Marevel's Agents of Equestria

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Chapter One

Solitaire liked to think that she was so much more than just a card game. But as she moved through the room of a casino, with a strut in her step and a deck of cards poking out of her leather jacket, thoughts weren’t quite enough. However, tonight she wasn’t here for a game, tonight she was here for business -- and it was best not to mix business with pleasure. Being one of the most adept infiltrators in all of Equestria was a title she wore on her sleeve. The Unicorn had a talent when it came to taking chances and coming out on top, perhaps even the reason behind her cutie mark. She’d never been caught, suspected or even noticed by the authorities for her little activities, but her gift had been observed by a certain association. The Crystal Renaissance.

        ‘Oi, Solitaire! Over here!’ An excited voice yelled at her from the rounded corner of the facility. It belonged to a certain cream coloured Unicorn she’d known for a great deal of time, who was waving her hoof in the air ecstatically. Someone seems happy to see me… she thought, narrowing her eyes slightly before diverting them to the entrance of the casino and back again.

After years of silence, the CR had become active once more and they weren’t afraid to show it. The general public found interest in them, ranging from people who read/watched updates on their official website (designed by yours truly) to avid supporters who hung CR banners on the roofs of their homes. Every government organisation feared them. Their ability to gather intelligence, their unspoken motive, their desire for all information to be shared with the public. For freedom of knowledge, of danger. Solitaire knew hundreds of important ponies wanted them gone, and that they wouldn't cease until they’d taken the CR out. That only fueled their appetite.

Upon reaching the table, she realised it wasn't just her friend seated there, but two other members of the Renaissance as well. Out of all three she’d known Nepeta the longest, having met her in the streets of the Crystal Empire, shortly after leaving the orphanage. By chance or maybe a stroke of luck, the Unicorn had taken her in. The mare was probably the most upbeat pony she’d ever come across, never losing that smile on her face and a glint in her lavender blue eyes. She had her red and purple mane flipped to the left of her face, wearing a mischievous grin as she gestured for Solitaire to sit on the chair next to her. Despite her discretion, she complied, slouching back and sorting through her deck of cards using magic.

        ‘So what’s all this about?’ She inquired, raising an eyebrow questioningly at the two ponies sitting opposite them.

If she ever needed to know something about the Renaissance, Dead End and Artemis were her stallions. Although Artemis stood as a leader of the CR, Dead End was definitely a second in command, with a lot more knowledge of the Crystal Empire. There was a strange depth to the icicle eyes of Artemis, and throughout the entire two years she’d known him she had never learnt a single thing about him other than his name. Dead End, she had spoken to a few times before, but not willingly -- he was kind of deranged in a way she couldn't describe. He currently sat mumbling to himself, red moon-shaped eyes wider than usual and Solitaire swallowed, shifting to make herself a little more comfortable. Something was up.

        ‘They’ll never be enough of us.’ Dead’s voice was no more than a wisp of breath. ‘But we need to act. Soon.’

Of course, and they needed her to be the lapdog as always. ‘So how am I involved in this?’ Artemis’ smile sent shivers running down her spine, but she didn't look away.

        ‘We’re taking action on the Solstice,’ Artemis’ voice was clarion, almost as cold as his eyes. ‘At Cadence’s Gala, and we need you to be in the room so the signal can reach into the area. To divert security.’

Time to get my infiltrator on. Ever since the formation of the Renaissance, the term 'infiltrator' had become a part of anypony's vocabulary. It was more or less a fancy word for hacker, which the CR were mostly made up of. Solitaire was proud to say she was one of their elite, and understood why they needed her assistance. They gazed at her expectantly, waiting for her response.

        'What about G.U.A.R.D?'

Dead stiffed at the name and Nepeta choked on her glass of water; but Artemis remained placid. 'They shouldn't be an issue. All we need is a distraction.'

Although that last word confused her slightly, she didn't question it and nodded her head. 'I'll do it.'

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