//------------------------------//
// E.S.S: 14 - Fine Wine 
// Story: E.S.S (Equestria's Secret Service) 
// by Power Hors3 
//------------------------------//

E.S.S: 14
Fine Wine

Around late afternoon Jackson and Alloy arrive in Canterlot. Jackson starts questioning Alloy, “Hey, you think it's a good idea to just show up at Notts’ place with me, ain't I suppose’ to do some sort of test?”
“You've got a point. Tell you what, wait for me a few stores down from the place while I ask about recruiting you” Alloy says.
“Gotcha bro, I'll be waiting” Jackson agrees. Alloy goes on ahead to the cellar but is stopped short a few shops down when he sees the main wine store having some sort of commotion.  A sudden burst of panic sends a group of ponies running in many directions including Alloy's. Police seem to be chasing someone, a pegasus, who flies his way managing to run into and knock him down. She slips several bottles of wine into his pack.
“Hey! Ever kiss a mare before?” The Pegasus asks as she quickly picks him up.
“Wha…? Who are you?” Alloy asks confused.
“Quick no time to explain! Kiss me dammit!” She grabs him and forcefully kisses him. Her mouth tastes of alcohol, specifically wine. He gags a little but she keeps him there on the spot till the police run past them. “Thanks for the help!” She says to him after there go away, she reaches for the wine she slipped into his pack but he pulls it away.
“I think you've had enough for one day don't you think?” Alloy asks as he spits onto the floor and wipes his mouth.
“Hey those are mine!” She says looking as if she might get enraged.
“You mean the wine you stole?”
“Err just give it will ya!? After all, I gave you a pretty good kiss” She winks.
“Yeah and now I'll have to wash my mouth” Alloy starts walking to the wine store with the wine bottles. She starts to run after him but Alloy picks up his pace, teleporting himself into the shop. The drunken mare hits her face on the glass of the front window. She angrily eyes Alloy as he returns the wine to the seller. She then flies off before Alloy gets out the shop. He shrugs and goes to the cellar where only a few of Notts' crew are at, of course Notts himself is seated at a table inside.
“Blur, what brings you to the base, come to return more wine?” Notts laughs a little.
“You saw that?” Alloy chuckles a bit.
“Sure did, I have cameras installed all around. So what does bring you here?” He asks him.
“I ran into Jackson, that poor bloke is jobless, I've been in contact with him for a while. I was thinking, what does it take to have him join?”
“Straight to the point hu? Have you told him anything about...this place?”
“Not at all, but I promised a job for him. He's really desperate, and you know how skillful he can be.” Alloy adds.
“That's true. Fine, I'll consider it but we need to test him.” Notts sits back and takes a sip of wine.
“How will he be tested?”
“Tell him that I have a job for him. See if he wants in and that it may be unlawful. If he accepts… good, if not... get rid of him. If he accepts hav’ em...” Notts thinks a bit, “Have him blow up a wine shop called Prime Wine, it's the old stallion who runs this place's rival.” Notts smiles.
“Yes sir” Alloy says and starts to go.
“Blur, one more thing.” Notts says, “Remember what to do if he fails. Don't hesitate because I won't”
“Of course” Alloy says with the same casualness as always. He exits the cellar heading back to Jackson.
Jackson spots him and walks up to him, “So how'd it go with the big boss, am I in or what?”
“Seems that way, you have a little test to do for him. I'll cut to the chase, he wants you to blow up a place called 'Prime Wine'. He didn't give many specifications besides that he wanted it done”
“Damn, am I gonna have to kill some ponies? Innocents?”
“Do it after hours, he never specified what time” Alloy suggests.
“Ha you're right! I'll do it tonight.” Jackson smirks.
“I'll come along to make sure it all goes as planned and that no one see you. Do you need explosives?”
“Well. Yeah, do you have any?”
“I can get you some. Let's meet up at the store at 11pm, it should be closed by then from my guess”
“Gotcha, I'll meet you there”
“Don't be late, wear darker colors, and don't be seen” Alloy warns as he starts to head in another direction from Jackson.
“I'm no rookie. See ya” Jackson says. With that note, they part ways.

Later, as they had said, Alloy and Jackson meet up near Prime Wine. Alloy passes him a bag, Jackson opens it to find glass baubles. “What are we doing? Decorating a Heart's Warming Tree?” Jackson asks Alloy.
“They're filled with C4, the top is where you set the charge.” Alloy explains.
“Woah, remind me not to let you to help decorate my house!” Jackson smiles, “How many do we have?”
“Three, it doesn’t take that much to cause visible damage.”
“You got that right!”
“Besides, these are special, my own little enhancement. It's more...well, explosive” Alloy grins, he starts to pick the back door but finds it open.
“That's a bit odd, the guy must've forgotten to lock it or somethin'”
“No, it was forced open. We may have company, perhaps...Notts' agents” Alloy takes out a pistol, “Watch my six. We'll search the place before setting any charges.” Jackson nods, he himself takes out a small revolver. The back had only a coat rack and janitorial supplies. The front looked empty, only two tables and decorations except the counter. Alloy points his gun at a figure.
“Who's there?” He demands. Jackson turns to point at it as well. Wild Berrie unveils himself.
“Surprise!” Wild Berrie says. Alloy and Jackson put away their guns.
“What are you doing here?” Alloy asks. Jackson stands-by.
“Notts sent me here to see if it was true that Jackson was coming. I see he's here” Wild says.
“Yeah nice to see you to” Jackson says back.
“That's all I'm here for, I'll be observing from a distance outside, be quick. I have things to do” Wild smirks.
“Whatever, just don't be too close” Alloy says. Jackson unpacks the C4 and sets one up at the front door.
“Ta ta!” Wild leaves in a rush.
“What a strange thing for him to be sent” Alloy says, “Here, I'll set one up in the cellar” Jackson tosses him one. As he descends into the basement, another shadowed figure appears down there. “Silent?” Alloy asks. No reply. Alloy turns on the lights to reveal the female pegasus from earlier, “You??”
“Ay...it’s that guy..!” She says, obviously already wasted with alcohol. She has a bottle of gin in one hoof and a fresh bottle of wine in the other. “What're…what’re youuuu doing here..hu?”
“I could ask you the same. I'm security, leave before I make an arrest” Alloy threatens.
“Oh...you wouldn't do that to me...I'm here for the boooze!” She slurs.
“I don't have time for this..” Alloy forms a force field around her and takes her upstairs.
“Hey! Where are we uh goin'?” She says taking a sip of gin. Jackson looks over.
“Da hell is this? Another agent?” Ice asks Alloy.
“A local drunkard. I found her stealing and drinking downstairs. Watch over her will ya?” Alloy sets her down, he rushes downstairs, placing the charge and times it to three minutes. Then he goes back upstairs.
“Do we take her with us?” Jackson has the mare in a force field.
“Yes! Let's leave.” Alloy picks up the bag. Jackson takes the mare. They run out the shop and wait for the time.
“Hey...you guys are like...jello, want a drink?” She offers.
“Later” Jackson answers. The explosion rings out causing havoc in an instance.
“Wow...heh, I think we over did it” Alloy comments. They all start to walk further away.	
“What do we do with her?” Jackson signals at the mare who is acting like a child playing with her mane.
Alloy sighs, “We can't leave her out here to do more stupid things. I'll...ugh, I'll take her to my place till she sobers up.”
“It's your choice.” Jackson passes her to him.
“Have a goodnight Jackson, I'll contact you tomorrow about the job”
“Will do, take care.” Ice parts ways from Alloy and the mare. All the while the pegasus keeps drinking what's left of her beverages.
“That's about enough. Get up” Alloy says to her but she ignores him attempting to hit him with a bottle, “This is going to be difficult...”
Eventually, after much effort, Alloy arrives home with the mare already falling asleep on him. He pushes her off of him onto his couch, “Hopefully you don't wake up till later” Alloy yawns and goes to his room. Colla looks at the stranger, hisses, and leaves to Alloy's room.

The next morning, Alloy made sure to wake up before the mare. He checked and sure enough, there she was still passed out on the couch, so he brought a bucket up to the couch in case she vomited. Another hour passed and the mare slept on while Alloy made and ate breakfast. At last the mare opened her eyes.
“Where the...” She leans over and throws up in the bucket.
“Finally awake. I left that bucket there for you, even made you some breakfast when you’re ready.” Alloy walks up to her.
“Hu? It's you...that guy from the Prime Wine place!”
“Yes, unfortunately that place was destroyed last night, you're lucky to be alive.” He passes her a towel to clean her face.
“Eh, thanks. This must be your home ey? Looks nice!” She cleans her face, “Where's your restroom?”
“Down the hall first door on the left” He points. She nods and goes. Meanwhile Alloy cleans the bucket and the couch.
“You’re so kind, bringin’ me here and taking care me, you have my thanks.” She tells him when she's out.
“It was the right thing to do, I suppose.” He says as he washes the bucket, “What's your name by the way?”
“I'm Cara Clover. What about you?”
“Alloy Atomms, well that's what I go by” He says, still recalling his shaky identity.
“Thanks Alloy, I guess I should get leaving then.”
“Not so fast” Alloy stops her, “I made you breakfast”
“Oh yeah nearly forgot” She smiles and goes to the table, “What'd you make?”
“Two omelets, I'm not much of a chef but they should be good” He sits on the opposite side to talk.
“You live here alone?” She asks.
“I have a cat but she seems to be hiding”
“So you do live here alone” She chuckles as she eats, “I'm..uh, well..sorry. For what happened at the first wine place, I was well you know...not sober”
“It's all good I suppose, you still managed to break into that other wine place”
“Hehe that's true! What were you doing there? I don't recall to well”
“Security, there was some sort of alarm you set off and I was sent in to investigate. Like I said before, the place blew up, I don't know why”
“Blew up...oh well at least we're alive. You work in security? I never knew, aren't you supposed to arrest me or something?”
“I could, but we're more concerned with the explosion than with your break in”
“What if I caused it??” She says nervously.
“I doubt it, you came there to drink not to blow it up right?”
“Yeah...”
“How about you, do you work?” He asks her.
“Me? No, my papa's been giving me some money...but he's starting to not give me as much”
“Sounds to me like when he stops you'll need work. Is that why you were out drinking?”
“Sorta, yeah I got mad at him so I...well I tend to drink a lot anyways when I'm in some sort of pain.”
“I'm sorry to hear that. If you ever are in need of work, I have a business in Ponyville called: Atomm's Construction.”
“I thought you were security?”
“That's my part time, because life gets boring sometimes” He smiles.
“I'll look into it. I should leave now, I got some things to settle” She stands and heads to the door, “And...thanks again”
“Yep, take care” He takes her dishes putting them into the dishwasher. She leaves.

Some time passes and Alloy returns to the Notts' wine cellar. “Blur, I saw the destruction of the wine place. Nicely done, I hear you accompanied Jackson in it.” Notts compliments.
“That's right, you sent Wild to check in” Alloy replies.
“Insurance, you understand. Ha, it's good to see that you still work well with Jackson”
“It was rather easy, really petty blowing up a store. Can't say I enjoyed it”
“No one died, it was the job and you saw it through, don't think about it too much”
“Yeah, I know. Anyway, should I let Jackson know he's in now?”
“I already sent someone, Wild Berrie, to tell him” Notts leans back in his chair.
“Right. What's the plan, all I've been doing is sitting around waiting” Alloy takes a seat.
“I'll let you know don't worry, we're building up our crew first. We have 50 members.”
“Not bad, how many do we have undercover?”
“Three in important positions, if you want to know who I can give you a list”
“Yeah sure, it'll be good to know what I'm working with” Alloy says.
“Very well, here” He takes a notebook from his coat, “I do believe that it has all our other member whereabouts so I'll be needing it back once you're finished looking at it.” Notts says. Alloy looks at all the names, the three Notts had mentioned were 1 royal guard, a council member, and an officer. No other members of old E.S.S were listed besides Wild Berrie and two crossed out names, most likely killed or arrested. The others on the list were assets like Silent Death, Snow and Two Eyes, it had their skills and number of missions. In fact each had a number by them that signified a page dedicated to a profile about them.
“Quite the team we have” Alloy passes the notebook back to its owner.
“Yes, but those are not all our supporters. We have contacts with the Changelings, Griffons, and Yaks.”
“The Yaks? We haven't been in contact with them for a long time”
“I have, and let's just says some have a grudge with Equestria's royals.”
“And the Griffons, well I figured, they're well for mercenary work.” Alloy says.
“Indeed they are. They'll do anything for some bits” Notts grins. Jackson and Wild enter.
“This is the place? What are you guys some underground brewers?” Jackson laughs. Notts stands to greet.
“Ice. Looks like you made it. I was just talking to Blur about your success, well done”
“Piece of cake Boss.” Jackson sits next to Alloy, “This place looks chill, I can get used to this. Hey, can I get a cold beer or somethin'?”
“Sure can” Notts opens a fridge and passes him some beer.
“Very tight” Jackson drinks.
“Make yourself at home because it's going to get interesting soon. It's a good thing you have your old partner Blur here”     
“Some sort of mission your planning hu?” Alloy asks.	
“Yes. It might get personal so I'll talk to you guys about it in a few days if not sooner.” Notts goes away into another room.
“Personal? You don't think that fool's referrin' to...well you know who” Jackson whispers to Alloy.
“Yes. He’s probably is referring to them. I knew he'd have us do it eventually..” Alloy gets up, “You can stay here if you'd like or we can leave”
“Leaving already?”
“Yes, I got what I came for” Alloy heads for the door, “If you want, talk to some of the agents, get to know them”  
“Probably for the best, where will you go?” Ice asks.
“I don't know, maybe check up on things. Be careful.” He leaves.

Alloy went to take a trip down memory lane, to the old E.S.S building, he had access to it of course. He was there on his own account though, to research the files on Dr. Flower Pot. Inside the building, it had remained the same only the office rooms and armory were empty. The files however, were still in the small library, he took everything labeled with Flower's research and anything that he was involved in.
“What do we have here?” A familiar phantom voice asks.
“Silent Death. Interesting to find you here as well.” Alloy says to the forming shadow.
“Come to do research? Yes, you did, didn't you? I can see from those files on...Dr. Flower. What a crazed stallion.”
“What do you know about him?”
“I know that he's the one that lead me to this crystal. I was hired years ago by him to retrieve it for him, but..” He laughs, “I kept it myself!”
“You didn't really know about his other researches then?”
“I didn't care after I got my crystal and made it my amulet, so no, not really. Why is there something about him that interest you?”
“He was the head of the scientific department at one point but was fired after it was discovered that he was doing unethical things, like brainwash.”
“Oh right, you're still worried about your identity aren't you? And this is a possible lead”
“Exactly, the stallion is still alive so maybe I can find him and ask, if not my researching may point out who I am”
“Tell you what, I'll see if I can find out the whereabouts of this guy.” Silent offers.
“That would be helpful.” Alloy says not at all expecting it. Silent nods and vanishes. Alloy leaves the building and gets on a train to Ponyville.

There he checks up on the office, which has other ponies now, hired for construction. Sugar comes up to him.
“Alloy you're here!” She hugs him, “I've been wondering, what exactly are we going to have them do?”
“Some work rebuilding, we should see how many places around here need to be worked on” He says.
“I compiled a list of possible places, here I left it for you to decide” She passes him the list.
“Great, I'll check off which ones may work” He says as he goes to his office. He takes some time putting checks on the most destroyed part of towns. His office phone rings.
“Yes this is Alloy” He answers.
“Alloy, there's this guy that wants to see you, he says he's your father?” Sugar says.
“Ah yes, I knew he'd turn up sooner or later. I'll go to him” Alloy hangs up, stands, and leaves. At the lobby his father is seated, reading a magazine.
“Son. Look at this place, looks nice. Hmm, looks like you have workers too” He puts down the magazine.
“Thanks, and yes these workers will start to actually work soon, I was just planning out the jobs.”
“Were you now? Show me your office, let's see the big pony's workplace”
“Heh, right this way” Alloy leads him to the back area straight towards his office.
“This back area is different than the front area, what's it for?” His father asks him.
“I decided it's be for the more respected workers, and also for the more office work type. You know, the ones that deal with accounts, paper work-”
“Got it and this-” They step into Alloy's office, “Is the best one isn't it? I like the look”
“Well, you know, the boss pony's supposed to have the best office right?” Alloy chuckles. His father smiles and sits.
“Then it's operational. Good, you'll have to start paying back what I paid, remember.”
“Of course, it's not like I'm going anywhere. I've been um, meaning to ask you something else”
“Yes son? I'm all ears” 
“I was filling out paperwork, official documents to have this construction business but when I was putting my personal documents I noticed that all my early life wasn't there…only three years of my life are registered.” Alloy makes up the situation.
“How odd, I'm sure someone in Canterlot must have screwed up some of the paperwork. Don't worry about it son, if there are any problems with the documents, I can step in and fix it”
“I wasn't too worried, it might have been an inconvenience later down the road”
“I understand son, I'll see what I can do.”
“How's mother doing?” Alloy asks.
“The same, mostly rambling about past events, I visited her yesterday. She was smiling the whole time” He grins.
“I'll have to pay her a visit one of these days, Ahem, well thanks for coming by father, I'm glad you like the way things are going”
“I had no doubt, after all you learned it from your mother and I how to do business” He stands, “Just take care son, make sure to stay on top of things.”
“Bye father, thanks for all the help” Alloy says. His father smiles and leaves. Alloy had to make sure he was actually doing things for this construction gig. He had neglected stacks of paperwork, warrants, request, city permissions, equipment, and many other things. So for the rest of the day Alloy took the initiative to get everything sorted out.

Hours passed, but Alloy didn't take notice, he was consistently filling out all he had to. Sugar knocks at his door.
“Alloy?” She says. He keeps on writing, “Alloy.”
He looks up, “Sugar, sorry, I was just trying to get this one page done.”
“Is that all you've been doing today?”
“Sure is, it's got to get done someday. Today” He smiles a little and writes some more on the page he's on.
“I can take care of that for you Alloy” She offers.
“Thanks, but I'm sure I've assigned you with a lot already. Besides, these require my signatures and personal writings”
“Are you certain?” She asks.
“Mhmm, hey, you know what? You should take a break, go out with Sweetie to buy your dress for the gala.”
“The gala! I nearly forgot!” She says, “You're right, but have you gotten what I told you to do, done?”
“Yes, Jackson is now in. How are you handling the business?”
“Sweetie helped me a lot in getting more workers, that's what I was doing all day today and the later part of yesterday. All we need if the jobs to well...you know the rest.”
“Nicely done, now go and relax Sugar, you deserve it. Take Sweetie with you as well, give her my thanks.” Alloy says.
“Okie doki, don't forget to take a break yourself!” She smiles, hugs him, and leaves quickly. Alloy smiles a little and leans back in his chair, about to stretch. His desk phone rings again, interrupting him within seconds.
“Yes?” He answers.
“There's a mare that appeared here just as I was walking out, she says she knows you?” Sugar asks.
“What's her name?”
“Cara Clover” She replies.
“I know her, I'll take care of it, tell her to wait in the lobby for me” Alloy says.
“Um, okay. Of course” Sugar hangs up. Alloy thinks a little but gets up to go greet Cara. Cara was seated in the lobby as said, except Sugar was still there near her. Sugar goes up to him.
“Hey, just before I leave, how do you know her? She smells a bit like alcohol.” She says.
“I meet her last night, I said I could provide her a job if she needed one” Alloy responds.
“Las..last night??” Sugar gets suspicious.
“Yes, I can tell you the whole story later, right now I have to take care of our guest.” Alloy finally says. He parts from Sugar and goes to Cara.
“Pretty fancy place you have here, I didn't know you were rich” Cara chuckles a bit.
“Rich? Heh, far from it. I'm glad you could find the place” Alloy says. Sugar stares at the two then leaves.
“So, you said you had a job for me now?”
“Ah yes, you came in the nick of time too. I was just filling out my worker's paperwork. Follow me” Alloy leads her to his office, “I'll just have you fill out some paperwork as well”
“It's for what specifically in the construction thing?” She asks.
“Depends on what you'd like to do, here's a list of positions I have available” Alloy takes out a sheet of paper for her to look from.	
“Hmm, demolition? I like the sound of that one, do I need to have a diploma or something to work here? Cause well, I don't” She says worriedly.	
“All you need to do is do the job correctly, do you have experience in demolition?”
“Yes, but it's not on any document for me to prove it...” 	
“Don't worry about it Cara, I can make the exception” Alloy passes her another form that has the Demolition paperwork, “All you have to do is fill it out the best you can and I'll take care of the rest”  
“Oh you're too nice Mr. Atomms.” She takes the paper.
“Please, call me Alloy. Mr. Atomms reminds me of my father's name, heh, and it's his title to keep for now” He smiles.
“Okay” She smiles as well, and stays there filling out her paperwork for about five minutes, “Here you are Alloy”
“Thank you” He takes it, signs it and puts it in a separate file.  
“When do I start working?”
“I don't necessarily know yet, but I'd say soon. Thing is we have to be contracted first by someone that needs our services” He chuckles a little, “I got a few places in mind, I'll let you know when”
“Oh I see, okay” She smiles, “Um...well thanks for the job and all, I feel like I owe ya something”
“Don't feel that way Cara” Alloy stands up to get a drink of water, “You were in need, and I had spots available. Simple as that” He drinks.
She goes up to him with a dreamy expression, “Alright Alloy, I'll be leaving now, thanks again” She gives him a kiss on the cheek and leaves. Alloy stands there a bit confused for a sec. He goes back to his desk and finishes his water.
“What am I some sort of magnet?” He chuckles to himself and sighs, “No time to think about that, I have work to do” He once again begins to work on all the papers.

End of Chapter 14.