Difference In Perspectives.

[Moonsday - Kingston Manner - Morning Breeze POV.]

I stood on my post by the wall as the hoo-manes lined up. The twins stood up straight and at attention like real guard ponies. The two Crews siblings were, but Donatello made faces whenever his sister walked by him. His older sibling smacks him upside the head in response. Angela Nyx couldn't care less. I can already guess she will be the most problematic person in this venture. "Alright, everyone. The mission today is to find some jobs. Xavier and I have already secured our positions. Now, it is up to you to help with our finances." Juliet said.

"And where shall we start, oh captain, my captain?" Angela snarks.

"The bulletin board is as good a place as any to start. Pinkie has assured me that her friends will give us at least a chance. We should save the more guaranteed jobs last and go through all the other options first."

"Yes, ma'am." Donatello saluted.

"Leo?" Juliet asked as he slapped Donny. I nod at his scream of pain. "Then, let's get out there and find a job!"

"Don't forget to take May out of her pin. She's been in her pin since our arrival. She's a runner horse and needs some air." Nana Kingston said.

"Consider it done, Grandmother," Xavier said.

Ah, right. The primordial equine that humans have in the pin. I still don't see why keeping her in some pin instead of Canterlot's best sanctuaries feels wrong. But my hooves are tied to this since I lack authority. I do get the honor of escorting the humans around town. The walk to the town hall is pleasant, at least. The citizens seem more at ease with the humans walking around, but I still see the wariness. That's good. It's essential to keep one's guard up with unknown elements. We all go into the Mayor's office while she is filing papers.

"Hi, Miss Mayor," Cecilia called out.

"Ahh!!!" Mayor Mare cries out, dropping her papers. "O-Oh, little dear. Please don't startle me like that."

"Wow, you're backed up, huh?" Donatello asked. We all see that is very obvious.

"Yes, unfortunately, my secretary called in sick, and now there's a backlog on top of the backlog! Work orders filling up—approval for shipments coming in droves. Then, I had to reimburse ponies their bits after some other ponies tried to scam them with a fake picture day promotion."

"Hold up, what do you mean fake promotion?" Angela asked.

"Yes, some ponies claimed that you offered premium seating for the next showing and a discount on your inventory."

"Were these ponies caught?" I asked. I knew something begotten would come out of that viewing. I also felt a little conscious when all eyes fell on me after my break in formation. "Any information you can give will be helpful to prevent a repeat offense."

"Nark," Angela supplied. After a month stationed in the mansion, I finally understand through context clues that Angela is once again being insulting.

"Don't trouble yourself with it. The sheriff already took care of the scammers. It's the reimbursement that's the hassle. One hundred forty cases within two days."

"I apologize for the inconvenience, Miss Mayor. We appear to have made too good of an impression." Xavier said.

"This news is a real problem, Richie. What if some pricks try and cheat us out of our earnings for the flicks!" Angela said.

I hate to agree, but that is a good point, given the hoo-man's current situation. "So, what can we do?" Juliet asked.

"For starters, I can give you all this..." Mayor Mare pulls out a parchment and hands it to Xavier. "We in Ponyville try our best to encourage interactions with all our residents to create a prosperous and friendly community. So, I officially decree the opening of Kingston Theater."

"Wow! We're a movie theater!" Cecelia exclaimed as her sister smiled brightly.

"Sweet! So, what are our benefits?" Donatello asked.

"Oh, well, all that does is officiate your business. This way, no pony can take advantage of your revenue like the scammers and Mister Niffty Bottom." Mayor Mare sheepishly said.

"Right, that jerk tried to make it seem like he was sponsoring our event!" Juliet huffed. I must admit that it is an under-hoof tactic.

Mayor Mare nods in agreement. "Any bits you make is determined by you all."

"I told you we should've had higher prices!"' Angela said in exasperation.

"Hey, this is a good thing and one less problem for us," Juliet said. At least one hoo-mane is being optimistic.

"Speaking of problems, if you need any assistance in the organization, I know just the man," Xavier suggested.

"Oh, you mean your curator? I wouldn't want to impede his work with you." Mayor Mare asked.

"It's quite fine. Out of all of us, Walter has been inside the manor the most. A change of scenery will do wonders." Xavier said. I noticed Natalya making gestures with her digits. I'm sure that's code for something when I saw Xavier laugh. I'll bring it up with the higher-ups later. "We're also here to see if any job listing is available."

"You can choose from any of the listings available. I recommend the ones from the Earth Pony bracket since humans are more closely related to them."

"Can we also choose from the unicorn and pegasi brackets?" Juliet asked.

"There's no rule against it, but you will have a harder time than those two tribes."

"Mayor Mare, please, we have the one thing none of the pony tribe have: opposable thumbs and human ingenuity."

"That's two things," Cecilia said as Mayor Mare handed my charges the list of available jobs.

The hoo-manes crowd around the parchment with incredulous looks. "Alright, save for the transmogrifying someone's fence, we can do these jobs," Juliet said.

Donatello thrust the listing in the air like a grandiose gesture. "Okay, let operation union work begin!"

"Union?!" Mayor Mare squawks.

[First Job - Maintenance.]

The first request came from a Miss Carrot Top. She needed help fixing her carts to move her produce to the market. The way that these listings go is that you perform the service and receive payment for that job. If the employer likes the job, they leave a recommendation, and Town Hall will call you for that job again. Word of Muzzle is paramount to building a good reputation. Considering the hoo-manes past reputation, I don't see any job applications going well. However, the hoo-manes did well. A job like this would've taken an Earth Pony a few hours. But they completed it in half the time. What did Donatello call that appendage? Opposable thumbs? They live up to their merit.

"There we go. This carrot cart is all fixed up." Donatello said. "How are you doing sis?"

"Just. One. More. Twist. Done!" Juliet brightly smiles as she tightens the bolt on the wheel.

"Bro, how are you doing?"

Looking over to Leonardo, his cart is complete as he holds the wrench. "Done."

"Alright, Xavier?"

"Done, but Xavier and Angie are being buttheads," Ceceila stated.

"Freaking Richie over here is too good to get dirty with the rest of us, so our cart took longer," Angela growled.

"I have already said I will not be rolling around in the dirt. These materials do not come cheap." Xavier said while crossing his arms.

"Your clothes ain't worth dick anymore, Cruella. What the hell are you even doing here if you ain't afraid to get dirty!"

"Swear!" Cecelia said.

"Dick isn't a curse. It's the little dangly bits your brother and these two knuckleheads got.

"Excuse you--"

Zavier took offense to that comment, but Angela continued, "And don't try to say hell is, too, since the old lady says it like it's going out of style."

"Um, am I interrupting? Is the job finished?" Carrot Top said as she came out of her home to check the progress.

"Yes, ma'am. We're all done in record time. What do you think, huh, better than before?" Donatello said with a smirk. "We're ready for our glowing review and recommendation."

He got close to putting his fingers on Carrot Tops' shoulder, but the client moved past him and stood before the carts for an inspection. She shook them and gave them a stiff kick, but the carts remained sturdy. "Well, you didn't fake it. It looks like it won't fall apart. Here's your pay."

Carrot Top tosses a bag of bits to Leonardo as she heads back inside her home. "Thank you for your patronage. Please leave us a stunning review--"

"I wouldn't hold my breath." Carrot Top said as she slammed the door in our face.

"Tch! Bitch!" Angela stated.

"Swear!" Cecelia said again.

"I fail to see how referring to somepony as a diamond dog counts as a swear," I said out loud, gaining attention. "U-Um, it just seems like a weird insult."

"Ha, see? Not a curse~,"

"Grandmother would beg to differ." Xavier

"But, she was being rude. I get the feeling we'll run into that a lot today." Juliet said dejectedly.

"Don't think like that, sis. We have a whole day of opportunity." Donatello said.

[Pottery.]

Our next destination is the Flower Trio Shop. At their request, the mares needed extra hooves to prepare flowers for the upcoming gala in Canterlot. All they need to do is help transfer the seeds into a unique soil that will keep them fresh until the event. The problem is that some noble ordered these in bulk, and something tells me that the flower sisters were expecting somepony else to help. While the humans are working, I catch the mares huddling in the back of the store, peeking from the door frame. I can faintly make out what they were saying and - judging from their posture, trembling, and panic - they are afraid.

"I told you putting up a job request was a bad idea," Daisy whispered.

"The request was under the earth pony column." Lilly shot back.

"So, are they trying to say primates are like ponies now?" Roseluck asked.

"Well, we are similar somewhat. I don't see any wings or a horn."

"It doesn't matter! How do we know they are not messing up our order?" Daisy said.

"I already told the one with the glasses what to do," Roseluck said.

"What if they mess it up, and we fall behind on the order?" Lilly asked.

"So go out there and make sure the monkeys are doing it right!" Daisy whispered harshly.

"Don't look at me. I'm not going out there with the little ones there. The small ones are the most vicious!" Lilly stated.

I feel that much of what the mares are saying is unfair. Cecelia and Natalya are not vicious. "Rose, you go out there," Lilly said.

"W-What? Why me?!" Roseluck exclaims as softly as she can.

"You put the flyer up. You're the oldest! You're the most responsible. So, get out there!"

As the mare continued to bicker, I saw that the hoo-manes already finished potting the seeds. From where I am standing, nothing is out of place. So, I went to calm the skittish mares down. "Excuse me, ma'ams. But, the task is complete. There's not a seed out of place."

My sudden appearance frightened the mares as they hugged each other before responding. "They did?"

"Yes, you can confirm now and make the payment."

It is disappointing to watch these mares cringe and try to save face. They didn't notice my presence this entire time until I said something. I hope that isn't a sign. Moonlit would never let me hear the end of it. The flower trip finally worked up the nerve to inspect the pots. Their nervousness was gone once they focused on their craft. After about a minute, the flower trio goes to my charges.

"T-Thank you for your help. The soil doesn't even look out of place," Roseluck nervously said. Lilly came up from her left with a bag of bits. Here's your payment. Thank you for your hard work."

"Yes, t-thank you," Daisy said, equally as nervous.

"It was no problem, but can we count on you three for a positive review and recommendation--"

Before Donatello could finish, Lilly Vallely rushes us out of the shop. "Yeah, sure, sure. We still have a lot to do. Bye!"

The harsh slam of the door told us that our business was done here and possibly forever. "Yeah, don't hold your breath for a five-star review," Angela said as I frowned.

"Maybe I should work on a pitch."

I understand that ponies tend to be skittish, but this behavior is boarding on rude. As we weren't at the following location, I caught some ponies tailing us from a few blocks away. I could not distinguish their features, but I knew at least three adults were moving between the buildings. The act just made me frown further. Are ponies starting to doubt I can handle a simple escort? I had half a mind to go over there and reprimand these ponies. However, they seemed to notice my staring and went away. Shaking my head in annoyance, I continue to follow my charges.

[Landscaping - Filthy Rich Estate]

"Urgh! These creatures answered the work order. Filthy, I told you we should've outsourced helpers from the next town," Miss Spoiled Rich said in a haughty voice. Now, our home has to be disgraced by these pretenders!"

"Pardon me, madam? I assure you that whatever job you have for us to perform will be done efficiently and professionally," Xavier said.

A distinctive scoff escapes Mrs Rich's muzzle. "Please drop the disingenuous speech. It hardly disguises your hoo-mane's brutish nature. And that overgrown eyesore of an estate is an apparent attempt to subvert and deceive the common rabble."

"Trust me, lady. We got nothing to prove to some pony cunts. Richie here is the wealthiest prick I know. It's not our fault the foreign exchange rate is nonexistent to fuck all."

"Ha. If that is true, then why are you here, working jobs for commoners? Isn't that beneath your station? Of course, one can look at you and see nothing but a delinquent!"

"I heard that the house isn't even theirs to begin with. It belongs to Mister Piggybottom, and they are pretending." Diamond Tiara said.

"Hmph! Not surprising."

Mr Rich let out a sigh as his daughter looked smug. I even had to admit that this mare is unbearably annoying. "I am afraid there is more to that rumor, Diamond Tiara. Our temporary employees are in an arrangement of sorts with Mister Piggybottom-- One where I believe Mister Piggybottom will come up short."

"Wait, you want you Nifty to lose the bet?" Juliet asked.

"Of course I do. I own the Barnyard Bargains supermarket chain. Piggybottom has been somewhat of a competitor of mine for years now. But he's always come up a little short. I know he's only looking to shop here to undercut me. But he's never been so bold as to place his store in the same location as mine. I can only surmise it has something to do with Princess Celestia's student moving here and the proximity to Canterlot Castle."

Captain Armor warned us about a common trend in the briefing: Ponies coming to Ponyville to increase their station, using his sister as a stepping stone. It's clear that while Piggybottom hasn't directly interacted with Twilight Sparkle, he is taking advantage of all the traffic both she and the elements of harmony bring to this little hamlet. And, of course, the situation with my charges as well. Filthy went to say more, but his wife cut him off. "That is irrelevant right now. I want the garden fully attended, the hedges trimmed without a single leaf out of place, and the grass watered and mowed. The tools are in the shed. I expect everything done before I return from my spa treatment. Otherwise, I'll ensure you won't earn a bit as a janitor in this town. Diamond Tiara will be here to supervise."

"I'll watch them like a hawk." The filly said.

"Diamond, remember to be a gracious host while we're gone," Fitlhy said as Diamond half-heartedly nodded, and the pair left the estate.

"Alright, let's see the tools," Donatello said as the group moved to the shed. Upon opening it, many of the swears and hedge trimmers were dilapidated. "Um, do you have any tools that will work?"

"Ha, what you see is good enough for you workers. You better hurry and do a good job, or you'll all get a negative review." Diamond teased.

"I don't know how much of this bullshit I can take!" Angela whispers hardly to Xavier.

For once, I can't say I blame her. Juliet looks from the sorry tools to the expansive work they have to complete before smiling down at Diamond. "So, just to clarify, we must get everything done before the rents return, right?"

"Yeah, are you deaf as well as dumb?" Diamond said.

In the corner of my eye, I saw both Xavier and Leonardo put their hands on Angela to restrain her from lunging at the filly. "Okay, how about my brothers and Angie head home to get extra supplies, and there won't be an unfortunate accident?"

"Hold on. My job is to escort all of you during these labors. I can't perform my duties if you split up," I said. This idea presents a perfect scenario for disaster. Who knows what will happen if I leave any hoo-mane out of sight?

"Well, think of it this way: we get the job done a lot faster, and you can watch over the more combustible elements of our group." Juliet made a point to gesture to Angela l, who was still frothing at the mouth from Diamond's comments. Leaving her unattended seems like the greater negligence.

"Alright, as long as you four remain here and cause no trouble."
I felt an arm over my shoulder as I turned to see DDonatello'ssmiling face. "ey, you can trust Brandy Bunch over there. So, let's get going."

We left the Rich estate moments later. I could not shake this growing pit of unease the further we walked. It also didn't help that I saw the same three ponies following us all day. It is getting more concerning with each passing minute. Maybe I'm reading the situation all wrong. There's nothing wrong with ponies being cautious. If something terrible were going to happen, they would've known.

"Look out!!!" A new voice announced. A loud thud went off to my left. Turning to the groaning, I saw a Pegasus mare in the Ponyville postal uniform sprawled over Donatello. She has gray fur and a blonde mane. Her misaligned pupils spun in circles from her fall as her haunches smothered Donatella's head. "Owww..."

For some reason, Angela has a small rectangle and smirks before putting it away. "Oh, Jules is going to love this."

"Hmm." Leonardo nods.

"Excuse me, ma'am. Are you okay?" I asked while helping the mare up.

"Um, I think so. Good thing something broke my fall. Oh!!!" The mare kneels to check on him. "Oh no. It happened again! My flanks disfigured somepony!!!"

"Something like this happened before?" I asked as Leonardo shrugged.

"Don't have a hernia. Dingus always looks like this." Angela said. Angela proceeds to kick Donatello on his foot. "Hey, dweeb, you dead? I got to say death by fat ass suits you."

"...I have seen nirvana. Please, I don't want to go back..." Donatello mumbles with a dopey smile.

"Should I escort him to the hospital?" I asked.

"Oh no, no, no! Please be okay. I can't afford another accident, or I will get fired!" In her haste to help, the mare hugs Donatello's head to her bosom, completely suffocating him before she realizes something else. "Wait, the mail!!!" She finds the envelopes spread on the ground around her duffle bag. Dropping Donatello's head on the ground with a thud, the mare frantically tries to collect the letters. "No, No! I'm going to miss my route deadline!!!"

Donatello finally gets up and dusts himself off while moving to help the disgruntled mare. "You know, angels falling from the sky is just an expression from where I can come, but I am not complaining. Here you go, miss?"

"Oh? Thank you, mister. My name is Ditzy Doo. Mailmare extordinare." Ditzy said before becoming crestfallen. "At least, I was a mailmare. I'll never make my deadline now..."

"Well, my name is Donatello. That's my big brother Leo. And the cranky grump Angie." Angela flips him the bird for the remark. "Since I'm partially responsible for this mishap, how about I help you with your delivery."

"R-Really? You want to help me after I hurt you?" Ditzy said in a shocked tone.

"Sure, why not? Accidents happen all the time."

"Well, they happen a lot with me. But you're not a delivery pony. You can't deliver other people's mail. And my boss is super strict with policies!"

"She is right. Tampering with the mail is a capital offense!" I said sternly.

"Hey, hey, easy there, Jorgen Von Stickler. I never said I would deliver the mail for her. I'm going to deliver her," Donatello said as I lost track.

"You're going to deliver me? How is that going to work? Do you need stamps? I have a lot of those." Ditzy reaches into her bosom and pulls out a roll of muffin stamps.

"Fucking-- Seriously?! Why?!" Angela asked. Her brow is twitching in an irritated manner for some reason.

"These are my favorite stamps, and sometimes I lose my bag on deliveries, so I always keep them close at hoof." Ditzy saw Angela's irritation and spoke.

"A wise policy." Donatello smiles with a blush.

"What's wrong? Don't you like muffins? They're the most incredible treat ever. I can make you some."

Anglea replies, but Leonardo holds his hand to her mouth. "Later, you need help now," he says to Ditzy.

"R-Right, how much time do you have on your route?" Donatello said, getting back on track.

"My shift ends at five. My boss told me that if I returned with any letters from my workload, I shouldn't bother coming back."

Whoever Miss Doo's boss is has something against her. "Yeah, I had my share of crappy bosses, but I can help you out. We only need to make a stop at the manor."

I am thoroughly confused about what the plan is to help this mare. I can sympathize with this, but one should take responsibility seriously. Ditzy is a grown adult, after all. And who's to say she won't face the same issue in the future? Regardless, we returned to the mansion, and the hoo-manes took us to the tool shed. Immediately, there is a stark contrast between the tools here and at the Filthy estate. These tools are in pristine condition and fresh off the assembly line. I do not recognize half of them. Donatello and Ditzy split from the group as Leonardo and Angela loaded up some of the tools. I'll have to check with HQ about these gardening tools because some look dangerous.

It was not long before Donatello came back with Ditzy, except they were on some strange machine.

"Puh, you're talking, Betty?" Angela laughed. "I thought you were saving her job."

"Ditzy here told me that she only has a few houses in town left. Bett is the only thing that is fast and small enough without causing a stir. She'll get the job done." Donatello replied.

"I don't understand this thing you gave me," Ditzy said from the back seat. She was messing with a helmet, but it resembled headgear I've seen fillies and colts occasionally wear.

"It's just some protection for first-timers." Donatello turns over and helps fasten the straps on Miss Doo's head.

"Shouldn't you have one?"

"Me? No, I'm an old pro with Betty. She always treats me right. And I'll do the same for you. Now, make sure to hold onto me tightly."

Ditzy leans forward and wraps her arms around Donatello's waist, allowing her bosom to press against his neck. A dopey smile appears on the hoo-manes face again as a result. "Like this?"

"Yes, Titty-- I mean, Ditzy. Ha ha, let's go..."

"Hopeless," Leonardo stated.

"Hold on! I can't let you go—" I was too late, as the pair seemed to shoot off outside the manor with significant speed. I figure that contraption is a bike, but it is far too fast, and there are no pedals. My arm falls back to my side in disbelief. "--By yourself. W-What is that thing?!"

At my question, the other two hoo-manes shrug. "It's a scooter. What? You never seen one before?" Angela answered with a smug grin.

"No! That thing is going way too fast. And I am not supposed to let you all out of sight!"

"Calm your tits, Ceasar. The dork handles that rust bucket all the time. He's not going to cause trouble. Besides, it sounds like you want poor Ditzy out of a job and on the street."

I hadn't considered that last tidbit. "W-We don't know if Miss Doo's situation is that bad. I have to report this."

Angela shrugs again. "Hey, then it's your ass on the fire 'cause you did let Dooey come along this whole time to help, right? Unless you could not give a shit, which is fine with me."

I felt a flash of heat color my muzzle. "Of course, I care. But there are rules--"

"Look, Rulebook. Her boss probably wants her gone because of her eyes. He probably keeps her on because of some disability laws or something. If you think Ditzy Tits is full of shit, then go check it out. If not, then quit your bitching and escort us to get back to our job."

I am at a loss for words as Angela starts the trek to the Riches' estate. While infuriating, Angela made some excellent points. "Fine, I will. And if Donatello does something reckless and hurts that mare, I guarantee you'll all be back in lockdown!"

"I thought it was quarantine? Thanks for clearing that up. I'm sure it's liable to be a lawsuit for us." Angela calls out.

By now, I am fuming. But I felt a hand on my shoulder and Leonardo there to my right. He is usually hard to read, but his face seems sympathetic. "Relax, it's fine."

His words feel strangely calming and believable. "...A lot could go wrong without proper supervision. There's a protocol to follow."

"Doubts, still?"

I looked at the eldest of the Crews siblings as I thought about the situation. Yes, hoo-manes of the past were terrible. But, despite that annoying red-maned vixen, the current ones are trying to be better. Then, my thoughts drift back to those ponies that've been trailing us. I am sure it's paranoia, but my gut tells me differently. "Lately, my doubts have been shifting somewhere else..." I sighed as I followed Angela with Leonardo close behind. "I will investigate the issue before making any tangible reports. However, I will keep this matter to myself for now. It's best to have all the facts anyway."

"Thank you." Receiving thanks from Leonardo also invokes a strange sensation in me.

[Ditzy's Route - Ditzy Doo's POV.]

We are moving so fast! So fast! It's almost like flying but on the ground. Everything whooshes past us, but it doesn't make my eyes dizzy. But, I must squeeze Dona- Donbell- Donny hard so I don't fall off. I look around the street to see the house pass by and notice one on my route. "Hey, there's one. Stop here."

"Gotcha!" Donny said as we stopped.

I go over to the door and knock as I fish out the mail. It opens as Peach Cobbler greets me. "Hey, Peachy. Here's your mail!"

"Ditzy? You came on time?! How?"

"With the help of my new friend, Donny." I wave back to Donny, who returns it by pointing to one of his wiggly digits. "I got to go now, later."

Peachy didn't say much with her weird look, so I returned to Donny. "Come on, Donny. The last few houses are all on the same block."

"Let's ride, ditzy!" Donny said as I got on Betty.

"Whee!!!" I cheered. Traveling like this is so much fun. Plus, I don't have to worry about crashing into things. We got to the last house on the route in no time. All the ponies were so shocked. I bet they'll put a good word in for me. After dropping off the last package, I checked my bag and saw it was empty. That rarely happens to me. "Hey, Donny. I'm all out of mail. Do you know what that means?!"

"We finished your route?"

I smiled brightly before hugging his head again. "Yeah, I finished my route! Let's go to the post office next. I can't wait to tell my boss."

"Alright, let's go share the good news."

We made it to the post office in no time flat as I got off Betty. I took Donny by his arm and brought him into the building. All my co-workers were here doing their duties. They all stopped to look at Donny and me, so I looked them over. "Hey, Stamper. Hey, Postit. Hey, Post Card. Is Post Mark in her office?"

My work friend shared a look before Post responses. "Um, yeah."

"Great, thanks." I pulled Donny over to the boss's office and opened the door with a bright smile. Postmark was behind her desk, sorting out some letters as I called out to her. She's a big earth pony mare around the belly. With red fur and a blue curly mane. "Hey, Postmark, I'm back and done with my route!"

Postmark looks up at me funny before speaking. "Derpy? You're back earlier?" She looks at the clock to see it read 1 pm. "Your shift isn't over for another four hours. Did you lose the mail again?"

"Nope-, I--"

"Did you cause another collision?! I thought I told you the office can't afford another crash!"

"I didn't. I--"

"I was clear to you this morning that if you lost, damaged, or destroyed another piece of mail, you shouldn't bother showing your bright eyes here again!"

"Hey!" I heard Donny call out to my left and felt a little flustered. "Hey, there. I'm Donatello, or Donny for short. Yes, I am human. Don't freak out. And, I can personally tell you that Ditzy has just become your best employee as she has finished her route way before clock-out time."

Postmark looked more confused than I did before she narrowed her eyes. "I will have you know, sir, that tampering with the mail is a crime!"

"Luckily, I did no such thing. It was all Ditzy who delivered everything. You can ask all the clients if you are having doubts."

"Pah! That's why every postal unit has this." Poskmark said before taking out a geode. "All mail is enchanted to prevent loss, theft, or damage. And this klutz of a mare has let all three happen in the entire two years of employment. The geodoe shows a specific color for each case. Red for damage. Yellow for theft. And blue for loss. But, if it glows a solid green, that means all mail has been--"

"It's green," Donny said, cutting Post Mark off.

"Wha-- There's no way!" Post Mark spins the geode around a few times and gives it a little shake. But the color didn't change from green. "I-I don't believe it. How?!!"

I pulled Donny into another hug as I smiled brightly. "It's all thanks to Donny. He got Betty and rode me to all my stops in time."

I don't know why Postmark had this weird look on her muzzle, but she shook her head and asked Donny, "What kind of filth are you doing with her? Our establishment has a reputation to uphold."

"Betty is my scooter. I just drove her so she wouldn't be late. If you want to check it out, it's right in the front." Donny said as Post Mark huffed and left the office.

Everybody else was outside gathering around Betty, too. Donny moved past the crowd and got on Betty. He started her up and started moving in a circle. Then, he zips down the street before returning in the blink of an eye. Nopony said anything, but I knew they were impressed. Post Mark had on her thinking face before walking up to Donny. "Hey, how much do you want for this?"

Post Mark frowns at the answer before Donny continues, "Betty's not for sale, but I am looking for work."

"Urgh! Fine, I'll start you out with the standard rate for carriers--"

"Actually. I want to be Ditzy's partner. Help her out like I did today."

"you want to work with Derpy Doo? I'm not paying hazard compensation or a new hire!"

"I'll be Ditzy's partner for no additional charge."

I didn't get why Donny and Post Mark stared at each other so hard, but I liked the idea of Donny being my partner. Riding on Betty is fun. "Oh, I don't mind being Donny's partner, Post Mark."

"Alright, if you want to work with the klutz, it's your funeral. But I'll be drawing up your hiring papers with some stipulations. You can pick it up tomorrow at 6 am sharp. Got it!"

Donny smiles as he waves at her. "You got it, boss lady."

"And you." Post Mark points to me. She looks angry before she sighs. "You're done for today. Come back tomorrow to show your partner the ropes."

"Yay!" I said as I hugged Donny again. "I can't wait to start working with you, partner."

I broke the hug to see that same dopey smile as before. "Y-yeah, I can see the start of a beautiful relationship. Anywho, I got to check on the sibs. They are hopeless without me. Swing by the big manor at the edge of town and meet everyone, okay?"

"That big house is yours? Wow, your family must be super rich. I'll visit once change." I wave at Donny as he drives off. I can't wait to tell Dinky and Sparkler about today.

[Filthy Estate - Morning Breeze Pov.]

I could hardly believe my eyes when my charges returned with those strange gardening tools. In Spoiled Rich's timeframe, it would've been next to impossible to complete her tasks before her return. But with the proper equipment, it would've been close. With the Hoo0manes tools, the time limit is no longer a factor. Angela finished the bushes in under five minutes, and the twins did some finishing touches. The bushes were in a perfect rectangle with no imperfections. Leonardo mowed the grass in six minutes with a blade out of place. And finally, Xavier handled the cleanup of the excess grass from the aftermath and somehow managed to keep his clothing spotless. I looked over to our resident supervisor, who was just as shocked at the quick and efficient detail of the hoo-manes work. I know I should keep impartiality as a professional courtesy, but seeing the spoiled little filly dumbfounded is oddly cathartic. I guess there are some benefits to these hoo-mane's strange gadgets.

"Wow, you guys clean up nice." The voice of Donatello said.

He rode up on that scooter without Miss Doo. "Where is Miss Doo?" I asked.

"Oh, her boss gave her the rest of the day for a well-done job." I felt relief at those words. "Yep, you're also looking at the newest addition to the postal service and her partner."

I am debating whether to feel relieved or frustrated by the news. I can feel the pages growing in my report. "Ha, I knew you couldn't escape being a slave to a corporate machine," Angela teased.

"Says the odd job worker."

Angela's response is her trademark middle digit. "So, it seems you had quite the venture while we were toiling away," Xavier stated.

"Yeah, you had the easy job!" Cecelia said as Natayla nodded. "Since you left us, you lost your cut." Natalya made a cross with her arms against her chest.

I found myself laughing as Donatello's features became dismayed. However, this good feeling fell the moment The Riches came back. Diamond Tiara finally snaps back to reality as she rushes to her parents. "Mommy, Daddy! The Hoo-manes! They--"

"No need to tell us anything, Diamond. I knew they wouldn't get the job." Spoiled, Rich stops as she finally looks at her backyard. Everything is clean and pristine. "Done? W-Wha-- How did-- What is going on here?!"

"Nothing, madam, we merely just completed the task you wanted," Xavier said.

"B-But, how? Those sheers in the shed are in disrepair!"

"Yeah, and we went and got our tools from home. Who knew a couple of rich gluesticks would have such shoddy stuff? It could never happen to us. I guess humans take more pride in the little things." Angela taunted as Spoiled Rich grew red in the face. "That will be extra for the round trip, by the way."

Filthy Rich steps before his wife before things escalate with the pay. "Well, I can recognize when Somepony-- Pardon, some creatures go above and beyond for their duties, which deserve proper compensation--"

As Mr. Rich pulls out another bag of bits, Spoiled Rich snatches it away. "Proper compensation? You seem to have taken your leave of your senses. What makes you think bringing strange, unidentifiable tools into our home is good?"

"T-That's right, Mommy. I don't know what those things are, and it's loud and dangerous!" Diamond said, backing her mother.

Anypony can see what Spoiled Rich is doing, so I got involved. "Madam, I was here to personally witness these tools in action. Their purpose is clearly for gardening, and the hoo-manes seem to know how to use these tools as intended."

"Urgh, nopony asked for commentary from the walking waste of tax bits. Look at these things. They could cut a pony in half! What if something went wrong and my daughter was hurt?"

"And yet, your daughter is fine. I would've agreed with your concerns if a pony used our tools - a device they know nothing about. However, we tend to our garden regularly. We know what we are doing." Xavier said. I can see the annoyance growing in his tone. "Now, I believe our payment is due,"

"Ha, you expect payment for a job half finished. Look over there!" We turned to see Spoiled pointing at several bags of manure. "You didn't spread the manure on the grass. How else do you expect it to shine as the son raises."

"Hold up, you didn't say anything about spreading manure," Juliet states.

"That is a common task we expressly noted under the Town Hall job description. What? Are you brutes too dumb to read the description?" The smug look on Spoiled Rich's face is enough to make me frown.

"Very well. We'll apply the manure now." Xavier compromised.

"You will do no such thing. I believe I said I wanted everything done before our return. Honestly, I knew your professionalism would be abysmal, but not to the extent of incompetence. And then you have the gall to think you should receive payment? Ha, how absurd. Just for that arrogance, I will be leaving a negative review."

"Yeah, serves you right!" Diamond said, causing her father to sigh.

By now, all of my charges, even the foals, had various degrees of anger in their features. "Mada, I can't guarantee you'll be listed for more work orders if you continue these terrible business practices!" I warned.

Spoiled merely scoffs at me. "Please, you act as if we hold any equal bearing with the commoners. I am president of the school district and a big donator to the town. Who would take any pony's word over the Riches?"

*Rerving*

All turned to the sound of the tools coming to life. Angela swung that saw blade like a mad pony while shaving clumps off the bushes. "W-What are you doing?!' Spoiled shrieked.

Angela turns back to us with a satisfied grin. "What? I'm adding a little personal effect. It's always good to have brand recognition."

Angela reveals her brand as her infamous middle finger craved from the remains of the bush. "Y-You wrench!!!" Spoiled Rich then turns to me. "What are you waiting for? She's vandalizing my property! Arrest her!!!"

"Actuatlly. I can't do that, ma'am. It would be vandalism if Angela did this after work hours. But, since you did not dismiss her from the premises yet, she is still on the clock. This patchwork is nothing more than a botched job." It took all my professional training to keep from smiling. It pays to know the rules.

"I-- You - Why I never!!!"

"Here's a free lesson bitch: Never bullshit a bullshitter!" Angela smirks.

[Kingston Mannor - Later that evening - Moonlit Shine's POV.]

"Welp, back to the grind," I said, coming into the manner for my shift. I wondered how Morning's daytime stroll with the humans went. I got my answer soon enough when the charges and my brother walked inside. My brother looked moments away from a brain hermitage. Getting closer, I see that the humans look a little dirty. But, the smile on Angela's face is cause for concern. Moving over to them, I decided to see what's what. "Well, what a remorse-looking group. What trouble did you get into?"

"Oh, let's see; negligence, dereliction of duties, a possible sanction, and vicious scolding from the higher-ups. Read about now in the upcoming report." Morning sighed. "Oh, and the Rich's may call for my armor soon. I'm going to get ready to file for unemployment."

As my brother starts to leave, the twins rush to him and hug each leg. "Thanks for helping us today. And, with the mean pony lady."

My muzzle fell open as I watched Morning pat them both on the head. Dear little brother must've felt my staring as he cleared his throat. "Um, yes, all in the line of duty. When I make my report, I'll note how you two were well-behaved."

My brother left while I was trying to reattach my jawline. I looked back at the humans, who didn't seem to notice my inner confusion. "Well, today was a rollercoaster. Let's finish it up with cleaning, May," Xavier said.

"Pass, Richie. I will take a show, and then I have to check something," Angela said as she left.

"I got a little time before my shift at Sugarcube Corner. So, I call the mane and tail." Juliet said.

"We want to wash her coat," Cecelia said as her sister nodded enthusiastically.

"I guess we got her hooves, huh bro?" Donatello said.

"Hmm," Leonardo nods.

Are they going to clean the primordial? I had to see this, but first. I had to catch my little brother. I rushed to the barracks and found him stripping out of his armor. He saw me, and I couldn't hide my smirk. "So, I noticed that little display earlier."

"Moonlit, please." Morning bemoaned.

"And I can tell today was eventful. I mean, little Cece and Nattie went for a hug on you,"

"It wasn't anything. I'm serious."

"What changed your mind about our simian convicts to make you feel affection?"

Morning Breeze groaned as he slapped his hooves to his muzzle. "...After today's event, watching my charges work and other contributing factors. I--"

"Yes?"

"--You may have had a point about them being harmless..."

I pump my hooves at the victory while meaning in closer. "Come on, give me the deets." Morning sighs as he starts the retelling of today's events. I guffawed when he got to what happened at the Rich Estate. That might be a problem later, but it's a problem for the future. Unfortunately, the part of mysterious pony stalkers is not sitting well with me. "And they kept their distance the whole time?"

"Yes, I already handed in the report. I think it's ponies being extra cautious, but worth mentioning."

"Hmm, I'll see what courage I can have on my shift. Anyway, get on home. I'm going to see the bathing."

"Yeah, take care-- Wait, what?"

"Later, bye," I said while rushing outside. I found everyone near the back.

There was that mail pony Morning mentioned with two fillies. But Angela hailed me over before I could ask what was going on. She had a big saddle bag over her shoulder. "Yo, batgirl, I need an ask."

"Oh? You want a favor from the walking century bots?"

I shot her a smirk that Angela sent right back. "Yeah, There's a joint in town I saw while on slave labor. I want to check it out, and I need a babysitter. Are you in?"

Now, this request got my attention. Something in town caught Angela's attention. As much as I am interested in the cleaning, this favor might be more so. "I must say that it's usual for you, of all humans, to want to do more exploring, but that is my job to be with you, and as long as it's not boring and illegal."

"Trust me, you're in for some real entertainment," Angela smirks.

[The Library - Twilight's POV.]

"What's happening now?" Spike asked.

"Nothing so far. Very little activity is happening except for the change in guard shift that occurs at this time." I said while looking at my telescope.

"I heard something went down at the Rich Estate today."

"Yes, I heard about that as well. It was something like shoddy work or a botched job."

"Or, since it involves the Rich family—a family of greedy, selfish, pretentious flank holes—we can't take any claim they make at face value," Mythic Entry said. He makes a good point.

"I will admit that the Rich family is hardly a credible source of information. But Angela was there. So, there may be some credence, maybe even more so, since Angela's crassness would clash with Spoiled Rich's self-entitlement."

"I do not like her!" Spike huffs. "She keeps calling me a perv."

"Well, you did foalnap her in her undies. What's a mare supposed to get from that?" Mythic accused.

Spike's purple scale took on a red tint. "I did not--"

"--Wait, I see something," I said. Several humans were coming outside with the primordial equine. "T-They're bringing out May!"

"Who?" Spike asked.

"The primordial equine they have in the stable. I thought I told you this."

Spike rubs his head sheepishly. "Well, I didn't believe it. You were talking about a pony older than the Princesses."

"So, that's the pony ancestor..." Mythic said in awe.

"Hey, is that Derpy Hooves?" Spike asked, pointing to the bubbly mare.

"When did she get there?" I asked. I completely missed her. She had Sparkler and Dinky there as well. Is she going to meet the humans?

"Getting tunnel vision again? That's a good sign to stop all this spying nonsense." Mythic teased.

"Not now, Mythic. I'm trying to focus. It looks like our guests have various items with them. And the humans are surrounding the equine."

"Surrounding? Do you think they're going to hurt it? Should we do something?" Spike asked with concern.

"Why? The guards are right there." Mythic said.

"No, I think they are cleaning her. Yes, they are cleaning her. Huh." I found myself transfixed by the display. Juliet gently brushes the primordial mane and tail after her brother coats it with water. The twins also help with applying soap to her coat. After they finish lavering the soap, Leonardo gives May another by rising before Xavier dries her off. Finally, Donatello urges May to lie down as the humans work on the Primordials' hooves. Even from here, I can see that the hooves are in good condition, so this is more like a touch-up in hoof care one would get in a spa treatment. May rears up on her hindlegs and snickers in obvious enjoyment when it is all said and done. "Wow. That looked enjoyable."

"Oh? Are you getting curious, Twilight? Maybe you can arrange for them to get a job at the spa. I bet the ancient equine is a great form of reference." Mythic teased as my cheeks grew red.

"S-Shut up."

"Hey, that Angela human is going back out," Spike stated.

I rush back to the telescope to see Angela leaving with a single night guard. "Why is she going out? I know from Pinkie that only Juliet is working at this time."

"She's got to be up to no good. Maybe she thinks she can give that guard the slip." Spike stated.

"Or maybe she has a job at this time as well." Mythic suggest. Spike and I shot him incredulous looks. "It could happen."

"Hmm, we can draw any conclusive answers just sitting here. Let's follow them. This way, we won't have any conflicting reports like earlier since we'll witness anything that happens." I said.

"Twilight, you promised we would have a reading session in the study. As amusing as your daily spy network, we can't let this rule our lives." Mythic said in a surprisingly stern tone.

I lightly grasp his hoof while giving him a small peck on the cheek. "I realize I am asking a lot. But, this endeavor is for the ponies' safety. You can't expect me to shun my responsibilities as an element bearer and Princess Celestia's faithful student."

"Fine, fine. I don't need the hero speech. But you better make it up to me," Mythic said before smiling. Now, let's go so we can tell the princesses how you graduated from a spy to a stalker." The only sound left in the library is Spike's laughter and me striking Mythic with a scroll.