“What you need more than anything is a good breakfast, Edge, and nothing’s better than Spike’s Super Special Four Fried Fish Filet Frittata!” The young dragon dipped his hand into a large pot and the oil bubbling within. He scooped up the last of the fish pieces and placed them with the others on paper towels next to the stove.

The pegasus drank down the rest of the green liquid in his glass and shuddered. “You’re sure this will make my head feel better? I never should have tried to drink Big Mac under the table.”

“Yeah, that wasn’t your smartest move of the night. I don’t think you even got him tipsy.” Spike used a whisk to stir the contents of a mixing bowl furiously. With surprising coordination, he carefully added three measuring cups of different cheeses while blowing a gentle flame into the mixture. After a full minute, he nodded. Turning back to the fish, he used a chef’s knife to dice the filets.

“Won’t the frittata mixture make the fried fish soggy?”

“Nope! Watch and observe true genius!” The dragon hopped onto the counter to retrieve a large pie pan already filled with a layer of dough. The fish went inside first, then a thin translucent disk that fit snugly against the dough rising on the sides. “Rice paper! Trust me, this will turn out great!” Next, he half-poured, half-spread the egg and cheese mixture followed by a layer of finely grated cheese. Spike hopped down with the pan in his claws, used a foot to open the oven, and walked onto the oven door to place the pie pan in the exact center of the middle rack. After closing the door with a kick, he wiped his hands on his apron with a beaming smile. “In twenty minutes, you will be in gastronomic heaven!”

Edge stood and decided he did feel a bit better. “Looking forward to it! Let me clean up while you relax. You’ve earned it.”

“Ah, well. If you insist.” The young dragon took off his apron and scrambled back onto the counter. He slowly climbed into the pot, causing the bubbling noise to increase in volume. He closed his eyes with a contented smile and leaned back – only his head and knees out of the liquid.

The pegasus paused just before filling the sink with water. “You want me to turn up the heat for you?”

“Would you? I’d get out and do it, but this is sooooo nice!”

“Ha, ha! I’ll take your word for it.” After bumping up the heat control a couple of notches, Edge gathered the various kitchen implements and brought them to the sink. “Do you know when I’m supposed to head over to Carousel Boutique?”

“Oh, yeah. That reminds me. I need to find my bow tie. Now where did I put it?” After a few seconds lost in contemplation, he looked up. “Sorry, what did you ask again?”

“Final fitting of my tuxedo?”

“Right. That’ll be when Twilight gets a note to me. If you go before then, you might see the wedding dress early which would get us both in serious trouble! My big sis can simulate dragonfire well enough to send messages over short distances… if the note isn’t too long… or written in small script… or you actually want to read the sheet that is now pure carbon.”

Edge smiled. “So if she’s being predictable, it works well enough?”

“Yep! Good thing I’m more familiar with her mood swings than anyone else.”

The pegasus chuckled as he turned off the water, added some liquid soap, and dunked the cutting board. “Rarity said the wedding will take place at noon. I bet the girls were up later than late last night. When do you think we’ll see them?”

“Twenty-nine minutes and fifteen seconds from now.”

Edge stopped scrubbing the cutting board and looked up. “You sound pretty confident.”

“Nineteen minutes until I pull breakfast out of the oven, ten minutes until the smell reaches their room, and fifteen seconds for them to stampede downstairs and demolish all my hard work. Oh, and I suggest you eat your slice before then or you’ll never get a taste.” Spike took a deep breath and slid his head under the cooking oil.

After cleaning off the residual oil on his scales with a quick burst of flame, Spike toweled off the ash, pulled breakfast out of the oven, and cut it into eight slices. When the dish had cooled sufficiently, Edge tempted fate by taking the biggest piece and sitting at the large kitchen table.

Soon, he looked up at the sound of thunder rolling toward him. In moments, six mares and one griffoness stormed into the kitchen, gave their chef a quick ‘Thank you, Spike!’ and grabbed a slice. The Elements of Harmony sat at the table, each talking continuously as they ate.

Gilda flew over and sat in her husband’s lap. The griffoness paused with her slice halfway to her mouth when she noticed the piece in Edge’s hand. She gave him a hopeful smile.

Edge shook his head. “Don’t even ask. Spike’s cooking is very, very good. I simply don’t love you that much.”

She cawed with laughter before raising her piece and taking a bite. After a few seconds, she swallowed. “Hey, this is really good! Don’t go asking for the rest of mine, either.”

“Just the Element Bearers? What happened to Chrysalis?”

“Don’t know. She got all antsy and bailed out before we finally settled down for a few hours of sleep. I bet she can’t go a full day without having her stud inside her.”

“Or she’s afraid some other mare will use her absence as a chance to get their claws into him.”

“Nah, she’s not that immature.” The griffoness stopped chewing for a moment and narrowed her eyes. “OK, maybe so.”

Twilight moved her attention away from Pinkie Pie. “Spike, this is fantastic. New recipe?”

Rarity said, “Quite wonderful, Spikey Wikey! This is all vegetarian, right?”

Rainbow Dash wiped crumbs off her hands. “Awesome stuff, Spike! Tastes familiar. Hey, Edge, what’s this called?”

Edge opened his mouth to answer but the small dragon cut him off. “You’re right, it is a new recipe. Spike’s Super Special Four Fried Cheese Frittata!”

Applejack said, “It is, huh? That fried cheese stayed nice ‘n’ chewy! Well, call this here dish a success!”

Pinkie Pie opened her slice and licked the revealed middle. “Rice paper to keep the fried crispness crispy, huh? I’ll have to put that in my picnic basket of baking tricks!”

Gilda stopped chewing and stared at her mate. There was no fooling a catbird when it came to fish. On two occasions, she gave their hometown fishmonger the riot act when the stallion tried to substitute a cheaper variety. Edge winked. The skin under Gilda’s eyes crinkled and she winked back. It would be their secret.

Edge adjusted his lavender bowtie and checked the position of the sun. Despite being a rush job, the tuxedo fit better than his two suits back home. The shade provided by City Hall had just retreated away from the raised stage. It was perhaps an hour before noon and fortunately not too hot. Ponyville residents slowly filed into the open space, randomly taking spots in the guest seating area.

“Nervous yet?” asked a voice below him and to one side.

The pegasus looked down and saw the small purple dragon wearing a black coat with tails and a sharp black bowtie. “Exactly the same number of jitters as the first time in front of a judge. Zip. There’s only one thing bothering me. You know how nopony is supposed to outshine the bride on her wedding day? Your outfit is doing exactly that to me right now.”

“Good thing you’re not the bride then.”

Edge laughed. “Point for you. OK, smart guy. I already know why the bridal party isn’t here yet – last-minute preparations. But do you know why we had to arrive an hour before the ceremony?”

Spike held up two fingers. “Two reasons. The second will be wedding party photos. The first is greeting family. Twilight had me contact yours with my dragonfire. Unfortunately, your parents were too far away…” He looked up. “… but someone else could make it.”

The flap of decelerating wings followed by boots hitting the ground made Edge turn. He swooped down from the stage and hugged the new arrival. “Parhelia! How ya doing, Sis? I can’t believe you’re here!” He pulled away to get a better look. “Is that the new dress uniform for the Weather Scouts? I love it!”

The blue pegasus mare spread her wings and beamed. “Isn’t it great? It’s not official yet. This is one of the candidates for the uniform change that will happen next year. Last night, I got a two-day pass, orders to go to the regiment tailors, and directed in no uncertain terms to show up in Ponyville before noon. I have to return the uniform on Monday with all the feedback I receive.” The pegasus mare tilted her head. “Pretty unusual assignment. I take it you still have some pull with Her Royal Highness, Princess of Friendship, and Element of Magic Twilight Sparkle?”

“It would seem that I do, or Twilight’s friends have enough pull on her to make sure I have a proper wedding this time complete with family. Oh, I’m being rude.” Edge guided her up onto the stage. “Parhelia, this is Twilight’s Number One Assistant and little brother, Spike – also known in O&O sessions as Gorbash the Mighty. Spike, this is my sister Parhelia.”

The little dragon took the offered hand and kissed the back of it. “A pleasure to meet you, M’lady. I take it you got your cutie mark when you saw a sun dog?”

“Why, that’s right!” The pegasus mare blinked rapidly. Edge didn’t know if it was from the over-the-top greeting or finally encountering someone who knew the meaning of her name. “We grew up in a mountain town and I loved flying through any and all sorts of weather. On a very cold, still morning, I saw a circumzenithal arc, upper and lower tangent arcs, the 22-degree halo, and Parhelia. That’s when I knew I’d always be happiest in the air.”

Edge smiled. “The Weather Scouts were the perfect fit for her. Able to fly anywhere, anywhen, and work in a team to change the weather as needed: increase rain and lightning on our enemies or reduce the wind on our troops and allies. Wait… is that Grandpa’s cane?”

“Sure is! The one Grandma gave to him when he made Captain. With Mom and Dad away in Zebrica, at least this way, our family can be here in spirit.”

The pegasus stallion took the offered walking stick and held it reverently. “That’s… Wow! That’s such a great idea, Sis! I just… I wish…”

She hugged him with a wing. “Me too, Edge. They would have loved Gilda! Grandma would be telling her every embarrassing story she could dredge up about us. Grandpa would be flirting with Gilda shamelessly while Grandma threatened him with a soup ladle.”

Edge chuckled. “Yeah, and unlike my high school marefriends, Gilda would know he was all talk and flirt right back when she wasn’t laughing her ass off.” He rotated the cane, allowing the sun to glint off the silver knob and bands. Edge gently rapped the stage twice with the bottom of the walking stick before passing it back. “Thanks, Sis. This means a lot to me.”

“You’re welcome.” Parhelia looked around. “I don’t see your bride. I hope it’s just for last-minute alterations. The foal isn’t due for another month, right? Oh, wait, there she is.”

Edge’s pegasus vision picked out Gilda and the Mane Six in the distance. As they grew closer, he saw that each Element wore a summer dress with the same design but in a different solid pastel shade. They climbed up the left side of the stage and formed a line while Twilight led Gilda to the center. After a brief hug and promise to catch up with Parhelia later, Gilda stood in front of Edge while his sister hopped down to the front row of seating.

Gilda’s strapless white dress complemented her tuft and head feathers. She clutched a bouquet of white roses over her belly. Her natural eye shadow and feather highlights matched the color of Edge’s bowtie exactly. After whistling in appreciation, Edge stared into the gold irises that always captivated him. “You look amazing!”

She smiled. “You clean up pretty good yourself!”

A voice above them and behind the stage called out, “Oh my goodness! Look at you two! Absolutely fabulous! The most resplendent newlyweds I have ever seen!”

Everybody looked up, way up to see a purple sea serpent squishing his cheeks with his hands – his eyes wide open and sparkling. His mullet hairstyle and long mustache quivered in his excitement.

Edge’s jaw and Gilda’s beak dropped open wide, stunned by the appearance of the newcomer and unsure how to react. The calmness of the ponies around them to the bizarre monster conflicted with their fight-or-flight response.

Twilight giggled and took over introductions. “Gilda Griffon and Cutting Edge, I’d like you to meet Steven Magnet.”

“I am over Luna’s Moon with joy right now! You both just have to tell me about how you met. I mean, there’s plenty of time before the ceremony; isn’t there? If you two don’t mind?”

Rarity shook her head. “Most terribly sorry, Steven. There’s just no time. By the way, I positively love what you’re doing with your mustache now! Très magnifique!”

The sea serpent lightly tugged on one side of his 'stach. “Do you like it? Oh, but I can’t take credit. It was Aloe who recommended I try a subtle perm.” He paused. “Or was it Lotus? Anyway… wait… let me guess. You have a special guest to introduce to this attractive couple?”

A symphony of flashbulbs went off throughout the guest seating, causing the wedding party to turn around and raise their hands protectively. When the spots cleared from everyone’s eyes, a pale blue earth pony with a stark white mane and tail stood in the center aisle. She wore a black dress with white vertical stripes. The dress accent colors and her oversized goggles were the same shade of violet. The mare held up a hand and called out, “I, Photo Finish, have arrived! It is time to make the magic!”

Rarity bounced in the air, cackling. In answer to everyone’s stare, she said, “Why, yes! I did arrange for the most famous and best fashion photographer in all of Equus. Thank you for asking.” She trotted off of the stage. “Yoo-hoo! Miss Photo Finish! Can we—”

“Enough!” yelled the mare. “I am not here for you. We start with the most important. Bride! Purple pony! Stay! All others! Go!”

Everyone but Twilight and Gilda left the stage, with Fluttershy riding on the sea serpent’s back. Before departing, Edge kissed the griffoness. “Kissing is for later!” the photographer yelled at his retreating form. The alicorn stepped up next to the bride.

An assistant with a terminally bored expression quickly unfolded an accordion-style camera and placed it on a tripod. Two more stone-faced helpers set up light boxes on either side of the camera.

Photo Finish walked up to a smiling Twilight and Gilda, looked them up and down, then past them. “No. No. This will not do.”

The light blue mare made a shooing motion at Twilight. “Eh! Eh! Eh!” With a frown, the alicorn stepped away from Gilda. “You! You are Princess, yes? And you have pledged to help make this wedding a success? Memorable? Fantastic and without compare? Yes? Yes?”

Twilight blinked. “Well… yes.”

“Good.” Photo Finish retreated to her camera and looked through the reticle mounted on top. “You must feel grateful. Rarely has Photo Finish allowed others to help in making the magic. Now move sun to peak above background mountains.”

“What!? I can’t do that!”

“Of course you can! This is something all alicorns can do, yes? You will write a letter to the Sun Princess that this was necessary. Feel free to sprinkle in such things as ‘gave my word’ and ‘the peerless Photo Finish’ and ‘friendship’ and whatnot.” The photographer pulled back. At some unspoken signal, the assistants moved the tripod and lighting fractionally. She leaned back in. “Photo Finish is aware this may be inconveniencing the Day Pony in some fashion. As a concession, I, Photo Finish, will send a copy of the enlargements to her.”

Twilight bit her lip, looked at Gilda, and then at the distant mountains.

“Chop! Chop! The wedding must not be delayed!”

“Ooooohhhh…” The purple mare danced in place, looking uncannily like a foal who needed to use the water closet. “… I hope Celestia doesn’t get too mad at me.” She lit her horn and moved the sun just above the mountains.”

“Lower! … Lower! … More red! … Perfect! … Bride! Hold your flowers under your chest. Good! Good! Smile!” Gilda shot a glance at the still-dancing Twilight who stared at Canterlot in the distance. The griffoness tried to grin but wide eyes betrayed her true mood.

“No! Not like that! Imagine you are showing your newborn cub to your husband for the first time!” Instantly, the nervousness vanished from Gilda’s face and her features softened. “Yes! Yes! Just like that!”

FLASH!### ###FLASH!

Twenty minutes later, the full wedding party posed across the stage. Now that the sun rested in its proper place straight overhead, Twilight looked much more relaxed.

Photo Finish raised her head from behind the camera, now stationed in the center aisle. “No! No! Small dragon. Colorful mares. Happy couple. All of you must make the magic now! All! This … is … not … it!”

Gilda said, “Say ‘cheese’!”

“Cheeeeeeeeeeeese!”

The photographer stomped a hoof. “No! I want spontaneous! I want reality! I want true emotions!”

Cutting Edge caught his mate’s eye and they shared the same predatory smile. They turned back to face the camera and the pegasus said, “Say ‘Spike’s Super Special Four Fried Fish Filet Frittata’!”

Every mare on stage gasped.

FLASH!### ###FLASH!

”YES! YES! There is the magic!”

FLASH!### ###FLASH!

The Elements of Harmony paused in open-mouthed shock. Repeated camera flashes washed away whatever they were going to say to Spike.

Photo Finish raised a hand. “Enough!” Her assistants broke down the light boxes, folded the camera, and scurried toward the train station.

The light blue earth pony held her pose for a few more seconds.

“I go!”

The photographer sprinted away.

Gilda chuckled. “I’m looking forward to seeing those photos… especially the last one. Maybe get a framed enlargement to stretch across our living room wall.” She patted the young dragon’s head as he cowered behind her, grabbing her legs for protection. “I forgot to tell you how much I enjoyed breakfast, Spike! I’ll need that recipe.”

Edge held up a hand to stop the frowning mares who circled closer and closer. “May I remind you ladies that every single one of you thought Spike’s cooking was delicious and heaped him with praise.”

The Elements froze in place. Gilda said, “Any one of you could have asked what was in the dish but tore into it instead. Don’t blame your chef for what your taste buds obviously love.” The six mares looked at each other.

After half a minute, Twilight cleared her throat. “You’re right, Edge… Gilda. Sorry, Spike.”

“Apology-accepted-am-I-not-in-trouble?”

“Not this time. Anyway, it’s noon and the crowd is waiting. Shall we begin the ceremony? Places everyone!”

Still clad in her wedding dress, Gilda leaned back against her newly confirmed husband. Cutting Edge shifted his back against the wall of their sleeper car. The pegasus had loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt. He plucked another piece of cake from the plate lying on the bed beside them and offered it to his wife. She opened her mouth and allowed him to put it there.

After swallowing, she said, “I have to store up energy for our little one. Pinkie’s wonderful cake has nothing to do with it.”

“Whatever you say, dear.”

The griffoness turned her head enough to glare but her heart wasn’t in it. She settled back down with a sigh. “Good stallion. You continue to take care of me, will you?”

“Always. Nice of Twilight to arrange for a bump up in accommodations for our return journey.”

“A big bump,” agreed the griffoness.

The countryside streamed past the window. They heard the lulling sounds of whistling wind and the clacking as the train carriage passed over different sections of track.

Gilda said, “You sure took charge when the yaks showed up.”

“Twilight was struggling. For whatever reason, everything she said kept upsetting one yak sensibility or another.”

“Hmm. I can understand inviting them to join the ‘cute pony wedding reception,’ but what made you ask them to show you how to do a traditional yak dance?”

Edge shrugged, unconcerned that his wife couldn’t see it. “Once I figured out they were upset they didn’t have a gift to give, I asked for the gift of sharing their culture. Most of the food had been eaten by then, so the buffet tables falling over wasn’t a huge loss. The Princess herself told me that today was a great day for Pony-Yak relations.”

After another comfortable silence, Gilda gripped his leg with her talons. “You will not be starting a new career as Princess Twilight Sparkle’s chief diplomatic aid.”

Wincing slightly, the pegasus said, “Why is that, dear? Maybe I’ve gotten tired of making a difference in my current job and would prefer the daily insanity of Ponyville.”

The griffoness released his leg and used that hand to pat his cheek. “Three reasons. First, I know your job is your bliss and you are building a whole new field of science in ‘Control Theory’. Second, Gilda’s Beakery would have no chance of competing against Pinkie Pie’s cakes, Applejack’s fritters, and Chrysalis’s apple everything when I’m done with her lessons.”

“And third?”

Gilda nodded toward the plate of cake, which her husband dutifully supplied. After finishing the chunk, she laid her hand on his arm which rested on her enlarged belly. “Every one of those mares kissed you full on the lips when it was time to go. I have no intention of letting you start a herd.”

Edge squeezed her against him and she felt the vibrations as he laughed. “Are you sure you’re not reading more into that than there is?”

The griffoness tapped her beak with a talon thoughtfully. “Let’s see… A princess bends over backwards to give you a memorable wedding. A professional fashionista and seamstress dresses us both in wedding gear for free. The reception was catered enthusiastically and at a moment’s notice also for free … after we both used up our ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ credit. Applejack doesn’t strike me as somepony who lets people get on her good side right away, which you accomplished. As for Rainbow Dash… well, there’s nothing subtle about Dash. Lastly, when I asked Fluttershy about previous sleepovers the Elements had at Friendship Castle, she blushed furiously. Need I say more?”

Edge chuckled. “I can only say that I find beaked faces more appealing now.”

Gilda poked him. “Keep your eyes off my sister,” she ordered.

“Not the rest of my body? Deal ... Oof!” The last was in response to a playful elbow jab into his side. “You’re just going to have to distract me from that vision now that you’ve brought it up,” he replied with a leer.

“Don’t you dare mess up my dress!” she squawked.

Their wedding outfits survived… barely.

Commander Firm Hooves sipped her coffee as she perused her paperwork. The usual civilian complaints were either filed away or passed on to somepony who would make them ‘go away’. Keeping the peace in her precinct was hard enough without those sniveling troublemakers adding to it. The City Guard had better things to do. Unfortunately, what the mare considered the Guard’s real mission also involved paperwork, and there was never any shortage of that. It was almost a relief when there was a staccato knock on her office door. That changed to annoyance when the Desk Sergeant entered before she gave permission, then confusion when she saw his expression.

“Spit it out, Truncheon!” she commanded.

“Ma’am, you have a visitor demanding to speak to you.”

“So? I’m not obligated to chat with ponies off the street at whim unless they have an appointment, of which I have none.”

“You do when the pony is Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Firm Hooves froze up for a moment. Why would a princess be visiting a Guard precinct far from Canterlot and wanting to talk to her? She shook herself and frowned at Truncheon. “Show her in immediately.”

The commander got up and stood beside her desk in preparation for meeting the royal mare. There was no mistaking the purple alicorn when she entered the office. Between the wings and horn, not to mention her greater than normal height, the tiara she wore was superfluous. What made the commander’s eyebrows rise were the two who accompanied the princess. She recognized the pegasus stallion and griffon hen from an incident a few weeks back. He had a neutral expression but the griffoness was scowling at her. She began to sweat a little. Nevertheless, she gave Twilight Sparkle a brief bow and smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness,” the Guard mare said with an ingratiating smile. “Welcome. I am Commander Firm Hooves. To what can I ascribe the honor of this visit?”

Twilight gave her a smile in return. “Thank you, Commander. I am here to look into allegations of racism, and as Princess of Friendship, it’s my purview to deal with such matters.”

Commander Hooves nodded. “I see. Please take a seat so we can discuss this matter.”

“Thank you.” She turned to look at her companions. And you?”

“We’ll just stand back here, Twi,” Edge replied while holding Gilda’s hand.

Firm Hooves’ heart sank. The pegasus was on nickname terms with the princess? That couldn’t be good. Even so, she forged on. “So, what are these accusations of racism that you want to discuss?”

“My friends here spoke of their experience with one of your constables and their subsequent complaint to this office. In preparation for following this up, I made some further inquiries and have acquired several more statements from various non-pony citizens on this issue. They all center on this precinct. Can you enlighten me on this matter?”

The Princess continued to smile and talk in a friendly tone, but the firmness with which it was asked made it clear that she was demanding an explanation. The Commander’s mind raced, but denial was the only avenue open to her. “As I said to your friends, there was no evidence whatsoever of wrongdoing. Moreover, I can proudly say that the constables of my precinct are never anything less than professional when dealing with other races. Yes, you will hear of accusations of mistreatment, but they are all made by troublemakers and criminals who wish to paint the Guard in a bad light and have no basis in fact.”

Twilight nodded her head thoughtfully. “Then, you are certain that racism is not a problem within the Guard?”

Firm Hooves began to feel more confident that she was swaying this gullible princess. “Absolutely, Your Highness. You will find no evidence of such, at least in my precinct.”

The alicorn regarded the earth pony for a long moment before breaking out into a beaming smile. “That is wonderful to hear, Commander Hooves. In my experience, tension between ponies and other races is rarely absent, but to find that you have managed to keep your command free of it is highly commendable. I’m so happy that my fears have not been realized.”

Edge’s eyebrows rose and Gilda gaped in astonishment. The griffoness made to step forward but the pegasus restrained her and shook his head.

Firm Hooves heaved an internal sigh of relief. Perhaps she and some of her constables would need to keep things on the down low for a while, but for now, it seemed she had pulled the wool over the princess’ eyes. “Always happy to help in any way, Your Highness.”

Twilight’s expression brightened. “Oh! That’s a great idea, Commander. I’m going to send several observers here to study the policing methods that have made your precinct such a shining example of dedication to the principles of tolerance and friendship. I’ll have some watching constables in the performance of their duties in those problem areas, and also one here at the office to observe how complaints and offenders are processed. I’m sure it will provide me with some fascinating insights!”

The Commander froze once more. The princess had not been fooled at all. The earth pony searched desperately for a way out. “I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but that could interfere in the performance of our duties. Only the Police Commissioner can authorize such a thing, and even then, only with the permission of City Hall.” Hopefully, that idea would die in bureaucracy. If nothing else, it would buy her time to cover things up.

Twilight giggled. “Don’t be silly, Commander. Don’t you know that all authority to act as City Guards and police the population devolves from the Crown? When a city is legally proclaimed, it has to apply to the Crown to establish its own semi-independent Guard to enforce Equestrian law subordinate to Royal overview. In other words, I’m your boss and I don’t need to seek authorization from anypony. I’ll certainly inform your commissioner and mayor of my intentions, but I’ll have those observers here this afternoon.” The alicorn got up and held out her hand. “A pleasure meeting with you, Commander Hooves.”

The earth pony mare shook her hand numbly and watched as the alicorn left, followed by a satisfied pegasus and an openly smirking griffoness. When the door closed behind them, she sank down into her chair, put her hands on her head, and shook it. “I am so fucked.”

# # # # # # #

Author's Note

The Ponyville scenes were mostly by Airy Words while I handled the precinct scene.