The six each reacted as expected. First, all their jaws hit the floor, figuratively except in Pinkie’s case. Rarity was the first to unfreeze, falling back on the bench in a faint. Fluttershy was next, moving to get some ice water for Rarity, then Pinkie reattached her jaw. Then came the flood of questions from the other three.
“Who-“ began Rainbow.
“How-“ interrupted Applejack
“Why?” finished Twilight.
“I don’t know for sure any more than you do as of now; as for guesses, best ask Rarity when she revives. She has the best connections in the grapevine of gossip, and probably had an inkling already,” I replied to all of their questions at once. They then went to help Fluttershy tend to Rarity, Rainbow throwing a suspicious glance over her shoulder at me. They proceeded to grill Rarity and speculate amongst themselves for the remaining hour of transit.
****************
When we disembarked at Equestria Grand Station, we found a squad of guards waiting to escort us; two unicorn Light Guards in gold and two bat-wing pegasi of the Night Guards in iron. A fifth pony, a teenaged bellboy unicorn from the palace with a smart red uniform, took the Bearers’ bags to their rooms in the palace. I kept my bags, preferring to have my equipment with me at all times and not having brought anything unnecessary. The guards then walked us, that is the Six and me, out of the station and onto Parade Street, heading uptown to the palace. Rainbow was trying, unsuccessfully, to coax some information from one of the night guards, Rarity was gazing around and drinking in the latest fashions, Twilight was studying the new architecture put up in wake of the “Changeling Deception,” Applejack was observing all the shops where Apple Family products were sold with a keen business eye, Fluttershy was walking in the middle of the group trying to be inconspicuous, and Pinkie was zipping about, greeting any- and everypony. The guards tried to rein her in at first, but after the first thirty seconds they gave up and were content that she didn’t go out of sight. It seemed like business as usual in Canterlot at first glance, but closer observation revealed that the city was on alert nearing lockdown. There was no pink bubble like during the Changeling threat, as that would have caused a panic, but there were extra patrols of pegasus guards in the skies above, unicorn guards scanning outbound traffic, and generally tighter security.
When we arrived at the spindly white castle which constituted the Royal Palace, we entered with little ceremony and were hustled straight to the sitting room just off the Promenade of Harmony, the hallway in which the vault was housed. Standing on the light blue carpet were Chief Fist N. Cuffs of the Royal Police, Lieutenant Hardnose of that same institution, and Princess Celestia herself.
The Six bowed low upon entering, while I gave the shortest bow required by respect for the Princess; this was not a time to stand on ceremony. The three leaders turned, the stress showing on each face. The Chief looked tired and world-weary, the Lieutenant looked angry, and the Princess looked slightly frustrated.
“You called that renegade for a matter this important!” burst Hardnose, outraged. His mane was a sickly yellow and his coat a pale green, and he had a handlebar mustache that covered his mouth and quivered when he spoke. He wasn’t really a bad sort, just tended to be a stickler about going by the book. Also, he hated my guts for showing him up so many times in unorthodox ways.
“Lieutenant! Show some respect for the wisdom of your Princess, or you will be severely disciplined!” reprimanded the Chief. He was a good pony at heart, and could keep up with the youngest cadets, even if he was going slightly blind. He had a philosophical, yet gruff and powerful voice that commanded respect from all but the most rebellious reprobates. He had a smart, military-short cut on his graying mane and tail, and a tan coat. Both he and the Lieutenant wore the standard issue police uniforms distinguished only by rank designation.
“Good morrow to you too, Lieutenant. Chief. Glad to see you again Princess, though I do wish it were under better circumstances.” I greeted each in turn.
“Thank you for coming, Investigator Clear. Welcome, Twilight Sparkle and Bearers of the Elements. I trust the Investigator told you why you were summoned?” Said the great Celestia, with not the slightest inflection from the fatigue she must have felt.
“Yes Princess, but he didn’t tell us much, just that the Elements are missing and presumed stolen,” replied Twilight. “If I might be so bold-“
“What aren’t you telling us?” interrupted Rainbow, as blunt as always.
“Unfortunately, that’s all we really know right now as well,” answered Celestia, ignoring the potentially disrespectful phrasing of the question.
“Well Princess, what do ya’ want us to do t’ help?” Applejack offered.
Here Chief Cuffs answered, “You Bearers are to search Canterlot. Hopefully your connection to the Elements will give you better luck than our officers. In the meantime, Canterlot is on lockdown code white; anything going out is gone over with a fine-toothed comb. Also, Investigator Clear will go over the crime scene for clues.”
The Lieutenant muttered something insulting under his breath. Everyone ignored him.
The Chief pulled out a sheet of parchment and read off the search assignments. “Pinkie Pie, you will search the streets and try to covertly search ponies’ property, without being too conspicuous.”
Pinkie saluted smartly, then spun her rear legs comically and sped off, leaving a cloud of dust dispersing where she had stood.
“Rarity, you will check the shops; see if anyone is trying to peddle them.”
Rarity nodded gravely and strutted out of the room to find a chauffeur.
“Fluttershy, you will search the gardens and parks; try and get the animals to help you. The elements may be buried. Rainbow Dash, you will help the aerial patrols.”
Fluttershy strolled out fairly calmly; only fretting slightly about the important task she had been given. Rainbow nodded quickly, flapped her wings, and sprang out through an open skylight.
“Twilight Sparkle, you have the palace itself. The Lieutenant will let you into the various rooms and passages.”
Twilight nodded assent and strode out, trailed by the still irritated, yet remarkably composed, Lietenant.
“And Applejack, you have the warehouses. Don’t break any crates unless you have to.”
Applejack chafed slightly at the insinuation that she wouldn’t be careful, but nodded and galloped out. This left the Princess, the Chief, and me in the room. The Princess spoke next:
“Come now Investigator Clear, to the scene of the crime. There isn’t a moment to lose.”