//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Find the River // by Atlas_Nebula //------------------------------//         Not sure why lunchtime was not until after midnight, but didn’t mind short first half of shift. Had an appointment with Miss Trixie, who no doubt had own job to continue afterwards. Nearly tripped down stairs of complex B to ground level, but made it to cafe commonly used by employees such as self. Small, almost cramped if weren’t for moderate workforce responsible for translation as well as journalism and information department.         Saw Trixie sitting over at third table from left border, which was strange because cafe was empty at moment so why go for one of smaller tables? Was circular and made of finest wood imported from western towns, not sure which one specifically. One of newer additions to complex B. Solemnly walked over to Trixie and noticed scowl on face.         “You’re late, you know. Trixie does not appreciate it when welcomed guests don’t arrive on time,” she said. Was thinking to self, Lady, you’re guest here, not other way around. Does she think she owns place? Maybe. Might be okay with attitude for now.         “Sorry about that. Got stuck with pesky shipment.” Shipment was easy; dealing with picking apart purple prose was not.         “Well, just make sure to plan further ahead. You’re a native of Polaris, so you might want to keep up that good impression you gave off earlier. Trixie, er... thanks you for the assistance, by the way.” Say what? Really trying to be grateful, bless her soul. Liked idea of being representative of entire city, though.         “Can do. Wanted to talk to me about something?”         “A few things, actually. This is a very intriguing and spectacular place you live in, if you don’t mind Trixie saying,” she said, as if remark was insulting. Oh please, most tourists just come for pretty lights and so-called freaks and ladies of Polaris, but could tell on azure mare’s face she was genuinely interested.         “Don’t mind at all. Curious about some things?” Ordered drinks to table. Enjoyed some orange juice as Trixie spoke up.         “Oh, yes. About the stallions in this city...” Uh oh. “Trixie couldn’t help but notice that there’s quite a large number of stallion-on-stallion relationships here.” Oh, that.         “Right. Um, how to explain this?” said as tapped hoof on chin for second. “Not many thestral ladies. Less than million, last time was checked. Ratio of three stallions for every mare, and a lot of mares are homosexual anyways, which made matters for population worse. Not to say that homosexual relationships are bad; in fact with stallions, is quite encouraged. But only about four million thestral in Polaris, and most of them are male, so stallions either are left to be alone or go with other stallions.”         “That sounds like a royal pain, to be honest. Although that might explain a few things.”         “Ladies are treasures, even if not thestral. Have even seen cases of cross breeding of thestral with other races, with mixed results.” Had to admit, horned thestral with ability to use magic is very useful concept. But rarely happened, and Andromeda forbid too many mares went off with non-thestral stallions. Might make situation even worse.         “That reminds me, can Trixie ask you a personal question?”         “Of course.”                  “...are you gay by some chance?” Nearly spit out drink.         “No! Er... I mean, no. Not attracted to stallions, especially ones have to deal with on daily basis,” said to Trixie and noticed hopeful smile on her face. “Have wife. She’s wonderful, and should be more thankful for having her in life, and hope to retire from job early so can spend more time with her.” Smile immediately faded.         “So I take it that she means a lot to you?”         “More than anything else, really. Would do anything for her. Not to say that other ladies are treated like inferiors. As said before, can’t live without you. Got no choice but to love ladies, but don’t mind that at all,” sighed contently as took another sip of drink. Was true after all; even snooty mares like Trixie still deserve happiness. “Strange, isn’t it. City was originally built to easily provide for population of well over ten million, but over centuries population had dwindled down to just four million, and still decreasing.” Saw Trixie frown, which wasn’t good sight because even snooty mares like her don’t deserve to be sad.         “That’s kind of unfortunate, although Trixie does hope everything works out for you,” she said, then downed rest of drink. Was nice lady, and very pretty, even if snooty, “I must admit, the idea of having far more stallions than mares sounds...”         “Like fantasy of yours?” Could easily see Trixie being more dominant in relationship if ever met stallion good enough. Was right, apparently, because she blushed at suggestion.         “M-Maybe. Trixie isn’t used to such a vulgar suggestion,” Question was vulgar? “Anyhow, this was quite an educational experience, Lambda.” Was satisfied with happy mare, so picked up tab of halcyon that came with drink to celebrate. Trixie noticed tab and eyed it curiously. Little oval-shaped pill that did wonders.         “Wouldn’t recommend taking this without permission, by way. Heard some horrible cases involving misuse of halcyon.”         “What’s halcyon?”         “Nice little drug. Relaxes mind and muscles, and makes working job easier. Also very useful when making love,” said as rolling tab of halcyon on hoof. Statement made Trixie blush again, and she silently walked out of cafe after waving goodbye. Took tab of halcyon and swallowed it with help of orange juice. Started wondering if ponies of different races were prudes.