> Arstrotzka Welcomes You: A Papers, Please Crossover.
>  by Herr Director
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Day 1: Have Your Documents Ready
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

Congratulations! 

The October Labor Lottery is now complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, visit the Ministry of Admissions at Manetin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Manetin. Expect a Class Eight dwelling

Glory to Arstrotzka!



The charcoal stallion folded the letter in his hooves and stuck it in his saddlebag. He stared up nervously at the East Manetin Ministry of Admissions Office. It was a tall grey, squarish building with small windows in tight rows, similar to his apartment building. The stallion's family consisted of his uncle, mother-in-law, wife, and his son. They had adapted surprisingly well to the small apartment. It was much warmer than their cabin in Neighrsk at least. The stallion shook his brown mane out of his green eyes and adjusted his tie as he trotted up the steps to the Ministry building. He reached out and opened the door. The stallion hopped inside. He moved with haste. His shift was to begin at 6:00 AM and it was already 5:40. He could not be late for the first day on the job. Inside, the Ministry was as grey as it was on the outside, the only source of color being from the red Arstrotzka emblem behind the front desk. A bored looking mare with a curly yellow mane and equally yellow glasses sat at the desk, reading the paper.
The stallion cleared his throat. "Er, excuse me," he said, his voice quavering slightly. The mare looked up at him. "I'm here for the, ah, customs inspector position at the Manetin Border Checkpoint."
"So you're the new guy, huh?" She peered over hes spectacles at him.
"Er, yes, that's correct." the stallion responded. "From the Labor Lottery." he added.
"I see." The mare reached down under the desk and pulled out a bag with a green Ministry of Admissions uniform folded neatly inside. The bag had his name on it. "Is this you?"
The stallion nodded "Yes, that is me."
"Very well." The mare said in a bored voice, as if she had done this many times before. "Go into the restroom and change. The uniform is to be worn with a white shirt and black tie, which I see you do not need provided for you. You may keep the bag. Hurry up, at the rate your going at, we'll have to shuttle you to the checkpoint."
"Thank you." The stallion took the bag in his teeth and entered the door marked "Stallions" on the other side of the room. He entered a stall and locked the door. He removed the uniform from the bag. There was a thick suit jacket and, strangely, a pair of military dress pants. Both were a drab olive green color, and the pants had a patch of a shovel on them, like his cutie mark. There was also an olive green military cap with a black band and a red Arstrotzka seal across it. He put on the pants first, wiggling his tail as he tried to poke it through the hole in the garment. Next came the jacket, which went over his shirt and tie. It was slightly too big, but he figured it wasn't too noticeable. Finally, the stallion set the cap on his head. He unlocked the stall and looked at himself in the mirror on the way back to the lobby. 
Not too shabby, for a customs inspector he thought as he left the restroom.
After going through some regulations, the mare escorted the Inspector to a carriage that was waiting out front. The carriage was Equestrian, white, elegant, and trimmed with gold, unlike the boxy metal horseless varieties used by Arstrotzkans. A Royal Guard opened the door for the Inspector. He quickly got inside and shut the door, the carriage wobbling slightly as he did so. He didn't like the Equestrian carriages, they seemed too ornate and shook too much.
"One more thing, Inspector." The Inspector looked out the window. The mare was still standing there. "Remember to keep a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. And be vigilant. This job can get dangerous very fast, and without warning. You may be the only pony who can stop it, so watch out." The mare placed her right hoof over her heart. "Glory to Arstrotzka!"
"Glory to Arstrotzka!" The Inspector repeated the gesture, and the carriage sped off towards the checkpoint.

Not more than two minutes later, the carriage arrived at the checkpoint. Good thing too, the Inspector thought. The checkpoint opens for the very first time in five minutes! The door was opened by a guard, and the Inspector hopped out.
"Your shift ends at 6:00 PM," the guard informed. "You must walk here from now on. Be prompt or you will be fined. Additional instructions will be on the bulletin inside the booth. Now go." Without a word, the Inspector walked briskly towards the brown booth at the end of the checkpoint. He stepped inside. The office was larger than he had expected, but it was by no means roomy. It consisted of a desk that had a slot for the rulebook, a recorder that had a blank bluish piece of paper in a slot under it, and another slot with a white piece of paper in it. A clock and scale were both built in to the desk. Underneath the desk, the Inspector found a photography trigger, a red button marked "ALARM", and a printer like device marked Diverse Small Customs Slip Distributor with a set of buttons and a light that was unlit. A set of red and green stamps were on a slider to his right. There was a black button and a microphone on the far left of the desk. A brass lever was situated high on the right wall. Now having familiarized himself with the booth, the Inspector examined the white piece of paper in the slot. He discovered that it was the bulletin the guard had mentioned. He read over his instructions for the day.



Dear Inspector,

Today is the first day that the checkpoint will be open. Eventually, we will open it further to everyone, but for today, only allow those with an Arstrotzkan passport to enter. Deny all other entrants. Equestria wants to make sure as many of the native Arstrotzkans get back to their homes and families. They probably missed them over the course of the war. There's also the fact that this city is being split between Arstrotzka and Gryphonia probably doesn't help either.

I assume you have already familiarized yourself with your new workspace. Use the button on the left to use the microphone and usher in ponies. The lever on the right will operate the booth window. The window will close automatically if the alarm sounds, so watch your hooves in case it drops down suddenly. Ignore the instruments under the desk, you won't need them unless things get really hairy. Other than that, have a safe day. 

Oh, I almost forgot! Be sure to check this bulletin in the morning. A new one will be placed every day telling you what needs to be done. You will be paid depending on how many ponies you process that day, so try to process as many as you can. Your pay will be delivered to your apartment. You may do whatever you want with this bulletin after your shift, as long as you do not leave it in the booth. Be patient, be professional, and above all, be vigilant.

For the Glory of Arstrotzka and Equestria,
Princess Twilight Sparkle.
Temporary Governor of Arstrotzka.



The Inspector chuckled to himself. What a charismatic little pony that Twilight Sparkle was. Well, regardless of how charismatic she is, it's time to start. The Inspector pressed the black button and spoke into the microphone.
"The checkpoint is now open. Please enter the booth." The Inspector reached up and pulled down the lever. The window opened with a clang. A magenta mare with orange hair entered the booth.
"Papers, please." the Inspector requested. The mare slid him a dark green Arstrotzka passport.
"It will be so nice to finally return home!" the mare beamed.
The Inspector pulled out the stamp slider and flicked through the passport. Indeed, this mare was Arstrotzkan. He pushed down the green "Approval" stamp and brought down the stamp into the entry visa box in the passport.
"Glory to Arstrotzka!" the Inspector said as he handed the mare her passport.
"Oh thank you so much!" The mare smiled and left the checkpoint. One down, Celestia knows how many left. The Inspector thought as he leaned over to the microphone. 

"Next." he called. A green stallion approached the booth. "Papers, please." the Inspector requested again. The stallion handed him a blue passport. He opened up the booklet. This was an Equestrian passport. The Inspector took out the stamps again and put down a red "Denial" stamp.
"Arstrotzkans only today," The Inspector handed the stallion back his passport. The stallion opened his mouth to say something, but a glare from the Inspector kept him quiet. He exited the booth.

"Next." The Inspector called. A cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane entered the booth.
"Hey buddy." the mare said before the Inspector could ask her for her papers. "I'm a friend of Twilight Sparkle, so hurry it up. She slid a blue passport to the Inspector. He opened it to see it was another Equestrian Passport. Not Arstrotzkan, not allowed.
I'm sorry, miss..." The Inspector looked at the passport again, "...Dash, but only Arstrotzkans are allowed through today." He stamped the passport with the red stamp and handed it back. 
The mare protested. "Hey, do you know who you're messing with? I'm the Element of Loyalty, you let me in to see my friend right now!"
The Inspector held his hoof over the alarm button, but thought better of it. He had to be professional, he could not call the guards on every pony that caused him trouble. "Then return when the border opens for Equestrians. Now leave, you're holding up the line."
"You can bet your front hooves that Twilight will hear about this, buster!" The mare grabbed her passport and stormed out of the booth.
The Inspector sighed. He doubted that this would not be the only problem today.

"Next." "Papers, please."
"Here you are. I cannot wait to see my wife again."
KA-CHUNK "Glory to Arstrotzka."
"Thank you so much."
"Next." "Papers, please."      
"This better have been worth it. I've been waiting in this line for too long."
KA-CHUNK "Arstrotzkans only, today."
"Go to Tartarus!"
*sigh* "Next."

The cycle continued for eleven more long hours. It was almost 6:00 PM, the time that the Inspector's shift ended. "Papers, please." He asked the stallion in front of him. The stallion produced a purple Gryphonian passport. Like clockwork, the Inspector stamped it with the red stamp. He had recognized that all Arstrotzkan passports were the dark green, so whenever he saw a passport of any different color, he knew that it had to be denied.
"Arstrotzkans only today." The stallion nodded, took his passport and left without a word. A loud horn sounded. The Inspector leaned over to the microphone and spoke into it.
"The Checkpoint is now closed." he said. "It will reopen at 6:00 AM tomorrow." The Inspector breathed a sigh of relief as he depressed the button. He closed up the window, put everything back in order, and exited the booth, taking the bulletin with him.

A twenty minute walk was all it took for the Inspector to arrive at his apartment building. The structure was a bit taller than the Ministry of Admissions office, but other than that, looked very much the same. The Inspector entered the building and climbed the stairs to the fifth floor. He walked to apartment number C8-52, and pushed open the door.
"Papa!" A young yellow-green maned emerald colt ran to the door and gave the Inspector a hug. "You're back from work."
The Inspector lifted the colt onto his back. "Yes I am, and it's good to be back! How is your mother?"
"Mama's very worried about you." The colt said. "She says the border is dangerous to work at. Is it really dangerous? Did you have to fight a bunch of bad guys?"
"No bad guys today." The Inspector said as he walked into the main room. The walls of the apartment were concrete ricks, and the floor was covered in hard floorboards. A coffee colored unicorn mare was in the kitchen, making soup. A blue elderly unicorn was sitting in an armchair listening to the radio, and a dark red stallion was laid down across the couch, snoring gently.
The coffee unicorn looked up at the Inspector. "Darling!" She ran to him and embraced him, like his son. "You are back! I was worried about you, I heard how nasty the border could get."
"Do not worry, honey." The Inspector reassured his wife. "Nothing serious happened today. Just a few complaints upon being denied."
"Quiet you two," the elderly unicorn snapped from the living room. "I'm listening to the radio!"
"Mother, it's almost dinner time anyways. You better get up if you want food." the Inspector's wife replied.
"Would you also be so kind as to wake up my uncle as well?" the Inspector asked. The Mother-In-Law poked the red sleeping stallion, who woke with a start!
"What? Is it dinner already?" The red stallion peered over the couch into the kitchen. "Ah! You're back from work at last! how was it, my boy?"
"Uneventful." The Inspector replied. He wanted to eat as soon as possible, he'd had a small breakfast that morning, and his shift did not include a lunch break.
"Oh, one thing, dear." The Inspector's wife replied. "A small package came from the Ministry of Admissions." That sounded like it was his pay. "You can open it after dinner, you must be starving." She has no idea. The Inspector thought as he and his family sat down at the dinner table. Dinner consisted of a vegetable and bean soup. It was more filling than it sounded. The Inspector told his family about work, including his encounter with Rainbow Dash. 
"What a despicable mare." The Mother-In-Law remarked. "I cannot believe the likes of her are the Elements of Harmony."
"Isn't Governor Twilight one of the Elements?" the colt asked. "She's good, isn't she?"
"Hrmph. Maybe not all of them are."

After dinner, the Inspector sat at the dinner table with the bills while his wife cleaned the kitchen. The Mother-In-Law and the Inspector's Uncle were busy tucking his son in. The Inspector looked through the bills. Rent, twenty bits, Food, twenty bits, Heat, ten bits. Why is it so expensive to live in a place like this? I don't think my savings can cover this. Hey, what about my salary? The Inspector took a letter opener and slit open the M.O.A package. Inside was a bag with seventy bits in it. This will work. The Inspector set aside money for the bills and gathered the rest to put into his savings. He put the bills by the door for the collection officer in the morning.
"Ready for bed, honey?" The Inspector's wife asked. She put a hoof on his shoulder. "You know you need to get up early for work."
"Yes, you're right." He kissed his wife, and they went into the young colt's room to say goodnight. At last, they entered their own room and slipped into their own bed, with its stiff mattress and thin blankets. As the Inspector fell asleep with the warm body of his wife next to him, he prayed that the next day would be as easy as today had been.  

It would not be so.

	
> Day 2: Trouble at the Gate
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Good morning, dear." The Inspector's eyes fluttered open as the voice of his wife floated through the darkness. She was still curled up beside him, a smile on her face. "You need to wake up, you little sleepyhead. You don't want to be late for work." The Inspector glanced at his clock, it was 5:00 AM. He sat up. 
"Thank you so much, honey." the Inspector beamed as he got out of bed. He yawned and stretched his arms as he shook off the chains of sleep and fatigue. He moved to his closet to put on his uniform. "I need to get changed."
"Okay then." His wife nodded. "While you do that, I will make you breakfast today. How does that sound?"
"I would appreciate that very much, thank you." the Inspector replied. With a giggle, his wife slipped through the door to the kitchen. The Inspector opened his closet and put on his uniform. He was already starting to get used to the pants. The Inspector, now fully dressed save for his hat, was ready to go. He entered the kitchen and sat down at the table, placing his hat beside him. His wife placed a plate of eggs and two slices of toast, all warm and ready to eat.
"Here you are, darling!" His wife said cheerily. "Oh, and I also made you a lunch bag to take to work today." she placed a brown paper bag next to the plate. The Inspector sighed. How did he land the perfect wife who loved every bit of him, and one who was a good cook to boot. 
"How on Equis did a perfect girl like you fall in love with a lowly laborer like me." The Inspector implored.
"Well, I guess you just got that rural charm." The mare joked. "That, and in Arstrotzka, all of us are laborers in one way or another." 
"It's true. Yes, it's certainly true." the Inspector conceded as he began to eat his breakfast. He ate slowly, to savor the meal and get the most nutrients out of it, but not too slowly. After all, he did have a schedule to keep up with.
The sound of little hoofsteps echoed across the wooden floor. The Inspector's son had entered the room.
"Good morning, Papa." The voice of the colt soothed the Inspector slightly. The Inspector stood up and knelt down to his son.
"What are you doing up so early?" The Inspector asked. "You don't need to be awake for two more hours."
"I wanted to say goodbye before you went to work, Papa."
"Okay then. Goodbye my sweet little foal."
"Papa, I'm six, I'm not a foal anymore!"
"I know, I know, but you will always be my sweet little foal even when you are fifty years old."
"Hee hee. Okay Papa. Goodbye." The Inspector kissed the colt on his little forehead. He rose from his chair. It was time to go. His wife gave him a kiss on the cheek as he placed his lunch in his saddle bag, and the three ponies went together to the door. After a final goodbye, the Inspector donned his hat and exited the small apartment to begin the long walk to his booth.

Twenty minutes later, the Inspector arrived at the booth. On his desk lay a cylindrical black device. The Inspector wrinkled his eyebrows and frowned at the device. He pulled out a new bulletin from the slot. It must have been placed there last night. He unfolded the bulletin. A smaller note fell out of the pamphlet. The Inspector placed his lunch in a drawer and read the bulletin first. 



Dear Inspector,

Today, your job will be a bit more complicated, but it still shouldn't be much of a problem. Princess Celestia has decided that Arstrotzka is ready to be open to everypony. As such, ponies from all regions will be welcome today. 

The Ministry of Admissions has informed me that there may be some ponies with expired or invalid passports. I've had to pull a few strings, but I've managed to give you a Discrepancy Detector. That's the cylinder that has been left on your desk for you. Look through it and switch it on to highlight possible discrepancies. It will be a big help to you, no doubt.

All in all, deny any ponies with expired documents. Any and all documents must be up to date. This has been added to your rulebook. It's in the right most slot under the desk in case you have not noticed. Be vigilant, as always, and make no exceptions for any reason.

For the Glory of Arstrotzka and Equestria,
Princess Twilight Sparkle.
Temporary Governor of Arstrotzka.



The Inspector grabbed up his rulebook and flipped to the Basic Rules section. There were two new rules. One that said all entrants must have a passport, and the other said that all documents must be current. The Inspector replaced the book and then turned his attention to the note. He picked it up off of the floor and unfolded it. It was hoofwritten, unlike the bulletin, which had been typed out. The hoofwriting was in a fine and showy cursive, making the note rather difficult to read. The Inspector squinted as he tried to read the note. He stumbled on a few words, but he managed to read the entire thing.



Dear Inspector.

I would like to apologize for the behavior of my friend, Rainbow Dash yesterday. She can be hard to work with sometimes, but trust me, she's a really good friend when you get to know her. I'd also like to thank you for standing up to her, it's a lot harder than it sounds. She will be returning in the early hours of the day, and her passport should be up to date, so please let her in. Again, thank you for sticking to the rules.

Twilight Sparkle



The Inspector smiled. At least he would not have to worry about Rainbow Dash causing too much trouble. He leaned over to the microphone. "The Checkpoint is now open. Please enter the booth." A brown mare entered the booth. "Papers, please." the Inspector requested. She gave him a lime green passport. He looked over the information. It was a Crystal Empire passport. Everything seemed to be in order. The Inspector reached for the green stamp, but he paused. Something was off, he could feel it. 
The Inspector looked at the passport again. I think this passport might be expired, he thought. I better check it out with the Discrepancy Detector. He held up the black cylinder to his eye. The readout said that the document was indeed expired.
"Ma'am, this passport has expired." the Inspector said as he stamped the passport with the red denial stamp. He handed back the passport and the mare exited to the left.

"Next." the Inspector called. He was greeted by the familiar figure of a certain cyan pegasus.
"You again?" she remarked. "Don't they have anyone else to run this checkpoint other than the same jerk who sits here all day?"
"Papers, please." the Inspector growled through gritted teeth. Rainbow slid him her blue Equestrian passport. He flicked through it, and after seeing that it was up to date, he stamped it with the green stamp. "Cause no trouble." the Inspector said as he handed back the passport.
"I bet Twilight gave you a good talking to, didn't she?" Rainbow stayed in the booth, insulting the Inspector. "What did she do to you, huh? Docked pay? Hard labor?"
"Cause. No. Trouble." The Inspector could feel the steam spouting from his ears.
"Oh no, I'm not done with you yet, pal." Rainbow began to yell at the Inspector. Before she could begin her tirade, the Inspector leaned over to the microphone.

"Next!" he nearly shouted into the device. Rainbow muttered obscenities as she exited to the right. Thank the heavens she is finally gone, the Inspector thought. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
"Ahem!" A gruff voice brought the Inspector back to reality. A green stallion was in the booth now.
"Oh, yes, excuse me." The Inspector got himself in order once more. "Papers please." he said. The stallion passed him a red Germane passport.
"Sounds like you had some trouble with that last mare." The stallion remarked as the Inspector looked over his passport.
"Indeed. Appartently, she was one of the Elements of Harmony." the Inspector remarked.
"Ah, I see. Don;t worry about it then. Those six think they're so great. They're just so full of themselves." The Inspector chuckled as he checked over the passport. It was up to date. He stamped it green. "Cause no trouble." The Inspector warned as the stallion exited the booth.

The next three entrants all had valid passports, the last one was an Arstotzkan Gryphon who had tried to rush him to catch a public transport carriage. The Inspector took bites of the lunch his wife packed for him. Even with the little food they were given, she still managed to make a filling and enjoyable meal of it. The Inspector swallowed a bite of daisy sandwich and spoke into the microphone.
"Next." he called. A blue mare with a pink mane entered the booth. She handed him an Arstrotzkan passport.
"Hey there, handsome." the mare cooed as the Inspector looked over her passport. He tried to ignore her, but it was becoming difficult. "You look bored. Come see us for a good time." She slid a purple and pink card under the grate. 
The Inspector stamped the passport green, seeing as it was up to date. "Glory to Arstrotzka." he said, giving the mare her passport back.
"I will be around for a couple of months." the mare said with a flick of her tail. "Don't forget to visit." She exited the booth. The Inspector looked at the card that the mare had given him.


PLOTHOLES
1-603-4
East Manetin
For all your fantasies


The Inspector felt his face grow hot. He ripped the card in half and threw it into the trash. He leaned to the microphone. "Next." he called. A gryphon entered the booth. "Papers, please." The gryphon slid him a purple Gryphonian passport. After a quick examination, the Inspector saw that it was expired. He stamped it red and gave it back to the gryphon. "This is out of date." he said. The gryphon growled and exited the booth.

"Next." The next entrant stepped into the booth. "Papers, please." The entrant was a yellow stallion with a curly red mane. He gave the Inspector his Crystal Empire passport. It seemed to be up to date and in order. As the Inspector prepared to stamp the passport an alarm sounded. The grate over the window slid down with a crash.
"What is happening?!?" the stallion cried, covering his head with his hooves.
"Stay in the booth and remain calm, please." the Inspector instructed. With a shaking hoof, he slid open a view slot on the door that led into the booth. The gryphon he had just denied had jumped over the wall separating East and West Manetin. The guard at the end of the boulevard was shooting at the gryphon with a tranquilizer crossbow. The gryphon lobbed a small object at the guard as he was shot down. An explosion shook the checkpoint as the object exploded, killing the guard. The Inspector stumbled due to the force of the explosion. He could hear screaming on the other side of the wall. The stallion was curled up on the floor of the booth, sobbing.
"Get up!" The Inspector instructed. The stallion stood up slowly. The Inspector thrust the passport to him. "Run, go home, get out of here." he said.
The stallion muttered a small "thank you" and ran out of the booth.
The Inspector proceeded to lock down the booth. His orders were to stay inside until the area was secured. He straightened his hat and uniform, which had been knocked askew by the commotion. Outside on the East Manetin side, he could hear boots marching and soldiers yelling. The Inspector took out the rest of his lunch. He nervously took a bite of the daisy sandwich and drank from the thermos bottle of soup. His wife's cooking always made him feel comfortable. When he was done with his lunch, he threw away the bag. He breathed deeply and drummed his hooves on his desk.
A sharp rap came from the door "Open up!" A rough voice with a thick Arstrotzkan accent sounded through the door. "The all-clear has been given. You may leave now." The Inspector opened the slot on the door. There was an Arstrotzkan soldier standing in front of the door.
"Yes, sir, I'm coming out." The Inspector opened the door and stepped outside.
"Go home." The soldier ordered. "There will be no more entry today. Work will continue as normal tomorrow. Expect new directions from the Ministry of Admission." The soldier saluted. "Glory to Arstrotzka!"
"Glory to Arstrotzka." the Inspector replied. He hurried down the road.

The cold Arstrotzkan weather nipped at the Inspector's face as he ran home. He had to tell his family he was all right. He rounded the corner. His apartment building was in sight. In the distance, two ponies could be seen walking down the road. One of them began to run toward him. He squinted at the figure. It was his wife. The Inspector broke into a full gallop. He embraced his wife.
"Thank Celestia you are alive!" His wife sobbed into his shoulder, her tears staining his uniform. Her eyes were red, meaning that she had been crying for a while. "I was worried that you had been killed, or hurt, or something horrible."
"No, no, I am okay." The Inspector replied. He took out a handkerchief from his saddlebag and dabbed at her eyes. Behind his wife, his uncle was huffing and puffing his way over.
"Christ, boyo!" he panted. "What in the name of Luna happened down there.
"Wait until we get home," the Inspector said. "Then I will tell you everything." The three entered the apartment bloc and climbed up to the Inspector's apartment. They sat at the dinner table. The Inspector's wife still clutched him tightly, as if he would leave and not come back. His uncle was sitting next to him, leaning in closely. The Inspector let out a long sigh, and then he proceeded to tell them what had happened at the checkpoint that day.

"...And then the guard knocked on the door and let me out." Five minutes later, the Inspector had finished his tale on what had happened at the checkpoint that day. By now, the Inspector's mother-in-law had joined the group at the table.
"I'm just so thankful, so so thankful, that you weren't hurt at all." his wife sniffed. Her tears no longer flowed.
"We all are," the Inspector's uncle added. "Well, maybe not her mum so much."
"Shut up." The mother in law snapped. "I'm grateful too. You know how long my daughter would be crying if her husband had died today? Probably longer than you've been alive so far."
"Okay, okay." The uncle looked at the clock. "I should go and get my grandnephew from school now."
"Please do," the Inspector implored. "I want him to know that I am okay, if he does indeed know what has happened at the checkpoint by now." The uncle put on his coat and went to the door. The door opened. The uncle was heard speaking with another voice. Something about it struck the Inspector as very familiar. He stood up from the table.
"What is it, honey?" his wife asked, placing a hoof on his side. "Should we be worried?"
"I don't think so, just let me listen." The Inspector moved toward the door. He could hear the conversation more clearly now.
"Yes, he lives here. Why do you ask?" He heard his uncle say.
"I need to talk to him. It's kind of important. Is he here?"
"Yes, I will bring him to the door- oh never mind, he's already here!" In the doorway, behind his uncle stood a cyan blue pegasus with a rainbow mane.
"You!" the Inspector exclaimed. "Why won't you just leave me alone?" I knew I should have detained her!
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Rainbow Dash began to hover above the ground, her wings flapping furiously. She waved her hooves in the air. "I don't want to start anything. I just want to talk, okay?" 
"Make it quick," the Inspector snapped, forgetting his professional demeanor. "I've had a very, very long day so far."
"Look, I- I- well, I..." Rainbow's eyes darted around the hall, as if searching for a way out. She sighed and closed her eyes. "I guess I just want to apologize, okay?" The Inspector raised an eyebrow, but said nothing and let her continue. "I was the jerk in this one. That isn't what my Element is about. So... do you forgive me?" She opened her eyes, and a tear began to form in one. She shook her head. "And I was totally not about to cry, in case you were wondering."
The Inspector smiled. He was touched to hear that this mare had come all the way to apologize. He suspected the Governor of having a hoof in this affair, but it didn't matter that much. "I see no discrepancy in that statement."
"So are we friends then, pal?
"Eh, more like acquaintances I think, but at least we don't hate each other. It's better than before." the Inspector reasoned.
"Cool. I'll get out of your way." Rainbow turned to go downstairs. "And if ya need me, ask Twilight, she knows me." She almost ran into another mare who was placing mail into the mail slots of the apartments."
"Now that that's settled, I'm gonna go get my grandnephew." The uncle followed Rainbow Dash down the stairs. The mail mare trotted up to the Inspector.
"Are you the owner of apartment C8-52?" she asked. The Inspector nodded. She handed him a few envelopes and a package from the Ministry of Admission.
"Thank you." The Inspector took the packages and withdrew to his apartment.
"What was that all about?" The Inspector sat back down at the table. His wife was curious about his surprise visitor.
"Just some crazy mare I met today." he replied simply. A minute of silence passed, then his wife stood up and went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. The Inspector felt his eyes grow heavy. It had been a long, long day...

"Papa, Papa! Wake up!" Something was poking the Inspector in the side. He shook his head and sat up. A small puddle of drool had formed by his mouth, but he wiped it away quickly with a hoof. His son was by his side, the perpetrator of the poking sensation.
"You naughty colt! You know better than to wake your father like that!" The Inspector's wife called from the kitchen.
"Hello there, son." The Inspector paused to let out a yawn. "How was school?"
"I heard about the bad guy at the checkpoint. Did you get to fight him?" The son looked at his father, his eyes bright with innocence.
The Inspector ruffled the colt's yellowish hair. "No, I didn't need to, the guards did."
"Aww, you would have totally kicked his plot!" Memories of the mare from the brothel swam back to the Inspector's mind, but he banished them immediately. He didn't need a place like that. Being a good cook wasn't his wife's only attribute...
"All right boys, dinner's almost ready." The mare's voice sounded from the kitchen again. The smell of fresh baked bread could be discerned. "You two better wash up."
"Okay Mama." The colt climbed onto the Inspector's back and they headed for the bathroom to get prepared for dinner.

After dinner, the Inspector sat at the table with the bills.With all of this terrorism going on, there would surely be new counter terrorism actions taken, and that meant more work for him. The Inspector sliced open the M.O.A package and was disappointed to find that he had been paid only thirty bits, since the day was cut short. One would think he would get paid more, with constantly having his life in danger and all that. He still had plenty of money to cover his bills, though. He went over to the safe and took out twenty bits. Those bits were sealed in the envelopes for the required payments.
"Papa, do you have to go to work tomorrow?" The Inspector was startled. He did not notice his son approach him. He turned around and looked at his son. Green eyes met blue as the Inspector spoke
"Yes, I will. If I don't come to work, I will get fired, and if I get fired, then we won't have a home anymore."
"But Papa, I don't want you to get hurt. I mean, stopping bad guys it really cool, but I want my papa to be safe."
"Don't worry. I am not leaving you behind on this world. I have to go to work, but I will be careful for you." The Inspector stood up. "Let's go tuck you in, now."
"Okay. Good night Papa."
	
> Day 3: The Ticketmaster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The next day, the Inspector trudged through the gray streets of East Manetin. Regardless of the terrorist attack yesterday, the Inspector He had put his lunch in his saddlebag, as well as some water this time. Stamping documents somehow, made him very thirsty. As he approached the checkpoint, he noticed that there were three guards instead of one standing behind the checkpoint. The guards looked at him briefly, then returned to attention. The Inspector entered the booth. A small slot with a series of buttons next to it had been installed next to the stamps. There was also a new bulletin in its slot. The Inspector opened his pamphlet. Another hoofwritten note fell out. As he did yesterday, the Inspector read the bulletin first. He unfolded it completely and read.



Dear Inspector,

In response to the terrorist attack yesterday, I, along with the Ministry of Admissions, have placed more guards around the checkpoint to aid in its defense. The Ministry has also introduced a new system to cut back on possible terrorist threats.

Entrants must now provide a valid Entry Ticket upon entry. It's a small ticket with a date on it. The tickets are only good for today (11/25/84) so if you find a ticket with anything different than today's date, it is invalid and that entrant must be denied. If they do not have the required documents, passport and entry ticket, then they must be denied. These instructions have been added to your rulebook

You may have noticed the dispenser we installed. It's by the stamps on the right side of your desk. Press the button with a big "V" on it to dispense a temporary visa slip if an entrant does not have their passport with them. The slips are to be used for denials only.

The Ministry of Admissions is working on a better, more secure system. For now, just work with the entry tickets. It shouldn't make your job too much more difficult. As always, make sure to check passports to see that they have not expired. Consider looking at the issuing city (there is a reference of these in the rulebook) to make sure that is valid as well. Just be vigilant, and nothing bad will happen.

For the Glory of Arstrotzka and Equestria,
Princess Twilight Sparkle
Temporary Governor of Arstrotzka



The Inspector placed the bulletin back in its spot. He now shifted his gaze to the note. He unfolded the small piece of paper and read.



Dear Inspector,

I'm really sorry about yesterday. I know it's not my fault, and I have nothing to do with what happened, but I can't help but feel at least partially responsible. Princess Celestia has been getting some major flak for opening up the border so quickly. I sent Rainbow Dash to your apartment to apologize, as you might have guessed. I wanted you two to make up, but I also wanted to see if you were okay. I don't know why I'm doing all of this to you, writing notes and stuff, but from what I hear... something's different about you from everypony else around here. I don't know what it is, but there's something there. Be careful okay? If you need me, I will leave the address of the Equestrian Embassy at the bottom.

Twilight Sparkle
4200, 139th Street, Prancadizna,

 

The Inspector placed the note in his bag. He opened the window to the booth and hailed the entrants. "The checkpoint is now open. Please enter the booth."
An orange unicorn stallion entered the booth. "Papers, please." the Inspector requested. He presented a red Germane passport and a small off white ticket. The Inspector scrutinized the ticket. The date was the 25th of November. That was indeed correct. There were no problems with the passport, so the Inspector approved him. KA-CHUNK "Cause no trouble." he warned. The stallion exited the booth.

"Next." The Inspector called. A crystal pony entered the booth. "Papers, please." She presented a lime Crystal Empire passport. The Inspector paused, waiting for her to get out her ticket as well. She stared at him, a confused look on her face.
"Where is your entry ticket?" The Inspector asked.
"Oh, right," she replied, flustered. The mare fished the ticket out of her bag. "Here it is."
"Thank you." The Inspector began to examine the ticket and passport. All seemed fine to him. He stamped the passport with the green stamp. "Cause no trouble." he said as the mare smiled and left the booth.

"Next." A rather portly saffron mare entered. "Papers, please." She presented a brown San Palomino passport.
"Hey there," The mare spoke. Her voice was smooth and seductive. The Inspector gave a small grunt of acknowledgement. "I can make you happy anytime." The mare slipped through a pink and purple card. The Inspector felt himself turning red. He looked over her documents, and approved them upon seeing that they were correct.
KA-CHUNK "Cause no trouble." The mare took back her papers.
"Come to Plotholes. Ask for Daffodil." the mare cooed as she left. The Inspector ripped up the Plotholes flyer and threw it away. How many of these mares were there in this line? He sighed. Work did not wait for such petty things.

"Next." "Papers, please" 
"Here you go."
"Camelot is not a valid Equestrian issuing city"
"How? What do you mean?"
KA-CHUNK "This passport is no good. Denied."
"Unbelievable!"
"Next." "Papers, please."
"I heard about the attack. You're lucky to have a job still."
"Maybe so. Ah, everything checks out." KA-CHUNK "Glory to Arstrotzka!"
"Glory to Arstrotzka! Be safe."
"Next." "Papers, please."
"Here is my passport and ticket."
"The date on this ticket is the 26th. Today is the 25th."
"So? It's before the ticket expires, isn't it?"
"You have to enter on the date that is printed on the ticket," KA-CHUNK "Sorry. This ticket is no good for today."
"Oh, very well. I will head back then."
"Next!" "Papers, please..."

Many entrants had passed that day. By now, it was almost 5:30 PM. The Inspector had just sent away a stallion who had an invalid ticket. He called up the next entrant. A female gryphon entered the booth. A few feathers jutted out in front of her face, making a sort of fringe. "Papers, please." The Inspector held out his hoof. The gryphon took a deep breath. "Here we go." she said quietly. She looked directly at the Inspector. "Glory to Arstrotzka!" she cried, raising a talon. "It's the only country around here that isn't full of dweebs and losers. That's really good coming from me." The Inspector scowled. Was this some kind of joke? He had no time for games.
"Where is your passport?" he asked. "It is required to access Arstrotzka."
The gryphon rolled her eyes. "But Arstrotzka is so great though!" She leaned on the counter. "Besides, It's too awesome of a place to need a passport to go to. Passports are lame. Like Equestria. Right?" The Inspector pressed the "V" button on the slip disperser. A temporary visa slip was ejected from the slot. He stamped the slip with the denial stamp and passed it to the gryphon. 
"No passport, no entry."
The gryphon huffed angrily. She barred her teeth. Her talon balled into a sort of fist. "What do you mean? No passport, no entry? You little dwe-" She stepped back and took a few deep breaths. "Okay, okay, I get it." She slowly slunk out of the booth, depressed. "I'll be back tomorrow. Don't be all stupid and forget all about me, got it."
It was the Inspector's turn to roll his eyes. This gryphon was just like that Rainbow Dash mare, and her manners were no better. "Bring proper documents, then." he said curtly. "Next!" 

A few more entrants managed to be processed before the horn sounded, marking the closure of the checkpoint. "The checkpoint will re-open at 6:00 AM tomorrow." the Inspector announced as he closed the shutter on the booth. He put his Discrepancy Detector and rulebook away. The Inspector finished locking down the booth. He egressed into the cold Arstrotzkan weather, locking the door behind him. The Inspector trudged through the barren grey streets towards home.

"How was work today, darling? I take it there were no attacks today."
The Inspector sat at the table going once more through the nightly ritual of bill paying. His wife, having cleaned up the kitchen and tucked in their son, was sitting next to him.
"Work was uneventful. The only new security measures taken were that you had to have this little ticket to pass through." The Inspector explained. He opened his pay check for the day, which was 50 bits. He put the money directly into the bill envelope, as that was the exact amount he needed to pay for everything.
"Well that must have been enough to scare all of the terrorists off." his wife stated. She smiled devilishly. "Or maybe they were scared stiff by the fierce customs inspector that is my husband."
The Inspector smirked. Whenever his wife wanted to have "fun" with him, she would say things with that impish grin of hers. "Let's go to bed right away." he returned her smile. "I must get up early you know." Who needs Plotholes when you have the best wife in the world?
"Don't worry. I'll make sure you're out of bed by then."
Little did the Inspector know that the Ministry of Admissions would ensure that tonight's pleasure would be made up for with tomorrow's additional documents.
	 
	
> Day 4: Concience and Cobrastan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The Inspector's eyes flew open, the deep emerald irises and pitch black pupils shrunken in surprise and fear. He shot up suddenly in his bed, disturbing his wife. She rose slowly and glared at him angrily.
"Why are you thrashing about?"
"What time is it?" The Inspector looked around frantically for his clock. His eyes darted around the room. Where is it, where is it? His eyes finally rested on his clock, which was on his bedside table, as it always had been. Idiot. The display read 5:35 AM
"Dammit." The Inspector swung out of bed. He sped to his small chest of drawers where he pulled out his uniform, putting it on quickly, but rather carelessly. He would straighten out the textiles when he arrived at the gate.
"Honey, this is my fault." The Inspector's wife called from the bed. "I shouldn't have kept you up." She now got out of bed and hurried over to the door. "I'll make you something to grab on the go." The Inspector simply nodded. That was all she needed from him. The Inspector struggled with the pants, trying to fish his tail through the small hole in the back. The Inspector darted into the kitchen. A small, but hot bowl of oatmeal was steaming on the table. The Inspector gulped down the oatmeal, cringing in pain as the hot meal burned his throat. You just can't think today, can you? Note to self, no sexy business the night before work. The Inspector took a glass of water from the tap and downed the entire thing in two gulps. The Inspector reached back to his tail, trying to get it through the hole. He struggled for a few seconds before he felt a tingling in his rump. The Inspector's tail was pulled through the hole, an amber aura surrounding it. He looked at his wife.
"Thanks, honey."
She trotted over to him, giving him a kiss as she pushed his lunch bag into his saddle bag. "You're welcome. Now go!" The Inspector nodded and exited the small apartment. He galloped down the street, not daring to be late for his work. Arstrotzka was very strict when it came to labor, and tardiness, especially for an important job such as his, would surely not be tolerated.

The Inspector shut the door to the booth a bit harder than he had intended to. He leaned over the counter, panting. When he had regained his composure, he straightened his hat and pulled out his new bulletin that had been placed in the booth. No special note from Twilight today. The Inspector opened the bulletin and began to read.



Dear Inspector,

The Ministry of Admissions has presented its new system for admissions. Foreign entrants must present a valid entry pass in order to access Arstrotzka. This entry pass contains the name, passport number, purpose of entry, and duration of stay of the Entrant. Make sure you ask the entrant about their purpose and duration of stay, just to be sure that it adds up to what they have on their permit.

On the slip dispenser, we've added a hoof print slip in case you need to take a pony's hoof prints. You may take hoof prints if the names of a pony doesn't match, or they don't look like what their photo on their passport suggests. Press the button marked with a "P" to dispense a hoof print slip and to activate the passport scanner. Scanning a passport will provide you with the Ministry of Admissions' file on that pony. It will include their hoof prints on file and any other names they have gone by (if any) There is an ink pad in one of the drawers in your desk. Give the slip and the ink pad to the entrant. If their hoof prints do not match, of if they have no known aliases when they say otherwise, then deny them entry.

Arstrotzkan citizens do not need an entry permit, but must have a valid ID card containing their district, date of birth, height (in centimeters) and weight (in kilograms). You are not required to ask them their purpose and duration of stay. Make sure you still compare details like height and appearance still. A list of Arstrotzkan districts is in the rule book if you need a reference for them 

Only a couple more things. Entry TICKETS are no longer valid, make sure that the entry passes are up to date, and you can check the audio transcript if you need to look back on what a pony has said. The audio transcript can be used with the Discrepancy Detector to find discrepancies in duration of stay and purpose of entry.

For the Glory of Arstrotzka and Equestria,
Princess Twilight Sparkle,
Temporary Governor of Arstrotzka



The Inspector shrugged. This was more complicated, but it didn't seem so bad. He just had to be careful and vigilant. He opened the shutter and leaned over to the microphone. "The checkpoint is now open. Please enter the booth." he called. A blue stallion with a purple mane entered the booth stepped in front of the booth. "Papers, please." The stallion handed the Inspector an Arstrtozkan passport and a purple ID card. His height, weight, and appearance matched. The Inspector checked the rulebook for the district. It was correct. The Inspector stamped the passport green. "Glory to Arstrotzka." the Inspector said as the stallion took back his papers and exited the booth.

"Next." A fuchsia pegasus mare entered the booth. "Papers, please. She gave the Inspector a purple Gryphonia passport and a light brown form.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"Just passing through."
"Duration of stay?"
"Two weeks."
The Inspector looked over her documents. Everything seemed to be fine- oh? What was this? The duration on the passport was two day, not two weeks.
"Your duration of stay is different." The Inspector pointed out.
"Oh, I'm sorry." The mare blushed. "I misspoke. I'll only be here for two days."
The Inspector nodded. That made everything okay. KA-CHUNK. "Cause no trouble." The Inspector called after the mare as she exited the booth.

"Next." Another pegasus mare entered the booth. "Papers, please." She handed him a yellow Saddle Arabia passport and a small piece of paper. It was an entry ticket.
"Where is your entry permit?" The Inspector asked.
"Entry permit?" The mare looked confused. "I have an entry ticket right there. Let me through!"
"Entry tickets are not enough anymore." the Inspector explained. He stamped the passport with the red stamp. "You need an entry permit to pass."
"Horsefeathers!" the mare exclaimed. "I paid good money for that ticket!" She stormed back out of the booth.

"Next." An older mare with a brown shawl entered the booth. "Papers, please." She passed him a San Palomino passport and her entry permit. 
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"I'm so happy that the border is open. I will visit my son. I have not seen him in six years."
"Duration of stay?"
"Six months." The Inspector looked to her entry permit, those statements were correct. However, a brief double check revealed that the passport and the entry permit were both expired.
"Ma'am, these documents are both expired." The Inspector explained.
"Oh, please let me through!" The mare begged. "I may never see him again!"
The Inspector closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. He would be inconsolable if he was so close to seeing his family, but denied with a single stamp. He made up his mind.
KA-CHUNK "Speak of this to nopony." The Inspector handed back the documents. The mare opened the passport. Inside the visa space was a green stamp.
"What? Approved?" The mare choked, looking up at the Inspector.
"Cause no trouble."
"I can never repay you enough. Take this, please." The mare passed him a round silvery object. She left the booth. The Inspector looked at the object. It was a medal of sorts. The Inspector placed the medal in his bag. He would study it further at a later time. He was still on duty. 
A clicking sound came from under his desk. The Inspector bent down to investigate the noise. It was the printer. It ejected a pinkish slip. The Inspector ripped the slip from the printer and read it.




M.O.A. CITATION

Passport: Invalid Date
Entry Permit: Invalid Date

FIRST WARNING: NO PENALTY GIVEN




The Inspector groaned. His first citation. However, he did feel a little relieved. He was glad that there was no penalty yet. Still though, he thought. I shouldn't make any more mistakes. He set the citation aside and called the next entrant.
"Next." An Arstrotzkan citizen entered the booth. "Papers, please." He presented his Arstrotzkan passport and ID. The Inspector noticed right away that the picture on the ID did not match the stallion, or the picture on his passport.
"This photo does not look like you."
"What can I say?" The stallion remarked. "The times have been hard for me." The Inspector pressed the "P" button on the dispenser. A piece of paper with two large boxes on it shot out of the dispenser. A small door opened in the side of the dispenser, revealing a slot. The words "SCAN PASSPORT HERE" appeared around the slot. The Inspector rummaged through his desk drawers until he found the ink pad described in the bulletin. There were also some paper towels in the drawer. He presented the slip and the ink pad to the stallion.
"Provide your hoof prints onto the slip please." The stallion dipped his hooves into the ink and pressed them onto the slip. While he did so, the Inspector scanned the passport. The printer clicked to life. It printed a blue slip. The Inspector ripped off the paper. The stallion's name, aliases, and hoof prints were listed on the paper.
"Here you are." The stallion handed back the hoof print form he had filled out. The Inspector handed him a paper towel to get the ink off of his hooves. The Inspector held up the two slips. These prints did not match either.
"I cannot verify your identity."
"I don't know what to say."
The Inspector stamped the passport with a denial stamp. "Better luck tomorrow." The stallion looked downcast as he took his documents and backed out of the booth.

"Next." A grey pegasus with a blonde mane was the next to enter. The first thing the Inspector noticed about her was her unusual, almost hypnotic eyes. One looked up and the other looked down. The Inspector blinked and shook his head. "Excuse me, miss. Papers, please."
"Okey dokey!" The mare handed him an Equestrian passport. She made to give him the entry permit as well, but she dropped it. "Oopsies." she giggled. She picked up the paper with her mouth and dropped it on the Inspector's desk.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"I'm gonna be the new mail mare at the Arzt... Arrstot... well, post office. Hee hee hee."
"Duration of stay."
"Uhh... a year, I think." He looked over the documents. They seemed to check out, except, was her name Derpy Hooves or Ditzy Doo? There were two different names on the papers.
"These names do not match."
"What?" Derpy leaned over the counter to look at the papers. "Oh, sorry mister. I have two different names."
The Inspector gave her a hoof print slip and the ink pad. "Provide your hoof prints onto the slip please."
"Okay, mister inspector." Derpy pressed her inky hooves into the slip. The Inspector scanned Derpy's passport. The printer ejected her file. Under known aliases, it read "Derpy Hooves, Ditzy Doo." The Inspector compared the two hoof prints to be sure.  The Inspector stamped her passport with the approval stamp while she wiped off her hooves with a paper towel.
"Cause no trouble." The Inspector cautioned the sweet mare.
"Thanks, mister." The mare smiled as she left the booth.

"Next." A familiar gryphon entered the booth. "I trust you have your documents today?" The Inspector asked.
"You betcha." The gryphon presented a red passport with a snake emblazoned on the front. "I've got a passport. Sure it's from another place, but Arstrotzka is still the best country for sure!" The Inspector had not seen this type of passport before. He picked it up and opened it. He had to use every fiber of his being to not burst out laughing. Inside, the passport had been crudely drawn with what looked like crayon. Apparently, this "passport" was issued from some city called "Bestburg" in "Cobrastan". At least the gryphon's photo was valid. He looked at the name of the gryphon. He showed her the passport.
"Is your name really Gilda 'Meanie-pants' Swiftfeather?" The gryphon's, Gilda's, eyes bulged. She snatched the passport.
"WHAT!?!" Gilda's eyes darted over the foraged document. "GRAH! I HATE HER! I HATE THAT LITTLE PINK PONY. HER AND HER STUPID COBRASTAN AND JORJI COSTOVA, AND WHATEVER THE HELL ELSE SHE RANTS ABOUT!" The gryphon flew into a tirade. The Inspector stealthily took her passport and stamped it with the denial stamp.
"Cobrastan is not a real country." the Inspector passed back the passport. He did his best to keep his cool. He knwe how violent gryphons could get.
"STUPID PINKIE PIE!" Gilda shouted. "I'LL KILL THAT LITTLE WHELP!" She took a few deep breaths. The Inspector waited for her to cool down before he spoke.
"If you do that, you'll never get past this border." The Inspector said. "Keep a cool head, and I'm sure you'll get it right."
"Yeah." Gilda hung her head. "I'm really sorry for blowing up like that and holding up your line. I It's a bad habit of mine I suppose." She tossed the passport through the booth window and into the trash can. "I'll get a better passport next time, okay?"
"Okay. Be safe, miss Swiftfeather."
"Yeah, yeah. You too, I guess."

"Next..."
	      
> Day 5: Do Not Pass Go
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The next morning, the Inspector sat at the table in his apartment, drinking from a cup of coffee. He had gotten up extra early today, he didn't want to take any chances with getting up late again, so that was a plus. The Inspector was disappointed to have discovered that his rent had gone up last night, and his meager salary of 45 bits for yesterday's work didn't fully cover the new cost. Fortunately, he would not have to cut off any of his utilities. Yet. The Inspector had made his own breakfast and lunch that morning, not wanting to wake up his wife. He had a few extra minutes before having to leave, so he read the paper. There was an interesting story about a Saddle Arabian athlete named Aerial Ace who had apparently murdered his manager and fled the country. The Inspector read through the story, then set the paper down. He snuck back into his room where his wife lay, still snoozing. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead, just below her horn.
"Good bye, honey." He whispered. The mare opened one eye
"Be safe, darling."
"I will." As quietly as he came, the Inspector left the room. He then entered the other bedroom that his son, mother in law, and uncle shared. The colt and the old mare slept in beds on each side of the room, while the red stallion that was his uncle slept on a mat in the center. He quietly walked over to his son's bed and did the same to him as he had done with his wife.
"Goodbye, son." The Inspector whispered. "Have a good day at school and don't forget to turn in your homew- oh!" The young colt suddenly reached up and hugged his forelegs around the Inspector's neck.
"I love you, Papa." The foal looked at the Inspector with his deep blue eyes. "Be careful today."
"Don't worry. I will. I love you too."

The Inspector arrived at the booth. He stepped inside, getting respite from the cold Manetin weather. He immediately reached for his bulletin. It was becoming a regular routine for him now.



Dear Inspector,

There's no new forms or anything being issued today. It should be a lot like yesterday, to be honest. It shouldn't be a particularly difficult day for you, so just remember to be vigilant.

You have been authorized to detain suspicious individuals using the alarm button under your desk. Pressing the alarm will call the guards and will close your shutter, so be sure to watch your hooves. Personally, I still do not agree with Arstrotzka's idea of "detainment", but if you have a good reason to detain a pony, like if they look or act suspicious, have clearly foraged documents, or are acting with excessive violence, then detain them. Still, I would feel a lot better if you detained a pony only if necessary

One last thing. You may have heard about an athlete from Saddle Arabia named Aerial Ace who has been suspected of murder. Authorities say that he might try to enter Arstrotzka through the Manetin checkpoint today. If you see him, detain him immediately. 

For the Glory of Arstrotzka and Equestria,
Princess Twilight Sparkle,
Temporary Governor of Arstrotzka.



Okay, now I know what I am up against. the Inspector thought to himself as he opened the shutter. "The checkpoint is now open. Please enter the booth." the Inspector announced. A zebra entered the booth. "Papers, please." He passed his Equestrian passport and his entry permit over to the Inspector.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"Visiting friends."
"Duration of stay?"
"Sixty days."
The Inspector quickly noticed that the passport numbers on the passport and entry permit did not match. "The passport numbers do not match."
"Impossible." the zebra exclaimed. These documents were probably foraged, and the Inspector had no choice but to detain him. He reached under the desk for the alarm button. The zebra waved his hooves in the air.
"Wait, wait!" The zebra pleaded. The Inspector paused. He would hear out the guilty entrant. "Please don't arrest me. Just deny my passport, and I will go away. I promise." The Inspector nodded and denied the passport.
KA-CHUNK. "Don't come back here again."
"Okay. Thank you. I will stay away."

"Next!" A gryphon entered the booth "Papers, please." She gave the Inspector a Gryphonian passport and an entry permit
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"I am visiting Arstrotzka."
"Duration of stay?"
"One month."
The Inspector looked at the documents. The purpose of the trip was work, not visiting. He pulled out the audio log to double check. Yes, the gryphon had indeed said she was visiting, not working.
"The purposes you gave for entry do not match."
"Oops, that's my mistake." The gryphon corrected her discrepancy. "I have a job here. I come for work." The Inspector nodded. He approved the passport.
KA-CHUNK "Cause no trouble." The gryphon took back her documents.
"Thank you, sir."

"Next." A white on white pegasus entered the small booth. He passed a Saddle Arabian passport and an entry permit through the window.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"Travel."
"Duration of stay?"
"One week, no more."
The Inspector scanned the documents. They were valid. The Inspector reached for the green stamp, but stopped. The name on the passport was Aerial Ace.
"You are Aerial Ace, are you not?"
"Aw, Celestia dammit." The pegasus' wings flared up in alarm. He nervously reached up and brushed his mane. "Look, I didn't kill her, okay? I was set up, Don't believe those lies! Please let me through."
The Inspector shook his head. Sorry pal. "Wait here, please." He pushed the alarm button. The buzzer sounded and the grate slid down over the window. Ace jumped back in shock.
"What is going on?" The frightened stallion looked around and braced his back on the far wall, raising his front hooves in the air. He still made no attempt to escape.
"OUT!" A loud voice came from outside the booth. Ace hung his head. 
"Crap." Ace trundled out of the booth. The Inspector smiled to himself. That was one less criminal for Arstrotzka to deal with.

"Next." A white unicorn mare with a heavily styled violet mane entered the booth next. She wore a rather garish dress to go with it. "Papers, please." The Inspector requested. The mare presented an Equestrian passport and an entry permit.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"Visiting friends."
"Duration of stay?"
"Oh, as little time as possible. I cannot stand this place. Only two months is all."
"I see." The Inspector looked over her documents. They were all valid. 
"No offense to you, of course. The ponies are fine," The mare explained. "It's the fashion. These ponies don't know what complimentary colors even are, I'm telling you. I mean, that uniform of yours is hideous!"
The Inspector glared at the mare. "I apologize for my so called lack of fashion. Arstrotzka does not have much of a budget for ostentatious clothing like Equestria does, you know." He stamped the passport with the approval stamp. "Cause no trouble." he said, giving the mare back her documents and shooing her off.
"Ostentatious?" the mare was deeply offended. "My clothing is not ostentatious! You take it back."
"Move along, or I will have the guards throw you out." the Inspector threatened. His patience had worn thin.
"You just don't know how to treat a lady, do you?" The mare trotted out in a huff. The Inspector muttered some obscenities under his breath. He sighed and reached for the microphone.

"Next." A stallion entered the booth. "Papers, please." The stallion passed over an Arstrotzkan passport and an ID card. The Inspector compared the card to the passport. There were no discrepancies. The Inspector allowed the stallion through.
KA-CHUNK "Glory to Arstrotzka."
"Yes, glory to Arstrotzka."

"Next." "Papers, please."
"Here."
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"Transit."
"Duration of stay?"
"Two days."
KA-CHUNK "Cause no trouble."

"Next." Papers, please."
"Here is my passport and ID card."
"This photo does not look like you."
"I have had surgery."
"I need you to provide your hoof prints, please."
"Okay. Um, will this suffice?"
"This is unfortunate. I cannot verify your identity."
"I'm not sure what to say."
CLANG "One moment, please."
"What is this?"
"OUT!"

"Next." A blonde stallion entered the booth. "Papers, please." The stallion gave the Inspector a San Palomino passport and an entry permit.
"Today is a beautiful day, my friend!" The stallion proclaimed. The Inspector peered outside. It was still rather cloudy. "Today we are free from San Palominoian tyranny!"
"Ah, very good. What is the purpose of your trip?"
"I will be moving here."
"I see." The Inspector checked the stallion's papers. They were correct. KA-CHUNK "Cause no trouble." The Inspector cautioned.
"Thank you so much." The stallion said as he took back his papers. "Please be kind to my wife, she is right behind me." He promptly left the booth.

"Next." A pink mare stepped into the booth. "Papers, please." She presented her own passport. It was a San Palomino passport, like her husband's had been.
"Did you see my husband?" The mare asked. "He made it through, right."
"Yes, he made it through fine, but..." the Inspector began. He had noticed some bad news. "You do not have an entry permit."
Tears welled up in the mare's eyes. She threw herself onto the counter, sobbing uncontrollably. "Please let me through, I beg you!" she cried. "They would not let me have a permit, I had no choice! They will kill me if I return to San Palomino!" The Inspector was touched. He couldn't imagine the pain the mare was going through. He would have to break protocol again today.
KA-CHUNK "Cause no trouble."
The mare took back her passport with a shaky hoof. Her tears had died down. "Thank you," she smiled a bit. "We will not forget this." She passed him a silvery disc, just like the mare yesterday had done. This medal had the San Palomino emblem embossed into it. The Inspector slipped the disc into his bag. He would put it with the other one when he arrived home.
CLICK CLICK CLICK. That would be my citation, I'll bet, the Inspector thought. He looked at the pink piece of paper. It was still hot from the printer.





M.O.A. CITATION

Missing Entry Permit

FIRST WARNING: NO PENALTY GIVEN




The Inspector sighed. It was the price to pay for doing the right thing. "Next."

Some time later, the Inspector found himself walking home. Work had been long, but as Governor Twilight had said in the bulletin, it wasn't too difficult. There was something else on the Inspector's mind however. Today, he realized the power he held, working at the checkpoint. He could change lives for the better, reunite or rip apart families, or even end them outright. All with just a single stamp, or a push of a button. The Inspector could change so many things, so many lives, from inside his little office. 

And it scared him.  
> Day 6: For Gryphonia!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The next morning, the Inspector arrived at the booth on time. He was a bit worried, as his salary yesterday could not pay his entire set of bills. His savings would cover costs for now, but he would need another way to earn enough money to pay if he wanted his family to have a place to live. He had also decided that he would try and look beyond the booth that day. He wanted to make sure that he used his power for the right reasons and not abuse it.
The Inspector looked around his booth. Nothing had been installed or added, that he could see. He went over to his desk and removed a new bulletin from its slot. He began to read the day's instructions.



Dear Inspector,

You may be aware that jobs in Arstrotzka are few, and are becoming fewer. As such, the Ministry of Labor has requested that the Ministry of Admission adopt a new policy to control the immigration of workers.

From now on, an entrant who wishes to enter the country for work must carry a valid work pass issued by the Ministry of Labor in addition to their entry permit. A work pass must not expire before the entry permit. If it does, it is most likely a forgery and the entrant must be denied or detained. Arstrotzkan citizens and foreigners who are coming to Arstrotzka for reasons other than work purposes are not required to carry a work pass. Process them as you normally would.

It has come to my attention that you apprehended Aerial Ace yesterday. I have to give you credit. He could have snuck by most other inspectors. The Ministry of Justice is rather grateful for your hard work. Arstrotzka needs more workers like you. Continue to make us proud, inspector.

For the Glory of Arstrotzka and Equestria,
Princess Twilight Sparkle,
Temporary Governor of Arstrotzka



The Inspector had a couple minutes before he was supposed to open, so he leaned over the counter and played with the stamps. He stopped himself and straightened up once more. He had to maintain his professional demeanor at all times. The clock struck six. It was time to start.

"The checkpoint is now open. Please enter the booth." A crystal mare entered the booth. "Papers, please." the Inspector requested. She presented her Crystal Empire passport and an entry permit, as well as a magenta slip. The Inspector looked at the slip. It was a work pass. He went through his list of questions.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"I come for work."
"Duration of stay?"
"I will stay for one year."
The Inspector looked over the papers presented to him. A cursory inspection revealed that the names did not match.
"These names do not match."
"Oh, I have multiple names."
"Please provide your hoof prints on this slip." The entrant took the slip and the ink pad while the Inspector scanned passport. CLICK CLICK CLICK. The Inspector ripped out the page that was emitted from the printer. The two names on the papers were listed on the slip above the hoof prints. He stamped the passport with the approval stamp.
"Cause no trouble." The Inspector handed the mare a paper towel to wipe her hooves, as well as her documents. She left promptly.

"Next." Another mare entered the both. Her mane hung down in front of her eyes, and she looked as if she had been crying. "Papers, please." She gave the Inspector a Germane passport, an entry permit, and a work pass. She also slipped in a familiar purple and pink flier. Another advertisement for Plotholes. The Inspector wrinkled his snout a bit, but proceed to ask his questions to the mare.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"Work."
"Duration of stay?"
"Six months."
The Inspector looked through the papers. Names, dates, issuing cities, yes. They were correct. He stamped the passport green. "Cause no trouble." he cautioned.
The mare shifted a bit. "Help me." she said quietly, almost a whisper. She passed over a piece of paper and left. The Inspector unfolded the note and read it quickly.



Please, help me. A stallion named Bangor Dare promised my sister and I good work in Arstrotzka. However I do not trust him I am worried that he will try and take our passports to make us work in a brothel that is somewhere in East Manetin. He is a few ponies behind me in line today. I don't want to be stuck in a brothel for the rest of my life.
I beg you, do something!



The Inspector folded the note back up and placed it into a drawer. He would look at it later. For now, he had to get back to work. "Next." he called into the microphone. A old stallion hobbled into the booth. "Papers, please." The stallion gave him a Saddle Arabian passport and an entry permit. He had no work pass.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"I am moving here."
The Inspector looked over his papers. Something was fishy about his passport, though. The date was fine, the name and photo were both fine. The Inspector opened his rule book. He turned to the page about Saddle Arabia. There were two issuing cities, Abu-Clopi, and Dubit. Neither of which matched the city on the passport.
"The issuing city is not correct."
"I don't understand."
The Inspector sighed. The passport was forged. He reached for the alarm button, but stopped. Detaining the stallion would probably mean his death. He simply stamped the passport with a denial stamp.
"Do not come back." he said as he handed the stallion back his papers. The stallion nodded, perfectly understanding why he had been denied. He hurried back out of the booth.

"Next."
"Hey pal, it's me again!" The Inspector looked up. Gilda Swiftfeather stood in front of him with her front talon outstretched. An authentic looking Germane passport was held within. "Hah, it wasn't easy to get, but today, I got a grade A passport, baby!" 
The Inspector smiled. "That is good news to me, Miss Swiftfeather."
"Just Gilda. This whole 'Miss Swiftfeather' thing is too weird."
"I understand. Regardless, I must see your papers, Gilda."
"Read it and weep!" Gilda tossed the passport onto the counter. The Inspector raised an eyebrow.
"Where is the entry permit?"
"The what?" Gilda's mouth hung open.
He studied the passport. It was authentic in every way, but it wasn't enough. "This passport is good, but without an entry permit, I cannot let you through." He braced for Gilda's rage.
"Dammit. I look like an idiot." Gilda began to hit herself with her talon over and over. "Stupid, stupid, STUPID! I can't believe I FORGOT THE DAMM ENTRY PERMIT!" The Inspector waited for Gilda to finish. She facetaloned herself one last time and shook her head "I'm sorry pal, this one's on me." She took back her passport. "I'll come back with the right stuff in a day or two."
"See that you do." The Inspector said. He was beginning to get frustrated with Gilda's repeated, and failed attempts to enter the border. He shook his head.

"Next." A royal purple pegasus stallion with a brown mane entered the booth next. "Papers, please." the Inspector requested. The pegasus gave him an Arstrotzkan passport and an ID card. He also passed the Inspector another flyer for Plotholes.
"Hello, friend." He began. "How about you come down to Plotholes? I can get you the mare of your dreams."
"I've already found her." The Inspector replied casually.
"Come anyways, who knows," The stallion leaned in closer. "Maybe you want to try something new."
The Inspector ignored the stallion and looked at his papers. Something struck him as odd. That mane, Bangor Dare, was familiar to him. He checked the note that the mare had given him earlier. She said that Dare was trying to smuggle her across the border. This was unacceptable.
"You are Bangor Dare?" The Inspector asked, for the audio log. 
"Of course." Dare replied. "It says so on the passport, right?"
"Indeed." The Inspector pressed the alarm button. The grate slid down. "Wait here, Mr. Dare."
"What is this shit?" The pegasus looked around nervously. His nervousness turned into anger. "Give me my papers back!" The Inspector took the Plotholes fliers and ripped them in half, spitefully.
"OUT!" The guards yelled from outside the booth. If looks could kill, the Inspector would be a dead pony. Dare glared at the Inspector with a terrible fury. He stormed out to the guards who escorted him away.
"Well, I'm glad that's over," The Inspector said to himself out loud. He closed his eyes. "Good riddance. Now I don't have to deal with those dammed fliers anymore."

"Next." he called. A short unicorn mare wearing a large fuzzy coat entered the booth. She looked sad and unfocused. "Papers, please." She shook herself out of her daze and handed her documents over to the Inspector. They consisted of a Gryphonian passport and an entry permit.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"Transit through the country."
"Duration of stay?"
"Two days."
A brief inspection on the Inspector's part revealed no problems with the papers.
KA-CHUNK "Cause no trouble." The mare stepped out of the booth.

"Next." the Inspector called. A butter yellow pegasus stepped into the booth. She had turquoise eyes and a long pink mane. "Papers, please." She gave him an Equestrian passport and an entry pass.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"I'm, um, visiting friends." The pony said something very quietly. The Inspector did not quite catch what she had mumbled.
"Can you repeat that, please?"
"I'm visiting friends." 
The Inspector nodded. "I see. Duration of stay?"
"Oh, um... two months."
The Inspector looked through the documents. He mouthed his checklist under his breath. "Name is Fluttershy on both papers, issuing city is correct, dates are valid." His mumbling was interrupted by a small cough. He looked up. The mare was gesturing out of the doorway to the right at the guards.
"What is that mare doing?" She asked.
"What!?" The Inspector leaned forward out of the booth to peer out the door. The previous entrant was right behind the guards. She took off her large coat, revealing a black device attached to her.
"FOR GRYPHONIA!" she shouted. She pulled a cord on the device.
"Oh, shi-" The Inspector ducked behind his desk, hooves over his head as the checkpoint was rocked by the explosion from the suicide bomber. Screams and the rapid, frenzied, clip clopping of hooves were heard from outside the booth. With a squeal, the pegasus jumped over the booth, just before the grate came down. She huddled close to the Inspector under the desk and sobbed. into his shoulder, uttering words made unintelligible by her tears. The Inspector looked nervously around the booth with the frightened mare laying against him.
"You have to leave now," he said. "or the both of us will be in very big trouble."
"...please don't make me go outside." she blubbered. No matter what the Inspector said or did, she would not move from under the desk. He patted her on the back and spoke gently. The same technique worked well on his wife when she was upset.
"Hush now. No more crying, okay?" He stroked her mane. The mare's tears began to slow "Everything is fine now." He slowly stood up and opened the grate. He also handed the mare her papers, which were still on the desk. "Now you have to go. You cannot stay here or else the guards might arrest us." he warned.
The mare crawled out from under the desk. She sniffed and for the first time since the Inspector first saw her, she smiled. "...okay. Thank you so much." She took her papers and climbed over the counter. She hurried out of the booth.

A short time later, the Inspector was escorted out of the checkpoint by a pair of Equestrian Royal Guards. The Inspector could not help but notice that they seemed a little hostile with him. Did they blame him for the death of their fellow guards be letting in the bomber? The Inspector was shoved harshly into the street. The guards snorted at him and then returned to securing the checkpoint. 
The Inspector trudged down the street to his apartment, his head hung in shame. He had done a poor job, and becaus eof his inadequacy, three innocent lives were lost. Maybe a night on the bar was in order- no! If he drank tonight, he would be in no shape to work early tomorrow morning. The Ministry of Admissions would not give him a day off just because a suicide bomber snuck past him. No, that was not how things worked in glorious Arstrotzka.
After some time of walking, the Inspector entered his apartment building and climbed up to his room. He was immediately greeted by his wife's hooves being thrown around him.
"I cannot believe there's been another attack already!" She lamented. "I don't feel comfortable with you going to work like this anymore."
"You know I have to go anyways." The Inspector hung up his uniform in his wardrobe. "This is the only way we can get money, anyways." 
"And even that is barely enough to get us by." she countered. She flopped onto their bed. "There has to be another way. I don't know what I would do if you ever were to die at that dammed checkpoint." She cursed angrily, her foreleg pounding the blankets in frustration.
"Don't worry." he said. "I will be perfectly safe. I have been, and I will be."
"I just hope it stays that way."
There was a knock at the door. The Inspector was the first to the door. Standing in the hall was a blonde walleyed grey pegasus. She had a mail bag brimming with packages and letters.
"Delivery for Mr.- oh hey! It's you!" The mare smiled and laughed. The Inspector reconized that laugh.
"Ditzy Doo!" he exclaimed. "I see you got the mail mare job!"
"Yeah!" Ditzy grinned. "My boss is really nice. He gave me a place to live and everything. It'll last until I have to go back to Equestria.
"Good." The Inspector said. "Now, you have mail for me."
"Oh yeah. Sorry. This is apartment C8-52, right?" The mare dug through her bag until she pulled out a few envelopes and a small package containing the Inspector's pay from the Ministry of Admissions.
"Excellent. Be safe, Ditzy." The Inspector waved away the pegasus and withdrew to his room. He slit open the envelopes and the package, taking out the contents within. It didn't take long for the Inspector to figure out a major problem. He didn't have enough moneys to cover the bills. Even his savings and pay combined couldn't cover it. He was still short five bits.
"Honey, we need to talk!" he called.
"What's the matter?" His wife entered the room. "Is there a problem?"
The Inspector nodded. "We don't have enough money. We will either have to forgo food or heat for tomorrow."
"You are joking right?" she groaned. "First you nearly get killed at work and now we are out of bits for the bills. She sighed. See if you can get away with not paying for the heat. I don't think anypony will be staying home all day, so that should be okay."
"Okay then." The Inspector deposited money into the food and rent envelopes. He placed those by the front door. "I will make sure I work extra hard so I can make enough money."
"All right, dear." His wife wrapped her foreleg around him. "I know you're trying your very best, and I appreciate it."
"Who knows. With all of the security that will no doubt be added tomorrow, maybe they'll give me a raise." The Inspector smiled halfheartedly. He knew that he would have to do many more things tomorrow because of the bombing. He could only hope that his family would be able to keep up with it all.




Guest Star OCs! Special thanks to:

Bangor Dare by CyberFan479

Thank you for submitting. Keep sending me those characters and they will have a good chance to appear in an upcoming chapter.


> Day 7: Search and Seziure
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The Inspector arrived at the checkpoint the next morning, feeling more alert than usual. His wife had given him a double shot of espresso rather than his usual plain black coffee to help him stay alert on the job. It was working. The Inspector hoped that he wouldn't be too jittery today because of the coffee. That would look very unprofessional, and being unprofessional was unacceptable. The Inspector noticed that the guards that had been killed yesterday were already replaced with fresh ones. They did not acknowledge him as he made his way to the booth. The Inspector slipped inside the cozy building and shut the door.
As usual, the Inspector made a beeline for the bulletin. He picked it up out of its slot and unfolded it. A note, presumably from the Governor fell out onto the desk. The Inspector read his instructions first.



Dear Inspector

Your instructions are simple today. The Ministry of Admissions is cracking down on Gryphonian terrorist attacks. They have yet to come up with a truly efficient system, but for now, all Gryphonians must be searched for weapons and contraband. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Earlier on, you may have noticed a photography trigger under your desk. That trigger is for the new scanner system that was installed on your booth. It uses a sort of high energy wavelength to see through concealment that might hide contraband. But that doesn't matter. There should be a switch on the side of the trigger. It activates the right camera and the left camera. Click the trigger, flip the switch, click the trigger again, then flip the switch back to its original position. The printer will print out the photos so that you may examine them. 

Remember, under no circumstances must contraband get past the checkpoint. Searching is mandatory for Gryphonians. If you find an entrant with contraband, they must be detained. I know that sounds a bit out of character for me, but this is a really big deal. Treat your task with the utmost importance. Arstrotzka is counting on you.

For the Glory of Arstrotzka and Equestria,
Princess Twilight Sparkle
Temporary Governor of Arstrotzka



The Inspector nodded to himself. That didn't seem so hard to remember. He turned his attention to the note that had been placed in his bulletin. He unfolded the note and read it after putting the bulletin away.



Dear Inspector

I'm thankful to hear that you were all right after what happened yesterday. Ever since the first attack, there haven't been any willing applicants for customs officers anywhere around Arstrotzka. Speaking of yesterday, I want to congratulate you on catching Bangor Dare at the checkpoint. It made the front page on The Truth of Arstrotzka, you know. I don't know how you knew about him and his activities, but you saved a lot of mares from a life of cruelty. I tried to wire you a bonus for your efforts, but the Ministry of Admissions would not allow it. I also want to thank you for helping Fluttershy. That was the mare who jumped into your booth after the bomb went off. As I'm sure you can guess, she's another friend of mine. She wrote me a letter telling me how you protected her during the attack. You got a good head on your shoulders, Inspector. Arstrotzka should be proud of you. I know that I certainly am. Don't forget, you can write to me if you need anything from me. In case you lost the address I gave you last time, I wrote it again at the bottom.

Twilight Sparkle
4200, 139th Street, Prancadizna



The Inspector placed the note in his bag. He picked up the photo trigger from under his desk and examined it. The red button on top activated the cameras. The switch on the side switched between the cameras. There was also a small grey button below the switch that Twilight had not mentioned in the bulletin. The Inspector pressed the button, and discovered that it activated a pair of curtains that swung around where the entrant would stand, giving them privacy in case they needed to undress.
Time to get started, the Inspector thought as he reset the camera and curtains. "The checkpoint is now open, please enter the booth" 
The first entrant of the booth was a female gryphon. "Papers, please." The Inspector held out his hoof. She gave him a Gryphonian passport and an entry permit.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"I am moving in with my husband. He lives here."
The Inspector's eyes flickered over the papers. They were all valid and correct. However, this entrant was indeed Gryphonian, so she had to be searched.
"You have been selected for a random search." The Inspector said. He pressed the grey button. The curtains swooped around the gryphon.
"Whoa! What's going on?" the gryphon exclaimed. "Is there something wrong with my papers?"
"Do not worry, it is only a scan for contraband." The Inspector explained.
"I swear I don't have any contraband!" she cried.
"Just face the camera." The Inspector instructed. He pressed the red button on the trigger. CLICK. There was a bright flash from behind the curtains. He flicked the switch and pressed the button again. CLICK. Another flash.
"I think I blinked during that, sorry." the gryphon apologized as the curtains were folded up and stored away.
"It's not a problem." The Inspector said. The printer clicked to life. It expelled two pictures. The Inspector examined the photos briefly. This gryphon was carrying no contraband.
KA-CHUNK. "Cause no trouble." The Inspector said.
The gryphon nodded. "A good day to you, sir." She left the booth.

"Next." "Papers, please."
"I have my papers right here."
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"I am here for work."
"Duration of stay?"
"I remain here for 90 days."
"Where is your work pass?"
"Work pass? Oh, I'm sorry. Here you go."
"Thank you." KA-CHUNK. "Cause no trouble."

"Next." "Papers, please."
"Good day, sir." Here is my permit."
"Where is your passport?"
"Passport? Why do you want to see that?"
"You need one to enter."
"Oh. This is embarrassing. I didn't know it was required."
*facehoof* "Okay, For future refrence, a passport is required to enter Arstrotzka. No exceptions." PING, FWIP. KA-CHUNK. "Here is a visa slip. Come back with proper documents."
"Very well. I'm sorry to have wasted your time. I guess I will return another day." 

"Next." The Inspector called. A brown stallion with a red mane entered the booth "Papers, please." the Inspector asked. The stallion gave him an Arstrotzkan passport and ID card.
"Hello." The stallion said. "My, this weather today is horrible." he commented
"Indeed. It is very cold." the Inspector acquiesced. Hm, that matches up, this ID is valid, oh! Wow, why didn't I notice that sooner? 
"How strange, your photos do not match your face."
The stallion wrinkled his eyebrows. "Really? Let me see. On the ID card?"
"Yes. Can you explain?"
"I have had surgery lately."
"I see." FWIP The Inspector pressed the "P" button on the dispenser. A hoof print slip was ejected onto the desk. "Please fill out your hoof prints on this slip."
"Okay." The stallion fumbled with the ink pad and slip. "Oh yuck, my hooves are all inky now!"
"Wipe them off with this towel." The Inspector tossed him a paper towel. He scrutinized the tow sets of hoof prints, the ones from the entrant, and the ones he had received from the printer. "Now, these hoof prints do not match. I cannot verify your identity."
The stallion began to shake, as if he was angry, but seemed to calm down. "Please let me through." he said in a defeated voice. "I could not afford a proper ID card, I had to borrow one from my brother! Please, I need to get in!"
The Inspector mentally shook his head. Part of him felt bad for the pony, but he needed to toughen up. Helping ponies was important, but the job came first. These were forged papers and the entrant had to be arrested. He sounded the alarm.
CLANG! "Wait here."
"Are you arresting me? You heartless bastard!"
"OUT!"

"Next." A blue-green mare entered the booth. "Papers please." The Inspector asked. She gave him an Arstrotzkan passport and an ID card. It looked okay, but the gender on the passport said that she was male. The Inspector felt himself blush as he realized how ridiculous his next question would sound.
"Er, are you male or female?"
"It is as it says on the passport." The mare, or stallion, said nonchalantly. It was as if (s)he had heard this many times before. 
"Oh. Well then, please face the scanner." The Inspector took up the photo trigger and used it to close the curtains. CLICK. The camera flashed. CLICK. The Inspector stowed the curtains. He looked at the photos of the entrant. Hmm. Seems like a mare from he- oh, okay, never mind, it's a he. The Inspector stamped the passport with an approval stamp.
"Cause no trouble, er, sir." He waved the she-male away.
"Thank you for not asking too many questions about my appearance. I have to put up with it much too often nowadays." The stallion walked out of the booth."

Well that's something I'll never be able to get out of my head, the Inspector thought. He called the next entrant.
"Next." The entrant was a pegasus stallion. He was white and black with red eyes, and seemed unusually tall. "Papers, please." The Inspector spoke as if he was reading off of a script, which he practically was. The entrant passed him an Equestrian passport and entry pass. 
"Here you are, good sir." The stallion said. "I am Infinite Spirit, I will be here for travel purposes and will only be staying for two weeks. I am sure there will be no problems."
"Well I'm afraid that is not true." The Inspector replied after a quick glance at the documents. "This photo on the passport is wrong. You don't have a horn concealed under all that mane, do you?" Indeed, the photo on the passport suggested that Spirit the pegasus was indeed an alicorn as the entrant in the photo sported a horn as well as wings.
Infinite Spirit rubbed his chin with his hoof. "Mmm, are you sure?" he asked, almost snidely. "Why don't you check again." he suggested. There was an air of confidence to his voice, and the Inspector did not like it one bit. He looked at the passport again. The horn had disappeared now, and the alicorn that was once in the photo was now just a pegasus. 
The Inspector frowned. He was sure that the picture had been different. I need a way to prove that this document has been altered by magic, because I know it is, he thought. Maybe the Discrepancy Detector can see through the magic. He took out the black cylinder from his desk drawer and looked through it. The picture once more looked like the alicorn from before. The words "DISCREPANCY DETECTED" formed at the bottom of the lens.
"This document has indeed been altered." The Inspector informed Spirit. "Would you care to explain?"
"Ah, yes." A bright light appeared around the pegasus' head. A horn was now poking out of his scruffy mane. "The jig is up. You've caught me." He smiled. "Usually that trick works, but somehow that device of yours saw through my enchantments. I must commend you on finding me out, good sir." He sat on the floor and raised his hooves in the air. "Do not worry, Inspector, I will go quietly."
"Good." The Inspector said as he pressed the alarm button. CLANG! The grate slammed shut. "That will make my job easier." He was tired of Spirit's snarky, almost theatrical attitude.
"OUT!"
"Perhaps we will meet on more fortunate circumstances, yes?"  Spirit remarked as the guards led him out of the booth. The Inspector said nothing. How many more peculiar ponies were out there in the world and why all of them coming to his booth?
If the Inspector didn't know any better, he would have thought that this was all scripted, like some kind of movie written by a mad Director who was hell bent on making his job tiring and miserable. But that was a ridiculous notion, right?

The Inspector shook his head and cleared his mind. Deep thinking took time away from work, and that meant less money at the end of the day.
"Next!" The Inspector called. Another pegasus entered the booth. She was a gold colored mare with a black mane. She had strange pink dots on her wings and black streaks that ran though her body. The mare was dressed in a miner's outfit. A lantern and a small pickaxe hung from her belt. "Papers, please." She gave him a Gryphonian passport, an entry permit, and a work pass.
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
"Work."
"Duration of stay?"
"I estimate it to be three months."
The Inspector looked through the documents. There was something off. He used the Discrepancy Detector. It revealed that the names on the entry permit and passport were listed as Pyrite, but the one on the work pass was listed as Fool's Gold.
"These names do not match." the Inspector pointed out the error to Pyrite.
"Ah yes, that's easy to explain." Pyrite said. "I have two different names."
"Okay then." The Inspector scanned Pyrite's passport. The slip said that she was indeed called both Fool's Gold as well as Pyrite. The Inspector was about to stamp her approval, but stopped. Her passport was Gryphonian. She had to be searched. Oh boy, I've gotta run this poor mare through the whole system.
"I apologize for the inconvenience, but you have been selected for a random search."
"Oh, no, that's no problem." Pyrite grinned.
"Please face the camera." The Inspector requested. He drew the curtains with the trigger. CLICK. CLICK. A pair of pictures were printed out from under the Inspector's desk. He looked through them. They showed what the mare kept withtin her pockets and under her clothes. There was mostly mining equipment, and none of it seemed bad except for one thing. Under the mare's right leg was a bundle of dynamite.
"You should not have come here with those explosives." The Inspector remarked.
"What explos- oh no, the dynamite!" Pyrite cried. She looked around in panic. "Please pass me through. It's only for mining. You see, I need to get in. It is very important!"
"Why are you so adamant to gain entry?" The Inspector asked.  
"Back in my village, I am known for my poor follow through with promises. It's in my nature." Pyrite made circles in the floor with her hoof. "That's why they call me Fool's Gold." She sighed. "A little while ago, my mother broke her wings. She loved flying so much, and we didn't have enough money for surgery. I promised her that I would find a way to get the money. I have heard news of a big gem cache in Arstrotzka, and I want to sell the gems to fund the surgery." Pyrite put her head down on the desk. "Please, this is a promise I cannot break. I'll..." Pyrite looked up. "I'll pay you to let me through. Here, take these ten bits." She placed a stack of bits onto the counter. "I'll give you these now, and if I make any extra money from the gem cache, I'll give you a portion of it." She stuck out a hoof. "Okay?"
The Inspector was torn in two directions. This mare was carrying explosives, which were not allowed past the checkpoint. It was his duty to arrest her. On the other hoof, those ten bits might be all he needed to keep his family alive and well for a few more days. He sided with his family. This mare had made it quite clear that she was not going to try and attack the checkpoint. There couldn't be any harm in letting her through.
KA-CHUNK "Cause no trouble, and do not forget about my payment." The Inspector said. He took the bits and put him in his saddlebag.
"I cannot thank you enough." Pyrite gushed. "You have practically saved my mother's life." She left without another word.
CLICK CLICK CLICK. The Inspector sighed. I wonder what that could be?




M.O.A. CITATION

Alert: Contraband detected. Possible smuggler admitted.

FIRST WARNING: NO PENALTY GIVEN




Great.

Soon after that, the shift ended. The Inspector trudged home and entered his apartment. His wife and uncle were sitting at the dinner table talking in worried voices.
"What is going on?" the Inspector asked. "Did something happen?"
His wife turned to him "Yes. I'm afraid that my mother and our son have caught the Chernobit disease."
The Inspector was appalled. The Chernobit disease was a disease caused by radiation from the Chernobit Plant, a failed experimental power plant. The disease could be prevented by eating well and staying warm.
"I can see why your mother caught the Chernobit disease." The Inspector said. "But why did our son get it? Don't they have heaters in school?"
"School was cancelled because of the attack yesterday." It was the uncle's turn to deliver bad news. "Both of them are rather sick." He stood up. "Please tell me we have enough money for tonight." 
"I think so." the Inspector nodded. "Did my paycheck come yet?" A dull thud came from outside the front door. The Inspector hurried over and cautiously opened the door, peeking his head out ever so slightly. In the mail slot next to the door was the M.O.A. package containing his money. 
"Good." The Inspector mumbled to himself. He brought back in the paycheck and dumped it in on the table. He took out the bits from his saddle bag that Pyrite had given him.
"Where did you get those?" His wife asked.
"Work." The Inspector replied simply. It was the truth, maybe not the whole truth, but the truth. He counted out the money. "How much is the medicine these days?" The Inspector asked his uncle. "Is it still five bits for a bottle?"
"Yes." Uncle replied. "Now the bills are fifty-five bits total, and the medicine will be ten bits. That's sixty-five bits total," He looked doubtfully at the pile of bits on the table. "Do we have enough?"
"Fifty-eight, fifty-nine..." The Inspector's face took on a look of sadness. He hung his head, letting his hat fall off. "Sixty bits," he sighed. He looked back up at his family. "We can only afford one bottle."
"What do we do?" his wife said. "Is there any way that we can get more bits?"
"It's too late, honey." the Inspector rested a hoof on his wife's back. Her eyes were filled with tears, and the Inspector felt tears of his own breaking loose.
"Well..." his wife said between sniffles. "We should tell them what's going on." She nodded towards the bedroom where the two sick ponies were resting. "Maybe they can help us decide what we should do." 

The Inspector and his healthy family members entered the dark bedroom. It was kept dark to help the occupants sleep and to save electricity. 
"P-Papa?" The raspy voice of his son made the Inspector's heart break.
"Yes, my sweet little colt," The Inspector choked on his tears slightly. "Do not worry, I am here for you."
"Well, it's about time." Even in sickness, the Inspector's mother-in-law was still very grumpy. "My daughter has been coddling the both of us for too long. It's too much." She folded her forelegs. "Just 'cause I'm sick, doesn't mean I need boatloads upon boatloads of care like this." she grumbled under her breath.
The Inspector sat down on the end of his son's bed. "I have some bad news." he spoke solemnly. "We can only acquire enough medicine for one of you." he told them.
The old mare pointed her hoof at the colt. "Give it to him!" she said. "I have been through plenty of living, and he's got so much more to experience!"
"But Gra- *cough cough*" The colt coughed a bit. When he caought his breath again, he continued. "But Grandma, you need it more than me, don't you?"
"No, I don't." the elderly mare said gently. It was a rare moment that she did not shout or snap at somepony. "Your life is more precious than mine." She looked at the Inspector. "Now you go and get that medicine before your boy keels over."
"Mom, wait-" The Inspector's wife began to protest but her mother cut her off.
"No!" She shouted as loud as Chernobit would let her. "You know that your boy is more important than this dried up bag of bones!"
"You're right... mama." The Inspector's wife said simply. The Inspector and his wife both knew that giving their son the medicine was indeed, the right thing to do.
"Come now," The Inspector led his wife out the door. He looked back at his mother-in-law, who gave a final nod of approval.

"Let's go get that medicine." 



Guest Star OCs! Special Thanks to:

Infinite Spirit by mattman1313
Pyrite by espreeses1

Thank you for submitting! Keep sending me those characters and they will have a good chance to appear in an upcoming chapter.