//------------------------------// // Chapter 66: Offensive Defense // Story: The Koprulu Sector // by TheKopruluSectorUnion //------------------------------// Inside his quarters at the palace, Shining Armor was busy getting dressed in preparation for the day’s events. Normally, he would wear one of his formal suits to the event but at his father’s insistence, he decided to wear the Champion’s Mantle, which was a traditional uniform that past Champions of Cadia had worn during important events. The Mantle consisted of a military dress uniform adorned with a pair of stylized shoulder guards linked together with a pair of gold chains at the front and a flowing white cape with Cadia’s symbol at the back followed by a number of accessories, all of which was laid upon his bed alongside his clothes. Normally, he would have someone helping him put on the outfit due to its intricate design, but because of the attack the palace was short on staff, so he had to put everything on by himself, which he didn’t really mind as he wanted some time to himself anyways. After he was finished buttoning up his red jacket, he reached for the blue sash on his bed but paused when he saw a flash of light coming from behind him. He turned around and saw Twilight standing in the middle of his room. “What are you doing here Twilight, shouldn’t you be getting ready for the ceremony as well?” Shining asked as he went back to putting on the rest of his uniform. “I have plenty of time to do that.” Twilight said as she sauntered over to his bed and sat down on it. “Besides, can’t a mare come and see how her BBBFF is doing? After all, it’s not every day that my brother becomes the leader of an entire world.” “Interim leader. I’m not going to stay Cadia’s leader forever you know.” Shining corrected Twilight. “Once Cadia is back on its feet, I’m going to hand leadership over to someone more deserving than a traitor like me.” Twilight frowned when she heard this. “You’re still not upset about deserting the matriarch, are you? I told you that her death was a necessary step towards solidifying your place as the future emperor.” “Don’t you think I know that?” Shining Armor shouted at Twilight, who glared at him in return. He was about to say something else when he heard someone knocking on the door. They both turned their attention towards the door before they heard a mare’s voice on the other side. “Prince Stonehoof, I just heard you shouting. Is everything alright in there?” “Yes, everything is fine…I-er my injuries were acting up just now.” Shining Armor lied. “Shall I call for a doctor, Your Highness?” The mare asked in concern. “No, I’ll be alright.” Shining Armor assured her. “You may carry on with your duty as usual.” “Yes, Your Highness.” The voice said before they heard the sounds of hoofsteps walking away. Once he was certain that the mare was gone, Shining Armor turned back to Twilight who was still glaring at him. He let out a sigh of exasperation and rubbed his forehead before he said. “Look, I’m not happy with how things turned out but what’s done is done so can we please change the subject?” “Fine, but only because you’re my brother.” Twilight huffed as she crossed her arms together and asked. “So, how did dad take the news?” “Well, he’s not happy about it to say the least, but he knows that it’s for the good of Cadia and its people, so he’s agreed to go along with it.” Shining Armor said before he added. “Just don’t do anything to upset him or he might have you shot where you stand.” “I’ll try to be on my best behavior.” Twilight said as she rolled her eyes. She then hopped off the bed. “Well, looks like it’s time for me to go and get ready. See you later big brother, and good luck.” She said before she vanished in a flash of teleportation magic, leaving Shining Armor to get dressed in peace. After he clipped the ceremonial saber to his side and looked himself in the full-length mirror at the side of the room to make sure that he would look presentable during the ceremony later on. He smiled a little when he was satisfied with everything before he let out another weary sigh and headed out the door. It was time to go to Matriarch Cadenza’s funeral. Normally, a funeral was a private affair between the deceased and their loved ones but that wasn’t the case for Matriarch Cadenza’s funeral as dozens of dignitaries from across the Dominion, and even a few from the Consortium, had come to attend. As Cadia’s Champion and its de facto leader, Shining Armor had the unenviable task of greeting all the guests. “I’m sorry for your loss, Prince Stonehoof.” One of the dignitaries said as he bowed his head to the Champion. “Rest assured that I will do everything in my power to aid you and Cadia in its time of need.” “Thank you for your kind words and support.” Shining Armor said in return and watched the dignitary walk away before turning to greet the next guest. Many of the dignitaries from earlier had said the same thing. He knew that it was all just a ploy to gain his favor for when he becomes Emperor but he didn’t mind as he needed all the help he could get to get Cadia back on its feet again. Due to the potential threat of an assassination attempt during the funeral, the general public wasn’t allowed to attend since an assassin could slip in unnoticed. To make up for this, dozens of camera drones hovered around the room as they televised the event live throughout the entire sector. After the last of the guests had arrived, the doors were closed shut, giving Shining Armor a moment to himself. He looked around the massive room until he spotted his mother in the distance and decided to talk to her before the ceremony starts. The mare smiled warmly at him when she saw him coming towards her. “Hey Mom, how are you doing?” Shining Armor asked. “Pretty well, all things considered though I do wish that things hadn’t turned out like this.” Galaxy said as she gazed at the crystalline casket at the far end of the room. “Me too Mom.” Shining Armor said softly as he looked at the casket with a forlorn look in his eyes. “Me too.” He then felt his mother’s hoof on his shoulder as she gave him a gentle squeeze. “You did everything you could to protect the Matriarch so don’t blame yourself for her death, got it?” Galaxy said before she wrapped her forelegs around him into a tight hug. “I’m just glad that my baby is still alive.” Shining Armor was caught off guard by the sudden display of motherly affection, but he hugged her back in return. “I got it…Thanks Mom, I needed that.” “Anytime dear, anytime.” Galaxy said before they were interrupted when they heard someone clearing their throat behind them. She turned around and saw her husband standing behind her. “Galaxy dear, would you mind giving us a moment?” Shining Night asked. “I’d like to have a word with our son.” “Of course, hun.” Galaxy said as she let go of her son. “I’ll just go freshen up before the ceremony starts.” She then walked off, leaving her husband and son alone. “So dad, what did you want to talk about?” Shining Armor asked. “Are you absolutely sure that you want to go through with this crazy plan of yours?” Shining Night asked. “I mean it’s still not too late to stop you know.” Shining Armor’s expression hardened at this. “Yes, I’m sure. I’m going to make the announcement later during my speech.” He replied. “You do realize that not everyone will be happy with your decision, don’t you?” Shining Night pointed out, hoping to dissuade his son from his intended action. “Of course I do, but Agent Sparkle has assured me that everything will turn out fine and I’m going to trust her on that.” Shining Armor said obstinately in return. “Hmph! I still can’t understand how you’re friends with someone from DI.” The older stallion said before letting out an exasperated sigh. “Fine, have it your way, but if I find out that purple bitch is up to something, I’m going to put a bullet right between her eyes myself.” Shining Armor frowned at the way his father talked about Twilight, but refrained from shouting since it would cause a scene. “Please Dad, don’t do anything rash. She may be with DI but she’s still our best chance at catching the Matriarch’s killers and rescuing Stage.” His father let out a disgruntled snort before he nodded slowly in reluctance. “Alright, but the moment we do catch them, I want her off Cadia and not a second later.” “Thanks Dad but don’t worry, Agent Sparkle won’t…” Shining Armor cut his talk short when one of the palace attendants approached them. “Can I help you?” he asked. “I’m sorry for the interruption Your Highness, but the ceremony is about to start and we require your presence.” The stallion said, gesturing to the stage. “Well Dad, looks like I have to go now. Guess we’ll finish our talk later.” Shining Armor said to his father who nodded in response. “Alright, see you later…and good luck.” Shining Night added hesitantly before he turned around and trotted off, not waiting for a response. Shining Armor smiled at his father’s retreating figure before he turned back to the attendant and followed him to the raised platform where the ceremony was going to take place. The guests made way for the Champion while offering him more words of sympathy as he made his way towards the platform. As he walked up the short flight of steps onto the stage, he nodded to the minister who was going to preside over the funeral. The elderly stallion nodded in return before turning back to his notes for the ceremony. Shining Armor approached the crystal casket where Matriarch Cadenza’s body laid and gazed upon her one last time. In accordance with her will, she was dressed in her old Khalai battle dress, one of the few things she had left from her time with the Khalai. Thankfully, the gold and white garments covered up the bullet hole in her head as well as the hole in her chest where she had been impaled, sparing everyone the gruesome reminder of how the alicorn had met her end. Shining Armor bowed to her as he paid his final respects to his Matriarch and lover. He wished that he had stayed and protected her but instead, he had abandoned her in her time of need. He could still remember the look of betrayal on her face when he turned his back on her. He sighed at the bitter memory before he got up and went over to his seat near the podium. The guests grew quiet when the minister walked up to the podium and spoke into the microphone in front of him, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to pay tribute and our final respects to Matriarch Mi Amore Cadenza who was cruelly taken away from us recently. Even though she is no longer with us, she will live on forever in the hearts and memories of her people.” “As Matriarch, Mi Amore Cadenza always ruled her people with wisdom and compassion, leading Cadia into a thriving world despite the harsh environment. For that, we, the people of Cadia have always strived to live by what she stood for and we will continue to do so in her absence.” The minister then bowed his head. “Let us take a moment to remember our beloved Matriarch and everything that she has done for us and may they never be forgotten.” The lights dimmed and the room fell silent as Shining and every Cadian in the room bowed their heads in silence and honored the memory of their late Matriarch while the off-worlders who didn’t really know Cadenza merely followed suit and waited out the silence. The lights soon brightened up again as the minister continued his speech. “Now, I would like our Champion, Shining Armor, to come forward and share with us a few words about our Matriarch before we proceed with the final rites.” The minister said as he turned to Shining Armor and beckoned him forward. Shining Armor rose from his seat and bowed to the minister before he approached the podium. The camera drones hovered closer to the stage as they focused on him. He looked down at the audience and saw his parents sitting at the front row. His mother offered him an encouraging smile while his father simply gave him a terse but supportive nod. With his confidence given a slight boost, Shining Armor cleared his throat before he spoke into the microphone. “Many of us here have grown up worshipping the Matriarch as a goddess for everything that she has done for us, but very few truly knew Mi Amore Cadenza, the pony. And I am blessed to have been counted among those few.” “The Matriarch…Cadenza, was a selfless and caring pony who would always put the needs of others before her own. She sacrificed so much so that we, her people, could live and prosper in these conditions. One of these sacrifices she made, was the chance to be a mother.” Many members of the audience gasped, shocked at the news. “Cadenza once told me how much she had wanted to be a mother, to bear foals of her own, to care for them, and watch them grow up. However, our ancestors at the time haven’t fully adapted to Cadia’s harsh environment yet and had to rely on the Matriarch to survive, which gave her no time to even consider the idea of romance, let alone motherhood. Unfortunately, by the time she was ready, she was no longer fertile.” “However, instead of despairing over her loss, she continued to lead our people with strength and conviction, but also with compassion as she no longer saw our people as her subjects, but as her children who she would care for and protect for as long as they need her. And I believe that she is watching over us and will continue to do so forever.” Shining Armor then stepped back from the podium and bowed to the minister before he returned to his seat. “Thank you for sharing that with us, Your Highness. It was truly heartwarming to hear you say such kind words.” The minister said into the microphone. “Now, without further ado, let us proceed with the funeral rites and lay Mi Amore Cadenza to rest.” The somber tune of a funeral march started playing over the speakers as four unicorn stallions in white robes appeared from backstage. They bowed to Shining Armor and the Minister before they approached the casket and kneeled reverently to the Matriarch. They then fired up their magic and encompassed the crystal casket in a soft blue glow before they lifted it into the air until it hovered over their heads. The audience watched as the pallbearers slowly carried the Matriarch down the stage and headed towards a large golden door across the chamber. The massive door let out a soft hiss as it slowly slid itself open, revealing a dark passageway lined with shards of Khaydarin crystals which glowed faintly in the darkness. The passageway led to a sealed off section of the ancient vessel where the Matriarch’s former crewmates were entombed alongside Cadia’s past Champions. And now, now it will serve as the Matriarch’s final resting place. Shining Armor watched Cadenza as she was carried through the threshold of the doorway and into the passageway. The crystals grew brighter when they neared them, bathing the small funeral procession in a soft ethereal glow before dimming again when they passed them. Soon, the procession vanished into the darkness and the door slowly closed itself once more. “Your speech was simply inspirational, Your Highness. I’m certain that you will be more than capable of leading Cadia and its people admirably in the Matriarch’s stead.” “Thank you. I’ll try my best to live up to everyone’s expectations.” Shining Armor said to the dignitary while straining to maintain his smile. It had been over an hour since the funeral's end and the dignitaries didn’t waste any time surrounding him and praising him or trying to earn his favor. Some of the dignitaries from the Consortium even tried to convince him to let their respective guilds set up a mining firm on Cadia to boost its economy but he rejected them all. He made a mental note to increase security later when he saw a few giving him dirty looks when they left. How does it feel to be the center of attention, big brother? Twilight’s voice suddenly rang teasingly inside his mind. Where were you? I’m been stuck dealing with these vultures for an hour now! Shining thought back impatiently while faking a smile for said ‘vultures’. Oh, I had to take care of a few loose ends before coming here. Twilight said coyly in return, causing Shining to sigh. “Is everything alright, Your Highness?” One of the ponies around him asked in concern. “Yes, I’m just a little thirsty, that’s all.” Shining calmly replied before grabbing a glass of wine off a passing waiter with his magic. Well, are you ready now? He asked Twilight. I’m backstage right now so you can start whenever you want. Twilight replied. Shining Armor let out an internal sigh before clearing his throat, interrupting the dignitaries. “I’m sorry gentlemen, but I have to be elsewhere right now.” He said as he excused himself and left for the stage. He drew the attention of several guests when they saw him walking back up onto the stage, many of them wondering what he was about to do. Camera drones immediately positioned themselves around the stage when he approached the podium and turned on the microphone. He cleared his throat before he spoke into it. “People of Cadia and honored guests, I wish to make an announcement and I ask that you all listen to what I have to say.” Shining Armor paused briefly to collect his thoughts before he continued. “As you all know, over two weeks ago, our world was viciously attacked by terrorists. My wife was abducted in the confusion and countless lives were lost in the attack, including those of the Matriarch and the palace guards who sacrificed their lives to protect the ponies taking shelter within the palace.” “We fought down to the last pony…I was supposed to have died back there but by some miracle, I alone, had survived. I may have failed the Matriarch but I will not fail Cadia and its people! And I swear upon my honor as the Champion of Cadia that I will not rest until those responsible for this tragedy are found and brought to justice!” Many of the ponies in the audience stomped their hooves in applause at the Champion’s words as they cheered him on. Shining Armor raised a hoof into the air, gesturing for them to quiet down. “I am also happy to say that we will not be alone in our endeavor for Emperor Stonehoof has sent one of his best agents to aid us in hunting down these terrorists.” He then turned to his left and raised his hoof in a beckoning motion. The audience watched as a purple unicorn mare came from backstage and approached the Champion until she stood next to him. Every Cadian guard in the room became tense when they saw that she wore the black and red uniform of Dominion Intelligence but remained where they were as their commander had ordered though more than a few of them had switched the safeties on their weapons off just in case. “This agent rushed to our aid without a second thought when she realized what had happened and was instrumental in driving the terrorists off our world, saving many lives in the process, including my own. So it brings me great pleasure to introduce to you the new Director of Dominion Intelligence, Admiral Twilight Sparkle!” Rain Sight pursed her lips as she kept looking back and forth between her bag and a box sitting on the table in the living room. The box contained the signed Daring Do Collectors cup set that Shining Armor had given to her and she was deciding on whether she should pack it into her bag or leave it behind. Before she could come to a decision however, she was startled by the sounds of roaring winds coming from the kitchen. “Hey girls, I’m back!” Scootaloo called out as she came into the living room dressed in her arctic suit. “Geez Scootaloo, you scared me back there.” Rain said as she glared at the pegasus until she noticed that she was alone. “Wait, where’s Rainbow Dash?” “Oh, she’s back on Tom with Eye Glass. She’s helping him put away our stuff.” Scootaloo explained. “She should be here later to pick us up. By the way, what’s with the box?” she asked, pointing at said box. “It’s nothing!” Rain Sight hurriedly said before stuffing the box into her bag and zipping it up. “Just some… essentials. Yeah, essentials.” She added while laughing nervously. “Uh huh… sure.” Scootaloo said as she quirked an eyebrow at the purple mare. “Anyways, where are the others?” “Sweetie Belle is taking a nap in her room and Apple Bloom is making some fine tuning on her laptop in hers.” Rain said before leaning back against the sofa cushion and sighed softly. “It’s almost hard to believe that we’re finally leaving this place, huh?” “Yeah, the sooner we get off this ice ball, the better.” Scootaloo said before hopping onto the sofa and made herself comfortable on the soft cushions. “Though I can’t say that I won’t miss living in luxury like this.” “Believe me, it gets old after a while.” Sweetie Belle said as she limped into the living room. She let out a small yawn as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. “Is it time for us to go yet?” “Nah, not yet but you should probably go get ready.” Scootaloo suggested. “Sure, just let me wash up first and I’ll tell Bloom to do the same.” Sweetie Belle said before heading back into her room. “Well, it might be a while before Rainbow gets back so let’s see what’s on.” Scootaloo said before she grabbed the remote and turned on the television, which showed the middle of a Daring Do movie. “Boring!” Scootaloo yawned before changing the channel. “Hey, Daring Do is a good movie, we could have watched it.” Rain exclaimed. “Seen it already and honestly, it’s kind of boring. Besides, it’s nothing but a rip-off of Indiana Jones.” Scootaloo’s words caused Rain to gasp. “You take that back! Daring Do is completely different from Indiana Jones! Now hand over the remote.” Rain demanded. “No way, I’m not gonna watch that lame movie ever again.” Scootaloo said as she kept the remote out of Rain’s reach. “I said, hand over the remote!” Rain said as she pushed Scootaloo’s head down into the cushions and clambered over her in an attempt to grab the remote. “Never!” Scootaloo playfully retorted before she spread her wings, knocking Rain off her back but Rain grabbed her tail to stop her fall and pulled her off the sofa with her. The two then started rolling around the floor let out shrieks and laughs as they wrestled for the remote. The images on the screen kept changing every few seconds as the two mares continued rolling on the floor. The noise they were making soon attracted some attention as Apple Bloom came out of her room and shouted. “Keep it down out here, would ya? Some of us are busy working on saving our flanks here!” This made the two mares stop wrestling and drop the remote. When the device hit the ground, the image on the screen changed to that of a large stadium filled with hundreds of ponies cheering loudly. The camera panned over the audience before shifting over to a massive screen with the letters GAL displayed on it and underneath the screen was a stage where a number of ponies were standing as they waved to the cheering crowds. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Semi-finals of the 17th Annual Galactic Arcade League Tournament and I’m your host, High Def. With our special guest commentator, Day Plott!” the audience cheered even louder when a tall beige earth stallion with light brown mane appeared on stage and waved to the crowds, eliciting more cheers, including one from Scootaloo who promptly sat herself down in front of the screen. “What is it, I heard screaming!” Sweetie Belle asked when she stumbled out of her room, with only half her snowsuit on. Her worries quickly deflated when she saw Scootaloo sitting in front of the television. “Oh, it’s just Day Plott.” “Who the heck is Day Plott?” Rain Sight asked, raising a brow out of curiosity before she heard Scootaloo gasping. “You don’t know who Day Plott is?” The pegasus questioned. Rain Sight shook her head. “He’s one of the most famous ponies in the gaming industry! He’s so important that he’s been invited to every GAL tournament for the past six years!” “Plus, Scoots used to have the biggest crush on the guy.” Apple Bloom said as she gestured to her friend. “Though I’m guessing her crush is still going strong.” “Not true!” Scootaloo exclaimed, her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment before she let out a sigh. “Okay fine I may have had a teeny tiny crush on him, but can you blame me?” She then turned back to the screen while Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom let out a collective sigh and shook their heads. “You guys are weird.” Rain Sight commented. “Shush! I don’t want to miss anything.” Scootaloo hissed. “It’s great to have you here, Day.” High Def said as he welcomed Day Plott. “It’s great to be here, Def, and it’s awesome to see so many talented players making it this far into the semi-finals this year.” Day said, gesturing to the ponies standing on stage. “It’s been exciting watching the matches these players put up until now though no one expected last year’s champion to be defeated by a newcomer so let’s have a round of applause for our underdog, B.Mash!” The cameras then focused on a young chocolate brown earth stallion with orange blonde mane waving at the crowd who cheered his name. Oddly enough, the stallion had a small propeller beanie hanging around his neck on a string. “Wait a minute…that guy looks awfully familiar…” Scootaloo said as she scrutinized the stallion before she let out a gasp in surprise. “Oh my gosh! It’s Button Mash!” “Really?” Apple Bloom asked before she looked at the stallion as well. “Wow, it really is him. He sure changed a lot since we last saw him, huh Sweetie Belle?” She asked slyly while nudging the unicorn’s side. “Y-yeah, he sure did…” Sweetie Belle murmured in return. “Who is that guy? A friend of yours from Mar Sara?” Rain asked. “Kind of.” Apple Bloom replied. “Button grew up with us back on Mar Sara and was an honorary Crusader.” “That, and he was Sweetie Belle’s boyfriend. Now ex-boyfriend.” Scootaloo added, much to Sweetie’s chagrin as she covered up her blushing face and let out a groan. “Some boyfriend he was. That stallion-colt cared more about his stupid games than he did me.” Sweetie Belle huffed as she crossed her forelegs together in contempt. “I’m glad we broke up.” “Well, looks like things turned out pretty good for him, huh?” Scootaloo said, gesturing to Sweetie’s ex as he flashed a smile towards the camera, eliciting cries of excitement from many mares in the audience. “Looks like B.Mash is really popular with ladies, eh High Def?” Day Plott commented before turning back to the camera. “Keep an eye on him folks, cause he might just end up being this year’s King of Games.” “That we will, Day. That we will.” High Def said. “Now before the semi-finals goes underway, we’d like to remind the folks that are watching at home that all profits made from this tournament will go towards helping the people of Cadia’s-” The image was abruptly disrupted before it switched to a news report. We interrupt your regularly scheduled program with this update on Matriarch Cadenza’s funeral. Cadia’s Champion and Emperor Candidate - Shining Armor – is going to make an important announcement. Find out more as we now go live on scene. Shining Armor appeared on the screen as he approached the podium and cleared his throat, before making his announcement. Rain and the others listened as he talked about the lives lost in the Diamond Dogs’ assault, though they became somewhat nervous when he swore that he’d hunt down the ones responsible for the attack. However, they were shocked when they saw Twilight come out from behind the stage and joined the Champion at his side. Said shock doubled when they learned that Twilight had become the newest Director of Dominion Intelligence. Twilight bowed to Shining Armor who stepped aside so she could stand at the podium. “Thank you for the introduction, Your Highness, but your praise is unnecessary as I was merely doing what was right, but I appreciate your kind words.” Twilight said before she let out a depressed sigh. “Though I wished I could have prevented this atrocity from happening in the first place. However, I swear that I will do everything in my power to help you catch those terrorists and make them pay for what they’ve done.” Scootaloo turned off the television before she turned to her friends who had serious expressions on their faces. “You don’t think that Twilight meant us, did she?” She asked, her voice nervous with uncertainty. “No, I don’t think so.” Rain replied, albeit hesitantly. “Though we better pack up the rest of our stuff as soon as possible, just in case.” The others nodded wordlessly as they went to their respective rooms to gather their belongings, but they stopped when they heard the doorbell buzzing, prompting Scootaloo to duck into her room while Sweetie Belle answered the door. “Hello? What is it?” Sweetie Belle asked when she saw the bellhop standing outside. “Room service, miss.” The bellhop replied gesturing to the covered cart next to him. “But we didn’t order room-” Sweetie Belle stopped midsentence when she felt something prick her neck and looked down and saw a tranquilizer dart in her neck. “I know.” The bellhop said smugly as he pushed the cart away, revealing a tranquilizer gun held in his grasp. Realizing that it was a trap, Sweetie Belle tried to warn the others but just as she turned around, her head became woozy as the tranquilizer took effect. She soon lost consciousness and collapsed to the floor in a heap. “Sweetie Belle!” Apple Bloom screamed, drawing Scootaloo’s attention as she came out of her room and saw her friend collapsed on the floor and the bellhop standing next to her with a gun in his precision gloves. She let out an angry cry before she spread her wings and charged forward. “Scootaloo, stop!” Rain Sight shouted but was too late when the bellhop fired a tranquilizer dart at the pegasus. She soon dropped to the floor and skidded to a halt right next to Sweetie Bell. “Damn it!” Rain swore before she reached for her own gun but just as she pulled it out, the windows suddenly shattered as a squad of ponies in armored suits that Rain recognized belonged to Marines Special Forces, crashed into the room and raised their rifles, aiming them at the two mares. “Drop your weapon and raise your hooves in the air or we will open fire!” One of the armored ponies demanded. Rain Sight glared at the armored ponies before she threw her gun down and raised her arms, gesturing for Apple Bloom to do the same. “Did Twilight send you?” Rain demanded as the soldiers approached her. They ignored her questions as they surrounded her and Apple Bloom. “Hey, I just asked you a question!” Rain said before she heard Apple Bloom let out a gasp before she collapsed a tranquilizer dart in her shoulder. “Apple Blo-” was all she could say before she was hit with a tranquilizer dart as well. Rain Sight dropped to her knees and swayed from side to side as she struggled to stay awake but lost when the bellhop fired a second dart into her. She let out a weak moan before she finally fell to the tranquilizer’s effect and lost consciousness as she dropped to floor. The soldiers then proceeded to secure the targets as they brought out hoof-cuffs and an inhibitor ring for Sweetie Belle. The soldiers then saluted the fake bellhop before one of them said. “The targets have been secured for transport, sir.” The officer nodded to them and said. “Excellent. Now secure the perimeter and search for the last target. I’ll go update Admiral Sparkle of our mission status.” The special forces marines then left to carry out their orders.