Cogs

"You've caused quite a stir today." Wildfire said taking Iridescence's coat. "You have post from your father." Iridescence gave Wildfire a pleading look. "I'm afraid so. Shall I fetch it for you?"

"How long ago did it arrive?" Iridescence asked wearily.

"Some ten minutes ago." Wildfire responded. Iridescence groaned and looked forlorn.

"So be it. Fine, yes let's get this over with." He retorted resigned. Wildfire nodded and left to the parlour. Iridescence sat in the armchair and watched as his valet brought, not just one letter, but a sheaf of envelopes and dropped them on the coffee table.

"How did you know my father had sent a letter?" Iridescence asked curiously.

"He sent one to be read by your household staff. It was most clear on how you are not to order us to lose it." Iridescence sighed again and sifted through the mass until he found one bearing a wax seal, stamped with the family crest. Opening it he withdrew a sheet of paper with a brief but meaningful message on it.

"Iridescence. I am to arrive tomorrow, to discuss the company you are keeping. Platinum Falls." Iridescence let the paper float steadily to the floor. He selected another envelope at random.

"Sir, it is noted by Shadowbane that you disrupted an official arrest of a potential traitor. We expect a report on this matter explaining your decision. Desk manager Proudstance." He looked down, and took another letter.

"Sir, your actions are noted and my superiors are notified to expect justification. Shadowbane." Iridescence looked at wildfire.

"Any chance of a coffee?" He asked politely before opening another letter.

"I do not appreciate a unicorn such as yourself taking an interest in my household business. If you attempt to interfere in my servants' lives again I shall report your actions back to your parents. Take this as your due warning. Lady Roselyn." Iridescence laughed a little. The day wasn't a complete waste if he had managed to irritate her. He opened the final letter.

"I apologise for my wife's haste. She is likely to make empty threats. Don't dwell on it. Blossomfall." Iridescence laughed louder.

"Well that's OK then, everyone seems to be safe and content for now. Tomorrow I get the wonderful task of justifying myself to my father, and also informing the justice department why I made the decision I did." Wildfire looked on shocked. He held a tray with coffee and presented it to Iridescence.

"Sounds like a fun day then." Wildfire retorted with sarcasm. "Will your father expect Autumn Lily to be... fit for inspection?" Iridescence dropped his head into his hooves.

"Hellfire. Tomorrow take Autumn Lily to Carousel Boutique first thing, then return before my father arrives. With any luck he won't know who I have in my employ." Iridescence took a sheaf of paper and a pen from atop the writing desk. writing hasty confirmation letters to his father and the department of Justice, he sagged visibly.

"Explain yourself." Roselyn's voice was shrill and piercing. To his credit, Rouge stood unflinching in her wrath. "I am informed you were nearly arrested, and relied on that upstart to stop you from getting the justice I have no doubt you deserved."

"Ladyship, I recounted the history of the unicorn rise to power to your husband. It was not well received on the part of the department of justice." Rouge held his gaze steady and straight.

"You being the filth you are, I doubt you told an accurate, or favourable account." Roselyn said with assurance.

"I enjoy a unicorn heritage through my parents, and grandparents. I was raised to respect the unicorns and their power. Ladyship."

"You have had two centuries to gain improper thoughts."

"I have had two centuries working for the finest unicorn families, my loyalty is not questionable. Ladyship." Rouge made compelling arguments, but Roselyn was relentless.

"I informed you of the consequences if you disappointed me. I will concede to you this once. If, and I stress this if as the hypothetical it is, you really did speak in turn, and this really is a misunderstanding, then I can expect it not to happen again. Am I clear?" Roselyn said icily

"Perfectly, ladyship."

"Then go back to your duties, and hold that treacherous tongue in your head from now on." Roselyn shrieked. Rouge, stood steadfast, nodded confirmatively, then with dignity left the room.

* * *

The noise was deafening as the airships overhead descended slowly towards the old town square. Iridescence stood alongside Wildfire watching the black forms fall. When they were only a few feet from the ground a staircase was wheeled to meet the door of the lead ship.

"It would probably be best if you hadn't acted above your station sir." Wildfire said morose. "Things don't end well." The engines of the ships churned up the air, destroying it's delicate scents. Flanking the stairs, two black clad unicorns glared threateningly at the massing crowd. The taught skin of the ships drained the light from the morning, giving everything an eerie feel.

"I've survived worse. This won't have shamed father any more than what happened with that gateau." Iridescence said blankly. The door swung open, allowing a mare to stroll down the steps. Golden Jubilee, looking youthful and determined marched down the steps, glowering at the enforcers. Behind her a well presented young looking stallion stared resolutely upwards. His grey coat shimmering in the morning light. Platinum Falls followed gracefully, and stood beside his wife to scrutinise his youngest son.

"You have acted without modesty." Platinum Falls spoke sharply. "You have used your prowess, publicly, and now ponies judge you for it. They judge us for it. They will be mistrusting, envious and greedy. They will use you, shame you, and destroy you." The engine noise amplified in pitch, becoming a rough rattling sound.

"Father, I acted as best I could." Iridescence said meekly.

"You have reminded those beneath us that they are." Golden Jubilee spoke with the same harshness. "I trust you have learnt from this. Never act above your station. It only makes ponies detest you." Iridescence barely made out her voice over the roar of the airships.

The engine of the lead ship burst into flame, setting the skin alight. The gathered ponies gasped in shock and ducked panicking. With force the firebox pressure burst, the explosion scattering brick and burning thatch about the street. The town hall caught aflame and was violently devoured, not before it collapsed forwards onto the other two ships though, and landed heavily onto Platinum Falls.

Iridescence watched shocked as Golden Jubilee rushed into the blaze. The second airship blew much as the first one had, it's red skin being engulfed in fast burning flames. This confused Iridescence briefly, but his confusion was quickly replaced with his parents' cries from beneath the burning rubble. Wildfire looked at Iridescence, who then turned and began to walk away.

Iridescence looked up at the house before him. It's masonry had failed with the intensity of force and heat, and fell forward. The burning thatch dropping fast through the roof beams onto Iridescence, who was lying in bed. He looked around; the clock read two twenty AM. He was drenched in sweat and looked around shocked at the lack of destruction. Another dream, and he had left his parents to die. Feeling sick he crossed the room to the bathroom and looked in the mirror.

"I left them to die." He spoke aloud. "Why would I leave them to die?" He stared at his own reflection, sweat mingling with the wetness of his eyes. Breaking down into hysterics, Iridescence huddled at the base of the sink.

* * *

Wildfire rang the studio bell and waited. Dusk Smiled tiredly and looked at Autumn Lily questioningly.

"Iridescence is expecting a visit from his father, who doesn't need to know about Autumn Lily." Wildfire said in way of an answer.

"Wow, you're so adorable. Aww. Of course she can stay here a while. Starfall won't mind. Will you darling?" Dusk directed her last remark at the bleary navy blue unicorn now standing behind her.

"Ugh. Iridescence helping me is so not worth the hassle. Please do come in. I am accommodating to earth ponies in need."  Starfall said begrudgingly but kindly.

"Thank you miss. Iridescence thanks you also. On that subject I must leave, so that I am presentable for his father's scrutiny."

"Why is Platinum Falls coming here?" Starfall asked suddenly interested.

"Iridescence, in his... infinite wisdom, decided that he should stop an earth pony from being arrested. A stallion named Rouge." Starfall was shocked at this revelation.

Rouge was walking Starlight to school. Thanks to education for the privileged unicorns enjoyed the most instructive formative years in the best schools, seven days a week. The foals never having experienced anything else, just took it as part of a daily routine. The unicorns stared suspiciously at him, some going as far as to hold their children tightly as he passed. Pearl Ring stood by the open door to the school.

"Good morning my little ponies." She said warmly as foals walked in. She looked up and saw Rouge walking towards her.

"Well hello. I'm surprised to see you still about, after that rally yesterday."

"No rally miss, just an old foal reminiscing, others chose to listen."

"That hag must give you time off at some point. What say you to reminiscing over a light dinner somewhere?" Pearl Ring said coyly.

"Miss, I am two hundred years your senior, I have heard every line conceived." Rouge said bluntly. "But that is the first time I have ever heard sincerity." He continued softening. "I would love to join you at some point, but I can assure you her ladyship won't be happy."

"She'll just learn how to be happy at some point then." Pearl RIng said delicately.

"I think the shock of such an emotion would kill her, have a pleasant day." Rouge speculated.

"You too. Tell me how things go tomorrow." Rouge smiled, life was too short to not consider her offer. He assessed that thought and realised that it probably wasn't the case, but oh well, you're only young once. Again another not quite accurate thought. He left it at that.

Starfall looked at Autumn Lily curiously.

"Is there anything that I can get you?" She asked eventually. Autumn Lily smiled and shook her head.

"Has she said anything to you yet?" Dusk said entering the kitchen. Starfall jumped at hearing another pony's voice.

"No, not yet darling. I think she's just in shock still." Starfall said continuing to watch Autumn Lily. She gave a slight smile and sat down. She opened her mouth to speak.

"I had been screaming, screaming for so long, and nopony cared to hear me." She tried to say, after not managing to get the words out, she closed her mouth again. She buried her head into her front legs and sighed. Her red mane looking luxuriant draped across her body.

Wildfire walked through into the kitchen to find Iridescence holding his head above the sink. Watching the flow of the tap, following the crystal clear stream as it dropped from the brass tap into the basin below. His muzzle soaked from the splash back.

"Are you alright?" Wildfire asked, putting a compassionate hoof on Iridescence's shoulder.

"Am I a bad pony? " Iridescence asked with an obvious crack in his voice. Wildfire gripped Iridescence and looked directly at him.

"What you have done, in your short time here, has improved lives." Iridescence looked away, brushing off Wildfire.

"I allowed ponies I loved to die. OK, it was a dream, but I felt happy to let them die." Iridescence said quietly.

"I'm sorry for you, but I don't know how I can help you. I don't know how to deal with this sort of thought." Wildfire said feeling redundant.

"They'll be arriving soon. Lets get ready to meet them." Iridescence spoke bitterly, turning off the tap. Wildfire held Iridescence warmly.

"I don't think you're a bad pony." Wildfire nuzzled Iridescence tenderly. "You're one of the best I have met."

"Really? You think a cold, manipulative, empowered unicorn one of the best ponies you have met?" Iridescence gave a weak smile. "There's no accounting for your taste then." He walked with moderate pace out of the door towards the town centre. Setting down in next to the statue was a royal blue, with black motif, airship. Iridescence's family crest emblazed on each side of the taut skin.

"Iridescence! Oh it is so good to see you!" Golden Jubilee came bounding out and embraced her son warmly. "Your father is just getting over the journey. He still doesn't travel well." The sound of retching broke the mid morning silence. A slight pause was followed with Platinum Falls walking, a little unsteadily, smiling expansively.

"Father, I..." Iridescence began seriously.

"We can discuss business later. I didn't fly from Manehattan to just discuss family matters, I want to spend some time with you." Platinum falls interrupted swiftly.

"Allow me to invite you to my home then." Iridescence finally said, dumbfounded. "This is my valet Wildfire. He will be happy to accommodate your desires while you are here." Walking at a steady gait, the ponies moved towards Iridescence's home.

"So you oversee a factory's weather team?" Golden Jubilee asked conversationally.

"Aye, nothing interesting happens, the pegasi pretty much know what they are doing, and most emergencies can be fixed by calling for the town's weather team." Iridescence stopped walking. "Excuse me a moment." He fumbled a key into his door's lock. Door opening he stepped aside and expansively gestured for his parents to enter.

"I wanted to request tomorrow evening off, lordship." Rouge said politely, standing before Blossomfall he waited.

"I trust you have a reason?" Blossomfall said carefully inserting the question.

"My work contract stipulates an evening per week. If you are asking for the reason I want specifically tomorrow evening off, I have been invited to dinner by a local young mare. I would hate to disappoint."

"Very well. After dinner has been served here, you may leave. So long as you return in time for breakfast." Rouge nodded appreciatively.

"Thank you Lordship." Rouge said leaving the study. Roselyn blocked his path as he closed the door. She glared threateningly at him.

"Come with me." She directed brusquely. Rouge nodded and followed obediently. She walked at a fast pace until they had reached her rose garden. Stopping abruptly she indicated an intricately carved stone bench.

"Sit." Roselyn demanded, doing so herself. "I emphatically forbid you to pursue a relationship with Pearl Ring." Wasting no time getting to the point. "Spare me the confused look. I noticed her at the dinner, and given she is the only mare outside this household you have had extended interactions with, other than that niece of mine, it doesn't take a genius to work out." Roselyn glowered with distaste.

"However, you are still to accept her invitation, as she has requested your presence. Make it clear your incapability to have a relationship, due to my explicit order on the subject. I shall not have another harlot in my immediate family." Roselyn stared with loathing. "Well? Is there any reason you are still sitting here?"

Platinum Falls sipped his tea delicately, staring at Iridescence over the rim.

"Well, that's enough spending time together. On to business." Platinum Falls said sharply. Golden Jubilee sat up straighter, and lost the warmth in her face.

"You have upset the enforcers. They are important to this family, and while you technically have power over them, you should use it correctly." Platinum Falls stated. "According to the report, and earth pony claimed atrocities committed by unicorns, to a wide audience, with nary a thought as to how it would be received. The report then states that, upon an apprehension attempt, you appeared and ordered the enforcers to cease, citing, 'he's with me' despite the visual evidence that you were not in the vicinity for the majority of the time he was preaching." Platinum Falls held himself poised and dominating.

"Darling, it is not acceptable to interfere with department of justice business for other ponies. You cannot do so yourself, it makes ponies too aware of how much power, we as a family actually have. Muros Aures Habent. The power we have comes from being invisible." Golden Jubilee added.

"Justify why you felt it prudent." Platinum Falls demanded, his voice shifting far from the caring father. Iridescence took a breath and exhaled lightly.

"For any other pony I would have ignored the apprehension, allowing it to go ahead unimpeded. In this instance however, the pony was Rouge. Your grandson Rouge." Iridescence swallowed. "He may not be a unicorn, but he was raised as one by Roseblood, and is a part of this family. We have never turned on family before. Nor have we ever ignored it when a family member was in danger." Golden Jubilee shut the clasps on her briefcase with a snap.

"The original agreement we had with Roseblood was clear. Rouge would not be persecuted, nor face any form of reassignment, under two conditions. Roseblood was able to support him personally, and Rouge acted according to his station. What of his actions yesterday was according to his station?" Golden Jubilee said efficiently.

"Rouge was ordered by his current master to recount how the unicorns took power. This happened due to Blossomfall's ignorance on the topic, his awareness of Rouge's age, and connection to a unicorn family." Iridescence said ignoring the nerves.

"So you are stating that if not for Blossomfall, none of the remarks would have been said?" Platinum Falls said with a slight smile. Iridescence felt his body chill. He had walked right into that trap.

"Darling it is not a hard question. The answer is so obvious, and easy to say." Golden Jubilee added encouragingly. Iridescence looked between the two unicorns, and realised there was no way out.

"I agree that Blossomfall instigated the topic, but I still hold that nothing traitorous was said." Iridescence said abruptly. Golden Jubilee made a show of writing this down.

"Blossomfall... Instigated" She muttered to herself. Both of his parents smiled at him.

"Oh don't be so shocked, this is how we hold power." Platinum Falls said gently.

"What will happen now?" Iridescence asked, panic rising.

"We have other matters to discuss. This one is closed." Golden Jubilee said bluntly.

"But..." Attempted Iridescence, fear showing on his face.

"The matter is closed." Platinum Falls said harshly, parroting Golden Jubilee. "The next matter to discuss, is that of the company you have been seen with recently." He added softening slightly.

"Starfall is a known sympathiser, and is on the department of justice's watch list. You were seen exiting her household." Golden Jubilee said without emotion.

"This is your chance to redeem yourself. Won't that be nice?" Platinum Falls said slyly. "Wouldn't you like the gateau incident to be forgotten? Your sister is out of hospital now by the way. Just tell us what you learnt when you were with her, and you can be back in Manehattan by dawn break." Platinum Falls leaned forward, intimidating. Golden Jubilee followed suit. Iridescence forced himself further back into his chair.

"I learnt..." Iridescence started, before pausing.

"Yes, go on." Golden Jubilee said hungrily.

"I learnt nothing of interest. Business is good, but has it's slow moments, and that she is enjoying a degree of luxury." Iridescence said nervously.

"Are you sure you learnt nothing else? Are you sure you didn't learn anything interesting about her personal life?" Golden Jubilee asked sweetly.

"Nothing but gossip and rumours." Iridescence stated simply.

"What gossip? What rumours?" Platinum Falls said triumphantly. Iridescence cursed internally. He was losing it. He sighed, and turned so he couldn't see Wildfire.

"She's conducting a relationship with a pegasus." Iridescence said meekly.

"We are aware of this." Golden Jubilee bellowed. "To what extent does she conduct a relationship. Is the mare just a form of release? Does she hold any emotional attachment to Dusk? Are they in a serious relationship rather than an employer, employee engagement?"

"It is not illegal to love a non-unicorn." Iridescence stated angrily, finding his confidence.

"No it is not. It is a good indication of a diseased mind though. A symptom of forgetting your station. What extent do they enjoy a relationship?" Golden Jubilee retorted irritably.

"A passionate romance, but Dusk is still in Starfall's employ." Iridescence said loudly.

"That wasn't so hard was it?" Platinum Falls said sweetly. "But we have learnt nothing particularly useful. So I'm afraid you won't be returning any time soon." Iridescence sagged in his chair.

"One final matter to discuss. You attended Lady Roselyn's bi-annual dinner the day before yesterday." Golden Jubilee stated simply. "I understand you demonstrated power then. Roselyn's letter was full of profanities and expletives expressing as such. She seemed to believe we would support her over you."

"We are in support of your decision to liberate a servant from them." Platinum Falls spoke coldly. "But not in the manner in which you did. You trespassed on their home, with your accusations and your belief of right. Legitimate belief, as you do technically qualify as an enforcer, but Muros Aures Habent relies on the observed assuming they are being observed, without evidence to suggest it, or knowledge of who the observer is. You made yourself visible, thus losing their trust, and any future power you could have held over them."

"I disagree with the notion that I have lost power." Iridescence said confidently. "I am clear in my status and power, so Roselyn will be honour bound to respect me, and treat me as an equal if not better, true she may be more guarded with her feelings and thoughts to me, but who's to say I'm listening to her?" Iridescence continued, confidence growing. "Muros Aures Habent, yes the walls have ears, but who's to say what they're listening to?" Platinum Falls looked taken aback. Golden Jubilee looked at Iridescence with pride.

"Darling, you are more accomplished than any of your siblings ever were." Golden Jubilee said warmly. "Yet you are so far from being worthy of heading our family."

"We have overstayed our welcome. it is best we leave soon." Platinum Falls said kindly. Iridescence rose from his seat and walked them to the door. Watching them board the airship he sighed with relief, nothing attrocious had happened. Autumn Lily was safe, Starfall was no less safe, and Blossomfall... Iridescence froze, a chill running down his spine. He ran to the airship.

"When whatever happens to Blossomfall happens, please make sure Rouge is protected." He shouted over the noise of the engine. "He is likely a valuable asset to me." Platinum Falls leaned through the open doorway, stared impassively for what felt like an age, then gave a slight nod.

Starfall sat before a worrying note she had been sent.

"Your activities are noted. Muros Aures Habent." She showed it to Dusk who merely shrugged.

"So they decide to reveal the status quo, nothing has actually changed. Ignore it." Dusk said placating the anxious mare.

"I wish I could share your confidence. I worry that this may mark the end of all this." Starfall said miserably.

"Darling, you're too wealthy to fall, have done nothing illegal, and I am technically in your employ." Dusk said with the same confidence and assuredness. "Let's go out somewhere tonight, enjoy ourselves, and forget this."

Shadowbane stood a short distance from Ponyville Manor. She glanced at the enforcers behind her, and produced a handwritten note from Golden Jubilee, and another from Platinum Falls.

"Target is a male unicorn of forty-seven. Lord Blossomfall. Instructions are to apprehend him for instigating a potential traitorous dialogue, in public view." She turned to the second note, the one from Platinum Falls. "Instructions continue that we ensure Rouge retains his position in the household, with no impact as to his work contract or his autonomy." The two flanking enforcers stated their understanding, and all three teleported in a flash of brilliant light.