Payload: Endangerment

        Michael woke up that Saturday morning. He could already hear Vinyl's music, so he knew that it was around nine o'clock. He turned to see Octavia burying herself in her pillow trying to stay asleep. Michael got out of bed and went downstairs. He saw Vinyl preparing food. "Hey, look who's awake," said Vinyl. Michael just yawned and went to get a mug of coffee. He picked through cabinet and got a mug, filled it with coffee, and sat at the dining table. He yawned yet again. His mind drifted. He still thought of that message he received. Other than how odd the job was, he thought of the corporation. L.R. Corporation. Had he worked for them before? He came to and realized Vinyl's hoof waving in his face.

        "Hello? Equestria to Michael. You there?" she asked. Michael shook his head, "Oh. Sorry. Yeah. What is it?"

        "What's up?"

        "No nothing, it's just about this letter-"

        Michael had nearly revealed the letter. "What letter?" asked Vinyl. Michael though of something quickly. "A letter from my job. They need me at the office in a few hours."

        "Oh. Why so worried? It's just like a typical day."

        "Mhm."

        Michael took another sip of his coffee. Vinyl's wubs were still loud as could be. Michael got used to it. "There's some eggs and some small sandwiches ready if you're hungry," said Vinyl. Michael nodded and walked over to grab a plate of food. That was when Octavia walked down the staircase. "Hey! Look who's here! How was your night Octy?" asked Vinyl. Octavia's face still looked tired. She walked over to Vinyl's disc player and turned it off. "Hey! You killed the wubs."

        "Vinyl, it's like nine o'clock. People like me could still be sleeping."

        "Oh lighten up Octy."

        "Humph."

        She sat down next to Michael. She leaned her head against him and fell asleep. Both Michael and Vinyl gave a small giggle.

        A two hours had passed. To make it look real, Michael prepared himself as if he were going to a meeting. He walked down the stairs. Octavia was sitting down reading and Vinyl was on her laptop. Octavia looked up. "Where are you going?" asked Octavia. "I have a meeting that I need to attend. It'll only be a few hours. Maybe even less," replied Michael. He opened the door and left.

        He roamed the streets of Ponyville for a while. He looked at the time and thought it was time to head home. As he walked around, he knew his decision was final. He wasn't going to take the job. As he turned a corner. To ponies in heavy coats stopped him. One was a unicorn and the other was a Pegasus."You must be Michael Ryders," said one of the ponies. "You are?" asked Michael sarcastically.

        "Doesn't matter. Our boss says that you chose to forget our job. So we were sent here to jog your memory."

        One pony bulled out a knife while the other kicked Michael in the side. Michael fell over but tried to recover. But, before he could, he was again kicked to the ground and punched in the face. Michael kicked him away. The other pony drove his knife straight for Michael's face. The pony missed, but Michael was still cut near his snout. He came in with a punch, but was rewarded with a kick and then a punch. He fell to the ground, badly beaten. One pony raised a knife and dropped his hoof towards him. The other one stopped him. "Ah-ah. That's enough. We ain't here to kill him. But Michael, if you don't take the job, well, we'll have to kill you, and your little lover girl." "Fuck you," said Michael.

        "You have two choices here. Take the job or suffer."

        Michael knew either way, that if he failed, his life would be destroyed. So he had no choice. "Fine. I'll take this damned job." The two ponies gave a small laugh and walked away. Michael slowly got up. He was weak. He was covered in blood and bruises. He still managed to limp his way back home. As he opened the door, Octavia greeted him. "Hi Michael- Oh my god!" She yelled. Vinyl and Neon Lights leaned from the hallway. They saw Michael's injuries and helped him over to the coach. "What happened Michael?" asked Octavia. "I got into a little tussle," replied Michael.

        "'Little'? This isn't little Michael!"

        "Octavia. I'm fine."

        "No you're not. Vinyl get the medical kit. It's in the bathroom."

        Vinyl nodded and galloped to the bathroom. "What did you do?" asked Octavia. "Mmm... Two guys tried to mug me, they didn't great away with any of my stuff. I just got roughed up," replied Michael.

        "Which way did you walk?"

        "Same way as usual. Anyway, I have an important business trip I need to take."

        "Where?"

        "Stallington. I need to be there to meet the executives for the president's speech."

        "Stallington! That's quite for dont you think?"

        "It's worth it. Trust me."

        "When are you leaving?"

        "Tomorrow morning."

        Vinyl came back with bandages. They wrapped up most of Michael's wounds. "Isn't tomorrow morning too early?" asked Octavia. "They told me to prepare now," said Michael trying to make it sound real. "I guess they really need me to convince the executives about something."

        "Mmm... Okay... But you'd better be back as soon as you can. I'll pack your bags."

        "No it's fine. I can do it. Just help me up to the room."

        Neon Lights and Octavia help Michael up to his hooves and brought him upstairs to his room. There, he took out his brief case with the disassembled intervention. He pushed the files aside in a neatly manner and places an asbestos sheet over his hidden rifle. He wanted to be sure it wouldn't be detected at the airport. Michael put some clothes on top to make the briefcase looked filled. He layed down in bed to rest his wounds and prepare for a big day.