Striving for Perfection

Warm steam swirled into the room even more reducing the already small visibility. Hot water was actively pouring from the tap. The clothes were left in the other room, on the bed. Well, it's probably time to see how I look after yesterday.

And here it is again, a crybaby. Flying laughed a little and you're already afraid to look at your face. Think for yourself. What's the worst thing that could have happened?

"Scar like a German officer?" I asked aloud standing in front of the fogged glass. Even taking into account the fact that I washed in, I'm still scared. Butchering Ahirata's body for meat wasn't even nearly as scary. No, it wasn't that scary at all. Although the main cooking is still ahead.

Yes, but you forgot to break that bright crystal. We don't want the bastard to live too long, do we?

"We need to end it soon, yes. But it would be better to revive him first and interrogate him further. You just need to understand what kind of body he needs. And how to provide it to him without risk to himself. " I whispered, continuing to look through the fogged glass. Now my reflection looks absolutely illegible. It is difficult even to understand where the head is and where the torso is. Or is it just my eyesight?

About the bodies. We can just find a lonely pony and, you know, use his body for the benefit of science. Or are you too weak even for that, crybaby?

" The fact that it can be done this way does not mean that it is necessary. You can put it in, in. . . I don't know. The main thing is not to have to kill someone for no reason at all. At this rate, Unit 731 is not far away. " I said quietly, continuing to look in the mirror. I think I'm ready. A couple more seconds and you can look into the reflection.

Let me ask you, Unit 731 has advanced pharmaceuticals in many areas for two HUNDRED years ahead. So don't whine about inhumanity here, every year the research results of these Japanese people save dozens of times more lives than they have killed during their entire activity.

Shaking my head quickly, I took a deep breath. Don't, you need to at least pretend that I'm normal. And with such thoughts, it will be impossible. Sighing, I brought my right hand to the glass and slowly wiped it. Focusing on the reflection, my eyes began to study the whole face. Surprisingly, the nose has not changed in any way. It seemed to me that it should be ground into meat. The eyebrow also, judging by the appearance, did not suffer any damage. What a good thing regeneration is. Then my gaze moved to the cheek where there was a shard of glass.

"As I assumed, a German officer," I muttered, looking at the scar on my cheek. Unfortunately or fortunately, he was exactly like his German colleagues. Thin, almost perfectly merging with the skin and next to a smile. Turning my head slightly, I couldn't help but grin. At a certain angle, the scar from the fragment looks like an extension of the mouth. I wonder why the wound healed this way? Like, the scars on the leg completely disappear, but on the face they remain like this?

It's just that the body knows how it should look. And I have exactly the information about what is left to bring the face to perfection. We need the same scar on the other cheek. Mega smile brings mega perfection mega pleasure, you know? Come on, take the knife.

I turned my head towards the bathroom exit door. The knife is well sharpened, and my accuracy is not bad. To do this will not be a big problem. Maybe it's true? I quickly shook my head and turned off the water flow before muttering, "No, cutting the face to create additional scars doesn't make sense. It will literally give me nothing. Moreover, I will lose my resemblance to a whole stratum of people. "

To give more weight to these words, I quickly nodded to myself and finally left the bathroom, closing the door behind me. Once in the room, I glanced in the direction of all my clothes. A normal person wouldn't put on clothes right after a shower. Especially considering that I had to carve the meat in these clothes.

As if you have a choice.

Sighing, I reluctantly started grabbing clothes and putting them on. As I did so, I couldn't help but periodically glance towards the drawer in the desk. Inside one of them I left the crystal that I found in Ahirata's body. And judging by the fact that the lines are far away from me now, the bastard's soul is sitting in this crystal. I can barely contain the urge to break it. But first you need to get information about the elements. And to do this, you need to find him a body.

" Or I can just finish what I started here and now. " I muttered, stopping dressing for a moment and focusing all my attention on the box. Most likely, what he said about the so-called elements of harmony is just nonsense so that I would want to save his life. But at the same time, he could have told the truth. That bastard.

Gritting my teeth, I finished dressing and turned away from the table. It is better not to risk the opportunity to get something important. What if these elements are really the key to getting off this planet?

Then you need to assign them to yourself. Oh, I would like to nationalize it in order to use it more competently. That sounds better, right?

Shrugging my shoulders, I took a look at myself and making sure that everything was more or less normal, I headed out of the room. But I hadn't even taken a couple of steps when I heard a knock. Who could it be? Not finding a decent answer in my head, I went to the door at point-blank range and jerked it open.

There, Luna appeared in all its glory in front of me. I was expecting Rising, to be honest. Splashy coding. Shaking my head, I quickly turned my head back and looked out the window. Dawn is just beginning now. Hmm, isn't she sleeping at this time? Well, the main thing is that she doesn't change her mind like the last creature. After arriving in Canterlot, it was difficult to convince her to let me have dinner.

"Good morning, Daniel." Luna said before yawning slightly. There was something in her voice, as if she didn't want to come here at all. HM.

Not hearing any further, I rolled my eyes and replied: "Good morning, Luna. Can you get down to business faster? Meat can't wait."

Luna yawned again and then sighed and answered: "My dear sister wants to give you a reward for defeating a dangerous enemy. Don't be too happy, you won't choose a reward for yourself. Moreover, Celestia has already chosen. There will be a Grand Galloping Gala in the spring and you have been invited there. And plus a medal."

How much money do you think you can get for selling a medal? And for selling a ticket to some obscure GGG?

I shrugged my shoulders and said, "I don't really care about anything. I would prefer that instead of a medal, they just gave me money. And a lot of. I still have to pay for the production of tanks. And no one will give me discounts for the guns that had to be disassembled. "

Luna successfully suppressed a yawn and replied: " Look at it from the other side, you will have a day off in the spring. And a medal, well, it's nice. I can tell from personal experience."

I am sure it is very pleasant to receive medals when you hand them to yourself.

Grinning, I put my hands on my hips and asked: "Is that all? Or another useless topic for discussion?"

In response, Luna smiled wearily and, starting to walk away, replied: "No, that's all. And by the way, the scar on you looks good. You look like a very old friend of mine until he grew a beard."

Yes, it just needs a couple.

Grinning, I took a step out of the room and slowly began to remember the way to the kitchen. While the route was forming in my head, I remembered one important thing. Glasses, or rather their absence. Turning around on the spot, I loudly called out to Luna: "Find someone who will make me new glasses, okay?"

Continuing to walk, Luna slightly waved her hoof and replied: "Yes, yes, I will. As soon as I get some sleep. Or you can just ask my sister for the same."

You're going to get points sooner or later anyway, aren't you, crybaby? So we need to go to Celestia's anyway. I have an idea how to get the money.

Nodding to myself, I turned back towards the corridor and began to think about the route. You need to somehow get through the castle so that you can look into Celestia's office and at the same time not be late in the kitchen. I would not like to cook and serve rotten meat for a farewell dinner. At least this time everything should go fine.

"At least we need to try with all our might," I whispered to myself before walking briskly forward down the corridor. Along the way, my eyes successfully found the right landmarks. A pot of daisies. If I turned left right now, I'd get to the kitchen. Unfortunately, I need to visit a fool.

Pushing irritation into the background, the thought of how to get money from Celestia began to process in my head. As she has said hundreds of times, there is not enough money. Well, I'll make sure there are more of them. And in return I will ask for money to cover expenses.

Given my genius, Celestia should give a lot of money from above for such support. Besides, we want to expand the army to "protect" this territory, don't we?

A grin appeared on my face at the thought. Yes, of course, for "protection". To protect against the plutocratic rule of Celestia. Ha, I've been wanting to use this word for a long time, but I didn't find it as a reason.

Eventually, I got to the door with the jeweled sun symbol. I'll never get used to such waste. But okay, now you can and should be patient. Taking a deep breath, I jerked open the door and took a step inside. There my eyes immediately fixed Celestia bent over a table over a lot of papers. It's early morning now. Hmm, did she sleep here?

It's only good for us, crybaby. In this state, she will be much more willing to accept any offer.

Smiling, I walked up to the table and leaning on it with my hands said: "Good morning, Celly. Ready for a little chat?"

Celestia, despite her fatigue, slowly straightened up and looked at me with a slight smile before answering: "My door is always open for you, my little human. What do you want to talk about?"

Slightly pulling away, I raised one hand up and said: "I'm very glad that you asked. Lately, you have often mentioned a financial problem. Well, I remembered that I have half of a higher education in politics. And I managed to learn one thing. Taxes are cool. "

Celestia's eyes opened slightly and she asked cautiously: " Do you want to suggest that I introduce new taxes? If that's the case, then I hope you understand how carefully this should be done."

Caution is not necessary if you have the support of the army. And I am the army.

Nodding in response to Celestia, I waved my hand and said, "Yes, yes, I know. Now listen to me. Proposal number one is a childlessness tax for all citizens over twenty-five. I will allow you to regulate the amount of tax. "

I paused briefly to let Celestia's little brain absorb this sentence, but unfortunately she took advantage of it to say, " That sounds very cruel. I don't think any pony in Equestria would approve of that."

How pathetic are your attempts to find a reason to abandon a good idea. But don't worry. I'll make you!

Rolling my eyes, I calmly put one hand on the table and answered: "Just think about it. Theoretically, this law will stimulate the birth rate because no one wants to pay extra money. And as a result, the country will receive much more taxpayers in the future. Plus, from above, we will receive money right now from those who still do not want children. It remains only to fix the profit. "

Seeing that her face took on a thoughtful expression, I smiled and said, " Think about it for now and I'll move on to the second sentence. And this is Mr. Progressive tax. "

Before I could continue, Celestia interrupted me: " No, I won't do that. The nobility will not approve of this in any case. "

Well, as you know, plan B is always better than plan A.

Smiling, I took my hand off the table and said: "And this is an absolutely natural reaction. A progressive tax is something that no one will approve of. Because most of the political regimes on the planet by their nature belong to the rich. But let's be honest, you have an unpleasant aftertaste now after my proposal, don't you? And that's what needs to be prevented. So I propose to conclude an agreement with all the nobility on the complete security of their interests. I think the name itself says that we will have to do for the nobility. I'm sure anyone wants to feel that their interests are officially protected by the state. "

Celestia narrowed her eyes and asked suspiciously, " As I remember, earlier you insisted on the complete destruction of the nobility. What suddenly changed?"

Oops, I didn't think it through. I said in a parallel universe, but not in this one!

I waved my hand and quickly replied: "Well, during the time that has passed, I have analyzed the local order and made conclusions. Obviously, this is a feudal state with authoritarian power. So in order for it to continue to exist, the support of the nobility, the army and the church is necessary. Judging by your words, you only lack the first one. "

I ended my speech by pointing my finger directly at Celestia. Knowing her indecision in important matters, I supplemented myself: " If you really want, I can help in the execution of the contract and in negotiations with the nobility. Or not. All I want is just to ensure stability here and get more money to modernize the army. "Celestia continued to look at me suspiciously and, despite her drowsiness, firmly asked: " You have another reason. What is it?"

The destruction of the nobility may arouse suspicion. But this does not mean that they cannot be used to their advantage.

My face took on a serious expression, and I answered firmly: "Since the money allocated by you is too small, I came up with another method. I want to get sucked into the finances of the nobility directly. So if you accept my offer with a security agreement, I want it to be mentioned who proposed the idea, that is, me. And do you know which nobleman would refuse a man in the army who is clearly willing to cooperate? "

Celestia looked surprised for a moment, as if she was seriously considering it. Taking advantage of the pause I added: " Look at the benefits for yourself. The nobility should become more supportive of you. And who knows? Maybe they'll make a little concession in return. "

Celestia continued to stare at me for a few seconds before sighing and saying: " I'll definitely think about it carefully, Daniel. I promise. Do you have anything else to say?"

Quickly turning around, I went to the exit, but after a couple of steps I stopped. Maybe it will turn out to give up this GGG and ask for something else in exchange? For example, money. In any case, it's worth a try. Nodding to myself, I turned my head in the direction of Celestia and asked: "Can you throw this offer away from Gala and give me something else? For example, money. "

Slowly shaking her head, Celestia clearly replied: "No. You should get some rest and relax. And the usual week-long vacation is not suitable for you."

A week is a great time to do important things. After all, a vacation is a time to do outside things.

Seeing my look, Celestia sighed and continued with a small smile: "And, look at it from the other side. There will be a lot of very rich ponies at the Gala, including nobles. Maybe you can get funding from them, too?"

Grunting, I reluctantly nodded and continued: "Okay. But I want my soldiers to be guards. There will be security at this event, right? "

" I'd like to do that, my little human, but I'm afraid you just don't have enough soldiers. The gala takes place in the castle and it takes more than a hundred ponies to cover it completely. And you know yourself that you have a little less. " Celestia finished with an awkward smile. Like she's really sorry. What a good actress.

Well, it's time to expand the army. I suggest taking Flying, Rising and Report by the scruff of the neck to conduct accelerated courses for them. We will teach them the tactical basics and consolidate our influence along the way. Then each of them will take on fifty soldiers and in the end there will be one hundred and fifty. A plan? Plan.

A grin appeared on my face and I asked, slightly tilting my head to the side: "What if I have new soldiers? A hundred and fifty, for example?"

For a moment, Celestia seemed surprised before quickly nodding and saying, "Actually, Luna has been insisting on this for a long time. So just say the word and I'll announce the recruitment of volunteers among the thestrals."

Luna's training took three months. If we cut out everything superfluous and leave only training in tactics and strategy, then we will manage in a month. Although you can add a week on top to develop leadership skills. Or at least create their visibility. No, no, let's devote two weeks to this. Mistakes cannot be allowed. Never.

Grunting, I turned around and grabbed the door handle with my hand. Before I left the room I said: "You can announce the recruitment of volunteers in six weeks. This time will be more than enough for me."

Without waiting for her answer, I quickly took a step outside and closed the door behind me. Sighing, I looked around. So, should I turn left or right now? Hmm.

"The kitchen is around that corner on the right. I hope." I muttered, starting to move in the voiced direction. Moving away from Celestia's door, I began to feel the lines. Eh, that's the good old headache feeling. I've missed you so much. As I continued walking, I felt a lot of thestrals away from me. Hmm, have they already guessed where to sit?

It looks like it. Now they need to figure out what to say about food.

Slowly shaking my head, I turned the corner and saw the door to the kitchen. And next to her was Rising and Flying. What are they doing here? Slightly speeding up the pace, I started walking to the kitchen door and asked: "What are you two doing here?"

Rising jumped slightly on the spot, and his partner calmly turned in my direction. For a few seconds they just stared at me as if I shouldn't be here. Eventually, they exchanged glances and Rising cautiously said with a yawn, "Well, Mr. Sir Boss, it's getting late. And we wanted to check out what's going on with dinner. Some are already worried and ready to go to bed."

And I said that putting off cooking to look at your face is stupid. I did, but you didn't listen to me, you crybaby!

Sighing, I lightly scratched the back of my head and approaching the door to the kitchen said: "Tell them to wait a little. The food will be ready soon."

As my hand reached for the door handle I heard Flying ask with a sneer in his voice: "When is it soon?"

If we serve the dishes as they are ready, then we can give the first meal in fifteen minutes. Meat in a normal kitchen is fried quickly and pasta is cooked even faster.

Slowly opening the door, I said, "The first portion will be ready in fifteen minutes. Maybe a little bit longer. Just wait in the dining room with the others."

Fortunately, no additional comments were made and I was able to calmly enter the kitchens and close the door behind me. After taking a look at Ahirata's body, which was mutilated and without my intervention, I sighed. Now his body was chopped into separate pieces of meat and his bones were broken. For normal people, a farewell dinner for soldiers looks definitely NOT like this.

You know what's funny? I don't remember that we told the soldiers about what they would eat. They don't even know what they're going to eat! Ho, ho, at parting we will make these ponies cannibals and if they say anything bad about us we will blackmail them!

My face paled for a moment. How could I not tell them that? How could I not ask them about it? What will I say if they ask what the meat is made of? Am I going to have to lie!?

Hey, hey crybaby, calm down. If we throw a lot of spices and sauce into the meat, then it will be impossible to determine the individual taste of the meat. Even you yourself won't understand that this is pony meat!

Taking a deep breath with difficulty, I slowly approached the knives and closed my eyes. It's better not to think about it. I'm cooking a farewell dinner. The most ordinary, normal and not strange.

POV Rising Moon

For the last hour in the dining room, the noise did not fade for a moment. It seemed that every five minutes the captain came from the kitchen with a new meal and everyone else ate it loudly. Things got even louder when the captain finished cooking and joined all of us in the dining room. Now everyone is so actively talking to each other. As if everything is fine.

As if nothing had happened. Absolutely nothing.

My gaze was completely blank and directed at the plate in front of me. Unlike all the others, it was completely empty. Everyone took their own food. But not me. Slowly, my gaze began to take in what was happening around me. Everyone was actively communicating with each other with a smile on their faces. Judging by the frown on the captain's face and Flying, they are arguing about something. I can't figure out what about. It was as if the brain had completely drowned out all the sounds around.

Fifty-one people died yesterday. Maybe each of them did something bad, I don't deny it. But none of them deserved such a result! And why does absolutely no one care!? I'm not like that. . . it is wrong?

My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden sensation of someone grabbing my right shoulder and shaking me slightly. My eyes widened and returning to reality, I heard the captain's voice: "Rising, be kind and support one of the parties to the conflict. Neutrality is not accepted."

I looked from side to side in surprise and saw that the captain and Flying were looking at me with hope. But I don't even know what their argument was about! What if there was no dispute between them at all and it's about something else? What would they think if I asked what exactly they were talking about?

No, they won't like it. It is unlikely that my opinion would be asked about something important. But still the only option is to choose a side.

"I think you're right, Mr. Sir Boss," I muttered uncertainly and nodded to myself several times in an attempt to confirm my words.

Hearing my answer, the captain smiled and took his hand off my shoulder and said: "That's great. Now I have the right to raise the rank of any soldier without taking into account the opinion of the soldiers. And I got this right through absolutely honest and transparent elections.

" Yeah, honest. Except that there were three people involved, including you. Thank you, Rising. " Muttered Flying sarcastically. Oh no.

There should have been a better solution here. But because of my cowardice, others have suffered again. Maybe if I had tried to convince the captain yesterday, I would have been able to avoid all those victims.

Despite the stress, I was able to find the strength to look up at the captain and carefully ask: "Why do we need to hold elections at all? I thought there was some sort of list of things you can do."

The captain looked at me puzzled for a couple of seconds before shrugging his shoulders and answering: "Well, yes, there is such a list, but with a slight nuance. It exists only verbally, and I remember for sure that I can raise the rank of any soldier without consulting the princesses. While this rank is below mine, of course. "

" But I'm sure you don't have the right to do that if the soldier you're promoting doesn't agree. " Interrupted Flying with some irritation in his voice. It looks like he really didn't like my choice.

But how could he be so sure? Or is it just a feature of all normal people?

The captain waved his hand dismissively and continued, "Yes, yes. Since I'm too lazy to wait for Luna to wake up, this is a kind of gray area. And your voice, Rising, has made this zone crystal clear and clear. Because the rest, as you can see, are busy with other things. For example, they eat."

But was it the right decision? Before I could even begin to think, the captain put his hand on my shoulder and said: "You and Flying should come to my room tomorrow at midnight sharp. Then I'll take care of your preparation."

"Preparing for what?" I asked cautiously, hoping for the best. It's definitely not about promoting. How can you even imagine me in the leader's place? That's right, nothing.

"To prepare you for promotion, of course. For the next six weeks, I will be engaged in your training so that you can take command of new soldiers and train them in everything necessary. The army should be expanded after all." The captain replied, making me turn pale.

I will command someone. And train something. No, I can't do it. I'll embarrass myself. The captain, at best, will kick me out and fairly take away everything that I have received in recent months.

Seeing my expression, the captain took a deep breath and said: "When dinner is over, you can come into my room and talk. For me to explain my position."

Hearing this, I calmed down a little and actively nodded. The captain nodded back and changed the subject: "So, have you eaten anything at all? I understand that this is far from the best meat in the world, but the rest at least tried it. "

My gaze fell back on my empty plate and I answered quietly: " I have no appetite. But I am sure that you have prepared a very delicious meal. "

Before the captain had time to answer something, someone behind me cheerfully said: " Yes, the meat is really incredible! I've never tried anything like this!"

How can you eat in peace when fifty people with their dreams, feelings and friends died yesterday?

To my embarrassment, the captain just scratched his head slightly and said, "Yes, this time I had access to sauce and spices. But, if you, Rising, don't want to eat, then this is your choice. I've already had enough, so if you want, we can go to my place right now. "

I actively nodded in response to which the captain sighed and slowly got up from his seat and said loudly: " Okay, finish eating and kindly throw all the dishes in the sink. Although I would appreciate it if you washed the dishes and cutlery after yourself. "

After that, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed several theatres nodding. Well, all my dishes are crystal clear. Smiling faintly, I got up from my seat and started following the captain who had already started walking. Quickly catching up with him, I started walking beside his hoof to hoof.

Soon we left the kitchen and started walking along the marble corridors. With every step, tension and fear increased in my head. What if the captain is disappointed when I say I'm not ready to command anyone? Maybe it's not too late to turn around?

But then I won't be able to explain. The captain has already seen everything in my face. He definitely won't appreciate it if I try to deceive him.

Continuing to walk through the corridors, I began to slow down and my hooves began to tremble slightly. Noticing my slowdown, the captain looked at me, making me freeze. For a few moments he just looked at me curiously. Or irritation? Oh no.

To my surprise, he slowly approached me and asked: "So, do you think you can't be trusted to command anything like that?"

Not daring to answer, I just stood there. A lump had already formed in my throat, which I swallowed with difficulty, but still did not answer. The captain chuckled and continued: "Don't answer, it's written all over your face. Okay, then I'll ask another question. During the exercises in the city, you were able to take temporary command without any problems. Why are you so concerned about the prospect of promotion and permanent command?"

"Permanent command! I was just lucky last time. Moreover, you yourself said that if I am promoted, I will have to train new soldiers. I have no idea how to do this! Oh." Escaped from me before I closed my mouth with my wings and closed my eyes. That's all. This is the end. The captain is disappointed. Now I'm going to be thrown out on the street like garbage.

After a few seconds, I felt the captain put his hand on my head. I cautiously opened my eyes and saw that he was looking at me with an absolutely calm expression on his face. Before I could ask a question, the captain said, "Rising, don't worry. You will succeed, especially after I take care of your training. Let me tell you something. Before I became a captain, I didn't command anyone at all and didn't train anyone. I was taught this in three months. But don't worry, your training program will be much smaller, so we'll manage in six weeks. "

Maybe. . . no, no, it won't work. A little over a month is not enough for me. A mediocrity like me will need at least a year. At best.

Seeing my doubt, the captain frowned slightly before suggesting, "What if when you command your soldiers, I give you a radio with me? Then you can contact me at any time to ask for help."

"But we tried to figure out how to use this radio. And it didn't work out for us." I muttered, remembering how we went to that very battle yesterday. Where half a hundred people died. And I didn't interfere in any way.

"Hey, we have plenty of time. In six weeks we will definitely learn how to use walkie-talkies." Confidently say the Captain slapping me on the shoulder.

"I hope so. at least you will definitely learn." I answered with a slight smile.

Having finished with this, the captain took a couple of steps back and said with a yawn: "Okay, I'm going to sleep and get ready for the first lesson. You can do anything at this time."

I nodded slightly in response, after which the captain turned around on the spot and walked forward while I was standing still. When he turned the corner, I heard him say irritably, "Damn! I need to figure out how to release the Report from prison
We also need to inform the FSF about the flamethrowers. The feeling that today is a birthday and you can relax, was definitely deceptive! Although that's right, today is not the fourth of November."

A flamethrower? What's it?

I shook my head slightly and decided that the words I had heard were clearly not meant for me. Sighing, my gaze began to wander along the corridor while my brain was trying to figure out where to go. Maybe go eat with the others? Or go to sleep, it's too late after all.

After what seemed like an eternity of reflection, I slowly began to walk forward and look for landmarks. It's better to sleep so that you can be ready tomorrow. Nodding to myself, I began to accelerate the pace and after a while I switched to running. Along the way, my eyes were trying to find landmarks, so now I will turn left and see the picture.

Slowly, I turned the corner and saw. A completely bare wall. Reflexively, I took a deep breath. Got lost. I'm lost. Before turning around and going in search of a way to bed, one impossible, but pleasant thought formed in my head.

I can do it. I can. Yes! Everything will work out! I won't disappoint the captain! I will go through his training and train the new soldiers in the best way!