Cogs

A poised mare walks along the platform as the train doors open; a young white unicorn with an auburn mane worn in a bun. Behind her two pegasi stallions keep a watchful eye on the passengers.

"Good afternoon my little ponies, and what a glorious afternoon it is at that," the unicorn mare enunciated beautifully, "we should all be grateful to our fine weather stewards for this." She gave an expansive smile before continuing, "My name is Cotton Flower, and you are to be my charges until I get you settled right in." Cotton Flower smiled warmly at the attractive cornflower blue unicorn stallion that departed from his carriage, before hiding a grimace at the tide of unkempt earth ponies rearing to alight.

"Wildfire, Lightning Charm; do deal with these arrivals while I show this gentlecolt to his new residence." Cotton Flower said with an air of importance. The pegasi stallions motioned towards the now leaving passengers. Cotton Flower walked a short distance with the unicorn stallion before slowing.

"I don't mean to be rude, but what's a fine stallion such as you doing in Ponyville?" Cotton Flower intoned gently. The stallion snorted a laugh.

"My, so bold. I would have thought it were on your clipboard. Darling, I'll save you some time and tell you I'm not likely to be visiting your bedroom any time soon. Wildfire on the other hoof..." He left the statement hanging. Cotton Flower rallied almost imperceptibly. They continued walking for a short while. The birds seemed loudest here; the upper class section of the town still retained its original features. Most apparent in the large tree that served as a library, or at least did before the uprising. A fashion boutique still bearing its original façade was visible in the near distance, and the houses spoke of quaint town life with their fine thatched roofs. Cotton Flower left it a short while before speaking.

"My clipboard tells me that you're Iridescence, from a noteworthy family in Manehattan, but that your father has decided to... Allow you space to find who you are. It definitely doesn't mention anything to do with a wedding, or a gateau anywhere. It also says that you will be paid a stipend from him, and that you are to become site foreman for the brassworks. This work contract comes with board in the old town, a generous ration allowance, and relative autonomy." Cotton Flower said in monotone.

"That sounds about right." Iridescense agreed keenly. Cotton Flower looked pleading then abruptly spoke, losing her composure.

"Really? Wildfire? You would prefer a ruffian pegasi over your own kind?"

"I like my stallions with feathers. Did I stress the stallion part enough? Sometimes the mares that take a liking to me miss that." Iridescence said cheerfully. Cotton Flower stared open mouthed for a short while; the background noise of the birds filling the silence.

"You'll be staying here. Your job starts on Thursday; to give you time to settle. Anything else?"

"A valet was mentioned. I assume that's still happening."

"Of course. Social outcast or not you're still one of the noble race. A baby dragon has..." Cotton Flower began before Iridescence cut in.

"I would prefer a pony if it's all the same with you."

"A pegasi stallion by any chance?" Cotton Flower asked disdainfully.

"See, we're learning. One who is, shall we say, open minded. Good Day, I need to rest after my journey."

"Of course." Cotton Flower said glowering.

"Oh way to go Cotton Flower. You meet a cute stallion from a reputable background, and completely fail to miss that he's... Not interested." Cotton Flower was trotting back towards the station talking to herself. "Mother was right. I do have no luck with stallions." She sighed heavily, "still, a lot to do, new ponies to assign. Brave face. Smile. Ready." She slowed and walked primly onto the platform, where Wildfire and Lightning Charm were ferrying the last of the passengers to a nearby hall. Cotton Flower motioned to Wildfire. She could see the attraction; luxurious cream coat, amber through gold mane and pale yellow eyes. He was still just a pegasus though.

"Wildfire," Cotton Flower coughed nervously, "are you... Open minded enough to pay the new unicorn a visit?"

"What are you asking me?" Wildfire said in a voice like warm molasses.

"It's just that Iridescence has expressed interest in you." Cotton Flower said awkwardly.

"Tell him no. I don't want no part of such debauchery." Wildfire said loudly. "But if the mood takes me I may stroll over at some point." He whispered slowly. Cotton Flower nodded slightly, before forcing a smile.

"And now to meet today's arrivals." she spoke in the forced tone of one who is just waiting to get it over with. She and Wildfire joined Lightning Charm at the rear of the moving group of ponies as they entered the hall come halfway house. The assembled crowd stood nervously, talking discretely with their immediate neighbours. Cotton Flower walked slowly through the mass, the pegasi ahead of her clearing a path, until she reached a lectern at the head of the room.

"Good afternoon. I am entrusted to look after you until you get assigned a work role. This building will be where you sleep, eat, socialise, and remain until that happens." Cotton Flower paused, surveying the audience, watching their reactions. "I am a fair warden. Live carefully by me and these next few days can be happy and incident free. Those of you who already have a work assignment, you will be collected tomorrow morning. Those without will get ample opportunity over the coming days." She inhaled deeply. "Tomorrow afternoon the most influential ponies will be here to fill any vacancies they have. These will be the best positions available. Service positions, food preparation, guard duties, and so forth. Positions that grant higher amounts of autonomy, more generous ration cards, and better accommodation. Those of you who fail to impress will remain here for a further few days, this to allow other positions to be made available to you. Less favourable ones, but with some benefits." Cotton Flower paused for effect.

"If by some chance you fail even at that. You will be assigned a workhouse, factory, or farm to be a labourer in, or transported to another town. Everypony will have left my care inside a week." She glared at the crowd. "Make sure it is on good terms." Cotton Flower finished allowing Lightning Charm to direct the ponies to the sleeping quarters, and inform them of when meal times are. The bunk rooms were appalling; they stank of stale bedsheets and damp. The sad thing being that this would be the height of luxury, should a pony get assigned to menial labour. Standing rampant in the centre of the room was Twilight Sparkle. A limestone effigy depicting the unicorn mare around the time she first visited Ponyville. A tall earth pony took considerable care to spit at the statue's base before continuing to his bunk. Huddled next to him was a young filly, crying profusely as she lay in her mother's lap.

Iridescence lay spread-eagled on his bed staring up at the ceiling. He sighed and rolled over. Troubling thoughts over what led to the current situation played feverishly in his mind. If it wasn't for the gateau situation, he would never have been sent to Ponyville. After all who has a dozen live sparrows at a wedding? He sat up and surveyed the bookshelf opposite the bed. A golden yellow aura engulfed a large tome levitating it forward.

"'Equestrian Manifesto: Division of the Classes' Celestia that sounds dull." Iridescence sighed softly. He turned to the section on unicorns. "Due to the unicorn's increased magical gifts, it follows only logical that in the event of a societal collapse the unicorn race will end up in the higher positions of power..." Iridescence sighed wearily, before slamming the book shut. "Wow, that's dry." He turned the book over to check the author. 'Twilight Sparkle' Iridescence frowned in surprise. Leaving a workers' house a short distance away, a cream pegasi stallion began trotting elegantly.  Wildfire strode confidently to Iridescence's lodgings. He had spent all afternoon preening himself and looked amazing. The evening sun caught on his furled wings making them appear a deep crimson red. He raised a hoof and rapped politely on the door. Iridescence opened it after a brief interval and smiled widely.

* * *

"Good morning everypony. It's five AM, and what a beautiful morning at that." Cotton Flower spoke loudly, standing alongside the statue of Twilight Sparkle. "Let us all be thankful to our weather stewards. Working tirelessly so that we may enjoy such great conditions." She said in a bright voice, as if daring somepony to not be thankful.

"Breakfast begins at half five. It will last fifteen minutes. If you fail to attend the next meal shan't be for another seven hours." Cotton Flower smiled gleefully. "Everypony needs to look their best today. That is if you want to work in a degree of luxury. Before the excitement of that though, some housekeeping wouldn't go amiss. Decide amongst yourselves who is preparing breakfast, and who is cleaning up afterwards." With that she strode out of the room, leaving Lightning Charm to glare threateningly at the bleary ponies. Two young mares took the opportunity to speculate on the situation.

"What did she mean; decide who prepares breakfast? If it's being prepared by us how can there be a set time." The copper coloured mare asked hushed.

"Maybe it was a veiled deadline." The pink mare opposite suggested.

"What happens if we don't meet it?" Retorted the copper mare. Lightning Charm walked silently behind them, and said, in the softest of voices:

"Then you goes hungry, don'tcha?" Both mares flinched at his presence. He cackled and strode away.

"I'll do it." the tall earth pony that spat at the statue sat up and announced. "Before being sent to this dump I pretty much did this every day." He shot a tired look at the bickering pair. "And maybe you fine ladies would like to help me? Hmm?" The stallion continued pointedly. He stood up and walked gracefully towards the kitchen. Even in his current state, his regal form was impressive. His bordeaux mane rich in the lamp-light, augmenting his caramel coat. A cutie mark of a bunch of grapes occupied his flank.

"Rouge, by the way. My mother was doting, but an idiot. Well? Are you coming or not?" The two mares were silent from shock. Then inched forward, embarrassed. Rouge entered the kitchen and sighed.

"Oh, what a disaster of a room. This just won't do. I remember the good days, when I worked in one of the..." He glanced behind him and stopped abruptly. "Oh well, no sense wallowing. To work." He lugged a bag of oranges from the scullery, that is, the shelf that could arguably be called a scullery, and turned to the pink mare.

"You there. Pink one. I assume you know how to squeeze oranges." Rouge stated incredulously.

"It's Sakura, and yes." She returned with a glare. Rouge smiled and threw her the bag.

"And you?" Rouge directed at the other mare.

"Autumn Lily..." She replied shyly. "I can prepare some oats for porridge if that's OK?"

"Wonderful. We have fifteen minutes."

Iridescence rolled over as he woke up, only to meet with some resistance. His nose buried in luxuriant cream feathers he inhaled deeply and sighed. Wildfire twitched slightly in his sleep as Iridescence got up and activated the clockwork coffee machine. Wildfire began to stir, stretching expansively as he awoke.

"Morning." Iridescence said gingerly. Wildfire jumped, his eyes widening in shock.

"I'm late. This is bad. I can't be late I need to be with Cotton Flower. The new arrivals need supervision... "  Wildfire panicked as he paced about the bedroom.

"Don't worry about it." Iridescence intoned calmly, placing a hoof under Wildfire's chin. "I have spoken to Cotton Flower about getting you reassigned. Paperwork still needs to be official, but you're to become my valet." He gently stroked Wildfire's cheek.

"What if I don't want to be reassigned?" Wildfire asked bluntly.

"When has that ever mattered?" Iridescence spoke harshly. "We do what the paper says we are allowed to." He looked compassionately at Wildfire. "I wouldn't even need a valet if it weren't for my father sending me here. All because of the whole gateau thing. Sure, it was my sister's wedding. Yes, seventeen ponies were injured, but it was hardly my fault. Well mostly anyway." He looked forlorn.

"It's a better job than being a guard anyway. More autonomy, better accommodation. A good deal for you if you ask me."

"I didn't come here expecting to become your servant."

"No? Then you are deluded. Even as a guard for Cotton Flower you were my servant. Even if you were living in the highest pegasi household, you would still be my servant. Due to your race you are subservient to me; the only change is that now it's official."

"Are you saying I was born lower than you? You're the unicorn outcast. You are the shunned, pushed aside son. Yet you claim to be better than me?" Wildfire said forcefully.

"No. I do not say it. Society says it. Just as society dictates your worth it dictates mine. I respect pegasi; I just don't forget how your place is viewed." Iridescence retorted calmly.

At half past five Cotton Flower entered the kitchen, expecting to see disorganised chaos. She stood open mouthed at the food prepared before her. True it was made from cheap ingredients, and wasn't all that appetising, but it was edible, and prepared on time. She stared past the hotplate of fried eggs and saw the tureen full of porridge. Behind that three pitchers of orange juice sat.

"Good morning Cotton Flower." Rouge said with exaggerated politeness. "Are you here for breakfast?"

"No thank you. I wouldn't want to deprive my ponies of such a... Wonderful looking meal." Cotton Flower said in the most graceful manner she could. "I'm impressed at what you have managed though."

"Then I'll thank you kindly to step out of the way. Autumn Lily has already gone out with the toast racks, but the rest of this isn't going to shift itself." Rouge stated primly. Cotton Flower stared dumbfounded as the food was moved through. Nopony had ever succeeded at that. The whole point of the exercise was to watch ponies fail. Thoroughly demotivating them for the rest of the day. She felt like crying.

Cotton Flower then walked into the hall and froze. Sakura had rounded up a couple of ponies to help her set up the tables, and the room was bustling with the activity of ponies eating. Day one shouldn't go this well. The point of day one was to remind the lower races that they needed orders to get tasks done, not just direction. Cotton Flower, tears welling up stared at the scene of perfection before her. It was impossible. Then a thought struck her. Bringing her clipboard to face her she scanned it for the earth pony in the kitchen. The entry for Rouge was huge, taking up an entire page. Work history, family background, and level of education. Cotton Flower smiled, the exercise hadn't failed. The ponies were acting on order. Rouge was a pony to watch.

Iridescence got dressed into his orange waistcoat and cravat that he favoured. It was around six AM and he usually would walk about the streets of Manehattan at this point, checking out the market stalls as they opened.

"Wildfire? I'm going out." Iridescence called out, standing by the door.

"OK." Wildfire said calmly. Iridescence stood by the door a few moments, before sighing and calling out again.

"That means you're coming with me. Unless I say you are not to follow, it is assumed my valet will." Iridescence said brightly.

"It is? Oh." Wildfire said nervously trotting down the stairs. Iridescence caught sight of Wildfire, sighed again, and face-hoofed.

"Not looking like that though." He said resigned. "Come with me, let's get you dressed properly."

"What's wrong with how I look?" Wildfire asked incredulously.

"Nothing, you're adorable, but a gentlecolt of my standing needs a servant who looks the part. At the moment ponies will see a ruffian pegasi that just got out of bed." He led Wildfire to his dressing room, levitating a comb as he passed it. Running it through Wildfire's mane he smiled inwardly.

"You are to see a barber once a week. I will set a tab with my household. For the duration of the week you are to keep your mane tame." Wildfire looked in the mirror. His mane was now slicked back and flat. "We will be visiting a tailor this morning, and get you fitted for a suitable work outfit, and also some casuals, for when you have time off." With this Iridescence stripped Wildfire of the loose shirt he had put on.

"In the meantime..." Circling the pair now was a selection of dress shirts, waistcoats and ties. Iridescence scrutinised them carefully before proceeding to dress Wildfire in a white shirt, cream tie, and black waistcoat. "At the end of our outing you are to have these washed and returned to my wardrobe." He glanced at the front of Wildfire, shook his head and removed the cream tie, replacing it with a gold one. "On the subject of clothing, you are responsible with my laundry as well as yours, do not get them mixed up, and I expect of the morning my clothed laid out clean and pressed. Should there be a reason for me to change during the day I expect the same for my change of clothes." Iridescence looked at Wildfire and smiled. Lifting his chin and nuzzling into him he continued: "In public, and whenever I have guests, you are to refer to me as sir, and only engage in official conversation, unless I invite otherwise. I think that covers everything for now."

"These clothes are rather restrictive on my wings." Iridescence glanced behind him at the uncomfortable pegasi.

"That's because they were made for a unicorn of my build. Hence why our first stop is a tailor. You have lived here longer than me so you may direct me, but I have to be seen as leading."

Outside the door, the freshness of the morning air hit Iridescence, holding his head up he inhaled, tasting it. It was pleasant but alien to the tastes and smells of Manehattan. He sighed forlorn then started to walk, head high. The clock tower proclaimed it to be a quarter past seven. The old town was peaceful and quiet, with occasional birdsong, but just on the edge of sensation was the industrial new town; the sound of a thousand ponies trudging to their positions, the taste of coal on the southern breeze, and the skyline dominated by several large factory chimneys, choking the atmosphere, just above the cloud-line. Young unicorn foals were skipping about the cobbled streets, watched from a distance by their parents' staff. Iridescence laughed as a ball narrowly missed him. The yellow colt laughing also apologised and retrieved his toy. He had difficulty levitating it his magic not quite developed yet, but managed it on the third try.

"You fancy a game, mister?" The colt asked politely.

"I'm afraid not little fellow, but I may have a bit for a lad who can direct me to a good tailor." Iridescence intoned warmly with a slight wink.

"There's Higgins' down the road. But he don't half charge a front and back leg."

"Haha I'm sure he does." Keeping his promise Iridescence levitated out a bit and presented it to the colt; then with a sly glance added a second.

"Thanks mister." The colt said with wide eyes. Even though he probably got ten times that in pocket money, he showed respect for the generosity offered him for such a small piece of information.

"Don't spend it all on sweets." Iridescence called after the colt as he ran off.

"Is it wise to be giving your money to foals?" Wildfire asked politely, then remembering himself, added: "Sir?"

"Have you had much interaction with unicorn foals, Wildfire?"

"Well, no... Sir"

"He will be lavished upon, have vast riches spent on him, and yet he still respects the generosity of two bits. What does that say about society?"

"I'm not sure sir." Wildfire admitted grudgingly. Iridescence stopped outside a beautiful shop front. In the window fine suits and elegant dresses upon clothes horses beckoned.

"This must be the Higgins' the lad was referring to. It certainly looks a place that will charge extortionate fees." Iridescence said keenly. "Let's go in then."

The shop bell tinkled sweetly as the door swung shut. Inside was a plush interior of rich purples, vibrant blues, and elegant whites. Iridescence took a seat, and then shook his head when Wildfire motioned to do the same. A few moments later an elderly grey unicorn came trotting in from a back room. He looked flustered but keen.

"Gentlecolts, what can I do for you?" He spoke warmly, but with the cracks of age apparent in his voice.

"You're a Mister Higgins then I presume." Iridescence said in a bored voice. "This is my valet. He needs fitting for clothes suitable of my station."

"Actually there never was a Higgins, my late wife thought it sounded more fancy than Dawn Light. What makes you think you can afford my services?" Dawn Light said with the slightest of sneers. Iridescence returned with a slight smile, and presented the elderly tailor with a business card bearing a family crest. Dawn Light went even greyer and forced a smile.

"My mistake sir I didn't recognise you. Would your, er, valet like to come through?" Wildfire looked at Iridescence.

"Yes, I think he would." Iridescence said with a wide smile.

"Don't speak unless he speaks to you, mind your manners if such an occasion arises, and remember above all, you represent me, your mistakes are mine that will have detrimental effects on my already shaken standing." Iridescence whispered when Dawn Light was out of earshot. Wildfire opened his mouth to speak, and then shut it and nodded.

The population in the halfway house was slightly smaller; the pre-assigned ponies having been collected for their work roles. It was fast approaching lunch time and Rouge was preparing for another stint in the kitchen when Cotton Flower sidled behind him.

"What are they going to do this evening? Or tomorrow? You know, after you get your assignment?" Cotton Flower asked in veiled joy.

"What makes you so certain I'm going to be chosen this afternoon?" Rouge responded, matching her bluff.

"This." Cotton Flower held the clipboard for Rouge to see. She had highlighted a particular passage.

"I wasn't aware that information was given to you." He said slowly, swallowing. "How many of the employers coming here know that?"

"All of them. I made sure the more interesting candidates were known of. Means I can get a higher finder's fee. Particularly if several ponies want you." Cotton Flower said quietly. Letting it sink in.

"What you mean is I'll be sold to the highest bidder." Rouge said monotonously.

"Oh not at all. Nopony is being sold. You're being hired, I'm just your agent in that respect."

"If I don't like the employer... My agent chooses for me?" Rouge said carefully.

"The medical students always need practice. If an accident were to happen, a teaching hospital will always pay for... Training materials." Cotton Flower said veiling her threat with the skill of a master. She walked slowly away, allowing her words to settle.

"We are being sold though aren't we?" Autumn Lily asked quietly.

"I don't know little one. I just don't know." Rouge said, his voice heavy with despair.

* * *

Iridescence was about to leave Higgins' when a beautiful dress caught his eye. He glanced at Dawn Light in a questioning manner.

"That, oh what a piece of work that once was." Dawn Light said nostalgically. "That was a dress made quite a while ago, by a unicorn fashion designer who used to live here. You must have seen the shop that looks like a carousel. That was hers. I own copies of all her designs, but this is better than that even. This is her Gala dress. I wish you could see it in its prime." The old tailor was misty eyed.

"Well thank you, I really must be going." Iridescence glanced at Wildfire and directed him to follow. He did look amazing now; respectable amazing, like the higher end of butlers. The shirt and waistcoat complimented his pegasi body beautifully; the jacket was practical yet elegant. The door chimed merrily as the pair left.

"Good afternoon my little ponies." Cotton Flower forced a smile. She was getting sick of being this cheerful. "I need everypony to form a line. Organise yourself by race and gender, pegasi stallions through to earth mares." She indicated two opposite corners, giving direction on how to stand. While the ponies organised themselves Cotton Flower turned to the employers standing behind her. Locating the ones she desired to speak with Cotton Flower sidled over to them.

"Roselyn. Charmed to see you. I see you have brought your husband this time. A pleasure." Cotton Flower spoke with sincerity and bowed slightly.

"Yes, well you know how it is, the stallion always has to have his nose in. Or do you?" Roselyn drawled, clearly unimpressed with Cotton Flower's simpering.

"I suppose you want me to direct you to the more unusual ponies first?" Cotton Flower continued, acting oblivious to the not-really-an-insult.

"That would be welcomed. I would hate my time wasted on trash." She held her gaze slightly too long on Cotton Flower. Cotton Flower turned around, her eyes stinging. The congregation had managed to form a rough line. She immediately headed for Rouge and pulled him out. Along with a pegasus mare and Autumn Lily.

"You would think my own family might be a bit more considerate of me." Cotton Flower muttered under her breath. Roselyn strode forward, peering through her glasses at a clipboard.

"So this is the... Earth pony Rouge? Yes, he'll do." Roselyn said calmly. "You there, fellow, you're now head butler for my manor. I see you are used to this role. If you go the way of my last butler I shall have you quartered." Rouge swallowed.

"May I be so bold, ladyship, as to ask what happened with your last butler?" Rouge asked delicately.

"Before his tragic... Accident he was last seen running from my house, saddlebags full of silverware. Was that succinct enough for you?"

"Of course ladyship. Masterfully described."

"As to that funny business with your family, keep inside the line and it won't be mentioned." Roselyn said in her thick drawl.

"Thank you ladyship. You are too kind."

"I know. Blossomfall? Any of these take your fancy?" Roselyn turned to her husband who had been staring at his hooves.

"Hmm? Oh yes. That mare there, the coppery one. She'll be excellent company for Spirit Flame. He does get so lonely of the evenings." Blossomfall said in the voice of the henpecked husband. Autumn Lily whimpered slightly.

"I agree. Cotton Flower, here is your blood money." Roselyn said pointedly. "If you weren't such a disappointing niece I would invite you over for tea, but you are, so I shan't." She hitched up her skirt and marched to the door. "Come Blossomfall, we're leaving." Trudging behind the unicorn pair was Autumn Lily in tears, being held lightly by Rouge.

The door clicked shut as Iridescence returned home. Wildfire had already moved to the kitchen and was preparing a cup of tea.

"A lot of people about the town seemed to respond to your family crest. What exactly do they do?" Wildfire asked as he returned with tea. Iridescence passed him the card. A sable cloak upon a sable field, with the motto: Muros Aures Habent.

"'The walls have ears.' It's a loose translation. My family are the reason ponies dissapear." Iridescence stated simply.