Payload: Endangerment

        Michael and Octavia had arrived at the airport. Michael had only brought his own briefcase with him. He looked around to find the flight check-in. But, before they could go anywhere, they were stopped by an awkward looking pony. He was a light blue unicorn with slicked back hair. "You must be Michael Ryder's," said the unicorn. "Yes," replied Michael. "And you are?"

        "Where are my manners, my name is Spark."

        "Nice to meet you."

        "I was told to take you straight to the jet."

        Michael turned to Octavia. He kissed her goodbye and followed Spark. "I understand why you are here," said Spark. "I am to be your personal helper until the actual assassination is to happen. Think of me as an assistant." "I work best alone..." replied Michael.

        "Well, you're stuck with me. I was told to-"

        "I know."

        The two of them had reached the boarding. They passed through the metal detector and moved on. The flight attendant nodded and let them through. The jet was small. Big enough to seat a few men. As they took a seat in the private jet, Michael spotted a few other guards sitting down. must be for extra protection. Then, Michael asked a question. "You seem quite different from other henchmen that I've seen." "Well," said Spark. "I'm not really a henchman. I work as a free lance mercenary. I still seem a bit lighter than most though."

          "I see. So how did L. R. Corp. contact you?"

          "Eh, I hang around places, lookin' for people and things like that. Eventually, some guy handed me a shitload of bits. So, I took it. They told me that I was to work with them for a few months."

          "What do you do?"

          "Small stuff really. Just shaking up people if they hadn't payed up. Haven't gotten into a real gunfight as of yet."

          "Know how to handle a gun?"

          "I mostly use pistols. But, I am a decent shot with a rifle."

          "Alright. When's the president's speech going to happen?"

          "In about, three days."

          "Wonder why they shipped me out early."

           "Just to set up I guess. Get to know the layout of the area. Don't worry, I'll take you there."

           The loud speaker came to life. A mare's voice came out. "We are lifting in approximately five minutes. Please turn off all electronic devices before flight." Michael checked his phone to see if it was off. He turned it off and put it away. Five minutes later, the jet flew into the sky. The trip felt endless for Michael. He couldn't sleep. Spark however, was luckier. He managed to fall asleep quickly. Michael sat there thinking about Octavia and how her life could be in danger. He thought hard about it. What if I miss? The thought of this made him sick. Eventually, he felt tired. He managed to lay down and rest for the few hours of the flight.

            Michael had awaken to the sound of the loud speaker announcing their arrival. Michael looked around to see Spark had already left. He grabbed his briefcase and quickly ran down the hall to the airport. There, he saw Spark and the other guards waiting. "What took you?" asked Spark. "Sorry. Fell asleep," replied Michael. The two of them ventured through the airport trying to find their way out. Eventually, they ended up outside standing in front of the airport. "What are we waiting for?" asked Michael. "There is suppose to be someone picking us up. As he spoke the words, a grey Mercedes with black tinted windows pulled in. Spark walked up to it opening the back door for Michael. "After you," said Spark. Michael got in, followed by Spark who closed the door.

             The car went from freeway to freeway trying to pass traffic and get back to the city. After a while, they had finally reached the southern part of Stallington. Michael looked out the window. The streets were battered and the buildings looked broken down. It had been at least an hour since they left the airport. The car came to a stop. It stopped next to a motel. The outside was very displeasing for Michael. Windows were smashed and its discolored battered brick walls were seemingly falling apart. "Alright. This is your stop," said the driver. "Hurry up. Chairman Horsebrawn is waiting for you." Michael turned to see Spark sleeping. He nudged him to wake up. Both of them got out and entered the motel.

              Amazingly, the inside of the motel was more well-kept rather than its outside. Spark looked at the front desk to see a male earth pony who stared at them. "Whaddaya want?" asked the receptionist. "We're here to meet with Horsebrawn," replied Spark.

              "Oh, that's right. Go all the way up the stairs to level four. The code for the door is 5706."

              Spark nodded and walked to the stairs. Michael followed behind. The two of them went up the stairs until they found the code door. 5706. The door unlocked. Michael and Spark saw a grey Pegasus pony wearing a black suit surrounded by many guards. He was lighting a cigarette. "Ah. You must be Michael," said the Pegasus. "It's also nice to see you again Spark. Please. Both of you have a seat." Of course, Spark and Michael took a seat. "Now, Michael, you probably already know what job you will have and know who I am. Chairman Horsebrawn. You will have the privilege of assassinating President Brawny Hooven. But, you don't know all the details. The actual speech has been delayed by two days. So you have four days to get to know Spark and get to know Stallington. Anyways, the president will be taking the stage right in front of the city hall. The streets in front will have multiple buildings that would provide great vantage points. But the downside is that there will be tight security. This map will give you the locations of the guards' locations. Our inside man personally drew this out for us. Spark will take you there he'll be your extra eyes in case of anything. Any questions?"

        Michael shook his head. "Good. But remember, if you fuck this up, then everything's gone. Please, take your leave." Michael and Spark stood up and left the room and headed down to the main lobby. "So," said Spark. "Where to first?"