//------------------------------// // The Commission // Story: The Friendship Mafia // by FlareGun45 //------------------------------// Later that night, Poni, Bright, and Star travelled over to the Lunar Space Center by carriage (Star was driving), and with Clay driving our carriage, he, Angel, Annabelle, Turnip, and I followed them over there as well. Poni’s carriage goes over to the security gate and Star talks with the security guard guarding the security checkpoint. I roll down the window to see what’s going on, maybe I could eavesdrop, but I couldn’t hear a thing. “I don’t have a good feeling about this.” Annabelle said. “How do we know to trust these mobsters?” “What do you mean?” Angel asked. “I mean how do we not know this is an ambush?” Annabelle asked. “The Commission is home to five families.” I said. “Since the Sharks aren’t very useful to them, it is time for somepony else to take the place. They chose us, since we’re pretty effective. Don’t worry, Poni has a plan. I have faith in him.” “What if this is an ambush, boy?” Angel asked. “Then we’ll have to think about a strategy.” I said. “Angel? Turnip? You both claimed to know good strategies. Tell us what you have in stock!” So the security guard let us both in. The carriages all headed for the center field. This space center courtyard is so big, you could fit two stadiums here, and that’s only on this side of the launch pad. We all go out of the carriages and regrouped. “The Zeppelin should land nearby.” Bright Wing said. “Hopefully, not on top of us.” Clay said. “How would we know if it’s coming, holms?” Annabelle asked. Just then, a huge engine roar echoed in the distance, and a giant Zeppelin started appearing on the horizon, and it was starting to land pretty close to us. “Boy, it would’ve made more sense to land in the stadium.” Angel said. “Blimps are always big shots at stadiums.” “The stadium is indoors, doofus.” Star reminded him. “SHUT UP, BOY!” Angel yelled at him. “Hey, HEY!” Poni yelled. “No arguing! We’re all allies in this. It’s just us and them, and if we’re going to outsmart them, we need to stick together. We have to put our differences aside just this once. This is important.” “Whatever you say, boss. We’re always on your side.” Star said. “Indeed we are!” Wing agreed. “Hmph! Teacher’s pet!” Angel mumbled. And so, the Zeppelin landed in the middle of the field as expected. The Zeppelin doors open and almost a hundred mobsters start walking out in rows. A few of the mobsters walk over to us and they bow. They bow? Wrong nationality, buddy! “Poni Cipriani.” One of the mobsters said in a Chinese accent. Guess some of these mobs have different nationalities. “Hello. Which family do you represent?” Poni asked. “I am a capo of the Fraterno mob family.” The mobster said. “The four of us represent each family. It is good that you came as you did! We’ve been getting tired of those Sharks for too long. Brought shame to our community. You on the other hoof might be able to change that!” “That’s what we’re hoping for.” Poni said. “We’re very effective. We make a lot of money, make a lot of friends, that’s why we’re called the Friendship Mob.” “Don’t you have a more… suitable name for your organization?” the mobster asked. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” Poni said. “For now, how about this meeting? I thought there were only a few of us?” “The other units are waiting outside.” The mobster said. “Only us are allowed in. The others act as backup, just in case of any… tricks.” “If you say so.” Poni said. “Lead the way!” The mobster nodded and the group of us all followed the mobsters into the Zeppelin. “I’ve been to Manehatten. How come I never seen these mobs?” Turnip asked. “They don’t get out much.” Poni said. “Many ponies don’t think they even exist. They only go out and spread crime in small numbers. Ponies think of them as just separate thugs that have no connections.” “Clever.” Turnip said. “Indeed.” Poni agreed. So we were led inside of the Zeppelin, and as it turns out, these ponies don’t like spending their money that much, do they? They buy an airship and they don’t even decorate it. Everything looks metally and depressing. When we got to some big doors on a higher floor, OH now they decorate. We’re in a high-ranking area so it’s nicer than the lower ranking area. If it were up to me- “Herb, can you tell your inner thoughts to be quiet?” Wing asked rudely. Fine, I’ll cut to the chase. We approached the big doors and one of the mobsters on the side of the door guarding it walks over to the door, faces us, then knocks on the door behind him, and then the big doors open revealing a huge meeting room. One with a giant round table, a big red round rug, chairs all around, and a huge poster with the map of Equestria, each of the five families’ names on it on different parts, and on the very bottom in bronze letters it says, ‘Equestria Commission’. Although, one of the mobsters was white-outing the Shark’s name from the map to make way for ours. The other mob dons, well three of them, were already sitting down with their best enforcers. “Ah, greetings, Don Cipriani!” Don Amore Fraterno said as he bows to us. “It’s nice of you to finally join us!” Don Mela Di Legno said. “Come we’ve saved yous all some seats!” Don Neon Penna offered. So we all sat down and just waited and talked. “Thanks! I feel welcomed!” Poni said. “Where’s the don of the Marmellata family?” “Right here.” One of the Marmellata mobsters said while pointing to the TV. “Uh, that’s a TV.” Turnip reminded them. “Nooooo really?” a Marmellata mobster asked sarcastically. “Don Marmellata doesn’t want to reveal his identity to strangers.” Another Marmellata mobster said. “Fair enough.” Poni nodded. “Good things come to those that wait. I am, though, quite impressed by your don’s ways. Very impressed!” “Indeed they do! I like your style, Cipriani!” Neon Penna said impressively. “You’re doing great, boss! Keep it up!” Wing whispered to Poni. “So how do we know who is who?” Annabelle asked. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Cipriani.” Amore Fraterno said as he bows again. “My name is Amore Fraterno of the Fraterno family. I’ve served seven honorable years of soldiering in the EUP. I have been gained great honor at serving beside Princess Celestia.” “So what made you quit?” Annabelle asked. “There is no greater dishonor than catching off-guard.” Fraterno said. “We were ambushed… by… a squad of changelings. We had no idea they were there. I was one of the three that made it out, and there were seventeen of us. The rest of them… got drained… by their love. It was quite a disappointing time. I thought I failed the princess, so I decided to hang my helmet and become one with the underworld.” “Catching off-guard? I thought that’s what you’re most famous for?” Angel asked. “Ah, my friend, don’t you see? Don’t you see how the dishonor has corrupted me?” Fraterno asked. “I feel most ashamed. I disgrace my name even more by absorbing the abilities of my enemies. I punish myself every night by asking Princess Luna to give me the same nightmares over and over. She says she can strongly relate to what I’m feeling.” “YAP, YAP, YAP!” Mela Di Legno interrupted. “Listen to you! Nopony wants to hear your sob story, Fraterno! Cipriani wants to hear action! Howdy, Cipriani! Nice to have you on board!” he shakes Poni’s hoof. “I’m Mela Di Legno of the Mela Di Legno family! Ironically I did not found this family. No, no way, I’m the fourth in line for the don position, partner! I am Mela Di Legno IV! Now life in the mob position, woo we! Life is GOOD! Life is real good! We pretty much run the shipments of any type of substance that might be considered smugglin’, but we put ‘em to good use! Just recently we bought of some type of dust that would make Earth pony strength stronger, unicorn magic more effective, and pegasi would fly faster and more affectionately. This stuff is called Centaur dust!” Mela Di Legno opens up a package of the dust and shows it to us. “Who wants taste?” “No, thanks.” Clay refused. “No way, not on my streets, boy!” Angel said. “C’mon, any of you?” Mela Di Legno asked while showing the dust to Cipriani. “This stuff will make a real stallion outta ya!” “We’re good.” Wing said. “The don doesn’t like it when strange illegal substances go near his face.” Star said. “Whoa, such squares you ponies are! SHEESH!” Mela Di Legno complained as he returned to his seat. “Ok, settle down, Mela.” Neon Penna stopped him. “Please let me apologize to my friends’ rude behavior, Mr. Cipriani.” Neon Penna said. “It’s no big deal.” Poni said. “Neon Penna of the Penna family. Very nice to meet yous.” He said as he shook Poni’s hoof. “I’m glad we have friends like you on board. You know, it would be nice if the two of us had a little alliance. These two are crazy, but me… I’m a people-pony, or a pony-person, or a people-pony-person, or a pony-pony. Either or, it would be pretty amazing to have us working together to get rich and powerful!” “Stop trying to bring our guest into your crazy shenanigans, Penna! It brings shame to our society.” Fraterno said. “Stop being such a square, Fraterno!” Mela instructed him. “Quit being so wild, Mela!” Penna instructed him. So the three families began to start arguing with eachother. Reminds us of anything? “Not what I expected from the Commission.” I whispered to Poni. “Perhaps it’s time to show them what we’re made of boss!” Wing suggested. “Perhaps you’re right, Wing.” Poni agreed. He checks his coat, adjusts his tie, stands and was just about to speak. “Pardon me everypony, but please welcome the don of Marmellata.” One of the Marmellata mobsters said as the TV turns on, revealing a shadow of some sort with a robotic disguise voice. “Hello, Commission, and hello to our beloved guests!” the shadowy figure said. “I am Don Marmellata, the don of the Marmellata family, which is all you need to know about me. What I really want to know is about you, Friendship Mob!” “What is there that yous need to know?” Poni asked. “We just want to know what you ponies do to gain your reputation.” The don said. “Also, how do you make so much money? Yeah, that’s the main question.” “Figures.” Poni chuckles. “What makes our reputation great is that… is the job we do. We take care of the problems the enemies give us, and the city rewards us for it. What makes our job interesting is that if we stop lowlife criminals like the Sharks from robbing places, we get rewarded money as long as we keep doing it.” “So… you’re crime fighters?” Marmellata asked. “Something like that.” Poni said. “I mean as long as we keep putting up our reputation by helping ponies out when criminals attack them, we get rewarded, and we won’t have no beef with the cops.” “Why not though?” Marmellata asked. “Aren’t you… stealing the police’s jobs?” “No, because we’re only dealing with the Sharks.” Poni said. “Other criminals? The other cops can handle them. We stopped a bank heist, if you didn’t know.” “Oh we heard.” Marmellata said. “We all heard about the stopping of the bank heist. It was… quite impressive. Though we don’t really understand. Why don’t you keep some of the money for yourselves without anypony noticing?” “Because why leave evidence behind?” Poni asked. “How are we going to get rewarded by the city if we end up stealing the money for ourselves?” “We’re not bad ponies, Mr. Marmellata.” I stood up and said. “There are ponies suffering out there in the streets, and we needed to step in and help! Ponies being beat up and bullied by thugs! No, not again! No more!” “Hail to the streets!” Angel cried. “Uhh, what they mean is,” Poni interrupted embarrassingly, “it’s all just good business. It’s a unique way of earning money.” “Huh?” I asked. “SHUSH!” Star shushed me. “What?” I whispered. “You’re really inspiring your boys of your ways, Mr. Cipriani.” Marmellata said mischievously. “It reminds me… of somepony else. Reminds me of another don that was sitting in that chair where you’re sitting right now. Have you heard of the legends of the first fifth family?” “Fifth family?” Clay asked. “What fifth family?” Annabelle asked. “Before the Sharks, there was another family that took your place.” Marmellata said. “This mob family was known as the Ovest Palma family. There was this don, goes by the name of Alberto Palma. The Ovest Palm family used to be the most powerful mob family in Equestria. In fact, they owned the Commission at the time, and this airship. Whoever holds the Zeppelin owns the Commission. The Zeppelin is the Commission. Without the Zeppelin, there is no Commission.” “Everypony got that?” Turnip asked us. We all nodded. “Ok good.” “Not me, boy.” Angel said. “Doesn’t sound very important to me.” “Alberto Palma was a great don. He was a great leader.” Marmellata said. “We all respected him, and he respected us. He even respected my privacy for my identity, and he was pretty impressed by that. Very impressed. One day though, many years ago, he found Faust, and therefore transformed his criminal ways into good. He thought everypony was suffering from his wrath of crime, and he really wanted to make a difference by fighting crime instead. His mob disagreed greatly, and therefore, rebelled against him.” “My gosh, holms!” Annabelle said surprisingly. “I just noticed that the TV he’s using is one of those old TVs on a cart, like the ones we saw a lot back in Elementary School when we watched movies.” “Alberto Palma disappeared without a trace.” Marmellata said. “The mob disbanded, and it was the end of the Ovest Palma family.” “That’s… a pretty… shocking story, Mr. Marmellata.” Poni said. “But luckily… we’re not that stupid. We’re not using our powers for good, even though it seems like it. We’re just gaining easier business by looking like we’re doing good, but quite frankly, ponies forget that we’ve broken a ton of laws. Gang wars are illegal, but somehow the city council finds our gang wars fine. Ever since the land of Mareami was sold to an unknown source, our efforts were… somewhat legal. It was quite strange, but it was the best way we knew business.” “Indeed.” Marmellata said. “Buddy, you have my respect of your ways.” Mela said. “Everypony thinks you doing good, even though you doing bad. Very tricky efforts.” “It must be very honorable for you to have this much honor.” Fraterno said. “I didn’t even think of your ways. We’d be lucky to have a pony like you in our Commission.” Fenna said. “Thank you.” Poni said. “It would be an honor to be a part of this Commission.” “Watch your tongue, boy. Only use that word wisely!” Fraterno advised him. “What word? Honor?” Poni asked. “No, ‘thank you’. Criminals don’t use that word.” Fraterno said. “It’s two words, bro.” Turnip corrected him. Just then, Turnip quickly ducks as a clever was thrown right over him. “WHOA!” “Consider THAT a warning.” Fraterno warned him as he bowed. “We must discuss on your behalf, Mr. Cipriani.” Marmellata said. “We are very impressed of your ways, but me and the three dons need to talk alone. If you please?” “Of course, no problem.” Poni accepted as he stood up. “Let’s go, guys.” He said to us, and the rest of us stood up and followed him out. The doors then shut behind us. “This is so exciting, boys!” Angel said. “Indeed! This will really get us a chair in the Commission!” Annabelle said excitedly. “It’s been a dream of yours, boss! We’re making it on top, holms!” “Indeed we are!” Poni agreed. “Mr. Cipriani, I must ask though, why have you lied to them though?” Star asked. “Yeah, we don’t commit crimes.” Wing said. “We’re not criminals. Is it true that we’re breaking laws?” “Of course not.” Poni said. “The city allows it. It’s a common Equestrian law, but not every city has that law. It seems very suspicious though about the city being bought out by an unknown source. It makes me… kinda nervous.” “We’re by your side, boss! Every step of the way!” Star said. “You almost gave us away though, Herb.” Wing said. “What do you have to say about that?” “Nothing to YOU!” I said angrily. “But… boss… it just confuses me. Being a part of this mob, are we… actually doing a good thing?” “Why wouldn’t we?” Poni asked. “We’re paying a debt to society.” “We?” I asked. “I’ve done things in the past you wouldn’t understand.” Poni said. “Would I though?” I asked. “I’ve been through a lot. I owe a big debt to society, but probably not as much as this… Alberto Palma was. Do you… know of a pony by that name?” “As a matter of fact I do.” Poni said. “Alberto Palma… really inspired me to be the pony I am today. After his disappearance, it made me think… he’s got a point. I should be able to do what Alberto Palma wasn’t able to do… pay his debt to society.” “And then I came in, and I took after you.” I said. “Exactly!” Poni said. “And, Herb, my boy…” he puts his hoof around me, “…I know some day you’re going to inspire somepony else to do the same, because you’re better at paying your debt better than I will ever be. I started this mob, yes, but you give the most effort to the gang, and I am proud to have you on proud, Herb!” “You really mean that, Pone?” I asked. “I do, son.” Poni said. “I mean that literary, I think of you as a son figure.” “Well… I think of you as that… fatherly figure I never had.” I said. “How about me, H?” Annabelle asked. “You think of me as a brotherly figure? The brother you never had?” “Of course, Annabelle!” I said. “You make the perfect brother!” “How about me, Herb? How about me, boy?” Angel asked. “Ehhh… you’re more of that long-distance second cousin.” I admitted. “Close enough.” Angel said. “And my pop… I think of him as that abusing uncle.” I said. “But still… he is your pop.” Poni said. “I may be a fatherly figure to you, but I am not your real father. Your true father… is. He’s not a very good father, but he’s still your father, and always will be.” I nodded. “It’s true.” “Very much so.” Star agreed. “Herb, I might not be so friendly to you at times, but I am confident that you will be able to reunite with your father.” “He’ll realize the bad he’s done and you two will be together again in perfect harmony.” Wing said. I nodded in agreement. “You two are right. Thanks!” “Ugh!” Annabelle groaned. He then leaned over to me and whispered, “They’re just being teacher’s pets, holms. Their minds connect to Poni’s. Whatever his opinions are will be theirs. Just remember, we have your backs.” “Your backs?” Turnip asked. “How many backs does he have?” “Mr. Cipriani?” Mela got our attention as he opened the doors to the meeting room. “We’d like to speak to you again, but… just you and two bodyguards. We can’t have too many ears.” “If that’s what they want, it shall be done.” Poni said. “Star? Wing? Come with me.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Why them?” Clay complained. “Because we’ve always been his bodyguards, Clay.” Wing said. “When it comes to guardian angels, Poni relies on us.” Star said. “He may be a father figure to you, Herb, but let’s face it, he trusts us with his life.” So the three of them walked inside the waiting room, leaving the five of us out here to wait. “Ok I really don’t like those two!” Clay said. “I know we’re all allies in this, but those two are really jerks.” “Yeah, boy!” Angel agreed. “Look at them! See how they lick the hooves of our dear boy boss?” “Let’s not forget though, they’ve been in this mob far longer than we have.” I said. “They’re probably just jealous and think we’re going to steal the attention.” “I hope they know the true meaning of being a part of the Friendship Mob, H.” Annabelle said. “If things don’t go their way, there’s a possibility of them messing things up and blaming it on us, getting us kicked out of the mob.” “They worship Cipriani, boy, like I worship the streets.” Angel said. “I’d rat out anypony to keep them safe.” “Nice.” Turnip nodded. “You’re now my least trusted ally, Angel. Congratulations. You made the very bottom of my trust list. If I fall back, I’d rather somepony else catch me, even one of the other mob dons.” “You say that now, Turnip, but wait until you actually fall, boy, and then we’ll see who trusts who.” Angel said. A few minutes went by, and then I suddenly gasped in shock, because my tail was caught on an electric outlet and I got electrocuted, and then I got surprised after I saw my pop walking down the Zeppelin corridor along with my brother and some mobsters. “Pop?!” I gasped. “Not now!” my pop said grouchy as he just walked by, and they all reached the meeting room door and barged right in. “Typical dad.” Clay said. “Too busy for his own son.” “What’s he doing here?” I asked. “He probably heard the news, H.” Annabelle said. “What puzzles me though is why did they let him in?” Inside of the meeting room, my pop interrupts the meeting with a hassle. “You have a lot of nerve to be here, Leafhorn!” Marmellata said. “Nopony interrupts a Commission meeting without good reason.” “Oh but I do have good reason, Mr. Marmellata.” Pop said as he took out a floppy disk. “I have proof that the Friendship Mob is here to sabotage you!” “And yous use a floppy disk?!” Penna asked as he started laughing. “Nopony uses those anymore! The only ponies these days that ever see them is the save points in certain video games!” “It was all I had, I use old equipment.” Pop said. “Anyways, four families, prepare to be shocked, because this evidence here is going to bring the Sharks back into the Commission!” “Fine.” Marmellata said. “But first, we’ll need to convert that floppy disk. My equipment doesn’t support floppies.” “Says the pony with the old TV.” Mela teased. “That would mean I need a VHS tape.” Marmellata said. Back outside the meeting room, I got a little concerned to why my pop was here. “I swear, he’s onto something. He’s going to get us kicked out of the Commission even before we get in!” I said. “Now calm down, H.” Annabelle said. “We don’t know for sure. The Sharks are pretty much useless with the Commission now, and they need a fifth family, and we were the only ones available for the job.” “Yeah, man, I mean- oh woops.” Angel said. “I mean… yeah, boy. Just chill out, and everything will go according to plan.” “I sure hope so.” I said. “My pop would do anything to stop the Friendship Mob. He knows if we get into the Commission, his mob is doomed.” “And he’s using any means necessary to break our ties with them.” Turnip said as he was messing with some strange device he was working on. “Exactly!” Clay said. “But we should remember though, that he interrupted a meeting, and boy do we know how mob bosses react when they get interrupted during a meet.” “How?” Angel asked. “Oh I have no clue.” Clay shrugged. “I thought you’d know.” “Boy, I don’t even know what job I’m supposed to do half of the time I’m in this gang!” Angel said. Just then, I heard a beeping sound on my phone. I took it out and took a look. “What’s going on, H?” Annabelle asked. “I got a text from Star Trot.” I said. “What’s it say?” Annabelle asked. “And you ask before I even open the text. Give me a chance, dude!” I complained. “Sor-ry!” Annabelle said defensively. “Ok this text says, ‘Run! Get out of the…’, he spelled ‘ship’ wrong.” I said as I read the text. “’The families are onto us. Run! Save yourselves.’” “Run?” Annabelle asked. “We ain’t running! We’re not abandoning the boss!” Clay said. “Plus how can we trust Star Trot?” “Freeze!” the other mobsters cried as they aimed their weapons at us. “I guess this is enough proof.” Clay said. “RUN!” So they started firing at us as we started running out of the ship. The Zeppelin’s alarm started going off as we were running to the elevator. When we got to the elevator, Angel kept pressing the elevator button very dramaticly. “IT’S NOT COMING!” Angel yelled. “Quick! The window!” Clay pointed to the window at the end, and we start running towards that. Right when we started running though, the elevator door opened with nopony inside. Guess we should’ve waited, but it was too late now. We kept on running to the window. “Wait are you expecting us to JUMP, C?!” Annabelle cried. “Yes!” Clay said. “Hoof on hoof formation!” “What did he say?” Turnip asked. “GRAB HOOVES!” Clay yelled as he grabbed onto Angel’s and Turnip’s hooves, and Turnip grabbed Annabelle’s, and Annabelle grabbed onto mine. We were all holding hooves and running through the corridors. While this felt epic for us, the other mobsters looked at us like we were weirdos. “Who do they think they are? They skipping through a flower field or something?” one of the mobsters asked. So we all jumped through the back window and we started to fall, but still holding hooves. Clay then begins spreading his wings and glided us down safely. While that was happening, the Zeppelin started to take off. The five of us safely… well, somewhat safely, landed into the field after Clay glided us down. We were heavy for him, so he couldn’t really fly, but he was able to be a good parachute for us. The sun was rising and it was shining into our eyes as we laid there in the field watching the Zeppelin take off along with the families, my pop, and Cipriani on board. “No!” I yelled. “No, no, no!” “Yes, yes, yes!” Turnip teased. “Shut up!” I demanded. “This is serious! My pop obviously did something! I knew he would ruin this for us! Now Cipriani has been captured, and the Friendship Mob is being left leaderless.” “Well if all things the same, I nominate you as our new leader, Herb.” Clay said. “No! We’re not giving up on him! We have to find him!” I said. “But where? He’s on a Zeppelin! We’ll never catch it!” Annabelle said. “Yeah, boy, let’s just throw in the towel.” Angel suggested. “NO!” I yelled. “Look… Cipriani isn’t alone. He’s got Star Trot and Bright Wing with him.” “Looks like those two got what they want. Personal alone time with the boss.” Clay said. “Well I’m not giving up on him.” I said as I started walking. “Where you going, H?” Annabelle asked. “To Poni’s house.” I said. “When I saw my brother over there yesterday, it looked like he was planting something… a… a bug. I wanted to check it out, but it Cipriani wanted us to go inside the house to talk to him, and after the meeting was over I completely forgot about it.” “So it was your fault then?” Turnip asked. “I… DON’T KNOW!” I yelled. “But still… that might prove something. Perhaps my dad was eavesdropping on us. We should observe the bug, and then… we’re going to plan a search and rescue!” So the five of us all went over to Poni’s house to see if we could find any clues. Poni had a spare key in the mailbox so we could go inside. Hey it’s more original hiding place than under a mat! When we got to Poni’s house, I showed Turnip the bug that Autumn planted, and he observed it. “Mhm.” He nodded. “Yep, this is definitely a bug.” “What kind of bug?” I asked as I looked over. “A cockroach. They always seem to go out in the middle of the night wandering around houses.” “Ok…” I said. “How about the virus?” “Yes it would seem that this virus is a bad one.” Turnip said. “Luckily we were able to stop it in time. We can’t have this virus plague Equestria any longer! With this contained, the scientists will surely find a cure!” Turnip showed me the virus that was safely stored in a containment container. Heh, containment container! Somepony could make a tongue-twister outta that! “Good job, Turnip!” I said. “How about the little device my brother installed?” “Yes it would seem you’re right, Herb.” Turnip said as he showed me the device. “Your brother installed this device to spy on our conversation. They knew our plan for the Commission, and he probably showed it to them, ruining our chances to join, and therefore, capture the boss.” “My pop had to screw things up today of all days.” I said. “He really wants to keep his job in the Commission.” “So… does this mean we’re screwed?” Clay asked. “Nope.” I said. “We’re going to find that Zeppelin, and rescue Poni.” “The five of us or the entire mob?” Clay asked. “Somepony’s gotta protect Mareami.” I said. “We can do this. The shorter the numbers, the less of a chance for us to be spotted. Besides, remember what Poni said? We’ve got connections. We’ll get them to help us out, and I think I know which one who can!” “What do you have in mind, H?” Annabelle asked. “We need to set up the monitor. We’re gonna make a call.” I said. “I’ll get right on it.” Turnip said as he walks over to the other room to get to work on the monitor. “What’s your plan, H?” Annabelle asked. “I’m going to give our connections a call.” I said. “They can meet us over in Manehatten so we can rescue Poni.” “Manehatten?” Annabelle asked. “What makes you so sure he’s there?” “The Marmellata family’s turf is in Manehatten.” I said. “The Marmellata own the Zeppelin and the Commission. The Zeppelin is going to be in Manehatten somewhere, and if we could find it, we may find Poni.” “Or information on where he’s kept, brother.” Clay added. “Exactly!” I said. “But what’s going to happen there, boy?” Angel asked. “The Commission is onto us. They’re not going to let us in now.” “Well… there might be one way.” I said. “What’s that?” Annabelle asked. “With the help of our connections,” I started, “we might be able to-“ “Oh connections! Connections! Connections! Who are they, boy?!” Angel complained. “We’ll get to that in a moment, Angel, calm down.” I advised him. “With the help of our connections, we’re going to attempt to prove to the Commission that if we do good, we’ll be greatly rewarded. So we do some good deeds in Manehatten, and we’ll see how the city will reward us by converting Manehatten’s most dangerous criminals. Have some faith in our organization! I know we can do this!” “The Sharks are with them.” Clay said. “As long as your dad is there, he’s not going to make it easy.” “I know.” I said. “Which is why I have to deal with him once and for all. I’ll need to get the Commission on our side somehow. I’m not sure what, but my pop won’t stop until he gets what he wants.” “But he’s got Poni, H.” Annabelle said. “He’s weakened the Friendship Mob. What else could he want?” “He wants me, Ann! He wants me!” I said. “I can tell by the look on his eye that he doesn’t want to fight me, and he’s probably going to use Poni to get to me. If we’re going to do this, we need to do it as soon as possible! Once Turnip’s done in the other room, we’re heading out. This might be a really dangerous mission. If any of you wants to back out, this is your chance to do so.” “No way, H! We’re loyal to you until the end!” Annabelle said. “No way we’re leaving a brother behind!” Clay said as he placed his hoof around me and squeezed me. “You’ll need all the help you can get! Angel, you in?” “Well… come to think of it…” Angel stuttered. “Angeeeeel!” Annabelle mumbled. “But Manehatten streets aren’t MY streets!” Angel whined. “Hey if Angel wants to be a big baby and stay behind, he’s more than welcomed to.” I said mischievously. “Now hang on a minute, boy!” Angel said angrily. After a little while went by, Turnip called me into the room next door. “I got it. I got the communicator working.” He said to me. “I also got the coordinance to who we want to speak to. I hope you realize that hacking to their frequency like this is illegal.” “Turnip… these days… I’m not sure what’s legal or illegal anymore.” I said. “I’m starting to have the feeling that this Friendship Mob business wasn’t such a good idea. I mean… even though we’re trying to make peace, we’re still causing gang crime.” “The city allows us to do it.” Turnip said. “The city is corrupted.” I said. “I’m not sure who runs the city council anymore.” “The mayor, of course.” Turnip reminded me. “Yeah thanks for the info.” I said sarcastically. “Anyways…” he started typing, “…putting us through… now.” After we waited for a few seconds for the call, some type of pony wearing a tuxedo and sunglasses responds to the call, and he didn’t sound happy. “This is the FDA Headquarters.” The FDA agent on the screen said to Turnip. “Contacting this frequency is illegal to anypony not an agent or the princesses. Please identify yourself.” “Yeah hello!” Turnip said. “Hi.” The agent said. “Please identify yourself.” “Identify me, the pony, or us the group?” Turnip asked. “Both.” The agent said. “Well… we’re part of a peaceful organization and… umm… we’ve got connections to… your organization.” Turnip explained nervously. “Uh huh… go on.” The agent nodded. “We have a problem that has something to do with the Commission.” Turnip said. “Oi! Stop!” a familiar voice interrupted. Just then, a familiar looking pony showed up on the screen. Purple coat, blonde hair, notepad cutie mark. “The Commission you say? We’re trying to track them now, so to speak. What do you know about the Commission?” “Wait…” I interrupted and went over to the screen to see that pony. “I know you!” “Oh my Celestia! Herb Leafhorn, is that you?” the pony asked surprisingly. “Jerry Jam, it’s… been too long.” I said. “What’s going on? What do you know about the Commission?” the other agent asked. “Nuh uh! Why are we talking to that pony?” Jerry Jam asked the agent. “He’s bad news!” “You’re the one to talk! You’re an FDA agent?” I asked. “What’s it to ya?” Jerry asked me angrily. “After the way you treated Flare Gun? Be lucky he’s got a good life now!” “Jerry, I… I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not like that.” I said. “I’ve seen the error of my ways. You may not know it, but Flare and I have made peace. But it’s you that should be ashamed! You just let me beat him up! You didn’t do nothin’ to help him! What kind of pony does that make you?” “Now just calm down! Both of you!” some green Pegasus mare with a pink mane interpreted our argument. “You think arguing is going to solve this?” “Exactly!” Turnip agreed. “Who is this?” I asked. “Agent Merry May. Who is that pony with you, so we’d both be even?” the green mare asked. “Turnip Orch.” Turnip said. “I’m the technology expert of the Friendship Mob!” “So is our friend Apple Fritter!” Merry said. “Friendship Mob? Wait, what?” Jerry asked surprisingly. “YOU! Herb Leafhorn, Jr. You’re part of the Friendship Mob?” “You’re part of the FDA?” I asked. “Guess we both did bad things.” Jerry said. “I guess we’re on the same boat here. You joined the Friendship Mob in attempt to redeem your conscience?” “That I did.” I nodded. “I really felt bad about the bad things I done. So I’m now I’m trying to redeem the bad things I’ve done in the past by doing good things.” “You and me both, mate.” Jerry said. “What do you have against the Commission?” I asked. “What do you know about it?” Jerry asked. “Loads.” I said. “Why? What are you planning to do with them? We’re trying to convert them to use their organizations for good.” “Is that so?” Jerry asked. “Hmm… maybe we can work together on this. We’re trying to convert them as well. You think we could work together on this?” “You’re our connections!” I said. “We should work together on this. A few of our fellow mobsters got captured by the Commission. Probably the leader of the Sharks mob has something to do with it. We’re fighting for the fifth Commission position, you see.” “Well, my boss has some trouble with the Commission as well. He owes the Mela Di Legno mob some money.” Jerry said. “I’m hoping him and my sister would be able to pay them off, including interests and such. My sister Jelly’s no fool.” “Well I hope they’re alright.” I said. “So what’s the plan?” Merry asked. “Well… since the Sharks have been a problem for us, and the Commission seems to… at least used to trust us, we can try to persuade the Commission to trust us again.” Turnip said. “We can also attempt to find information about them.” “Where does that leave us then?” Merry asked. “You’re good with criminals.” Turnip said. “I heard what you’ve all did with the Sphinx Cartel.” “H-how?” Merry asked. “I hacked into your software. How could I not?” Turnip asked. “I know it’s illegal, but I heard that professionals like me that hack government software could be useful to you.” “That is true.” Merry said. “So I guess you work for us now.” “Temporarily.” Turnip said. “It’s until the Commission is taken care of. What you FDA agents should do is try to get info from the other small-time Manehatten gangs. Maybe that might help providing a weakness or a plan in attempt to convert the Commission.” “That doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” Merry said. “But where did you get the Manehatten idea from?” “The Marmellata own the Commission.” Turnip said. “The Marmellata family runs the Zeppelin.” “And whoever is in charge of the Zeppelin is in charge of the Commission.” I added. “Right, and the Marmellatas base in Manehatten, so they should be there.” Turnip said. “Sounds like a plan then.” Merry said. “Jerry, go get Apple Fritter and pack your things.” “I never unpacked them. I basically just got here.” Jerry reminded her. “Well then get ready to move out. We’re going to Manehatten!” Merry said to him, she then turns to us and said, “Thank you, Friendship Mob. We’ll try to get as much info as we can from the small-time gangs, and you deal with the Commission. We’re relying on you not to squander our trust. We’re counting on you.” “As we to you.” Turnip said. “We’ll meet up in Manehatten once we got the information we need. Good luck, Friendship Detection Agency.” “Same to you, Friendship Mafia.” Merry said. “Good luck, Herb.” Jerry said. “If you claim to be who you say you are, then we’re not just doing this for ourselves, we’re doing it for Crimson Flare Gun too.” “Why?” I asked. “I’ve done a lot for him already. I helped him feel welcomed, and I used the mob to help him rescue his friend from Dr. Swinebutt. What did you do?” “Well I helped him feel welcomed, and… umm…” Jerry stuttered. “Umm…” “Yeah, well, let me know when you decide to really assist him.” I teased. “Ugh!” Jerry groaned. “Over and out.” Merry said as the transmission gets cut. “You know that one pony?” Turnip asked me. “That green agent? Merry May? No, I never seen her before in my life.” I said. “Although, Angel did mention something about his cousin knowing a pony by that name. Could it be the same pony?” “I meant the purple one.” Turnip corrected me. “Oh, Jerry Jam?” I asked. “Yeah… I met him once. His family actually owns the land of Mareami. His family broke off the fight between my family and Flare’s family. It seemed like déjà vu when I was fighting with Flare, and Jerry tried to break up the fight, until his weird Nashorse racer looking friend stopped him. I never seen him again after that day. Nopony did. He just disappeared. Now that I see him as part of the Friendship Detection Agency, it kinda answers my question.” “I see.” Turnip nodded. “Well… we have a plan to rescue the don! How do you suppose we try to earn back the trust of the Commission?” “We have to remind them how useful we are to them, and how the Sharks are just trying to sabotage us so they don’t get replaced for the fifth Commission spot.” I said. “I suggest we all figure out a plan, but at the same time, pack our things. We’re going to Manehatten! Here we come Poni! We’re coming to rescue you!” “And Star and Bright, right?” Turnip asked. “Of course.” I said as I rolled my eyes.