Before Equestria had a Princess of Friendship to handle (or cause) international incidents, the business of diplomacy was carried out by trained, capable ambassadors, hoof-picked by Celestia herself. In fact, in all truly serious matters, it still is.

One of Her Majesty’s best and brightest ambassadors, Laurel Wreath, has done much to establish friendly relations with the minotaurs in their city-state of Minos. Too much, someone decides. When word reaches Celestia that her star diplomat has disappeared under extremely suspicious circumstances, she knows that she needs to act fast if she wants to stop whatever is next. A fast-flying ambassador might just be able to make it to Minos before it’s too late, but he would need escorts who could keep up with him.

There are two ponies in the Royal Guard who might be up for it, Celestia's captain tells her. His first choice is an abrasive, dispassionate rookie named Lightning Dust.

His second choice is... worse.

Edited by Cherry Frosting and Burraku_Pansa
Pre-read by Biker_Dash