations, Music, and Psychology. But indeed your company has a strong name in Equestria. *sips a little* You can very well say that this will be a small, “durability test”.”
“I think I understood *sighs*. Well, thanks for the kind words Mr. Ruhig.”
“You’re always welcome Mr. Lock” said he while jokingly tapping Mr. Lock on the back. “Have a nice evening further on.”
“You too Mr. Ruhig.”
Though this discussion, to Ruhig’s somehow disappointment was related to official aspects of his job and alliance, he did find it rather entertaining. While furthering himself from Mr. Lock, Ruhig high moral spirit was raised a little, while finally realizing the original sight Mr. Lock was looking at. While thinking of it Ruhig laughed a little, more for himself. Soon, he re-entered the reception room, where, just as outside, the atmosphere was rather rich. Near the stage on which the room orchestra was place, stood a nicely crafted, black tail piano. Being genuinely enthusiastic in playing it during such festivities, as it was one of the few true entertainments for him, Ruhig quietly sat by it. Unwilling to stop the marvellous music the orchestra played in order to show himself, Ruhig just quietly started to improvise under it, receiving quite a lot of pleasure from playing some old classics. Quite soon, he started to attract some viewers, as not every prestigious guest of the night got ever used to see an ambassador playing the piano near an orchestra during such an event. Unusually for somepony of his position, Ruhig was rather nihilistic about this fact. He played in a perfect resonance with the orchestra, until Mr. Presspapier and Mr. Steampuff approached, rather unobservable for Ruhig. As he was playing, Mr. Steampuff said…
“Good evening Mr. Ruhig.”
Ruhig shattered a little “Good evening Mr. Steampuff, Mr. Presspapier. I have to say I am a little disappointed *smiles while turning to them*, unexpected introductions are part of my mannerism.”
Presspapier addressed to Mr. Steampuff laughing “So true.” 
Steampuff continued “So, Mr. Ruhig, at long last the alliance seems to take course.”
“Yes, it took some good years of planning, but, it is certainly worth the wait.”
“And the Prime Minister is sure to sign it on Monday ?”
Ruhig smiled “Weekends represent as always a priority. Everyone needs some rest, even you Mr. Steampuff.”
“Well, I do rent here in Equestria over the week a luxurious apartment in the Royale Hotel.”
“That is one expensive rest Mr. Steampuff.” Complimented Ruhig.
Steampuff laughed proudly “Nothing my fortune can’t allow. Last floor, door 400, you should visit someday.”
“Be most certain Mr. Steampuff.” Said Ruhig while already rising from the piano seat, as engaging in the conversation.
“Resting there to see how the precious alliance will take effect. *a little provoking* Gentlemen, you both work here, could any of you tell me the actual price of that document ?”
Presspapier said thinking “Well, it has no technical price.” keeps silence for a few seconds “But I heart it would be quite expensive on the black market. “
Ruhig just leaned his head towards Mr. Presspapier, as suggesting the truthfulness of his words. 
“Too bad, I would give anything to alter it, just a little. I hope you are not offended gentlemen.”
“Oh no.” Said calmly Mr. Presspapier.
Ruhig continued as well “Not at all. Especially considering this is virtually impossible.”
“Oh well, I guess you are both right gentlemen.”
“It all works out in the end for every single one of us Mr. Steampuff.” Said Ruhig. 
Steampuff smiled while taking a drink from a nearby table “Yes, indeed. As talking of working out, Mr. Ruhig, how could you play at the piano so, professionally ?”
“I like to think of the idea that I am a natural in this domain of activity” said Ruhig unfolding his wing pointing at the cutie mark. 
Mr. Presspapier laughed a little observing this rather silly, first acknowledge to Ruhig’s natural gift.
Steampuff said a little uncomfortable “Oh yes, missed that detail.”
“No problem Mr. Steampuff. New experiences are those which add intrigue to life. Said Ruhig in a nihilistic manner. 
Steampuff continued “Well….yes.”
“Now if you could both excuse me, I will exit this conversation. Enjoy the evening.” said Ruhig while walking away. 
Presspapier said “You too Ruhig.”
And so, for an undetermined period of time, Ruhig was just wondering through the richly decorated reception room. At some point, he took another glass of champagne off a table, putting it on his lightly unfolded wing, while walking through the guests. After a while, the random wondering through the territory of the embassy became rather monotonous for Ruhig, deciding to lift up to his office, and just sit quietly a little. To his amazement, after reaching the last floor, Ruhig saw Ms. Touche who was just sitting on the large window sill, looking with a relatively sad face expression through the window at the back yard. He was somehow even glad to see her, considering they haven’t had any solid contact the whole evening, yet a little concerned for her moral spirit, as of a fellow colleague naturally.
Ruhig leaned on the window sill near her “Good evening Ms. Touche.”
“Oh *sigh*, good evening Mr. Ruhig.”
“You seem  upset Ms. Touche, the evening not turning out as expected ?” 
“Oh no, it actually turns out quite well.”
“Then what’s wrong ?” Asked Ruhig rapidly.
“It’s….complicated actually.”
“Would you need some help from me ?”
“No, Mr. Ruhig, you….already helped enough.”
“Still consider it Ms. Touche, we’re colleagues. Interpersonal cooperation and help is natural.” 
Touche sighed “Thank you Mr. Ruhig.”
“Oh not at all…….. Literally, I didn’t help you in anyway.”
Ms. Touche smiled for a brief moment, suddenly returning to her previous relatively sad predisposition.
“You behave as if you committed some awful mistake Ms. Touche. You should light up, pick up a drink, talk to someone.”
Touche sighed yet again “Maybe.”
Ruhig smiled “Follow me please, I know many guests who would be in the need of a chat companion of your elevation.”
“No, please, no need for that.”
“Ms. Touche, do you hear that ?” said Ruhig while orientating his ears somehow agitated.
“Hear what Mr. Ruhig ?”
For a few moments, Ruhig lifted his hoof as requesting a perfect silence while listening in.
Ruhig spoke quietly “Somepony is walking to this very floor. After the frequency of the steps, I would say around three stallions.”
“Are you sure ?”
“Well, maybe two, but rust me Ms. Touche, I have a little expertize in this domain.”
Both Ruhig and Ms. Touche just turned to the stairs which elevate to this floor, carefully looking in. To Ruhig’s amazement and deep disappointment it was no one but Mr. Alca, wearing a white suit and a tophat, and 2 of his “assistants”. Straight after making a firm visual contact with him, Ruhig turned to Ms. Touche whispering….
“Apparently it’s Alca, wishing to finish off the unfinished chat yesterday.”
Touche whispering back concerned “Should I call for some help Mr. Ruhig ?”
Ruhig replied serious “No necessity in that, everything is under perfect control.”
“Mr. Ruhig, do you at least believe in what you say ?” asked she concerned.
Ruhig restrained his bowtie “Not certain actually.”
Alca interrupted with a grumpy voice “Are you two going to whisper between each other there all night long ?”
Ruhig addressed to Alca “Fine observation, let’s enter my office for the rest of our chat.”
“What door ?” Asked Alca.
Ruhig just pointed to the carved door of his office. One of Alca’s helpers opened it, letting his superior and second assistant enter. In the next instant, once observing they entered, Ruhig headed himself to his office, with Ms. Touche following him. Right before entering the office, Ruhig supported his left hoof on the door, blocking Ms. Touche.
“Supposing the further discussions that will happen here, I highly advise you simply to return to the event held downstairs Ms. Touche.”
Touche whispered “But he’s dangerous, and you’ll be there alone.”
“Precisely, but still I am your superior Ms. Touche.” makes a relatively forced, but sincere smile “Just have a good time downstairs” said he while slowly closing the door after him.
So, Ruhig entered on a almost private, tête-à-tête chat with Alca. But, without him knowing, Ms. Touche didn’t leave the floor, supporting her ear on the door, listening in. In the meantime, Alca and his men were standing in the centre of the room, facing directly both Ruhig’s desk and window, and the very exit. Ruhig, approached his desk, taking a seat in an unusually relaxed manner, stretching his neck.
Ruhig started talking rather fast, more for himself “Firstly I would like to say how glad am I that you made it here gentlemen…….even if without an invitation.”
Alca interrupted “Cut to the chase.”
“Yes, naturally.”
Ruhig got up of his chair for a brief moment, opening the large window that was opposing his desk. Immediately after that, he sat back down at his desk, facing the uninvited quests.
“Trying to run away again ?” asked Alca with an aggressive tone while watching as Ruhig opened the window.
“Oh, no, I just like thinking at cold. And I didn’t run away Mr. Alca, I prefer the term “strategic retreat”.”
“And what’s the difference ?”
“You practice it when you are in a hopeless situation, in order to return more prepared. But I don’t think you came to my office at such a late hour for small chats regarding elementary tactics.” 
“Well yeah, I came here for the papers” said Alca while taking out a cigar lighting it up and smoking it.
Ruhig said very quietly “Understand, but first, Mr. Alca, let me tell you something very important” continued he while gesticulating with his hooves in order for Mr. Alca to approach him.
While closing in, Alca was blowing quite an unpleasant smoke dust right in Ruhig’s face. With a rather delicate move, Ruhig unfolded on of his wings, taking the cigar our of Alca’s mouth and tossing it in a nearby trash can.
“I don’t accept smoking in my office” said Ruhig confidently while taking out his pocket watch looking at the time.
“You’re playing with my nerves” said Alca while slapping Ruhig’s hood, the last dropping off his watch on the table. Just cut out to the chase before we cut something out of you.
“Intimidation, interesting approach from a guest.” Replied Ruhig slightly amused.
In the next moments, each of Alca’s helpers took out a stiletto knife, one of them throwing it right in the face of a stallion portrayed in a picture on the wall.
Ruhig sighed “I actually liked that painting.”
“I hope you like living on the edge, cause that’s what we’ll be doing to you soon if you won’t give us what we want.”
Ruhig standing up saying “My sincere congratulations. You have evolved from yesterday’s dull weapons to cold weapons in a rather short amount of time. But this still doesn’t change my opinion about your intentions.”
“You know the codes, give them to us and we’ll go without touching you.”
Ruhig laughed a little “Mr. Alca, little known fact that my generation grew under a military discipline and preparation. You can’t scare me that easily with a few expensive yet sharp knives.” 
“Do you really care that little about your life ?” asked Alca while mockingly smiling.
“That is personal matter. But consider this Mr. Alca. I am the Ambassador. In the case of my hypothetical death, my homeland would solve this problem in a rather aggressive manner.  Yet we are not foolish, we wouldn’t wage war on the innocent and lovely folk of Equestria. War……would fall upon you.”
Right after that Mr. Alca’s assistant which still had his knife by him, unfolded it, proving out some professional skill of usage.
“You really think you can scare me ?!” Said Alca confidently.
“Oh I think I did, hear that Mr. Alca ?”
“Hear what ?”
“Your heart, your poor, weak, old heart. Beating in a perfect allegro tempo, afraid for every single cell of the small and pitiful body it desperately tries to keep alive” said Ruhig while confidently looking at Alca’s face, which, almost unobservable showed some fear.
“What the hell are you talking about.”
“Zeppelins Mr. Alca, an armada of modern, military zeppelins which will one day wake you up from your precious sleep with the infernal sound of their engines, hovering above your large properties. As blocking the skies with their great number, dropping explosives over the things you mostly love, including your own being.”
“This is getting ridiculous.”
“Yes, have to agree.”
“I see you like to use flying aphorisms. Let’s see how you’ll do that without your wings. There aren’t many pegasi back at your home anyway, you’re considered *laughs* rare. So you’ll start looking more fitting for your distant society” said Alca while taking out a stiletto knife of his own.
While hearing those rather scary for him threats, Ruhig walked up in front of Alca and his men, facing his desk and large window. 
As doing so, Ruhig took a brief but careful look the coat of arms of his homeland. It was encrypted on a metal shield, representing the three pony kinds and their roles in the community. First, on the lower left corner came the Earth Ponies, which were seen hitting an anvil with a hammer. Secondly, on the lower right corner came the Unicorns, seen as levitating with their magic a quill and a scroll. Thirdly came the Pegasus kind, which were flying upwards holding spears. This coat of arms represented the domains of activity mostly represented by the people of Ruhig’s nation, the producers, the intellectuals, and the warriors, working together in a perfectly united community. But not the marvellous coat of arms was the object that at the moment captured Ruhig’s attention. It was the decor element placed behind it. Behind the beautiful shield stood a riffle. It was a military fire weapon, decorated in a golden baroque style, being powered by a drum magazine with five bullets of storage. Only Ruhig knew that this wasn’t by far a simple decoration, being fully loaded and, as used to be called by him “the last solution” in case of an attack.
Thus, with a great speed and coordination, Ruhig flew up to the coat of arms, picking up the rather unwanted, but necessary war instrument. While landing back, Ruhig stood on his back hooves, aiming in the malicious guests and saying….
“Allow me to introduce you sirs to the next level of weaponry, fire weapons.”
In the next moment, Alca and his men stopped advancing at Ruhig, standing still.
“You’re bluffing, this is a decoration, and it can’t possibly harm us.” Addressed to his crew “Show him.”
As a great, yet welcomed coincidence, the fireworks show had started outside. The beautiful, loud explosives were bringing up to the guests a beautiful, perfectly rhythmic presentation. While unwilling to attract attention caused by a potential use of a fire weapon, Ruhig listen in, synchronising with the fireworks. Straight after catching the rhythm, Ruhig quickly aimed and shot in Mr. Alca’s top-hat, propelling it right out of the preventively opened window. Immediately after observing the actual potency of the weapon, the malicious guests stopped right on the spot. Ruhig continued…
“I would suggest throwing the knives away before matter gets out of the hooves. I have a wide weapons expertize Mr. Alca, and aiming a little lower doesn’t represent a difficulty for me.”
Alca dressed to his crew with a rapid, disgusted tone “Drop the knives.”
Straight after saying that, the assistants dropped on the floor the cold weapons, pushing them further away. 
Ruhig continued “This weapon is powered by a drum magazine with a capacity of 5 bullets, having a start velocity of 600 m/s, enough to decapitate somepony on the spot.”
“Listen…..ambassador….everyone has his price, remember ?”
“I am already rather disgusted by this mentality Mr. Alca. Name me three good reasons why I shouldn’t decapitate you on the spot.”
During the next few moments, Ruhig just stood calmly, aiming at Mr. Alca, who was mumbling indecipherable words. As doing so, he managed to observe fear in the old eyes of this truly ancient foe. Realizing that, Ruhig, let down the riffle barrel, unwilling to let himself fall to this level of conflict apprehension.
“I see you can’t bring me any worthy argument. But fortunately I know enough myself. Now, before our relations turn in an unwilling direction, I will ask of you to leave this office and embassy.”
Without any further endue, Mr. Alca indicated his men to leave the room , following them himself, under the supervision of Ruhig and his riffle.
“This isn’t the last you hear of me ambassador.”
“Of course not. But I wish our next encounter passed in a more pacifist manner.”
So, the unwanted guests exited the room office, opening the door, by which still stood Ms. Touche listening in the entire conversation. As Mr. Alca exited, both he and Ruhig gave her a rather confused look. But quite soon it was over, the office restoring its calm. Ruhig flied by the coat of arms reinserting the delicate weapon back on its place, as Ms. Touche just entered the office, closing the door after her.
Ruhig said a little sad “I….would usually try to explain myself during such incidents but I suppose you heart it all already Ms. Touche.”
Touche replied with a tonality combining shock & confusion “I did hear everything, it’s just….too much for one night.”
“Perfectly understand.” Said he calmly.
“Mr. Ruhig, were you actually ready to…..kill Mr. Alca ?”
“Of course not, this is beyond my competences. But I was ready to defend myself. *looking at Ms. Touche* You should take a seat.”
For the next moments, Ruhig was walking around his office, picking up the knives that have been left by his guests, mumbling rather loudly…
“If I see one more knife” continued he while simply tossing them in a trash can.
In the meantime, Ms. Touche also took a few steps around the office, eventually taking a seat on a nearby couch.
Touche said almost crying “Those persons are just….impossible.”
Ruhig took a place near her “You are perfectly right. I also find little liking in those who are able to over put their greed, over any good conviction of morals and good will” said he while gently putting one of his wings covering her.
“I am, so, sorry Mr. Ruhig.”
Ms. Touche just stood there for some moments, sniffing a little.
“Well *sigh* this was a rich evening.” 
“Yes.”
“Too rich for me actually, I think I will leave this event a little earlier then I should.”
“Are you sure Mr. Ruhig ?” said she somehow concerned yet tired.
“Yes.”
After a few moment, Ruhig and Mr. Touche rose up from the couch, exiting the office.
“You go alone Mr. Ruhig. I will sit here a little more.”
“As you wish. Have a nice weekend Ms. Touche, rest well *smiling* Monday is a great day.”
Touche sighed saying “Yes, I know.”
And so, Ruhig left his “protégé” in solitude, concerned about her well-being, heading down to the reception room, and respectively to the exit. On his way, he saw Mr. Presspapier, approaching him…
“Mr. Presspapier, I will head home a little earlier than planned, just so you know.”
“Alright Ruhig.”
“May I just ask of two last favours for the night ?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Firstly, could you please check the integrity of the vault in which the Alliance document is stored. I have an unexplainable bad feeling about it.”
“Understand Ruhig, and what’s the second thing you wanted me to do ?”
“Ms. Touche is sitting at the last floor quietly. I don’t think she has a good time. Perhaps you could include her in some activity over here.”
“If you say so Ruhig. I see you show a great care for her” said he somehow gently.
Ruhig smiled “She is my “protégé” after all.” said he while turning around heading for the exit. Have a good night Mr. Presspapier.
“You too Ruhig, you too.”
Soon, after taking some last looks through the festive ambiance in which the embassy found itself for the night, Ruhig exited its infrastructure, widening his wings, and taking off. After some rather long minutes, he pierced yet again the snowy clouds, later arriving at his Cludsdale residence. Once arrived home, Ruhig, somehow desperately tried to relax, anticipating the weekend which was literary some hours away. Though he managed to apprehend the threat to the Alliance documents and his very life imposed that evening, he still couldn’t relax, as feeling an odd predisposition of the further events.
And so, under these thoughts Ruhig was concluding his evening routine, taking off his suit and washing up. Finally, he crawled up in his bed falling asleep. His mind was full both of odd predictions as of nice impressions and anticipations. This was going to be a relatively agitated sleep for him.
Night had finally fallen over Equestria, Ruhig, and Canterlot, which was still living in its agitated, late life.