//------------------------------// // Retribution (Surprise & Diane): Blacklisted // Story: Awkward Conversations And Other Stories // by No one is home //------------------------------// “What do you mean my business license has been denied?!?!” Surprise tried, mostly unsuccessfully to control her temper in the face of the smirking unicorn functionary. “It’s an extension of an existing license! This should be a formality!” “Well,” the bureaucrat replied cheerfully, “There’s been some health complaints raised about a animal you kept in your old location.” “Anim- no…” Surprise tried to control her breathing and calm down as the implication struck her in the face. “Just no. I know you are not referring to my husband.” “I don’t know your relationship with the animal in question,” the unicorn giggled cruelly, “And the complaint doesn’t list the animal in question’s species, but from the description in sounds like maybe it’s some kind of bear… wait, it say’s ‘mandibles’, so… bugbear? Is your husband a bugbear, ma’am? At any rate, having a trained bear serve cupcakes is a clear violation of the Canterlot Code of Health. I realize Decanter might operate by lower standards than Restaurant Row, but basic regulations still apply.” Surprise would later be thankful that Diane wasn’t present to hear the language she used, before during and after security had removed her from the building. The truth is most of said language she had actually learned from her daughter, but she still wanted to set a good example. After the anger faded she just stood there on the sidewalk for a long time. She didn’t know what to feel about what she had just witnessed. She just felt numb. All the times she had told Train Wreck that ponies were basically good. All the times she told him that they would accept him as a good pony if he just gave them a chance. It was all lies. He was nothing more than an animal to them. Not that the business license made much of a difference, given that not a single realtor in Canterlot could find a location for lease for her business. She couldn’t even find an available apartment. By some coincidence not a single property was available anywhere in the city. It was a logistical miracle! In a city where ponies constantly moved in and out, and new business started and closed daily, not a single property was ever available when she inquired. -=-=-=-=- “I’m really very sorry Mr. Pastel.” The little umbrum teacher was clearly distressed. “I want you to know that this is NOT my decision, or the schools. Diane is one my favorite students.” “It’s okay, Ms. Shade Fire.” The massive pony heaved a heavy sigh. He honestly couldn’t believe they had taken it this far. “I know it’s not you.” “I just can’t believe the school board would have the nerve to claim your daughter is a danger to student safety!” The teacher was easily as outraged as the parent. “Diane is a model student. The official who brought the notice actually questioned if she was even a changeling at all! Right in front of her! I am so sorry. I know how self conscious she can be about her appearance, and to have an adult pony just rub it in her face like that…” “Yeah.” Train Wreck’s mandibles clicked in agitation. “Well, like I said, it’s not you.” “I’ll send lessons over to the hive with Zap and Glenda. So she will still get her education.” Shade Fire smiled weakly, well aware how hollow her offer must sound. “I appreciate it, Ms. Shade Fire.” The stallion did his best to give a warm smile, well aware that his appearance probably made the gesture useless. -=-=-=-=- Celestia was surprised, and a little disappointed to hear that Fancy Pants had been involved in the Plate affair. Her sister on the other hand was livid. At least two of the lunar guard had been summarily dismissed, and it had taken quite a bit of soothing on Celestia’s part to prevent her sister from charging the two with criminal assault. While it may have been entirely appropriate, Celestia feared that the effect on morale would be devastating to a force that was already having more than it’s share of problems keeping discipline in the ranks. The lunar guard had never been especially popular, but since the bakery incident they were looked on with out-right suspicion. As the most public face of the lunar pegasi, their public image was doubly important. To the average pony, the Lunar Guard might be the only lunar pegasi they ever encountered. Luna had begun to take this into account, giving them regular patrols both night AND day, to make their efforts more visible to the public. To have the noble houses use them as pawns in a petty and personal vendetta… this was simply not good. Further, the silence from the Pastel family was troubling. They had very legitimate grievances, and the heads of that household were not known for their timidity. “Your Majesty?” the diarch was brought to attention by the voice Rock Solid, a minotaur from East Decanter. His was a regular voice of dissent in her court, though not an unwelcome one. “I’m sorry Mr. Solid.” Celestia smiled warmly. “I was lost in my own thoughts. Actually I’ve gone over your petition of grievances and I think I see where we can work to resolve…” “I’ve come to withdraw my petition.” The minotaur bull interrupted, speaking plainly. “Pardon me?” Celestia blinked, certain that she must have misheard. “I wish to withdraw my petition of grievances.” Was she mistaken or was there a note of bitterness when he spoke. “I don’t understand?” Celestia was honestly quite perplexed, she had just been in the process of telling the bull that she was open to working with him to resolve the issues he had brought before the court. Rock Solid was a level headed and civic minded member of his community. This kind of sulky behavior wasn’t like him at all. “Your nobles have made their point, my son needs his education.” Rock Solid nearly snarled as he turned to leave without waiting to be dismissed. “I won’t bother the royal court again.” There were hushed murmurs throughout the court. Celestia noticed Fancy Pants in particular shuffled uncomfortably. Most of the nobility had the good sense not to look too pleased with themselves. Most, but not all.