In Service of The Crown

by A Winters Rose

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Original Character, Mystery
Length: 9370

Violet Codexa sets out on a quest to uncover a secret plot against the crown following her appointment to lead the ROA. It runs deeper than she could have ever expected.

In a Canterlot rife with political intrigue and hidden corruption, newly appointed Director Violet Codexa faces an uphill battle to establish the Royal Oversight Agency. Tasked with rooting out misconduct in the highest echelons of power, Violet quickly discovers that her idealistic mission is met with resistance at every turn.

As Violet and her team begin to uncover a web of financial irregularities and suspicious activities, they realize they've only scratched the surface of a conspiracy that runs deeper than anyone imagined. With the stakes rising and powerful figures moving against them, Violet must decide how far she's willing to go to protect Equestria.

Published 2024-06-30 11:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-06-30 11:20:01 UTC

Chapter 1

I couldn't have felt more proud, happy, or accomplished in my entire life. As I stood at attention in front of a crowd of what must have been a hundred ponies, I could only smile in astonishment as Princess Celestia herself gave a speech. A speech that addressed nopony else but me!

"...and as such, in light of her heroic actions and her expert qualifications, I, Princess Celestia, hereby award the title 'Director' of the newly formed Royal Oversight Agency, to Violet Codexa!"

The crowd cheered and stomped their hooves after the declaration. Soon after, I was awarded a separate medal that was announced prior, had a couple photos taken, then led off stage to get the paperwork started. That was about 30 minutes ago.

"So, was that everything then?" I asked, looking up at the old mare. She wore glasses and looked to be in her 80's at least. She was the crown-assigned legal expert who was helping me throughout the process.

"Yes, yes... that was the last paper I think, let me just take a look here..." The old mare went back to flipping papers slowly, reading them over once more.

Increasingly loud hoofsteps sounded off from the position of the office's entrance, announcing a new pony having entered.

"Ms. Codexa, I hope you are aware of the responsibility of the position you were just given. It's going to be more than writing a few signatures to get things set up properly. Not to mention, I happen to have some experience in the area, I basically had to create the Crystal Guard from scratch. Are you sure you don't want my help?"

The pony who spoke up was none other than Captain Shining Armor of the Royal Guard. I guess he just let himself in, not that it was a problem or anything.

"I appreciate the offer, Captain, I really do. But if Princess Celestia believes I can do this, then so do I. I'm going to do my best to make her proud."

Shining Armor smirked. "Well, you don't need to worry about that, I'm pretty sure you already did. Good work again, by the way. If it wasn't for you going off and doing your own investigation, who knows what could have happened? Ponies like him aren't common, but you never know when they do decide to pop up."

"Yeah, you're telling me." I sighed. "Director Silv-"

"Former Director." Shining interrupted.

"Right... former Director Silvious wasn't that great at keeping his tracks hidden anyway. You would think the Director of the Equestrian Intelligence Agency would be better at keeping secrets. I don't really blame him though, he probably thought anypony who did find out what he was up to would be insane to stand up to him."

"And he was right! Insane enough to do a raid in his private residence without approval or backup!" The words that came out of Shining Armor's mouth may have been a bad look for my reputation if written on paper, but his tone and playful grin suggested I was in the clear on that small topic.

"And that's why I'm sitting here, and this time I'll have more backup and approval than I know what to do with, so there's no need to worry."

"Of course. But still, creating a new agency by yourself is just-"

"Shining Armor, please. I was in the EIA, remember? The ROA won't be much different in process. But instead of spying on the whole country, I'll just be spying on ponies in power. Honestly, it should be a breeze in comparison. Besides, I won't be alone, I'll have my subordinates do all the heavy lifting."

There was a brief pause in conversation for a few moments, which had me slightly concerned. Shining Armor was looking away with a slight frown, seemingly thinking something over in his head. I thought over our conversation again, but I didn't find anything out of place, so I just gave him some time.

The old mare coughed to get my attention. I admit, I forgot she was there for a moment.

"Everything here looks to be in order, you can leave these here with me and I'll get everything else taken care of." She said, tapping a stack of papers with her hoof.

"Ah, thank you very much, ma'am." I nodded in thanks.

"No problem. You take care now!"

"Will do!"

I got up from my seated position and headed to the closed door to make my way out of the room. Before I did, I stopped and looked around, blinking in confusion. Did Shining Armor leave? I didn't hear him make an exit. Our conversation ended at an unsatisfactory note, so I hoped we could continue, but I guess that route was closed off now. I had some more pressing matters to pursue regardless, such as getting the keys to my new agency's headquarters.

As I trotted down the hallway, my hooves echoing against the polished marble floors of Canterlot Castle, the weight of my new responsibility settled upon my shoulders. Director of the Royal Oversight Agency. The title still felt foreign on my tongue, like a spell I hadn't quite mastered yet.

Princess Celestia's words from the ceremony replayed in my mind: "...her heroic actions and her expert qualifications..." I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride, quickly followed by a twinge of anxiety. I had uncovered corruption at the highest levels of the Equestrian Intelligence Agency, yes, but creating and running an entirely new agency? That was uncharted territory.

The ceremony itself had been a blur of faces and flashing cameras. I remembered the warmth of Princess Celestia's smile as she pinned the medal to my chest, the thunderous applause that followed her announcement. It was surreal, standing there in front of so many important ponies, all looking up to me.

As I approached the office where I was to receive the keys to the ROA headquarters, I paused, taking a deep breath. The conversation with Shining Armor lingered in my mind. His offer of help had been genuine, I knew, but I couldn't shake the feeling that accepting would be admitting I wasn't up to the task. And that was something I refused to do.

"You've got this, Violet," I muttered to myself, squaring my shoulders. "You didn't get this far by doubting yourself."

I couldn't afford to have any negative thoughts, they would just be distractions. I had a job to do, an important one. Ponies were counting on me to keep the power structures of Equestria honest and transparent. It was a daunting task, but one I was determined to see through.

As I accepted the keys from the administrative pony behind the desk, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was more than just a job or a title. This was a chance to make a real difference, to protect the ponies of Equestria from those who would abuse their power.

"Thank you," I said, my voice steady as I took the keys. They felt heavy in my magical grip, a tangible symbol of the trust placed in me.

Stepping back out into the hallway, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. The path ahead wouldn't be easy, I knew that. There would be challenges, obstacles, and probably more than a few ponies who wouldn't be happy with my investigations. But I was ready. I had to be.

As I walked, my mind was already racing with plans. I needed to set up protocols, establish lines of communication, recruit trustworthy ponies... The list seemed endless, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt invigorated.

With that thought, I trotted confidently down the streets of Canterlot, following the directions to the address I'd been given for the ROA Headquarters. As I turned the final corner, my eager smile faded into a look of disbelief.

Before me stood a dilapidated two-story office building that had clearly seen better days – possibly a century ago. The paint was peeling off in large chunks, revealing weathered wood underneath. A few of the windows on the upper floor were cracked, and the front door hung slightly askew on its hinges.

"This... this can't be right," I muttered, double-checking the address on the paper I held in my magical grasp. But there was no mistake. This sad excuse for a building was indeed the official headquarters of the Royal Oversight Agency. I squinted at the paper, noticing a smudge over part of the address. Had I misread it? No, surely not...

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the creaky door and stepped inside. The interior was no better than the exterior. A thick layer of dust covered every surface, and what little furniture remained was old and worn. A desk in the corner looked like it might collapse if somepony so much as breathed on it too hard.

"Okay, Violet, don't panic," I said to myself, my voice echoing in the empty space. "This is just a... a minor setback. Nothing we can't handle."

I immediately set about trying to rectify the situation. I attempted to contact the castle's cleaning staff, only to be informed that they weren't authorized to work on external buildings. Next, I tried to arrange for new furniture, but hit another roadblock – apparently, I hadn't been given a budget to work with.

"What do you mean, no budget?" I asked incredulously to the pony on the other end of the magical communication spell. "How am I supposed to run an agency without funds?"

"I'm sorry, miss... but we have no accounts registered for the ROA... no statements or requests from the crown... or anypony else for that matter... and that means no budget... I can't give you anything." A very bored sounding mare on the other line responded. Of course, she probably didn't care about anything other than her own paycheck.

The response was not encouraging. Not only did I not have a budget, but my own salary wouldn't even start until the following week. It seemed Princess Celestia had officially created the ROA without actually providing any of the necessities to run it.

"Would you like to register an account for the ROA, miss... Codexa...? We're offering a two percent discount on all withdrawal and deposit tax for the first month..."

As I ended the spell, I couldn't help but let out a frustrated groan. "Some oversight," I muttered sarcastically. "I'm supposed to be overseeing others, and I can't even get my own agency off the ground."

For a moment, I considered marching right back to the castle and demanding answers. But I quickly pushed that thought aside. No, I had been given this responsibility, and I was going to prove I could handle it – budget or no budget.

I looked around the dusty, empty room, my mind already formulating a plan. "Alright, if that's how it's going to be, we'll just have to work with what we have."

I spotted an old broom in the corner and levitated it over. It wasn't much, but it was a start. As I began sweeping, I made a mental list of everything I needed to do. Clean the place up, scrounge up some usable furniture, maybe see if I could convince some of my old EIA colleagues to lend a hoof...

It wasn't going to be easy, but then again, nothing worthwhile ever was. This rundown building might not have been what I expected, but I was determined to turn it into a headquarters worthy of the ROA.

As I worked, my initial disappointment gave way to a sense of challenge. This was just another problem to solve, and if there was one thing I was good at, it was solving problems.

"You want to test me, Equestria?" I said to the empty room, a determined glint in my eye. "Well, challenge accepted. Just you wait and see what I can do with this place."

With renewed vigor, I threw myself into the task of cleaning and organizing. The ROA might be starting from the bottom, but there was nowhere to go but up.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows through the dusty windows, I stood back to survey my progress. It wasn't much, but it was a start. And tomorrow... well, tomorrow was another day, another chance to build something great from nothing.

The next morning found me seated at an outdoor table of a quaint Canterlot coffee shop. The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as I sipped from my cup, a notebook hovering before me in my magical grasp. I was determined to plan out my day, to make some real progress in getting the ROA up and running.

As I jotted down ideas and to-do lists, I couldn't help but observe the ponies of Canterlot going about their morning routines. The streets were alive with activity - merchants setting up their stalls, young ponies rushing to school, government workers trotting purposefully towards their offices.

Suddenly, a commotion down the street caught my attention. Two royal guards were in hot pursuit of a fleeing pony. My first instinct was to leap into action, but I hesitated. This wasn't my jurisdiction, I reasoned. It was probably just a common thief, and the guards had it under control.

Or so I thought.

As the guards caught up to the suspect, they roughly threw the pony to the ground. My ears perked up in alarm as I saw one of the guards rear back and kick the downed pony. They were shouting something, but I was too far away to make out the words.

That was the last straw, I couldn't stand by and watch this abuse of power. Besides, wouldn't this fall under ROA jurisdiction? Probably. I leapt from my seat and galloped towards the scene.

"Stop this at once!" I demanded, my voice ringing out with more authority than I felt. "What in Celestia's name is going on here?"

The guards looked up, startled by my sudden appearance. The suspect on the ground whimpered, curling into a protective ball.

"This is official guard business," one of the guards growled. "Move along, civilian."

I drew myself up to my full height, such as it was. "I am not a civilian. I am Violet Codexa, Director of the Royal Oversight Agency, and I demand an explanation for this excessive use of force."

The guards exchanged uncertain glances, but the one who had spoken before narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Royal Oversight Agency? Never heard of it. Where's your badge?"

My confidence faltered for a moment. A badge. Of course, I should have a badge. How could I have overlooked something so fundamental?

"I... I don't have one yet," I admitted, inwardly cursing my lack of foresight. "But I assure you, I have the authority to-"

"No badge, no authority," the guard cut me off. "Now, unless you want to be arrested for obstruction, I suggest you back off. Now."

I stood my ground for a moment longer, my mind racing. I could try to push the issue, but without any proof of my position, it would be my word against theirs. And right now, they had the numbers and the official standing.

With a frustrated growl, I took a step back. "This isn't over," I warned, even as they roughly hauled the suspect to his hooves.

"Yeah, yeah," the guard muttered, clearly dismissive of my threat. "Come on, you," he said to the suspect, giving him a none-too-gentle shove.

I watched, seething, as they led the pony away. My teeth were clenched so tight I could hear them grinding. This was exactly the kind of abuse of power I was supposed to prevent, and I had been powerless to stop it.

As I trudged back to my coffee shop table, my mind was already whirling with plans. I needed a badge, or some other official symbol of the ROA. I needed ponies to know who I was and what I stood for. Most of all, I needed to make sure nothing like this ever happened again.

I grabbed my notebook, flipping to a new page. At the top, I wrote in bold letters: "ROA PRIORITIES". Underneath, I began to list:

Official badges/identification

Clear chain of command and reporting structure

Re-read where my jurisdiction's outlined

Find out who those guards were... why didn't I ask for their names? I'm going to have a word with their commander

...

The list grew longer as I wrote, my coffee growing cold and forgotten beside me. I had a lot of work to do.

As I finally stood to leave, tossing a few bits on the table for my barely-touched coffee, I cast one last glance in the direction the guards had gone. "Just you wait," I muttered under my breath. "Things are going to change around here. I'll make sure of it."

With a determined set to my jaw, I trotted up the marble steps of Canterlot's Central Administration Building. The polished brass placard beside the ornate double doors read "Office of Governmental Affairs and Civic Management." If anypony could help me get official badges and documentation for the ROA, it would be the ponies here.

As I pushed through the doors, I was immediately struck by the buzz of activity. Ponies of all types scurried about, carrying stacks of papers, engaged in heated discussions, or hunched over desks scribbling furiously. The air was thick with the scent of ink and parchment, underscored by an unmistakable whiff of stress and coffee.

I approached the reception desk, where a harried-looking unicorn mare was juggling multiple floating quills and parchments.

"Excuse me," I said, trying to sound confident. "I'm Violet Codexa, Director of the Royal Oversight Agency. I need to speak with somepony about getting official badges for my agency."

The receptionist blinked at me, her quills pausing mid-air. "Royal Oversight Agency? I'm not familiar with that department. When was it established?"

"Just yesterday," I replied, my confidence wavering slightly. "It's a new agency, created by Princess Celestia herself."

The receptionist's brow furrowed. "I see. Well, new agency registrations are handled by the Department of Organizational Structure and Nomenclature. Third floor, office 317."

"Oh, I'm sorry, but I believe it has already been registered. I did sign a lot of things..."

The other pony scratched her head. "Apologies, but I don't think it has been. I would know, all registrations come through here and we certainly couldn't miss something as big as the creation of a new agency. Well, if it has, I'm sure Organizational Structure and Nomenclature would know, and you do need badges created anyway, yes? Just head up there, I'm sure it will be handled for you."

A knot of unease began to form in my stomach. Something wasn't right here. I distinctly remembered signing all the necessary paperwork with Shining Armor present. How could there be no record of it?

"Thank you," I managed, turning towards the staircase. Had there been some kind of administrative error?

I found Office 317 easily enough. The placard on the door read "Quill Bind - Head of Organizational Structure and Nomenclature." I took a deep breath and knocked.

"Enter," called a gruff voice from within.

I pushed open the door to find an elderly earth pony stallion seated behind a massive oak desk. His mane was more grey than blue, and his cutie mark appeared to be some sort of organizational chart.

"Ah, you must be from the new agency," he said as I entered, not looking up from the papers on his desk. "I've been expecting you. Sit down, sit down."

I took a seat, watching as he shuffled through a towering stack of documents.

"Now then," he said, finally looking up at me. "I've been reviewing the royal decree establishing your agency. Quite interesting, quite interesting indeed. Tell me, do you understand the full scope of your jurisdiction?"

"I... I believe so," I said, suddenly feeling less certain. "We're tasked with preventing corruption in government entities."

Quill Bind chuckled, though there was little humor in the sound. "Oh, it's a bit broader than that, my dear. According to this decree, your jurisdiction covers 'any and all government-owned entities.' Do you realize what that means?"

As he spoke, the implications began to dawn on me. Government-owned entities... that could include everything from the Royal Guard to the weather factory in Cloudsdale, from the train stations to the schools.

"That's... quite extensive," I managed to say.

"Extensive?" Quill Bind snorted. "It's unprecedented. You're going to ruffle a lot of feathers with this, mark my words."

He wasn't wrong. Already, I could see the challenges looming before me. Every department, every official I'd need to deal with would be under my potential scrutiny. No wonder ponies had been whispering as I passed.

"Now," Quill Bind continued, "about those badges and documentation. It's not as simple as just printing them up, you know. We'll need approvals from the Department of Security Measures, the Bureau of Insignia Design, the Office of Jurisdictional Demarcation..."

As he rattled off a list of departments and offices, each with its own approval process and paperwork requirements, I felt my head start to spin. This was going to be far more complicated than I'd anticipated.

"And of course," he added, almost as an afterthought, "all of this will need to be cleared by the various department heads whose areas fall under your jurisdiction. Just a formality, you understand, but it could take some time."

I narrowed my eyes. A formality, he said, but I could read between the lines. Those department heads would be in no hurry to approve an agency that could investigate them.

"How long are we talking about?" I asked, dreading the answer.

Quill Bind shrugged. "Oh, a few weeks. Months, maybe. Hard to say, really. Bureaucracy moves at its own pace, you know."

Months? I didn't have months. Canterlot needed the ROA now, not after who knows how long of paper-pushing and hoof-dragging.

"There has to be a faster way," I insisted. "This agency was created by royal decree. Surely that counts for something?"

Quill Bind's expression softened slightly. "Listen, Miss Codexa. I understand your frustration. But you need to understand something too. You're asking for the authority to investigate some very powerful ponies. Ponies who have spent years, decades even, building their positions and influence. They're not going to make it easy for you."

I sat back, my mind racing. He was right, of course. I'd been naive to think this would be simple. But I couldn't let that stop me.

"Alright," I said, standing up. "Where do I start?"

Quill Bind smiled, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "That's the spirit. Here's the first set of forms you'll need to fill out. And a word of advice? Make friends where you can. You're going to need them."

As I left Quill Bind's office, my saddlebags weighed down with forms and my mind heavy with the realization of the task ahead, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong. The missing paperwork, the unexpected hurdles... it all felt too convenient, too orchestrated.

The next few days passed in a blur of paperwork and frustration. I'd set up a makeshift office in a corner of the ROA headquarters, using a wobbly table and a cushion I'd brought from home. Stacks of forms surrounded me, each requiring multiple signatures, stamps, and approvals.

As I worked through the mountain of bureaucracy, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being deliberately stymied at every turn. Forms would come back rejected for the most minor of infractions – a missed checkbox here, a slightly smudged signature there. Each rejection meant starting the process over, and with each iteration, my patience wore thinner.

On the third day, I decided to take a more proactive approach. I made my way to the Department of Security Measures, determined to speak directly with the pony in charge of approving agency badges.

The department was housed in a windowless section of the administration building, its entrance guarded by two stern-faced unicorns. After a thorough magical scan, I was allowed into a waiting area that seemed designed to induce boredom and despair.

Hours passed before I was finally ushered into the office of Swift Seal, the department head. He was a pegasus with a cutie mark of a stamped document, and he regarded me with thinly veiled disdain.

"Miss Codexa," he said, not bothering to rise from behind his imposing desk. "I understand you're here about badges for your... agency."

I nodded, forcing a polite smile. "Yes, sir. I was hoping we could expedite the process. The ROA needs to be operational as soon as possible."

Swift Seal's expression didn't change. "I see. And tell me, Miss Codexa, why exactly does Equestria need yet another oversight body? Are the existing checks and balances not sufficient?"

I took a deep breath, reminding myself to remain calm. "The ROA's mandate is unique, sir. We're tasked with preventing corruption across all government-owned entities. It's a comprehensive approach that-"

"That sounds an awful lot like you'll be poking your nose into other departments' business," Swift Seal interrupted. "Including, I assume, my own?"

The tension in the room was palpable. I realized I was walking a dangerous line. This pony had the power to delay my badge approval indefinitely if he chose to.

"Our goal isn't to interfere, sir," I said carefully. "It's to ensure transparency and accountability. Surely that's in everypony's best interest?"

Swift Seal leaned back in his chair, regarding me with narrowed eyes. "Transparency. Accountability. Pretty words, Miss Codexa. But in my experience, ponies who talk about rooting out corruption are often looking to settle personal scores or advance their own agendas. How do I know you're any different?"

The accusation stung, but I refused to let it show. "I understand your concerns, sir. That's precisely why we need official recognition and clear guidelines. If you have any specific concerns about the ROA's operations, I'd be more than happy to address them."

For a long moment, Swift Seal said nothing. Then, to my surprise, he chuckled. "You're either very brave or very foolish, Miss Codexa. Possibly both. Alright, I'll tell you what. I'll expedite your badge approval – on one condition."

My heart leapt. Progress at last! "What's the condition?"

Swift Seal's smile didn't reach his eyes. "The Security Measures Department will be exempt from ROA oversight. After all, we deal with sensitive information. Can't have just anypony snooping around, can we?"

I felt my stomach drop. This was exactly the kind of corruption I was meant to prevent. But without his approval, I'd be back to square one. I needed those badges.

"Bribery, Mr. Seal? Really? The decree establishing the ROA was quite clear about our jurisdiction."

Swift Seal's smile vanished. "I see. Well, in that case, I'm afraid I'll need to conduct a thorough review of your application. For security reasons, you understand. It could take quite some time."

I left the office feeling quite baffled. How many more ponies like Swift Seal would I encounter, each demanding their own exemptions or concessions?

Back at my makeshift desk, I stared at the stacks of incomplete paperwork. I'd known this job would be challenging, but I hadn't anticipated feeling so... alone.

As the sun began to set outside my grimy window, I made a decision. If the system was going to fight me at every turn, then I'd just have to find a way around it. The ROA would become operational, with or without official badges.

I pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment and began to write. If I couldn't go through official channels, then I would make my own. I had some time to read over the officialization papers again, and as far as I knew the only ones we had to officially answer to was the crown. Besides, was it not corruption in and of itself to be hindering the people trying to stop corruption? Of course it was, and they would be dealt with in due time.

"I wonder how my friends in the EIA are doing..."

Chapter 2

The dimly lit tavern hummed with the low murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses. I sat in a secluded corner booth, my horn glowing faintly as I maintained a privacy spell around our table. Across from me sat Swift Step, a pegasus I'd worked with during my time at the EIA. His golden eyes darted nervously around the room, never quite meeting mine.

"I appreciate you meeting me, Swift," I said, pushing a mug of cider towards him. "I know it's not exactly... protocol."

Swift Step snorted, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Protocol? Vi, nothing about this is protocol. Do you have any idea what would happen if they knew I was talking to you?"

I leaned forward, lowering my voice despite the privacy spell. "That's exactly why I need ponies like you, Swift. Good ponies who understand the importance of our work."

Swift took a long drink from his mug, his wings rustling restlessly against his sides. When he spoke again, his voice was barely above a whisper. "Look, I get what you're trying to do with this new agency of yours. But you're stepping on a lot of hooves, Vi. Powerful hooves."

"I know," I replied, unable to keep the edge of frustration out of my voice. "Believe me, I know. Every department I've dealt with has stonewalled me at every turn. That's why I need allies I can trust."

Swift's eyes narrowed. "And you think EIA agents are trustworthy? After what happened with Director Silvious?"

I felt a pang of guilt at the mention of the former director. My investigation had shaken the entire agency to its core, and I knew many agents still resented me for it. But I couldn't let that stop me now.

"Not all of them," I admitted. "But I know you, Swift. I've worked with you. I trust you."

For a long moment, Swift said nothing, his gaze fixed on the table between us. When he finally looked up, I saw a mix of emotions in his eyes – uncertainty, curiosity, and something that might have been respect.

"What exactly are you proposing, Vi?" he asked.

I took a deep breath. This was it – the moment of truth. "I want you to join the ROA. Bring your skills, your experience. Help me build something that can actually make a difference."

Swift's eyebrows shot up. "Leave the EIA? Are you serious?"

"I am," I replied, meeting his gaze steadily. "I know it's a lot to ask. But think about it, Swift. How many times have we stumbled across something that didn't add up, only to have it swept under the rug? How many 'classified' files have we been told to forget about?"

I could see the conflict playing out across Swift's face. He knew I was right – we'd both seen our share of questionable decisions during our time at the EIA. But leaving the agency was no small matter.

"It's not just about the job, Vi," he said, his voice low. "The EIA... they're not the kind of ponies you want to upset."

I nodded, understanding all too well. "I know. But that's exactly why we need ponies like you on our side. Ponies who know how they operate, who can help us navigate these complex waters."

Swift leaned back, his wings twitching nervously. "And what about protection? If I do this, I'm taking a big risk."

"We look after our own," I said firmly. "I'm working on securing official recognition for the ROA. Once we have that, we'll have the full backing of the crown."

Swift raised an eyebrow. "You mean you don't have that already?"

I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck. "It's... a work in progress. But it will happen, Swift. I'm committed to making it work."

For what felt like an eternity, Swift sat in silence, his expression unreadable. I held my breath, acutely aware of how much I wanted him on board.

Finally, he spoke. "I can't give you an answer right now, Vi. This isn't something I can just decide on the spot."

I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment. "I understand. Take the time you need to think it over. But please, Swift – keep this conversation between us."

Swift managed a weak smile. "Don't worry. I know how to keep a secret." He drained the last of his cider and stood up. "I'll be in touch."

As I watched him leave, weaving his way through the crowded tavern, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was facing an uphill battle. Swift was just the first of many agents I hoped to recruit, but if I couldn't convince even him...

I shook my head, banishing the doubts. This was just the beginning. I had to believe that there were other agents out there, other ponies who wanted to contribute to something meaningful.

As I left the tavern, stepping out into the cool night air, my mind was already racing with plans for my next move. Swift might need time to think, but I couldn't afford to wait. There were other contacts to pursue, other avenues to explore.

The streets of Canterlot were quieter now, most ponies having retired for the night. As I made my way back to my makeshift office, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the task ahead. Building the ROA from scratch was proving to be more challenging than I'd ever imagined, but I refused to give up.

I had made a commitment – to myself and to Princess Celestia. The ROA would become a functional agency, operating with transparency and accountability. And I would make it happen, step by step.

As I rounded the corner onto the street where the ROA's dilapidated headquarters stood, a flicker of movement caught my eye. I froze, my horn instinctively lighting up with a defensive spell.

"Who's there?" I called out, my voice steady despite the sudden pounding of my heart.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, from the shadows of a nearby alley, a figure emerged. As it stepped into the dim light of a streetlamp, I recognized the familiar face of Quill Scratch, another former colleague from the EIA.

"Quill?" I said, surprise and wariness warring in my mind. "What are you doing here?"

The earth pony mare regarded me with an unreadable expression, her usually neatly styled mane looking disheveled. "I heard you were recruiting," she said simply.

I tensed, my mind racing. How had she known? Had Swift said something already? Or was the EIA keeping closer tabs on me than I'd realized?

"And if I am?" I asked cautiously, not lowering my guard.

Quill took a step closer, her eyes darting nervously up and down the empty street. "Then I want to talk," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I blinked, taken aback by her directness. Quill had always been one of the more by-the-book agents at the EIA. What could have driven her to seek me out like this?

"Why?" I asked, unable to keep the suspicion from my voice. "What's changed?"

Quill's expression hardened, a mix of frustration and concern flashing in her eyes. "Things at the EIA have been... different since you left, Violet. I think we need to talk about it."

I frowned, a sense of unease settling in the pit of my stomach. "What do you mean?"

Quill glanced over her shoulder, as if expecting to see somepony listening in. When she spoke again, her voice was even lower. "Not here. Can we go somewhere more private?"

I studied her face, searching for any sign of deception. But all I saw was genuine concern and determination.

"You understand what you're risking by coming to me, don't you?" I asked.

Quill nodded, a grim smile touching her lips. "I do. But I think this conversation is important."

I felt a mix of curiosity and caution. If Quill was willing to take this risk, she must have something significant to share.

"Alright," I said, making a decision.

I gestured towards the ROA headquarters, such as it was. As we walked, I maintained a vigilant watch on our surroundings, half-expecting to see EIA agents lurking in every shadow.

Once inside, I quickly cast a series of detection and privacy spells, ensuring we were truly alone. Quill raised an eyebrow at the precautions but said nothing.

"Okay," I said, turning to face her. "What's this about?"

As Quill began to speak, detailing the changes she had observed within the EIA, I listened intently. Her words painted a picture of an agency in flux, with new policies and procedures that seemed to prioritize secrecy over transparency.

But as I listened, a part of me couldn't help but wonder: was I reading too much into this? Or was there really something more going on beneath the surface?

Whatever the truth, one thing was clear – I needed more information. The ROA's mission to provide oversight would be crucial, but I needed to tread carefully. Jumping to conclusions without solid evidence could be disastrous.

As Quill continued her account, I began to formulate plans, considering strategies and potential next steps. The road ahead would be challenging, but for the first time since the ROA's creation, I felt a sense of purpose beyond just getting the agency off the ground.

The pieces were starting to fall into place. Now, it was up to me to figure out how they fit together and what picture they might reveal.

A few days after my conversation with Quill, I found myself walking through one of Canterlot's picturesque parks, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the dewy grass. Beside me trotted Quill Scratch, her mane now neatly combed, though dark circles under her eyes betrayed her recent stress.

"How are you holding up?" I asked, glancing at my new recruit.

Quill managed a wan smile. "It's... an adjustment. Resigning from the EIA wasn't easy, but I stand by my decision."

I nodded, understanding all too well the mix of emotions she must be feeling. "I appreciate you taking this risk, Quill. Your insight is going to be invaluable."

We found a secluded bench near a bubbling fountain, far enough from the main paths to ensure our privacy. As we settled in, I cast a subtle detection spell, more out of habit than any real expectation of trouble.

"So," Quill said, her voice low despite our isolated location, "what's our next move? I assume you have a plan?"

I sighed, running a hoof through my mane. "A plan in progress, at least. I got word yesterday that our official badges are being 'worked on.' Whatever that means."

Quill raised an eyebrow. "Bureaucratic stalling?"

"Most likely," I admitted. "But at least it's movement. In the meantime, I've been focusing on getting our headquarters into some semblance of order."

"Ah yes, the illustrious ROA headquarters," Quill said with a smirk. "How's that coming along?"

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, I've managed to clear out most of the dust and cobwebs. Found a few serviceable desks and chairs. It's not much, but it's a start."

"And what about equipment? Resources?" Quill asked, her analytical mind already at work.

I hesitated before answering. "That's... a bit more complicated. Without official recognition, we're working on a shoestring budget. Mostly what I can scrape together from my own savings."

Quill frowned. "That's not sustainable, Violet. We need proper funding if we're going to make any real progress."

"I know, I know," I said, frustration creeping into my voice. "But until we get that official stamp of approval, our options are limited. Which brings me to our immediate priorities."

I pulled out a small notebook, flipping it open to reveal a meticulously organized list. "First and foremost, we need to establish our legitimacy. That means pushing for those badges and official documentation. I'm thinking of scheduling another meeting with the Department of Security Measures, see if I can light a fire under them."

Quill nodded. "Good idea. And while you're doing that, I can start compiling a list of potential recruits. There are a few ponies at the EIA who might be sympathetic to our cause."

"Excellent," I said, jotting down a note. "But we need to be careful. We can't afford to tip our hoof too soon, especially if what you've told me about the changes at the EIA is true."

"Agreed," Quill said, her expression turning serious. "We should also start gathering information on the various departments we'll be overseeing. Building profiles, identifying potential trouble spots."

I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude for Quill's experience and insight. "That's perfect. Your knowledge of EIA operations will be crucial there."

As we continued to discuss strategy, the park around us began to come to life. Early morning joggers trotted past, and the first street vendors started setting up their carts. It was a reminder of the normal, everyday life we were working to protect.

"There's one more thing," I said, lowering my voice even further. "We need to start investigating these changes at the EIA. Quietly, of course. If there's really something sinister going on, we need to know about it."

Quill's expression grew troubled. "That won't be easy, Violet. The EIA is notoriously tight-lipped, and if they suspect we're poking around..."

"I know," I said, cutting her off gently. "But it's necessary. We'll be careful, gather information gradually. For now, let's focus on what you already know, what you've observed. We'll build from there."

Quill nodded, though I could see the concern lingering in her eyes. "Alright. I'll start putting together a report on everything I've noticed over the past few months."

As our meeting drew to a close, I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. We had a plan, a direction, but the challenges ahead were daunting.

"One day at a time," I murmured to myself as we stood to leave.

"What was that?" Quill asked.

I smiled, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Nothing. Just reminding myself that every journey begins with a single step. We've got a long road ahead of us, Quill, but I believe we're on the right path."

As we walked back towards the ROA headquarters, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched. A quick glance around revealed nothing out of the ordinary, but years of intelligence work had honed my instincts.

"Quill," I said casually, "when we get back to the office, I think we should review those security protocols we discussed."

She caught my meaning immediately, her posture stiffening almost imperceptibly. "Of course. Always good to stay on top of things."

As we approached the building that served as our headquarters, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling of being watched. Years of intelligence work had honed my instincts, and right now, they were screaming at me to be cautious.

"Quill," I murmured, my eyes scanning our surroundings, "when we get inside, I want you to check the windows. Casually, like you're just admiring the view."

She gave an almost imperceptible nod, her posture relaxed but her eyes alert. As we entered, I began my usual routine of detection spells, my horn glowing softly as I swept the room for any signs of intrusion or surveillance.

The interior was still a far cry from a proper government office, but at least it was clean now. A few mismatched desks and chairs were arranged in what could generously be called a workspace. Quill moved to the windows, ostensibly straightening the threadbare curtains.

"Anything?" I asked, my voice low.

Quill shook her head. "Nothing obvious, but..." She trailed off, her brow furrowing.

"What is it?"

She gestured me over, pointing to a building across the street. "That flower shop. Was it open yesterday?"

I frowned, trying to recall. The street had been largely deserted when I'd arrived this morning, but now that she mentioned it, I couldn't remember seeing that shop before. "I... don't think so."

Quill's expression hardened. "And look at the displays. Those aren't real flowers."

My heart rate quickened as I studied the storefront. She was right. The "flowers" were too perfect, too still in the gentle breeze. "Could be nothing," I said, not believing it for a second.

"Could be," Quill agreed, her tone making it clear she didn't believe it either. "So, about those security protocols..."

I nodded, understanding her meaning. We needed to talk, but not here. Not where we might be overheard.

"Let's take a walk," I suggested, loud enough to be heard if the room was bugged. "Clear our heads before we dive into work."

As we exited the building, I cast a subtle muffling spell around us. It wouldn't stop a determined eavesdropper, but it would make casual overhearing impossible.

"So," I said as we strolled down the street, pointedly not looking at the suspicious flower shop, "what do you think? EIA? Or someone else?"

Quill's eyes darted around, taking in every detail of our surroundings. "Hard to say. The setup is sloppy by EIA standards, but that could be intentional. Make us think it's amateurs."

I nodded, considering the implications. "Either way, we need to be more careful. No more meetings in the office until we can secure it properly."

"Agreed. But that raises another question – how do we secure it? We're not exactly flush with resources."

The problem had been gnawing at me since we'd first discovered our ramshackle headquarters. "I've been thinking about that. We might need to get... creative."

Quill raised an eyebrow. "Creative how?"

I hesitated, knowing my next words could change everything. "There are... certain individuals I knew from my EIA days. Ponies with particular skills who operate in a sort of gray area."

"You mean criminals," Quill said flatly.

"Reformed criminals," I corrected, though the distinction felt weak even to me. "Ponies who've helped the EIA in the past in exchange for leniency."

Quill was silent for a long moment, her expression unreadable. When she finally spoke, her voice was low and serious. "Violet, are you sure about this? If we start down this path..."

"I know," I said, cutting her off gently. "Believe me, I've thought about it. But we're outgunned and outmaneuvered. We need every advantage we can get."

She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "You're right. I don't like it, but you're right. So, who did you have in mind?"

I allowed myself a small smile. "Ever heard of a unicorn named Cipher?"

Quill's eyes widened. "The encryption specialist? The one who nearly brought down the entire Equestrian banking system?"

"The very same. Last I heard, she was working odd jobs in Lower Canterlot. If anyone can secure our communications and sweep for bugs, it's her."

As we walked, I outlined my plan to recruit Cipher and potentially other "consultants" with unique skill sets. Quill listened intently, offering suggestions and pointing out potential pitfalls.

By the time we circled back to our headquarters, we had the beginnings of a strategy. It was risky, potentially compromising, but it felt like our best shot at getting the ROA off the ground.

As we approached the building, I noticed a flicker of movement in the window of the flower shop. "Looks like our friends are getting curious," I murmured.

Quill nodded almost imperceptibly. "Time to give them a show, then?"

I smirked, appreciating her quick thinking. Loudly, I said, "Well, I think that covers everything for now. Why don't you head home and get some rest? We've got a lot of paperwork to tackle tomorrow."

"Sounds good," Quill replied, matching my volume. "See you in the morning, boss."

As she trotted off, I made a show of locking up the office, my movements exaggerated for our unseen observers. Inside, my mind was already racing with plans for our next move.

As twilight descended upon Canterlot, I found myself in a decidedly less reputable part of the city. The cobblestone streets were cracked and uneven, the buildings around me a far cry from the gleaming spires of the upper districts. I pulled my cloak tighter around me, my horn hidden beneath the fabric.

The tavern I sought was nestled between a pawnshop and what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. A weathered wooden sign hung above the door, its paint so faded that the name was barely legible: "The Rusty Horseshoe."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself before pushing open the door. The interior was dimly lit and hazy with smoke, the air thick with the scent of stale cider and unwashed bodies. A few patrons glanced up as I entered, their eyes quickly returning to their drinks when they saw nothing of interest.

I made my way to the bar, where a grizzled earth pony was wiping down glasses with a rag that had seen better days. "I'm looking for Cipher," I said, keeping my voice low.

The bartender grunted, jerking his head towards a secluded booth in the corner. "Don't cause no trouble," he warned.

As I approached the booth, I could make out the silhouette of a unicorn mare, her face hidden in the shadows. A faint magical aura surrounded her horn, creating a subtle distortion in the air – an encryption spell, no doubt.

"Cipher?" I asked, sliding into the seat across from her.

The mare leaned forward, allowing the dim light to illuminate her face. Her coat was a deep midnight blue, her mane a shock of electric green. A series of ones and zeros was etched across her flank – her cutie mark, I realized.

"Depends who's asking," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.

I lowered my hood, meeting her gaze. "Violet Codexa. We worked together on the Griffonstone operation."

Recognition flickered in Cipher's eyes, followed quickly by wariness. "Ah, Agent Codexa. Or should I say, Director now? Word travels fast in certain circles."

I nodded, impressed despite myself. "Then you know why I'm here."

Cipher leaned back, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "You're building something new. Something that's got a lot of powerful ponies nervous. And you need help."

"That's right," I confirmed. "I need your expertise. Security systems, encryption, bug sweeps – the works."

The unicorn's horn flared briefly, intensifying the distortion field around us. "And what makes you think I'd be interested in working for another government agency? My last experience wasn't exactly... pleasant."

I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Because this isn't just another agency. We're trying to change things, Cipher. Root out corruption, hold the powerful accountable. But we can't do it alone."

Cipher studied me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. "What's in it for me? I doubt your fledgling agency has much of a budget."

"You're right," I admitted. "We don't have much in the way of funds. Not yet. But we will. And when we do, you'll be compensated handsomely for your work."

The unicorn snorted. "So you're asking me to work for free, with the promise of eventual payment? That's a hard sell, even for you."

I took a deep breath, knowing I was about to play my final card. "Not for free. In exchange for your help, I'm prepared to offer you a full pardon. Clean slate, all past offenses wiped away."

Cipher's eyes widened, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing her face. "You can do that?"

"I can," I said, projecting more confidence than I felt. In truth, I wasn't entirely sure I had the authority to make such an offer. But I was betting on the fact that by the time anyone thought to question it, we'd be too valuable to shut down.

For several tense moments, Cipher said nothing. I could almost see the gears turning in her head, weighing the risks and potential rewards.

Finally, she spoke. "Alright, Codexa. You've got my attention. But I want it in writing. And I'm not the only one you'll need."

I nodded, relief washing over me. "I know. I have a list of others with... unique skill sets. I was hoping you might help me track them down."

Cipher's smirk returned, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Now that sounds interesting. Who else did you have in mind?"

As I began to outline my plans, I couldn't help but feel a mix of exhilaration and trepidation. We were venturing into murky ethical waters, but the potential payoff was too great to ignore.

Over the next few hours, Cipher and I pored over my list of potential recruits. There was Shadowhoof, a pegasus known for his ability to infiltrate even the most secure locations. Quicksilver, an earth pony with a talent for acquiring rare and often illegal magical artifacts. And Enigma, a unicorn whose mastery of illusion magic was said to be unparalleled.

As dawn began to break over Canterlot, we had the beginnings of a plan. Cipher agreed to start work on securing our headquarters immediately, while also reaching out to her contacts to locate the others.

"This is crazy, you know," Cipher said as we prepared to leave the tavern. "You're basically building a team of ex-criminals to police the government."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "When you put it that way, it does sound a bit mad. But sometimes, it takes a thief to catch a thief."

Cipher nodded, a genuine smile crossing her face for the first time. "Well, Director Codexa, I have to say – this might just be the most interesting job I've ever taken."

We parted ways after a quick goodbye. We were taking risks, bending rules, perhaps even breaking a few. But if it meant exposing the truth and protecting Equestria from those who would abuse their power, it was worth it.

The next few days passed in a whirlwind of activity. Cipher worked tirelessly to secure our headquarters, installing magical wards and encryption spells that would make even the most senior EIA observant agent look nervous.

Quill, initially skeptical of our new allies, quickly came to appreciate their unique skills. She took charge of coordinating our growing network of informants, using techniques she'd learned in the EIA but had never been allowed to fully implement.

As for me, I found myself juggling a dozen tasks at once. Between meetings with potential recruits, crafting cover stories for our operations, and continuing to navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy of official recognition, I barely had time to sleep.

But despite the challenges, I could feel the momentum building. We were no longer just a concept or a royal decree – we were becoming a real agency, with real potential to effect change.

One evening, as I sat at my desk reviewing reports, Quill burst into my office, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Violet, you need to see this," she said, levitating a folder onto my desk.

I opened it, my eyes scanning the contents. It was a financial report, detailing a series of suspicious transactions linked to several high-ranking officials in the Department of Economic Affairs.

"Where did you get this?" I asked, my mind already racing with the implications.

Quill grinned. "Let's just say Shadowhoof earned his pardon tonight."

I leaned back in my chair, a mix of emotions washing over me. We had our first real lead, our first chance to prove what the ROA was capable of. But I also knew that this was just the beginning. The deeper we dug, the more dangerous our work would become.

As I looked up at Quill, I saw the same determination in her eyes that I felt in my heart. We were in this now, for better or worse.

"Alright," I said, standing up. "Let's get to work."

And who knows? Maybe Economic Affairs would be delighted to hand over some funding for our work as well. Food for thought?