Justice, Integrity, and Service

It would have been a perfect day. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and a cool wind blew through the empty desert town. Fillies and colts played in the street, kicking up dust and laughing at each other while their parents watched from their porches. The only thing ruining it was them.

As they approached, they could feel the mood change. The parents called back their young when they saw them coming, eyes wide with disbelief. Why were they here? Nobody spoke, but the question was there.

“Way to make an entrance, Brae,” she scoffed. Although, with her monochrome mane, compass cutie mark, and wings, the pegasus knew that even if she were alone she would stand out.

“I just have that effect on ponies, Darin’,” came the response. Her partner, a yellow earth stallion with a battered brown hat, blended in a bit better to the western cityscape, but still drew a few concerned glances. It must have been the rifle strapped across his back.

Behind the two ponies was a wagon being pulled by one of the sheriff's deputies. Two more deputies flanked them, smiling and nodding reassuringly at the families gaping at them. The deputies, like themselves, wore thick, heavy ballistic vests, designed to protect the wearer from gunshots and stab wounds at the cost of comfort and mobility.

Both of them knew why everyone else was on edge. It was simply the two words printed on the back of their vests: “Deputy Marshal.” It was funny how two simple words could alter a pony’s mindset.

The posse arrived at their destination, a plain brown house with a dirty fence surrounding the perimeter. The marshals opened the gate and trotted up the path before arriving at a heavyset wooden door. The stallion raised a hoof and pounded at the door.

From the other side there was some cursing and shuffling before a black earth stallion poked their head through the door, squinting in the sunlight. “Whaddya want?”

The stallion stepped forward, pulling out a silver badge. “Mornin’. I’m Deputy Marshal Braeburn Apple, this is Deputy Marshal Daring Do. We’re lookin’ for a Broken Arrow. Would that be you?”

Braeburn could see a flash of emotions cross his face. There was anger, confusion, fear, and disgust. “What is this all about?”

“We have warrants for your arrest,” explained Daring, producing several sets of official documents. “You’ll have to come with us.”

“Arrow? What’s going on?” floated another voice, as a yellow coated unicorn appeared in the doorway. “Who are these ponies?”

Daring knew what was going through the stallion’s mind. Would he surrender himself? Shut the door? Try and fight his way out? Broken Arrow stepped forwards, but made it clear it wouldn’t be an easy arrest.

The deputies moved forward to help, attempting to wrangle the pony into hoof cuffs. “What the- let me go! I didn’t do anything!” he protested.

And they were off, Daring thought. The mare in the door realized what was happening and started screaming. She latched onto the stallion, swearing and cursing at the deputies. “Fuck you! Fuck off! What did he do?!”

Daring and Braeburn exchanged a silent glance, nodding to each other. They had done this dance hundreds of times now, but that didn’t make it any easier. A crowd began forming around the house, curious as to what was happening.

“Let me go! What did I even do?!” the stallion’s voice raised into a shout, causing the deputies to flinch. He began struggling, pulling away and stiffening his body.

Braeburn sighed and rolled his eyes. "Unbelievable," he muttered. " Brutally beat a pony half to death, stab another to an inch of their life, and ponies still stick up for you."

Daring just shook her head in disgust. The first pony had recovered, the second was still in critical condition. A father of two and a hard worker, just trying to do the right thing. But all of that didn't matter apparently.

It didn’t take long for the crowd to jump in. “Now, y’all leave that poor pony alone!”

“Yeah, there’s no need to rough him up like that!”

Arrow Head was on the floor now, having been pushed down by the combined effort of the four of them. With intense effort, they were able to get cuffs on his forehooves. “Alright, let’s get him in the wagon.”

The four dragged him down the steps, while being hounded by the sobbing mare and harrased by the crowds.

“Fuckin’ Marshals! Who do they think they are?”

“Can’t believe this. ‘Protect and Serve’ my ass.”

“Nice gun, dep! What, you scared of one pony?”

They drowned out the insults and jeers as best as they could. After a struggle they were able to load him into the wagon, with the deputies locking his hoof cuffs to a metal ring inside.

“All things considered, that went well,” grunted Braeburn.

“Kiss my ass, Marshal!” someone shouted.

Daring rolled her eyes. “Just another day, Brae. Just another day.”

Justice, Integrity, and Service

By TheRedFox