Fallout Equestria: Desperados V3 (Bonds of Platinum)

Fallout: Equestria

Desperado’s V3: Bonds of Platinum

Ch 17, Politics, Part 3.

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The Elders council had finally gotten on its way, with everypony entering a large room where two long tables sat parallel with each other. Each seat had a nameplate, along with a glass of water and a microphone. Both Elder Magnificence and Elder Fullmetal were seated at one end of the table as neutral Parties, with a podium at the other end for a speaker who would control the flow of this meeting.

I was placed between Arras and Swift, with our security and friends standing behind us. They were to be observers, and a subtle way to keep any one group from trying anything stupid, mutually assured slaughter as Arras called it. On Swift's side were two griffins and several shady looking ponies that were either underdressed or overdressed in accessories. One stallion even had mirrored sunglasses and a few too many gold chains, and a mare had so much makeup on that she was dangerously close to looking like a clown. But in Arras side was a lot more reasonably dressed ponies, including Abacus and even Omar.

Our side was everypony that represented the outer city, which really did show off how divided the city was by just looking at the Inner-city elders and representatives.

Across from me was Elder Potato Pie, looking a bit older from Mags memory, as he now sported white streaks along the side of his mane. Either side of him were Red Velvet and Shortcake, the two I met in Fullmetal's office, and next to Shortcake was a not even old and rather handsome stallion by the name Elder Lamington. Mayor Morning Mist was next to Red Velvet, and Piggy Bank was next to him. There were several other ponies here, including Wendy, who was representing some sort of parents group. One pony that did catch my eye was a rather beautiful mare in a toga with a golden headdress that had the image of Celestia on it and was currently in prayer.

They were all well dressed and seemed rather calm, which would have set me at ease if not for several Steel Rangers in full power armor and sporting heavy weapons. Even the Platinum Guard and Coven of Clovers standing guard looked rather nervous at the Rangers.

“Of course they come ready to kill everypony in the room.” Swift huffed in annoyance.

“That would include their own elders if they started shooting.” I pointed out with a sigh. “Who thought bringing an automatic grenade launcher was a good idea?”

“It just shows how far the Steel Rangers have fallen.” Arras said in disappointment. “In Celestia's time, nopony would dare bring anything more than a side arm.”

“We did bring two autocannons with us.” I reminded Arras, “But still, it shows how little we trust each other.”

Letting out another huff, Arras mumblec out, “they started it.”

As everypony mumbled amongst each other, there was then a loud tapping coming from several speakers, where I looked around and saw Gold Leaf standing at the podium, dressed in a rather dashing white suit, reminiscent of a Royal Guard dress uniform. “Greetings everypony, griffins, and others who have joined our wonderful city. We appreciate you all coming here to civilly settle several disputes currently going on. I know tensions are high, so we hope these matters can be resolved today, and stay solved for the foreseeable future.”

“Exuse me, but why the fuck are we here?” Spoke a rather old griffin hen, who looked as though she jumped through a meat grinder several times. “I know the Buck Knife Talons are contracted to the city, but it aint our responsibility to how it's run.”

Gold shuffled through a few small paper rectangles before answering. “Right, your former leader adjusted the contract when it was renewed, giving the Buck Knife Talons a minor say in city politics.”

The griffin Hen clicked her tongue. “That bitch, she knew I hated politics.”

“Moving on, there are a few subjects we first like to address before our main subject.” Gold spoke as he again shuffled the papers. “First off, the subject of extending the plumbing system to the outer city.”

“You mean tearing down several districts just to get rid of us!” spoke up the stallion in sunglasses and too many gold chains, accompanied by several other ponies who gered in agreement. He then smiled, showing off several gold teeth, and oozed with vice and irresponsibility. “I say we're doing just fine as things are.”

“Slum.” Abacus addressed the rough pony. “You just don't want your Red Light district and chem dens exposed to the light. We all know you don't care about the ponies living there, why else do you keep letting them shit in the back allies.”

“You know that shit is brahminshit.” Slum said dismissively, smacking his mouth with almost every word. “It's ponies like you why we have such a hard time. Always capitulating to the inners, and stabbing us outers in the back!”

Abacus rolled his eyes as turned his attention back to Gold Leaf. “I've already talked with the ponies in the industrial district, and along the merchant road, they are open to the idea for installing a sewage system. Unfortunately the merchant road district will be tricky, as we have a lot of merchants unwilling to move, and worry that construction might cause a few home collapses.”

“The industrial district has simulator worries, but the colts can do most of the work themselves, so long as you let them. They know how their buildings are built, they built them after all.” The mare with clown makeup said to everpony.

“Same for the Talons district.” Garith spoke up. “Many of us are already planning to move out for our next contract, and last thing we need is to return to find our family living in gutters because you fucked this up.”

“Actually, that brings us to our second subject. Building codes.” Gold Leaf then brought up. “Too many structures are falling in on themselves in the outer-city, and we need proper building codes to stop it.”

Abacus let out a sigh. “Though I agree, you must remember that unlike the ponies of the Inner-city, most ponies outside don't have the caps to rub together for quality anything. Unless you can lower the cost to build these new buildings, all it's going to do is expand the inner-city as you push out the outer-city residents.”

“That doesn't sound like a bad idea.” Piggy Bank said getting several chuckles from a few other well dressed ponies on his side. “And pray tell, why do we want those kinds near here anyways?”

Slum smacked his mouth again as he began talking, making it hard to even understand him. “hay now, coming here with that brahminshit, yaknow. All up in our spaces, and acting like you better than us!”

Watching Slum, I noticed that he had a voice in his ear, a very well dressed but covered up pony. Was it the same pony from The tour?

Abacus face hoofed. “Slum, Will you shut up!”

“Fuck ya egghead!” Slum spat back.

As the argument started, I leaned over to Swift, quietly asking, “who that pony anyway?”

“Slum is the biggest landlord in the Outer-city, and a real piece of crap. Didn't even earn what he has. Inherited it all from his father, and only stays in charge because the city's criminals like him.” Swift whispered back. “That said, he is good business for us, and I rather keep it that way.”

Great, one of them. A pony that keeps all those around them living in squalor just to line their pockets with perty coins. Likely, he pays Swift off for protection, meaning I'll have to support Slum just to not piss off the Warband.

The argument whent of for several minutes, going absolutely nowhere as Abacus supported improvements, but only at low cost, and Slum wanting none of it at all. Now and then Abacus would gain an upper hoof, but from behind Slum the covered up pony would whisper in his ear, and somehow the moron landlord would make an argument that pushed Abacus back. Often stating prices and costs, which Abacus couldn't argue for.

It was strange, as the pony behind Slum set off alarms in my head. Feeling out and seeing with my magic, but only ever so slightly so as not to harm myself, I felt. There wasn't anything wrong with… her, it was a mare… and a pegasus. I then pulled back, not learning much, but at least getting something.

“How odd, I'm sure you're thinking it.” Mag's voice resonated in my mind. “Worry not, just a little telepathy, and no, I can't read your mind. But I did feel you check on our mysterious mare. Best we keep an eye on her, as smart ponies helping scumbags only spells trouble.”

I nodded, saying nothing.

The arguments continued, each pony going on longer and longer to defend their position and attack anypony against them. Sometimes bringing up an event in the past, other times throwing out speculations or conspiracies.

“That will be enough.” Gold Leaf spoke up, finally ending the argument. “We can continue this later, but let's move onto the next subject.” His hooves removed a paper, then pulled another one up. “The request to restrict the movement into the inner-city and issue passes has been denied.”

Several of the ponies on the other side looked rather annoyed. Elder Potato Pie leaned in and spoke up. “I understand and respect the Platinum Guard's way of doing things, but there has been more rats scurrying around lately, and it be in everyponies intrest to restrict their movements.”

One of the well dressed ponies also spoke up. “Yes, theft is on the rize, and we know where they're coming from.

Even mayor Morning Mist joined in. “Same for vandalism. It's almost everyday now, and the residents are getting anxious. What will it take for you to stop letting everypony in? The Platinum Guard also have foals too, will you put them at risk?”

Gold Leaf kept his cool, keeping to a monotone voice as he told Morning Mist, “We are doing everything in our power to keep Platinum Hill safe. But isolationism isn't the way to do it. We understand your worries, but blocking off access to the Inner-city is only going to force the criminals underground, and not stop them from getting in.”

Several ponies argued against Gold Leaf, but the Platinum Guard held firm. It was clear that the government here wanted better control of who could enter the Inner-city, with the Steel Rangers in full support of it. Like before, the arguments went nowhere as each pony got more and more long winded. But this time it was more fierce and eloquent, except for the few times Slum butted into an argument that he wasn't part of.

Each pony was less arguing for the best of everypony, and more pushing for whatever benefited them the most, which was to be expected. All while, the Steel Rangers kept mostly quiet and the Desperados and I just watched this shitshow.

I was starting to think the Platinum Guard was doing this just to tire out the politicians before it was our turn to start shouting.

Eventually, and mercifully, the argumentation ended, with absolutely nothing resolved. Glancing over at us, and then the Steel Rangers, Gold Leaf then spoke again. “With our normal business concluded, it is time we get to the subject at hoof. The right of management over the Outer-city, and if it should change hooves again.”

Before Gold Leaf could continue, Swift slammed his hoof down, causing a loud crack noise. “Nothing is up for debate here, and never will be. Our control over the Outer-city is our right by conquest, and only by conquest will it be taken from us. The blood you Rangers spilt unjustly, you're lucky we didn't puge you completely from this city!”

“We were not involved in the second war, savage, and the surrender of the Outer-city was only to curb your bloodlust. But it seems that appeasing your ilk was a mistake if you don't even grasp the basics of this meeting.” Elder Potato Pie said sternly and confidently.

Arras then spoke up. “I was there when Equestria first went to war, and there when the bombs announced its end. I worked with your first Elder in quilling the madness, and was there when she finally arrived here to help. If Elder Apple Flora was here, she'd have y'all dishonorably discharged. Oh how low the Rangers have fallen.”

“Silent ghoul!” Red Velvet hissed.

Great, they were trading history already. “Excuse me.” I spoke up, gaining every creature's attention. “We are not here to debate history, we all know it, and only a fool would deny the truth of what happened. That all said, even if the Ranger here had no involvement in that war, it was still instigated by Steel Ranger. If it was a rouge herd of Desperados who had instigated such a terrible war, be sure we would have accepted responsibility over it, and its consequences.” I then glanced over at Swift. Sso there is no need for the beating of chests of who owns what at this moment, we already know what is ours and what isn't.” Turning my glance back to Elder Potato Pie, I said my words with still certainty. “We are not here to start a war, or to open up still healing wounds. But to reaffirm what everpony already knows is true.”

Elder Potato Pie looked at me closely, his eyes not betraying his own thoughts. “You're the new Desperados, the one the thing picked up. I'm surprised to see that the most well spoken of the bunch is some crossbreed mutant.”

My ear twitched at that, but I manage to keep a straight face.

Elder Lamington then spoke up, “Miss Harp, I am to assume you are a Mirage pony, correct?”

“Yes, I originate from the Marewaii Islands itself, and ended up in Equestria by teleportation accident.” I answered.

Lamington gave Potato Pie a side eye for a quick moment before continuing. “So, then you don't have any connections to Destruction Bay or the Spectrum Alliance?”

I shook my head. “I've only heard of the place and the organization, but never had the opportunity to see them with my own eyes.”

Other than a few ponies mentioning Destruction Bay as a Mirage pony colony, I knew nothing about it. Same for this Spectrum Alliance, with Arras simply saying that it's a peaceful Enclave Remnant led by a small diamond dog.

“My only real affiliations are with the peacekeeping group Orthrus, and the likely now fallen Orphic Queendom. Both are Marewaii based.” I explained.

I had a feeling that the name Orthrus might interest them, since it popped up on the radio a few times, with the news of a massive airship getting around on the west coast.

Though they made sure not to say anything out loud, Lamington’s whispering to his peers was likely about that.

With the quiet returned, Gold Leaf returned to the subject at hoof. “As I said, we are discussing the management over the Outer-city, and here to negotiate if it should or shouted trade hooves. With the recent disturbances caused by the Desperados, many have begun to question if they should remain in their position, or if it's best to vote on another group to take over.”

“Ohh, you soft ponies are all scared of us?” Swift mocked, not helping the situation.

A mare sat up, a look of disgust on her face. “See that, right there! They can't go one minute without making threats or other rude behavior. Ever since our predecessors hoofed over control of the outer-city's protection to them, they've just let the degeneracy of Umberfoal spread to Platinum Hill!”

Swift rolled his eyes, “Spread nothing, all this was already here, all the tin cans did was convince you it didn't exist.”

“We kept such things away from the decent ponies. Where you let it all run amuck.” Elder Shortcake spoke up. The mare's voice was loud as she talked normally, demanding attention even without the mic. “Look at the inner-city, with help from the Steel Rangers it has become a shining beacon of civilization, where the outer city remains just another extension of the wasteland. Even with the Platinum Guard's help, you haven't done anything to develop the city, only spread rot to it.”

I moved my hoof to cover Swift's mic, getting a glare from him as I spoke up. “With all due respect, it's neither the job or duty of the Desperados to develop the city, nor is it the Steel Rangers. It is the city's duty to develop, and if it fails to do so, that's the city's fault. The Desperados duty is to maintain order and trade within the city, not to act as nannies for ponies who can take care of themselves.” I then raised an eyebrow at Shortcake, and asked my own question. “And what is it you're trying to develop the city into? What goal does the Steel Rangers have in controlling this region, and where do the citizens of this city fall into your plans?”

“We have little interest in controlling this region, nor the citizens of Platinum Hill. We merely wish to maintain the stability of this region. Something which the Desperados are not capable of doing.” Elder Shortcake replied.

“Stability, that's an interesting choice of words, Elder Shortcake.” I said in a disappointed tone. “Was it not rouge elements in the Rangers that nearly destabilized this region around ten years ago? Or should we talk about how your own Elder Cottage Cheese sparked the formation of the Applejack Rangers? Do you wish for us to have a history lesson or not?”

“I concede to your point.” Elder Red Velvet protested. “But the fact remains that the Desperados do continue to cause problems. Do not think we don't hear about the extortion racket you all perform up north. The so-called tributaries, who risk having their own enslaved by you if they cannot produce, and even then you demand a tribute of so-called workers?”

I saw Arras twitch his ear, so I placed a hoof on his shoulder and spoke for him. “It's called a tax, you do have that here, don't you? It is required for the maintenance and protection of the lands we claim as our own. And if not for us, the slaver lord Redeye would have had free range to use Route 50. Something the Rangers had no interest in dealing with, even as he targeted the chapters of your brothers and sisters i. His territory.” I then spread my hooves out, as though presenting this room. “So, Unless you're saying that the Platinum Hill government makes enough of its own money to afford building this, and can afford its protection on its own without a tax, I advise you to watch your words. Now Elder Red Velvet, I'm sure your wize in the ways of the Steel Rangers, and a very capable leader, as there is no way for you to have become Elder if you were a fool. So if you wish to keep talking about economics with me, I'm happy to teach you the basics.”

That shut the donkey up. She was likely hoping to strike a nerve and make the Desperados look like fools. And with how the Desperados did control their territory, I was sure they weren't the best when it came to tax laws, much less explaining its necessity.

It was time I took control of the flow in this discussion, and to stop letting the Rangers lead it. “Now I understand that the citizens of Platinum Hill have their concerns over the Desperados presence in the city, and with our control over the main trade routes. We're not perfect, not by a long shot. We have our own internal issues as you all know, and we're currently dealing with a developing external issue out west. As you've probably heard. But, the Desperados have a vested interest in keeping the flow of trade stable. This includes maintaining the trade routes, purging raiders, and keeping the demon grass from spreading. Our goals alline with that of Platinum Hill. But what of the Steel Rangers goals, because I doubt they care for the city other than as a strategically advantageous location. Or am I wrong?”

“Miss Harp Melody.” Elder Potato Pie spoke up, his gaze showing years of experience behind it, along with years of sleepless nights. “In all this you are correct, yet woefully uninformed. Platinum Hill is our home, and many of us were born here. This goes back generations, all the way to the founding of this city with the home guard chapter of the Steel Rangers during the great war. That very same chapter I am the elder of. Our interests may diverge, but we are no less invested in the safety of this land and those who reside in it. Though the Desperados may be skilled at what they do, of which we don't wish to interfere with, we simply believe that providing security for Platinum Hill isn't one of the things you are skilled at.”

“We are plenty skilled!” Swift protested. “It is you Ranger who have proven yourselves wanting.”

I quickly spoke up to keep this from becoming a yelling match again. “The Desperados focus on individual freedoms, this had both its advantages and disadvantages. I'm sure Abacus of the Outer-city merchants guild can attest to this. As the free trade offers the opportunity of growth, and helps those who may not normally have the ability to start a business of their own.”

The guild master sat up to attention from hearing his name called. It was a gambit calling on him, but besides following the mayor around, he did seem to have his priorities in not disturbing business. “Yes, though there have been difficulties after the transition of power from the Rangers to the Desperados, the freedom the Desperados has given us has allowed business to forish in ways not expected.”

“Mostly cheap goods!” Piggy Bank spoke up. “I remember when the outer-city market was flush with reasonable goods, and respectable storefronts.”

A sigh came from Abacus. “Back then they were almost all owned by the inner-city market. The reasonable goods were just the used or unwanted goods of the inner city.”

“The textiles out for trade were woefully inferior.” Omar spoke up, and for a brief moment he gave me a wink. “As much as I love the wears of the Inner-city, and conduct much business with them, an outsider like myself can see that if I were to move my shop there, I wouldn't have a business for long. The outer-city is far more forgiving with their fees and tax, and as brutish the Desperados are in enforcing the laws, they also don't loom over our shoulders like the Rangers do. You may think you're cleverly hidden, but I know you keep Rangers all over the city to watch us.”

“We don't deny that we keep this city safe through uninformed observation. It's better than having power armor around every corner.” Elder Lamington admitted.

This was going in a good direction… was.

“And what about the red light district, and the surrounding shanty dredges?” Mayor Morning Mist asked with a smirk on his face. “You think rampant chem abuse, whore houses, and other unsanitary things are good for the city. How many diseases are spreading because of it?”

“There are hiccups.” I began to say, trying to think of a way to steer this conversation away from this subject.

But before I could find the words, the worst pony possible spoke up. “Oh here we go again with this brahminshit, yaknow.” Slum said as he smacked his mouth. “It all honest business, not clean, but yaknow, what is clean business? You’s all use it too, just not tell nopony, act all better than us, like ya don't smell ya own flank!”

I face hoofed as the argumentation started, with some ponies defending their “honor” as others call them out. Looking from Slum, to the mayor who kept adding fuel to this fire, and I knew this was one big fat trap. Everypony hated Slum, and he was put up as being on our side.

“It's alright, we expected this.” Mag telepathically told me.

The argumentation kept on going, with ponies bringing up the past, and throwing out speculations. Bringing up things the Rangers did and didn't do, and the same for the Desperados. Frankly, everypony sounded like assholes of a sort from what everypony was shouting.

“Enough!” Gold Leaf called out. “It is time we take a break, or you all will be bickering for another two hours!” I looked at my pipbuck, and was surprised to see he was right, it had been nearly two hours. “Please return to your respected waiting rooms, we've prepared food and drinks ourselves for you all, so no need ordering out or leaving the premises.”

Arras let out a sigh, “well that part is over, now for the real negotiations.”

I looked over at him before sighing myself. “at least there wont be more yelling.

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Back at the waiting room, the Platinum Guard had delivered, leaving us with several plates of burgers, carrot and tato fries, along with bottles of Sparkle-Cola and wine that weren't over two hundred years old. The smell alone made my stomach rumble in anticipation.

Before I could even pick something, Fizzy had already run over and got me a sampler of everything. “Eat! You did skip lunch, so eat.” She said, almost shoving a mini burger into my muzzle.

It was good, the brahman burger meat was juicy, and had several spices mixed in, along with the cheese and a few leaves, all in between a bun. I then washed it down with a watermelon Sparkle-Cola, the taste being lighter than regular Sparkle-Cola, and more refreshing.

“I needed that.” I breathed in relief

“Same.” Star said before stuffing her face with a burger, and washing it down with some wine. “Ahhh. Not to shit on the food before, but this isn't shit.”

“You should try the Cosmic Sparkle-Cola, it's, like, made with carrots!” Fizzy suggested as she wiped off a bit of drool. “Oh, or the Planetary Sparkle-Cola, that one is made with pumpkins. You know what, I'm thirsty.”

Star and I watched as Fizzy trotted off to collect one cola of each, and a burger.

“I'm starting to think she's addicted to Sparkle-Cola.” Star said in concern, and I nodded.

“Thats actually possible!” Spoke a familiar voice of a mare. Head scribe Crème Brûlée's trotted inside, dressed in a rather revealing outfit for a Steel Ranger. “Maybe have one of our doctors take a look at her?”

Behind her was the tall and quite handsome Elder Lamington, who looked way too young to be called an Elder. “Crème, you know that they don't just treat outsiders, anyways, I'm sure it's just a joke.” He said as we watched Fizzy go back for another Sparkle-Cola. “I hope so at least.”

I looked at the two rangers skeptically, but seeing that they were here, and without an armed guard, I felt it must be a show of goodwill. “Thanks for the visit, Elder Lamington and Head Scribe Crème Brûlée's. May I inquire about this visit?” I asked.

“Yes, I know it is most peculiar for those such as us to be here.” Elder Lamington began to say, but we unfortunately had another pony jump in.

“Ya, so fuck off tin can!” Swift so eloquently spat out.

“Warchief Swift Firemane, it is good to see you again. And in good health.” Lamington said with a smile that was anything but pleasant. “Our last meeting did leave you a bit black and blue.”

Swift let out a huff. “If ya want to go again, I'm more than happy to throw down!”

Oh fuck no!

“Fizzy!” I called out as the two leaders began to square up.

Lamington tilted his head up, looking smug. “Though I'd love to, I'm not such a barbaran to give into baser urges.”

“Show him who's the strongest!” Hollow cheated her husband in the least trashy, but still trashy way.

Fortunately, Star, Lair and Crème jumped in to help de-escalate the situation.

“Not the damn time ya morons!” Star grumbled as she stood between them.

“Maybe issuing a formal duel is in order, don't you think?” Lair suggested.

“If you throw one damn hoof, then you're getting your rations cut!” Crème threatened.

Both large stallions paused for a moment, both thanking things over.

Then Fizzy showed upm tossing the both of them a bottle of Sparkle-Cola. “Drink, no fighting!” She demanded, before lifting her glasses and winking at them, “or I might have to punish you.”

Both stallions were frozen in surprise for a moment before looking away from Fizzy and drank the cola.

“Seriously, I'm not so stupid to start a fight here, unlike the tin cans.” Swift grumbled.

“I was here to talk, not to fight.” Lamington defended himself. “Mainly to Lady Harp here, who happens to have in her possession technology we would like to study.”

I offered him one of the samplers. “I did suggest that. If the negotiations go well. I'm sure we can offer your scribes access to our camp.”

“You don't have that authority!” Swift growled.

I glared back at him. “My authority is my own, as is who I decide who gets to study what is in my possession. And I would rather have them study the tech where we have eyes and control.”

“Suit yourself.” Swift said as he rolled his eyes and trotted off.

Lamington let out a sigh. “The divide between us is as bad as ever. And when the Steel Rangers are still rebuilding our numbers and powers. Not just because of the skysim, we also lost many of our brothers and sisters from attacks all over during those chaotic years. Last thing we need is yet another war.” He then took a bite out of the burger and drank the cola. “Right now we need is new ideas and solutions.” He smiled warmly at the burger, “things like this, which ponies love. If we did more of this, and less pushing others around, then we wouldn't have so many enemies.”

“That I can agree. The Desperados mood has already improved thanks to this food.” I said as I glanced around, seeing a more relaxed atmosphere.

“That's good to hear.” Said Silver Leaf as she trotted in. “Grandmother said that the food here was crap, so I had the diner whip up something for everypony. And don't worry, we're charging the city for this, if at a discount.”

I curtsied at the knight captain. “Thanks plenty. This might even get Swift to cool his head. Even if it's only by a little.”

Silver curtsied back at me. “Certainly hope so. It really doesn't matter to us who controls the outer-city, but the last ten years has shown us that the world is changing. If the Rangers had stayed in control of the outer-city, they wouldn't have allowed the changes that had happened here. And they certainly wouldn't have let so many outsiders nere the city. And if things were like that, we might soon be left behind by powers that are currently growing around us.”

“Unfortunately it's true.” Crème said.

Lamington nodded at that. “We Steal Rangers are very proud of our traditions and history. Sometimes to a fault I have to admit.

I let out a sigh. “A friend of mine said the same about the Desperados. That if things continue to change and the Desperados don't, then we'll eventually lose everything.” I then asked them, “Speaking of change, how were things before the outer-city changed hooves?”

“Orderly, but no less a shithole.” Silver answered. “As now, it was where the poor lived and worked, but rarely anypony had any business there. But now, there's a busy market and just as busy a manufacturing district. Though it has made ponies like Slum far wealthier then we would have liked.”

“It's called providing to a market, ya feel.” Slum said as he smacked his mouth annoyingly, trotted in with the covered up mare by his side. “And we doing real business, even cleaning shit up. Ain't that right friend.”

The mare covered her muzzle as she spoke. “Most certainly.” The voice, it was the mare from the tour at the ruins… and I recognized her voice now. “Where there were but lost sinners, now they are being saved. By the grace of the goddesses and their prophet, the discarded and forgotten ponies of Platinum Hill are finding new strength in faith.”

“Back up Harp!” Star growled as she got her gun, Outlaw, ready.

“Oh Star, you're being rude.” Bishop Purity Spiral spoke as she revealed her face to us.

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