//------------------------------// // Chapter 22: Patterns of Behaviour // Story: Harmony Theory // by Sharaloth //------------------------------// The most prevalent, almost ubiquitous, Passive ability of the Elements is what I have taken to calling Intrinsic Understanding. The term is not precisely accurate, but it serves well enough for my purposes. Intrinsic Understanding can be viewed as an extra level of perception that the Elements grant to their bearers. A ‘sixth sense’ if you will. This sense allows them to detect their Element’s purview on a subconscious level. That is, it allows a bearer to sense that which their Element acts upon. This might still seem overly vague, but the limitations of language restrict how I present this concept. To illustrate: using this ability allows the bearer of Honesty to detect the connections that can then be altered or controlled using the Activated powers of the Element, which connections are strengthened, which are weakened and so forth. The bearer of Generosity can sense the distribution of variables in any system, and is thus able to control within extreme tolerances where they want those variables to go. Without Intrinsic Understanding they would be effectively firing blind, pointing the power of their Element at a target and hoping it works. Intrinsic Understanding allows the bearer to pinpoint with acute precision what they want to target, and how. The bearers regularly experience this information as intuitive, and never question how they acquired it without prompting. It never leads to information overload regardless of the number of factors they are tracking, and is always easily comprehensible to the bearer. They are not, however, capable of explaining what they know, or how they know it, in any coherent manner. This inability does make sense, my own attempts to explain above should provide a clue as to how difficult it is to convey even in the very abstract. My experimentation into this ability showed that with training it can be used consciously, though I later found this to be more dangerous than helpful. I did discover that there is apparently no limit to the size of the system Intrinsic Understanding is able to confer mastery over, either in the macro or micro direction. While the experiments I had my friends perform in looking into the limits of this ability did bear fruit, it also showed me how closely Intrinsic Understanding is linked to the more dangerous Activated abilities of the Elements. This fact was brought to my attention because of an incident that involved asking Rainbow Dash to use Intrinsic Understanding to examine as small a system as she could. It was going fantastically until she, quite by accident, caused the atoms in a small glass of water to fuse. I subsequently abandoned all experimentation into this ability for reasons I do not believe need to be explained here. -From the fourth section of Harmony Theory by Twilight Sparkle Chapter Twenty-Two: Patterns Of Behaviour Spike knew something was up the moment he trudged back into his cave. His thoughts were on the conversation with Twinkle Shine, wondering if her mad plan had even a hope of success. Yet even those dark contemplations could not detract from a Dragon’s awareness of his lair. It was a sound he hadn’t expected to hear that drew him out of his thoughts and forced him to turn his attention outward. Three voices came from his kitchen, echoing faintly through the halls. Old Equestrian, the language nostalgic and familiar and spoken in a way it hadn’t been since his youth. Applejack’s voice was the clearest, the country drawl easy to identify even with the muddling of echoes and distance. Dash’s wild exclamations and excited pitch were not much more difficult. It was the third voice that truly caught his attention, that made his body feel like all the scales on his legs had suddenly stood on end. It was high, controlled, proper, but with an edge. A voice he had ached to hear for a thousand years. Rarity. He didn’t rush, didn’t break into a run and barge his way into the kitchen to see if what he was hearing was true. He wanted to, so very badly, but he took deep, slow breaths, and walked. Yet every step felt like a hundred, and every second stretched to minutes. As he came closer the conversation became more clear, and he paused just outside the door to the kitchen, out of sight. Every bone in his body wanted him to rush in, but he knew that if he did that he would probably terrify Rarity. He didn’t want her to fear him. Never that. He peeked in, just enough to see what was going on. "The future," Rarity was saying, shaking her head. "I can barely believe it. Not that I don't believe you, darling. This is too far to go for a prank, Rainbow Dash, even for you. But… how can this be the future? And such a dreadful one at that!" "It's kinda complicated," Dash hedged, looking down into a mug that steamed in front of her. Dash and Applejack sat at the table in his spacious kitchen while Rarity nervously paced back and forth. Dash drooped, looking tired but clearly unwilling to show exactly how much to her returned friend. Applejack was sitting opposite her, her gaze switching from following Rarity's pacing to giving a worried look to Dash, and then back again. "Complicated?" Rarity huffed. "It's absurd! Why, I was just going to bed, I think I would remember some kind of time travel!" "Anythin' interestin' goin' on before you hit the hay?" Applejack asked. Rarity frowned. "No, nothing that I can think of. It was just another day. Why?" "We've all come from different times," Applejack told her. "I'm from right before cider season opened up. Dash comes from later, after Ponyville got chosen to provide water for Cloudsdale." "Yes, I remember that," Rarity said. "But, this is just too... too..." "Crazy?" Spike supplied, deciding that was cue enough and stepping into the room. The three ponies turned to stare at him, but his eyes were locked on Rarity. "My sentiments exactly." She stopped dead in her tracks, her mouth hanging open to stare at the Dragon. "Sp... Spi... Spike?" He nodded. "It's me, Rarity. All grown up." There was a beat of silence then he dashed forward with a swiftness that belied his size but made his injuries ache. He reached for the unicorn seamstress and managed to catch her just before she collapsed to the floor in a swoon. He drew her close, cradling her in immensely strong arms. Memories flooded through him. Memories of a voice and a smile and sparkling blue eyes. He breathed softly, taking in her scent. Even that was the same. "Whoa! Nice moves," Dash said, half-risen from her seat. "I was expecting it," Spike explained, not taking his eyes off of the unicorn he held. "Come on, Rarity, I haven't seen you in a thousand years, I kinda don't want you sleeping through the reunion." Rarity's eyes fluttered at his gentle cajoling, finally opening to gaze in wonder. "Spike? My little Spikey-wikey? Is it really you?" "In the flesh." "So... it really has been...?" "A thousand years." "I... I'm sorry Rainbow Dash, Applejack," Rarity said, turning her head to look at the other two ponies. "I didn't believe you." "'S'alright," Applejack said with a wave of her hoof. "It took me a while to really get it myself." "Spike," Rarity said, reaching out with a hoof to touch the side of the Dragon's face. There was a moment of communion in the contact, then she looked down and realized the position she was in. She scrambled back to her hooves quickly, a faint blush of embarrassment warming her cheeks. Spike stepped back, giving her space, but his eyes remained locked on her. "Well, I don't even know what to say! Dash has been telling me all sorts of fanciful things about the Elements of Harmony and this strange future world, but I... well, how is one supposed to react to something like this?" "If I knew, I would tell you," Spike said. He finally tore his eyes from her, looking instead to Dash and Applejack. "How did Rarity arrive?" "The statue," Dash said. "It just sort of, I don't know, came to life? I wasn't looking at it when it happened, but one minute it was just a statue, and the next there was Rarity." "As far as I am aware, I simply went to sleep in my own bed in Ponyville, and awoke in that cave," Rarity added. "Pretty much my experience," Applejack said. "'Cept I woke up buried." "Me too," Dash sighed. "With, uh, yeah, other stuff." "The statues coming to life," Spike shook his head. "That's really not possible. Twilight would have a fit." "You think maybe the spell she put on the Elements had something to do with this?" Applejack asked. Spike shrugged. "Right now? Anything's as likely as anything else." "Something for the Professor?" Dash asked. Spike paused for a bare fraction of a moment, just long enough to be noticeable, before nodding. "Yeah. Twinkle Shine would be the best one to figure this out." "Sorry to interrupt," Rarity said. "But I'm feeling somewhat left out of this conversation. Now that I am fully convinced of that this is the future, perhaps you can start at the beginning?" "Sounds like a good idea," Spike said, then swept into a bow. "First off, though, welcome to my home. Though I suppose you've been in it for as long as I have, so it's as much yours as it is mine." "I... Well, thank you," Rarity said with an answering curtsey. "After I hear what Rainbow Dash and Applejack have been up to, perhaps you can tell me how you came by such a magnificent residence. Why, the detailing in the corridors is exquisite!" "Thank you, I do take pride in my work," Spike said with a smile that very carefully did not show his teeth. "Dash, will you be okay to tell your story to Rarity? You look beat." "Well, yeah. But I'll be fine," Dash said, but yawned widely in refutation of her words. Applejack sighed. "Come on, sugarcube. I told you you needed to get to bed, you’ve put it off long enough." "But Rarity!" "Spike heard our story last night," Applejack said. "He'll give her the gist of it, and we can fill in the blanks later, alright?" "But!" "Go to bed, dear," Rarity said. "As much as I do want to hear your story, I don't want you to nod off in the middle of it. You said something about flying four days straight to get here, did you not? Well, if anyone deserves a rest, then it's you." Dash hung her head, defeated. "Alright, alright. Don't nag me about it. Spike, don't tell her all the exciting bits, okay?" "I'll stick to the facts," he promised. "Come along, sugarcube," Applejack said, and the two mares left the kitchen. There was a long moment of silence as Rarity and Spike regarded each other. He felt calm, strangely so considering. He gestured for Rarity to take a seat, but she shook her head. "I'm feeling a touch restless," she said. "I fear that if I sat down I'd soon be reduced to the most unladylike fidgeting." He nodded. "Then I'm comfortable standing. Can I get you something to eat? Drink? I'm fairly well stocked for tea, but most of it probably isn't a type you'd recognize–" "Spike," she said, cutting him off. She paused, frowning slightly as she thought over what she wanted to say. "I'm not particularly thirsty,” she finished, though from the way her frown deepened it was clearly not what she had wanted to say. The silence stretched out between them. Rarity looked at the ground, at the ceiling, at the rest of the kitchen, only taking awkward peeks at him. He knew what she must have been thinking, knew that her hesitance was his fault. Yet he couldn’t take his eyes off of her, couldn’t stop drinking in the very sight of her. He’d been staring at a statue for so long he’d forgotten what she had been like filled with life and motion. He had to say something. Had to break the spell on himself or things would only get more awkward until neither of them could stand being in the presence of the other. He wouldn’t tolerate that. So he closed his eyes for a moment to summon up the experience and courage of a thousand years, and spoke. “I'm sorry this happened to you,” he said, not sure if it was the right thing to say but unable to find something better. “You were never meant to be in this time. And what’s happened, what’s still happening, it’s bad. I don’t know if Dash has told you yet.” “She did say,” Rarity said, her head remaining down, but her eyes looking up to see him. “I thought it was insane, just like I thought being a thousand years in the future was insane. But it’s not, is it? It’s true. Somepony died to get my Element.” Spike nodded. “Then I am the one who should be sorry.” She brought her head back up, a new depth in her eyes. Spike had seen that look on her face before, but it had been so long ago and so far away that seemed almost a dream now. “I’m sorry for your friend.” “He wasn’t my friend,” Spike replied. “But he could have been.” They stood in quiet commiseration for a long time, but this wasn’t an awkward silence like before. Now they were sharing an understanding that didn’t need words. “I... I’m not sure how to take it all," Rarity said with a bewildered shake of her head. "You seem to be doing fairly well," Spike pointed out. She gave him a wan smile. "I'm a thousand years from my fainting couch," she said with a forced titter. "How is one to collapse in hysteria without a proper place to lie?" “How indeed,” he chuckled. She smiled at him, warm and genuine. “So! You’ve become an artist!” “Sculptor, mainly,” Spike said. “Though I have branched out over the years.” A toothy grin crept onto his face, one she did not recoil from. “Would you like to see my gallery?” Her eyes lit up. “I would be delighted to.” They made their way from the kitchen out to the plateau that served as his doorstep and gallery. She gasped in wonder as she saw the statues arrayed in their patterns between the marble paths. The wind was cold, but she didn’t seem to mind, too excited about all the grand and subtle works that he proudly showed her. She asked questions, about when he created them and why, about the choices he had made for colors and poses and materials. He answered her as best he could, using it as an opportunity to tell her more about the world she found herself in. His description of the Schism shocked her, and the changes brought on by the loss of magic horrified her. Yet when he explained the fountain to her, showed her the figures of all the friends he had made, she was delighted. “So many,” she said, taking in the hundreds of ponies and other creatures he had included. “What a life you have lived, Spike! Despite all the horrid things that have happened, the world must still be a better place just for these ponies having known you. And these statues! What incredible beauty you have created!” “And it was all because of you,” Spike said. She frowned at him. “What do you mean?” He paused, unsure of how to answer that. “Well, for one I’m only alive now because of you,” he said. “You taught me how to be generous. More than just teaching me how, you showed me what it meant. I would never have survived the Schism if I hadn’t known that.” “Oh. I’m flattered, but I’m sure you would have discovered a way on your own,” she said. There was something in her tone that seemed almost disappointed, as if she knew that there was more to it that he wasn’t saying. “Rarity,” he began, but hesitated. “Yes, Spike?” she prompted when he didn’t seem like he would continue. “I don’t know how much I should tell you–” “Tell me,” she said immediately. Spike blinked at that, but shook his head. “It’s about you and me, but it’s something you never lived through, so I don’t know if it’s important to say or if it will just make things… weird.” “Oh, Spike,” Rarity laughed. “After what I have already learned today? I doubt anything you say could be any more shocking than waking a thousand years in the future.” She paused for a moment as a thought crossed her mind. “Well, almost anything. Still, you can’t just leave it like that. I simply must hear what it is you are so reluctant to say.” “But, Rarity–” “Tell me,” she demanded, stamping a hoof and stepping towards him in a way that made him nervously pull back. “Tell me, tell me, tell me!” “Okay! Okay,” Spike relented, chuckling. “When I said this was all because of you, I meant it as more than just how you saved my life. I meant that even if I had survived, if it wasn’t for you I would never have done all of this.” “Why?” “You were my mentor,” Spike said, gazing around his gallery, eyes going from statue to statue with a soft fondness as memories of their creation played through his mind. “You saw the talent in me, when I would never have thought to look. You showed me how to be an artist, how to find my creativity and let it out into the world. You found something beautiful in me and helped it become something beautiful I could give to others. Everything I’ve made, everything I’ve done, it owes its existence to you as much as it does to me.” Rarity stood, blinking as tears made her eyes sparkle. “Oh my, Spike. That was lovely. Was I really… did I truly give you so much?” He nodded, smiling again. “And more. I missed you. So when I see you again, like this, it’s just… amazing.” She graced him with a soft, affectionate smile. “Well, in that case I am honored to have nurtured such a talent! Even though I never got around to doing it myself. Hmm. That is going to get confusing, isn’t it?” “Probably,” Spike agreed. Rarity looked back to the fountain, a tension gone from her shoulders. “You know, I was worried you were going to say you still had a crush on me.” “I’m a little old for you, don’t you think?” Spike asked, and the two burst into a fit of chuckling laughter at the reversal. Then he caught a whiff of smoke, carried by a cold wind up to the plateau from the still-smoldering pyre at the base of his mountain. He sobered immediately, his grin falling away. “I wish this was a happy reunion,” he said, and his somber tone drew all of Rarity’s attention. “But it’s all tainted. Max Cash made sure of that.” “Yes, I suppose we’ve put it off long enough,” Rarity said with a sigh. She gave a longing look to the fountain, but dismissed it and focused on him. “I believe I would like some of that tea now. Let’s go inside, and you can tell me all about what’s happened.” He simply nodded, and they left side-by-side. *** Astrid shoved herself up, her forelegs straining as the muscles burned from continuous effort. The light was slanting through the window, the sting of it in her eyes giving her a good place to hold the push-up before lowering herself until her beak brushed the floor, then repeating the whole process. She silently counted off each repetition; the only noises she made were growls and grunts as the effort taxed her. She'd made it to eighty nine the day before, and today she was determined to hit a hundred before giving herself a rest. Subjecting herself to magical healing might have shortened her life long-term, but she couldn't argue with the immediate results. Her wounds were completely gone, her bones set and her muscles rapidly returning to peak condition. So far the only side effects were a voracious hunger and a deceptive feeling of strength and energy that could fail her in a moment and leave her collapsed on the floor unable to move. She'd been getting a steady diet of meat for the former, and had been warned about letting the latter fool her into trying something her body wasn't ready for. So far everything was working out fine. She would be ready to leave soon, and she focused on that. She would be able to catch up to Star Fall and Dash and make sure they were alright. The door opened behind her, but she didn't slow down her workout. The doctors were always checking up on her, making sure that the magical healing hadn't gone wrong. The tap of hooves on the floor was measured, deliberate. Whoever was approaching her wanted to be heard, and wasn't moving casually like a doctor or nurse would have been. Her muscles tensed, ready to leap into action, but she forced herself to continue doing push ups instead of turning and confronting whoever had just come in. She was in a military hospital, surrounded by soldiers. There wasn't any danger, and besides, if she stopped now she'd have to start again from the beginning. "What do you want?" she snapped. "Sergeant," Gamma's replied, her sharp tone stopping Astrid mid-push. "I want to speak to you about your recent decisions." "You're back," Astrid said, abandoning her exercise and turning to face the spymaster. "You catch your Changeling?" "No," Gamma replied. She regarded Astrid with a cool indifference that the Griffin was sure didn't last past the surface. Gamma wouldn't be here if she wasn't very interested in how Astrid was doing. "But I am fairly certain that the mayhem in Precious Corners had nothing to do with the Changeling sighted there, and a great deal more to do with Max Cash." "He was there, huh?" "Yes." "We know what he wanted there? Another one of Dash's dead friends show up?" "Yes, actually," Gamma said, surprising Astrid. "But not in Precious Corners. He appeared at Spike's lair shortly after Agents Fall and Dash arrived." "Fuck!" Astrid swore, slamming a clenched claw into the wall. "Fall, is she...?" "Agent Fall is uninjured," Gamma assured her. "We still do not know what his purpose in Precious Corners was, but from what I've been able to piece together he was likely attempting to instigate a war between the Kingdom and the Republics." "A war! Is he–" Astrid cut herself off, shaking her head. "Of course he is." "There are still many unanswered questions," Gamma continued. "Such as why there was a Changeling in Precious Corners in the first place. It is not a location of any strategic significance." "Maybe he was a rogue?" Gamma considered this with a tilt of her head. "Doubtful. The Changeling was new in town, accompanied by another pony who bears a striking resemblance to a Storm-Guide known to have been in the employ of Max Cash for several years." "A set up? Something he planned from the beginning?" "That is the logical conclusion," Gamma said. Astrid sensed her hesitation with that answer. "But you're not buying it?" "I am not taking anything at face value in this case," she replied. "Including your own actions. Why did you demand magical healing?" "Had to get back on my paws," Astrid replied, flexing her wings out. "Can't protect Fall from a hospital bed." "No, I suppose you can't," Gamma said, but her intense eyes were locked on Astrid, making her skin crawl and her feathers feel like they were standing on end. "Just come out and say it," Astrid prompted. Gamma quirked an eyebrow and said nothing, driving Astrid's irritation higher. "You obviously want something out of me. I've seen you operate often enough to know that you're fishing for information, trying to get me to reveal something. Well, I don't know what you want, so why don't you just fucking ask me? Save us both some aggravation." "Fair enough," Gamma said. "I am concerned about your exposure to Cash, and whether it has compromised your judgement." "He's pissed me off," Astrid said. "But that's pretty much how I'd feel about any scumbag who got away after I had the chance to get my talons into them." "I don't mean your judgment in regard to Cash," Gamma said, her voice tightly controlled, revealing an edge of anticipation. "I am referring to your judgement in regards to Agent Fall." Astrid blinked at that, surprised at the insinuation and caught off balance because of it. "Why the hell would you think that?" "Several reasons," Gamma said. "First of all, magical healing of the extent you have received will disqualify you from the breeding pool." Astrid snickered. "I thought you knew everything, Gamma. I was already out of that." "Yes, as a result of your close association with Agent Fall," Gamma said. "But that disqualification would have been removed after a year of separation from Agent Fall, allowing you to attempt breeding once more. After this? That will not be an option. You will never have children, Astrid. You knew this when you made your choice." "Protecting Fall is more important, " Astrid grumbled. "There's other Steelwings to keep the Clan going." "Most Griffins would not think that way, not for a pegasus." "She'll be a princess soon enough." "Yes. And when she is she will have a squad of Griffins assigned to her. A squad you may not be part of. You sacrificed your future for a chance to protect her in the short term." "So?" "So, that is behaviour that concerns me." Astrid snorted, turning away to stare out the window. "It's between me and Fall," she said. "Besides, shouldn't you be glad I'm that dedicated? Haven't you always worried that I wouldn't be as dedicated to her as she needed?" "No. That has never been my worry. This reason alone is not enough to concern me. It is the second reason that has made me question your mental integrity." "Alright, fine, hit me. What's the second reason?" "Follow me," Gamma said, turning to the door. Astrid frowned after her, not moving. "Why?" "Because I told you to." "You're not my boss, Gamma." "Sergeant Steelwing," Gamma began, no anger in her voice, only calm certainty. "Your future as a player in this conflict is dependant on whether I think you are compromised or not." "I've never jumped when you said frog, Gamma. If I did that now, then I'd start to wonder if I was thinking right." "If you ever want to be allowed within ten miles of Star Fall again, you will do exactly as I say without question or complaint." That hit Astrid like a sledgehammer to the beak, stunning her. "You can't–” Astrid began, but Gamma cut her off. "I can, and I will." Her voice hadn't changed tone at all. Still calm, still confident. Astrid believed her. "Follow, and stay silent." She began moving, and this time Astrid followed. As they walked she studied Gamma. The spymaster was an expert at hiding what she was thinking, but Astrid's sharp eyes could still see the tension in the way that she moved. This was about as agitated as she had ever seen Gamma, and that sent a shivering chill through her wings. Another thought crossed her mind: Gamma had referred to Star Fall by name. Not as 'Agent Fall', or her formal title of 'Lady Fallen Star', but as 'Star Fall'. That was a breakdown in professionalism that was unprecedented from the spymaster. Something was very, very wrong. They stayed in the military hospital, heading down into the basements, into the morgue. There were guards on duty outside the doors to one of the autopsy rooms, weapons ready and tense. Astrid's eyes narrowed, but she didn't ask for fear of provoking Gamma further. The guards came to attention as Gamma approached, then very carefully stood in her way. "I'll need to check your identification, ma'am." One of the guards said. The other looked at Astrid, appraising her. Gamma produced her ID without a word, and the soldier spent an inordinate amount of time studying it. Security precautions in the middle of a military base, outside of a morgue? It didn't make sense. As soon as they were verified, the guards stepped aside and let them in. The interior of the room was cold and dark, a long rectangular room that held six metal tables, several glass cabinets and a wall of drawers to store the corpses until they could be taken to wherever their final destination lay. Only a few bare fluorescent lights were glowing fitfully in the ceiling, their pale light barely enough to see that every surface reflected the dull sheen of brushed steel, and the far side of the room was almost completely dark. As Astrid put a claw down she felt the sting of something cutting her, when she pulled it up to see what had happened she saw a sliver of glass sticking from a shallow cut that oozed blood. “Damn,” she said. “I just got these things pretty again.” “Sergeant,” Gamma said, her tone warning. Astrid’s beak shut with an audible click. Gamma strode forward, her horn lighting and wisps of magic sweeping broken glass to the sides of the room. As her eyes quickly adjusted Astrid was seeing more details of the room. The first thing she noticed was that the glass on the floor was from the lights that had been smashed in the ceiling. She took a deep breath and smelled antiseptic, recycled air, but also the definite odor of decaying meat and the sharp tang of vomit. In the dark end of the room, she saw a shape on the last table, too dark to make out. It was oddly hunched, a strange bulge with angles that Astrid couldn’t figure out. Halfway through the room Gamma came to a stop. She stared into the darkness for a long moment, her gaze not flinching as Astrid stepped up beside her. Then she spoke. “Melody.” The dark lump on the far table moved, and Astrid’s eyes narrowed as a pony stood up, wings spread wide and slightly bent. There was still something on the table, something that the pegasus was guarding. Astrid knew that stance, that was something taught to special forces pegasi. She couldn’t see clearly enough to judge the pony’s form, but something about the way she was holding herself tweaked Astrid’s well-honed danger sense. She tensed up, her own wings spreading ever so slightly while her talons flexed, ready to tear. “I tried again,” the pony in the shadows said, and Astrid was shocked at how small the voice sounded. It was a young voice, but so lost. She didn’t sound like a pony who was standing like she’s ready to attack in an instant. She sounded like someone who was curled up in a corner and sobbing. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t stop myself.” “I trust you realize the futility of your actions?” Gamma asked, though her tone was more gentle than Astrid would have expected from her words. “I know!” the pony, Melody, wailed, her voice ratcheting up in volume and panic with each word. “I know! But then I look at him… and… and he’s not breathing and I know that he’s dead but I can’t stop myself! I just have to get him breathing again! I have to protect him! I–” “Melody,” Gamma said, and the mare fell quiet instantly. “I am going to move one of the lights to you. Do not break it or I will have you sedated and locked in the room farthest from this one I can find.” “No.” The denial was made in a soft, defeated voice. Broken. “Sergeant Steelwing,” Gamma said without looking at Astrid. “If she attacks either me or the light, subdue her, then dismember the corpse.” With that Gamma’s horn lit again, pulling one of the working fluorescents from its mounting and moving it over to the light above Melody. She slotted it into place and it flickered to life, revealing a scene of horror to Astrid. Melody stood guard over a rotting corpse. The unicorn stallion lay with his neck twisted at a clearly unnatural angle, and he’d obviously been dead for days. His tissues were bloated and discolored, insects having eaten away pieces to expose the oozing mess that was his insides. Astrid had seen worse bodies, though, and this one failed to even register on her personal disgust metric. It was Melody’s state that truly unnerved her. She was thin, her eyes wide and crazed, her mane and coat ragged and filthy. Her wings were in terrible disarray and looked barely flightworthy. Her forehooves and muzzle were covered with gore. A quick look back to the body told Astrid why that was: she had been lying on the corpse, and at some point recently she had apparently tried resuscitating him. The thought of that made Astrid’s gorge rise, and she took an involuntary step back, fighting to keep her lunch down. Gamma finally turned to look at her, eyes practically burning in the dim light. “Thank you, Melody,” she said. “We will be back in a moment. Do not break this light.” “Please,” Melody pleaded. “The more I can see him the more I think I have to try again.” “If you have moved more than two inches by the time I return, I will have his body incinerated immediately.” Melody froze, every muscle going rigid. “Sergeant,” Gamma said, turning and trotting back to the hallway. Astrid followed in numb silence. Gamma led her to another room much like the first, but this one had bodies laid out on the table, and more in bags stacked like cordwood around the edges of the room. Astrid barely had time to take this in before Gamma turned to her, demanding her full attention. “That is my second reason. You may speak.” “What is wrong with her?” Astrid gasped. “Why do you keep threatening the body?” “Cash apparently commanded her to be loyal to her master. Then Charisma killed him.” Astrid swallowed heavily, remembering Melody’s wide, mad eyes. “I threaten the late Lord High Fashion’s remains because that is what she responds to. Any other incentive is ignored, including threats of personal harm. This is the result of Cash using his power on someone. So you can understand why I would begin to question your judgement, given that by your own admission you were in a similar situation.” “He didn’t finish,” Astrid said. “Dash got to him before he could… Celestia’s light! That could have happened to me!” “Can I trust that?” Gamma pressed, her eyes boring into Astrid as if she could extract the truth with the sheer force of her gaze. “Agent Fall was unable to make an account of what happened between Charisma’s reappearance and your battle with her. You say that Cash talked to you, utilizing some form of mind control. He offered you… what was it?” “Freedom,” Astrid breathed. “Freedom,” Gamma repeated, filling the word with a mountain of black disdain. “My concern, Sergeant Steelwing, is that you have been compromised since that night, your attachment to Agent Fall artificially enhanced to the point where you are making dangerous choices.” “No!” Astrid snapped. “He didn’t finish! Damn it! He used the same thing on Fall and Dash, what if…?” “What. If.” Gamma shook her head. “I am in an unenviable position. I can’t remove her from play as an asset because she is too close to the center of things. I can’t remove you without destabilizing her. And I am unable to afford putting my trust in you, Sergeant. Either of you.” “And Dash?” Gamma took a slow breath before answering. “Nothing has ever been sure with her. But she has her patterns of behaviour and I believe I can still trust her to hold to them. I am no longer so certain of you. The second greatest duty of a Griffin is to ensure the next generation. You have never before been one to forsake her duty.” “You’re wrong,” Astrid said, chest heaving as she panted for breath. Her heart was pounding and she felt like she had pushed her healing body past its limits. What Gamma was saying made too much sense. What had Cash been trying to do to her? She shook the thought off. There was no point in questioning it now. “Am I?” Gamma prompted. “I gave up on children a long time ago,” Astrid said, her voice dropping to a growl. “The moment I heard how it was being close to Fall that stopped me. That was a long time before I ever met Max Cash.” She spat the name, then took a moment to rein herself in. “The next generation of Griffins will have to look after itself.” Gamma didn’t react for a long, quiet minute. Then she gave a single, curt nod. “Very well. I have a task for you.” “Wait, you don’t trust me, so you’re giving me something to do? Gamma, I’m not going to do it. The moment my wings are strong enough I’m heading for wherever Fall is, and since my status as her guardian is a royal appointment, you don’t have the authority to keep me from her.” “I very much do,” Gamma said, with absolute certainty but without venom. “But I am not interested in exercising that authority. I am taking the transport to Spike’s lair as soon as the pilots are rested. I intend for you to be on that transport as well.” “Right,” Astrid said, turning the statement over in her head, searching for some double meaning or other rhetorical trap. “But you need me to do something first?” “Yes. As it stands, Spike is now our only expert on the Elements of Harmony. Since Melody’s condition is the result of exposure to them, I want him to see what was done to her, perhaps suggest a way it can be countered or blocked. To that end, I would like Melody Drop to accompany us as well.” “And you want me to…?” “Convince her to come along,” Gamma said. “Without the corpse.” “But you just said she’s mind controlled into staying with him!” “I did say something to that effect, yes.” “So what do you expect me to do?” “Sergeant Steelwing, if I knew what it is you had to do to make that girl leave her dead master, I would have done it by now.” Astrid shook her head. “Okay, but why me?” “I think you and she have much in common,” Gamma said, turning to leave. “You are both guards to nobility, heir to a line of proud warriors. You have both fought Charisma and survived. And you both have made very ill advised choices because of your loyalties. The only difference is that her choices have been forced on her by another, and yours are entirely your own.” “You really think I can help her?” “I think you’re the only one who can,” Gamma replied as she reached the door. “Work fast, Sergeant. We lift off in five hours.” And then she was gone. Astrid stared after her for a long moment, flexing her claw to feel the sting of the cut. “Well,” she said, putting all of her frustration, confusion and anger into the next word that came out of her beak: “Fuck.” *** The city of Hoofprint was one of the most southerly outposts of Lunar civilization, sprawled along much of the Redwater River Delta. It was a port, a tourist trap, and a smuggler's haven all rolled into one. It was a place of contrasts, with towering hotels and beautiful resorts butting up next to shanty-towns and dilapidated neighbourhoods full of zebra immigrants, Dogs and impoverished ponies, all of whom served as a cheap source of labour for the port that dominated the shoreline. The rule of law was tenuous here. It was enforced in the resorts and the gated communities where the city's wealthy made their homes, but police presence in the docks and the warrens was rare and more for intimidation than any attempt at providing justice. It was this lawlessness that had denied Hoofprint a place in the Republics Senate, forcing the city to be nominally administrated from Gemini City. This meant that all the tax money that could be extorted was going to that distant metropolis rather than being used to improve Hoofprint itself. Which only increased the lawlessness, leading to a vicious circle of poverty, corruption and mismanagement. Hoofprint wouldn’t ever be completely abandoned by the Republics, of course. Not only was it a major port of call for ships crossing the ocean to the Zebra homelands, it was also the only starting point and supply hub for any expedition into the southern jungles. It was as vital to the nation’s economy as any full-fledged republic, but it was never allowed to rise above its place, squatting between filth and luxury. Hard Boiled hated it here, but also found that it held a refreshing sense of honesty. The city wasn't putting on airs, wasn't trying to be anything other than what it was. It was ugly, noisy and brutal, but it didn't try to hide all that ugliness behind the caked makeup of civilization. The trip to Hoofprint had been one of cramped quarters and bad food, but despite that and Traduce’s constant flirtations, it had also been a pleasant one. He’d had time to rest, exercise his telekinesis, and think over everything he knew about the case. He hadn’t come to any new conclusions, but it kept details fresh and allowed him to turn the facts over until they presented a new pattern. It was the core of detective work, and it was what he enjoyed most about his job. Checking into a cheap hotel hadn’t been an ordeal, as neither he nor Traduce had brought much baggage or were too particular about the conditions of their rooms. Finding someone who would give them a ride up the river on short notice was more problematic. After a couple days of searching he had hit on the right people to talk to, and he’d gotten in contact with a tour-guide and smuggler who wouldn’t charge more than the detective could pay. The guide was a little squirrelly, though, which was why he demanded they meet in a public place. Specifically one of the hole-in-the-wall bars that dotted the poor districts close to the docks. The bar the guide had chosen was humid and rank, causing HB’s nose to wrinkle as he stepped inside. The stink of sweat and booze was oppressive in the confined space, almost covering up the smell of old vomit and thriving mold. Still, it was a relief from the blazing wet heat outside, so Hard Boiled ignored the less pleasant aspects and focused on not having the tropical sun burning down on his shaven head. "Your guy really said to meet here?" Traduce asked, eyeing the bar and the half-dozen patrons that were already working on emptying their wallets and slaking their thirst. "He did," HB confirmed. "Grab a seat, I'll get us something to drink while we wait." "I don't like it here," Traduce said in a harsh whisper. "We should go." HB shook his head. He needed a boat down the river and this was the best option he’d heard. Still, a look around at the other patrons of the bar sent a pulse of warning pain through his horn. "Eyes open," he said. "We're being watched." "Which is why I don't like it here," Traduce said, but sat down while HB made his way to the bar. "What'll it be?" the bartender asked. Like bartenders in dives the world over, he had a look of wary apathy etched onto his features. A look that said he didn't care who you were or what you had done, but if you started trouble in his bar he wouldn't hesitate to kick you out. HB dropped a pair of full moons in front of the pony. "A light beer for the lady and a scotch and soda for me." "You expecting change?" the bartender asked, eying the coins. "No, just a few quiet words while you get the drinks," HB replied. The bartender nodded and began to pull out the glasses. "I'm waiting for a pegasus who goes by Derek Baxter. Has he been in yet?" The bartender paused, his eyes flicking about for a moment. It wasn't much, but HB didn't need his magic to know the next words out of the bartender's mouth would be a lie. "No, haven't seen him in days." Hard Boiled tensed. That wasn't a good answer. If the bartender had wanted to pry more money from him, he would have played coy, talked about how he didn't remember any Derek Baxter, how a lot of ponies came through and his memory might need some encouragement. HB would then have forked over a few more coins and they would have been in business. This answer? The direct lie? That meant something had happened. Something that had the bartender spooked. "Damn," HB said, trying to keep his tone even. "Guess we'll have to wait. Hey, you see him coming you give me a shout, okay?" He tossed another full moon on the bar as the bartender slid the drinks over to him. HB's horn flared copper as he picked up the glasses, wincing a little as the exertion sent a sharp pain through his head. He forced himself to work through the pain, using the levitation to cover the casting of a truth-detection spell, letting the details of the room wash over him. He walked to the table Traduce had sat down at, setting the drinks down and taking a seat right next to her. The Changeling spy was more than capable of reading his mood in his actions, and her eyes narrowed. "Trouble?" she asked, putting her head right next to him, looking for all the world like a lover whispering in his ear. "Everyone in here is going to try to kill us," HB murmured. "Except the bartender, who is going to be killed as well." "Then we leave." HB shook his head. "Zebra by the window. He's been signalling to someone outside." "They're waiting for backup to surround the place, then. Who are they with?" "Won't know until we question them." "You think we'll get a chance to interrogate?" "No. I think it's time to see if your hoof-to-hoof training is any good." Traduce smirked at him. "I thought you'd never ask." They stood in rough unison, turning in opposite directions. The bartender knew what was coming, and dove beneath the bar. The others in the room weren't so quick. HB lashed out with the drink in his telekinetic grip, smashing the glass into the face of the zebra who was busy directing the opposition outside. Traduce moved in a liquid leap, a move more appropriate to a pegasus than the earth pony body she wore. She landed on a table where three rough-looking ponies sat, and three of her limbs shot out, each catching an enemy full in the face and leaving her balanced on one forehoof. Graceful and deadly, she only held the pose for a second, long enough to be sure that HB had seen her, before spinning to fling herself at the next group while the one she had hit reeled. A unicorn tried to use his magic to grab the glass away from HB, but that was a fight the detective won handily, and he kept pounding the zebra until he was slumped in his chair, bloody and dazed. A pegasus rushed him, and HB dropped one shoulder, letting the leaping pony roll over him to sprawl on the floor and only taking a glancing kick for his trouble. He lashed out at the downed pony, but the pegasus had quick enough reflexes to dodge. That dodge took him directly into the path of Traduce, who succeeded where Hard Boiled had failed. Roaring in unison, a pair of earth ponies rushed him. HB stepped back, trying to put the table between himself and the charging thugs, but they just slammed into the table, flipping it over onto him. He dropped to the ground before the flipping table could force him down and rolled under it, coming up between the two bruisers. He slugged one, his hoof stinging from the punch while the earth pony barely reacted. The other wrapped his forelegs around HB's middle, hauling back and holding him so the first one could take his own shots. The burly stallion began pummelling Hard Boiled, smashing a hoof into him first one way and then the other. HB was glad that this particular pony wasn't a Strength Talent, or he'd probably be dead already. Instead he took the blows, struggling to throw off the pony's aim and give the one holding him a hard time, all the while orienting the glass he still held in his magical grip. Growling with the effort, he brought the it down hard against the back of the attacking pony's skull, shattering the glass. The stallion dropped like a marionette whose strings had been cut. "You're gonna pay for that," the pony holding him snarled in his ear. "Not as much as you will," Traduce chuckled from behind him, spinning to snap out a kick that sent the thug flying. HB dropped to the ground, taking deep breaths and looking around the room. Traduce had done her work well, incapacitating every pony in the bar that he hadn't. "Nice work," he said as she helped him up. "I aim to impress," she said with a flirty smile that he carefully ignored. "We've still got the people outside." "Out the back way, through the alleys," HB suggested. "You don't think they'd anticipate that?" "Doesn't matter," he replied. "It's still our best chance at escape." She nodded, seeing the logic of it. Then, without further discussion they rushed to the back of the bar, seeking an exit. They passed the cowering bartender, who silently pointed the way. HB nodded gratefully and floated a hoofful of coins over to him before exiting at a run. There were shouts as they burst into the alley behind the bar, thugs calling out that they'd been spotted. Fortunately no one had blocked off the alley yet, but it meant there was already pursuit hot on their heels. The ground was a soggy mud that sucked at their hooves, but HB kept his steps high and was able to avoid stumbling. Traduce, for her part, moved like a mare half her size, darting from wall to wall and almost dancing above the muck. HB let his magic feed him details, seeing the subtle elements of the city, little details that slotted together in his head until he was looking at a wider picture than his eyes alone could give him. "Turn right!" he called out to Traduce. She didn't question it, veering in the direction he said as soon as another alley opened up to her. Sounds of shouting and running echoed off the walls, giving the detective an even better idea of where their pursuers were, and how they were coordinating. "Left!" he shouted, Traduce again obeying without hesitation. "They've got pegasus overwatch, we need cover!" "Market?" she called back. "Lot of hoof traffic!" "You think that will deter them?" "I think we might get separated," HB replied. "Left again! Can you keep track of me in a crowd?" “You? Not a problem,” she called back with a cavalier smile. They burst out of the alley at a dead run. There was an open-air market just down the street, covered with awnings to provide some shade for the ponies and other creatures who mingled so thick that there seemed to be hardly any space between them. It would also provide cover for the two of them, both from the ground-bound pursuers and from any pegasi watching from the sky. Voices shouted behind them, but whatever they said was lost in the noise coming from the market. Hard Boiled and Traduce dove into the sea of bodies, and he immediately lost sight of the Changeling. He forced his way between the people, shoving roughly without any care for politeness. His horn pulsed with warnings every few steps, picking out thieves and thugs and those who were not what they seemed. His bags would be considerably lighter by the time he got through the crowd. It didn’t matter. He kept up the magic even as the pain began to bleed into a single long agony that made him squint . He didn’t doubt that the ones chasing them were sending their own toughs into the market, trying to hunt him down or herd him out. It didn’t matter. He’d gotten a look at the thugs, and he didn’t need his magic to tell him they were locals. They would know the market, but they wouldn’t know how to track a pony through this many bodies. He certainly couldn’t. He trusted that Traduce either had the right training for it or had attached some kind of Changeling magic to him that would let her find him. All he had to do was get away. He shouldered his way past vendors selling all manner of things, from bread and hay to alcohol to old radios and knock-off watches. The shouting was a constant drone, hawkers and customers both yelling to be heard, and the rolling rumble of thousands of hooves hitting the ground every moment in a confined space. His horn flared as he kicked his magic up as high as he could, searching for the best exit. It turned out to be a mistake. His magic made him hear it all, made him see everything. Details jumped out to him with even a minor glance, little truths that told him more than he needed to know about the market. A gem merchant was haggling with a tourist, demanding far more than the piece of costume jewelry was worth. A pretty unicorn was putting on a show with illusion magic, a show that was really a distraction from the fillies and colts who ran through the crowd, dodging between legs and cutting purses. A pair of lovers whispering in each other’s ears, each clearly cheating on the other, each unaware. A mare smiled as she examined a breadknife, but she was barely stopping herself from using the blade to open a vein. All of this and more, all at once. He staggered, suddenly short of breath. He tried to shut off the flow of power through his horn, but it responded sluggishly. The damage was done. He stopped caring about the perfect exit and simply went for the first one he spotted. He stumbled through the crowd, pushing and getting pushed in return. He clipped a market stall, taking out one of the flimsy legs of the table and sending the bright orange fruit rolling into the packed market street. Finally, he made it to a narrow alley, barely wide enough for two ponies to stand shoulder to shoulder. It was empty save a scattering of garbage both old and new that crunched underhoof. He trotted deeper into another maze of alleys and back streets, only stopping when the shouts of the market had faded enough to be indistinguishable from the usual noise of a city. Then he leaned against a dirty, sun-hot wall and heaved deep breaths while reigning in his magic. His horn felt like it was on fire. His guts twisted in anxiety, and he gingerly raised a hoof to feel at it. Only after he confirmed that it was still solid did he feel the tension go out of him. He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall, trying to block out the pain. He was so lost in the agony that he didn’t even notice the knife at his throat until it had drawn blood. He startled back, but a hoof shoved him up against the wall again. He turned his head to stare into the eyes of a light brown pegasus mare with a short-cut blonde mane. She had a knife attached to one of her wings, the blade pointed right at his eye. He recognized her. "You again," HB said, keeping his head back. He wasn’t in a good position to attack her without losing an eye, and there was no way his magic would be strong enough to hold off her strike, even if he could use it without the pain bringing him to his knees. But he heard the steps of another pony coming, and he had to hope that a new arrival would at least distract her enough to give him an opening. "I told you to keep your horn out of this," she said. “What does Max Cash want in the jungles?” he asked, falling into the practiced bravado of a police interrogator talking to a suspect. “None of your business,” she growled. “I know about the statues.” She blinked at that, looking confused. She either didn’t know, or he was completely wrong about what Cash was after. Since she was here threatening him, he figured the former was more likely. “You know, I thought you detectives were supposed to be smart,” she said, giving him a cruel smile and waving the knife around in front of his face. Never so much motion that he thought he could make a play for it, but enough to be distracting. “I thought you were supposed to be able to get a clue. But, nope! I send you a pretty clear message, and here you are. You know what? Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it wasn’t clear after all. Maybe I just have to put the message somewhere that it can’t be ignored.” “Maybe you should shut up and put the knife down,” a unicorn mare said, stepping into the alley. She levitated a small gun up and pointed it at the assassin. “Step away from the handsome guy, he obviously isn’t into you.” She winked at HB. Traduce. The assassin froze, staring balefully at the detective for a long moment. “How about you put the gun down instead? I can have this knife through his skull before you pull that trigger.” “I’m glad you think that,” Traduce said, laughing and apparently unconcerned. “I love a good challenge.” The assassin snarled, but didn’t move. Hard Boiled forced his eyes away from the dancing knife point and spoke to Traduce. "She’s one who tried to kill me back in Orion city." "Cash wanted to give you a chance to back off, you didn't take it," the assassin sneered. "If I had been trying, you'd be dead." Traduce snickered. "Well, look who wants to be the next Charisma." "Don't you compare me to her!" the assassin screeched. "I see I’ve touched a nerve," Traduce laughed. "Professional envy? Don't like that you're not the only murderous pegasus in the world? Or something more personal?" HB watched as Traduce’s eyes turned a deep green. "Oh! Or, maybe you're just jealous that your boss keeps her close while you're out here, running errands any Dog could do." HB looked back at the assassin. He could see the fury etched on her face, but he also spotted a mote of green fire that had ignited in her pupils. “I will carve his eyes out and feed them to you,” the assassin said, her voice shaking as she refrained from screaming the words. “You know, Charisma would have already done it by now,” Traduce said, gleefully needling the pegasus. “Probably could have killed both of us ten times over just since I arrived. Have you seen that girl work? She’s an artist. I mean that. No wonder you don’t want to be compared. If I were you I wouldn’t want us to be ever mentioned in the same breath. You couldn’t ever hope to hold a candle to her.” The assassin screamed, whipping around and rushing at Traduce. HB dodged to the side the moment he was clear, rolling through the dirt and back to his hooves in time to see Traduce engage the pegasus in combat. The Changeling moved like a snake, coiling and striking in ways that didn't look natural in the unicorn body she wore. Green licks of fire spread across her body, outlining ragged dragonfly wings and turning her horn crooked. "Die!" the assassin shrieked as she attacked. "Kill you kill you kill you!" Traduce laughed, and between one strike and another everything went still. Traduce had managed to get inside the assassin’s defenses and laid her horn on the pegasus’ head. The assassin had gone completely still, frozen in mid-motion. The only movements from her were the small adjustments needed to keep her balance in the awkward half-lunging position she had stopped in. Traduce held her own pose for a moment before pulling back, grinning with a mouth full of sharp teeth. She chuckled as she turned to Hard Boiled. “I love the insecure ones,” she said. “They’re like an open buffet of negativity.” “You’re feeding from her?” She shrugged. “It’s junk food, really. I’m not getting as much back as I’m putting into holding her there. Don’t touch her, by the way, it’ll break the spell.” HB glared at the frozen assassin for a moment, itching to be in a place with proper police. If he took her into any local station she’d be out of her cell before the hour was up. Especially if she had Max Cash’s money backing her up. He shook his head at the lost opportunity, but moved on. “Then we should get going before you’re tapped out,” he said. “Considering she confronted me alone, I think we can safely say we evaded the ones who were trying to trap us at the bar, but that doesn’t mean they’ve given up. We can’t go back to the hotel. Hell, we can’t stay in the city.” “Alright, so we go with plan C.” HB gave her a flat look. “Plan ‘C’?” She smiled back at him. “Plan C.” Plan C turned out to stand for ‘crime’. Traduce and HB made their way down to the semi-private docks of the wealthy where she used her Changeling magic to convince a sun-bleached stallion to simply give them his small river-boat. Hard Boiled could barely believe the ease with which she accomplished it, but he kept his mouth shut until they were navigating the boat out of the docks and into the river delta. “That was… incredibly illegal,” he said. “I’m authorised to use my abilities as I see fit for this mission,” Traduce said. “We needed a boat, and the semi-legal way was already a bust.” “It’s still wrong,” he said, but resolved to let it go. You couldn’t partner with a Changeling without expecting them to play mind games. It was what they did. "So, we have our boat, we’re heading upriver just like you wanted, what now?" Traduce asked, deftly navigating the boat. "Now I get some sleep," HB groaned, rubbing at his rapidly growing-out mane and carefully avoiding touching his horn. He belatedly thought about the painkillers that had been in his bags at the hotel, but it was far too late for that now. He’d just have to live with the agony until they returned to civilization. "Not a lot of room down there," Traduce noted, looking into the small cabin. "Only one bed." "We'll take turns," HB said, and went to get whatever sleep he could. *** Star Fall looked to the sky, laying a hoof against the glass of the wide window. It was cold up in Spike’s studio, but the chill felt good to her right then. A pair of spell-sheets were sparking as they shed the last energies of the communication spell she’d been using to talk to Gamma for the past half an hour. Other than that fading crimson glow and the reflected moonlight from the snow-capped mountains beyond the window, the studio was dark. She heard another pony approaching, but didn't turn around to see who it was, too focused on the star-strewn sky. "Howdy, Star," Applejack's unmistakable twang echoed in the cold room. "What are you doin' up here all by your lonesome?" "Thinking," Star Fall replied. "Care for some company? Or is this the kind of thinkin' you've gotta do on your own?" "I... don't know," Star Fall admitted. "I think, maybe, it'll help to talk it out with someone?" "Then I'm happy to help," Applejack said, taking up a spot next to her and looking out over the mountains herself. "So, what's on your mind?" "Marriage," Star Fall said. "You've got a boyfriend?" "No. I've got a king who wants me to marry into his family," Star Fall sighed. "Come again?" Star Fall frowned a little as she searched her memory for how much she had told Applejack. "Right, we didn't tell you about this yet, did we? Dash knows about it, and I've been so busy with the hunt for Cash and the Elements that I guess I just forgot that you didn't." "Well, why don't you explain it to me now, then?" Applejack offered, sitting down and leaning against the glass. “I’ll listen.” Star fall smiled, stretching her wings out and idly fidgeting with them as she sat down next to the farmer. "I'm not a normal Pegasus," she began. "You're pretty extraordinary, alright," Applejack said. "That’s not somethin’ most would call a problem, though." Star Fall chuckled at the compliment. "Thank you, but that's exactly the problem. I have a Magic Talent. I can cast spells without a horn. I can change the flow of magic in my body and release it to affect the world. This is... I guess it's unique. I'm not complaining about my Talent, though. It brought me to the Professor, got my family out of debt and allowed me to really make a difference in the Kingdom. I love my Talent. But it made the King think that maybe I was even more special, that maybe, just maybe, I could bear an Alicorn foal." "Huh? You mean like the Princesses?" Star Fall nodded. "A living Goddess. He's obsessed with the idea, apparently. I honestly didn't know anything about it until the Professor told me about it. Celestia's day, that was just over two weeks ago. It feels longer. A lifetime. Everything that's happened since then has been so chaotic, so overwhelming, that I haven't had time to think about it all." "So you're doin' your thinkin' now?" Star Fall nodded again, staying silent for several minutes while she stared out the window. Applejack didn't push, sitting close enough to be felt but far enough away to give her room to think. Finally, Star Fall spoke. "I spoke with Gamma again. She’ll be here in the morning. Then, she’s going to take all of us to the capital. Then you and Dash and Rarity will meet the King, and… and he's probably going to tell me who I'm marrying. I thought I might have more time, but Gamma said he’s decided." "Wait, you don't know who you’re supposed to be gettin’ hitched to?" Applejack asked, confused. "Not a clue. Well, someone from the Royal families, obviously, but there’s half a dozen eligible male Royals. Which one he’s chosen, I don’t know." "What? How does that work?" "The King has the authority to make decisions about who will marry for the good of the Kingdom. He's decided that I have to marry into the Royal family, so it's going to happen. All that's left is picking who my husband is supposed to be." "That's crazy!” Applejack said, straightening in indignation. “No one can tell you who to spend your life with!" Star Fall laughed, but it was a joyless thing. "Dash reacted pretty much the same way." "She was right to." "No, she's not right," Star Fall said, her voice quiet, but certain. Applejack's outrage fell away as she saw the thoughtful look on Star Fall's face. "I understand why you both think that. From what I know of you time it was much... simpler when it came to politics. In the Kingdom things aren’t so clear. Sometimes someone else really can tell you who to spend your life with, and sometimes they really do have the best interest of everyone in mind." "And you think this is one of those times?" "I think... I think that the reasons the King has for this are wrong. I'm not going to bear an Alicorn foal, that's just insane. But to marry into the Royal Family? A pegasus? That would be... that would be shattering to the status quo.” Star Fall’s eyes widened as she considered it. “A first, a huge step towards equality between the races. I've been told that just by being adopted into the nobility I've given a lot of ponies hope that things can change, that they can rise in status despite having no horn. How much stronger will that sentiment be if I were to be declared royalty? How much more can I do? For the Kingdom? For the world? I could influence peace negotiations with the nightlands. I could lobby for abolition. I could be a force! A real power player, able to do so much good!" "But you'd have to marry someone you don't want to," Applejack pointed out. "You could do a lot of good, maybe, but what good will it do you to be unhappy while you're at it?” That thought echoed in the silence of the studio, and the two mares let it hang there for a long minute. “Look,” Applejack said with a small sigh. “Is there any way you can tell this King of yours thanks but no thanks?" "Not really," Star Fall replied. "If the Professor couldn't convince him, I don’t have a chance. There is a way out, though. I can run away. I can escape through the Everstorm into the nightlands and make a new life for myself there, beyond the King's reach." "And you'll be safe there? Able to live the way you want to?" Star Fall shook her head. "No. They'd find out who I am eventually, then the Republics would want me to give them all the secrets I know. Everything I've seen and done while I worked with the Secret Service." "That don't sound all that good either," Applejack said. "No. It's not." "There's gotta be another option. Maybe we could talk to Spike, he probably knows a bunch of ways to work this out." "Maybe... maybe." Star Fall sighed again, thunking her head against the window. "That's what I'm thinking about. The Professor doesn't want me to just go along with what the King wants. And if this were normal times... I might just run. I don't know. But, now? I think... I think I can't run away. Not with Max Cash out there, gathering the Elements. Not with you and Rainbow Dash and Rarity alive. I think I have to accept it." "That don't sound like a thing anyone has to accept," Applejack said. "Maybe it shouldn't be," Star Fall said. "But it is. Thank you, Applejack. You really helped." "I didn't do nothin'," Applejack said. "I was just a pair of ears you could talk to, but I'm glad that these ears were here when you needed them. I figure you're gonna let this king marry you off then?" Star Fall nodded. "Well, I can't say I have much experience with this sort of thing, but I think you should at least know the pony you're gonna marry. Don't go into this blind, find out who he's chosen and make sure that stallion’s someone you can at least live with. Get to know him before you take those vows, before things get a lot harder to step away from." Star Fall smiled. "Good advice. You know, the histories say you were married." "Not from the point where I left off," Applejack said. "Wasn't really anyone special for me then. I always figured I'd find someone at some point, though. Good to hear that I did." "Do you want to hear more about your future?" "Not in particular," Applejack said. "I don't think that future’s mine anymore. I think I'm gonna live the life I have, not the one I missed." "Oh, sorry." "No apologisin' necessary, Star,” Applejack said giving the pegasus a friendly punch in the shoulder. “I don't mind a few tidbits now and then, but I ain’t lookin' to obsess on the details. You understand?" "I think I do," Star Fall said. "Not completely, but enough." "Come on then,” Applejack said, getting to her hooves and holding one out to help Star Fall up. “Rarity's still attached to Spike at the hip, but she's startin’ to ask questions about frou-frou stuff that he don't know nothin' about. I figure you might know, and I think it’d be good for her to spend some time with a pony who wasn’t alive a thousand years ago." "Sure, lead on," Star Fall said with a genuine smile, taking the proffered hoof. And, having shared her burden with a friend, she left the studio with a lighter heart. *** The transport landed at the base of the mountain path, its bulk dominating the area. The uneven ground made it look lopsided as it sat tilted, but the angle didn't seem to bother the crew as the ramp lowered and a half-dozen people marched out to meet the waiting ponies. At the front of that group was Gamma, her intense blue eyes scanning the faces of the four ponies and one Dragon that were arrayed to meet her. "Astrid!" Star Fall cried out, eyes widening as she saw the Griffin prowling at Gamma's side. A smile broke out on her face, but she shook her head in confusion. "I dont understand, you were so hurt. You shouldn't be out of bed yet." "Come on, Fall, it's not like I'd let myself sit on my ass while there was someone else's to kick," Astrid said, rolling her eyes. "Turns out magic's pretty damn useful stuff. Who knew?" Star Fall's smile immediately turned sad. "Oh, Astrid. I'm so sorry." "Don't, Fall. Seriously. Do not." "I'm assuming the one with the lovely dark green coat and the dashing scarf is Gamma?" Rarity asked, leaning towards Dash. "Yeah, she'll probably want to question you for a couple hours or something," Dash warned. "She's pretty paranoid." "Then I shall endeavor to put her at ease," Rarity said, and stepped forward. "Greetings, Miss Gamma," she said, her Solar practiced and smooth. Then she swept into a courtly bow. Gamma paused, her face carefully neutral, before she returned Rarity's bow. "Lady Rarity, I had not expected you to be so fluent for some few days more at least." "Ah, help?" Rarity asked, looking back at Dash. "She didn't think you were that good at their language yet," Dash translated. "Oh, of course," she turned back to Gamma. "I am still learning, please forgive me." "Did you practice just a few sentences to impress her?" Applejack asked with a snort. "And what if I did?" Rarity huffed in reply, her head thrown back in disdain. "A good first impression is essential to being seen as a proper lady." "Agent Fall," Gamma said, catching the pegasus' attention. "Please translate. Lady Rarity, Miss Applejack, Agent Rainbow Dash, as a representative of the government of their majesties King Golden Scepter the Second and Queen Aqua Regia, I would like to formally welcome you to the Solar Kingdom. I would also like to extend a personal invitation from his majesty the King for you to enjoy the hospitality of the Royal Family at the Palace of the Sun during your stay in our fair nation." "A palace!" Rarity gasped, her eyes wide and sparkling. "And royalty!" "It's not as impressive as it sounds," Spike murmured, then raised himself up to his haunches to look down at Gamma. "I've heard a lot about you," he said. "And I have always meant to meet you," Gamma replied. "I have one of your pieces." "Terpsichore At Play," Spike said. "A unicorn chasing a butterfly done in green marble, I remember it well, and I keep track of all legal sales of my art. I'm glad you liked it, though that piece seems like an odd choice for a spymaster." "No it doesn't," Gamma replied. "I apologize for the imposition, but I will be needing your assistance, and I would like to get started as soon as is possible." "With what?" "The Elements of Harmony. Specifically, what they are capable of." "Individually? Astounding amounts. Together?" Spike shrugged. "Anything, I suppose." "How about their effects on a pony? If their power is used to compel a certain behaviour, what can we expect?" Spike sighed, shaking his head. "I wish I could tell you. They were never really used the way Cash is using them in my time." Gamma’s expression barely flickered, but it still registered as annoyance. “I will need everything you know about their powers, and ways to counter them.” Spike shook his head. “I’m not the one who knew them best.” “You are now. Anything you know might be relevant. We have to be prepared for whatever Cash might do with them.” “That’s not going to happen,” Spike said. “There’s no way to prepare for them, and if I tell you half of what I’ve seen them do, it would only terrify you.” “Try me.” Gamma’s words fell into a sudden quiet. Everyone present had their attention riveted to the conversation between them, Rarity getting a quick translation from Star Fall. Spike looked over the watching ponies, then seemed to deflate. “Fine,” he said. When he started talking it was in a quiet growl that gained in volume with every sentence until he was nearly shouting. “You want to know some of the things the Elements can do? Kindness once stopped a wrathful Goddess in her tracks. I’ve seen Honesty topple a mountain. I was there when Laughter broke the hordes of Tartarus with a smile. I used Generosity to raise Elysium from the sea! That is what the Elements can do!” There was a long silence, Spike’s booming voice an echoing rumble in the wind. “And Loyalty?” Gamma asked. “Rainbow Dash once used Loyalty to wipe out an army,” Spike replied. “Wait, I did what?” Dash cried out, her wings snapping wide in shock. “And Magic?” “Magic was Twilight Sparkle’s Element,” Spike growled. “You figure it out.” Gamma nodded slowly. “I see.” “I can’t help you, Agent Gamma,” Spike said, the anger gone. “I wish I could. I really do. I know what we did with the Elements, but I never knew how they worked. It was hard. I can tell you that much. Using the Elements at that level was only ever easy for them,” he gestured at the three time-displaced mares. “Cash probably can’t wipe out cities. Yet. But what he is doing, he’s doing in a way we never knew about. I can’t tell you what he’ll be capable of. What I can tell you is that if he gets all of them together? There is nothing short of the Goddesses returning that will be able to stop him.” “Well, then,” Gamma said, half-turning towards the transport. “We’d better get moving if we’re going to prevent that from happening. I trust you’re ready to leave?” “Absolutely,” Spike said, walking past her and up the ramp. Rarity said a quick word to her friends before rushing after him, matching her pace to his and providing a comforting presence to the Dragon. “Excellent,” Gamma said, then turned her attention back to Star Fall and the others. “Agent Fall, Agent Dash, you will be giving me a full briefing once we’re underway. I want to go over everything we know about Cash again, before we get to the capital and all of our time is taken up by… other matters.” “Yes, ma’am,” Star Fall said. Then without a look back they all started into the flying ship. “Well, that went well,” she whispered to Dash. “What does he mean I wiped out an army?” Dash asked, staring after Spike. “I’m not sure, but there are stories of you doing something to stop Celestia Nova’s army from sacking Ponyville. I would have assumed it was this sonic rain-thing you told me about.” “Sonic Rainboom, and it’s awesome and all but no way can it take out an army!” “Well, you’ll have plenty of time to ask Spike all about it on the way to the capital.” Star Fall said. “Hey, you two done with the secret code stuff?” Astrid asked. “It’s not secret code,” Star Fall protested. “It’s an ancient language.” “Same diff.” Astrid shrugged. “Look, Dash, Fall, I want to introduce you to someone, but, uh, she’s kinda… weird right now.” “Weird? What?” “She’s screwed up in the head,” Astrid said, but her expression showed that she was genuinely worried. “Cash messed with her. Gamma was hoping Spike could help, but after that scene back there I don’t think that’s gonna happen.” “Well, hey, if you think I can do anything, I’ll help,” Dash offered. “Thanks,” Astrid said as the ramp closed up behind them. The massive propulsion crystals lit up as the unicorns piloting the ship provided power and it lifted into the air, hovering for a moment before vaulting skyward and rushing towards the south and the capital.