Fallout Equestria: Desperados V3 (Bonds of Platinum)

Fallout: Equestria

Desperado’s V3: Bonds of Platinum

Ch 18, Politics, Part 4.

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I went from annoyed, to relaxed, to stressed, back to calmed, then right to a fucking migrain.

All as Purity Spiral just smiled at me.

“It's good to see you as well, Princess Harp Melody.” The Bishop said, her voice oozing with ill intent.

“I unfortunately cannot say the same for you, Lady Purity Spiral.” I told her as politely as possible.

“To each their own.” Purity said dismissively, a smile stuck to her muzzle. “And I know what you're going to ask, so I'll cut to the chase. The Thorns Chosen have come here to offer aid to the downtrodden of the wasteland, among them, the forgotten ponies of Platinum Hill. Isn't that right, good sir Slum.”

Slum smiled wide and he pulled Purity closer to him, showing that actually, all of his teeth had been replaced with gold. “Oh ya, like food and medicine and shit. Ponies just need to read from some book and then, free shit. It's like a real good deal, and I thought it myself.”

Star face hoofed at that.

I glanced over at Lair, and even through her vail I could tell the mare was absolutely annoyed.

“Harp, care to explain what's going on?” Silver asked.

“Let me.” Purity Spiral spoke up before I could say. Freeing herself from Slum, and quickly dusted herself off before curtised toward both Elder Lamington and Knight Captain Silver as she introduced herself. “I’m Bishop Purity Spiral of her holyness, Thorn’s Chosen, leader of the denomination of the Blessed Spears. We are currently on a pilgrimage here in Equestria in hopes of saving souls and bringing our lost children back to the fold. Isn't that right, Star.”

“Don't even try me!” Star growled.

A sigh then came from Silver Leaf. “Great, another cult. Though we will not impede you in your… pilgrimage. But please do not attempt to force yourself amonour citizens.”

“We'd never, the Chosen have always shown nothing but the best manners on every occasion.” Purity Spiral lied.

A very annoying laughter Came from behind us as Hollow trotted forth. “The Blessed Spears being well mannered, now that is an oxymoron. And Bishop, you only hold that title because your mother caught the plague and finally stopped making everypony around her miserable. Sadly, you're just like her, in every rotten way.”

Purity Spiral kept the happy look on her face, as though it was a plastered on mask. “And who might you…” her eyes scanned Hollow, revealing a dissatisfaction in them. “A Blackheart… no, not quite. They'd never send their well-bred daughters here. Must be one of the trash families that still live on the Barbary Islands. Can't be the Goldhord branch family, their competent, or the beautiful Longhorns… Oh right, you must be one of them bottom feeding farmer families, what was it again?”

“Dark Hearts you miserable sow!” Hollow practically shouted.

Lair jumped in, caressing her sister. “Sister beloved, don't give such a ruined mare the satisfaction. Her faith after all, is only for show, isn't that right, Bishop?”

“I don't know what you mean by that.” Purity Spiral said in disdain.

Hollow let out an annoyed huff. “Well, mother will be hearing about this, that garbage has dragged itself nere our hooves!” Then trotted off over to Swift, clinging to the stallion.

Removing her vail, Lair then spoke up again. “Now before we get into a debate on the interpretation of Prophet Roseland's words, may I suggest if you are to continue your pilgrimage here in Platinum Hill, go contact the Sanctified Cannons in Umberfoal. Last thing we need is a holy war between denominations right after we avoided a war between militant powers.”

“That I can agree.” Purity Spiral said with her face still in that plastered on smile. “Lets go Slum, we afterall, only came here to introduce ourselves.”

“Ya, no need for fighting, it's bad for business.” Slum said as he followed Purity out.

Looking over, both the Platinum Guard and Steel Rangers looked concerned.

Silver then spoke. “I get the feeling that we're not dealing with just another cult?”

Lair shook her head. “Founded by war hero, Admiral Thorn Roseland, the Thorns Chosen is a good and proper religion that has spread throughout the seas for the last two hundred years.”

“Admiral?” Lamington said with a hint of confusion.

I stepped in, remembering what Slowtrot had told me about her. “The Equestria Navy, supposedly she converted her fleet into religious sea pirates over the Luna ocean, then spread from there.”

“That… sounds concerning. But would explain why the boats one day just disappeared years after the war.” Crème Brûlée then said, getting everyponies attention. “Early on the Steel Rangers had our own fleet of ships, and we used it to stop many of the early raiders and reclaim military bases and bunkers. They were also recovering our brothers and sisters trapped overseas as they decommissioned our bases over there. But one day they just stopped returning. Also, that mare mentioned the Barbary Islands, why does that sound familiar?”

Lair let out a short laugh. “It better sound familiar, Equestria and the Zebraca megaspelled my homeland a year before you did it to each other.”

That got everyponies attention.

“Oh right!” Crème Brûlée almost shouted. “It's in the documents on live testing of megaspell weapons and their effects, along with the research on bailfire bombs. The Barbary Islands are listed as test sight beta for operation purge. But all the documentation states that the megaspelling was a hundred percent successful.”

Lair rolled her eyes. “My ancestors were pirates hundreds, if not a thousand years before all this shit. They knew that as soon as one side started winning the great war, they'd come after us next. Or as soon as they could spare their resources. The Barbary Island had so many hidden bunkers that I doubt you all barely got half of us. After that, my ancestor’s just had to wait a few years for the radiation to lower, then the world was ours for the taking.” She then grinned at Crème. “It's highly possible they're the ones who got your boats, but then we may never know.”

Crème let out a long sigh. “I'll have to relay this new information to the other scribes, their… not going to like digging up ancient history. Well most of them, some have been waiting years yo do a deep dive into the archives.”

“But it does give us another reason to not push for retaking the outer-city, and potentially starting a fight with the Desperados.” Elder Lamington then said.

Silver nodded. “Last thing we need is a religious revolt spurring from within the citizens. And if Swift's wife is one of them, it's all the more concerning.”

“No, it's worse than that.” I spoke up. “You know that new singer on the radio, Victoria, she's actually partnered with Purity Spiral.”

“Victoria is from the Blackwater, where I was born. The place is were Thorn founded her religion, and Victoria is very connected to it.” Star added.

“All the more why we must keep the peace.” Elder Magnificence said as she trotted in alongside Fullmetal. “It's harder to keep religious ponies in check if we are in a state of conflict after all. But if we can keep things calm, I'll make sure that the Coven of Clovers can suppress such groups. Wouldn't be the first time after all.”

“The Gladoligists you mean.” Fullmetal said with a huff. “Those crazies are why the rest of my mane went white.”

“Among several others that passed through this city. I'll contact the Daughters of the Sun, and see if they can run interference for us in the faith department.” Mag told Fullmetal.

“Their the local religion here in Platinum Hill.” Silver told me. “The mare in the toga and gold jewelry was the elder sister of their temple.”

Fullmetal then trotted up to me, a smirk on her face. “If it isn't one thing, it's another. Isn't that right.” I nodded at the old mare, and she dropped the smerk. “That all aside, you did quite well out there in catching those fools off guard. Won't happen again, but that just means they cannot make anymore broad statements.”

“Anything I need to worry about?” I asked.

“Mostly you just need to keep your credibility up. Avoid ultimatums and declarative statements. Also avoid leaning on either the Platinum Guard or the Coven of Clovers for help. We must stay neutral in all this afterall.” Fullmetal told me.

“Yet you're both here?” I questioned.

Fullmetal frowned at that. “Yes, but there's nothing for us to say to the other side. We also have ponies over there representing us.”

“Willow and Gold are with the Rangers, and listening to them bitch and moan.” Mag told us.

Elder Lamington then cleared his throat. “Though I do agree with you're-”

“Oh hush, I still respect the Rangers, but Red Velvet is just one of those fools I just can't stand.” Mag tutted out. “I know that donkey actively plots ways to get rid of me, always ranting about the mutants and such.”

I could see Lamington visibly give up on that argument. “Well, even if the other chapters are closed for more friendly relations, I still want to keep our doors open. Maybe in time we can repair the damage between our factions.”

“Foal steps.” I told the elder. “My mother once told me that when the blood turns bad, don't expect it to be cleaned out in your lifetime. You either must commit to never seeing it resolved in your lifetime, or pulling the problem out from the roots. For half measures will only breed suffering.”

Lamington closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. “Your mother must be well versed in early Equestria literature, a rare thing in this age. I'll have to reflect on that later, but until then, I should return to my side, or the other Elders will start to get annoyed.”

“Let's just hope this doesn't drag out for days.” Crème Brûlée said as she gave me a wink. “Oh, and I'd like to look at your thaumaturge weapons again, there's a few scribes who've shown interest in them.”

Waving them goodbye, the two Steel Rangers made their way out. I then turned my attention to Fullmetal and Mag. “Tell me the truth, will this get resolved favorably. I'm not so foolish to think words alone will change anything.”

“Damn straight.” Arras spoke up as he trotted over. “Those idiot politicians wouldn't budge unless you pay them too, and last I knew, the Rangers ain't letting us near them.”

Mag sighed. “You're drinking too much Arras, but… you're not wrong.”

“Fortunately we just need to delay this until you all move out.” Fullmetal said, the old mare had a slight mischievous grin on her face, like the rad-rat that got into the pantry. “Which is considerably easy since the Rangers are just as bad at politics as you Desperados.”

I cocked an eyebrow at that. “And yet they got all of the Inner-city on their side.”

Mag chuckled at that. “They have familiarity with the inner-city, but they don't recruit from the city, and rarely mingle with the citizens.”

Fullmetal nodded. “They've always been extremely insulated as a group, and if it wasn't for places like this, inbreeding would have been a major problem for them. But that all said, most ponies here are as scared of the Steel Rangers as they are of the Desperados. Truthfully, since leaving the Rangers, I've come to see both parties as two sides of the same coin.”

“Oh fuck that!” Arras protested. “Ain't no way those tin cans are anything like us! No, not since… he left us.”

“He?” I asked.

“Star Paladin Steel Hooves.” Mag said solemnly.

The name, it was the Steel Ranger from the book of the Lightbringer, and the one who started the Applejack Rangers skysim.

Fullmetal let out a sigh. “Not many knew it, but Uncle… Steel Hooves was a wartime Canterlot ghoul, forever trapped in his power armor. Not that he minded. He was one of the major voices of reason in the Rangers, having served under Applejack himself, even then the Rangers would never let him become Elder.”

“Arras and the Desperados were the ones who found him years after the war, some time after becoming ghouls themselves...” Mag said, but began trailing off.

“We were the only ones who could go into that part of Equestria at the time, since Cloudsdale and Canterlot had become feral ghoul hot zones.” Arras said, putting down his bottle of wine. “The fool was still doing his duty alongside the remains of his chapter, protecting the few sane ghouls left in the region from the insane mutants in the area. Took a year, but we convinced that stubborn fool to come up to Platinum Hill with us, where he was able to reconnect with the other Rangers.”

“It was nice, despite knowing his condition, to have a pony I knew to be still alive.” Mag sighed.

Arras then let out a laugh. “He was also quite the card shark, even robbed a tank ghoul blind in one game. And to think he would go first.” Arras looked down at one of his own hooves. “Year by year, we're all going.”

Mag chuckled. “Forever the old stallion, aren't you. But ya, were not immortal, and we all must go some day. But before then, maybe focus on leaving this world in a better state.”

That got a chuckle out of Arras. “It's a bit hard to do that with how old I am. Still… you're right. I'll put my hatred to the side for now, and let Harp do her work. Anyways, between what's goin out west, and those religious nutjobs, we have bigger problems than ornery technophiles.”

“Speaking of which, how are you going to at least get the Inner-city to not support the Rangers?” I asked, getting the conversation back on topic.

“Right, well you've already gotten your hoof through the door by showing them you're not some thug, but a pony who can actually talk.” Mag said with a wide, lipless smile. “Now you just need to show them your equals.”

“Easier said than done.” I sighed out.

Star patted me on the back. “You'll do just fine. Trust me.”

“If you need a pick me up, you can try this!” Fizzy said, passing me an unlabeled bottle of cola.

I pushed the cola away. “Maybe later, and thanks, both of you.”

Lair took the bottle and poured a bit of it into a cup, sipping it. Her expression was rather neutral after drinking it. “very… mutefruity.” She said before finishing the cup. “Anyways, I'm sure those Steel Rangers will let their fellows know about the brewing religious tensions. If they're smart, they'll want to stay out of the outer-city until it's resolved. I suggest pressing that as an issue, since my sister is very much part of that issue.”

“I wouldn't mind it if the Rangers did take over and stomped out the Blessed Spears. Nothing more than buccaneer rabble fainting vertue, all while showing no class at all.” Hollow spoke up as she shuffled over, then eyed Star with contempt. “And you, you're one of them too, aren't you?”

Star rolled her eyes. “The Blackwater is home to The Prophet's Merciful Voice denomination. And I doubt Purity Spiral can sink her hooves into that cantacarus lot of nuns. Victoria maybe, but not that bitch I can say for sure.”

“Right, the Blackwater is where Thorns first church was founded, ain't no way the clergy is letting Purity Spiral take them over.” Lair said before trotting over to her sister and bumping her flank. “Sister beloved, maybe we should give the Blessed Spears a visit, I'm also curious about this Sisters of the Sun cult.”

Hollow baked at that. “Heathen cults and heretics, Sister mine, are you trying to get excommunicated?” She then smiled. “But it's not a bad idea to investigate these groups, and make sure they're not dangerous.”

Lair glanced over at me and winked, causing me to worry. “We should take a few ponies with us as well, what do you think, Harp?”

I thought it was a terrible idea, but if Purity Spiral was up to something, I needed to know what. “Might as well.”

“Oh, I want to go too!” Fizzy spoke up excitedly. “The Sisters of the Sun are really nice, and their temple is beautiful.”

Star sighed. “Ain't no way you're going anywhere near the Blessed Spears without me there.”

Well that settles that. I didn't like others making decisions for me, not anymore, but it would be foolish for me not to investigate. At least if things do go wrong, it won't be completely my fault this time.

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Returning to the negotiation table, things quickly got back to arguing about the day to day stuff. Mostly between the Inner-city and Outer-city over funding and regulations. Now and then the Rangers or Desperados would have a say, but it rarely amounted to just a comment and nothing substantial.

Unfortunately Slum was causing most of the trouble, the moronic stallion having Purity Spiral in his ear, and having him interject her opinion when it would be most effective. I could only speculate what her motives were, but it seemed that she wanted to keep the outer-city in a messy and uncontrolled state in which she can draw ponies into her religion and under her control.

The only good news on all this was that the Steel Rangers were now eyeing Purity Spiral with suspicion. If we're lucky, then the ponies on the other side might start to think things are a lot more fucked and will be willing to back off. I just need to convince them that letting the Desperados deal with it is the better play.

But there is the problem, convincing a group of ponies who have their mind set on goal.

Still, what is Purity Spiral trying to do here anyways?

“Alright, that's enough everycreature, I think we have enough input on this subject. Best if we move on.” Gold Leaf mercifully cut in. “Now let's continue on the subject of who should remain in charge of the Outer-city's security. To recap, the Steel Rangers have accused the Desperados of dereliction in this duty, allowing criminal elements to flourish. Where the Desperados have denied this accusation, and stated they promoted freedom of growth within the outer-city.”

I quickly spoke up, not wanting the Ranger to take control of this negotiation from the start again. “I'd like to add that the accusations the Ranger had brought forth, much of the same accusations can be layed at the Rangers own hooves.” I then shot Elder Potato Pie, a smug glar, hoping to get under his hooves. “Or are you going to deny the last twelve years?”

To his credit, the elder didn't show any emotions, Potato Pie simply leaned into his mic. “To miss Harps credit, she is not entirely wrong. Since the… skysim, we had issues with our wayward brothers and sisters. Something we have spent plenty of time correcting. Elder Lamington can attest to this effort, isn't that right?”

Lamington then spoke up. “It has been a difficult effort, but we have managed to reunify the Steel Rangers. Many broken chapters were left adrift without proper leadership, which led to drastic actions for survival. Those guilty of major offenses were dealt with swiftly and properly. It only saddens me that we weren't able to reach this goal sooner, and avoid the actions of malicious actors.”

He meant well, but it was clear that Lamington was avoiding the subject of the second Desperados Ranger war. I wasn't going to push that issue, as I doubt the inner-city would care, and it may reflect badly on me if I just attack and not promote ourselves. “That be as it may, it doesn't change what has happened. As it doesn't change the fact that the Desperados have been a source of stability in this region for generations, right to the founding of Platinum Hill. No, we haven't made ourselves part of your city, but as I have stated before, we still do maintain the major trade routes.”

“Yet you cause problems for the citizens here!” Shortcake spoke up, retreading their accusations. “Fights within the city, alcoholism, chem abuse, and don't think we don't know how comfortable the Warband is with Slum and the other rabble.”

On cue, Slum cut in, with Purity in his ear. “Hay, it's not my falt that several popular business are run on my properties, and now and then I pay the Desperados to help me collect the rent.”

Ya, that's not helping… no, actually that dose!

“Aside from the questionable businesses, Slum dose have a point.” I said, getting quite a few eyebrows. “The Desperados are willing to offer mercenary work, much like the Talon companies, but unlike the Talons, we do have an invested interest in keeping order here.” I then turned to the two Talon representatives. “No offense.”

They didn't seem bothered by the minor accusation, with Garith leaning in to speak. “It's just a difference in threat between Talons and Desperados. We Talons are trained to either severely mame or kill. The Desperados are better at simply threatening ponies into paying up without needing to draw a knife.”

The other griffin chuckled at that. “Ya, bringing a Talon with you for a rent dispute is what you call, overkill. You gotta have a lot of caps to do that shit regularly. I mean, the younger chicks can do such work, but if anything happens to them it will turn into a bloodbath.”

That seemed to make several ponies here uncomfortable, mostly the representatives of the outer-city who rely on the Desperados for such security. So it was time to push the issue. “Dear Elder Potato Pie, if you were to regain control over the outer-city, would you provide the same services? Have your knights escort the landlords as they collect their rent, or evict those who refuse to pay. Will you keep knights at the various bars and other clubs as a reminder to not get too rowdy? Or will you just secure the merchant road and industrial district as you push everypony else out?”

Though Potato Pie didn't show much change in his face, there was enough that I could see that I had finally gotten him in a corner.

“And what's wrong with that!” Red Velvet blurted out. “much of the outer-city only exists as it is because of the Desperados negligence, what is wrong with cleaning up the trash that has built up around our walls.”

And somepony… well donkey, was too stubborn to not put their hoof in their mouth.

The other landlords now looked very uncomfortable, and a few seemed to be getting angry.

“Because if you try, you're only going to cause a riot.” I told Red calmly.

Red Velvet smirked. “and we will just push those raiders out.”

I could hear several ponies face hoof at that.

“Excuse me.” spoke up Purity Spiral, having taken Slums mic.

“And you may be?” Gold Leaf asked, not looking happy about this mares audacity.

“Purity Spiral, Bishop of the Blessed Spears of Thorns Chosen.” Purity said as she curtsied. “I also happen to be a tea plantation owner and merchant, in which I plan to ship my product though here as a business venture. Among other in demand goods of course.”

“And why are you speaking?” Gold further asked.

Purity Spiral grinned. “Well, I happen to know that the west trade routes are currently… not advisable for use. Leaving the east routes as your main source of trade. I also happen to know that pirate activity is on the rise along the east coast, yet trade ships are allowed to pass… if they pay tribute.”

“To the point, Miss Purity.” Gold said sternly.

But I knew where this was going, and didn't want this bitch to continue the flow of negotiations. “She's one of those pirates, and has the power to stop all trade by ocean.” I spoke up loudly and clearly. “And that religion she is a Bishop of, is the main religion of those pirates. Meaning that if you harm their followers, she'll have a casus belli for a holy war.”

That got everyponies undivided attention. But Gold then sighed, “Miss Harp, though arguments are allowed, such accusations are a stretch too far.”

“Oh, what I'd ever do to you.” Purity said mockingly.

I bit my tongue, trying to regain my cool. That bitch, it was her kind that raided my home, threatened my homeland. I wasn't going to just let her have her way… but, arguing about things the locals didn't understand wasn't going to help.

But I now did have an idea. “My apologies, I have some personal, and unpleasant history with the Thorns. But that aside, I do have one thing to point out, though I have a few questions to ask my own about.” Both Swift and Arras raised an eyebrow at me. “If the Steel Rangers were given the outer-city back, and the Desperados were fully pushed out of Platinum Hill. Would you continue to maintain the trade routes through the city?”

The negotiation hall burst into muttering as they all understood the ramifications of my question, but quickly died down as Arras lifted his head.

“I… don't believe in making the innocent suffer. So-” Arras began to say, but was cut off by Swift.

“They're our roads, and we decide who uses them!” Swift was loud, and his voice had a hint of hatred to it. He then eyed Arras like a disappointed son looking as a weakened father. “and if we decide nopony uses them, then nopony will. If we decide that it costs extra to move food and water through our roads it costs extra. You can use the route to the south, but the NCR ain't all that much friendly with the Rangers eather. So, the elders may wish for peace, but they are stuck in the past. You either show us respect or you might as well prepare to starve.”

“Careful with your words, savage!” Potato Pie grumbled.

“No, you should watch your words!” I said sternly, then took a deep breath. “Elders of the Steel Rangers, Platinum Hill may be your home, but what have you done to improve the lives of the ponies here? Or have you all just kept to yourselves and let the city grow without you? If push comes to shove, trust me on this, the Desperados will not need to even shoot one gun to defeat you, not a drop of blood spilt. Food and water, how much can this city produce without outside support? I'm sure if we wanted to, within weeks we'll be able to force the city to throw you all out for but crumbs.”

Everypony was silent, except for Potato Pie, who narrowed his vision to me. “So much for the mare wanting peace.”

“Peace… There are many routes to peace, and not all of them are peaceful.” I said to him as I looked him in the eyes. “But unlike you, we have options, we have friends. What do you have? I doubt you have friends that aren't just more Rangers. And your options, tell me, how can you get around an embargo without resorting to using your guns. If you had either the friends or options, then you wouldn't be begging the ponies here for help. The Desperados don't need Platinum Hill, but the Steel Rangers do. Without this sanctuary, the Ranger would be doomed to crumble into but just more rusted fragments of the past.”

“You dare!” Shortcake spoke up, but Potato Pie lifted his hoof to silence her.

“So that's how it is then. Is falling back to threats all you have?” Potato asked me.

I chuckled, seeing the absurdity in that question. “Dear Elder, you clearly don't understand that politics is all about threats. Violence is, in the end, the source of all power. If we cannot back up our words, then all it is is hot air. You have your power armor and guns, we have a ready to fight army, with artillery that can be quickly put to use. We also happen to control all the farm's and trade routes along route 50, and you, you have a scattering of old military bunkers filled with dangerous arcano-tech tech. The only reason why Platinum Hill is having this negotiation is because they don't want either of us to burn this city down as we kill each other. By Celestia, if we weren't a threat to you, there would be no way you'd have agreed to come here. It would be easier to just wipe us out like you did at Umberfoal, oh wait, you lost that war in the end!”

Potato Pie gritted his teeth as he glared at me, likely hoping his stare alone could kill me, but he had no such eye magic.

It was no use talking to the elders now, so I turned my attention to a different target. “Mayor Morning Mist, I'm sure you'll agree that nopony here wants violence. Just as much as you'll agree that everypony here wants the trade routes to stay open. So why do you want to piss us off so badly? Are you looking to get impeached, or do you think you can survive on just the southern trade route? I mean Percussion Cap will love to sell her crops to your city… until she finds out how you treated us.”

A bit of color drained from the mayor. “Y… you're acquainted with Green Lake Farm?”

I nodded. “We recently helped her with a major raider problem, same for the town of Amethyst Sands you see. So we’re on their good side, though we did piss off the Golden Harvest Farmers Union, so they might sell to you.”

Several ponies shifted around uncomfortably, telling me that they knew enough that they didn't like that idea.

But it was time to wrap this up, otherwise I'll sound like a belligerent. “That all said, we rather not cause such troubles for the city, we even want to improve relations with the Rangers.” Swift shifted to say something, but I drained the magical power from his mic so his voice didn't get amplified, and I could speak over him. “I know it's not the best situation for anypony, but instead of debating on who controls what, maybe it's time the Ranger earned their stay. If you don't like how we conduct our business, then maybe you should offer to do it instead, maybe come with us as part of security. Help us maintain the roads and cut back the demon grass. Not now of course, but maybe after Swift's warband leaves with us to the west. Then when Morning Light arrives to take over, you can negotiate with her on how you'll work together.”

Potato Pie's eye twitches at the mention of her name. But that caused me to smile. “Morning Light is going to be more experienced then Swift here, and her chapter will be far more disciplined. So all the complaints you have shouldn't be a problem. Unless that's your main problem, you want the Desperados out before the one pony you truly fear shows up?”

“Enough of your threats!” Potato Pie growled out at me, then took a deep breath to calm himself down. “I… we get your point. But in the end, it's the city who decides what will happen.”

Looking around, it was clear that I had gotten to the ponies here, many of them whispering amongst each other. Though the Rangers might be able to reduce the tax of goods coming and going out of the city itself, it didn't matter if we ended up raising all trade tax from Umberfoal. And if the Rangers started a war, the city would be doomed. Not to mention possible riots from the outer-city.

In the end, the Steel Rangers didn't have much to offer the city, any everypony was starting to realize it. But the Desperados, we controlled the lifeblood to the city, and we can easily snuff them out at any time. Oh the city could survive, but not as it is now. This is probably what the Coven of Clovers and Platinum Guard wanted to avoid, and I intend to help them. But, sometimes a firm hoof is needed, otherwise fools will continue to be fools.

That is what mother would tell me.

“I think we're done here.” Elder Lamington spoke up as he got ready to get out of his seat. “We'll need to discuss this amongst ourselves, as new information has come up. Isn't that right, Mayor?”

The other Elders shot Lamington a dirty look, but the mayor quietly got up, wiping a bit of sweat off his brow. “Right, yes. It's best if we… rethink this situation.”

We watched as the mayor quickly made his exit, tail figuratively between his legs.

With a sigh, Gold Leaf then announced. “Today's negotiations are now over, and we thank you all for showing up and not getting into a hoof fight. We'll reconvene at a later date yet to be announced. Please keep yourselves available until then.”

With that I relaxed, but the stress of everything now making me feel 50 pounds heavier. Looking over, I then saw, Purity Spiral as she waved at me, the bitch clearly plotting something, but that could wait for tomorrow.

Right now, I need a stiff drink.

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