To be a Wonderbolt: Family and Friends

by Diablomuerte2

Motives

Sometimes in life motives become a part of any decision making. Not all motives are bad but the fact is all motives come from some desire. Desire becomes the drug the mind feeds off of when the die is cast. Life revolves around choices and those choices are usually backed by motives. Murder, sex, Marriage, and even having foals... regardless of the event there is always a motive behind it.

Spitfire, the captain of the Wonderbolts, had been doing some dirty dealings and downright disgusting acts all to keep a certain rainbow maned pegasus in her group. She had to because of the cyan mare's bond with her friends were strong. Too strong for some dream to ruin it on it's own. All her actions had one motive behind it. Keeping the Wonderbolts on top. The popularity had been dying before they invited their number one fan to join. The Sonic Rainboom was very impressive and a spectacle enjoyed by all. The crowd it would bring in and the euphoric feeling they would be washed in from the experience was enough to sell tickets like hotcakes.

She remembered all the past events that had lead to now. Each horrible deed, the deeds that have made the life of a certain cyan mare a living hell but these decisions were necessary to keep her a Wonderbolt.

Spitfire was delivered the physical report of a one Rainbow D Dash. She was chuckling at the name She really believes she is the embodiment of danger or is she always getting into danger? Silly mare She looked at the condition of her body and found her at peak physical form, not any flaw or mar that would keep her from performing and no diseases that could hold her back... she is literally perfection... whats this? She noticed the mental portion of the physical wasn't as good.

" Pride and ego far exceed normal levels, views the world through an awesome filter, believes everyone around her is into her sexually. Shows a strong desire to be loyal to her friends and may become susceptible to rage induced mayhem or have mental breakdowns if in extreme duress." She read out loud in her office wondering what she would do. She couldn't in all good conscious allow the rainbow maned athletic mare perform or continue her contractual obligations with these revelations. Still a dirty conscious brings in more bits and with the fading popularity of the Wonderbolts a risk is worth the potential reward.

She had to take this risk because of the wedding event. They were invited as just guests not even performers and it wasn't in official capacity. They couldn't get the best gigs anymore and even she was subjected to watching over a Tornado Day prior to the wedding. She saw the tenacity of the cyan mare at that moment. Rainbow Dash had given a generous amount of credit to her ... friend .... and yet this was the same mare chomping at the bit to impress the Wonderbolts. Rainbow Dash had stopped being such a fan-mare about meeting the team and even danced with soarin casually without gushing. She must have had her mind preoccupied with something or the reality was the Wonderbolts just weren't big shots anymore. The wedding was humiliating of course. Rainbow Dash was chosen above the Wonderbolts to be the performance for the night. She was to use her Sonic Rainboom and impress the entirety of Canterlot with it. Spitfire remembered watching the Rainboom and feeling a bit of jealousy as that should have been her team making the castle "ooh" and "aah".

She had thought about the Wonderbolts Academy event in which Rainbow Dash was breaking all kinds of academy records effortlessly. Though her anger had decided to allow her to choose another lead pony especially since the pony chosen was willing to push herself further. even if that decision costed a pony her life in the future.

She used the override stamp on the physical report and filed it. No pony would have to know her shame.. unless she could use it to her advantage. The Wonderbolts would rise again with their new star. Life was going to be good again.

Spitfire had seen the look of determination on her protege's eyes the moment Applejack had ran off with her attitude problem. Apparently Applejack had a thing for Dash or something... the captain of the Wonderbolts didn't really care and just wanted to make sure her new recruit wasn't going to run off and comfort her friend.

She had to rush to the door and stop her before she was able to follow. She had to make up something and came up with the extreme training and practices. That worked and it calmed the rainbow maned pegasus. It was the first time she had been able to manipulate the cyan mare without it seeming so... evil. After all she could always comfort her disturbed friend after practice right? Either way it was a decision that would lead to her eventual drift from her friends.

Spitfire was unsure where Rainbow Dash had flown off to but she didn't follow the group. She noticed the mare was with another mare... That canary one, that was the one she gave all the praise to during Tornado Day...They seemed to be awfully chummy. I wonder if her 'marefriend' knows about this? Oh well it seems maybe Rainbow Dash likes to play mares and just goes for the gusto. Either way it isn't my business I shall let her enjoy her mistress of the evening and wait for her at base. No need to crotch block a happy Wonderbolt. After the show it's customary to need release so why not. I shall see her later and since that isn't her marefriend she obviously isn't attached to any mare. I am safe with her not following me back to base. Maybe I should watch? Nah I am not that pervy... though it would be kind of hot anyways time to rush off before someone spots me flying around here.

Spitfire flew off that night and allowed Rainbow Dash to make her big mistake of sleeping with Fluttershy. She could have stopped her and yet she rather allow her new recruit make the mistakes of 'sleeping around' unbeknownst to her there was no marefriend just Rarity's plan to keep Rainbow Dash in Ponyville required some lies and other things to go right.

Spitfire had planned to lure Rainbow Dash to a night club with the promise of a good time. She had a stallion set up to take a fall. He was going to antagonize any mare the rainbow one walked in with to get her riled up. She was to cause a scene and get some publicity. Spitfire had been practicing her rejection of the stallion a bit before attempting to seduce Rainbow Dash to joining her to go to the night club. She knew the mare had other plans but no one can resist a little fun... and even so if the plan failed she would have back up measures in place.

Rainbow Dash had taken the bait but with a catch. She wanted to bring some friends along. When she insisted on it vehemently Spitfire accepted it but wasn't too happy. Now the stallion would have to make sure he pays attention to who entered with the mare she was setting up.

So after they gathered up the would be night club patrons it was awkwardness from there on out. Her first initial plan had failed thanks to the interference of a certain pink party pony. She had jumped beyond a crowd a dancing ponies just to drop kick the stallion and knock him out. In hind sight after the whole Gala thing it was expected this pony would be doing something wild after seeing the state of the castle post 'pony pokey'. Though that happened something unexpected did that she was able to use to her advantage.

The supposed 'marefriend' of the cyan mare, Rarity, was dancing with Spitfire and it allowed the captain of the Wonderbolts to seduce the Unicorn and try to get some inside information about her newest recruit. After all one minute in bed with Spitfire would be enough to get any mare squealing their most private of thoughts. Though fate smiled on Spitfire that day. It seemed the world was willing to give her what she needed. Not only was she able to seduce the Unicorn she was able to see first hand the start of a star being born.

Spitfire heard the yelling of the unicorn. She was disgusted with the Cyan mare's actions she unfolded upon the canary mare. Spitfire was trying not to laugh as she hid her smile. She was happy the friends were suddenly angry with Rainbow Dash... all she needed now was for the connection to be severed. She knew just what to do with the fury her money maker would surely display after the pain of loneliness hits.

She had a mission set up to take a down a dragon. Normally dragons aren't creatures to be trifled. But Spitfire Soarin and Rainbow Dash would definitely be able to especially with how easy Rainbow Dash can Sonic Rainboom and how well they work together. It was a dangerous gambit but one worth it to secure her recruit's interests.

Time passed and Spitfire noticed that all her plans had come to fruition. She had kept all mail being filtered to her to make sure none of her star team mate's friends would try to get her back home. Unfortunately Rainbow's absence has been causing problems with her home town and her friends. Still I need her and buck those ponies. I am making big bucks just by riding the coat tails of my star money maker. Even if she is surpassing us in fame the Wonderbolts are now more in demand than any other group of show ponies in the world. She had been screening the incoming and outgoing mail since Rainbow arrived. only allowing fanmail that was 'tested' for threats. Spitfire had convinced Rainbow Dash that the reason they must open the mail before she can read it was to protect her from any malicious content such as toxins or bombs. The ruse worked and Rainbow Dash had never questioned it.

She was now drugged up and barely able to think for herself. The drugs were gifted to the athletic mare by a DJ pony. While it wasn't in her plan initially for her to develop a drug habit Spitfire still was able to use this to her advantage. Soon she would break and collapse and Spitfire would be there for her. Her motive was selfish but over time she was actually caring for Rainbow Dash which got in the way of her desires. She couldn't be the friend the rainbow maned mare desperately needed right now because she had to keep pulling the strings.

The Wonderbolts were making money at an all time high. Most of the members had benefited from it. Some have lost their fans to the new recruit's growing fame. Each time the drugged up star made some kind of major mistake it was seen as some sort of statement. So far her puking out a coffee made an entire chain of shops be boycotted by idiotic fans. The price of her fame was ridiculous. She was wrecking homes and endlessly sleeping around. Though since most of the victims of her odd habits were fans it wasn't even hard to silence them. Spitfire made sure of it. Autographed merchandise and some cheap seats and the problems would fade. The expenses were minimal compared to the profits.

It was priceless to think the absolutely self destructive mare was still a money train and even better how here bad habits were making her just that much more awesome to her fans. She knew the drug habits were injuring her mind and lowering her top form but... it was alright as long as she could perform. She was still able to successfully fend off threats while drug induced. It was a win win. She wasn't able to face her friends for being a buck up and she was working to keep her habits available. Her drug habit wasn't even draining her funds but she wasn't really paying attention to that she was just buying into her own delusion.

Spitfire noticed that her protege was still standing no matter what and needed her to break emotionally. The tortoise Tank had been instrumental to her being ok secretly even when being a mess in public. That tortoise was the only thing keeping her going... it had to die... she had decided it was time for Tank to meet his maker. Now in any other circumstance it would have been impossible for Spitfire to do something so cruel and awful, however, she wanted... no needed Rainbow Dash back in top form and needed her to be closer... It was for the good of the Wonderbolts.

She had poisoned the tortoise with an edible pill that disintegrated in the stomach. It was slow acting and usually able to be detected with signs but since it was a tortoise and it can't speak it would be pointless to even be able to worry. The deed was done and tank was going to die.

The day of Rainbow's break down was one of perfection. She had broken down and became pathetic. The screams of her pet's name were echoing around the base. Soarin was gone and it seemed the rest of the bolts were too far to hear. Spitfire was wondering why fate was smiling on her and allowing her this opportunity. Now she could go in and put on a show. Performing for a crowd of one and pretending to care. It was sickening but it was needing to be done.

She had embraced Rainbow Dash and told her it would be fine.. she was going to fix her and she was at least being honest about that. She still felt awful about the tortoise. I am sorry you had to die Tank... but I need her more than you do. You were just slowing her down and I need her to be fast.

Spitfire was excited for this performance it was another lucrative venue and easily top selling crowd. The excitement of winning and being on top fueled her pride. I did it I made it so. I brought Rainbow Dash back from the brink and now she is focused on living the dream and she is now even more loved by her fans for being clean and sober. This couldn't be more perfect... Where is Rainbow Dash?

She looked around and saw Soarin waiting to perform in top shape..... not bad looking but I wouldn't let him rut me after that one awkward night. She walked to the locker room and noticed a scroll like letter and read the contents. She was furious "How dare that princess.... ruin my hard work... I can't let her do this... I have done so much harm to get this far... I can't let it all be for nothing." Her voice shaking with anger as her determination and underhanded tactics have been challenged by the will of a goddess.

She rushed to Soarin's side and told them they had to cancel and would reschedule due to an unforeseen circumstance. "Just give them their money back or tell them they can use the tickets again... just make something up Soarin I have to go NOW!" She was unable to properly explain the sudden urgency but Soarin did tell the announcer something that caused an entire stadium to groan.

Spitfire was not going to let her recruit just vanish off without trying to make sure she was able to be lassoed back in. "As I was saying Celestia. I know the events that happened because I read the letter after Rainbow Dash bolted out the Cloudiseum. I read it to see why she was so distressed. I understand things have been happening and I wish it wasn't so but ... you understand that her contract with us is bond. She can't break it unless I fire her or discharge her. She is part show pony and part military so her exiting from our squad without my permission is considered treason. Before you object and put your royal foot down as I know can override me but first let me make my case because I know I will not have long." She stated knowing full well just how fast Rainbow Dash can go if she really needed to.

Spitfire let a second set in before speaking "Rainbow Dash is very valuable to both of us. If she quits being a Wonderbolt that would make her have fame with no outlet to use it in. What I mean is that she won't have the Wonderbolts as a reason for her fame and soon she would just have many followers without a cause. We all know what can happen when suddenly some pony becomes famous and people follow their say. Rainbow Dash needs the Wonderbolts to live her dream and regardless of her friendship she will feel the void of not living her dream I have seen her before when she thought she was going to be let go." She was lying at this point but her false sincerity was convincing "She was shaking and while trying to play it off she was almost empty inside. I had convinced her we just needed to talk to her about her habits and she calmed down. She might be trying to quit for her friend's sake but she would be devastated if she did. I have an idea that would benefit us both. What if she can still be in the Wonderbolts with a modified schedule if we can get all her friends to agree to it? That way it can be like they all are in it. We need her and as a part of a military force if Equestria was to be invaded or were in the middle of a war... she could prove to be valuable as a weapon. I know you are a benevolent ruler but you are also a wise and caring ruler." She said wanting to let it sink in.

Celestia sighed "I will allow you to make your case... I can't guarantee all her friends will follow along but... I do understand your point Rainbow Dash can be quite a useful force for Equestria as a member of the military unit that you captain. I also know that she can be extremely unstable... do you have a contingency plan in case she has lost her mind and became a threat to Equestria? As far as I can see the only member of your squad who can even attempt to take her down is you. Are you prepared to end the life of your team mate if she was to turn on Equestria?" She asked testing the waters of this 'captain'

"I honestly don't know Celestia.. I care about her.. and she is also our best performer and fighter. I would try to talk her down first and if all else fails then I would attempt an execution style attack." She said while internally grinning. She was lying through her teeth there was no way she was going to have to kill Rainbow Dash if her plan works.

Spitfire was in a secret council. She was joined by Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Cadence, and Shining Armor. The person holding the meeting was the general of the Equestrian army and the Captain of the Royal Guard. His name was Bash Wing. He was an older pegasus stallion but had been able to keep his physique in top form even for his age. He was a no nonsense kind of stallion.

"It seems we have a problem on our hands... Rainbow Dash has proven to be quite a force of destruction." He was speaking in a rough tone. "You understand that we can't keep ignoring this... she could become instrumental to the down fall of all Equestria. She has extreme abilities that naturally pegasi can't achieve." He had slides of her flying super fast, breaking things, and even a picture of her Sonic Rainbooming close to a town. "These images show just what we are dealing with. This isn't something we can ignore. I understand you all have reasons to allow her to remain free from military custody. I would like to hear your reasons since I don't see any good ones with what capability this mare has."

Cadence spoke... she had something to say "I have to be honest... I don't have any good reason to keep her unchecked... she could have killed me, my husband, and my sister in law just because we refused to let her enact her revenge on a royal guard... she destroyed my empire and did so without any care of who or what was destroyed in the process.... if I have to be the only one to say it so be it. I am glad for her help before but her good deeds from the past don't justify her reckless actions in the present." She said while not looking anyone else in the eye.

The Bash Wing was smiling, someone was agreeing with him and his reasoning. He wanted to see if the others would speak up against or for the pegasus he wants to force into his control.

Shining Armor put a caring and gentle hoof on his wife but his thoughts weren't mirroring hers. "I have to say that if she wanted to break my horn she would have done it. She was able to calculate just how much energy to put out in her Rainboom before doing it. Unlike you my love who came to the scene late I saw Rainbow Dash scout around the barrier checking for any citizens and when she found that no one was here she had resolved the empire had become a stage for a battle. Even if she destroyed the empire she did it with the knowledge no pony would be hurt. She proved that time again that she wasn't a danger even when she first came to get Twiley during that time long ago when Celestia and Twiley were having their tiff." He said while frowning for disagreeing with his wife. But he remembered that Rainbow Dash had calmed down when talking to him and if she was truly some threat that day would have been different.

Twilight spoke up at this. "I hate to disagree with you Cadence.. but my brother is right... Rainbow Dash when acting fast reacts without thinking. She was eyeing the barrier and carefully projecting her force before she went with her plan. I know Rainbow Dash and when she is thinking she has that face... she made that face and made sure she didn't over do it. Part of why the barrier fell easier than it should have and why the magic force struck us hard was because I almost dropped my magical hold when I was in shock she was actually planning her attack out instead of just going for it." She said while half ashamed and half proud of her friend.

The general was getting upset. He needed some support he noticed none of the major three spoke yet. "And you ladies... what say you about this Rainbow Dash?"

Princess Luna spoke up first "Rainbow Dash... while a prankster and a braggart... she isn't a threat... she has taken poor Scootaloo under her wing and gave her hope. Even before she became the Mother of sorts to her it was their bond as sisters that was forged under my night sky. She was so gentle with the little filly I have a hard time believing someone who was gentle to a filly she had no familial bonds with would ever allow herself to actually become a threat to the land she protects. That is my position on this subject." Luna spoke in her usual tone. Not the royal one with the shouting and boom, just her regular voice that Twilight helped her find.

Celestia was deep in thought "I.... I can't say why I feel this but I am worried for Rainbow Dash. I am not agreeing with you Bash Wing but I am not sure if she has the mental fortitude to keep surviving these strange and awful events. I hope I am wrong about this but... if she keeps suffering she may suffer a mental break down that could leave her willing to do something very... dangerous. I can't pretend to not see the danger she presents, however, I won't condone the restriction of freedom of a potential threat unless she shows signs of being one. The event that had transpired at the Crystal Empire I don't feel it was done with malice. I am sure if the empire was full of ponies she wouldn't have gone as far as she did. I am just speculating this of course... I can only go by what I know. I know that Rainbow Dash is a powerful force of nature but I also know as long as she has things to care about she can be saved from ever slipping into dark territory."

The general was shocked he thought for sure Celestia would be against his side but it was more neutral. He looked at Spitfire and wanted her input. "So captain of the Wonderbolts military and show unit. What say you about your recruit?"

She slammed her hoof on the table in false bravado and exaggerated anger. "This is nothing but a barrel of horseapples... Why the buck are we even having this meeting? Rainbow Dash has proven to be a force for good and even when she has lost control never had any pony died by her direct actions... Listen if she was to become a threat you think I would keep her in my squad? I can see why some of you are concerned but trust me.... and when I say trust me I mean it. I can make sure Rainbow Dash doesn't get out of line after all I am her captain and I can speak to her about all this. Just don't do anything to contain her especially since she is about to get married. She is gushing about how her bride to be is some pony really special and if she gets married she will eventually be a calm and tamed mare... so how about we all just forget this meeting and leave Rainbow Dash alone. Plus if war was to come I am sure she would be on our side... because she is loyal."

The thoughts and memories now cleared from Spitfire's mind as she currently has been heading to Soarin's post in Las Pegasus to bring him the good news. They hadn't been touring without a third since Rainbow Dash made the group complete it was awkward with any other team mate. Mistyfly tried subbing but the fans wouldn't have as much enjoyment from some 'replacement' they wanted the Dash. Now they would have the Dash.. and they would have more of her if Spitfire could convince her to keep performing. With her love life secured and a happy to be used spouse it wouldn't be hard to convince Dash she could tour again. Especially since the towns folk has more self reliance and the weather teams have been properly informed and trained.

She arrived at Soarin's post and he was with some mare that was very close and intimately showing affection to the would be team mate. "Soarin.... what is going on?" She asked confused at his display. Soarin wasn't an ugly stallion so seeing him with a mare is common but Soarin wasn't into relationships.

Soarin chuckled "Hey Spits... I am just enjoying time with my marefriend... I haven't had many shows in months so I been free to mingle and found some pony very special to be with." He said while nuzzling his marefriend. He was finally able to find a mare to be with him that would allow him to enjoy his life instead of just constantly performing and having to only sleep with groupies or fan-mares.

Spitfire was very upset at this revelation. I leave him to guard duty for a while and he suddenly has a marefriend? Bucking a ... I mean what the buck is so good about relationships? Sure Mistyfly was a great lay but I didn't want to tie down the knot to some team mate. With Soarin now in a relationship how can I get the team together? Think Spitfire... oh yeah he still is in contract too. Though his ends this year so I need to milk this for all I can. "Alright well I got Rainbow Dash down for two shows I was wondering if you wanted to go on tour with us... it's two shows in two weeks with some signings and meet ups. We can get the show on the road again and we can all be chill again. I am sure your marefriend won't mind right?" She asked looking at the timid mare which reminded her of Fluttershy. What's with submissive mares some how wrapping my friends' in their hooves? Maybe I should get myself one if they are all the rage... or a submissive stallion... either way this love thing is going to ruin my plans.

Soarin looked at her who smiled and whispered something into his ear. He was smiling "I got an idea... Since Rainbow Dash has Fluttershy and I have Swift Wind here and assuming you still have Mistyfly around we can all go together on tour. It can be like an event with our special some ponies." He said with a huge grin.

Spitfire for the first time in a long time had felt the universe again grant her joy. "Sure that is a great idea... I can't wait just be ready by next week as that is when we head out to start the tour. I am going to go get my mare and give her the info and make sure to update Rainbow Dash as well.... see Soarin you have a great mind and don't let anyone tell you otherwise." She said while thinking Sucker... I am just too good. Bring your mare and let Rainbow Dash bring Fluttershy, a happy experience touring will make it easier to convince them to continue doing so. Soon they won't even need their mares to keep wanting to tour because like a dog drooling at a bell they will just expect the food to come.

Spitfire was at the base and looking for Mistyfly. She heard the showers spraying down and smelled the scent of the person showering and grinned. It was her prey for the taking. She rushed in and found Mistyfly showering alone and felt as if she hit the jackpot.

Mistyfly was angry someone had the nerve to interrupt her shower and even more so that it was the one who just used her for a good lay. "Hey... what do you want o' fearless one" She said with as much disgust as she could muster. What she didn't expect was a forceful push to the wall and being pressed up on.

"Shut your mouth Misty... I am your leader and you will respect me got it..." She asked with anger surging through her body... in this position she could just hoof her prey and make her submit. She was tempted but diplomacy first force after...

Mistyfly was scared she never had seen Spitfire react this way unless she was drunk. She didn't smell acohol on her breath so maybe the captain had snapped. "Spitsy.... don't hurt me.." she said in her softest tone... she didn't know what to expect but felt a hoof in her nethers that made her attempt to scream. It was muffled by a mouth covering hers.

Spitfire was aroused by her fear and her soft tone had made her dominant side come out. She was pushing her hoof into her prey and was kissing her with force watching her prey's defenses break. "You listen to me... I don't care who you are dating right now... you are mine again got it? I need you and I want you... If you don't want to be with me then fight back... I know you can fight me off when you aren't in the mood. If you submit just know you are coming with me and you will behave and act as I need you to. If you wish to be my ... 'lover' then allow me to take you right here where we can get caught" She said while she continued hoofing her victim.

Spitfire's hoof was moving in and out of the other mare's nethers. It was being accompanied by forceful licks and bites along the other mare's neck. It wasn't passionate but dominant. Nothing loving about her movements just wanted to make her prey submit.

Mistyfly was crying she was being assaulted physically but sexually she was enjoying it. It wasn't rape because she was given a choice but she didn't want to fight her ex off because she wanted it again. She missed her lover's touch. She gave in but at a price... her freedom. She was being devoured sexually and her moans were betraying her mind. Spitfire treat me gentle my love... I want this but not like this... She decided to slide her hood along the sides of the dominant mare feeling her body and allowing her mind to lose itself in the pleasure she was receiving.

Spitfire's eyes lit up as she felt the other mare submit. she could have stopped right here but was too far gone and started to push her prey to the floor and lower her marehood to her face "You know what to do Misty baby... get to it." she said as she was rewarded with a submissive tongue testing the waters.

Mistyfly wasted no time in tasting her lover and pushing her tongue into her lover's folds. It was euphoric for her she was stripped of freedom and made to do things in a way that was embarassing to her. She didn't like where this was heading but at the moment she just wanted to pleasure Spitfire. Her tongue danced along the walls of the delicate marehood before her as she continued her ministrations against her lover's love tunnel.

Spitfire felt herself about to explode from the excitement of dominating and capturing the mare and from the expert use of the team mate's tongue on her marehood. She was brought to the edge and pushed her marehood to her lover's face before she erupted and allowed her precious Mistyfly to accept her reward.

Mistyfly greedily drunk the juices and smile. It wasn't a happy smile but it was something that would be able to convince Spitfire of her victory. She was devastated inside. She was just taken by someone who wasn't going to love her and worse she enjoyed it like some slut pony. She was crying on the inside.

Spitfire had her motives for her actions. Regardless of the actions she convinced herself it was for her cause... her cause which she declared were for the good of everyone... when in reality... this whole time her motives were purely... selfish. a selfish heart doing whatever it takes to get what her heart desires. Greed and jealousy consumed the once noble captain... can she be saved or is she too far gone. Who will be able to save the pony from her own insanity?

Spitfire chuckled darkly as she left the shower room and went to bed knowing full well she wouldn't be alone. Seducing mares and taking what I want... that is what it means to be a Wonderbolt.