Everything

“Tell me, Ms. Fluttershy, do you have a medical background?” inquired Dr. Graves, the pale gray unicorn.

“Um… A little… I’m not as qualified as you are, of course,” answered Fluttershy. The pegasus had become more comfortable when she was left alone with the Medical Examiner.

Dr. Graves laughed. “Well, you know more about my profession than some others who work here.” He knelt by the body of the pony known as Border Line. “We’ll know more once we get you back to autopsy. I wonder… what atrocious acts have you committed?”

Fluttershy glanced at the other body. “What about you? Why would a pony ever give up their life to sell such… weapons?” The body stared back at her with cold, lifeless eyes. Fluttershy sighed and shut his eyelids. “Well… you can rest now. It’s over for you.”

“But not for us, I’m afraid,” said Dr. Graves from behind her. “I must say, I find it a relief that I’m not the only one who speaks to the dead.”

Fluttershy blushed. “Oh, I…. I don’t know, it just felt like the right thing to do.”

Dr. Graves lay a hoof on her shoulder. “Ah, it’s fine my dear. I feel the same way. The dead may not be able to speak anymore, but they still have things to tell us.” He turned to the body again. “My dear, I admire your courage.”

“E-excuse me?”

“Well, the unicorn looked quite uneasy. The other pony appeared to stay strong, but she grimaced when she entered. I saw it. But you on the other hand… You were calm, unshaken by this dastardly sight. I admire you for that.”

“Thank you, doctor.”

“Anytime, my dear. Now, if you would help me wrap this fellow in the tarp, we can get him back to autopsy.”

“Now how does a mare like you end up in a job like this?” Cover Story’s voice echoed down the halls of the warehouse.

“The excitement,” answered Rarity. “The gadgets, the escapades, the fights. It appealed to me, I suppose.”

Cover Story rolled his eyes. “You don’t believe that, do you?”

“Hm?”

“I’d hate to burst your bubble, but most of what you hear about us is… exaggerated, to an extent. The only gadgets you can rely on are your gun and your gut. And the excitement tends to wane when you spend nights at the office filling out paperwork, or when you inform a grieving widow that her husband has died, or when you respond to any case involving a youth…”

Cover Story blinked. “But when you look in the eyes of victim’s families and tell them you found who murdered their sons… That’s when you know it’s worth it.” He drew a deep breath. “Sorry, I’m rambling. Point is… You see a lot in this job. And it’s something that stays with you. But in the end, you’d never want to be anywhere else.” He glanced at his now silent companion. “I hope I didn’t scare you with that. I just get tired of all the misinformation out there.”

“Oh, no. I knew what I was getting into. I must apologize if I offended you. The truth is… My reasons for joining are more complicated than I would like to admit. I find it easier to just say that the excitement appeals to me.”

Cover Story shook his head. “Ah, it’s fine.” He nosed open the exit door, and the two stepped into the sunlight. Cover Story nodded at a police officer. “Hey, Lock Up, you call?”

“Yeah. A pony claiming to be the manager showed up a few minutes ago. He’s over there, with Word Smith and Wesson.”

“Right, thanks.”

Rarity glanced at him. “Word Smith?”

“Great pony. He writes stories in his free time.” The two neared two other officers, talking with another pony. “You the owner of the building?”

The beige pony shifted on his hooves. “Depends who’s askin’.”

Cover Story flashed his badge. “Royal Division of Investigations, Special Agents Cover Story and Rarity. We’ve got some questions for you.”

The pony narrowed his eyes. “Hm. Brick Layer, I own this warehouse.”

Cover Story pulled out a notebook and pencil from his jacket. The two officers returned to the taped off perimeter, leaving the agents alone with Brick Layer. “So, Mr. Layer. Have you ever heard of OP-4?”

“Course! Who hasn’t?”

“What about Short Fuse?”

Brick Layer hesitated, dropping his gaze. “Never heard of them.”

Cover Story narrowed his eyes. “Really? You know that if we find out your lying, we can book you first for lying to a royal agent, then again for terrorism.”

“I ain’t a terrorist!” spat Brick Layer. “And you can’t prove anyhthin’!”

Rarity cleared her throat. “Well… perhaps if we worked out a deal, of sorts?”

A smirk fell on Brick Layer’s muzzle. “What sort of deal do you have in mind?”

“Oh, you know. That would depend on what you… offer.” Rarity grinned, stepping closer to the pony.

Cover Story raised an eyebrow but remained silent. He took a half-step backward, eyeing Rarity with a wary eye.

‘Well now, I’m sure we could figure out something,” replied Brick Layer.

Rarity leaned closer. “So, what was a pony like Short Fuse doing in your warehouse?” she whispered.

“Well… he might have slid a little somethin’ my way,” he winked. He lay a hoof on her shoulder. “Now, about that deal.”

Rarity narrowed her eyes, her grin spreading wider. Cover Story took 3 large steps backwards. Rarity rested a hoof on Brick Layer’s shoulder. Then, she used her other hoof to slam him into the world. She grabbed his right foreleg and twisted it behind his back. Brick Layer cried out in pain. “How much money?”

“25,000 bits!” Brick Layer glanced around for help, only to find the officers had vanished. “Get this crazy mare off me!” he shouted at Cover Story.

Cover Story just shrugged, “Agent Rarity, did you feel threatened by what he did?”

“Oh, absolutely.”

“There you have it, bud. You assaulted a royal agent.”

“I- I just touched her!”

“That’s what they all say. I will, however, put you under arrest on suspicion of terrorism,” Cover Story said, pulling out zip cuffs. “Agent Rarity, you can let go of him now. And… nice job.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ve been cleaning these here buildings for years now, and out of the blue old Brick Layer tells me to skip this warehouse here for a night. And I say, why, that means I’ve got to do twice the work tomorrow! So I figure, might as well come early and get a head start, and that was when I saw… them.” The janitor shuddered. “I’m sorry, it’s just… how do you get used to seeing dead bodies, Agent Bon Bon?”

Bon Bon sighed, scribbling in a notebook. “Well… you don’t, really. So you came in at around 10?”

“Yes, ma’am. Called for the police right after that.”

Applejack cleared her throat. “So… those cameras workin’?”

The janitor glanced up at the cameras. “Huh, forgot ‘bout those. No, the outside ones have been broken for Celestia knows how long. Ol’ Brick’s too lazy to get ‘em fixed. You know what? A while ago I had a problem with colts breaking in here at night, to play paintball or something. I set up another camera inside. Forgot about it until now. Yeah, I’ll go see if I can find the footage.”

Bon Bon nodded. “That would be great, thank you.” The janitor nodded and trotted towards the warehouse.

“What do you think?” Asked Bon Bon.

Applejack shrugged. “Agent Bon Bon, Ah can spot a liar a mile away, and that pony’s as honest as they come.”

“Yeah, I agree. What’s up, Wire?” asked Bon Bon as Wire Tap joined them.

“Finished processing the scene. Cove and that unicorn mare arrested Brick Layer, and the pegasus and Doc Graves are done with the body. I think we’re all set to roll out.”

Bon Bon nodded. “Agent Bon Bon!” the janitor shouted. “I’ve got the tapes!”

“Alright, let me get the tapes and we’ll head back.” Wire Tap nodded, and Bon Bon trotted off, leaving Applejack and Wire Tap alone.

Applejack narrowed her eyes at the pegasus. “Excuse me, Wire Tap, but what exactly do you have against me?”

“Against you? Nothing,” huffed Wire Tap.

“Is that so? Now, Ah couldn’t help but notice that you’ve been short with all us probies. You won’t even mention us by name.”

Wire Tap scoffed. “It’s not you, probie. I have nothing against you lot personally. But you should know that you’ve got a lot to live up to. Team Guardian was known as Equestria’s best.”

“Ah know, believe me. Mah cousin was on that team.”

Wire Tap nodded. “I know. I’ve looked into you. Top shooting record at the academy out of your class, notable track records… what are you trying to prove, huh? That you’re better than your cousin?”

“Maybe Ah’m just tired of everyone comparin’ me ta him,” responded Applejack, agitated.

“By what? Destroying everything he worked to build?”

“Destroyin’? Ah’m here to carry on his legacy, to do the job like he did, then better!”

“You’ll never be better than him!” By this time, the two were in each other’s faces.

“Ok, got it!” Bon Bon had returned, only to find the two staring each other down. “Hey! Break it up!”

Wire Tap backed down, grumbling. Applejack glared daggers at him. “Wire, cool off. Go ride with Cove.”

“Glad to, boss,” muttered Wire Tap as he trotted away.

Bon Bon sighed. “Alright, Probie. Let’s get going.”

“Hello, Twilight!” Twilight glanced up from the files in front of her.

“Oh, hey Rarity! How was the crime scene!”

“Splendid!” Twilight glanced at the elevator. Wire Tap and Cover Story were escorting a beige pony in zip cuffs down the hall. “Well… I had fun. I’m not sure about Mr. Brick Layer over there,” she snickered.

“What happened to his face?” asked Twilight.

“Brick Layer met some bricks, Ah reckon,” answered Applejack as she trotted into the squad room, Fluttershy behind her. She tossed her belongings on one of the empty desks.

“Oh, I guess I’ll take this one… if that’s ok with you,” she muttered to Bon Bon.

“Fluttershy, I don’t care which desk you take. Just please pick one.” Bon Bon sat at her desk. She looked up towards Pinkie’s desk. “What…”

Twilight followed her gaze. The entire space had been decorated, balloons and streamers filling the area. A pink tablecloth was draped over it, and the dividing wall was filled with photos, a cork board, and a mirror. A mini-fridge sat next to the table.

“I… don’t want to know.” Bon Bon turned to Rainbow Dash’s desk. “Agent Dash!”

Rainbow shot up. “Wha?”

“Where are the briefing files Lock Pick gave you?”

Rainbow blinked. “Oh! Yeah, I speed read them, then I… rested my eyes.” She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. “They’re in here.” As she pulled open her drawer, confetti exploded into her face.

“Ah!” Rainbow fell out of her chair, hooves flailing.

“Gotcha!” Pinkie sprang out from under Fluttershy’s desk, causing the timid pegasus to fly back, startled. “I knew you’d fall for it! Hiya Bon! Anything interesting on those tapes?”

Bon Bon blinked. “How did you know about the tapes?”

Pinkie giggled. “Sorry, Bon, I show, not tell. Or say, I guess.”

Bon Bon slumped back in her chair, eyeing the bottle of cider Lock Pick left on her desk. She glanced up at the monitor and sighed.

6 Years Ago

“Bon? You’re still here?” Minuette entered the squad room, surprised.

“Oh, hey Colgate,” yawned Bon Bon. “Yeah, the bank sent in their security footage. I’ve been watching it for a while, trying to get clues, but… I got nothing.” She rubbed her eyes.

“Well, let me have a go.” Bon Bon nodded and typed some commands into her keyboard. The video on the monitor rewound, starting at the beginning. The recording was from a camera mounted on the roof and showed the lobby of a bank. All was normal until five masked ponies burst into the door.

“On the ground!” barked a pegasus, waving a gun in the air. All four were wearing black masks and jackets, obscuring their manes, faces, and cutie marks. “Now!” they fired a shot in the air, and the bank patrons screamed and fell to the ground. A unicorn used his magic to disarm the guard, while another pegasus and a pony trotted over to the tellers with open saddlebags.

“Fill ‘em up! All you got!” instructed the first. The tellers nodded, and in frantic motions began to gather up the bits. Seconds later, they dumped the bits into the bags. “Alright! Everyone count to 100, then you can get up! You get up too early, you get a bullet!” The five ran out, the ponies giving the saddlebags to the pegasi, who took off into the sky. The remaining ponies took off in different directions.

“Canterlot Police showed up minutes later,” said Bon Bon. “This was clean and well planned. We’ve got nothing to work with.” She slumped back in her chair. “I’ve rewatched this dozens of times, and got nothing.”

Minuette rubbed her chin. “Maybe not… can you rewind it?”

“Sure.” The video sped back, starting from the beginning. Minuette watched, silent.

“Stop! Rewind it again.” She pointed her hoof at the scream. “There. Focus on the pony in the gray suit.” Bon Bon tapped in more commands, and the footage zoomed in on a gray pony in a suit. A security guard was leaning on the counter, watching the front door.

The pony glanced outside, held up a hoof, and nodded. Then, he tapped the guard on the shoulder. The guard turned, and the pony asked a question. The guard turned his back to the door and pointed towards the rear of the building. After he turned away, the five ponies burst into the room. “Speed to the end now,” said Minuette. After a minute, the guards shot up, running to the door. They glanced outside, but the robbers were long gone. Unseen, the pony in the gray suit stood up and slipped out the back door. The guards re-entered the room, making sure everyone was okay. The doors opened again, and several police officers entered.

“There was a 6th!” exclaimed Bon Bon, slapping a hoof to her forehead. “They had an inside pony!”

“Yeah, they must have realized that a guard would be watching the door, so they had a poy distract him. Now we’ve got a pony with a face,” said Minuette.

“Thanks, Colgate! You’re a lifesaver! I’ll put out a BOLO!”

“Tomorrow, Bon. It’s late. Go home, get some rest. You deserve it.”

Now

Bon Bon took the bottle and shoved it in a drawer. Rainbow Dash was cursing, regathering herself. Applejack was chuckling, Twilight and Fluttershy looked confused, Rarity was amused, and Pinkie was ranting about chocolate cakes. “Hey!” The agents fell silent, turning to her. “Dash, Pie, Sparkle. Come with me. The rest of you, watch the footage the janitor sent, see if you can find anything. And Pinkie, you pull a stunt like that again and I’ll have your badge, you hear?”

“No promises, ma’am.”

The three trotted down the hall, turning right. “Where are we going?” Asked Twilight.

“I’ve got some questions for a pony,” answered Bon Bon. The three stopped in front of two doors, one marked ‘Observation’ and one marked ‘Interrogation.’ Wire Tap and Cover Story were standing in front of the interrogation room.

“Hey, boss!” greeted Cover Story.

“How’s our guest?” asked Bon Bon.

Pinkie laughed. “He can’t be too comfortable in there!”

“That’s the idea,” answered Lock Pick, sticking his head out of the observation room. “Brick’s not the brightest bulb in the room, Bon. Hasn’t realized he can ask for a lawyer yet.”

“Good, let’s not remind him.”

“You want me with you, boss?” asked Cover Story.

Bon Bon shook her head. “Nah, I’ve got an idea. Dash and Pie, with me. Sparkle, you observe.”

“Why? I know all the interrogation techniques used by law enforcement agencies!” protested Twilight. Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“You know the most about OP-4. I need you back there to observe, take in what he says, see if it’s true.” Twilight opened her mouth to protest, but Bon opened the interrogation room’s door and entered. Rainbow and Pinkie followed behind, shutting the door.

Twilight sighed and entered Observation, Lock Pick and Cover Story following. Wire Tap rolled his eyes and headed for the breakroom. “Stupid probies.”