In Elite's office, Fletcher was less than captivated by the story.
"This is all very interesting." He said sarcastically. "But I fail to see how it justifies any of Black's wicked deeds, nor for that matter, why you're associating with him after everything he's done." He glared at Elite.
"Impatient, aren't we?" Elite frowned.
"Yeah, can't you just enjoy the story?" Black asked.
"I sure am." Caboose grinned, eating from a box of popcorn he'd pulled from out of nowhere.
"See, Napoleon gets it." Black gestured, "Although I do not want to know where that popcorn came from."
"Fine. Continue." Fletcher scowled. "The sooner this nonsensical yarn is over with, the better."
"And on that note, let's move on to the next part." Black noted.
Many years ago...
As Caboose pointed out, yes, this was how I first met Director Everest. Back when me and my brother were in training, we had heard about the elusive founder of the organization, and how he is rarely seen in public. At one point, I thought he was a myth. Yet, there he was, standing in front of me... needless to say, I was a bit more than surprised.
Black was still staring in shock at Elite.
"You?" He gaped. "You're the big fromage of the RDL."
"That's right." Elite nodded. "And you are Black Knight Paladin, one of our new recruits."
"You recognize me?" Black frowned.
"Oh, yes." Elite nodded. "I make it a note to be aware of all the new recuits. But I must say, it is not proper for a member of my organisation to waste his time on petty scuffles like back in the bar. You're a soldier. You should fight for a cause, not your own amusement."
"Hey, what I do when I'm off-duty is no business of yours." Black sneered. "Besides, you were in that cage too."
"Only to teach you a lesson." Elite smirked.
"By humiliating me." Black scowled. "I'll never be able to show my face in that bar ever again..."
"Good." Elite smiled. "It should give you some time to focus on what's really important."
"Oh, yeah, like what?" Black glared.
"That is not important, right now." Elite declared, "I think for now, you should head on back to the barracks."
"Hold on, didn't you say you've got something to say to me?" Black frowned.
"Yes, but that can wait for another time. You just get some rest for tomorrow, and don't think on heading out to another bar after tonight. I will be right there to meet ya if you do."
"Whatever, 'boss'..." Black rolled his eyes.
"Hey, don't give me any lip." Elite gave a firm chide. "I'm still your superior officer. I can have you cleaning out the toilets with just one word to General Turret. Try and remember that, the next time you feel like getting snippy with me."
"Yes, sir." Black muttered as he walked away, mumbling under his breath. "Buck you, sir.."
"Quite a spirit that one's got." Elite pondered... before smiling. "He'll do perfectly..."
Black stomped back to the barracks. Without a word, he climbed into bed, punching his pillow a few times in anger.
"Something wrong, Black?" White asked.
"No." Black seethed. "Everything's just fine."
"Come on, Black." White frowned. "You think I can't tell when something's bothering you?"
"I don't want to talk about it." Black said gruffly.
"Suit yourself." White sighed. "But I'm here if you want to."
"Yeah, thanks." Black slipped on his headphones, and played Rookie's mixtape, eager to lose himself in the catchy tunes...
On the day I was born
The nurses all gathered round
And they gazed in wild wonder
At the joy they had found...
The present...
"Wait a sec." Caboose cut in.
"What is it, Lieutenant?" Elite asked.
"How come you were there, right after Black and White enlisted?" Caboose asked. "Seems like a cheap plot device to me..."
"Oh, there's a very good reason for that." Elite declared.
Many years ago...
The day after Black's encounter with Elite, the troops gathered in the base's grounds. To Black's shock and annoyance, Elite was standing beside Turret.
"Soldiers, we have a special guest today." Turret declared. "The director of our glorious RDL, Elite Everest!"
'Oh no...' Black thought.
The rest of the troop were far more pleased to see Elite, especially.
"It... it's really him." White gaped. "Elite Everest, the greatest soldier in Equestrian history!"
"Yeah, yeah." Black growled. "It's no big deal."
"No big deal?" White gaped. "You know as well as I do how many battles he's fought in, all the incredible things he's done! Why, he even managed to kill a dragon single-hooved!"
"Ugh, could you be any more of a fanboy?" Black rolled his eyes.
"Hello, new recruits." Elite smiled. "You may be wondering what I'm doing here. Well, as Director of the RDL, I like to have some 'face time' with the new recruits. I would have come sooner, but I was delayed by... certain business. Now, to all of you who have deigned to serve in our grand Legion, I say: Well done. It takes a certain kind of pony to put their life on the line for their country. It takes courage, selflessness, determination. I can see all that and more here. I know that our work can be dangerous, and harrowing. But as long as you hold onto your beliefs, and work together as a unit, I'm confident you can all pull through."
"So inspriring..." White whispered.
"Oh, please..." Black mumbled.
Elite made a salute, which the troops returned (Black reluctantly).
"Good luck to you all." Elite declared. "I know you'll all do your country proud."
"Thank you Director, for those words of encouragement." Turret declared. "Troops, you are dismissed!"
The squad moved out.
"Incredible." White smiled. "Elite Everest spoke to us. Such an honor..."
"Yeah... 'honor'." Black scowled.
For the next few days, it was all business as usual. They launched attacks on terrorists, made scouting runs, and escorted vital supplies to towns in danger zones. Black kept up his usual level of skill, but found himself chafing once more. And thanks to Elite, he had lost his preferred method of letting off steam.
One day, the troops were celebrating their latest victory at the barracks. Spirits were high, but there was some disagreements in the air regarding the events of the battle, mostly between Avalanche and Nora.
"We both know I took out more of those scum than you did." Nora boasted.
"Actually, no." Avalanche declared. "I took out exactly two dozen. You only took down twenty."
"Sniper hits don't count." Nora sneered.
"Since when?" Avalanche frowned.
"Since everypony knows that's not real kills." Nora smirked.
"Said only ponies who believe in using only brute force to win." Avalanche declared. "You have no finesse whatsoever, that's your problem."
"And you're a total wimp." Nora shot back. "That's your problem."
The rest of the soldiers groaned and rolled their eyes, having been made to suffer through many other arguments before.
"Well, to ponies who actually see the value in marksponyship, I took down more enemies than you." Avalanche smirked.
"Only because you're too much of a coward to do it the real way." Nora chided. "You're barely even a real soldier!"
"You take that back!" Avalanche yelled.
"Make me!" Nora snarled.
"Oh, knock it off!" Black roared. "I can't take much more of you two! Always squabbling, like a couple of kids..."
"He/she started it!" Avalanche and Nora chorused.
"Why are you two always at each others' throats?" White asked. "Why can't you forget about this competitive streak you two have goin' and just get along?"
"Especially since I got the most kills out there today..." Black muttered.
"Hey, it's not my fault sniper-boy here can't keep up." Nora sniggered.
"Likewise, I can't be blamed for this uncouth mare's cheap attempts at competition." Avalanche added.
"You wanna know what I think?" Rookie asked. "I think you two actually like each other."
"What?" White asked.
"What?!" Avalanche and Nora chorused.
"Think about it." Rookie grinned. "Why else are they so determined to constantly get in each others' faces? It's most likely because they're actually attracted to each other."
"Ew, gross!" Nora gagged, though there was a definite tinge of red in her cheeks.
"That's ridiculous." Avalanche cringed, also blushing lightly.
"Totally." Nora nodded. "Because I would never-"
"Neither would I!" Avalanche agreed.
"You sure got some crazy ideas, Blue." Nora declared. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and throw up."
"And I need some air..." Avalanche noted.
The two walked off in seperate directions.
"Looks like you were wrong there, Rookie." White smiled.
"Seriously?" Rookie asked. "Can you really not see it? Some ponies just don't understand romance..."
"And some don't want to." Black sneered. "You'd never catch me acting all googly-eyed over some mare."
"Never say never, bro." White teased. "It could happen to you one day."
"Not if I have anything to say about it." Black huffed.
The next morning, the troops were preparing to move out, when Turret approached Black.
"Private Paladin, come with me." He declared. "Somepony wishes to speak with you."
Black shared an uncertain glance with White.
"...Yes, sir." He nodded.
"Whatever it is, good luck." White declared.
"Thanks." Black nodded. "Be back soon, I hope..."
Turret led Black through the base, before stopping outside a door.
"Here it is." He declared. "Go on in, Private."
Black entered the room. To his surprise (and annoyance), he saw Elite standing before him, sitting at a desk.
"Aw, great." He groaned. "You again."
"Now, what did I say about showing respect to your commanding officer?" Elite chided.
"Sorry... sir." Black said grudgingly.
"That's better." Elite smiled.
"So... why did you call me here, Director?" Black asked. "Wanna teach me another lesson in humiliating me?"
"On the contrary, there is a matter of great importance I would like to speak to you about." Elite declared.
"You mean from the other night?" Black asked.
"Well, since our last encounter, I've been looking into your prowess on the battlefield." Elite admitted. "Your determination, your skill... very impressive for a rookie."
"Yeah, well... thanks." Black shrugged. "If that's all..."
"Actually, that's not all." Elite declared. "I can see real potential in you, my boy. In fact, I think you're prime material for this little covert ops team I'm running."
"Covert ops team?" Black raised a brow.
"Yeah, you know, infiltration espionage, counter-intelligence... that kind of thing." Elite shrugged.
"Huh, all due respect, but I'm not interested." Black declared. "I'm a soldier. I don't have time for all that fancy cloak and dagger stuff."
"Really? Have you ever tried?" Elite asked.
"Not unless you count sneaking out of the house after being grounded." Black shrugged.
"Actually, I do." Elite grinned. "I assume you weren't caught?"
"Nope." Black said proudly. "I was out and back in before anypony knew I was gone."
"So there is something of a 'cloak and dagger' pony in there after all." Elite smirked.
"Not enough to start a career out of it." Black shrugged. "Thanks for the offer, but the answer's 'no'."
Black turned to leave.
"That's a pity." Elite sighed. "Then again, it might be too much for you."
"...Say what?" Black turned around.
"You are a rookie, after all." Elite declared. "And a position in the group I'm in charge of is a daily test of skill and strength. Maybe you're just not up to the challenge."
"Oh, please." Black sneered. "You're just baiting me with that kind of talk. You really think I'd fall for that old trick?"
"Or perhaps you simply don't care enough about Equestria to give your all to protect her." Elite continued.
"Now that's a steaming hunk of mule dung!" Black scowled. "The whole reason I came to this oversized sandbox was to protect Equestria."
"Was it?" Elite asked. "Or was a part of it due to you wanting to make a name for yourself as a great soldier?"
"Well, it would be nice to get my name in the history books..." Black admitted... before frowning, "But it's not like your little secret team would help me with that, right?"
"Well, it wouldn't be official." Elite admitted. "But your name would go down in the records as one of the proud few who went above and beyond the call of duty."
"Yeah, like that's something impressive." Black shook his head, "I'm still not interested."
"Look, Black, I really think you should reconsider." Elite urged, "I had been keeping a close eye on you for a while, and I can tell you that this position will give you what you really want..."
"Oh, and what's that?" Black challenged.
"A challenge." Elite declared.
"A challenge?" Black repeated.
"Oh yes." Elite nodded. "The way you handle yourself in the battlefield is quite uncanny. Most rookies would be unnerved when first going out into the battlefield, but you go out there like it's a walk in a park. You see, you strike me as a kind of a pony who enjoys a good fight. Thriving against the most difficult of odds, and facing foes much harder than the last. As long as it's tough going, you're in your elements. Right?"
"Maybe." Black shrugged. "But I get plenty of fights as is. I am a soldier, y'know."
"That may be. However, for you, these 'terrorists' and all these missions are just cakewalks." Elite declared. "Like a smart schoolkid in the midst of bumbling children, you are lacking that thrill that a challenge gives you. Why else would you spend your nights in that bar, fighting random brutes? I can tell just by looking at you that there's nothing you love more than testing your mettle. You prove to the world that you, Black, are indestructible."
"That's because I am!" Black boasted.
"Well, in my group, you'll have the chance to prove it." Elite smiled. "We deal in only the riskiest, most dangerous, and most difficult of operations. Operations normal soldiers just aren't cut out for. And, my earlier taunting aside, I can think of no other stallion more suited to this position than you. You are strong, determined, capable. A true patriot, willing to put his life on the line for his country."
"Yeah, I am." Black grinned, growing fond of the idea.
"So, what do you say?" Elite held out his hoof. "Are you in?"
"Sure." Black shook his hoof. "You twisted my foreleg. I'm in."
"Good to have you with us." Elite smiled.
"So, what happens now?" Black asked.
"Come with me." Elite instructed.
As they left the room, they passed Turret.
"I trust things went well, sir?" Turret asked Elite.
"As well as can be expected." Elite nodded.
"Good luck, Private." Turret declared.
"Thanks, General." Black shrugged. "Don't quite know what I'm getting into just yet, though..."
Elite led Black down to the basement, which was mostly filled with crates, supplies and provisions.
"What are we doing down here again?" Black asked.
"What indeed?" Elite smiled. He pulled out a key and inserted it into the top of a crate.
The side of the crate suddenly swivelled up, revealing a hidden stairwell.
"This way, please." Elite urged.
"Whoa..." Black murmured.
Black followed Elite down the stairwell, the crate closing behind them. They walked down a long tunnel reaching another stairwell, which lead to a door.
"Where does this come out: A refrigerator?" Black joked.
"Very funny." Elite chuckled, using the key once more.
They entered into a large room, filled with computers, file cabinets, maps, and a long table in its center.
"Wow..." Black gaped. "What is this place?"
"Allow me to welcome you to the Saddle Arabian homebase of Taskforce Omega." Elite declared. "A team devised by yours truly to combat the greatest threats to Equestria since well, ever."
"Is that so?" Black mused. "Little more than cloak and dagger."
"A lot more." Elite nodded. "We work outside the system. We mostly investigate and contain subversive elements and clandestine movements that seek to undermine not only Equestria, but the world."
"Sounds like pretty big stuff." Black noted. "I'm kinda flattered that you chose me for this..."
"Now, there are some folks I'd like you to meet." Elite smiled, "First off..." He gave a short whistle.
Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, from right behind Black, was Titan, while not as broad or as big as in the present, still stood a bit taller than Black and Elite, glaring at Black as he walked up aside Elite, much to the red stallion's surprise.
"This here is Titanium Cerberus." Elite declared. "We just call him Titan."
"A Diamond Dog..." Elite frowned. "Well, that is gutsy, enlisting a gem-grubbing mutt."
Titan gave a growl in offense.
"I assure you, Titan is nothing like those mutts back home." Elite declared firmly. "He's our resident tracker, bomb sniffer, scout, and attack dog. He is also my personal bodyguard whom I trust with my life." He then fondly rubbed the back of Titan's neck. "Isn't that right, boy?"
Titan panted happily, and pulled Elite into a one-armed hug.
"Personal bodyguard?" Black murmured, as he then frowned, "Has he been following us this whole time?"
"Indeed." Elite smiled. "Titan is quite good at covering me. Unless I don't want him to, I can always count on him to show up whenever I need him."
"Is that right?" Black smirked, as he turned to Titan, "How ya doin', Scooby?"
"Rrrrrr..." Titan snarled, about to step forth.
"Down, Titan." Elite urged.
Titan stepped back, folding his arms petulantly.
"Trust me, you do not want to get on Titan's bad side." Elite told Black. "He also serves as the heavyweight around here. Now, let's continue on, shall we?"
"I'll bet his bark is worse than his bite." Black sneered, as he followed Elite.
Titan gave a warning chuff as he tailed them both.
Soon, they came across a young gray-coated Earth Pony with a reddish-brown mane and beard, with dull green eyes, with what seemed to be a wavy rope with an arrowhead at the end for a Cutie Mark, as he was looking through some papers on a clipboard he was holding.
"This here would be Heinrich Armory." Elite gestured. "The tech-savvy stallion of our group. He's responsible for making all the weapons, gears, and gadgets you will ever need for a mission."
"Ah, so this is the brawler I've heard so much about." Armory nodded, with a Germane accent. "I look forward to working with you."
"Same here." Black grinned. "Loves me a good weapon."
"Ooh, then you might be interested in what I got cooked up in my lab." Armory smirked. "I could show-"
"There'll be plenty of time for those later." Elite declared. "Trust me."
"If you say so, boss." Armory sighed.
"Don't worry, pal." Black grinned. "You and me are going to have a long chat about that gear later."
"i look forward to it." Armory beamed.
Elite led Black over to an ocean blue Pegasus stallion with a yellow mane, brown eyes, and a Cutie Mark of a graduation cap.
"This is Micro Manager." Elite declared. "He handles all the planning and strategy."
"Quite beautifully, might I add." Micro Manager smirked pompously. "After all, it takes real brains to take on this kind of work."
"You don't say..." Black rolled his eyes.
"I do say." Micro Manager nodded. "Though from what I've heard, brains aren't your strong suit..."
The final stallion to be introduced was a green Pegasus with a dark blonde mane, light purple eyes, and a Cutie Mark of a lockpick.
"And this is Shadow Slinker." Elite declared. "He handles all the infiltration and lockpicking techniques."
"Hello." Shadow said quietly. "Nice to meet you."
"Same here." Black declared.
The others joined them.
"So this is your whole team?" Black asked Elite.
"Not quite." Elite declared. "There are others, but they're all currently on assignments. Armory and the others tend to stick around here."
"Must be fun for you guys." Black joked.
"We are exactly where we need to be." Micro Manager declared.
"Our individual talents are best served right here." Shadow Slinker added.
"Hey, I'm not judging." Black declared. "Just kinda seems like you'd miss out on all the fun..."
"Oh, we have our fair share of excitement." Armory declared. "Right, Titan."
"Rrr." Titan nodded.
"He doesn't say a lot." Armory admitted. "But honestly, we're always glad to have another new member. It's good to have you with us, Black."
"The feeling's mutual, I guess." Black said flatly. "Interesting team you have here, Director."
"Indeed they are." Elite nodded. "They have all proven invaluable to the cause, just as I'm sure you will be."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Black declared. "Now, did you bring me here just to do a meet-and-greet, or so I could do a job?"
"Both, actually." Elite declared. "In fact, I already have your first assignment all lined up."
"And what would that be?" Black asked.
"Are you aware of the local businesspony, Sand Dollar?" Elite asked.
"The guy who runs that big corporation over in the capital?" Black asked. "Yeah, I've heard of him. What of it?"
"Well, we have it on reliable intel that Mr. Dollar is secretly in league with a group of subversives..." Elite revealed.
"Subversives?" Black asked, "You mean like rebels? Like the terrorists I have been fighting?"
"You could say that, yes." Elite nodded. "But think on a much bigger scale..."
"How much bigger can you get than terrorists?" Black frowned.
"...That is for another day." Elite declared. "As for Sand Dollar himself, there is unfortunately no solid proof with which we can enforce an arrest. But there are ways to deal with him."
"And that's where I come in, right?" Black smirked. "Want me to rough him up? 'Persuade' him from continuing businesses with these 'subversives'?"
"Not quite." Elite declared. "We need you to apprehend him and bring him back here, so we can question him about his 'friends'."
"You want me to just grab the guy?" Black asked. "Just like that? I'm not exactly a snatch-and-run kinda stallion."
"Your new teammates can help you in that regard." Elite smiled. "Micro Manager can provide you with you second-by-second guidance, Shadow Slinker can find the quickest, stealthiest way in, and of course, Armory can provide you with the gear you need to overcome Sand Dollar's bodyguards and make your escape virtually unnoticable."
"Sounds like a real tough one." Black mused.
"Oh, yes." Elite nodded. "...Exciting, isn't it?"
"Ya kidding?" Black smiled. "It sure beats shooting sand rats all day. Let's do this!"
"Excellent." Elite nodded. "First, you'll need to familiarise yourself with the target and his place of business. Learn all you can from your new comrades about what to do. That will take a day or two. Once that is done, you can go into the mission for real."
"If you say so." Black shrugged. "Never was much good at studying."
"Fortunately, I am." Micro Manager declared. "I already have detailed schematics of Sand Dollar's corporation headquarters, and a layout of his usual routine. Listen carefully now..."
"Do I have to?" Black groaned.
"Yes." Elite nodded. "While I admire your devotion to using brute force, this operation will require precise movements and in-depth knowledge. If this is botched, it will surely tip Sand's friends off and make all that we are doing all for naught..." He then pat Black's back. "No pressure, right?"
"Right..." Black frowned. "...What the buck did I get myself into..."
"Shall we begin?" Micro Manager smirked.
"Like I have a choice..." Black groaned.
"Excellent." Micro Manager declared. "Come with me. There are a lot of files for us to get through..."
"Yay..." Black sighed, reluctantly following.
After several hours of mind-numbing talk about timing and maneuvers, Black noted with glee that it was time to return to the barracks.
"See you tomorrow for the next information dump." Micro Manager declared.
"Yeah, can't wait..." Black sighed.
"And Black?" Elite asked. "I must ask that you keep your involvement in the Taskforce to yourself. Don't tell anypony."
"Not even my brother?" Black asked.
"I'm afraid not." Elite nodded. "We must remain covert. Anonymity is our greatest weapon. If anypony asks where you were today, and where you'll be over the next few days, just tell them you've been selected for some other assignments."
"Okay, fine." Black sighed. "My lips are sealed."
"Excellent." Elite smiled. "I knew I could count on you."
"Yeah, I'm great." Black shrugged.
"Here." Elite handed him his own key. "So you won't need an escort next time."
"Wait, really? We barely knew each other for a few hours, and you are entrusting me with the keys to the kingdom?" Black frowned, "I could be a spy for all you know."
"Black, I knew you were right for this job the moment I first laid eyes on you." Elite smiled. "Besides, it isn't whether you are worthy of our trust that matters most... it's whether you are worthy of keeping the trust."
"Huh, well, I won't let you down." Black gave a small smile, touched by his statement.
"I know you won't. Now get goin'." Elite gestured outwards, "We will send for you when the time comes for further briefing."
"Understood, boss." Black nodded.
Black turned and left the room.
"Are you sure he's really Taskforce Omega material, sir?" Micro Manager asked. "He seems a little... undisciplined."
"He is somewhat uncouth, I'll admit." Shadow Slinker noted. "Might not be such a good fit..."
"Hrr." Titan nodded.
"You guys are way too critical, you know that?" Armory declared. "Besides, I kinda like Black."
"Of course." Micro Manager sneered. "You like anypony who expresses interest in your little gadgets."
"I'm sure Black will do fine." Elite remarked. "He'll be a fine addition to the team, just you wait and see."
Black departed back down the tunnel, and returned to the barracks, just in time to meet the others as they returned from the day's mission.
"There you are." White smiled. "How did that 'meeting' go?"
"Pretty so-so." Black shrugged.
"What was it about, anyway?" White asked.
"Not much, really." Black lied. "One of the ponies in charge is giving me some new assignments, more suited to my abilities."
"Oh, really?" White mused.
"Yep." Black nodded. "I knew it was only a matter of time before I stood out from the pack."
"Well... congratulations." White smiled.
"Just don't spread it around, though." Black declared. "Don't want anypony else getting jealous."
"Don't worry." White nodded. "I can keep a secret."
"Thanks, bro." Black grinned.
Over the next couple of days, Black continued learning about his mission.
"Now, the best access point for the building would be the delivery bay at the back." Shadow Slinker declared. "Armory will provide you with a device that can override the lock long enough for you to slip through. After that, make your way up the west stairwell, so as to avoid the cameras. Then climb into the elevator shaft on the tenth floor. Climb up there, and once you reach the top of the shaft, you can make your way through the vents, reaching the outside of Sand Dollar's office."
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you've done that yourself..." Black smirked.
"No, but I did rob a building with a similar design." Shadow Slinker added. "Turns out, the same construction company built this one."
"Lucky for us, right?" Black grinned.
"Well, Elite didn't bust me out of a Panamarean prison for nothing, that's for sure." Shadow Slinker shrugged.
Soon, Armory had taken Black aside in a big empty room with a table, not only to provide him with the aforementioned door opener, but other various weapons and infiltration equipment that he would be using for the mission. He was currently taking the time instructing him on each of their uses.
"Okay, Black, you won't need a whole lot to break into this building, but these items are very vital to the mission's success. You got the override device, just a simple plant on the panel and you're in."
"Uh-huh." Black nodded.
"But things get complicated when you get to the elevator. Their emergency hatches are sealed tight. One can only open them in case of the emergency, but since we can't draw attention to ourselves, you need something strong to break open the hatch. That's why you need this..."
Armory set what seem to be a big crowbar on the table.
"A crowbar?" Black deadpanned, "No offense, but you can buy those at your local hardware store."
"Not this one, you can't." Armory scoffed, as he pointed to the hooked end of the crowbar, which was actually glowing a bit as well as a unusual grip on the center, "This crowbar in particular allows you to feed your Earth Pony magic into it, making this crowbar super resilient and super strong, strong enough to force those heavy doors open."
"Hmm, crafty." Black mused.
"As for the shaft itself, the vent is towards the opposite side of the door you go through, and you will barely have enough time to get up there before another elevator comes by. That's why you'll need these."
Armory set down two metal pads, as they suddenly clamped onto the metal table.
"Two magnetic pad gloves, both armed with military-grade magnets, tuned to be strong enough to hold your weight, yet you should be able to pull them off any bolted down metal object with ease." Armory explained, "But you need to make sure that the pads are firmly clamped against the shaft's walls, or they won't lock proper-"
Black let out a small yawn.
"...Am I boring you, Mr. Paladin?" Armory glared.
"Well, yeah." Black frowned. "It's bad enough hearing Micro prattle on about how to do the mission, but you sound just like an instruction manual."
"Excuse me, soldier boy, but it is of the utmost importance you know how to use my gadgets." Armory frowned, "The last thing we want is for you to get caught with your schwantz wide open and misusing these fine crafts. Ponies lose organs that way. And are made huge asses of themselves. Do you want that?"
"Okay, I'm sorry." Black cringed, "Can we just carry on, please?"
"That's more like it." Armory smirked, as he then held up what seem to be a shoulder strap, "This is my patent 'Armory Belt'. You will want to hold onto this baby: comes equipped with a mini-taser, choloform-ready rags, a few capsules of blinding mist, diamond-lined garotte wire, explosive putty... and of course..." He pulled out a energy bar. "A little snack while on the mission." He opened it and took a big bite out of it.
"Okay, I admit, that's nifty." Black smiled.
"Oh-ho, that's nothing compared to easily my greatest creation..." Armory grinned, as he then held up what seemed to be a hoof bracer, with a cylinder bolted on it, with an arrow-head sticking out of a small hole. "The Hoof-Mounted Ropedart, or as I like to call it, 'The Homer'."
"The Homer?" Black repeated, "It looks like a fancy grappling hook."
"...In a sense, it is. But this one is special." Armory smiled, as he gave it to Black to look at. "You see, when I was a small Germane colt, I didn't have much in terms of friends. But I did have a talent for building devices. That was how I earned my Cutie Mark, in fact; I was recruited by a now-defunct agressive military organisation to build weapons. Which lead to the creation of this hoof-mounted rope dart."
"Cool story... but how does it work compared to a normal grappling hook?" Black asked.
"In many ways. The hoof-bracer is built with adjustable straps, equippable by anypony, as so..." Armory took the gauntlet and put it on his own hoof, strapping it in like he said. "With the aim and the clench of the hoof, you can fire the rope dart up to fifty feet into almost every surface with it's steel arrowhead. Like this."
With a loud 'thwing', the rope dart fired into a punching doll that happened to be standing a good distance from the table. The rope itself looked odd, being made of a dark grey fiber and very thin, and not showing any slack.
"Note the material the rope is made out of." Armory gestured to the rope. "It's a little something I made up back in the days. 'The Armor Thread'. A fiber so light yet so strong that it's practically armor in rope form. Can't be severed by any known weapon as far as I tested, and so small that you can fit miles of it within this bracer. Also, you can easily pull some out and use it as a make-shift garrote for close combat. Pretty handy, uh?" With a smile, he strummed the thread.
"Well, I am liking it already." Black grinned excitedly.
"You should. It was my very first creation." Armory mused, as he then turned to the bracer. "With the Homer attached firmly to your hoof, with a click of the special grip, it can pull you right towards the target you latched onto. But here's the kicker: the Homer has the same technology as the crowbar did, channeling the inner pony magic of it's user. But in this case, this one can be used to it's full extent by any species, as long as there's magic in them. Thanks to said magic, this baby can pull objects five times your weight!"
With a flick of his hoof and another click of the grip, the punch doll was sent flying towards them, flying past as it slams against the wall.
"Ooh, that is amazing!" Black smiled as he glanced at the 'Homer', "How come I never heard of it till now?"
"Well, I refused to sell it to the military companies." Armory pouted. "I'd rather that all inventions of mine stay close to home. Believe me, if any inventions of mine were to get mass-produced and sold to a country, we would be pledging allegiance to some awful country out there." With another click, the rope retracted back into the bracer, as Armory took it off, "That's why only members of 'Taskforce Omega' are only ones who gets one."
"Wait... there's more than one?" Black gaped.
"Of course, there's more than one!" Armory chuckled. "I have crap-loads cluttering up my closet. I have more than I know what to do with. At this point, this baby is standard-issue." He then handed the bracer to him, "Here, you can have this one."
"Wow... thank you, Armory. Sorry for ever calling you boring." Black smirked.
"Naw, forget about it." Armory smirked, "You wouldn't be the first."
The night before the mission, Elite and Black were sharing a drink.
"You sure I should be drinking, considering what I'll be doing tomorrow?" Black asked.
"You seen like a stallion who can hold his liquor." Elite declared
"Oh, yeah." Black nodded.
"So, what do you think of your new comrades?" Elite asked.
"They seem like a decent bunch." Black admitted. "Even the egghead. Seems like they really know what they're doing."
"They do indeed." Elite nodded. "I selected them precisely because they are the best in their fields."
"So... I'm a bit confused... why exactly do you need me for this mission?" Black asked.
"Whatever do you mean, Black?" Elite asked.
"It's just that... with Shadow's skill as a thief, Armory's tools, and Micro's know how, and heck, Titan's brawn, you could had easily nab Sand without me. What makes me special?" Black asked.
"A good question." Elite admitted. "But the answer's rather simple. You see, Sand Dollar has been paranoid in the past months. Being in a city not far from a warzone can do that to you. And with his connection to these ponies he's working with, he constantly stays under the protection of his bodyguards. You know, big burly mercenaries. And as good as Shadow, Armor, and Micro are, none of them can really handle themselves in a fight like that. And Titan? He's a strong hound, but... he is a dog, you know?"
"Oh, I know." Black chuckled. "I guess you're right. You guys really do need me for this."
"Which is exactly why I recruited you." Elite smiled. "Now, a toast." He held up his glass. "To a hopefully successful mission."
"Hear, hear." Black tapped his glass against Elite's.
The very next evening, the time had come to begin the mission...
"Okay Black, this is it." Elite declared, as they took a plain, non-descript carriage into the city. "Remember what we told you, and you should be fine."
"Yeah... 'should'." Black murmured. He was wearing a full-body stealth suit, with the 'Armory Belt' and 'Homer' equipped, and saddlebags containing his gear strapped to the side.
"I have faith in you, Black." Elite assured. "I know you can pull this off."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, sir." Black smiled.
The carriage stopped, just outside the back of Sand Dollar's building, where deliveries were made (due to Mastermind's intel, they had a working knowledge of the delivery schedule, and knew that none were due for the next hour or so).
"Well, this is my stop." Black declared.
"Okay. Now, you will have less than a hour to get up to Sand's floor, nab him, and get back down here before the next delivery carriage comes in..." Elite explained, as he then gave him a walkie-talkie. "Here, me and the others will be on the line, so if anything go awry, give us a call."
"Will do." Black nodded as he disembarked.
"Good luck, Black." Elite declared.
"I don't need luck." Black smirked, as he pulled up a piece of fabric to cover his mouth.
Sticking to the shadows, Black made his way to the delivery bay. He pulled the override device out of his saddlebag, and placed it on the card key-based panel. The device lit up as it went into action, and the door swung open.
'Easy part's done.' Black thought. 'Now for the really tough stuff...'
Black headed to the western stairwell, and climbed up. Once he reached the tenth floor, he slipped into the corridor, staying to the sides until he reached the elevator. He entered it, then, utilising the special crowbar, pulled open the hatch, and climbed on top of the elevator. He then put the magnetic pads on his front hooves, and began to climb up the shaft.
'Make sure the clamps are securely fastened...' Black reflected on Armory's advice. 'Yeah, because I really want to fall and break my neck...'
Once Black made it to the top, he pulled out a miniature blowtorch, and cut his way into the vents. He crawled through the metal passageway.
'I knew I should've had a light breakfast.' He thought, as he struggled to squeeze himself through the vents.
After several uncomfortable minutes, Black reached his destination. He dropped out of the vent, landing in a storeroom.
'Okay, time for the main event.' He thought. 'If the smart guy was right, Sand Dollar and his bodyguards should be heading this way...'
Black peeked through the window in the door of the closet, and spotted a sand brown Earth Pony with a dark green mane, brown eyes, and a Cutie Mark of a bank vault, clad in a suit, flanked by four large and imposing bodyguards, having just returned from a meeting across town (as the intel had informed the Taskforce).
'Of course.' Black frowned. 'Just another reason for the guy to get all smug...'
Quietly, Black exited from the storeroom, and followed after Sand Dollar, as he prep to take down his bodyguards, one by one...
The first one was simple enough, as he pulled out a choloform rag from his belt, quickly coveirng the guard's mouth and knocking it out. The second one was easy-picking with a jab of the small taser. The third was simple to pick off, as Black quietly tug out some wire of the 'Homer' and quickly wrapped it around the bodyguard's neck, choking him till he passed out.
Soon, only one guard remained, unaware of what happened to his comrades.
'And then there was one...' Black smirked. 'This guy I'll take care of the old fashioned way...'
As Sand Dollar and his remaining bodyguard turned a corner, Black jumped the bodyguard, dragging him back. The second the bodyguard turned to face him, Black unleashed a barrage of precise, punishing blows. The bodyguard went down before he even knew what was happening.
'About time I got to use my hooves.' Black thought. 'Now to finish this...'
Sand Dollar reached his office. As he made to enter, he turned around, and realised that his bodyguards were missing.
"What the-?" He frowned.
At that moment, a small cylinder landed at his hooves, and released a stream of blinding mist.
"What's going on?" Sand Dollar coughed, unaware of a shadowy figure approaching him.
"Nap time, that's what's going on." Black declared, delivering a chop to the neck.
"Ugh..." Sand Dollar collapsed, unconscious.
"Okay then." Black smiled as the gas dissipated. "Now to get out of dodge. With a little help from the fire system."
After binding and gagging Sand Dollar, Black pulled on the fire alarm. The plan was that he would be more capable of leaving with Sand Dollar in all the panic. He couldn't take the vents with a passenger, but the plan didn't call for that.
Black, carrying Sand Dollar over his back, entered the businesspony's office, opened the window, and climbed onto the ledge outside.
"Okay, Armory, time to see this baby in action." Black nodded. He fired the rope dart upward, embedding it in the masonry above. With a deep breath, Black hopped off the ledge, the dart holding firm as he began rappelling downwards, landing just outside the delivery area.
"Mission accomplished." Black grinned, as he rushed over to the waiting carriage.
"Well done, Black." Elite smiled as Black entered, bringing in his captive, "You handled that like a professional."
"All in a day's work." Black smirked. "Now let's beat it before anypony realizes what's happening."
"You heard the stallion!" Elite told the ponies pulling the carriage.
The carriage was pulled away from the building, its cargo intact. As they headed towards a rocky outcrop outside the city, the rocks slid away, revealing a path to Taskforce Omega's hidden base. The carriage travelled through the path, coming to a stop within.
"Congratulations!" Armory smiled, as the others greeted their comrades.
"I knew you could do it, Black." Shadow Slinker declared.
"Of course he could." Micro Manager said smugly. "It was my plan, after all."
"Well, the rest of us helped too." Shadow Slinker growled.
"You sure did." Black nodded. "Couldn't have done it without any of you. Even the egghead."
"You're welcome." Micro Manager scowled.
"Uhhh..." Sand Dollar mumbled, coming round.
"Ah. our guest is awake." Elite smiled, removing Sand Dollar's gag. "How are you, Mr. Dollar?"
"What is the meaning of this?!" Sand Dollar growled. "How dare you foalnap me! Do you know who I am?"
"We certainly do, Mr Dollar." Elite nodded. "And we know who your friends are."
"I... don't know what you're talking about!" Sand Dollar said nervously.
"Is that so?" Elite frowned. "Fine, be that way. But we will get the truth out of you, Mr. Dollar. One way or the other. Titan?"
Titan lumbered over.
"Escort our guest to the interrogation room, please." Elite requested.
Titan grabbed Sand Dollar and lifted him up.
"Put me down, you overgrown canine!" Sand Dollar yelped. "You can't do this to me! You'll all be sorry!"
"Think he's gonna talk?" Black asked.
"We'll see." Elite admitted. "But either way, you did quite well today, Black."
"Yes." Micro Manager admitted. "Not bad, for a stallion who clearly prefers to use his hooves rather than his brain."
"Honestly, all this secret stuff isn't my favorite method." Black admitted. "I prefer a straight fight anyday. You'd never catch me sneaking around in the shadows all the time..."
"Never say never, Black." Elite declared. "After all, the future always comes with surprises..."
"I doubt there's anything the future can throw at me that I can't take." Black boasted, as he then set down all the tools he used. "Gotta say, Armory, you were right. The Homer was awesome."
"What did I tell you?" Armory smirked, "You never forget the first time you use one."
"Well, I look forward to doing more of this." Black declared.
"And we will." Elite grinned, "We will be in touch. Just head on back to camp."
"Will do. See ya all." Black waved as he left.
By the time Black had returned to the barracks, where his fellow soldiers were winding down after a particularly tough mission.
"I... got... more... than... you..." An exhausted Avalanche taunted Nora.
"Did... not..." Nora wheezed.
"Save it for the honeymoon, you two..." Rookie groaned, nursing a bandaged wound.
"Not... funny..." The pair said breathlessly.
"Hey, Black." White greeted his brother.
"Hey, bro." Black noted. "Rough day?"
"You could say that." White nodded. "But it looks like you didn't have it nearly as rough on your assignment. Was it an easy one?"
"No, I'm just that good." Black smirked. "Still, I'm sure you and the others did great on your assignment."
"Well, we won, that's for sure." White noted. "Wasn't easy, though..."
"Hey, we both did good today." Black grinned. "The Paladin brothers are really making their mark here."
"Yeah, I guess we are." White smiled. "It's almost time for dinner. Hungry?"
"Starved." Black declared.
The two brothers, joined by several others, marched down to the mess hall for dinner, content in their accomplishments.
The Present...
"Okay, I'll admit that this is pretty awesome." Caboose declared, finishing off his popcorn. "It'd make a great movie. Or maybe a book..."
"I'm still failing to see the point of this story." Fletcher frowned. "All it proves is just how far Black had to fall when he betrayed all of Equestria. Not only did he besmirch the RDL, but he also made a fool of your..." He tried to recall the name. "Taskforce Omega..."
"Things are rarely that clear-cut, Fletcher." Elite told him. "And besides, Black did not disgrace Taskforce Omega one bit."
"Oh, I suppose what happened next was all part of some big plan you had?" Fletcher asked.
"Not exactly." Elite admitted. "But we're getting ahead of ourselves."
"Yeah, things didn't go south quite so fast." Black admitted. "But it was still quicker than I would've liked."
"Ooh, I can't wait to hear what comes next!" Caboose suddenly had a drink in his hoof.
"I can." Fletcher snorted. "...Though I would like a drink if you have another."
"I always carry a spare!" Caboose pulled another drink from out of nowhere.
"Thanks." Fletcher smiled. "If I must be forced to listen to this farce, at least I can enjoy some refreshments."
"You won't be calling it a 'farce' for long." Black said darkly. "Not after you hear what comes next..."