Striving for Perfection

Nothing. Not a single sound. Not a single light source. There are no lines. There is no head. The body does not exist. There is nothing around. Emptiness. After what seemed like an eternity, a bright thought broke through this emptiness.

It's time to work, crybaby. Get up, get up.

Slowly, everything started to become clear again. Ears caught the sound of a fast moving train. The eyelids felt the sunlight falling on them. The lines began to line up and take on the silhouettes of the creatures closest to me. Literally a couple of steps away from me, there were about ten thestrals. No, nine. There were no other creatures on the train. The body also started to turn on and I realized that I was now in a sitting position. And something is putting a little pressure on my knees.

I slowly opened my eyes and looked around the room. My body was on the train and was sitting on the seat right in front of the window from which the evening light was beating. Then I focused on feeling a slight pressure on my knees. My eyes widened at the sight. Rising was lying on the seat next to me and put his head on my knee. Judging by the calm and rhythmic breathing, he is sleeping. And what should I do about it? How should we react to this?

In search of a sign, I cast a glance in the direction of the other thestrals. They settled down on the opposite side of the train from me and each took his seat to sleep. There were a lot of other empty seats in the car, so Rising sat next to me not because of lack of space. Then I squinted slightly after finding the evidence. Unlike everyone else, Rising did not take off his gear before falling asleep, but simply fell asleep in full uniform. That's the answer! He lay down on my knee just because he fell asleep by accident!

Yes, yes, of course. Convince yourself of that, crybaby. Although I would recommend doing more important things. For example, preparing for a conversation with murderers.

I sighed and reached into my pocket. Before sending me to the train, Celestia did a few things for me. Of course, the most important of them is the removal of plaster. It's good that all wounds recover faster here. But the second most important thing is, I do not know, an order? Yes, probably the name of the order fits best. So, Celestia said that if there are any questions from the prison staff, I just need to present it. Although I don't think I'll have to use it.

In any case, I pulled the order out of my pocket and quickly scanned it with my eyes. Briefly speaking, in it, Celestia writes that Daniel Ctumer, that is, I came to prison to put forward a proposal to those who arrive in prison for murder. The Latracaz prison authorities know about this. Wait, Latracaz?

The pony version of Alcatraz? So we're going to the prison that's on the island? Hmm, maybe try walking right through the water? Winter after all.

Shaking my head slightly, I carefully folded the order and put it in my pocket. Then, just in case, I started checking the contents of the pockets. A knife? Yes, it may be useful for additional persuasiveness during negotiations. A cube? There is, the application is similar to that of a knife. Sleep? Surprisingly, yes. In some fantastic way, I was able to sleep while riding the train. See, Discord? I don't need you to sleep. For the first time in three days. Or is it already the fifth? Tenth?

Deciding to put this thought aside, I carefully put my right hand on Rising's head. It is necessary to remember how to work with this limb. Taking a deep breath, I carefully moved Rising's head from my knee to the seat. In response to this, he muttered something unintelligible, but fortunately did not wake up. After making sure that I was free, I slowly got up from my seat and leaned on the folding table. After sleeping in this position, the limbs feel like nothing. Do I even still have legs? I glanced down. Yes, there is, everything is in place.

They say that after three days without sleep, neurons begin to die off. Looks like you're a prime example of what true, crybaby.

I chuckled a little before starting to carefully step out into the corridor of the train and at the same time hold on to everything in a row. After a few long steps, I got out into the corridor of the car and looked first forward, then back. I wanted to get some fresh air. But I didn't take into account the fact that I have no idea where to go. There is a fifty percent chance that I will get to the engine room where there will definitely be no fresh air and there is a fifty percent chance that everything will work out. Yeah.

"Or I can just stand here." I said softly so as not to wake anyone up for sure. Well, it looks like there's no fresh air today. Sighing, I took a few more careful and quiet steps until I reached the end of the car where there were many unoccupied seats. Carefully sitting down on a chair, I realized one extremely unpleasant thing. I'm not wearing glasses. It seems that from the dawn I considered the blurriness just a lack of sleep.

Now we're going to look for them, crybaby. Get to work.

With an exasperated sigh, I quickly got up from my seat, staggered slightly and regained my balance quickly walked to my original place. There my eyes noticed that the Rising position shifted slightly. He was still lying on the seat, but he moved slightly, which was why he was on the verge of falling off it. At first I thought it was a small thing that could be missed. After all, glasses are much more important now. But what if he gets badly hurt when he falls? What if the sword suddenly falls out of its scabbard and injures some part of the body? No, no, this is nonsense.

After a couple of seconds of reflection, I carefully put my left hand on Rising's back and moved him so that he didn't exactly fall off the seat. At first he didn't show any signs of discomfort, but as soon as I took my hand away, he muttered something unintelligible. For a moment I froze, hoping that I could not wake him up. Fortunately, Rising calmed down and continued to sleep.

Sighing, I looked at the place where I used to sit and started looking for my glasses. My seat on the seat? No, it's empty. Maybe I put my glasses on the folding table before going to bed? No, it's empty there too. Then my eyes caught a small glint of light under the table. Kneeling down, I looked at the dark space under the table and saw my glasses. I don't even know if it's good or bad. Maybe they shouldn't be picked up? I'm afraid they fell and cracked.

Yes, that's right, that's right. It's time to get used to the mole lifestyle. You're not going to hold your glasses during the fight, are you?

"I'll stick it in my head. I muttered, reaching for my glasses and praying to myself that they wouldn't crack. Grabbing my glasses, I squinted and carefully looked at them. Apart from a small piece of dirt, nothing terrible. Thank you, world.

Slightly wiping the glasses with my coat, I put them on and adjusted them slightly. Then I slowly straightened up and looked around the train car in a bored way. I don't want to try my luck. I think I've already exhausted all my luck exactly at the moment when I dropped my glasses and they didn't break. On the other hand, just standing and waiting for everyone to wake up will be extremely boring.

I put my hands on my hips and thought. The princesses were extremely opposed to my idea being crowned with success. And yet none of them dared to come with me? There's definitely got to be a catch. We will act clearly within a narrow framework. Maybe the princesses told me in advance that my visit to the prison was strictly documented. They definitely can't trust me.

Suddenly, my almost completely finished reflection was interrupted by the loud howling of the train and the creaking of brakes. In the next moment, many soldiers with dissatisfied groans began to wake up. I grinned slightly at the sight of this whole picture and began to quickly inspect the car in search of an exit until the corridor was occupied by the awakened soldiers. Seeing something that looked like a door, I quickly walked up to it and leaned against the wall. Slowly, one by one, the soldiers began to get up from their seats, put on their equipment and wake up those who did not wake up from the sounds of the train. Chuckling, I turned my gaze out the window. There, instead of the large city and island I expected, there was something that I definitely did not expect from the pony version of Alcatraz. There was only a wasteland and a mountain in the distance. Of course there was no snow.

It's even good that there is no snow. You can't start degradation again without him, crybaby.

Sighing, I focused on the door, waiting for it to open. While I was waiting, I could feel that all the soldiers had already lined up and were waiting with me. Eventually, the door creaked open slowly. And by slow, I mean terribly slow. It feels like this train is generally the first with an automatic door. Or even just a prototype. I shook my head slightly. No matter. The door is still opening.

When the door opened just enough for me to get in, I turned sideways and slowly squeezed through it. With a little effort, my body left the train and my leg ended up at the train station. The train station? Right in the middle of the wasteland? What for?

Deciding to put this question aside for later, I took a few steps forward to give space to the soldiers leaving the train and began to look around. The station looked, to put it mildly, worse than its counterpart from Canterlot. The marble material was replaced by ordinary wood, there was not a single bench at the station itself. Thank you at least for the fact that there is a clock on the facade of the building. It's five o'clock in the evening. I think it's good for Thestrals. It's almost night. Almost.

When I didn't see anyone at the train station, I frowned slightly. Even the lines don't indicate anyone's presence except for me and my soldiers. Trouble. And what should I do? I don't even know where I am. I didn't even bring a map with me!

Rising took a few steps closer to me and cautiously asked: "So, sir, what are we going to do now?"

Come on, come on. Show everyone your weakness. Everyone really wants to see it. Everyone is so interested to see your flaws, crybaby. You can't even imagine.

To my own surprise, I felt a group of several Earth ponies galloping towards the train station. Frowning, I thought a few who it could be. It would have been a much easier task if Celestia had given me more information than "get on the train and gather some soldiers with you."

Remembering that Rising asked in a hurry, I turned in his direction and answered: "Wait a bit. Someone is coming here now. "

Rising raised an eyebrow and cautiously bowed his head and asked: " I don't doubt your skills in any way, Mr. Sir Boss, but..."

His words were interrupted by several ponies who ran into the territory of the station and began to actively take a breath. After a quick glance at them, I noted a few details among the recent arrivals. In total, the group consisted of three ponies, two of whom were dressed in blue uniforms similar to classic police officers and one was dressed in a gray jacket with a red tie. "Very good" clothes for working in the wasteland. During their inspection, I could feel all the soldiers staring at me. It's like I'm some kind of fortune teller.

Hmm, a fortune teller. Since Luna prohibits the use of lines for combat purposes, we will use them for quack purposes.

I didn't have time to grin as the pony in the gray jacket caught his breath and coming up to me began to say: "I'm sorry for being late, Mr. Ctumer. It was hard to organize all the prisoners according to your unusual request, to put it mildly. Let's pretend it didn't happen. "

He stopped a step away from me to clear his throat and, extending his hoof in greeting, said: " My name is the Same Alosia and I am the head of Latracaz prison. I am extremely glad to meet you, Mr. Ctumer."

I squinted and looked at the hoof extended to me. I don't even know which of the whole situation is the worst. That I need to press a hoof that is unclear where it was? The fact that his name is the Same Alosia and I have no idea how to address him better? Or that I'm in the damn wasteland right now without a drop of water with me?

Crybaby, it's time to answer the greeting. And don't be squeamish. Dirty hands are a sign of hard work. That's why you have them clean. And about the name, let's just call him Mr. Alos? Sounds normal. Maybe.

Reluctantly, I stretched out my left hand and wrapping it around Mr. Alrosa's hoof I replied pretending to be polite: "It's nice to meet you too. And before I forget, do you mind if I call you Mr. Alos for short?"

Same Alosia frowned slightly, and a couple of chuckles rang out behind him. What's funny here? Before I could get to the answer, the Same Alosia smiled awkwardly and replied: "I have to refuse, Mr. Ctumer. If you want to call me that much, then you can call me Sam, okay?"

For a moment, I was pleasantly surprised despite a couple more laughs from the side. Am I going to call a pony by a human name? Especially with such a good-sounding human name? I'm only happy to. My hand lets go of Sam's hoof and a satisfied answer came out of my mouth: "Okay, I agree. I think this is the best solution possible."

Sam nodded gratefully and cleared his throat before turning around: "Since we have decided this, follow me. I will guide you to my pride, Latracaz Prison."

As soon as he turned around, two more police ponies followed him, and I waved my hand to the soldiers to follow me. Feeling the collective nod of all ten soldiers, I followed Sam in the hope of seeing the prison soon, at least from afar. My hope was destroyed when I left the train station and saw a long road going towards the mountain that towered over the entire flat landscape. Damn it, it's a long walk and the forehead has already started to heat up.

Continuing to follow Sam along the road, I glanced at the sun. Although it was going over the horizon, it seems that during this time I will already catch a sunstroke. Thank you at least for the fact that the coat protects most of the body from the heat. But the protection does not concern my head and all my soldiers.

After a while, consisting of a continuous walk, uninterrupted by not a single sound, Sam raised his voice with some excitement in his tone: "Do you mind if I tell you a little about Latracaz while we walk?"

Oh? The warden personally wants to tell me about his institution? You can't refuse such an opportunity. Don't even think about the opposite, crybaby.

I shrugged and replied with some enthusiasm, "Sure, why not."

Sam took a deep breath and began to speak, unsuccessfully trying to sound calm: "Latracas Prison was founded in 987 due to the increase in the number of crimes against the background of the economic crisis at that time. And from the very first day I was in charge of this prison. Unlike all prisons in Equestria, there are some features that appeared here during the crisis and are still in effect. "

Sam abruptly stopped talking as if he really wanted me to ask a question about exactly what features his prison has. And I so want to know about what kind of crisis there was a few years ago. Okay, I'll ask you later. Rolling my eyes, I reluctantly asked: " What features?"

"Very glad you asked, Mr. Ctumer! Latracaz has features that make it the most efficient prison in Equestria. Moreover, this is the only prison that does not take money from the treasury, but on the contrary, brings money. Here, prisoners have the right to get a job mining resources in the mountains, which will eventually reduce their sentence. A fair deal in my opinion, and most importantly it is voluntary. Sam replied with pride in his voice. Wait, shouldn't he be against my idea? It's like I'm taking away promising employees from him.

It doesn't matter, we'll figure it out later. I want to hear about the economic crisis.

I nodded slightly and asked: "Your prison is extremely interesting, Sam, but let's get away from it for a second. Can you tell us a little about the economic crisis that you mentioned earlier?"

Sam sighed as if he was upset that he wouldn't be able to talk about prison and replied in a monotone voice: "As I said earlier, this crisis occurred in 987, that is, fourteen years ago. There are still many versions of why they happened and none of them is considered absolutely true. All points of view are approximately equal. But if you are interested in my opinion, then I believe that the reason was the workers. When they started to riot en masse, many productions completely stood up for several months! Alas, by the time a compromise was found, the damage had already been done. And then the crisis."

Let's skip the whole part about his personal opinion, okay? Let's just write it down as a thing for which Celestia can be condemned. Of course, I'll have to read about it later.

Nodding slightly, I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand and focused on what was ahead. I could already make out the outline of a rectangular building surrounded by towers. Unfortunately, from this distance it was not possible to see something in more detail. Especially considering that half of the prison is covered by the shadow of the mountain.

After a few seconds of silence, Sam opened his mouth again and began to speak with excitement in his voice: "Here he is, Latracas. Soon you will be able to see it in all its glory. By the way, the nights are cold in the wasteland, so I recommend spending the night in prison. Don't worry, the staff quarters are more than comfortable."

I put my hand to my chin and mumbled thinking. On the one hand, it's really cold in the desert at night. And now it's getting late. But on the other hand, to delay all this when I need to hurry? No, no way. I still have to run the FSF. I hope they are working now. In the end, I shook my head and answered firmly: "No, thank you. I still have a lot to do."

My stream of thoughts was suspended when I heard someone behind me actively breathing through his mouth just like a dog. Turning around, I see that the soldiers are following me with their heads down and judging by their appearance, they are extremely hot. In the next moment, my brain, which had finally slept, was able to give an answer.

If it's hot for you now, then the pony is even more so. They have fur after all. This is not to mention the armor that can accumulate.

Reluctantly, I turned away from the soldiers and focused back on the road to the prison. I won't be able to help them properly right now. Even if they can take off their armor and it will help them, then a new problem will arise. Where to put the whole huge arsenal of armor? Leaving everything in the middle of the wasteland is not an option.

Sighing, I continued walking until a shadow fell on me. Glancing up and continuing to walk, I saw that we had already reached the foot of the mountain and were now passing next to it. Wait, is the prison located right on the mountain? From afar, I could not see such a detail. I glanced in Sam's direction, trying to make sure everything was going according to plan. Seeing no signs of nervousness or slowing down on his part, I slightly shrugged my shoulders. If the pony version of Alcatraz is on the mountain, then it is on the mountain.

After a while, Sam and two ponies in police suits turned sharply to the right, to which I reacted instantly. The same cannot be said about my soldiers who have gone a few more steps forward. Turning his head in their direction and shouted: "HEY! You're going the wrong way!"

After these words, the Soldiers raised their heads a little higher as if trying not to look exhausted by the heat and nodded wearily before following me in the right direction. Nodding in response, my gaze switched to what was ahead. Right ahead was the path leading to the prison. Since the prison was located just above the foot, the trail had some upward slope. I hope the remaining forces of the soldiers will be enough to climb it.

As I walked along the road, my eyes could see the details of the prison better and better. Around it were four towers, each of which had two ponies. The next thing I felt was that there were a lot of ponies inside the prison. Judging by the number of people, the prison is probably bigger inside than it seems. Maybe part of the prison is right inside the mountain?

A good solution. You can save on ceilings. Or in general on all premises.

Grinning, I turned around and making sure that the soldiers were not too far behind, I focused on the road again. A few moments later, Sam and two guards on either side stood in front of a large gate with three keyholes. Sam stood in front of the central well and the guards on the sides. Nodding, they pulled the keys out of their pockets and simultaneously inserted them into the wells and made three turns with the key. There were several loud clicks and the door opened slightly. Three ponies together tried to open the gate to the end, but it barely moved.

Sam turned his head slightly in my direction and asked with an awkward smile: "Could you help a little, Mr. Ctumer? It's just that we usually set a time when the door is opened and the rest of the staff helps us. Alas, we didn't have time to set a time today."

Rolling my eyes, I motioned them to move aside, which they slowly obeyed. Thrusting my left hand into the crack, I began to gently pull it towards me. To my own surprise, it was a little hard. For a second it even seemed to me that I would have to connect my right hand. While I was trying to open the door with one hand, Sam began to speak in a proud tone: "The main gate of Latracas prison consists of three racks of various metals and also have special weights. Thus, even if the prisoners can find all the keys and guess how to open the door, there will be problems in order to move it. Not to mention getting past the watchers on the towers and leaving the wasteland."

The wasteland is understandable. But what will the guards on the towers be able to do, given how long it takes them to descend?

I shook my head slightly, deciding that I would postpone this question a little for later, and with a sharp jerk I was finally able to move the door. Alas, with one hand I managed to move it just enough to fit a pair of ponies into the gap. Of course, I could use two hands. But I haven't had time to get used to the fact that my right hand is functioning again.

As soon as the door was open, I took a step to the side and pointed with my hand inside the prison so that Sam and his guards would go first. With a grateful nod, Sam and the guards followed him through the crack into the prison. Glancing at the soldiers who looked a little better than before, I waved my hand before entering the prison, telling them to follow me.

When I entered the prison, I saw gray, perfectly clean walls on which there was not a single scratch. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed that there was a glass on the left, behindbehind which one pony was sitting. Security guards checking all incoming and outgoing? Nice, very nice. My attention was turned to Sam, who cleared his throat and began to say: "Now we are in a part of the prison where there is not a single criminal. There are only staff here and there are always at least a couple of people here. No criminal will ever be able to escape from here. "

My God, how much he talks about inaccessibility. Is he not sure about it himself and wants to convince himself of it, or does he just want to show off?

I rolled my eyes and sighed, deciding not to answer. Fortunately, Sam stopped talking at least for a while and just kept walking forward. After a while, I felt a little breeze and heard some buzzing from above. Lifting my head a little higher, I saw something that I hadn't seen for so long. Conditioner. Wow, does a pony have that? If my eyes are not deceiving me, then yes there is.

I continued on my way and when the air conditioner was behind me, my thoughts focused on the questions. Air conditioning is of course very good, but why is it only here? There are many places where it could be at least in the off state. The City Hall, the library, the castle after all! But no, he's only here. Why?

Crybaby, the warden of this prison is walking right in front of you. Maybe use the language?

Looks like I haven't had enough sleep yet. Shaking my head slightly, I cleared my throat loudly and asked: "Sam, why is there no air conditioning in all Equestria, and you have a strict regime prison?"

"How do you know what an air conditioner is?" Sam asked in surprise, continuing to walk forward. Thank you. I wouldn't want to waste time on useless conversations while not moving.

Rolling my eyes, I calmly replied: "There was one in my parents' house. Judging by your surprise, air conditioners are much rarer in Equestria than in my homeland."

Sam shook his head slightly and said firmly, "You don't quite understand me, Mr. Ctumer. It was here in Latracas that the first air conditioner was invented. And this technology has never entered the public market. There could not have been an air conditioner in your parents' house purely physically."

Has it ever been written in the news that I'm from another planet? That is, I was considered a foreigner from an unknown country all this time? There is no other way to explain the behavior of the prison governor. Crybaby, it's time to fight back. If we are considered a foreigner, it is better to leave it. I think it will be easier for a pony to obey a foreigner than an alien.

Sighing, I quickly scrolled through the options in my head as possible to dispel all Sam's suspicions and do it in such a way as to leave no inaccuracies. Fortunately, sleeping on the train allowed my brain to work much better. In the end, I grinned and said: "I'm afraid to upset you, Sam, but you are extremely mistaken. In my homeland, air conditioning was invented more than a hundred years ago. You see, where I come from is an extremely harsh and hot climate. That's why we don't have wool, unlike you ponies. This is called evolution and adaptation. "

Fortunately Sam didn't become interested in evolution and instead just asked with skepticism: " Then why hasn't it been known about it in Equestria for so long? If your people decided to sell it to the rest of the world, then your homeland would be enriched."

How I like the phrase "your people". It's like I'm the ruler of all mankind. Alas, as Yugoslavia has shown, no great ideas can eradicate nationalism and racism. Except perfection of course. If everyone thinks only about himself and the superiority of his personality over others, then there will be no nationalism.

If something didn't work out for someone, it doesn't mean that it won't work out for me. I shook my head slightly and thought for a second how to respond to Sam's rebuke. Mentally, I snapped my fingers. The Chinese ancient worldview is our answer.

Clearing my throat, I calmly replied: "Humanity and the land occupied by it is the center of the world that God personally provided, and everything around is just a periphery. Outside the center of the world, there are only barbarians who don't even deserve Humans to know more about them. I have just told you the position that in my homeland is the official state doctrine. Of course, there are exceptions that do not share this position. But most prefer to protest in their native land. "

Sam just walked forward in silence for a few seconds before nodding slightly and asking with less skepticism: " I have to admit, it sounds quite logical. But there is a question which gives reason to seriously doubt your words. Are you seriously saying that in the many years of your species' existence, no one has gone on a sea Expedition?"

I shrugged my shoulders as if I wasn't taking this conversation seriously and replied: "I didn't say that. Maybe once upon a time there was an Expedition to this part of the world. Maybe she was even successful. But now, as you can see, there is only me. How did I manage to get here? Very simple. In many regions, uprisings and conflicts began, which gave opportunities. As a result, having collected money, I was able to get out of my native evil totalitarian country under the guise of leaving no trace. "

Distort reality to an abstract porridge, so as not to consider it a lie, crybaby? Well, I'm afraid to make you cry. Self-deception is also deception.

I barely held back an exasperated sigh as I waited for Sam's answer. After a few seconds, he slowly nodded and gave an answer that calmed me down: "Okay, it sounds more or less convincing. Judging by your tone, you don't really want to talk about it in more detail. Well, I won't force you."

I nodded back and focused on the road in front of me. The gray corridor went on and on and I saw something at the far end of the corridor. Slightly adjusting my glasses and wiping them, I saw that it was a water cooler next to which two guards were standing and talking about something. From behind, I could feel the strong desire of the thestrals to rush to this cooler. And given their number, completely empty it.

Sighing, I cleared my throat again and said, "Anyway, Sam. My soldiers suffer greatly from the heat. They're wearing armor that accumulates a lot in the sun, after all. So for now, I politely ask you to let them use the cooler."

Sam shrugged slightly and replied: "Of course, I don't see any problems."

The next moment, I felt all the soldiers raise their hooves in preparation to run. Reacting quickly, I took a step to the side and lightly pushed Sam along with his two guards. As a result, the four of us pressed ourselves against the wall while the Thestrals were preparing to start running. In the next second, they all took off like dogs from a chain and ran to the cooler. Not wanting to see what they were doing, feeling thirsty, I focused on Sam and said, "Well, while they are recuperating, can you show me the killers I came here to talk to?"

Sam glanced towards the crowd of soldiers before chuckling, "We won't have to leave them behind. The entrance to the prison yard where the murderers are located is behind the right turn. I mean, behind the right turn which is next to the cooler. I think given the pace at which your soldiers are running and drinking, they will have regained their strength by the time we get to the turn."

See how the crowd becomes completely disorganized at the first difficulty. Think of it as a reminder of what you're fighting for, crybaby.

With a disappointed sigh, I lowered my head down so as not to see the soldiers and said, stretching out my right hand forward: "You are the head of this prison. Stop standing there and lead me to my destination."

With a slight grin, Sam waved his hoof and walked forward with the guards. Continuing to keep my eyes down, I began to follow them. Alas, in addition to sight, I also have heard, lines and intuition. Despite the attempts to ignore it, I could definitely feel that a lot of soldiers gathered around the cooler and actively tried to drink as much as they could. Fortunately, a full-fledged fight did not start between them. Just a little push. However, I could feel that only one of the thestrals did not participate in all this action and stood slightly to the side.

Taking a deep breath, I shifted my gaze from the floor to the picture in front of me and saw who this pacifist ways. Rising Moon. Although it seems to me that he also really wants water. Probably just afraid to look bad and disorganized when I look. Oh, if only the others had the same fear. Maybe it's not too late to start scaring people again?

Of course you should! To question this is already a gross mistake. But you can forgive her, crybaby.

Quickly shaking my head, I looked down again and continued to follow Sam. At some point, my ears caught a quiet chuckle from the pony in front of me. I frowned and glared at the back of Sam's head. Is he amused? Does this horse think he has the right to laugh at me? Does he think that I am not able to organize my soldiers properly?

My left hand clenched into a fist and my right went into my pocket. Feeling its contents, a question arose in front of me. What would be better? A good old knife that I understand how to work with, or a newfangled club that I used literally once? Hmm, what a hard choice.

Look at it this way. What will it hurt more to die from? From multiple stab and cutting wounds or from holes all over the body and bleeding following it?

After a few seconds of reflection, I unclenched my fist and pulled my hand out of my pocket. No, that's the wrong answer. Sam is absolutely right. I could organize the soldiers much better. I could not get attached to them and calmly consider them pawns. But this was not done. All I can do now is to take into account the mistakes and not repeat them in the future. The shock brigades will become a field where I will not make a single mistake.

In the end, I exhaled and focused on the road ahead with a cold gaze directed at the Thestrals. Those of them who had already drunk the water sat down on the ground and leaned against the wall with their eyes closed contentedly. Thank you at least for not taking off the uniforms. Mistake number one: The assumption of emancipation. A soldier, if he has not received an order, must do absolutely nothing. Then my eyes focused on those who had not yet reached the water. Fortunately, they organized themselves and almost stopped pushing. However, the sediment remained. Thank you for standing aside at least.

After a while we reached the soldiers, most of whom had already drunk water. Unfortunately for some, the water in the cooler ran out before everyone had time to drink. Shaking my head, I stopped in place, clapped my hands, attracting the attention of the soldiers and said in an imperative tone: "That's it, the rest is over. Quickly get up, line up in a row and follow me."

Catching some irritation in my voice, the soldiers abruptly rose on all four hooves and began to line up. Because of the narrowness of the corridor, they jostled each other, but fortunately no fight occurred. Despite all the difficulties, they eventually managed to line up in response to which I chuckled and looked in Sam's direction again. He and his guards walked a few steps forward, but stopped almost as soon as I started talking and just looked at me.

I nodded to him and pointed my finger forward, informing him that it was possible to move on. Sam nodded and turned away, waved his hoof to his guards and continued walking forward. I repeated a similar gesture to order my soldiers to follow me before going forward myself. After a few steps, we turned the right corner and I saw in front of me a long corridor in which there was a curious detail. A red line was drawn on about half of the hall, and gray walls were replaced by something similar to stone rocks. Luckily for me, no crystals. Just rocks.

Chuckling, I adjusted my glasses slightly and looked at the far end of the corridor. There was a door similar to the entrance gate, only smaller. And behind that door, I could sense the presence of more ponies. Definitely over fifty. Probably, in addition to the murderers there is also a guard. More than logical.

Deciding to pass the time a little, I cleared my throat and asked, pointing to the door at the end of the corridor: "Well, Sam, am I correct in assuming that there are murderers behind that door to talk to whom I came here?"

Sam chuckled slightly in response and continued walking .: "A strikingly correct assumption, Mr. Ctumer. Behind this door is the prison yard. And for your sake, today there are only murderers in it with whom you want to chat so much. I think you're already looking forward to talking to them, aren't you?"

Why the hell is he so friendly!? We literally came to his abode for his promising workers! Why would anyone be happy about it?

Putting my hand to my chin, I lightly scratched it thinking about what could be the reason for the friendship. The usual diploma? Ugh, what a nasty word. And I don't think it fits here. Shaking my head slightly, I took my hand off my chin and said, looking down at Sam: "Yes, I've been waiting for this conversation for a long time. I think they are also waiting to meet with the new bosses."

In response, Sam only nodded slightly without even turning in my direction. Although how can he look at me now? Stop in place and turn around with your whole body? Long. And he can't just turn his head. Not an owl after all.

Grinning, I shook my head slightly and looked at the door, which was less than a dozen steps away. As soon as Sam and his guards were close enough to the door, they reached into their pockets again and pulled out the keys, but this time, of course, others. Just like last time, they looked at each other and nodded at the same time inserted the keys into the door before making three turns. The door opened with a loud click and Sam and his guards stepped aside.

Realizing what they wanted from me, I grinned and walking up to the door asked: "Are you sure it's a good idea to make the doors so heavy that you can't open them yourself?"

Sam chuckled slightly and asked in response while I was slowly opening the door: "Well, if we can't open the door, then criminals can't. So I was sure, now I am sure and I will be sure that this is a good idea."

Shaking my head slightly, I jerked the door open completely and stepped aside so that Sam and his guards could pass on. Sam gave me a grateful nod and walked through the door. With a gesture of my hand, I ordered the soldiers to follow me, and feeling their collective nod, I walked through the door.

There my eyes widened at the sight of the prison yard. The prison yard was open-air, right? Well, the pony version of Alcatraz has not heard of such a rule. Here the prison yard has a ceiling in the form of stone rocks. Presumably the whole yard is located inside the mountain. I shifted my gaze from the ceiling to the view ahead and saw that I was on a kind of balcony with an iron railing. Asking for a look below, my eyes noticed a descent from the balcony in the form of an iron staircase. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a group of fifty assassins standing in the center of the courtyard.

Sam cleared his throat slightly and said in a cheerful voice: "I'll take a look at it all from here, if you don't mind, Mr. Ctumer. Have fun and don't worry. No one will attack you. There are guards everywhere and the killers themselves are chained up."

As if all of them together can do anything to me. The maximum is to hurt your self-esteem, crybaby.

With a slight nod, I turned to my soldiers and said, "Stay here. I'll deal with everything. And if you are too impressionable, it's better to close your ears. Although in such a case, you will miss all the fun. The choice is yours, after all."

Rising cautiously took a step forward and said, "But, Mr. Sir Boss, are you sure this is a good idea? I'm not in any way doubting you, but..."

While Rising was talking, I had already managed to turn around and start walking down the stairs. As soon as he stopped on the floor of the word I said rolling my eyes: " Calm down, Rising. What's the worst they can do to me? Offend? Spit in the face? Don't make me laugh."

I didn't wait for his answer and started down the stairs, but after a few moments I felt a small nod. Grinning, I quickly walked the remaining steps and found myself right at the bottom of the prison yard. Turning my head to the right, I saw my goal in front of me. A gathering of one hundred and fifty murderers who were chained in pairs. That makes a total of seventy-five chains. Hmm. That's not enough.

Put your thoughts aside, crybaby. I'll get busy now. Watch and learn.

Straightening up, I took off my glasses and carefully put them in my pocket. After that, I slowly walked towards the crowd of murderers, constantly squinting to see at least something. As I got closer, I could feel the stares focused on me, most of which were not very positive. What happened? Are employees not happy to see their employer?

Shaking my head slightly, I stopped right in front of the crowd of murderers and looked them over. Most of them looked at me with a mildly, not very grateful look. Well, they will be weaned from this habit. Grinning, I squatted down right in front of the crowd and asked, "Well, guys. Why were you sent to prison? Or are you innocent and fluffy?"

The killers' gaze changed from unfriendly to puzzled. Everything works like clockwork. Grinning, I waved my hand several times in my direction as if I was beckoning animals and said with a smile: "Come on, come on, tell me. It is very interesting for everyone to listen to your individual and definitely not like the others story. Everyone wants to hear your motives. Everyone wants to see that you are the same people as everyone else. "

Receiving only an even more puzzled look in response, I was about to continue talking when suddenly one of the ponies in the crowd raised his voice: "I'm not guilty! This is a mistake! I was framed!"

Yeah, we'll write it down. A pathological liar. It is recommended to sew up the mouth in the future.

Grinning, I waved my hand dismissively and said: "Let me guess. This was just a summary of the history of each of you, wasn't it? All of you are white and fluffy angels in horse form. You don't even stage a mosquito genocide in the summer, do you? Just giving blood for free? "

This time, the absurdity of my words was able to pierce the hard shell of several assassins, causing them to chuckle slightly. Great, great. We continue to just talk. We walk around a bit and hit. Taking a deep breath, I asked another question: " Well, what about the impression of the murders? Did you like it? I liked it so much that you repeated it several times, right?"

In response to this, a deathly silence hung in the air. Such shrinking people nowadays. Grinning, I pointed with one hand at the balcony where the soldiers were stationed and pointed at myself with the other. The next moment I said: "Don't be shy, guys. Everyone is their own here. There are guys up there who also killed a lot and often. And I also killed a good number of creatures. Although most of them were animals. But hey, what's the difference?"

Really, what's the difference?

For a few seconds there was silence in the air, which slowly but surely created irritation. Fortunately, one of the ponies who had a gray mane took a step forward from the crowd and spoke in a slightly tired voice: "Okay, young, since no one wants to tell, then I'll tell. Personally, I have three ponies on my account. It's been so long that I don't even remember how I did it. But I remember why. Just for the sake of survival. It was a difficult time. Although I can't deny that there was some pleasure in it."

After uttering the last sentence, the pony just shrugged his shoulders to my surprise and subsequent pleasure. Hmm, I already like this old man. A hard time? Went to kill. Everything is simple and clear. I don't even want to find out more information. And why? He killed three ponies because there were problems during the crisis. I don't know if he was selling ponies of organs or trying to eat them. It doesn't matter.

Don't get distracted, crybaby. We're not done yet.

Smiling sincerely, I nodded in response and straightened up. After taking a look at all the killers, I rubbed my hands lightly and said: "Well, let's get down to business. I heard that you have an option to shorten the term by working at the mine. Is it true?"

In response, a few ponies nodded while most just looked at me. Not paying attention to this, I continued to say, "So. I have a suggestion. You've killed before and at least one of you has enjoyed it. Do you know what the legal right to kill is called? Military service."

I paused for a second to assess the killers' reaction to this. Judging by their faces, they already agreed now. I sighed in disappointment. The deal assumes that I will notify them of all the inconvenient details. Taking a deep breath, I continued to say: "However, you will not be provided with full-fledged service in the army. There is no trust in you, you know. So you will be in the shock brigades. What does it mean? This means that you will be the first to go to each battle. Without intelligence and good equipment, of course. In fact, to certain death. But hey! Look at it from the other side. You will have normal food, you will be in the fresh air and if you are very lucky, you will even be released. Are there any volunteers?"

If all the stars line up in a row.

To my surprise and, of course, pleasure, several ponies, after a short reflection, raised their hooves up. Before I could start counting those who agreed, they nodded and several more ponies raised their hooves up. Just in case, I stood with my hands on my hips for a few seconds before asking, addressing a large group of the remaining: "Is that all? Or is there anyone else who wants to? Please note that then applications to the strike team will not be accepted."

For a few seconds, no response followed until the remaining killers raised their hooves up. After a quick look at all the hooves and their owners, I couldn't help but smile. Fifty-four out of a hundred and fifty. A little more than one-third of the total. This is about three times more than I expected. Well, extra people won't bother me.

There's just one problem, crybaby. There are more of them than you have normal soldiers. But don't worry, I already have a plan. It is necessary to subdue them as quickly as possible and until then to monitor them personally. The main thing is to act forcefully.

Nodding to myself, I raised my head towards the balcony where Sam was located and shouted: "Okay, I figured it out here. What now? Will the chains be removed from them now? Or something later? "

Sam walked to the edge of the balcony and scratched his head slightly as he answered: " To be honest, I didn't think about it. It would probably be better to remove the chains from them directly when we get to the train. I'll have someone go get the keys. "

I nodded in response and turned back towards the killers before saying, " Okay, follow me those who agreed. I sympathize with the rest. Although, no, I don't sympathize. You're just idiots. "

To my delight, all fifty assassins nodded, albeit at different intervals. Well, we'll fix that soon. Grinning, I waved my hand and went towards the stairs, and when I got to it, I began to climb. From behind, my ears could catch the sound of the iron ladder rattling and groaning under the steps of several dozen creatures.

In the end, I got up on the balcony and looked at my soldiers. It was clear from their faces that they were a little scared of this situation. Did I say something wrong while talking to the killers? Although no, everything seems to be correct. Shaking my head, I looked down at the soldiers and said: "Calm down, everything is under control. Now you need to listen to my order. Sam and his guards will go in front of everyone, you follow him, the killers follow you and I'm at the very end."

Hearing that a crowd of assassins would follow them right from behind, the soldiers slightly lowered their ears and one of them asked in a barely audible whisper: "Is it mandatory, sir? Can we trust them at all?"

As if you can be trusted. Where were you when your comrades were being killed?

I shook my head slightly and waved my hand dismissively. : "Calm down, everything is under control. Even if one of them attacks you from behind, I will deal with everything quickly. Give me a credit of trust, okay?"

With extreme reluctance, most of the soldiers nodded and those who did not did not dare to object. Chuckling, I pulled my glasses out of my pocket and put them on. Slightly adjusting my glasses, I saw that Sam and his guards had already walked some distance forward so that there was room for maneuver. I gestured to the soldiers that it was time to move and they slowly turned around on the spot. Then I looked at the killers who were mostly stuck in traffic on the stairs and said: "Get behind those guys in armor over there. I'll be watching you from behind. You can't let a sheep stray from the flock, can you?"

The assassins grinned without mirth in their voice, however, they did not answer and just began to slowly move forward. After what seemed like an eternity of squeezing, pushing, turning in a narrow corridor, the goal was achieved. I stood on tiptoe to make sure everything was built correctly. Sam and his guards are in front. There is. My soldiers are behind them. There is also, everything is correct. Behind the soldiers is a crowd of fifty-four assassins. Yes, everything is in place. And of course I'm at the very end.

Sam glanced back for a moment and seeing that he was fine, he went forward, forcing the whole column to move forward. After only a few steps, I raised an eyebrow slightly and frowned. Isn't he going to close the door? It can be dangerous to leave about a hundred killers under the supervision of just a few guards.

Spit. If even they try to escape, it will be nothing more than an opportunity to demonstrate strength.

I shrugged slightly and just focused on the road ahead. After a while, we got to the emptied cooler, next to which there were several disgruntled-looking guards. When my soldiers passed by, they threw not too pleased looks in their direction, but did not show any pretensions. I hope they have more than one water source for the whole prison.

After some more time, we finally got to the gate facing the hot wasteland. Out of the corner of my eye I looked at the guard behind the glass who had to do at least something. At least to ask why the warden is being followed by a crowd of more than fifty murderers. But instead, he just buried himself in some magazine.

Before I could express my embarrassment, Sam cleared his throat loudly and said with sarcasm in his voice: "I see you're very busy right now."

Hearing this, the guard slowly looked up from the magazine and seeing who said it, he abruptly stood up, clumsily saluted and said: "I'm sorry, sir! It won't happen again!"

Sam only chuckled in response to this and said with a little amusement in his voice: "We will check this in the future. As soon as I get back here, you'll tell me your name. I need to sign you up so that your seniors can keep an eye on you. If it doesn't happen again, then you have nothing to worry about, right? "

The guard behind the glass swallowed and said, trying to sound confident: " That's right, sir!"

A better approach. Watch, listen and remember, crybaby. Apparently, it's time to create a real surveillance of soldiers. We will choose those who can be trusted and assign them to surveillance. Maybe in the future it will even be possible to create a special intelligence unit?

Smiling slightly, I nodded to myself and started following the formation as soon as it started moving again. As soon as I was the last to leave the prison grounds and once again dug into the wasteland, my gaze focused on Sam again. He doesn't want to close the main entrance to the prison? Well, he doesn't really want to at all? I took a deep breath and adjusted my glasses slightly. No matter. If a mass escape starts from his prison, then I will stop him without any problems. Maybe I can even eat. The stomach demands something. Although, no, the pony meat is tasteless.

Shaking my head slightly, I again focused my attention on the road ahead. During the time I was immersed in myself, we had already managed to descend to a flat area and turn towards the station. Now it remains to pass through the rapidly darkening wasteland. My gaze focused on the sky and saw how the sun had already sunk below the horizon, but the moon was not there yet. and to my own satisfaction, the temperature felt normal. Not as good as the one I've been used to lately, but it will go.

I focused my gaze on the assassins and soldiers ahead to check how they were feeling at the moment. Judging by what I could see from this distance, the soldiers were freezing quite a bit. Well, in any case, it's better than sweating in the heat and running to the cooler like an animal. Then my gaze shifted to the killers that I didn't really care about, to be honest. To my own surprise, the killers, despite the complete absence of any clothing other than fur, showed no signs of freezing at all. I wonder why?

I don't think it will be very warm inside the mountain. Especially at night. Who knows, maybe as a torture they are forced to sleep right on the street or just next to an open window? Or they are just afraid to show that they are freezing. I don't know about you, but I like the cold torture option more.

Eventually the whole group got to the train station where the train was still standing by the doors still open. For a moment I thought about how to solve the problem. If you let all the criminals into the train and only then the soldiers, then problems may arise. Perhaps. I snapped my fingers when the whole elementary nature of this task came to me. I can just send half of the soldiers now and the other half later. And there will be murderers between them.

I clapped my hands loudly to attract attention and said: "Okay, here's what we'll do. The soldiers are divided into two groups of five. First, one group enters the train, followed by the killers, and at the end the second group gets up. Do it. And by the way, you Sam can already remove the chains from the killers."

Despite my quite firm and clear order, several soldiers exchanged glances with each other while the rest looked warily at the killers. I raised an eyebrow and looked down at them with annoyance on my face. While all this was happening, Sam took out a huge bunch of keys from somewhere and handed them to one of his guards and began to remove the chains one by one. In the end, Rising cautiously stepped out of the crowd and asked in a whisper: "Maybe you shouldn't do that, Mr. Sir Boss. These guys. . . creepy."

What could be creepy about a person who enjoys killing? Nothing because everyone is like that. Everyone loves to exterminate mosquitoes en masse. Dichlophos makes a zilch zilch.

Rolling my eyes, I looked at Rising with a slightly softer look before answering in a whisper: "Just calm down and trust me. I understand that this is hard to do considering recent events. But just follow the order."

Fortunately, these words were enough for Rising to nod, followed by several more soldiers. The others, although they continued to be wary, did not dare to object. Slowly they began to choose the main unlucky ones, and eventually five soldiers went to the train. Then behind me came the last clink of the chain that was removed from the last killer. I turned in their direction and put my hand in my pocket in case something went wrong. Seeing my attentive gaze, some of them smiled innocently. Which, given their past, didn't look too kindly.

As soon as the singing five soldiers entered the train, I waved my head in the direction of the train giving permission to the killers. They nodded, pretending to be subordinate, and slowly began to enter the train one by one. While the killers were doing this, my ears caught someone clearing his throat behind me. I turned around on the spot and saw that Sam had done it. Noticing my attention Sam cleared his throat once again and took a step towards me and said: "It was nice to meet you Mr. Ctumer. And remember that you are always welcome here."

"Always welcome"? That is, you can come here anytime and pick up a couple of criminals. Don't ask questions, just take the opportunity. Maybe the killers are just hard to control. Maybe he was paid a decent amount for his consent. No matter.

With a slight smile, I held out my hand for a handshake, to which Sam willingly replied. I gave his hoof a little shake and answered: "I won't argue, this interaction was interesting. And your prison was really curious. Thank you for the tour and I hope to repeat it again. Or even two."

In response, Sam nodded quickly and smiled slightly. As soon as I felt that everyone was already on the train, I let go of his hoof and said with a slight wave of my hand: "I have to go. I'll see you again, probably."

Without waiting for his answer, I quickly jumped on the train, not wanting it to start without me. And the fear was right because literally a moment after I got on the train, the doors slammed shut. So much for the advantages of paranoia. With a slight grin, I looked around the car in which I was holed up and saw only five soldiers. Judging by the lines, the assassins were in the next car, and the rest of the soldiers were in an even more distant one. Now we need to do really important things. Poke these killers in their place.

I nodded to myself and walked purposefully to the door to the murderous carriage. With each step I could feel the increasing tension coming from the other soldiers. In the end, Rising ran out of patience and abruptly jumped down from his seat, he said: "Mr. Sir Boss, this is dangerous! At least take me with you. Who knows what will happen if you go in there alone?"

What will happen? A couple of murderers lose their lives. Nothing new.

I briefly laughed in response to Rising's excitement and putting my hand on the top of his head I said: "Calm down, everything is under control. I have a knife with me. Besides, consider one detail. Maybe there are fewer of you, but you have weapons and skills. Even if something goes wrong, you will be able to fight back. So there is no reason to worry. As yesterday showed, you, Rising, are able to command and plan a good operation. So nothing will be a threat to you. "

For a few seconds, Rising just looked at me with wide eyes from under his brow until he sighed and reluctantly replied: " Okay. Just be careful, please. "

I nodded to Rising and took my hand off his head and took the last steps to the murderous carriage. With one hand, I abruptly opened the door and saw an extremely unrealistic picture. Each pony took every seat on the seat and moreover all sat down straight. As soon as I entered the carriage, everyone collectively nodded as if greeting me. I rolled my eyes and took a few steps forward until I was in the center of the car. Then I began to scrutinize each pony present with my eyes for two purposes. The first is to understand which pony races are present in the future brigade. I've been thinking for a long time giving each race its own role in battle. And the second reason is to find out if they have weapons. Although it is unlikely that just a glance will find something.

Suddenly I felt someone get up behind me and quietly walk towards the door. Deciding to give them a chance, I did not ignore it and just continued to look closely at the killers. After a few seconds, my ears caught an extremely quiet click indicating that the door was closed. After that, I felt like the same pony that got up earlier and closed the door began to slowly approach me.

I wonder why the soldiers don't interfere? They really didn't hear it. Eh, it's a pity that Flying stayed in Canterlot. Anyway, let them attack. Give them strength and hope. Only in their dreams to be erased into dust.

I smiled to myself and slowed down slightly, as if I had begun to study the killers even more carefully. Suddenly, the pony jumped on my back from behind and holding a sharpener in the hoof put it to my neck. I could barely contain my laughter at the sight of what they were trying to threaten me with, but so far I kept my self-control. In any case, after a second, all the killers got up from their seats and some pulled out their own shivs. Mostly Pegasus. Yes, there were Pegasi among the killers. However, no unicorns were found. Okay, back to the sharpening. Probably hid the sharpeners in the feathers or even under the wing.

Then a pony with gray hair on his mane stood in front of me, and after a few seconds I recognized him as the pony who had previously told about the murder of three. After clearing his throat a little, he began to speak as if he was in charge here: "I even feel a little sorry for you, young. But alas, you made a mistake. Your idea is so stupid that I think you just wanted to release some prisoners. I should note that you handled it perfectly."

I rolled my eyes and without waiting for the end of his speech bit the hoof of a pony who presented a sharpener to my neck. To my own surprise, my jaw easily bit off a piece of hoof, as if it were a piece of bread, causing the pony to scream and drop the sharpener falling to the ground. I took a step back and rested my right foot on the belly of the pony lying on the ground, which had previously so boldly held a sharpener at my neck.

I looked at the other ponies and saw that their ardor had dropped significantly and they were no longer so confident in the idea. I opened my mouth slightly and carefully removed a piece of pony's leg with wool and blood from my tongue. Grinning, I turned towards the pony lying on the ground and asked waving a piece: "This is yours, right? Well, thanks for a bad dinner, though. You suggested it to me. How can I refuse it?"

Meat is meat. Protein is good for the body. Just like it's good for you to listen to me.

Opening my mouth wide, I put a piece of raw meat in my mouth and swallowed it after a few seconds of chewing. Objectively speaking, it was disgusting. Not to mention that my mouth will be covered in fur for the next few days. But the hunger has become a little less. After a few seconds of silence, I sighed and asked with amusement: "Thank you for dinner. Is there anyone else who wants to feed the new boss? Or is your generosity already over?"

The assassins cautiously took a step back from me but still continued to hold the sharpeners. Seeing this, I bent down to the pony licking on the floor and grabbed his head and lifted him off the ground so that everyone could see him. His breathing quickened slightly in response to which I pulled the knife out of my pocket and said licking my lips: "I hope you're okay with someone eating next to you. Because I haven't eaten for a long time and there's such a good dinner under my feet."

I started pulling the knife to the pony's stomach to cut it open and pull all the organs out, but to my surprise I heard the gray-haired pony again raise his voice: "Okay, okay, young. We obey. If you want, we'll throw away all our shivs. Just calm down and eat something normal if you want so much. I don't like to watch when someone else kills."

What a good old man. I don't even want to demand something extra.

With a grunt, I threw the pony to the ground and turned around and slowly walked to the exit of the car. For every step I took forward, there was a step back from most of the killers. Once I was a step away from the exit, I said: "Okay, old man. Over lunch, I'm ready to turn a blind eye to this incident. You know, I'll even thank you tomorrow. I will thank you in full."

I felt the calm nod of the gray pony, and nodding in response opened the door of the car. My eyes quickly noticed and focused on the soldiers in the carriage. All of them, even though they only had the opportunity to hear the interaction, were still scared. Sighing, I closed the door to the murderous car behind me and sat down on the nearest seat. : "All the problems have been solved at the moment. You can sleep in peace. I won't sleep tonight anyway."

For a few moments there was a deathly silence in the room. But in the end Rising cautiously approached me and asked: "What happened there, Mr. Sir Boss?"

Tell them everything in the cruelest details. Let him know who is sitting in front of him.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to omit some details and said, "They tried to attack me, but their attack failed to put it mildly. As a result, I caught one of them and threatened to eat him in front of all the murderers. Fortunately, they were smart enough to just give up. At least for the near future, they calmed down."

When I finished speaking, I took a quick look at each thestral to understand their reaction. Judging by the fact that the horror on their faces was replaced by the usual wariness, it was a success. Sighing, I was about to turn to the window, but Rising again cautiously asked the question: "What should we do now, sir?"

I slowly shifted my gaze to him and was about to answer, but I realized one unpleasant detail. I myself have no idea what to do next. I didn't have any plan after I collected the assassins. Maybe take them to the good old base twenty-four and make them work all day? Although in this case I will not be able to monitor the progress of the FSF. Hmm.

I'm sure Celestia will be very happy with the additional campaign in her castle.

Grinning, I looked Rising straight in the eyes and replied: "We will do this. In a couple of minutes, remind me to approach the driver and tell him to direct the train to Canterlot. Right now, I need to get some rest. "

Rising nodded but still tilted his head to the side and asked curiously: " Are you all right? "

I sighed, trying not to show annoyance and before looking out the window answered: " More or less. Just a little headache. And so everything is fine. Don't worry."

I felt Rising after a few seconds reluctantly nodded and walked away from me. Sighing contentedly, I focused on the landscape outside the window trying not to fall asleep. Fortunately, I got some sleep today. Which means that in the next few days I will forget about the word sleep.