Watchmare

The morning of December 4th carried an air of tension, while the news of the strikes that had taken place in Fillydelphia still echoed throughout Equestria, a new scandal was about to come, Dark, in his black-walled room, focused his attention on the computer screen, reviewing the previous day's recording, where a fight between Twilight Sparkle and Spit Splinter took place, aware that the full recording would cause problems for Starlight and Socialism, a video editing program helped pegasus's work:

“Cut out the part where Spit uses black magic.” ordered Starlight, following her subordinate's work, “And take a few breaks in the moments when Twilight attacks. I want it to look like she lost control.”

With a nod, the order was carried out, Dark sipped his coffee as he adjusted the angles of the video and added subtitles to emphasize that the Princess of Friendship Twilight Sparkle brutally attacked a young citizen.

“What about audio?” Dark turned his neck to the side, looking at Starlight.

“Turn up Spit's moaning sounds, focus on Twilight's brutality.” Starlight opened a smile, rubbing her hooves, Dark looked back at his computer, continuing to edit the video.

“This will fire up the masses. The Princess of Friendship being seen as a hypocrite, who knew? The Princess who represents Harmony attacking a defenseless young woman.” sounded the voice of the union leader, who was observing Dark's work.

“This is just the beginning of the implementation of Socialism, friends…” the unicorn said, laughing.

With the work done, Dark uploaded the video to social media, the effect would not take long to be achieved, under the title “The Hidden Face about the Princess of Friendship”, the publications started to spread like wildfire, with the help unions, the video was shared, until a few days later the news came:

“Recently, a video sent on December 4th caused a huge stir on social media, the video in question shows Twilight attacking a young unicorn, from what it appears, the young girl was injured, the motivations for Princess Twilight Sparkle's violent acts are unknown, which talks so much about friendship and harmony. In the post made by Equestria Socialista, it is possible to observe comments from ponies angry with the attitude.” said a television journalist, in a bar in Cloudsdale, both the customers and the bartender stopped what they were doing, being stunned by the news.

“How could Twilight?” said a brown pony, mouth open.

“Is this the Princess of Friendship?” commented another pegasus, knocking on the table.

“Maybe this thing Socialism be right, after all!” exclaimed another bar customer.

“Shut up, this could just be a misunderstanding!” replied another pony, starting an argument in the establishment.

The news spread both inside and outside of Equestria, newspapers around the world published the video, opening questions and debates about what Friendship and Harmony were, some citizens began to leave their homes and jobs to protest against Twilight Sparkle and her actions. friends.

*** *** ***

In Canterlot, what was an atmosphere of celebration and time with friends, had turned into doubt and concern, Golden Valley, who was the first to access the video, gathered all the other leaders in the meeting room, presenting the video, which caused a deafening silence:

“This is worrying, ladies!” Golden Valley cut the silence, with his thick and present voice, “Princess Twilight Sparkle, trained by Princess Celestia, committing an act of violence against a citizen? How can we trust the stability of Equestria if the pillars of Harmony have resorted to brute force against their own people?”

“Yak doesn't like it. Harmony must be calm, not fight against innocent pony. Are ponies in Equestria still trustworthy?” Rutherford snorted, in a tone of disappointment.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other, then looked at the other leaders, some with disapproval, others with doubt about the video:

“General Valley, Prince Rutherford, I ask you to consider the context, Twilight is a leader dedicated to friendship and harmony, there is clearly manipulation in this video.” Celestia said, in a calm but firm voice.

Golden Valley frowned, “Manipulated or not, the impact is done, the population will not have the same critical eye as us. They will see the Princess of Friendship demonstrating the opposite of this, this can only be the tip of the iceberg.”

“This isn't the Twilight I know. Something isn't right. I lived alongside her, saw her growth as a Princess. She would never do something like that without a legitimate reason.” Cadance intervened, with an expression of evident doubt, but in a defensive tone.

“I agree. If she fought, there must be something more to the story. Twilight is not impulsive. This recording... it doesn't make sense.” Twilight's brother agreed, agreeing with his wife.

“Be that as it may, what matters now is how this will be handled. What will Equestria do to explain this incident? A justification must be given to the world, or they risk further tarnishing their reputation.” the Emperor banged his hoof on the table, attracting attention.

Snorting again, Rutherford said, “Yak agrees. Celestia must answer, as she taught Twilight. Yak wants to know: where did Celestia fail?”

The question caused a murmur in the meeting, Luna leaned forward, “Rutherford, I suggest you choose your words better, my sister did not fail! Training leaders to deal with complex challenges is a difficult task. Twilight has an impeccable track record so far. This is just an isolated incident that needs to be clarified.”

“Still, Luna, it was a public incident, we are all watching Equestria, a failure of judgment, or worse, a failure of character, on the part of a princess, the Princess of Friendship, is a shadow that will fall over the entire nation.” Golden said, raising his eyebrow.

Cadance looked at Celestia hesitantly, biting her lip, “What do you think we should do?”

Celestia closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, when she opened them, her expression represented firmness, “First, we need to clarify the facts. This video must be analyzed accurately, and the truth must be brought to light. I will send a public message, explaining that Equestria does not tolerate unnecessary violence, but I will urge calm until the events are fully investigated.”

“What about the protests that are sure to come?” Golden crossed his arms, it was still possible to see his lips stretched under his mustache.

“We will deal with them the way we always have: with patience and dialogue. Twilight and her friends have faced challenges before. I'm confident they can overcome this one too.” Celestia kept her tone firm, but her voice carried a slight trace of vulnerability that only Luna and Cadance could perceive.

The Yak stood up from the chair, his hooves causing a slight tremor on the floor, “Yak hopes that Celestia and Luna know what they are doing. Video has already been released to the world. True or not, damage is done.”

The meeting ended, doubts persisted in the air, the other leaders left the room, while the Two Sisters remained in place, both knew better than anyone that there was something wrong with the recording and Twilight's aggressive attitude:

“This will be a long crisis, sister, not just for Twilight, but for all of Equestria.” Luna said, looking at the city from the window.

Celestia sighed deeply, feeling lighter than at the meeting, “I know, sister, but I have faith in her.”

*** *** ***

On Saturday morning, Twilight woke up to a loud noise coming from outside the castle, the Princess got out of bed, rubbing her eyes, stretching, “Spike, what's going on?”

“Erh… Twilight, there's a crowd outside… and they don't look happy at all.” Spike replied, from the balcony.

“Whatever it is, it's a problem of…” Twilight yawned, as she put her hooves on the ground and walked to the balcony, “friendship... oh…”

Twilight was stunned to see several ponies carrying posters and signs against Twilight, her face and cutie mark were drawn and marked with a red X, some said that Twilight was bad, hypocritical, aggressive and fake. He quickly pulled Spike inside, closing the balcony door, some pegasus landed there, carrying similar signs:

“What is happening?” Twilight asked, pacing back and forth, nervous and confused by the protest.

“I don't know, they just showed up!” Spike replied, scratching the back of his head.

“We have to talk to the others!” Twilight exclaimed, running to the castle's map room, when she picked up her cell phone, she came across messages from the others saying about protests in front of their houses, “No, no, no... this can't be happening! Why are they so angry?”

“Was it something you said?” Spike suggested, shrugging.

In search of answers, Twilight asked the others why all the movement, Pinkie Pie was quick to respond:

They're saying that you attacked a pony a few weeks ago, there's even a video of it, but I thought it was something silly and manipulated. It's manipulated, right? I know you wouldn't do it, but I didn't think anyone would believe it.

“Oh no…” Twilight looked for the video, discovered that even the newspapers were talking about the scandal, “This is manipulated! They cut out the important parts!”

“Of course it is! But it won't be easy to convince everyone of this.” Spike agreed, with a tone of concern.

Twilight took a deep breath, trying to calm down, she knew she needed to act quickly, speaking with determination, “We need to go public and show the truth!”

“What if they don't believe it?” Spike asked, shaking and biting his claws.

“So, Spike, we'll do what we always do: fight for truth and harmony. No matter how difficult it is!” Twilight replied, stamping her hoof on the ground and lifting her chest.

Twilight took a cloak to disguise her appearance, Spike found it strange, “Where are you going?”

“Spike, send a message to the others, we need to get together immediately!” Twilight requested.

“Are you sure it's a good idea to leave? They seem pretty… angry.” Spike said, after hearing the sound of glass breaking in the hallway.

“We have no choice, we need to find a way to resolve this.” Twilight replied, in a firm voice, covering her mane and horns with the hood, which cast a shadow on her face, leaving her unrecognizable.

Spike nodded, doing what Twilight had asked, the dragon stayed under the alicorn, hidden next to the Princess, they both left the castle through the back, walking through the streets of Ponyville, going to the agreed meeting point, in the Everfree Forest, entering the forest, they followed the path to the Castle of the Two Sisters, they all arrived there safely.

Pinkie Pie seemed less excited than usual, while Rainbow Dash stood in one of the castle's ruined towers, squinting her eyes looking for anyone who had followed them, Rarity sighed dramatically, Applejack kept a serious expression, Fluttershy was cowering to the side. from Pinkie Pie, that situation was new to them, and scary:

“So can someone explain to me what's going on?” Rainbow Dash asked, joining the others while looking at Twilight.

Twilight showed the video to the others on her cell phone, they all watched in silence, with expressions of shock and indignation:

“This is a montage! Not true!” Rarity exclaimed, her voice full of frustration.

“O’ course it's not true, but look how they made it seem like it is!” Applejack said, rubbing her chin.

“Who did this? Who would want to tarnish your reputation, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked, her eyes wide.

Twilight looked at the others, hesitating, her mouth trembled, her heart palpitated, sweat ran down her face, until she finally admitted, “Starlight…”

“What? Would Starlight do something like that?” Pinkie was confused, she barely had words.

“I don't know if it was her, but who else would have the resources and motivation for something like this?” Twilight said, looking down, sad about the situation.

“Well then we need to face it! We can't leave it like this!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, stamping her hoof on the stone floor.

“I agree that we should resolve this, but we need to be careful. If we simply accuse her without concrete evidence, it will look like we are trying to cover up the truth.” Twilight said, reflecting on the possible consequences.

“We need a plan, sugarcube. Something that shows that we are honest an’ that this is all a big lie!” Applejack stated, with a firm voice.

“We can make our own broadcast! Show what really happened!” Pinkie Pie proposed, raising her paw excitedly.

“It's an idea. But first we need more information. If we can prove that the video was manipulated, we have a chance to turn the tide!” Twilight stood up, spreading her wings, looking at the horizon, her eyes reflected hope.

“How are we going to do this?” Fluttershy asked, tilting her head.

“We need help… from some technology expert who can prove that everything was manipulated!” Twilight replied, with determination.

*** *** ***

Meanwhile, Starlight, Dark Cuddle and Spit Splinter followed the video's developments, monitoring comments and shares on social media:

“It's working perfectly, now the Princess of Friendship is the Princess of Hypocrisy.” Dark said, with a sideways smile.

“They're swallowing everything, Twilight and her friends are going to lose credibility in a few days!” Spit agreed.

“This is just the beginning, the next step is to organize more demonstrations and protests, then we can force the Princesses to hand over power.” Starlight leaned forward in her chair, placing her back hooves on top of the desk.

“What if she manages to deny the video?” Spit looked at Starlight, tilting his head.

“It doesn't matter, even if she manages to prove that everything was manipulated, we have already planted the seed of doubt, and doubts are more difficult to eradicate than lies.” Starlight smiled, with the entire trajectory in mind.

“And where do we fit into this?” Hammer asked, at the door, next to Moon Bite.

“Ah, yes, you and Moon will be fundamental pieces…” Starlight replied, placing her hooves on the ground and turning to the green pony.

“Which would be…” Hammer said, raising his eyebrow.

“You are a union leader, you have influence… I was thinking in terms of our… brute force.” Starlight said, covering her mouth as she laughed.

“Ah, yes... I loved the idea…” Hammer smiled while rubbing his hooves.

“And as for Moon, he will be our bridge with the Thracians. Your influence among them will be crucial to maintaining pressure on the streets and expanding support for our cause.” Starlight stood up, walking towards Hammer and Moon Bite, with a calculated smile. “With each passing day, we are closer to our goal.”

Moon nodded, with a firm and determined look, “The Thracians are tired of being treated like second-class citizens. Many already follow me, and with tension growing, it will be easy to convince them that the current system has never treated them fairly.”

Starlight placed her hoof on Moon's shoulder, “Exactly, Moon. You will be the symbol of the Thracians' struggle, just as Hammer is for the workers. We need faces that represent everyone's pain and demands.”

Hammer looked at Starlight, “And what happens if Twilight or the Princesses try to negotiate directly with the workers?”

“Give in some things, but increase the demands too, soon we will ask for power, we will have a Parliament like in Fortekzia, that militarist rubbish... but having power, we will put in place ponies who believe in Socialism and begin the fall of diarchy.” Starlight replied.

*** *** ***

A few days later, Twilight and her friends continued to fight to deny the video, chaos began to reach the military ranks, Celestia and Luna closely observed the situation, aware of the internal crisis that was forming within the Royal Guard and the Wonderbolts, Rainbow Dash, due to the scandal, had been removed from the elite flight group.

In the Royal Guard barracks in Canterlot, a group of soldiers gathered in a corner of the courtyard, away from the others, whispers and suspicious looks permeated the environment, many of the guards were Pegasus and Earthlings, and much of the groups' leadership was made up of unicorns, not only that group, but other soldiers felt wronged by the leadership's policies:

“Have you seen the Twilight Princess video? How can we carry the title of “Royal Guards” and continue defending this system that hides the truth and oppresses the people?” Iron Shield commented, a veteran Earthling with cyan fur.

“Really. What if this is all true? What if we are just being used to protect a regime that has lost its legitimacy?” said the pegasus called Wind Sour.

The earthly Soft Lance, a Lieutenant who for years served the Princesses loyally, heard the brief conversation between the two ponies, fearing that it would corrode the spirit of the Royal Guard, she decided to go to the Palace, reporting directly to the Two Sisters.

In Cloudsdale, the unrest became evident, starting with a group of flyers led by the pegasus Storm Banner, who was close to Starlight's ideas:

“Why are we training to protect a nation that doesn't respect its own citizens?” Storm said, facing his companions, “Perhaps it is time to reconsider our loyalty.”

Rainbow Dash, who, although she was away, was still visiting the Academy, heard the flyer's words, quickly hiding, feeling a pang in her heart, when she saw that the symbol of unity and bravery of the Wonderbolts began to divide. The unions were not just made up of workers, the tentacles were reaching out to the defense of Equestria.

In the throne room, Celestia and Luna received the Lieutenant's report regarding the unrest in the barracks, Fancy Pants and Jet Set were present there, aware of the situation that was only getting worse:

“The situation is rapidly worsening, Your Highnesses. There are rumors of defections and even secret alliances between some guards and the syndicates led by Iron Hammer.” Fancy Pants reported, adjusting her monocle.

“This is unacceptable!” Luna exclaimed, stamping her hoof on the ground, “The Royal Guard has always been a bastion of loyalty. We cannot allow this doubt to spread like a plague.”

“We need to tread carefully, sister. If we are perceived as tyrannical, we will only strengthen the narrative they are building.” Celestia said, observing the stained glass windows that portrayed harmony and victory.

Jet Set cleared his throat, pausing before suggesting a solution, “Your Highnesses, perhaps it is time to reactivate S.M.I.L.E.”

Silence reigned, the Royal Guards looked astonished, S.M.I.L.E. it had been deactivated years ago, since Luna's redemption, the organization was known for its secret operations, its agents were like ghosts, they left no traces, they carried out their mission without hesitation, but the methods applied were unknown.

“S.M.I.L.E. was created to protect Equestria in times of great instability. If there is infiltration or betrayal in our ranks, they are the only ones capable of quickly identifying and neutralizing the threat” Jet Set said, adjusting his glasses.

Luna looked at Celestia, “I agree, sister. These are exceptional times, and exceptional measures are necessary.”

“With all due respect, Your Highnesses... but I don't know if that would be... ideal. I mean, S.M.I.L.E. It's been useful before, but is it really necessary?” Soft Lance said, lowering his head, taking a step back, with his legs shaking.

“The Lieutenant is right, the S.M.I.L.E. doesn't use very… harmonious methods, wouldn't it be better… something else?” one of the Guards gave a nervous smile, while sweat ran down his forehead.

Celestia closed her eyes, giving a slight nod, “Let it be done. Reactivate S.M.I.L.E. But I make it clear: they must act within the limits of ethics and harmony. We will not sacrifice our values, even in the face of a crisis.”

Everyone bowed to the Princesses, accepting the decision, Lance withdrew, and actions to reactivate S.M.I.L.E. were put into practice, the old headquarters, located on the outskirts of Canterlot, would now become unusable, in a matter of a few hours, ponies entered the underground shelter, the lights were turned on, the dust had dominated the cold concrete floor and the steel walls, brooms were used to clean the headquarters, an old pony with dark beige fur and moss-green mane was trotting there, Shadow Veil, the former Commander of the S.M.I.L.E. would you return to your usual activities, with the new technologies developed in the recent Industrial Revolution, would operations be faster, more efficient and traceable, your first order? Send letters to the old guard.

*** *** ***

On the morning of the 6th, an earth pony from Ponyville woke up to a knock on the door, her yellow hooves sounded against the wood of the house, when the door creaked open, the girl looked around, finding it strange that no pony was there, then, he looked at the floor, surprised, picked up the letter and closed the door, when he opened it, he read the contents out loud, “‘An afternoon tea is always good, could you come today?’ I can't believe it…” Sweetie “Bon Bon” Drops went up to her room, prepared her backpack and left for the capital, Drops thought she would have a normal life after capturing the nosy bear, but she was wrong, in the end, that wasn't her last mission.

The former agent went to the headquarters, it was exactly as it was before the deactivation, countless ponies, pegasi, unicorns and earthlings were moving around the place, former agents from all corners of Equestria, all of them returning to the agency, they knew that if the S.M.I.L.E. was reactivated, it had a reason, and it wasn't a pleasant reason.

Following the guidance of the signs, the girl entered the meeting room, there was the Commander, in front of hundreds of former agents, the old unicorn looked great, he would explain the new guidelines and policies that would be applied and the new mission that would be carried out.

The meeting room was filled with silence, the environment was illuminated by lamps, spreading cold light into the eyes of the former agents, the symbol of S.M.I.L.E., a circle with the image of the Two Sisters, just like on the flag, surrounded by a circle containing The name of the agency, in the background, in silver, was displayed.

Shadow stood center stage, looking at the S.M.I.L.E. veterans, his presence exuded authority and duty, his voice echoed off the walls, “S.M.I.L.E. agents, we have been called upon once again to protect Equestria. This call is not a reason for celebration, but for recognition. Recognition that we live in times of crisis, where doubts erode the foundations of our nation.”

“Yes sir!” the former agents said, in unison, the commander's eyes penetrated each agent.

“You know as well as I do that our mission has always been to maintain the stability of Equestria, even when the shadows threatened to swallow the light. Today, we face a threat that doesn't just hide in the dark. It operates openly, manipulating hearts and minds.” taking a step forward, his voice was more intense, “The Royal Guard, the Wonderbolts and even our citizens are being poisoned by misinformation and external influences. Our first task will be to infiltrate and monitor the ranks of the Guard and Wonderbolts. We need to identify and neutralize any element that compromises the loyalty of these forces, always respecting the principles we swore to protect.”

A murmur spread among the police officers. Many recalled S.M.I.L.E.'s old methods, which weren't exactly known for their gentleness. Shadow Veil raised its hoof, calling for silence.

“Now let me be clear: the methods we will use will be different from traditional methods. This will not be an operation conducted by intimidation or oppression. Celestia and Luna were explicit: our actions must be within the limits of ethics and harmony.” Shadow explained, moving heavily across the stage.

Agent Drops raised her hoof, Shadow nodded, allowing her to speak, “Commander, how can we maintain harmony while facing a threat that clearly don't play by the same rules?”

“Excellent point, Agent Drops. We must be smarter, more patient. Harmony does not mean passivity, it means balance. We will act with surgical precision, leaving no trace of oppression that could be used against us. Information, strategic allies and a coherent narrative will be our best weapons.” Shadow smiled, as if he was already expecting a related question.

“What about the unions and leaders like Iron Hammer and Moon Bite? They have already gained significant support, they already control several ponies. How do we plan to deal with this?” a gray pegasus pointed out, Swifter “Wood” Arrow, raising his voice.

The Commander took a deep breath before responding, “These figures are dangerous, not only because of their words, but because of the influence they exert. We will monitor their actions, identify their support networks, and dismantle their movements without direct confrontation whenever possible. We need to win in the field of ideas, exposing their weaknesses and contradictions.”

Silence returned as the agents absorbed the information and the gravity.

“This is a game of chess, not a battle of brute force. Every movement must be calculated. Remember: our goal is not to destroy, but to restore. Restore faith in the harmony and leadership of Equestria.” Shadow deepened his voice again, softening it again, “You were chosen because you were the best. I trust each of you to fulfill your mission with honor and discernment. This will be a long and complex operation, but if we work together, we can bring stability back to our home.”

The agents stood up in unison, stamping their hooves on the ground in a gesture of respect and commitment.

Shadow Veil nodded in satisfaction, “Now, prepare yourself. Team meetings start in an hour. Each unit will be given a specific area to monitor. And remember: the true strength of S.M.I.L.E. It's not what we do, but what we prevent from happening.”

*** *** ***

Some time later, on December 16th, Rainbow Dash arrived at Cloudsdale calmly, the Royal Guards intervened in the protests, relieving the tension, but not ending her removal, it was part of her day to visit the Wonderbolt Academy, see the activities and remembering what it was like to participate in the team directly, that brightened his day, but his smile was destroyed when he heard Banner's voice:

“You know, we could create our own unity within the Wonderbolts and fight the unfaithful to true harmony!” the pegasus said, hitting his hoof on a cloud.

“Storm, that's not what the Wonderbolts are about. Our job is to protect Equestria, not question who deserves our loyalty.” Rainbow Dash approached him, standing between him and the rest of the rebel group.

“And who will protect the ponies from leaders like Twilight?” Banner replied, giving a provocative smile.

Rainbow Dash stared at Storm Banner with half-closed eyes, her mane fluttering slightly in the wind. The pegasus's provocation had hit a nerve, but she maintained control, even though she felt her temper flare.

“Protecting Equestria isn't about choosing sides, Storm. It's about unity. True harmony isn't perfect, but that doesn't mean we abandon everything when things get difficult.” Rainbow replied, her voice full of firmness.

Storm Banner smiled bitterly, his wings flapping to emphasize his defiant stance, “Union? Do you call what is happening now unity? Strikes, protests, a video of the Princess of Friendship attacking a citizen... that's not unity, Dash, that's collapse!”

The other surrounding pegasi, smaller members of Banner's group, began to murmur in agreement. The atmosphere became tense, like a storm about to break. Rainbow stepped forward, pointing her hoof directly at Banner, “And what do you think you'll accomplish by splitting the Wonderbolts? Will it save Equestria or just make it even more vulnerable? This isn't why you joined the team, Storm!”

“Maybe not, but the Wonderbolts I met wouldn't blindly follow leaders who betray their own ideals. Someone needs to do something, and if Spitfire won't, maybe we should!” Storm Banner raised his voice, attracting even more attention to the discussion.

Rainbow raised her wings, blocking the view of the other approaching pegasi, her voice raised, “You're talking about betrayal, Banner! If you really care about Equestria, you know this is not the way!”

“And you think blindly following orders is the way to go? Wake up, Dash! True loyalty is to the ponies, not to leaders who abandoned us! Leaders like your friend who is the Princess of Friendship!” Banner replied, taking a step forward.

The discussion reached a volume high enough to catch the attention of Spitfire, who was further away, observing the morning's training. She flapped her wings hard, flying towards the group with a stern expression.

“What's going on here?” Spitfire asked, his voice cutting through the tension like lightning.

The group slowly dispersed, some of the pegasi looking away or flapping their wings to leave the area. Only Storm Banner remained firm, although without directly facing Spitfire.

“Nothing that hasn't already been resolved, Captain.” Rainbow Dash said, trying to keep her tone casual even though her tail thumped nervously against the cloud.

Spitfire was not convinced.

“Dash, come with me. Now.” he ordered, pointing to a more private area of the academy.

As Rainbow and Spitfire walked away, a pegasus with light gray fur and dark blue mane, dressed simply, observed the scene from afar. He adjusted his discreet glasses on his face, his wings moving slowly to keep him hovering in the air. He was a S.M.I.L.E. agent.

*** *** ***

Spitfire landed in a more private corner of the gym, his hard expression softening slightly as he looked at Rainbow Dash.

“Dash, what's going on here? I thought you were supposed to be away!” the Captain asked, crossing her hooves and waiting for an explanation.

Rainbow sighed, looking away before replying, “It's Storm Banner, Captain. He… is convincing some pegasi that the Wonderbolts need to “take action” against Equestria’s leadership.”

Spitfire narrowed his eyes, “And you think he could cause serious problems?”

“Honestly? Yes. He's trying to divide the team. And if this continues, we could have pegasi turning against their own companions. This is not something we can ignore, Captain.” Rainbow said, facing Spitfire directly.

The Captain was silent for a moment, pondering. Finally, she sighed.

“We cannot allow this to happen. I'll keep an eye on Banner and anyone else who's leaning towards him. But Dash…” Spitfire hesitated, his voice softer, “You need to be careful. You are already officially removed, and any false step could be used against you.”

Rainbow nodded, though her eyes reflected a mix of determination and weariness, “Roger that, Captain.”

Spitfire gave a slight wave before leaving, leaving Rainbow alone for a moment. Banner, who was listening to the conversation, hid before Spitfire could notice him, then saw the light gray pegasus in the distance, finding him strange, but immediately ignoring it, thinking he was just a fan of the flyers.