//------------------------------// // Dealing In // Story: The Duke Abides // by GrassAndClouds2 //------------------------------// “Alright. What do I know?” Greengrass was back in his quarters, sitting at his desk. When he spoke, it was no longer with the despair that he’d been feeling before he met the group, or the utter hopelessness from when he’d learned just who he was dealing with. His voice was sharp and tight, a veteran player in the greatest Game in Equestria. “So who’s involved? First, the CCPS. Most of them are lower-level servants who are disgruntled for one reason or another. Their goal is just to cause minor chaos and hope that it brings about political change.” Greengrass leaned back. “The leader. He is using the CCPS to damage the Court because he thinks it will help Celestia somehow. Me. I’m trying to infiltrate the group to expose them and regain my seat.” And now for the one that he wasn’t as sure about. “The backer. I don’t know why he’s doing this or what he hopes to gain from helping the group. Could be another Celestia worshipper, but I would hope that nopony in this city is that crazy – she showed up here and almost blew the place up. If I had to guess, they hope to gain from the CCPS’s sabotage – maybe the sabotage is hitting some rival of his or hers especially hard, or maybe they want the castle to appear insecure for some reason.” Greengrass couldn’t think of how to figure out the backer, but there was another mystery to be solved anyway. “Lastly, Notary, and her master.” He’d found out, just from asking a few ponies, that she’d been seen in Archduke Bobbing Fisher’s entourage. “Why are they involved?” The natural answer was that they were doing the same thing Greengrass was; trying to infiltrate and destroy the group for political gain. But there was a big problem with that theory. “Notary’s good at a lot of things, and she’s a passable spy, but she’s better in the shadows. Fisher would be better off using her to trail the members, search out their identities, steal evidence… not show up in plain sight and join them.” Okay, so what would Fisher gain by planting Notary in the group itself? For that matter, why did he need anypony in the group at all? Greengrass had been forced to join the group because he had nopony to help him do anything, so he had to do it all himself, and his particular set of talents hadn’t let him find what he needed any other way. Fisher was not in that position. He could use a network of spies to find out the things Greengrass had joined the group to learn. Besides, planting a member would open that pony up to arrest if the guards found the group. What would the gain be? “So what can a pony inside the group do that one outside it can’t?” Greengrass mused on that for a while. “Talk to them, I guess, in confidence… convey messages? But why would he need to do that? The only pony who would need to talk to the leader is the backer, and the backer’s been doing it for a month already by anonymous letter. Why would Fisher need to talk with…” Wait, something else had happened on that same night that Notary had joined. The leader had fought the two Shadowbolts. And, sure, that could be just a coincidence… but it probably wasn’t. “Fisher’s USF is involved in the castle’s defense now. He might have been able to learn that the Shadowbolts had discovered the group.” Greengrass nodded; he thought that he’d figured out a piece of the puzzle. “If the Shadowbolts bust the group, Fisher doesn’t benefit. So he needs a trusted member in the group to warn them if some other team gets close. And that’s what he did – Notary joined, and gave them a message tipping them off about the Shadowbolts. Now Fisher has more time to destroy them before the Shadowbolts or Royal Guards do.” But that still didn’t answer the question of why Notary in particular had to be the messenger. Fisher had enough resources that he could have used any number of better candidates, and kept Notary for more useful tasks. Was it just to hurt her, to open her up to the risk of being captured? But Fisher was resourceful and intelligent, a consummate chess player. He wouldn’t ‘sacrifice a piece,’ as he’d call it, for no reason, especially not one as valuable as Notary. “I don’t get it.” Greengrass sighed. “Fisher’s good at valuing his agents and using them effectively. He’s quite a strong player, at least when things go according to his plans. He’s weakest when dealing with the unexpected. But I don’t think anything unexpected came up yet, so that doesn’t help me—“ Well, no. There was one thing Fisher couldn’t have expected – that Greengrass himself would be in the group. Granted, Fisher probably knew that by now – Notary had recognized him, and she was professional enough to inform Fisher – but whatever Fisher’s plans were, they couldn’t have included Greengrass. Maybe he could use that. Some public challenge of some kind, or a public tantrum, to throw a new variable into the Game. That could spook Fisher, maybe cause him to make an error down the line. “Fisher wants to take the group down, probably publically, to show off the USF. Therefore, I should be able to push him a little without him just destroying it right away – if he does that, then I’m done for, but he won’t get the political benefits that he would from stopping the group in the middle of some kind of sabotage. So I can rattle him and yell at him, as long as I don’t seem competent enough to actually screw up his plans.” Furthermore… suppose that Fisher really was planning on hurting Notary, for whatever reason. Greengrass would want to try to prevent that, if he could. And that would be easiest if Fisher didn’t think to defend against it… meaning, it would be easiest if Fisher thought that Notary and Greengrass were on the outs. Some kind of public argument, where Notary scorned and repudiated him. Greengrass would hate doing it, but he knew how to push Notary’s buttons and how to evoke contempt and scorn from her. Why should I care what she thinks of me? She’s my employee… not even. She quit. Why should I be upset if, for this plan, I have to make her hate me? He sighed again. She was the closest thing he had to a friend, a pony who shared his dreams and ambitions, who (had) supported him in a quest that most others would have dismissed as insane and unachievable. They had been very close. So, yes, this would hurt. But it had to be done. Not just for the Duke’s political career, but for her sake as well. “Rattle Fisher, without looking too threatening. Offend Notary. I think I know just what to do.” The Duke rose and went to bed. That night. He’d move that night; he had to, it was the earliest opportunity and the Shadowbolts would be virtually certain to move within the next few days. But that night, he’d put his plans into motion. ### “I look perfect,” mused the Duke, checking his reflection in a mirror a few hallways down from the Chamber, the room where the Court voted on various bills and heard proposals. “You look like a drunken vagrant.” Greengrass turned to see Vicerine Puissance, who was staring at him with a mixture of contempt and amusement. “Really? That’s just what I was going for!” He’d spent a substantial amount of time messing up his coat and mane just so, practicing a loud, brash, yet somewhat fearful tone, and even gargling with bourbon so that his breath smelled of cheap liquor. He wanted to look desperate. Desperate enough to make Fisher think that he might do something crazy, and to arouse Notary’s contempt. “I have to admit, it’s fascinating to watch you struggle to get back into the Court. It’s like you weren’t listening when you were told never to return.” “Oh, I’m dreadfully hard of hearing some days.” Greengrass chuckled. “Terrible weakness, that.” “Well… if you have to do something, at least make it entertaining, Greengrass. I’ve been dreadfully bored.” “My dear Vicereine, I can personally assure you that you will love the show.” Greengrass smiled. “Cross my heart.” “Well, you can still talk a good game, anyway.” Puissance laughed. “Good luck.” The two walked until they made it to the Chamber. Greengrass let Puissnace go in first so he could get himself in character. So here’s my persona: I’m at the end of my rope, desperate, doing anything I can to stay alive and not wind up in jail or bucked off the castle towers. I know that talking to Fisher is desperate, but I’m far enough gone to try, and I don’t care how bad or embarrassing I look if it will let me have the slimmest chance of staying afloat. So, basically, my persona is my actual self. Great. Greengrass entered the room. It was just like he remembered. Bills hadn’t yet been brought to the floor for the night, so Courtiers were milling about, talking with visitors and the press, making deals with each other. Servants were running to and fro, conveying letters and libations. A few musicians were at one end of the room, playing a tune to a small but appreciative crowd. The Royal Guard, along with a few members of Fisher’s USF, were patrolling, and that one pony at the bar whose eyes kept darting about was probably a Shadowbolt. For just one moment, Greengrass felt like he was home. Then the ponies noticed him, and the whispering began. They parted around him, forming a dead zone that none dared cross. Greengrass brayed nervous laughter, located his target, and made a beeline for Fisher. “Archduke!” Fisher turned. He had a full entourage with him; half a dozen sycophants, and Notary too. Notary’s gaze was one of astonishment; Greengrass forced himself to ignore her. No other ponies were by them except for the musicians, who had stopped playing and were watching the impeding showdown. “What do you want, Greengrass?” asked Fisher. He had an ugly smile on his face. Ah, yes, he knows I’m in the group, he knows he could destroy me at any time by telling the guards. He only hasn’t yet because he wants to take down the group publically and bolster his USF’s public image. Well… I’ve got some plans of my own. Let’s see who wins. “I want to make a deal with you!” said Greengrass. “About your mutual friends! We’ll deal with ‘em together!” Fisher laughed. “You’re pathetic. Get lost.” “Well, what if you can’t do it alone? Without my help—“ “I’m confident I don’t need a corrupt, disgraced politician, Greengrass.” “It’s for the good of the nation!” “You wouldn’t know what that was if Luna shouted it in your ear with the Royal Canterlot Voice.” Ouch, thought Greengrass. Fisher could come up snappy hypotheticals. The Archduke turned to go, but Greengrass stepped in front of him. Greengrass smiled the smile of the desperate, and prepared to speak. But he didn’t speak – he suddenly felt the urge to sing: Earth pony! He gestured at himself. Unicorn! He pointed at Fisher. An intriguing collusion! Fair exchange, hoof and horn, comradeship in profusion! Fisher raised an eyebrow. “Are you drunk?” Greengrass grinned. And the appeal, partner (partner) Of this deal, partner (partner) Is we all, stand to win, you and me, the nation also! Fisher tried to walk away, but Greengrass again ran in front of him. He was surprised that the musicians had gotten in to it (they were playing along, and it was they who were adding the repeated ‘partners’), but then again, it was well known that ponies would break into song at the slightest provocation. It was just a quirk of their species. Don’t break my heart, partner (partner) Just be smart, partner (partner) Prove to us that your love for this land’s, pure as snow in Moscolt! Fisher scowled. “Get out of my way!” ”Thank the stars, we are civilized! And our word, can be our bond! (Be our bond!) We can turn this into friendship for life! And beyond! Fisher laughed, a long, deep, and mocking sound. And he began to sing as well. ”Patriot! He pointed at himself. ”Selfish brat!” He gestured at Greengrass. ”That’s how I’ve always seen us! Not much help, stupid prat, for agreement between us! There’s no deal, partner (partner) Who’s your real, partner (partner) Could there be, just a chance, that you’ve got, some troubling allies? He grinned knowingly. Greengrass didn’t have to fake the fear that came over his face. That’s not true, partner! (partner) How could you, partner, (partner) Think I’d want, to pursue, any deal, save our alliance? How could you, he pointed again, Only think Of your selfish ambition, or breaking my position? Will you risk them staying alive, letting those saboteurs thrive, He let the words hang for a moment, For our personal competition? Fisher did indeed look surprised that Greengrass was going this far, but then he grinned. “I’ve got you. You’re done for, and in a few days, you’ll rot in a cell where you belong,” he hissed, directly in Greengrasss’s ear. Then he brought up his voice. “There’s NO DEAL!” Greengrass gulped, then hurried over to Notary. This was it – he’d have to fool her, to convince Fisher that the two of them were through in case he needed to work with her under his nose later. He began: Silly colt! He tapped his chest, then pointed at her. A mare who, He should not have let walk out! There’s no hitch, that we two, Can’t untangle and talk out! Notary frowned. “Duke. This is embarrassing,” she began. The Duke ignored her. And the appeal, partner (partner) Of this deal, partner (partner) Is we both, stand to win, we’ll bring back, the golden era! He swept his front hooves high into the air, as if to demonstrate how great they could be together. He realized, belatedly, that he didn’t even need to fake this part all that much – he wanted her back, by his side, helping him. (For her part, she was looking mildly repulsed by the Duke’s humiliating display.) Stick with me, Notary (Notary) Leave him be, Notary (Notary) In return, we will rise, higher than, fabled czars of Moscolt! “Stop it!” Notary looked both embarrassed and offended. “This is ridiculous. I resigned, Duke. I moved on. And if this is what’s become of you without me I’m glad I did.” “But—“ She cut him off, opening her mouth to sing. Are you sick? Are you mad? You still don’t understand Why I left you, why I dropped you? Greengrass turned, suddenly conscious of everypony in the hall staring at him. It was like at the performance of the Symphony for Moon and Sun, except then he’d been one of the Court mockers, laughing and singing at the apparently-doomed Lyra Heartstrings. Now he was the target. And they began to sing. Who’d ever think of such a squalid, depraved ending? Watch the Duke descending Just as low as he can go! Notary looked away. I’m learning things I didn’t want to know. The Duke glanced around the room. Every face was looking at him, full of contempt. Who’d ever guess the Duke would be here losing, flailing His final gambits failing As his dreams die in the air! Notary retreated behind Fisher. I wish I had it in me not to care. Fisher laughed. Let him spill (spill) Out his hate Till he knows he’s deserted! There’s no point (point) Wasting time Preaching to the perverted! Greengrass took another step towards Fisher. Fisher looked startled, his horn glowed, and then two members of Fisher’s USF were trotting over. “Is there a problem?” one asked. Greengras blinked, recognizing the pony as the former Captain Lightning. “No, it’s fine,” said Fisher. “Hey!” It was one of the Royal Guards. “No chatting. You’re on duty.” Greengrass rolled his eyes. Fisher’s USF was so arrogant, it was amazing they’d ever been put to work as another castle security force. In fact-- Oh. Oh. And Greengrass understood. ### Hours passed, but Notary barely noticed them. She felt like she was in a daze. “Notary?” Notary looked at Fisher. “I’m… I’m sorry, sir. What was that?” “You don’t look well.” Fisher paused. “Why don’t you take a few hours to rest? Meet me back at my office for our morning work session, but until then, go home.” He looked almost sympathetic. Notary hated to take sick time, but just this once, she felt that she needed it. “Thank you, sir.” She began heading home, but took a detour and wound up in a bar. She liked this particular place; a large building with lots of nooks and crannies, where patrons could nurse their drinks or eat the (surprisingly good) hay fries in peace and privacy. One of the owners was a unicorn who frequently scanned the place for magical bugs, and the bouncers were good about finding lurking eavesdroppers and showing them the door. Though near a Court that was all about secrets and spying, it was a rare place where one could be (relatively) unafraid of being overheard. “Moscolt vodka,” she said to the bartender, deciding that she would have a drink from her hometown. She felt like she needed one. “And a plate of hay fries, extra relish, and one pickled apple.” Once she had her food, she slipped into a booth. How could she have been so wrong about Greengrass? He’d totally collapsed. She felt like an idiot for thinking he could have been a king. “Notary.” Notary turned to see Greengrass sitting across from her. She opened her mouth to tell him off, but paused. He looked different. His gaze was sharp, his coat and mane were fixed, and even his motions were steady and calm. He didn’t look anything like the drunken moron that had sung to her a few hours ago. “Greengrass, what—“ “Listen. Fisher is going to destroy you. When he takes down the CCPS, you’re going down with them. That’s why he had you join the group.” Notary stared at him for a moment. Then she said, “Greengrass, you taught me enough about loyalty that you can’t seriously expect me to believe my master would—“ “I taught you about loyalty, and about recognizing when your master is being disloyal to you. Notary, think. Why would he have you join the group? What can you do that his USF can’t?” “I don’t need to hear this—“ “Notary!” Notary glanced back at Greengrass, to see that the stallion was looking away from her, like he was ashamed of something. “Please. Just listen. You can tell Fisher all about it later if you want.” Notary hesitated, but she couldn’t reject him entirely. She said, “I’m listening.” Greengrass nodded, sat up straight, and took a breath. When he spoke, he no longer looked ashamed – rather, he seemed almost like a teacher who wanted to convey an important lesson. “Your skills are primarily strongest in two areas. One, clerical work, and two, information retrieval – picking locks, forging security clearances, that kind of thing. You’re a good actress, but it’s not your specialty. Fisher has an entire paramilitia behind him. If he wanted a spy, he could use one of them, or probably draft a Shadowbolt. Why would he need you for that job?” Notary said nothing. “He doesn’t need you to find information on the group. I’d be surprised if he didn’t have another spy, one you don’t know about, in their ranks. No, he needs you there so that you can be busted.” “That would hurt him.” Notary allowed just a touch of smugness into her voice. “I’ve made sure that I was seen with him, so if I’m hurt he looks…” She trailed back. Greengrass was shaking his head. “Notary.” She recognized this tone of voice; he’d used it before, when he’d wanted to teach her a political lesson. “What does Fisher want?” “I can’t—“ “I don’t mean, things he’s told you personally. Pretend you’re some new Courtier who’s never met him and only heard his speeches. What does he want?” Notary thought. “For the USF to become the premier Special Forces unit in Equestria. For them to defend the castle and the nobles, and fight off the big monsters that the army can’t. The Tyrant Sun, Grogar, beasts like them.” “Yes. What actions has he taken to that affect?” “He’s been heavily pushing bills granting them more funding and backing. He wants to open up a recruitment center in Trottingham.” Notary paused. “Is this going somewhere?” “What is the chief objection to the USF?” “That they’re unicorn-only.” “No.” Greengrass shook his head. “The Wonderbolts are pegasus only, yet nopony objects to them. Fisher’s personal tribalism draws some ire, but the USF as a whole? Not nearly as much.” “Then what is it?” Greengrass looked slightly disappointed. “Let’s say one of the USF soldiers came in here right now, and I asked you to describe her to me – we’ll use Turquoise Blade to be specific. How would you do it?” Notary blinked at the non-sequitor. “I would say, ‘that’s one of Fisher’s USF. She’s blue, with a sword and—“ she trailed off. “What?” Greengrass smiled slightly. “Fisher’s USF?” “Yes. Why?” She paused. “Wait. They technically work for the castle now, right? Not him?” “Yes!” Greengrass smiled a little. “Odd that you, one of the most perceptive ponies in the castle, forgot that.” He said nothing more, and Notary struggled to get her thoughts in order. “Okay, so a lot of ponies still think of the USF as his. Well, he founded them, paid them until recently, commissioned their uniforms and weapons, is their biggest supporter…” Something occurred to her. “When we went after the Elements. One of our tactics was to point out that they were under the control of Luna or Trixie; that they might not be loyal to the Court, or in Trixie’s case, the nation.” “Yes.” Greengrass seemed almost pleased. “And it’s probably more pronounced now, since Fisher literally created the force from scratch as his private security, and only recently brought them into public use.” “So. Notary. How can he solve this problem?” Notary thought for a few long moments. “I… I don’t know.” Greengrass paused. “Come on, Notary. You’re almost there. I need you to understand this.” Notary took a deep breath. She didn’t know what to think about Greengrass anymore; all she could do was focus on the problem. “Well, logically, the USF has to look independent. Fisher could retire from public life to make it clear that he won’t control them…” “But he won’t do that, for obvious reasons.” “Right. Or he could directly appoint some other pony to be in charge, put them under Shining Armor, for example.” “If he thought that any existing force was good enough to trust with that responsibility, he wouldn’t have fought so hard for the USF. He’s expended a lot of political capital on it.” “They could take some action against him.” She stopped. “…like arresting one of his servants.” “And not just any servant.” Greengrass lowered his voice. “One of the best secretaries and spies in the castle, assistant to the infamous Duke Greengrass, who brought down nobles and ruined companies, only losing to the Element of Magic herself. Not to mention, a servant in his inner circle. A servant who has been seen publically with him, follows him around as he conducts all his business, handles all his correspondence… his right-hoof mare.” Notary could only sit, frozen, in place. “When the CCPS is arrested by the USF, you’ll be arrested too. You’ll be sent to jail forever, and the USF will have shown that they will choose the nation’s safety over Fisher’s own interests. Fisher wins.” “But why me?” her voice was small. “If he was doing that, he should pick one of his long-term servants like Majordomo.” “Well, first of all, he hates you. You’re an earth pony who dares to play at politics, instead of tilling the fields. You’ve associated with somepony like me. I’m sure you’ve talked back to him a few times – he’s all about strict chain of command; he hates when his ‘subordinates’ disagree with him. On a personal level, he’d love to see you suffer, and for the country, I’m sure he’s convinced himself that it’s better off without you.” Greengrass nodded. “And second, he probably thinks his other servants and employees are more useful than you. Has he used you for anything besides infiltrating the group and clerical work?” She shook her head. “He can find another secretary if he has too. He wouldn’t want to have to replace a trained USF member, or Majordomo.” Notary was silent for a long moment. Then she said, “I can’t accept all this just on your say-so. I work for Fisher. I owe him my loyalty. You taught me that.” “I taught you to value loyalty… not just in yourself, but in others too. If Fisher is doing what I think he’s doing, he’s betrayed you. You owe him nothing.” Greengrass rose. “Investigate this. Please. We don’t have much time. The Shadowbolts are missing two agents; once they discover this, they’ll strike, and that’s probably going to be in a day or two.” “Without proof, if I went snooping through Fisher’s things…” Greengrass said nothing. “What would you do?” she asked at last. “You value loyalty. If you were in my position, and somepony told you this, what would you do?” Greengrass spoke slowly, as if struggling to put his thoughts into words. “I would investigate it. And, if I found nothing, I would confess my mistake to my employer. Who would likely fire me, but...” he trailed off. “Well, I never claimed to be perfect.” Notary rose. “What will you do?” “I don’t know.” ### Notary returned to Fisher’s office at the same time as the Archduke. “Are you able to work?” he asked. “Yes.” “Then let’s begin.” Soon they were in his office, the Archduke commanding and Notary carrying out his orders. File this, sign that, check a fact or a figure… it would be easy, Notary thought, to lose herself in this rhythm and persuade herself to ignore the Duke’s advice. It could be a trick; she’d thought it herself, that Greengrass would have no qualms about going after her and Fisher. But there was something stopping her from believing that was all it was. I’ve heard him lie a million times… that didn’t sound like a lie… But what proof could she even look for? It wasn’t like Fisher would conveniently leave written confessions lying about. And she couldn’t even search the room anyway; she wasn’t allowed in without him, and the door had the latest in magical and technological security. Even she couldn’t break in without a few hours and probably a unicorn assistant. What evidence would there be? If I was arrested, what would he need to prepare for? The only thing she could think of was that he’d need a new secretary, and that was such a banal and silly answer that she had to choke back a laugh. Then again… one of the things I’ve been doing for him is prepping employment paperwork, he likes to get that ready a few days before he actually starts sending it out. If he really is going to need a new secretary, he’s probably already drafted the notices and the forms for the applicants… She got up and approached the filing cabinet with employment paperwork. “Where are you going?” Fisher asked. “One of the applicants for the position of Head of Development at Digger Industries wanted to verify that we received her paperwork.” Notary reached the cabinet. “Since she has political connections, I thought it best to check.” He’s not good with surprises, Greengrass said, so hopefully he won’t be as suspicious about this as he should be… “Alright, hurry up.” Notary nodded and opened up the ‘new positions’ drawer. She moved passed the Head of Development folder, a few others, reached the end, and… And there was a notice, dated three days in the future, asking for applicants to be Archduke Fisher’s secretary and personal assistant. ### Notary throttled back her shock of betrayal and anger as she shut the door. “It’s there.” “Good.” Somehow – Notary didn’t know how – she made it through the rest of the morning. It was busy, that helped. “This is a lot of expense requests,” she commented, making an effort to be normal. “Are you funding some kind of party?” “Yes, there’s a celebration for Princess Cadence tomorrow, and I am donating to the event.” Fisher’s horn glowed, and another voucher was filled out. “A rather large party.” He paused. “Incidentally, I want to talk to you about that.” “Yes?” “The CCPS will likely target that event. Join them. I want to have detailed knowledge as to how they’re getting in to secure areas, what precisely they’re doing, and so on.” I’ll bet that the message you had me deliver Mango, the fake backer messages, told them to attack this event. You’ll arrest all of us there. “Yes, sir.” “Wonderful.” When it was time to go to bed for the morning, Notary had to fight not to flee the office. But she controlled herself as she walked away from the noble quarters and in to the common parts of the castle. All this work to destroy me… the whole fake job and everything. I’m surprised he didn’t bother with Greengrass. I guess because he’s already down and out. She paused. Although I was with him… he wasn’t really worse off than I was. It’s weird that he wouldn’t target the Duke too. If he did go after Greengrass, how would he do it? Well, Fisher was an industrialist. He’d probably target the Duke’s businesses. Notary desperately wanted to talk to the Duke, but she decided to make a quick detour. If everything would come to a head the next morning, she needed to know if the Duke was being targeted as well. ### When she entered Greengrass’s rooms, she found him awake and sitting at his desk, even though it was already late morning. “First, you were right.” She bowed her head. “Fisher is planning to betray me.” Greengrass let out a heavy sigh. “Notary, I’m so sorry—“ “Second, the bust is happening in about twenty hours. There’s a party for Princess Cadence, Archdukes and up only. The CCPS is going to attack it and be arrested by the USF.” “Okay, we—“ “Third, I went to Mango’s house, and I caught him leaving with food. I tracked him to an abandoned warehouse a few blocks away. I think that’s where he’s keeping the Shadowbolts.” “Wonderful. And—“ “Fourth, I found out who the backer is.” “What?!” Greengrass jumped up to his hooves. “Who? How?” Notary’s smile was strained. “I realized that, if Fisher spent this much effort trying to destroy me, he’d likely have something planned for you too. You haven’t been paying as much attention to your businesses as you should have been , sir.” “…I don’t understand.” “I checked with your bank. It seems that your stone business recently opened up a new storefront in Canterlot.” “What?!” “That’s what their papers say. And that storefront requires a lot of up-front capital” She took several papers out of her saddlebag. “It’s been transferring money to the ‘new location,’ which is a shell business and… well, I won’t bore you with the details. Suffice to say, that money is winding up in a certain abandoned house in the eastern part of the city. Which is owned by Archduke Fisher.” Though an experienced, and often cynical, politician, it took Greengrass a few moments to put it together. “Fisher’s been using my money to fund the CCPS.” “Yes.” “He’s… he set it all up. He’s the backer.” “Technically, you are.” Greengrass couldn’t say anything. 
“He founded the group," continued Notary. "I don’t know how he found Mango Mania—“ “Who?” “The leader. But he did. He used your money to enable Mania to start the CCPS and have them wreck havoc. The group wants democratic reform, Mania wants the Sun, either way, they caused some minor havoc. Fisher then made sure I was part of the group, and he’ll have them all arrested tomorrow at Cadenza’s party. I’m caught as part of the group, and you would have been caught for funding them.” She paused. “That’s why it had to be me in particular. If you’re the backer, it makes sense that I’d be the messenger between you and Mania. Of course, now that you’re in the group too, that makes things even easier for him.” Greengrass said nothing. “Sir?” “Yes?” “I’m sorry.” Notary looked away. “I shouldn’t have quit on you so easily. I know a large part of this is my fault and—“ “Stop it.” Notary looked at Greengrass, who seemed uncomfortable. “I let you down. I let myself go in the months following my defeat. I was not a worthy master. Even then, you did not betray me; you resigned officially, and you haven’t taken any of my secrets to other masters. You behaved professionally in every way, despite my failures. Don’t blame yourself for any of this. Fisher and I can share it.” They looked at each other, and then both bowed in unison. Greengrass said, “Notary… I need you for this. I can’t beat Fisher alone. Will you join up with me again?” “Gladly.” “Perfect.” Greengrass grinned, showing teeth. “Because I have an idea, and if it works, it just might save both of us. Ready?” “Yes.” “Then let’s go!”