//------------------------------// // Cross Purposes // Story: Shades Of The Past // by Bluecatcinema //------------------------------// Present Day, In A Undisclosed Location... A loud blaring of an alarm clock went off in a rather sparse, minimalist room. The owner of such room gave a small groan, as he then slammed on the snooze button. None other than Sterling Cross, the once-friend of Echo Alchemy and Sunset Shimmer, and an elite member of the organization known as the Forefathers, a group of many mysteries, arose from bed, and let out a yawn. "Another day, another job..." He yawned. He slowly got out of bed, when not far from his bed, a mid-sized golden retriever woke up and rushed from his basket, yipping happily. "Morning, Ward." Sterling smiled, petting the dog. "I'll have your breakfast ready in just a sec, okay?" Ward licked Sterling's hoof. "Atta boy." Sterling smiled. Sterling went about his morning routine, washing, brushing his mane (not having such luxury in a while), flossing his teeth, and trimming his scuffy beard with a dull knife. He went to his closet, and donned a fresh set of silver and gold robes. "Boy, who was it that decided dressing gowns were suitable day wear?" Sterling sighed. Once that was done, he headed into the kitchenette and poured the contents of a bag of kibble into Ward's bowl. The hungry dog eagerly dug in. "Yeah, you're a hungry boy, aren't you?" Sterling chuckled, "Looks like the others hadn't been keeping up on feeding you, have they?" Ward paid him no heed as he continued to feast on the meal he was given. "Sorry I haven't been around for while, buddy." Sterling sighed. "Things got... complicated. I messed up... bad. But I'm back now, and I'm here to stay. For better or for worse..." Once Ward had finished eating, Sterling left his quarters, joined by his faithful hound. He emerged into a long corridor, where other robe-wearing ponies walked by. It was long before he found himself outside on the high walls of an abandoned monastery, left forgotten by time, overlooking a rather cold and desolate valley within the mountains. The place was home to the mysterious society of the Forefathers. Created a long time ago by the founders, it was since converted into their base of operations, having yet to be found by anypony that wasn't one of them. They even went on to call the place 'Infinity'... Sterling took in the view, the sky filled with clouds, leaving the monastery in a perpetual sense of rain and snow. He let out a shudder and a fog-laced sigh. While it wasn't the most beautiful sight, it was still breathtaking to see it again, especially given how long it has been since he last saw it. It has only been a month or two since he was still locked up in a maximum security cell in the Crystal Empire. Sterling could still remember how hectic that day was... Flashback... It was a long cold evening in the prison cell, as Sterling sat alone on his bunk, trapped with his thoughts. Sharing the block with him, both sleeping, was Silas Necross, the former unicorn leader of the 'Order of Darkness', a group dedicated to dark magic worshiping that had yet again been disbanded after Sterling had inadvertently thwarted his plans when Synchro, one of his associates, decided to enact his own master plan. The other was Lunard Cloudskipper, a thuggish Griffon who had been robbing banks, while maintaining an abusive relationship with his son and the two he took in before he was well beaten by a certain farmer stallion. Sterling was unable to sleep, as he had been for the past month, as he had been wrestling with a decision that he had been debating for a long time. It was only a month ago that his 'friends' Echo and Sunset had sought out the Shadow Stalkers, and had a close shave with death at the end of Frankensteed and his old associate, a bounty hunter named Scalphunter Insidious. While he wasn't sure of the details regarding what happened, he was sure that him calling Deathgaze when he did had saved them from certain death. And for that, he was relieved. However, there was no changing the fact that, no thanks to him, Echo and Sunset were put in harm's way. He wasn't sure how lucky they would be next time if the Forefathers decided to try and dispose of them again, and if his calculations were correct, their foal was now born, and in as much peril as they were. And as long as he was in his cell and continuing to be in contact with them, he couldn't do much to protect them. Sterling tried to think of ways that he could assure their safety, but no matter how much he thought, only one option remained, and Sterling had been pondering whether to go through with it, or continue risking the safety of the few ponies he cared about. 'Do I really want to do this?' He thought. 'Go back to serving the Forefathers. I'd be betraying Echo and Sunset all over again. Especially Sunset. Even after everything I've done, she still cares about and believes in me. And this is how I repay her? Then again, if the Forefathers go after them, I'd be no help to them in here. I could work from the inside to try and keep Echo and Sunset off the Forefathers' radar. But then, I'd be betraying the order. My teachers and mentors...' He let out a deep sigh. 'Face facts, Cross. You're no good to anypony. You'll ruin things for somepony either way... But if you go back, at least you'll be protecting Echo and Sunset, and that innocent foal.' Looking towards under his bunk, he gave one grim nod and knew it was high time that he returned back to the Forefathers' service. It was the only way... Slipping his hoof under the bunk, he pulled out a magic mirror, given to him by Scalphunter last month, and focusing his Earth Pony inner magic, the mirror began to shimmer, contacting the hidden network of the Forefathers' communication lines. He wasn't sure who would answer, though he hoped that it wasn't a certain pony. Meanwhile, back deep within the monastery, the mirror in the pouch hanging off a wheelchair began shimmering, as none other than the fellow Forefather and elder member, Loveless Irons picked it up. His eyes widen at the sight of Sterling. "Sterling?" Loveless frowned. "Sterling, is that you?" "Hello, Loveless." Sterling declared, a sigh of relief escaping him. "It's been a while." "How are you contacting us?" Loveless asked in shock, "I thought you were in prison!" "I still am." Sterling sighed, "Scalphunter came and gave me one before he went on that Shadow Stalkers mission. I'm guessing that wasn't yours or Solomon's idea?" "Far from it." Loveless frowned, grimacing at the mention of the lecherous bounty hunter, "So, what are you calling for?" "Simple really." Sterling declared, as he gaze out his cell. "I want out. I am ready to blow this dump, but I can't do it by myself. I was hoping that maybe you could send some help?" "All you had to do was ask." Loveless gave a smile. "I was beginning to worry that we would be leaving you in that place forever. Solomon has been saying things about you, and I didn't want to believe it." "Well, rest assured..." Sterling held back a grimace, not wanting to worry him with his 'other thoughts', "My loyalties has been to the Forefathers. Always have been." "That I know." Loveless nodded. "I am just glad to hear your voice again, boy. Things just hadnt been the same around here without you. I misssed you." "I've missed you too, old friend." Sterling said fondly. "And I'm glad you were the one who answered. I doubt Solomon would be too happy to see me." "Like I care what Solomon thinks." Loveless snorted, "Head of the circle or not, I am still his elder." "Good to see things haven't changed while I've been away." Sterling chuckled. "I will have somepony by shortly to break you out." Loveless declared, before frowning, "But... I must warn you. With all the things going on between you and... 'those two', Father and Solomon and everypony else will be observing you closely. If you were to fail them once more, they'll no doubt see to it that you wish you'd stayed in that cell." "Don't worry." Sterling assured him. "I won't make the same mistakes again..." He felt a lump in his throat, before regathering his thought. "...I promise you..." "Then prepare for extraction." Loveless told him, his face vanishing from the mirror. Sterling let out a harrowing sigh as he sat down in his bed. Extracting a piece of paper (which he had secretly taken from the Captain of the Guard when he was making a report of the prison), and taking out a quill and ink pen that he was able to sneak in, he began writing a note to the two ponies he would be leaving behind, possibly for good... 'Oh, this hurts...' Sterling thought, a tear coming to his eye. 'But it's the only way. The best way to save their lives is if I'm not in them...' After he had written his note, he set it on the pillow of his bunk, and sat on the bunk with it awaiting his salvation... And wait he did... a lot longer than he could had hoped, as the evening soon began to turn to early dawn... 'What's taking so long?' He thought, tapping his hooves. 'Guess the quality of operatives has lowered since I've been away...' Suddenly, the prison shook as something started striking the wall, causing it to crack. "...What the?" Sterling jolted up with a start, as the wall began shaking again. Suddenly, the wall came crashing down, as a hulking Pegasus stallion, decked out in a black armored bodysuit, entered through the hole. He donned a gas mask with tubing going into the filter, pumping some sort of sickly green liquid. It seem to have physically enhanced his strength tenfold, far more than any stallion. The big stallion gave a small bow as he muttered. "Sterling Cross..." "Finally." Sterling smiled, "Good to know those yahoos' chemistry crud are good for something." "Well, it's your lucky day, sir, because..." The stallion made his way over to the cell door, and with a simple heave, he pulled it open with his bare hooves. "You're up for early parole." The noise stirred Lunard and Silas awake. "What the-!" Lunard the Griffon yelped. "What's going on?" "Who dares interrupt my naptime?" Silas said, very cranky. As he looked around, he saw Sterling out of his cell, standing by the stallion. "What's going on?" "I'm getting out of here, that's what." Sterling grinned. "This happens to be my escort, who had come to spring me from this craphole and away from you two." "You?!" Silas Necross spat. "What about me?!" "What about you?" Sterling sneered. "You help him escape, but not me?!" Silas scowled at the stallion. "This is an outrage! I am a part of the organization as much as he is!" "Tough luck, Necross." Sterling scoffed, "You're not of any importance to the Forefathers. Your track record is abysmal, and honestly, you only got in because you refused to give up certain information unless we let you in." "Information that you ended up using!" Silas snarled. "Details, details." Sterling rolled his eyes, as he then gestured outwards and towards the stallion. "Come on, let's blow this joint." "NO!" Silas roared. "I demand you free me too! If not, I will scream, and scream out loud for all of the Crystal Empire to hear me, and the Guards will be all over you before you can get over the border!" "Seriously?" Sterling snarled. "That's your big 'if not'?" "I will not be left here to rot!" Silas declared, "You owe me for your stupid lap dog ruining everything for me!" "First off, Synchro is not a lapdog!" Sterling gave a offended snarl. "Secondly, I don't need some high and might idiot slowing us down!" "I'm an idiot?" Silas spat. "You ended up right next to me, remember?" "That doesn't make you my equal." Sterling snorted. "Why, you arrogant-" Silas started. "Will you two please knock that off?" The stallion growled, ripping open Silas' cell. "Necross can come too, if only to make him stop." "I'm glad to see good sense prevailed." Silas smirked as he strolled out. "That's a laugh." Sterling scowled. "Hey, what about me?!" Lunard cried out, "Don't I get out too?" "In your dreams, feathers." Silas snorted. "I didn't even want to let this clown out." Sterling pointed at Silas. "Typical pony attitude." Lunard growled. "Leave a Griffon high and dry..." "This has nothing to do with species." Silas retorted. "It has to do with you being a brainless brute who will be of little help to us." "Watch who you're calling brainless, big mouth!" Lunard spat. "Or what?" Silas shot back. "You're still locked in there, remember? Or are you really that stupid?" "Only stupid one around here is you, for insulting me!" Lunard raged, struggling to get his talons through the bars. "Alright, knock it off!" Sterling yelled. "I don't time for this. I'm leaving, and I'm leaving-" *SHINK* Sterling and Silas' blood ran cold, as the bulky Pegasus went still, a bolt embedding itself in his head through the visor, then dropped to the floor, dead. "OH, BUCK!" Sterling and Silas screamed. "Hold it right there!" That cry belonged to a guard as he rushed into the prison block, holding his just-used crossbow, as Sterling and Silas held their hooves up. "Back in your cell, now!" The Guard yelled, shoving his crossbow forward. "Know, let's just calm down..." Sterling urged. "Yes, no need for violence." Silas agreed. "Like buck!" The Guard snarled. "You are prisoners attempting to escape, and refusing to cooperate! That calls for definite violence." He went over to Sterling, pushing the crossbow into his face. "I'll see it only once more. Get back in-" Sterling suddenly struck the Guard in the hoof, causing him to drop the crossbow. An eye blink later, he struck him across the face, knocking him back. Then Sterling grabbed the crossbow and shot the Guard in the shoulder. "Gah!" The Guard yelled, dropping to the floor, groaning in pain. As the Guard fell, the faint sounds of others approaching grew loudly. "Oh, buck me..." Sterling growled. "What do we do now?!" Silas panicked, "Do we run?!" "What's the point?!" Sterling growled, "The prison had high walls everywhere! Only the strongest flyers can get over them, and thanks to your yelling, our way out is dead!" "If you had only honored my request, we wouldn't be in this mess!" Silas yelled. "If you hadn't tried to horn in my escape..." Sterling snarled. "Ahem..." Sterling and Silas glared at Lunard, who was now smirking evilly at them both. "It's looks like you two need someone to help bust you out of here." Lunard sneered, "Someone with strong wings..." He spread his wings to emphasize his point. "Yeah, so?" Sterling growled, knowing full well what he was implying. "If you guys let me out of the my cell, we can escape together..." Lunard smirked. "Oh Tartarus no!" Silas snarled, as he then glared at Sterling, "Sterling, we are not bringing him along!" "Well, what other options do we have, Silas?" Sterling growled, "We will be screwed if we don't escape right now!" "But..." Silas tried to complain, but only snarled in defeat, realizing Sterling was right. "Well, then, would you kindly?" Lunard gestured to the lock. Sterling, utterly annoyed, took the crossbow and shot the lock. Using his brute strength, Lunard forced the door open. "Flap yeah!" Lunard stretched his body and wings. "So good to be free!" "Yeah, yeah..." Sterling scowled. "Let's just get out of here while the getting's good!" "And how will we be doing that when a hoard of Guard are headed our way?" Silas asked. "We'll be slaughtered!" "Quit whining." Sterling told him. "There's always a way out." "And that way is me!" Lunard declared. He grabbed both of them. "What are you-" Sterling frowned. "Release me, you-" Silas started. "Hang on!" Lunard ordered, as he leapt out of the hole the stallion had made. "AHHHHH!" Silas screamed. As they dropped down, the bulky Griffon opened his wings and took flight. At the same time, the Guard entered the prison, seeing Lunard through the hole. "Stop them!" The Captain of the Guard yelled. "Fire!" The Guards fired their crossbows through the hole. "Evasive manoeuvres!" Sterling yelled. "Don't tell me how to fly!" Lunard growled, as he expertly dodged the bolts. Before long, Lunard flew out of range, leaving the Guards helpless to stop their escape. "The Prince and Princess are not going to like this..." The Captain sighed. Soon after, Lunard was gliding along the skyline of the Crystal Empire, as Sterling and Silas took in the view from Lunard's back... well, Sterling at least, as Silas was scared out of his mind. "So high..." Silas trembled. "So high..." "Knock it off, you wuss." Lunard sneered. "Can't we just get the BUCK down?!" Silas cried. "Okay, big guy." Sterling tapped on the back of his neck, "I think you can drop us off now." "...Gladly." Lunard sneered. In a flash, Lunard did a barrel roll, flipping a shocked Sterling and terrified Silas off, before Lunard grabbed them by their hoof, dangling them from his claw. "What are you doing?!" Sterling yelled. "No! I want to live!" Silas screeched. "I'm getting my payback." Lunard snarled. "The past couple of months had been made a living hell because I had to deal with both your condescending smart-flank faces every day. Always talking like I am never there. Going on about this stupid 'Forefathers' bullcrap! Well, now that I am free, I will gladly turn you both into splats on the pavement!" "Please don't kill me!" Silas begged. "I'm sorry I called you a brainless brute!" "Hold on, Lunard!" Sterling stopped. "You don't have to do this!" "Don't I?" Lunard asked, "If I leave you two alive, I leave a chance of being captured again, and I am not going back to prison. I have some unfinished business back in Dodge Junction to take of!" "You don't have to worry about us ratting you out." Sterling declared. "We won't tell anypony, I swear." "Like I'd believe you." Lunard spat, loosening his grip on them both. "No, I think it's best to cut the loose threads..." "Why don't you come with us?!" Sterling asked quickly. "What?!" Silas yelled. "Come with you? Where?" Lunard raised a brow. "The Forefathers." Sterling explained. "I know we had been keeping you out of the loop, but only because you are not a member. But surely, if you brought us back, they would gladly let you in for busting me out." "And why would I want to join your stupid club?" Lunard sneered. "Come on, don't be like that." Sterling urged. "We could always use some muscle within our ranks, and it does come with perks." "...I'm listening." Lunard glanced intently at Sterling. "Sterling, you can't be serious!" Silas screeched. "Why would we want a mindless brute in the Forefathers?!" "Do you actually want me to drop you?" Lunard growled. "No, please!" Silas trembled. "What kind of perks are we talking about?" Lunard asked. "All sorts." Sterling gave a nervous smile. "Food. Booze. Money. Drugs. A barrack full of rookies for you to terrorize...and all the gorgeously hot griffon babes you can ever want." "All of that, huh?" Lunard gave a interested smirk. "Yeah. All you gotta do is pledge your eternal loyalty to the Forefathers, and you will dining like savages and kings!" "Hmm..." Lunard mused. "Sounds like a decent trade." "But we can't let this-" Silas started. "If you want to live, zip it." Sterling hissed. Suddenly, Lunard flung them over his shoulders, placing him on his back again. "Okay, you got me hooked." Lunard declared. "Just point the way to where they live, and I will get us there in no time." "It's off to the east." Sterling smiled, relieved. "Just head that way for about fifty miles, then turn south for ten, and west for thirty." "Well, what are we waiting for?" Lunard smirked. "Let's go!" "Not again..." Silas cringed, as Lunard soared upwards. Sterling had his misgivings about Lunard joining them, but it was better than going splat. Still, he was sure that Lunard could be of use to them. Silas, not so much... The present... Sterling reflected on what came after that near death experience. After flying for several miles, the motley trio were eventually able to find Infinity. While Sterling was welcome back with open hooves by almost everypony, including Loveless, they were surprised to see Silas and Lunard with them (mostly dismayed at Silas, however). After Sterling explained what had become of the stallion that tried to rescue them and how Lunard helped them escape, they ultimately decided to take in Lunard as a operative, and after much complaining from Silas, they welcomed him back in, albeit less enthusiastically. "Which reminds me." Sterling mused. "Better make sure they aren't causing too much trouble." Ward barked in agreement. As Sterling and Ward walked by the dining room, they saw Silas ranting to the other operatives (again). Although Silas was given a higher rank due to his resources and once position as leader of the Order of Darkness, it didn't change that Silas was despised by nearly all his peers. "All I'm saying is that I am deserving of respect." He declared. "It was I who masterminded the plot to harness the power of King Sombra's spell book, after all! Twice, even!" "Yeah, and how did that work out for you both times?" One operative smirked. "My plan only failed due to... outside interference." Silas scowled. "That's what they all say, loser." Another operative snickered. "How dare you!" Silas snarled. "I am Silas Necross, and I demand respect!" "Well, we demand you shut up!" Another operative yelled. "You insolent..." Silas seethed. Sterling walked away from that sad little scene. "What a pompous idiot." He sneered. "Respect needs to be earned." Ward growled in Silas' direction, before following Sterling. As Sterling passed the barracks, he saw Lunard asserting his dominance over the other operatives in combat. Unlike Silas, Lunard was taking to his role as a new member of the Forefathers with gusto, showing exemplary combat prowess. "Take this, Griffon!" One operative lunged at him. Lunard dodged the operative's blows, then struck back with an uppercut. Before the operative even hit the floor, another leapt on Lunard's back, trying to put him in a chokehold. But Lunard simply reached, grabbed him, and threw him across the room. More operatives joined the fight, but that only made Lunard more determined to win. He took them down one by one. "I'm the toughest guy in here." Lunard declared, punctuating his statement with a punch to an operative. "Which means you losers answer to me." He headbutted another. "Is that clear?" "Yes, Mr. Cloudskipper." One of the downed stallions groaned. "Good." Lunard smirked. "Glad we got that settled. Now hit me up!" One of the operatives limped over, carrying a syringe filled with the same green fluid Sterling's would-be rescuer had. Lunard injected himself with it. Instantly, a deep grin emerged on his beak. "Oh, flap yeah, that's the stuff." Lunard gave a relieved chuckle. "I hate to admit it, but Silas was right about him." Sterling grimaced. "He really is a mindless brute... not to mention he's going through those drugs faster than everypony else." Ward whined plaintively. After taking some time to exercise in the gym and sparring with a few fellow operatives, Sterling was approached by another operative, a Pegasus stallion. "Agent Cross, the Forefathers demand your presence, post-haste." The stallion declared. "I'll be right there." Sterling panted, as he was pinning another agent. "Mercy." The pinned agent gasped. "Please..." Sterling made a brief stop at his quarters to return Ward, acknowledging that the Forefathers might not want a dog at their meeting. "Be back soon, pal." He patted Ward on the head. After leaving his room, Sterling made to head to the top floor of the monastery, which was actually built into the side of the mountain by the Forefathers themselves, rather than connected to the monastery itself. The highest floor served as the meeting place for the highest of Forefathers, including himself, as well as the place where all the planning and happenings of all the Forefathers' 'projects' takes place. Only certain agents were allowed to be up there. Sterling rushed over to an elevator (in which the monastery was outfitted with among other machinery), which served as a lift to the top floor. Unfortunately, one stallion operative was already inside. "Hold the door!" He called. Just as Sterling said it, the door closed. The stallion flashed him a quick apologetic look. "Aw, great." Sterling sighed. With no other options, he had to take the escalator, which served as a alternative way up the mountainside. Sterling tapped the railing as he made the slow climb up. "Agent Cross." One of the lowers agents saluted as he came down the opposite side. "Agent." Sterling saluted back. Another agent passed by. "Agent Cross." He saluted. "Agent." Sterling nodded. Then came another. "Agent Cross." "Agent." Sterling said, starting to get irritated. More came down the other escalator. "Agent Cross." "Agent." Sterling grit his teeth. "Agent Cross." "Agent." Sterling's eye started to twitch. "Agent Cross." "Go buck yourself!" Sterling finally blew his top. "Agent Cross." "Go buck yourself!" "Agent Cross." "Go buck yourself!" "Aww..." The agent pouted. Sterling groaned. If there was anything he hated more, it was having to take this damn escalator. "Wassup!" One agent yelled as he passed by, waving his hooves madly. He didn't even want to address that one. Soon, he found himself entering the cavernous upper floor of the Infinity. It was a stark, gray area, filled with various technologies, weapons, and work stations, with high-level operatives going about their work. Soon, Sterling approached a giant serpent like statue, trying to eat its own tail, but stops just short of it, leaving room for a hoof to fit inbetween the mouth and tail. He stuck his hoof into the hole, placing it on a panel within which read his hoofprint. "Welcome back: 'Sterling Cross'." The statue announced in a electronic voice. The wall beside the statue slid downward, revealing a ramp to a lower hallway. Sterling walked down the slanted hallway, the torches lighting up as he made his way downwards. Soon, at the end of the long hallway, he came out into a large circular chamber. This was the place where all the highest members of the Forefathers' met, away from the ears and eyes of the lower agents. Such a place was called the 'Coils of Ouroboros', or just 'The Coils'. It was a fitting name, as those who were the leading members of the Forefathers were called the 'Ouroboros'. How they thought of the name, Sterling would never know, but that what he was, and that what the others was. A small glimpse of light shimmered from a hole in the top of the room, and off in the corner, a masked pony was playing somber music on an organ. Why he was there was another mystery. Already in the room was Solomon Thunder, donning a peeved excession while sitting in his chair, Loveless Irons, who was next to him, sitting in his wheeled platform. "Ah, there you are, Sterling." Loveless smiled. "What took you so long?" Solomon scowled, "We fetched for you a half hour ago." "Long story short, we need another elevator." Sterling declared. "Or a faster escalator..." He looked around. "Say, where's lumpy, skinny, rich boy, and Doc? And where's Rico?" "The first two are still busy with that little changeling project of theirs." Solomon rolled his eyes, "And the other two are busy dealing with their... troublesome subject. And as for Rico-" "YO! WHADDUP?!" Sterling, Solomon, Loveless, and the pony playing the organ cringed as a lanky Pegasus, boasting a reddish coat and a slicked-back black mane, with a Cutie Mark of a crossbow bolt (which changed direction mid-flight) and ice-blue eyes. He was wearing a pair of dark red robes that were rather unkempt and stained. "...Hello, Ricochet." Solomon cringed. "Hey, Lightning!" Ricochet bellowed, then turned to Loveless. "Wheels!" And then to Sterling, as he held up a hoof. "Sterling, my main stallion, whassup?!" "Going just fine, Ricochet." Sterling gave a forced smile as he lightly hoof bumped his hoof. "And just where had you been, Ricochet?" Solomon asked. "I fetched for you earlier this morning." "Oh, I was nursing this huge hangover I had." Ricochet rubbed his head. "Me and the boys downstairs were partying it hard last night. You should had been there, it was a BLAST!" "I'm sure it was." Loveless sighed. "I just hope all these parties aren't interfering with your work." Solomon declared. "Come on." Ricochet smirked. "You know I'm with you guys all the way. I just like to enjoy myself while I'm doing it!" "Same old Rico." Sterling shook his head. "Well, now that everyone is here, we can get down to business." Solomon gestured to Sterling and Ricochet to take a seat. "So, what is the plan for today?" Sterling questioned. "We've received some trouble reports from the west." Loveless declared. "Some dogooders are protesting the construction of a new factory by one of our allies. We'll be sending some agents to break up those fools." "An environmentalist coalition in Fillydelphia is launching an investigation into one of our research labs." Solomon frowned. "We'll send in somepony to bribe the local papers into running a smear campaign against them." "Boring." Ricochet scowled. "But not for long, Soon, we're going to have some real fun..." "Fun? What are you talking about?" Sterling frowned. "It's nothing you need to worry about." Solomon glared, as he then glared harder at Ricochet, "And I appreciate that you don't go blabbing things out, Ricochet." "Sorry, sheesh..." Ricochet cringed. "Now, now, Solomon, be nice. Besides, he's going to find out one way or another." Loveless countered. He then turned to Sterling "Sterling, we are fast approaching the initiation of Project: Titanfall." "Titanfall? You're serious?" Sterling gaped. "Oh, yes. We're just waiting on Father's call on when to strike." Loveless nodded. "And when that time comes, we are going to have a blast!" Ricochet chortled. "Wait, so you are seriously going along with Solomon's crazy plan?" Sterling frowned, "I thought he was kidding!" "You call it 'crazy', I call it 'inspired'." Solomon shot back. "I call it 'fun'." Ricochet smirked. "Once we get that project going, things are really gonna get wild!" He then pulled out a piece of paper and began scribbling, "Note to self, grab a case of beer for the show." "Whoa, let's not get ahead of ourselves." Sterling held up a hoof. "We're really going to do this plan?" "Yes." Solomon glared. "I have been planning this for years... is there a problem?" "...I'm just saying, we've never done anything that... big before." Sterling declared. "We're supposed to be a secret society. And what you have in mind isn't exactly easy to hide. I mean, do we even know if Loveless's contraption will even work?" "It will work." Solomon growled, as he glared at Loveless and Ricochet. "Right, you two?" "There is a high probability of success." Loveless nodded. "Oh, we are gonna cause so much carnage!" Ricochet whooped. "You see?" Solomon asked. "I don't. I really don't think we should go through with this." Sterling glared, "If this plan fails, we will had outed our entire society for the world to see!" "Hey, I don't need some underling telling me how to do things." Solomon scowled, his horn sparking with electricity. "Especially not one who has been languishing in a prison cell for the last few months, largely due to his own failures." "I made a mistake." Sterling snarled. "One mistake. And last I check, it was because of you that I was in there for so long." "That's not the way I heard it." Solomon sneered. "You made a lot of mistakes. Your incompetence brought great shame to our order. Frankly, I'm amazed somepony here decided to break you out... Which cost us one of our elite soldiers, I might add." "You needn't be so surprised." Loveless stepped (or rather, rolled in). "Sterling has served us well for many years. We had no cause to hang him out to dry over a single failure." "Of course you'd stick up for him." Solomon shook his head. "You always did have a soft spot for this one." "Only because I know a valuable asset when I see one." Loveless countered. "Thank you, Loveless." Sterling grinned. "It's good to know somepony here recognises my talents." "'Talents' is a broad term." Solomon snorted. "Speaking of 'broad', let's get back to that plan of yours." Sterling declared. "What is this project supposed to be targeting? I assume you meant Celestia and Luna, but the plans don't seem to specify-" "Don't you worry about that." Solomon said flatly. "I know who we are aiming for, and we will do what is necessary to eliminate them. We will attempt to keep collateral damage at a minimum." "But how can you do that?" Sterling declared. "We all know the kind of heavy artillery we're packing. If something goes wrong..." "You're a fine one to talk of things going wrong." Solomon spat. "You, who have failed our order so spectacularly in the past, have no place questioning my plans. Plans that Father himself has approved of. Do you think yourself wiser, more intelligent, than Father? Well, do you?" "...No." Sterling said flatly. "Exactly." Solomon sneered triumphantly. "Do yourself a favor, Cross: Keep your mouth shut. Remember your place here, and be grateful you still have one, in spite of your incompetence!" "Solomon-" Loveless started. "Don't tell me to ease off on that fool." Solomon growled, electricity dancing madly around his horn. "I have no time for failures. We should have just let him rot in prison. At least then, I wouldn't have to listen to his nonsense!" "Reasoned arguments are 'nonsense' now?" Sterling frowned. "They are when they come from you." Solomon sneered. "Why don't you worry about your own business, and leave your superiors to their work!" "You know what? Fine." Sterling scowled. "Just don't come crying to me when it all blows up in your face!" Sterling stormed out of the room. "Harsh." Ricochet cringed. "Way to bring things down, Thunder..." "Was that really necessary, Solomon?" Loveless frowned. "More than you think." Solomon declared, as he turned to Ricochet. "Ricochet, would you kindly leave the room for a second?" "Sure thing, boss." Ricochet gave a nod, as he then turned to the organist. "Hey, organ guy, wanna grab something to eat?" "Yeah, why not?" The organist smiled. "My hooves are killing me, and its like anypony's appreciating my work right now..." "Sandwiches on me, bro!" Ricochet chuckled. "Then maybe I could teach you how to crush cans against your head. It's way sick!" After those two left, Loveless and Solomon were alone. "...What is this about, Solomon?" Loveless frowned. "Loveless, in these past months, have you noticed that Cross has been acting... differently, since he had returned?" "What do you mean?" Loveless asked, "He doesn't look different." "That isn't what I am talking about." Solomon groaned. "Before he had left on Project: Maelstrom, he never once gave a damn about the collateral damage, or question orders when given... yet now, he is always fretting about how much destruction we cause, and most of the time, disregard his orders, and most annoyingly, questioning my every decisions!" "Cut him some slack, Solomon." Loveless growled. "Sterling has been in prison for months. That sort of thing has an effect on even the toughest stallions. I'm sure he will be fine once he has been given time to re-acclimatize. That's all..." "Really, Loveless?" Solomon glared. "How about when Sterling left on 'personal business' a while back? A week later, we find out that Hans and Olga Hubris have been slain during transport. You know, those fools who tried to do in the Shadow Stalkers and Echo and his wife." "Well, maybe Sterling was trying to take care of loose ends." Loveless surmised. "They did knew Scalphunter, and we all know how badly things went..." "How about when he refused to kill Barbossa Wheatley?" Solomon declared. "It was a very easy kill, yet Sterling said that he was more useful to us alive." "Look, Solomon, Sterling has always been a rather rebellious member of the Forefathers. But let's not forget that there are reasons that he is one of us. His wit, skills, and intelligence are a great boon to us." Loveless explained. "What boon will he be if he's acting the way he is?" Solomon snarled. "He need to be reminded of what loyalty to our order truly means." "What is that supposed to mean?" Loveless frowned. "It could mean nothing..." Solomon shrugged. "But if Sterling continues to be defiant and belligerent, I will just have to deal with him...via eradication..." He then lean back in his chair, "Unless of course, you'd prefer to deal with him?" "Very well..." Loveless sighed. "I shall set him straight." "You'd better." Solomon growled. Loveless went after Sterling, finding him fuming in the corridor outside. "Sterling, we need to talk." He declared. "What about?" Sterling asked gruffly. "About the... changes... you've displayed since returning." Loveless admitted. "Some of us are finding them... disconcerting." "By 'some', you mean Solomon, right?" Sterling frowned. "...Yes, but I am also concerned myself. Ever since you had returned, you've been speaking out of turn, voicing your own opinions, even taking liberties with your missions on a regular basis." Loveless noted. "Before, you followed orders to the letter, and always showed the others respect... even Solomon...but now..." "I have a good reason for Solomon." Sterling scoffed. "The guy's a mule-brained idiot. Just because Father had made him the boss of all of us doesn't mean he gets to lord it over all of us..." "Come now, surely it wouldn't kill you to show some respect towards him?" Loveless pleaded. "He is your superior, after all." "That's as maybe... but lately, I have been getting this bad feeling about him." Sterling admitted. "When I met him, he seems like an okay guy. Loyal to our causes and everything, but ever since he became Father's personal second-in-command, he has been playing fast and loose with his position... I mean, don't you get the feeling that he has his own plans, and he is just using the rest of us to enact it? "Sterling... that is a dangerous thing you're assuming." Loveless said sternly. "Can you blame me?" Sterling frowned. "I had been going through the records myself, and Solomon has been doing some 'weird' things. Something about taking trips to the middle of nowhere... I'm concerned that whatever it is he intend to do, he will be throwing all of us to the fire." "Sterling...I will not lie, Solomon always had this... dubious personality about him." Loveless agreed. "But Solomon has earned his place as head of the Ouroboros for a reason. He had earned Father's trust, something that he practically never gave out. And despite these 'questionable' actions, he has yet to steer any of us wrong. I understand your concerns, really I do, but we must at least give him the benefit of the doubt... could you please do that? ...For me?" Sterling gazed at Loveless intently before sighing. "Fine... I won't like it, but I'll try to lay off the guy... but I still don't like this plan of his." "Give it a chance." Loveless urged. "There is a level of risk, but a higher chance of success. Besides, we get to finally test out my magnus opus!" "Your little dream, brought to life." Sterling smiled. "You must be so proud." "Oh, I am." Loveless grinned. "I can't wait to set that baby into motion..." "And I'll be there to see it, old friend." Sterling declared. "Thank you, my friend." Loveless declared. "You make an old, legless stallion very happy." "I owe you that much." Sterling said firmly. "Come on, let's get some lunch." The two stallions made their way down the corridor together, tensions eased for the moment. Later that night, after everypony in the Infinity had retired for the night, Solomon, sitting on his bed in his own quarters, situated not far from the Coils, pulled out a magic mirror. He activated it as a form of a shadowy stallion appeared. "Solomon, I was expecting you..." The shadowy stallion declared. "Is everything in preparation?" Solomon asked, "Because I have an important rendezvous I cannot miss tomorrow." "Of course." The stallion nodded. "Once you are in the valley, we will have a transport ready to take you out into the plains. We'll be there by the following afternoon." "Excellent." Solomon grinned. "Are you sure this is wise, though?" The stallion asked. "Won't your comrades wonder where you have gone?" "Already taken care of." Solomon smirked. "I've told them I'll be going on a fact-finding mission. They don't suspect a thing..." "Good. It isn't easy being a vagabond you know." The stallion frowned. "The last thing I want is to incur the wrath of the Forefathers." "Just get me where I need to go without anypony knowing, and I can promise you that." Solomon nodded. "Very well." The stallion smiled. "See you tomorrow, sir." As the stallion faded from the mirror, Solomon's smirk grew wider. "Finally..." He grinned. "As much as I would like to get Titanfall underway... there is one loose end that I must take care of... once and for all."