[The following documents assume all readers are in accordance with the Royal Agency of Public Innocence]
[If one finds them-self unverified to read the contents within, you are advised to return all unpublished files to your nearest authority figure]
[Failure to follow orders will result in memory purification, this will be enforced by the RAPI]
-------------------------------------------------------------------classified-----------------------------------------------------------------
Agent 3_13 reporting:
[After receiving confirmation to proceed with the investigation following the loss of approximately 3,500,000 in federal bits; this agent followed what leads or paper-trails that were available at the time as directed. Two days in, the investigation's primary location of interest turned to Lord Splendid's office of Funds and Distribution in the city district of Canterlot after an accountant had come forth to assist the case. The pony in question (who's identity will not be disclosed within this document) had been withholding discarded letters. The contents of said letters were so contentious, the accountant had been hesitant to approach law enforcement, due to fear for his/her life. As of writing this, the accountant was relocated to an undisclosed safe house as per agreement. The following are all writings of one, Lord Splendid Skies (Knight Splendid Shine's only son).]
Item 3:
Dear, Splendid Skies
Funding has finally been accessed! From now on we all must practice the utmost of discrepancy. I trust you have a fair idea of who you would need to employ for this operation. My operatives have insured me the site will be free of witnesses for the duration of the mission. Months of preparation will finally be put to the test partner!
Clocks ticking, Pretty Coin
Item 2:
Greetings Customer
Payment received. Work will begin on spell code:"Void Sight" based on the parameters and schematics provided. We remind you that progress will quicken, should one Splendid Skies provide the non mandatory 'samples'. Inquiry: upon closer inspection, it appears miss Pretty Coins verifications are a complete falsehood. SpellForge Inc does not condone fraud of any sort and will be forced to report any offenders to the guard if necessary. However, should an additional 5k be 'donated', perhaps any documentation may fall into slippery hooves.
We know you'll understand, SpellForge Inc
[After reviewing the letters, this agent found it just to turn most focus to Lord Splendid 's associated location, such as the owned Soothing Stay: Pub and Lord Splendid's personal estate. As well SpellForge Inc and what appears to be Splendids business partner miss Petty Coin. The first lead this agent took was the Smoothing Say after the review of the targets behaviors suggests he was extremely likely to reveal personal information there. Several interrogations, along with a thorough search later, the activities of this nobles become even more alluding. This is a note found haphazardly crumbled and thrown to a corner in the pubs private showroom, followed by the words of two valid interlocutors.]
item 7:
Dearly, Beloved
Oh what good news you whisper, certainly fortune awaits us both on the other side. My imaginings have me positively salivating. With each letter you send me, I grow more pleased I shared this knowledge with you. So many useful books just sitting around! I long for our next dinner together Splendid.
[A dark red kiss is thoroughly planted on the letter] Kindle Light
Interrogation 1: Bartender,"Damn it, I knew the boss was hiding something. What's he doing, foal-nap a bunch of little fillies? You know what, I changed my mind, I don't want to know. Look here, I tried to loosen up his lip with some cider, even a little ale. Ain't none of that worked, he's locked up tider than a tax collectors safe... wait. Anyways, if you prove you are who you say you are, I'll go an let you poke around his private room; maybe y'all will find something worth knowing. Make it quick, don't want to make the bouncer suspicious."
Interrogation 2: Drunkard,"Ooh, your talking about mister Splendid and his petty doll with the big lips from that fancy library down the road a ways. Yeaah, they've been off whispering to each other about fancy beach houses an spell books, oh wait. Hey buddy, you got any rum on you.
[Day 3: after investigating the pub, this agent learned that Lord Splendid had left Canterlot on a business trip. His private estate left only under the management of a few servants. This agent would than go on to infiltrate the estate (using methods that will not disclosed in this document) without incident or detection. His personal office and study were thoroughly searched. All writings of any interest are held below]
Item 1:
Dear, Lord Splendid
With hearts filled of gratitude, we send continued thanks for this opportunity. The chance to study the lay-line athereology of the Everfree; the things we could discover on this adventure. Truly your generosity and love for the scientific arts is unparalleled. I write to inform you we're loaded up and ready to head out from Ponyville. Oh, before I forget, hopefully that mess up with the confidentials was absolved?
Thank you, Minds Fire and Company
Item 4:
To Lord Splendid
We're here! At-last we're finally here. It's beautiful, oh Splendid I wish you could see the pre-nightmare architecture. I know you've seen photographs of the Castle of the Two Sisters, but this monolith simply trumps the castle entirely. The ancient enchantment engravings, the hieroglyphs, the contributional statues; where to begin? On other matters, you'd thick there'd be some wild life around the area given the nature of the Everfree. No, not even the songbird makes itself known. Perhaps this is one of many puzzle pieces to take into account later on. Look at me yammering, BACK TO BUSINESS!
This is so exciting! Minds Fire and Company
Item 10:
To Splendid Skies
Coin filled me in. See, I told you the brotherhood always delivers. Now we just got to wait for that field mad mare of yours to break whatever the princess put in place. Then loot, bits, land, and fame, for kilometers. Just sit pretty Splendid, it's coming soon.
From, Sweet Snacks
[This message was originally found as a pile of ash in Splendid's fireplace.Thanks to the Royal Archives, this message was reconstituted after some spellwork. Steps were taken to avoid the suspect: Kindle Light from being involved in this process. After much illusion magic scrubbing and deciphering, the message becomes partially readable]
Item 12:
Dear, Buyer
We have received our initial payment. Through your description of, and our own probing of the location, we are confident we can eliminate all defensive elementals and traps without activating any runes. Although we are unsure if you can do it without evidence of a struggle; if unable we will employ simple illusions to make any signs vanish. We await your command.
By your will, The Silent Brotherhood
Item 8:
Lord Splendid
No, we haven't seen any others around here. Should we be worried? There are a few scuffs and bumps here and there that appear fresh compared to the surrounding architecture; but those are possibly from some passing adventurer who stumbled upon this place and hadn't known the scale of what he'd found.
Hope that helped, Minds Fire
Item 5:
My Son,
I have been made aware of your progress. Continue with all haste, I can only keep the princess's gaze away from your activities for so long. For ages, I've had to stand by in complacency while Celestia has a moral conniption fit every time she razes a teakettle. I'm proud to see my own son has the initiative to challenge her.
Father
Item 9:
Lord Splendid
Progress is going well. We hope the discovery we made last week bared fruit for you back in the capitol. Anyway, on with the roll call as per your protocol. Three field analyst-check, four assistants-check, two athereologists-check, two wizards-check, one artist-check (I'll never know why you let him tag along), and one annoying project manager, oh that's me!
Minds Fire and Company
Item 6:
My Son,
Your activities are on the fringe of being noticed. I can not assure your concealment for much longer my son. You had best prepare for the worst. I hope you've been doing something with these letters.
Father
Item 11:
URGENT MESSAGE
To: Splendid
From: Sweets
There was a detective at the funds office today! After that, [edit: he/she, end edit] went to the Soothing Stay, they're on you're trail! You've got to skip Canterlot until whatever [edit: he's/she's, end edit] doing has blown over! Don't forget to grab anything they can use. I'll come by tomorrow and clean up whatever you missed!
This agent left mister Sweet Snacks a letter on Splendid's office desk. It explained the gravity of his situation and that he was expected to arrive at the Royal Agency of Public Innocence's headquarters for questioning, less a warrant be made for his arrest. Sweet Snack arrived at Splendid's estate later that day to clean up evidence. A request was made and grained for reinforcement of the case; due to the discovery of the employment of The Silent Brotherhood, conspiracy, multiple leads, and a possible time-limit of the case. Agents 11_27 and 18_23 as well as a small contingent of counter-intelligence operatives were assigned to the case. The contingent was assigned to dissuade The Brotherhood. Agent 11_27 was assigned suspects Sweet Snacks, Splendid Shine, Kindle Light, Pretty Coin, and was charged with investigating SpellForge Inc. Agent 18_23 was assigned fleeing target Splendid Skies. This agent was assigned miss Minds Fire and was sent to last known location]
-classified-
Agent 11_27 reporting:
[Day 4 of investigation: Following the discovery of the Splendid Conspiracy, this agent was assigned to secondary suspects and directed to withdraw information by force if deemed necessary. Standard data gathering regulations have been discontinued as of the recent Public Rights Act of House Pure Blood. As a result, memory withdraw applications may not be enforced in this encounter. Analysis of Sweet Snacks being however, suggests he may crack easily under pressure. If Snacks does not comply to this agents' questions, it is relieving to know the agency's new found bounds will not hinder this agent for long.]
Interviewer: Agent 11_27
Suspect: Sweet Snacks
Echo Start...
Beginning session one of the interrogation of Sweet Snacks proceeding the investigation of Splendid Manor. Good-evening Mister Sweet Snacks, how are you doing today?
(There is a light 'clattering' reverberating through the still room, originating close by on what sounds like a metallic surface.)
I... I'm fine. I love that... comfy bed in my room you guys gave me.
Really, well good. Depending on how this little talk goes, you may get to stay there for a few more days.
(Tense shuffling is heard to the right of the recording gem.)
I'll go ahead and indulge you and ask what we're talking about?
I do yearn to set about our queries Sweet, but you aren't particularly in the best state of mind to answer them reliably. You've been quivering in your seat since I walked in the room.
It would help, if you didn't have that foreboding spell on your face.
I assure you this is merely for the protection of my own anonymity and I hold no ill will toward you for now.
What!
This isn't going to work. I've never been one for small talk, so your just going to have to hold yourself together and answer our questions the best you can... or else.
...
Mister Sweets?
Fine, I'd favor this honesty over whatever creepy bit of cooing you managed to pull off.
I would refrain from insulting somepony who is trying to offer you a kindness. Very well, let's get on with it. Obviously, try to answer all questions in a clear truthful manner.
Oh yes officer. I'll be a good little pony.
...
.....
Okay? You do understand your predicament correct? You are suspected of assisting in bit-laundering among other matters we'll get to. There isn't much foresight in using sarcasm against me, but whatever makes you calm I suppose. We've wasted too much time already, so. Question one: Are you aware of federal bits stolen from the national treasury; if so, what correlation do you have with it.
(Sigh)
...
Look, I knew about the bits, but I wasn't apart of that scheme.
Then who was.
I only know two names. Just Petty Coin and some acquaintance named Golden Smile. Of course, you creeps probably already have both of them by now.
No, just one.
(Hoof-steps thunder from the hall outside)
Are you aware of the amount taken?
I don't know, enough.
The pinned amount is 3.5 million bits. My superiors are slightly more concerned on how they manage to steel it all, but I would enjoy it if you would tell me what you were planning on doing with these resources.
...
Are you bucking me right now. They were only suppose to take what we needed to avoid suspicion, not a fourth of the damn treasury. They said, "they'll never notice", what a load of crap!
Calm yourself or I'll do it for you, next question: how many ponies are in your little game?
Well, that depends on if you count ponies who didn't know we were doing something wrong. Or ponies who knew we were doing something wrong but didn't care. Or even third parties we only had little control over.
The third party your referring to is the Silent Brotherhood correct?
How did you know about them?
We have accumulated a large amount of messages from Mister Splendid's home office.
(Cursing can be heard under Sweets breath)
I..well...
I see, we'll return to this later. Enough sidetracking, how many are responsible for planning to steel the funds and the furthering of your goals?
Ten, but like I said, the ones who actually did it were Coin and Golden.
Question threes the big one, what's the purpose of it all? Why send an expedition team into the Everfree? Why get involved with the brotherhood? Why steel three and a half million bits?
Well, we made a science and magic play-house officer. Once we got started, the grants and favors started rolling in.
Your not telling me the full truth, but your not lying.There are more important matters to reveal, like the hiding place of Splendid.
...
Officer I never really asked where he was heading. Maybe you should try Los Pegasus, if I had that kind of bits, that's where I'd...
(A deep pulsing sound echos from further in the room)
Oh no, looks like your lying now. Listen Sweet, Splendid Skies along with you and your buddies, have majorly crippled Equestrias ability to function correctly; and he's on the lamb. You need to tell us where he's gone.
I.. I can't, I'm sorry.
Oh Sweet, you can, and you will. You just need the right motivation.
(Arcane sparking is heard close-by.)
What is that? What are you doing? Get away!
...
I'm finding the truth.
( Static nearly consumes the audio as magical humming and bloodcurdling screams fill the once still room.)
[Intermission]
(Sobbing is heard close-by)
STOP! STOP! YOUR BUCKED IN THE HEAD!
TELL ME WHERE HE IS!
CLOUDSDALE! HE'S IN A SAFE-HOUSE IN CLOUDSDALE!
ADDRESS DUMBASS!
I DON'T KNOW!
SO IT'S GOING TO BE LIKE THAT!
(Crackling can be heard near by)
Damn it. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! 1324 E VAPOR AVENUE! PLEASE NO MORE!
Not yet, one more thing. Since you know what happens when you keep details from me. Explain your connections to the Brotherhood.
Why me. I can't d..
(sparks sputter through the air)
OK! OK! They wanted taps in high society, they do a thing or two for me and I do the same for them.
NO! Names, goals.
No names, just titles. We asked them to clear out some pre-princess monolith in the Everfree.
What for?
Ask Kindle Light. She knows a lot more than me.
(clattering and muffled movement is heard in the room.)
Thank you for your time Sweet Snacks, we're done here for now. Take him back to his cell. End log.
[Further information extraction was required from mister Sweet Snacks. The names of other conspirators, more details of the expedition, and the Brotherhood as a whole are matters that still evade this agent. Unfortunately, his body was in need of rest. The fear of it will drive the use of any agony spells unnecessary for Sweet. The location of Splendid's safe-house was given to Agent 18_23. Next, Petty Coin was brought in for questioning afterwords. Golden Smile was also apprehended later that evening.]
Author's Note
I hated this chapter so much. Hopefully I wouldn't have to do another one like this, right. right?
-classified-
Agent 3_13 reporting:
[Day 4 of investigation: Ensuing the discovery of the Splendid Conspiracy (Also of writing, 4 conspirators, 6 suspects), this agent was given directive to proceed to the last known location of Splendid's "expedition crew" (Ponyville proper) and gather clues as to current location. After arriving in the small town, this agent was then assaulted by one of the then unknown elements of harmony. The pink mare's speech was near unintelligible, she was talking so rapidly. In her haste, she had mentioned something along the lines of "first I got to throw a party for a bunch of doctors and wizards at the Inn and now one for a super secret spy!"(This agent is pending a mole check be done within the agency), She then carried out the most chaotic exit this agent had ever seen, meanwhile declaring she needed to go ask for a few "party flavors." Never in this agent life, has it ever had to work so hard for one singular clue.]
[When entering the local Inn, this agent had asked to see Miss Minds Fire's room under the pretense of her being it's missing sister. The keeper explained that she had been there around two weeks ago, and that the keeper doubted there would be anything left. Nevertheless she offered this agent approval to search. This agent was able to probe her room under supervision and interrogate the Innkeeper, all valuable information is shown below.]
Item 14:
Dear, Minds Fire
Excellent! Write to me when you arrive at the structure. Take your time on the path now, I wouldn't want anything to go wrong on your quest. Fire, do you think me a liar? Of course, I've cleaned up that entire desk-fire my literary resources managed to cook up. You needn't worry of these petty things; you should worry about a cyst in the aether triangulated somewhere near a monolith in the middle of the Everfree forest we're paying you to investigate.
Don't mention it, Splendid Skies
Interrogation 5: Innkeeper, "I wasn't going to tell you this cause you're from out of town, but seeing what's on that note, I can't hold my tongue no more. [edit: Mister/Miss end edit], you can not go into that forest looking for her. I assume you've heard some of the infamous legends of the Everfree. I tried to tell your sister not to go, and it's only gotten worse since then. On a normal day in that cursed wood, the weather is uncontrollable, animals fend for themselves, and monsters crawl all about. Now, ever sense that second bunch of loonies when in going after whatever gots a shin in their eyes, things have only gotten more chaotic. At night there's been uh whole bunch of bangs and shouts like someponys been shooting fireworks off in the middle of the woods. Groups of small kidders running out of the forest like something scared them half-to-death. Finally, there've been big pillars of smoke that no pegasus can fly up and tell you where it's coming from; but maybe that's just them wizards making it hard to look for their camp so none of the monsters get em, actually really smart. Regardless, it's too dangerous, maybe you should ask the guard if they can help you find her.
[The knowledge the Ponyville Inn provided was helpful, but lacked precise coordinates on the "monolith." This agent then went to Ponyville town hall to attempt to organize a search party with the Mayor and the local Guard Captain; before discovering that the Mayor had placed a community order to stay out of the Everfree alongside a curfew. The Mayor refused to send anypony into the woods. This agent then revealed it was on royal business. Suddenly, all opposition halted. The Captain had "generously" provided two whole fliers for search and the Mayor offered a few volunteers as compensation. Two of the volunteers apparently had family that went missing after they had signed up as assistants for extra bits. Both volunteer's interrogations are below.]
Interrogation 6: Berry Shine, "Yeah, Ace said he always wanted more adventure in his life. So when a whole bunch of wacky scientists came trotting through Ponyville, I'm not surprised he asked to sign up as an assistant. I am surprised that Ace went into the Everfree forest of all bucking places to go running off on some great adventure. Now, there's who knows what running around in there with my brother probably lost and terrified. One of my buddies at the bar told me she had come home from a drink the other night and saw something tall peeking at her from the tree line. She said she was drunk off her haunches at the time, but I can't help but feel that somethings gone wrong. I... I can't think like that, everything is going to be fine.
Interrogation 7: Silver Tongue, "Why would you what to know about that? I guess it wouldn't hurt. Clever Sketch had a bit of trouble with some of his works, said he "lacked inspiration", he's an artist you see. One day, we were having lunch at Sugarcube Corner and he told me he found something that would fix his problem. He had met some athereologist named Wisdom Seeker who was preparing to leave on some expedition with her team. Seeker had told him what they expected to find and it got him hooked. Sketch told me they were looking for an ancient pre-sisters temple because of acclaimed magic potential, or something, I'm a little embarrassed to say I didn't really understand what he was talking about. They were looking for workers and assistants to help setup equipment and general labor. Sketch offered to draw whatever they found to add to they're reports. After that, he was onboard the next day. I can't say I anticipated him to take this long though, it's been two weeks."[Intermission], "Not you too. Look, I haven't seen anything of this-sort. No monsters, aliens, demons, or wisps looking for a tea party. Everypony just needs to stop spreading rumors and fear, before somepony does something ignorant. Mayor Mare has already set up a curfew, I wonder what's next.
[A few hours of prep and organizing later and we were off. This agent had requisitioned 2 royal guard pegasi, 4 civilian pegasi, 3 earth ponies, and 2 unicorns. We were one or two ponies under but we'd work it out. By the time we had entered the forest, the Elements were summoned by her royal highness to send them off on their pointless mission. Stars know if they could have made a difference.]
Author's Note
Sorry about that slip up with my chapter: escalation. I'm still a little new with the writers interface and I didn't mean to publish a plank piece of paper. You'd think that wouldn't have gotten past the bots, oh well, please do report he for it. My experience with the community of these types of websites weren't the best. By the by, I'm still in college. For the love of anything holly, DO NOT EXPECT CONSISTENCY!