Author's Note
So I was reading a fic and I made a joke about Starlight being a KGB agent. That was kind of the start of it. Then I was watching The Man from U.N.C.L.E and finally inspiration came to me. This is more or less a spy novel and my first attempt but I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 1
Canterlot
The building stood about seven stories, located in the middle of downtown. On the outside, it looked like your typical company building, recently remodeled in the last couple years. But on the inside it was much more than that.
This was the headquarters of the Agency, one of many children given birth by the government for the purpose of protection. In this case it was central intelligence, protecting borders from the threats of foreign individuals and countries. To most people, this building was for a company that was most likely in the top two hundred companies of the country. But only those in government power or neighboring agencies knew its true purpose.
The woman sat at her desk, a stern look on her face. Actually, most of the time she looked this way regardless of the emotions she was feeling at the moment. After all, being the director of the Agency was no easy task and most of the time it wasn’t very pleasant either.
Her name was Harshwinny, but she went by the name H instead. She realized early in her career that many were quite intimidated to approach her, so she tried to thaw the ice slightly by suggesting that her staff and subordinates call her H. It seemed to help somewhat.
Currently she was in her office where a young woman half her age was sitting across from her. H took a sip of her tea that was on the table. “Is there anything new to report Agent Spitfire?”
“It’s been a quiet day for the most part ma’am,” the young agent replied. She was in her mid-twenties with short orange hair and was currently wearing a blue suit, although to be honest she always felt stuffy wearing the stupid thing. Most agents and staff always said they could see Spitfire coming a mile away due to always wearing her pair of aviators. “No activity on comms, and any of our potential targets have been following their usual schedules according to our satellites.”
“And Agent Shimmer?”
“Ah yes, she apparently tracked our istallion friend all the way to Manehattan,” Spitfire replied. “May I ask what that’s all about?”
H pursed her lips slightly. “Our friend, Marco Cavallo, is carrying a flash drive that contains a list of potential sleeper cells around the world, including many that are here right now. I can easily say obtaining that drive is a top priority.”
“And you think Shimmer can handle it?”
“Are you having doubts Agent Spitfire?”
“Not at all, I was the one who got her recruited and all,” Spitfire replied. “I’m just surprised the Agency already has seen her as a top agent is all.”
H smiled slightly. “Am I sensing jealousy?”
“Not at all ma’am, it would just be a damn shame if we lost her, that’s all.”
“Agreed. So Manehattan you say? I’d like to have a word with her then.”
“I’ll be very surprised if she answers.”
Subway Underground
Manehattan
As it turned out, Agent Sunset Shimmer was currently busy, ducking behind the brick pillars as Marco opened fire on her with a pistol. Sunset kept her firearm holstered since she needed Marco alive and there were too many people fleeing out of the subway to safety. As soon as the shots stopped, Sunset started moving.
Marco wasn’t really aiming at her since he was running the opposite direction; he was mostly trying to dissuade her from following. Sunset wasn’t willing to oblige. She had to duck and hide again after Marco turned around and opened fire on her again. The man certainly wasn’t military and she doubted he had much ammo.
Much to her annoyance, she heard a ringing in her ear, signaling that someone was trying to call her. She really didn’t want to answer but most agents, even the veterans rarely ever ignored calls from HQ. “To whoever’s calling right now, this is a very bad time,” she said, answering.
“Agent Shimmer, I was hoping for an update.” Sunset tensed slightly. Of course it had to be H of all people. “But judging by the loud noises, I have the feeling Cavallo found you out?”
“Hardly,” Sunset rolled her eyes slightly. She could tell by H’s tone that she was trying to be humorous. “The man’s as paranoid as they come, and honestly I’m not surprised. He was trying to hitch a ride but I ended up cutting him off.”
“Shimmer, I can’t stress enough how important it is you get that drive,” H told her. “Cavallo is only important until either you get it or he tells you where it is. Am I clear?”
“Yes ma’am,” Sunset replied. She looked around the corner and saw Marco taking off again. “You’ll have to excuse me H, I’m currently in pursuit.” She then disconnected the call and took off.
Now things were getting tricky. Marco was leading her down the tunnel to where the path broke into five directions, which meant at any moment a train could come through. Sunset also had little to no cover so the only thing keeping her alive was Marco’s inexperience with a gun.
Sunset did have one advantage though. She had been an active girl since she was young and throughout school she had run cross country and track, which gave her a bit of an advantage during basic before she joined the Agency. And right now, she was slowly starting to catch up to out of shape Marco.
He disappeared to the side and it wasn’t long before a pair of lights shone in her face. Sunset quickly found a gap in the wall and leaned inside as the train passed by. Once she was gone, she continued her pursuit.
Marco was quickly losing speed and more and more Sunset was catching up. At this point, it looked like Marco ran out of bullets and Sunset sprinted after him. It wasn’t long before she was right behind him and then leapt out, knocking him to the ground.
Marco was about ten years older than her and in normal circumstances with his size he would’ve had a slight advantage over her. But with her skills and his stamina gone, he didn’t stand a chance. “Nice to finally meet you Marco,” she panted slightly as she grabbed him and pinned him against the wall. “You know why I’m here, so give me the drive and I might be kind enough to let you walk yourself home.”
Marco was drenched in sweat and sounded like he was going to have a heart attack. “L-Listen to me, we can work something out here!”
Sunset decided he wasn’t listening and twisted his arm back. “This is my one and only deal. If it had been anyone else, you probably wouldn’t even be talking right now. Now do I have your attention? I won’t ask again.”
Marco was quiet for a moment. Then, with much resignation in his voice, he said, “It’s in my back pocket.”
Sunset quickly found out he was telling the truth. The flash drive was very much real and not damaged. She smiled slightly. “There, was that so hard? Now get out of my sight. And get rid of that gun while you’re at it.”
She patted his back slightly and turned around. “Oh yeah, you might want to call someone just in case. It’s rather cramped down there and right now between you and a train, the train will always win.”
Marco didn’t answer but she could tell he wanted to get the hell out of dodge. Sunset then tapped the side of her earpiece. “This is Agent Simmer, I’ve obtained the drive…oh and you might want to have an emergency crew on standby cause I really don’t think Marco Cavallo is going to make it out of the subway in one piece…”
Downtown
Later on in the evening, Sunset and Spitfire headed to The Prancing Pony, a bar located right in the middle of downtown Canterlot. Spitfire had herself a beer while Sunset opted for a whisky on the rocks. “You know, sometimes I think, for all the work we do, we’re just not compensated enough,” Spitfire commented.
“You have a condo,” Sunset said matter-of-factly.
“Yeah, but it’s not a house. I mean, it’s like I’m going to be settling down anytime soon but…”
“You found a guy didn’t you?” Sunset asked.
“No it’s…never mind.” Spitfire took another sip of her beer. “You’re mad at me, aren’t you?”
“I’m not mad,” Sunset said as she downed her drink and asked the bartender for another.
“Come on, you can’t bullshit me. Look, I’m sorry, that was personal and I shouldn’t have-”
“Just don’t worry about it,” Sunset cut her off. “But if you mention it to anyone else I know where you live.”
Spitfire laughed. “Duly noted. So…your first real big mission huh?”
“I’m not trying to complain but…I feel a little out of my league here.”
“Oh come on, so what if she has a few more years of experience on you? People are always talking about you, you know. I mean, you’re still new but imagine when you become a seasoned agent?”
“If I make through this mission first,” Sunset replied. “But you’re right though…the Agency has taught me everything it could. Who knows, maybe I have a few surprises up my sleeve…”
Canterlot International Airport
Lufthansa Flight 137 departed at 7:15am the next morning and it would take about eight hours to reach their destination Reingensberg. H had suggested the pair fly commercial to blend in with the crowd more. At least they’d be flying first class.
“I actually haven’t been to Reingensberg personally, but I hear it’s a charming city,” Coco said. “Not nearly as big or as congested as Manehattan of course.”
“And we’re staying at a Four Seasons?” Sunset asked. “This is my first time living the high life.”
“It’s all part of the cover,” Coco said. “You’re from a wealthy family from Bavaria and have been away for about ten years living with your grandparents in Vanhoover.”
Sunset had no issues with that. H had already explained in detail her objectives and her cover the evening before she left.
“We’ve tracked Glimmer’s last location in Reingensburg about four days ago,” H explained. “We believe she’s there for business of course.”
“Business?” Sunset asked.
“If she was the one who originally made up that list, no doubt many, whether diplomats or criminal bosses, want to get a hand on that information and Glimmer will no doubt ask for a pretty penny. We haven’t been able to track her bank records but it’s easy to say she’s inherited quite a sum of money.”
“Embezzlement no doubt,” Sunset thought out loud.
“Perhaps. For now, you need to locate her and track her movements. See where she goes day in and day out. Only once you’ve figured out her pattern then you can finally interact.”
“I’m not quite sure what you mean by ‘interact’ ma’am…?”
“Get close to her, by whatever means necessary. Your cover has you as a wealthy woman as well, which may attract her attention. Share a commonality among philosophies if you must but if she’s willing to trust you, she may give you a key into her organization, and yes, there’s no possible way she’s doing all of this alone.”
Sunset reclined back in her seat and closed her eyes. According to her watch, they had a few hours before lunch would be served. “Wake me up if the attendant comes around…”
Coco just shook her head and smiled. Always business, that Sunset.
Reingensburg
By the time they arrived in Reingensburg, it was well past midnight local time. Fortunately, the long trip gave the two of them plenty of time to rest, even though jet lag was going to set in soon. As promised, the car was waiting for them at the airport and Sunset was quick to turn on the heater.
“I didn’t think it would still be cold this time of year,” Sunset commented.
“Oh yes, it’s like this up until June most years,” Coco said. “Don’t worry, the hotel isn’t far from here.” Despite the short ride, Sunset got a quick feel of the Mercedes and was thoroughly impressed. “It’s a good thing this thing has all wheel drive.”
“How many sports cars in the movies carry all wheel drive hm?” Coco was apparently having too much fun with this. “They can’t handle snow very well can they?”
“I get it Coco, it’s a very handy car to have,” Sunset chuckled.
Once they reached the front of the hotel, a valet approached and offered politely in Germane to park their car for them. They then went inside and headed towards the front desk. The woman at the desk smiled politely. “Good evening.”
“Ah, you speak English?” Sunset asked. That was a bit of a relief.
“Very fluently, I promise you. Name please?”
Coco gave her name, since the reservation was technically under hers. “Ah yes Miss Pommel, here it is. The one bedroom suite, yes?”
There was an awkward silence. “Um…there’s only one bed?” Coco asked. “I remember asking for two queens…”
“Oh dear…unfortunately there’s only one…will that be a problem?”
Coco blushed slightly while Sunset did her best not to smile. “Um…well…are there any other available rooms with two beds?”
“Let me see…no I’m afraid someone managed to get the last one today and currently we’re all booked.”
“I don’t think it’ll be an issue,” Sunset said. “I can always sleep on the futon.”
“I-“ Coco stopped, deciding now was not the time to argue. “Okay, that’ll be fine.”
“Again, we apologize for the inconvenience,” the woman said. “Here are your keys, breakfast is served on the main floor from six to ten and room service is always on standby. We all hope you enjoy your stay at Four Seasons.”
They were on the third floor and on the way up neither of them spoke. Once they reached their room, Coco finally broke the silence. “I’m sorry…this is most embarrassing…”
“Coco…”
“I clearly remember it said two beds. I mean, I’m not the one who booked the room personally but-”
“Coco.” Sunset put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine…really.” She then smirked slightly. “Besides, there’s nothing wrong with sleeping in the same bed is there?”
“…Agent Shimmer if you’re teasing me-”
“You’re getting formal now, so obviously this is bothering you.”
Coco sighed. “No…I suppose there isn’t. I mean, we’re both adults here so I have no reason to be worried.”
Once they were inside, they started unpacking. Both of them packed light so it wasn’t as if there was much to carry. Coco plugged in her laptop and turned it on. “I’ll inform H we’ve arrived. There’s not much we can do right now tonight so we might as well get some R&R in.”
“You know, this is actually a king,” Sunset said from the other side of the room.
“Oh…well that should work out well enough I suppose. Just one question…do you snore?”
“I dunno, you were next to me for eight hours. Do I snore?”
“No…surprisingly not. Um…do I?”
“I wouldn’t know but as long as you don’t sound like a lion I’m pretty sure I can ignore it.” Sunset then plopped herself on the bed. “So Starlight frequents this area?”
“According to the footage from the past couple days,” Coco said. “Let’s see…oh there’s an opera house about five blocks from here. I wish we had time to catch a show…”
Sunset had an idea. “Are there any shows going on tomorrow?”
“Let’s see…” Coco was typing away. “Oh yes, seven o’clock tomorrow. I’m surprised they have tickets on sale still. You’re going to it, aren’t you?”
“I’m curious to see if Miss Glimmer has a certain interest in the arts,” Sunset replied.
“Ah…and then we can track her movements. Okay, I was able to get you a seat. Wow, these prices are not cheap…H isn’t going to be too thrilled about this…”
“I’m sure it’s not nearly as expensive as the car outside.” Sunset got up and went up to the window. Despite it being so late, there were still a lot of cars going up and down the streets. It certainly wasn’t anything like Manehattan but at night, like most likely, the view was quite breath-taking.
Sunset then changed into something a bit more comfortable and tucked herself in. Before she turned off the light, she glanced at over at Coco, still glued to her computer. She was guessing that Coco was going to wait until Sunset fell asleep before even making her way to the bed, probably to make things less awkward.
Sunset closed her eyes and felt sleep take her quicker than she had thought. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.
Sunset woke up early the next morning around eight o’clock. She felt a warm presence next to her and saw that Coco was next to her sleeping, a little bit closer than she imagined. It didn’t help that the nightgown she was wearing was a bit revealing. “Don’t even think about it Sunset,” she told herself.
She got up slowly, not to wake Coco, and made her way to the bathroom where she took a quick shower. Even the showers here were impressive, and Sunset was tempted to stay in it for another fifteen minutes. She put on a bathrobe and came back out to see Coco standing at the door.
“Oh good, you already showered,” she said as she opened up a small case. “This will make things go quicker.”
“What are you…?”
“Listen Sunset, you have to look the part. Standard clothing practically screams that you’re a government agent. But, if Miss Shimmer is wearing, say, a lovely sundress that’s a lot more disarming isn’t it?”
“Okay, I think you’re taking this a little too far.”
“Nonsense! The fashion designer inside me is screaming for me to do this. Come on, what could it hurt?”
She had a point there. “Fine,” Sunset said, sighing. “How long is this going to take cause I’m starving.”
“Oh not long at all…”
The whole process took about forty minutes. Coco applied makeup, eyeliner, spray to straighten her hair out slightly and, to Sunset’s annoyance, insisted on plucking her eyebrows. Apparently, Coco came prepared with clothing for such occasions like tonight. “And how exactly did you get my measurements?” Sunset asked.
“Oh, from Spitfire, though I admit I was able to do some guesswork on your measurements. My mentor always said sometimes we need to measure with our eyes.”
“That’s…never mind…”
Coco then picked out her day attire, which consisted of a green cardigan with a black skirt. As Sunset was putting on her stockings, Coco commented. “I never understood why guys think stockings make women look more attractive? Is it just the look, or are some guys just perverted that way? I always like to show a little bit of skin if I can…” She then blushed as she caught Sunset’s smirk. “This doesn’t leave the room.”
Finally, after Coco showered and got dressed, the two went downstairs to the banquet hall. There was a wide variety of food to choose and Sunset wasn’t worried about piling her plate, although because of a glance from Coco she didn’t stack it as high as she had wanted.
“So, aside from tonight, what’s on our agenda?” Sunset asked after the two were seated.
“Well, we have about ten hours so I figured we might as well check out the area,” Coco said, looking through a pamphlet as she was eating. “Ooh, they actually have both a national museum and an art museum! This might actually be worth the trip!”
“Coco, this isn’t a vacation…”
“I know, but we need to know our way around and if, and of course this is a big if, we were being watched and were spending most of our time in the hotel, it’d look pretty suspicious wouldn’t it?”
“You sound like you’d be a good field agent Miss Pommel.”
“Oh no…” Coco giggled. “I’m not really one for violence…I mean shooting a gun might be fun but I could never…anyway, I’m much more comfortable where I am right now. Now then…” She put the pamphlet over on Sunset’s side. “Where to first?”
