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                      Dividing Unity                       
                       -by Bently96-                       
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                       New Relations                       
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New Relations
As the sun slowly made its way over the horizon, the first rays of morning shone through the slightly frozen windows of the bedroom. Soon the light filled the entire room, starting to wake the Pegasus on the bed inside. Within minutes he was up, feeling the cold of the morning even outside of the blankets. "Finally", he thought to himself; winter was coming, the time he loved the most, the time that reminded him most of his home and childhood.
It was no later then 6 in the morning, but Ruhig was already up, preparing himself for work and feeling a certain stroke of luck for the upcoming day. Still a little sleepy, he went in the bathroom, filled a glass of cold water and splashed it over his face. He suddenly felt like a completely different pony, agile and confident. He came up to the wardrobe, facing a relatively wide choice of suits. As usual, he chose a black suit with some fine white stripes passing along it. He put on a white shirt, an unusual, yet widely color by him. Next came the suit, followed by a deep red tie.
Then he came up the the work desk, a heavy piece of carefully-crafted hardwood. Ruhig opened a drawer of the table and took out his usual golden shirt buttons, then pocket watch. After putting them on, he arrived in the kitchen, where he had boiled a kettle of water earlier. He sat by the window with his tea, admiring the sun as it continued its slow rise. Soon after finishing his drink, Ruhig left the house, feeling the light and cold wind upon his face.
He spread his wings and smiled for a short moment. He started gaining speed and jumped off the cloud on which his residence was located. During the free fall, he tried to maintain his speed while adjusting his wings to the right position. He was heading down to Canterlot, specifically to the Equestrian embassy of his motherland.
On his way there, he gained a speed high enough to make his unprotected eyes tear. Soon, Ruhig had the Embassy in his field of vision. He started losing speed just a few decimeters before the building, landing slowly, almost gracefully on the paved road. He started slowly galloping up to the Embassy building; it was an imposing construction, covered in granite, with a large set of stairs and towering support columns at the entrance. Ruhig took a deep breath, drawing up a confident smile as he mounted the stairs and opened the massive wooden door of the entrance. The inside of the building was as impressive as the outside, with its corridors of gem-encrusted wood and crystal chandeliers.
As soon as he entered he gladly admired the ambiance of a working community which by that early time already started it's working routine.
“Good day everyone” said Ruhig as he was walking along the corridors. Many ponies took a second from their work time to salute him, Ruhig emanating an usual, but yet unreasoned enthusiasm. Soon enough he lifted up to the last working floor, where his cabinet was located. Just when he entered the cabined, he heard from the room a calm greeting.
“Hello, Mr. Ruhig” said the old unicorn stallion, sitting on a couch right before Ruhig's desk. It was Mr. Presspapier, ex ambassador in Equestria decades before Ruhig took his place. He was a relatively chubby stallion, with gray of old age muttonchops on his face. He was wearing an old style, deep green colored suit with an yellow vest under it. At the moment he still works at the embassy having the next after importance rank after Ruhig, "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary". Despise his age and body shape, he still remained joyous and confident.
“Oh, hello there Mr. Presspapier, nice morning isn't it ?, inspires to great deeds.” Said Ruhig.
“Indeed, glad you think that as well Ruhig, because (takes out a letter from his suit with a childish smile) we are expecting a radical change of relations between us and the Kingdom of Equestria. We received this letter just yesterday night from our ministry of International affairs, take a look” Mr. Prespapier, passed the letter, expecting a great reaction.
“I'll take a look, but just a second please, I need to make myself comfortable” said Ruhig as he sat down at his desk. He took the letter from the already opened envelope, and curiously started reading it. After a few minutes he said with a serious and disappointed tone.
“This letter is impossible.......”
“What do you mean Ruhig ?” said Presspapier, who expected another reaction.
“It's impossibly marvelous, I never though I'd live to that day !” said Ruhig with a joyous laugh on his face.
“You and your mannerism Mr. Ruhig, almost give me a heart attack after every important news” said Presspapier with a brief smile.
“It's my style, but still, I can't believe what I read is true, this will change forever the relations between our home land and Equestria. We will be the witnesses of a great and splendid change. And to think we will be taking a direct participation as well.” Said Ruhig while putting the letter in his desk. “Yes, they plan to arrange all the formalities in a week, enough time for us to prepare all the papers and festivities. This requires a great participation from you Mr. Ruhig.”
“Perfectly understandable” Said Ruhig while widening his right wing, using it to hold the calendar steady while marking a date on it with a white quill.
While Ruhig and Mr. Presspapier were discussing different details about the future, yet unknown event, a secretary was walking up to Ruhig's office. She was wearing a black lady's suit with a blue bow tie on her neck. She was carrying a paper folder and an envelope. She came close to the door and knocked.
“Excuse me Mr. Ambassador, may I enter ?” “Yes, of course.” Said he while looking at the entrance of his office.
The secretary enters the office and walk up to Ruhig's desk, gently putting on it the folders and envelope she was carrying. “What are those Miss ?” Asked rather curious Mr. Presspapier.
“Delivered to our Embassy from the ministry of external affairs.” Replied back the secretary. Ruhig takes the envelope and a silver colored paper knife from his desk. He takes the letter out and gives a short provoking look at the secretary and Mr. Prespapier. “Thank you Miss, that would be all for now, thank you.” Said Ruhig to her.
“Yes, of course” Said she while leaning her head “Mr. Ambassador, Sir Envoy” leaving the office and closing the door after her.
“Now, there is one more thing I would like to know Mr. Presspapier” said Ruhig to Mr. Presspapier while rapidly browsing through the letter.
“Which is ?” Said Mr. Presspapier with quite a confused face expression. “Why do all the workers and staff call you ''Sir'' while I am still "Mr" ? My rank is technically higher” Said Ruhig with a small laugh while still reading the content of the letter.
“I have more experience Ruhig, I've been an ambassador while you were still learning how to fly”; said Mr. Presspapier while lifting his front hooves with a small laugh. “But you're sill the Ambassador, people here always respected you.” Concluded Presspapier.
“Thanks Mr. Presspapier, you have always inspired trust towards you” said Ruhig smiling as he finished reading the letter.
“Well, what does the letter say ?”
“Apparently, a new Diplomat arrives to this building today a "Charge d'affaires", and apparently she will be under my supervision for her time being in this mission.” Replied back Ruhig.
“This is quite interesting, when does she arrives exactly Ruhig ? And do we have any more information on.......?” Said Mr. Presspapier expecting his question to be completed respectively.
“Miss. Touche Finale, finished the International relations with an impeccable reputation, has a pedantic nature, and most often behaves cold blooded and emotionless in work questions.” Glared Ruhig briefly at his colleague.
“How do you know all this quite personal information, let me guess Ruhig.....”
“Every Diplomat before being accepted in a Diplomatic Mission must have it's psychological portrait composed and send to the supposing Embassy" Both said simultaneously.
“Which is why, besides the letter there is also a complete description of Miss Touche in these folders. This, I'll keep for a personal study” Ruhig stood up, walked towards a library shelf and put the above named folders there. “Also, it said in the letter that she, arrives today here, in Canterlot, by train, at *checks out with his watch* 12 AM.”
“Well, we need someone to meet her there, should we call some stuff worker for that ?” Said Mr. Presspapier.
“I frankly don't see this necessity. Since, our big event is set for an entire week forward, I don't quite have many productive or dynamic activities. I think I'll go and meet her there, maybe show her around. Do you want to come as well Mr. Presspapier ?” Folding the pocket watch back in the suit.
Presspapier stood up, coughing a little, and looking at the massive, wooden carved pendulum watch in the office. Then he looked at his wrist watch and said with a tired face expression...
“No, I suppose I had other duties to perform at this time, plus I am too old and slow for such fast work escapades. You Ruhig, on the other side are a pegasus in it's golden age. Have fun.”
“I am sure you still can show everyone what you are made off Mr. Presspapier” Said he while walking to the exit of the office. “Well, off I go.”
“Have a good time, show Miss Touche a warm welcome.” Said Mr. Presspapier laughing slightly while leaving the office.
“You well know Mr. Presspapier, warm welcomes are part of my working routine.” Smiled Ruhig briefly.
Ruhig arranges his tie and shirt buttons, heading for the Embassy main entrance. Once exiting the main building, he slowly walks down the stairs. As soon as he leaves completely the Embassy infrastructure, he stands still for a few seconds feeling the cold wind on his face. Then he widens up his wings, and despise his slow walking speed till that very point, takes off with quite a high velocity. After a few minutes of flight, he arrives over at the entrance at the railway station. Ruhig slowly lands at the entrance and enters the very Railway.
Straight after entering, Ruhig's ears trained by years at the musical conservatory, were already listening to the sounds made by the locomotives outside. Those sounds triggered Ruhig subconscious, making him remember yet again his homeland, powerful empire with a strong industrial force and engineering experience. For a second, he even regretted he didn't continue the family tradition, becoming a stallion of mathematical sciences. Those memories passed out as soon as he heard the megaphones that announced the arrival of the train in the railway. Ruhig took out a photo of Miss. Touche which was inserted in the files he read earlier at the embassy. He arrived at the Railways and walked a little along the newly arrived train that contained the homeland guest. He was curiously searching for any face expression, for any color, any clue that could indicate Miss Touche, constantly looking back at her photo, trying to make out any sense from the masses leaving and entering the train. Finally after some minutes of searching he saw her, Miss Touche. She was a light icy-blue earth pony of a rare grace, wearing a white dress and a feather decorated chapeaux. Just like in the photo Ruhig already had, she had a relatively cold and pleasant look. Ruhig took a deep breath, regained some of his childish enthusiasm and pronounced her name from a relatively small distance of her.
“Miss Touche, over here !”
“Oh, greetings sir, are you a worker sent from the embassy ?”
At that moment a hundreds thoughts passed simultaneously through Ruhig's head. He wanted quite frankly, to know how would she behave towards him without knowing he is a superior diplomatical figure. So, without a spare second he immediately answered.....
“Well yes, I'm here on behalf of the ambassador himself to make sure your arrive safe and sound at your final destination.” Replied Ruhig with a rather serious tone and an unimaginable amusement inside.
“Thank you kindly, but to be honest *smiles* I wasn't going to take you by a diplomat, especially thanks to your musically themed cutie mark.” Replied Ms. Touche back.
“Miss Touche, if I may call you so, *smiles* you won't even imagine how often I've heard those very remarks before from others. So, I suppose I should assist you with your luggage.”
“Thank you, it's right over there” Said she while pointing at four large suitcases.
“Just a moment miss” told Ruhig as he walked a little to the nearest luggage carriage, bringing it over near to her suitcases. Then he lifted them one by one on the carriage. “Follow me please” said Ruhig as he was pulling the carriage with the luggage through the railway station. Miss Touche was walking right next to him. They kept quiet until they have exited the railway infrastructure, at the section where new arrivals may pick up a Taxi carriage. Ruhig waved to one of them, pulling the luggage up next to it. Then he and the driver installed all the luggage inside, while Miss Touche was already climbing inside. Finally, Ruhig told the driver the address of the embassy, climbing in himself.
“Off we go.” Said the driver with a specific accent.
“Miss Touche, this walk may take some minutes, would you like to find out something before arriving there ?” Said Ruhig smiling while looking through the window of the cart.
“Well, maybe you could describe me the ambiance there, the working contingent, the ambassador perhaps.”
“Everything related to the workers and the building is top shelf, as for the ambassador.........he is a kind, but rather unpredictable person for his position.” Replied Ruhig while thinking a little.
“I am not supposed to tell this to many, but my greatest dream and aim here was becoming an ambassador, you may even think I'm a little jealous on him. Please promise me not to tell him.”
“Not to worry Miss, I am a good secret keeper.” Said Ruhig smiling. “And by the way, you arrived in Canterlot coincidentally on a rather remarkable occasion.”
“Actually, not coincidentally.” Said she while laughing a little. “Thanks to my diplomatical rank I new about the upcoming events, though not in such a great detail. Hope to get it all sorted out once arrived at the embassy.”
“I am most certain you will Miss Touche” Replied he while smiling. Suddenly they returned to silence for the rest of the trip. After another few minutes, they arrived in front of the embassy. Ruhig was able to see a spark of enthusiasm and perhaps childish joy on Touche's face.
The carriage has stopped at the front of the main entrance. Ruhig tipped the driver while talking out the luggage and later helping Miss Touche get off. The Taxi carriage left off, leaving them both at the front of the large building.
“Well, here we are, this building in almost a week will trigger quite the attention from the city of Canterlot and its higher hierarchy.” Said Ruhig.
“Marvelous embassy, thought it would be a lot more compact.”
“Shall we enter Miss ?”
“Wait, what about my luggage, I can't leave it here in the open street.”
“Don't worry, some staff workers will soon take it to your new office. Until then, would you like to see your new work place ?”
“Of course” said she while still admiring the large embassy building with a smile.
They started walking slowly up to the main entrance of the building. Ruhig opens the door, letting Miss Touche enter first, following right after her. They started walking through the embassy in a slow temp, both Ruhig and Miss Touche admiring it as if they're inside of it for the first time. Ruhig leads her right up to the entrance of his office. But, just when they were about to enter, Mr. Presspapier walks along greeting Ruhig and Miss Touche.
“Oh, welcome back Ruhig, I see you already escorted our special guest here.” Said Mr. Presspapier while stopping by.
“Yes *smiles* I am Touche Finale, the new "Charge d'affaires" *shakes Mr Presspapier's hoof* Glad to meet you Mr. Ambassador.”
“This must some silly error Miss Touche, I am the Head of envoy, the Ambassador is someone else” said he coughing while looking quite deceived and funny at Ruhig.
“Oh, excuse me. Then who is The Ambassador? , I'm quite anxious to meet him.”
“Well, our Ambassador is quite enthusiastic in what concerns the missionaries working in this embassy....” Said Mr. Presspapier foreseeing quite an uncomfortable situation.
While Miss Touche wasn't looking at him, Ruhig opened his office and led Miss Touche and Mr. Presspapier inside.
“…This time he wanted to escort you personally up to the embassy.” Continued Mr. Presspapier.
“Well this means that all the way here I was escorted, by.........” Said Touche being a little confused and deceived.
“Ruhig Fortepiano, Ambassador of our fine country in Equestria” said he while closing the office door. “Nice to meet you Miss Touche.”
“Ambassador, you were with me all this time? Why didn't you tell from the start ?” said Touche with a deceived and partially irritated tone.
“As I already said in the carriage Miss Touche, I'm rather unpredictable at times. I wanted to interact with you on another level, you, being my superior. I was envy to see your true mannerism. Please excuse me sincerely if I made you feel uncomfortable.” Said Ruhig with an usual calm.
Touche said with a tone showing up some sadness “Well, Mr. Ambassador, this means you already know what I truly think of your rank. What is your opinion on that ?”
“First, Miss Touche, you can call me Ruhig or Mr. Ruhig, they way that you feel more comfortable. I don’t quite see a difference. Secondly, I like to see enthusiasm and perseverance in someone's work. You were also perfectly right about my Cutie Mark, I was meant to play in an orchestra more then to lead an embassy. But, I can assure you Miss Touche, I have a very responsible attitude towards my position.”
Presspapier said, feeling out of context “I suppose I'll leave you now for further instructions.” coughs and leaves the office.
As he left, Ruhig and Touche maintained again a deadly silence for a few seconds. After a while, Touche lit up and smiled.
“This is a little too much for the first day of work Mr. Am......... Mr. Ruhig.”
“I perfectly understand, you had a long trip…an original welcome, if I may say so. I still regret a little the circumstances in which I introduced myself to you.”
“No, you........actually met me quite nicely, took my luggage, arranged to taxi carriage, but indeed the circumstances of our meeting were, odd, if I may say so.”
“I wish there was some way I could make it up to you Miss Touche” Ruhig thinks for a few seconds then gladly exclaims “And I think I found a way to do it !”
“What do you mean Mr. Ruhig ?” Replied Ms. Touche rather curious.
Ruhig said while taking a brief look at the calendar “You see Miss Touche, tomorrow night has planned a charity ball at the Canterlot Observatory dedicated to the commune efforts of our homeland and Equestria in the development of the astrological sciences. Many elite quests from both Kingdoms will be present there, oligarchs, political figures, celebrities, you catch the main idea. As an Ambassador I was invited there too, but I thought that this festivity would be a little too luxurious for me. The point is that my invitation *smiles*, reserved a place for a "+1". Since Mr. Presspapier was invited there as well, and I feel guilty before you, I would feel honored if you would accept my invitation there, tomorrow at 7 PM.”
“I.....don't know what to say Mr. Ruhig, I still feel a little guilty and uncomfortable.”
“Understand, everything happening quite fast. But look at it from this point of view Miss Touche, we both feel a little guilty. I feel odd going there alone, and you need to be introduced somehow in the cultural life of Canterlot. This is mutually beneficial. What do you say Miss Touche ? Do you accept my apology ?” Said Ruhig smiling calmly.
“You're not the common stallion Mr. Ruhig, but *smiles* you're a charmer. Yes, I accept gladly your invitation.” Said she smiling.
“Marvelous, I will pick you up from your new place of living tomorrow at 6:30 PM. Until then, I think you had enough impressions for today. You'll have a day off for today, until *looks at her smiling confidently* tomorrow’s event.”
“Thank you Mr. Ruhig, I'm flattered.”
“No problems at all miss, until then I'll ask some real stuff to take your luggage and take you to your new home for the time of your being here. Have a nice day Miss Touche.”
“Thank you Mr. Ruhig, you as well” said she leaving his office with a happy, yet a little tired face expression.
Ruhig said while talking in his mind “Well, the moment has passed, back to my duties.” For the next four hours, Ruhig passed his time in his office, reading documents, articles, and newspapers. His mind was analyzing the passing day, thinking of the busy and interesting week that follows it. At the moment he was thinking mostly about two events: The one that follows in a week, regarding the relations between his homeland and Equestria; and his meeting with Miss Touche, that graceful mare who had already managed to impress him.
At six p.m., he spent another hour in a little promenade through Canterlot, having dinner at a local restaurant. After that he went home, back to his mansion in Cloudsdale. There, his working clothes and passed the rest of the day either by playing at the piano or by listening to some records on a phonograph. After his hot night tea, he went to his bedroom, where he felt asleep almost instantly, for now the work of his conscious mind was over. Now, the subconscious started its work, arranging in Ruhig's mind, just like puzzle pieces, the events that happened through the day.

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                     Delicate Errands                      
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Delicate Errands
Following the strictly imposed order of nature, morning was yet again starting to prevail over Equestria. Though with a low speed, the sun was blessing the ground with it’s warm rays. As usually, the vivant kingdom started performing it’s daily routine, bringing up the perfectly calibrated and harmonious system the society evolved perhaps during long centuries. As usually at the early hour, Ruhig was starting his own day. Unusual for him, he got off the bed quite slowly, perhaps because of the late night he had yesterday. Yet, he couldn’t allow a little apparent exhaustion to take over his morality, regaining his vivant spirit. Just as he got used during months of living and working in Equestria, Ruhig started his morning routine. He went in the kitchen, setting the water to boil up slowly for his morning tea. In the meantime, we went to the bathroom, observing in the mirror a tired face expression, despise his internal spirit. Right after rapidly washing up in the relatively cold water, the face mimics were starting to correspond to his attitude. Successively after performing his wash-up, the water has boiled, and Ruhig continued his calm and slow morning. On the way to the kitchen, he inserted an arbitrary record in the gramophone, starting to think of even more arbitrary predictions about the upcoming work day. After his calm breakfast in the calm musical ambiance, he came up to the wardrobe dressing up, looking curiously through some accessories he never used before. Ruhig came up to his desk, picking as usually his signature pocket watch. Finally, after nothing productive could keep him inside the house anymore, he went outside, feeling straight at the exit the cold wind and cool air.
Ruhig took a deep breath and rapidly took off, heading as usually towards the embassy, anticipating up on the way there, the events that are bound to happen in just another few days. Once spotting the building, he slowly landed, allowing himself to walk the rest of the way up to it. On the short way up to it, Ruhig was admiring the city, ignoring the fact that his entourage has already become a routine for him. At that hour, just like during any other hour, Canterlot was literally breathing out with life, ponies walking cheerfully through the cold, yet, warm spirited streets. Another sign of the life Canterlot contained inside were the carriages, common way of transportation, which, ignoring the fact that was rather widely used, produced too little noise to be a noticeable impediment for someone’s thoughts.
Once overpassing all the small, yet wonderful elements the busy city had to offer, Ruhig entered the embassy, where the working atmosphere was correspondently rather visible. Everyone already started preparing for the events the building will host just the next day. Walking through the corridors admiring the working dedicated small community, Ruhig approached Mrs. Inkdrop.
“Good morning Mrs. Inkdrop, how are you today ?” said Ruhig joyously
“Good Mr. Ambassador.” Said she while browsing through some files.
“I see the whole building is already preparing for the events we will hold tomorrow, could you please give me a list of all the necessary errands left to verify and prepare ?”
“Yes, of course.” Said Inkdrop while handing over a few papers.
“Well, this ensures me a relatively dynamic day. Thank you for now Mrs. Inkdrop, have a nice day.” Said he browsing through the few pages while walking away.
“You as well Mr. Ambassador.”
Ruhig headed towards his office where he took a look as usually a look out of the window faced behing his working desk. Though in a warm ambiance, Ruhig was having an impression he feels the chilly weather outside. Ignoring the last 10 minutes, and the fact that the building is located in the political and cultural zone of Canterlot, one of the only few considerable signs of life he was already seeing outside was a large and relatively luxurious black colored, soft roofed carriage, parked right on the other side of the street. After staring at the transport for a few seconds, Ruhig turned back his attention towards the list of errands left in order to prepare the embassy for it’s event. He observed a lot of quite obvious elements were still missing, requiring a relatively short term of realization. Ruhig walked up to a library shelf in his office and took out 2 plane-tables, distributing in them the list of activities proportionally. He exited his office carrying with him the 2 lists approaching Mr. Presspapier’s office. Ruhig knocked at his door, but despise his good hearing, didn’t hear any reaction. He slowly turned the door handle entering the empty office.
“Well, this can mean only 2 things, either Mr. Presspapier is late, either I am.” Mumbled Ruhig slowly.
So, Ruhig decided to check the epicenter of the activities he is responsible to control, the back yard of the embassy. He walked through the properly decorated numerous halls and corridors of the embassy, arriving at the first floor.
The first floor, according to the events the building will host, didn’t suffer a great redecoration. Considering its already rich and luxurious appearance, the only changes affecting it are small elements of interior décor such as festive tables, audio equipment, ribbons, and so on. Once overpassing the first floor, Ruhig exits onto the back yard of the embassy. Despise of its apparently silly name of “back yard”, that was a rather large and voluminous parcel of land, being able to be compared to a small park. In this time of year, the numerous oak and birch trees were already leafless, creating a visual atmosphere of space and amplitude. Throughout the territory, Ruhig was observing many staff workers moving around on small errands, just as inside a bee’s hive, each bringing its own small contribution in the society. And thus, walking through the workers Ruhig finally observes Mr. Presspapier, who apparently was busy in some organizational moments himself. Ruhig briefly smiled, and with a rather usual silence, came up closer to him, putting unnoticeable his left hood over Mr. Presspapier’s shoulder.
“Hello Mr. Presspapier, already with the head in work I see.” Said Ruhig rapidly with an entertained tonality.
“What, who ?!!......” Shivered Mr. Presspapier. “Oh, hello Ruhig. Yes, we have a busy day ahead” said he while levitating a plane-table and a pen.
“Have to agree. Though, honest to be, despise the fact that the event we prepare serves to entertain, the very process is quite monotonous.”
“Thinking of it, you are right Ruhig, this is pretty ironic.” Replied Presspapier while looking at his plane-table.
“We have a busy day ahead in that case Mr. Presspapier.” Said Ruhig while tapping Mr. Presspapier on the back.
“Speaking of days, how was your night yesterday ?” smiles childishly Mr. Presspapier
“Don’t see a great bond between the two but, speaking of it, that entertaining.” Smiled Ruhig while looking at his own task list.
“I saw you got to use the content of the book I gave yesterday” said Mr. Presspapier with a somehow cheerful, joking atmosphere.
“You may say so.” Said Ruhig while pointing with his pen to Mr. Presspapier slowly. “Well, I suppose I have some supervision work to do, until later Mr. Presspapier.” Said he smiling in his turn.
“Until later Ruhig.”
While leaving, Ruhig remembered the fact that he wanted to ask Mr. Presspapier for some help, turning back with a specific joyous mannerism.
“Almost forgot, I just wanted to ask some help Mr. Prespsapier.” Said Ruhig while stretching his neck.
“Help in what Ruhig ?” Said Mr. Presspapier with an, apparent mislead.
“In the preparation process naturally. You understand, I…..don’t fit too well in the concept of bureaucracy.”
“Sorry Ruhig, I am stacked myself” Said he while levitating his plane-table in front of Ruhig, “have work for some hours forward.”
“Oh, I see. Well, could you please recommend me someone in that case ?”
“Ruhig, you are the most superior rank of this institution, you could ask anyone” laughs childishly “How about our new “Charge d’affaires” ? “
“Perhaps you are right, but I don’t think she knows the way my mind works. We are not that familiar yet.”
“Oh Ruhig, please don’t give me that. I saw the way you were bonding yesterday at the ball” laughed Presspapier.
Ruhig smiled a little irritated and tired “That…dear Mr. Prespsapier, is why I don’t like to combine work with leisure time. But you are often right, I suppose I could ask her.” Said he laughing a little.
“Have a nice day.” Said Presspapier smiling.
“You as well Mr. Presspapier.” Replied Ruhig thinking.
While walking away Ruhig slowly mumbles with a somehow amused face expression….
“You and your clever remarks Mr. Presspapier. The perfect combination of innocent childish mocking and old wisdom.” Giggles proficiently.
So, Ruhig slowly walks back into the embassy, taking again a look through the building during it’s preparation process. In a short time, without any other distraction, he approached Ms. Touche’s office knocking at her door.
“May I come in ?”
He heard from behind the door a rather startled voice “Yes, of course”. Ruhig enters the office seeing Ms. Touche rapidly stocking a pile of papers in the drawer of her desk.
“Hello Ms. Touche *smiles*. May I ask of you a favor ?”
“ ….Of course.” Replied she confused.
“As you may have observed today, our embassy is in the middle of hosting an event similar to the one we participated in just yesterday. Speaking of which, I enjoyed your company yesterday.”
“Thank you.” Said she smiling.
“The point is that I have a certain list of errands I need to take care of, and since I am not the best of bureaucrats, I wanted to ask some help from you.” Said Ruhig with his usual thinking mannerism.
“What kind of help ?”
“Oh nothing too complicated, basically just following me and checking I didn’t miss anything important.”
“Alright then, with pleasure. But I need a list of some sort Mr. Ruhig.”
“No problem at all” smiles while passing Ms. Tocuhe the second plane-table with his wing. “Well then, let’s start shall we, the day promises to be interesting.”
And so, for the next approximately two hours Ruhig and Ms. Touche were walking along the entire embassy building verifying the proper process of preparation for the main event hosted the next day. Along the process, ignoring the fact that he was dedicated to work, he was feeling rather vivant doing it with Ms. Touche. So, unusually for Ruhig, though the process was monotonous and long, the time passed relatively fast and efficiently. After some other minutes of leisure walking, Ruhig, having Ms. Touche following him, opened a large wooden door entering one of the most special rooms the embassy had to offer. It was a large reception room, decorated in an exquisite classical style, having the wood covered walls lit up by a large, crystal chandelier. Another central element of composition in the room was a large, portrait of a stallion wearing a military outfit, standing on his back legs. Next to the large portrait, there were located 2 sofas, with a small round table placed between them.
“Well, thank you for your help Ms. Touche, this is the last room you will assist me with.”
“How exactly Mr. Ruhig ?”
Ruhig thought a little saying “Actually, in no way. Though this room presents the greatest interest in the signing of the alliance treaty.”
“Interesting.”
“You can take a seat Ms. Touche” said he while approaching the larger “war stallion” portrait. Ruhig widened his wing and talking a hold of the encrusted frame of the portrait. With a rather delicate move, he moved it, as opening a door. While doing so, he looked calm at Ms. Touche who just took a place on one of the couches, as expecting an interesting reaction.
“Mr. Ruhig, what is that ?” Said she with an astonished face expression.
Ruhig briefly smiled saying “The defender of the alliance, If I may say so” as he opened the portrait, which had installed behind it, a large, reinforced safe. “This mechanism will protect the treaty documents for the next few days, especially during tomorrow's ball.”
“Seems like a rather efficient security system.”
“You can be most certain in that, this mechanism is bullet, fire, and corrosion proof. No unauthorized entity can access it. At the moment, only I and Mr. Presspapier know the access codes.” Ruhig said as he approached the safe closer contacting the cold surface of the safe with his ear.
“Now excuse me, I must check it’s internal structural integrity” continued he while rotating the lock wheel, back and forwards, listening carefully how the internal pieces of the mechanism move inside; “Well, everything appears to be in a perfect mechanical condition” said he while moving away from the safe, moving back the portrait, taking a seat on the couch mext to Ms. Touche as well.
“That was rather interesting.” Replied Ms. Touche who was still looking at the portrait.
Ruhig looked rapidly at his pocket watch, smiling “Now there is one last thing on my errands list I must take care off Ms. Touche, but I suppose you helped me enough for today.”
“If you don’t mind me to ask Mr. Ruhig, but what exactly have you still left to do ?”
“I should go and verify the process of the fireworks delivery. The store we are working with is located quite far. For a pagasus, this is not a great difficulty, but I don’t want to create discomfort for you” said he while he got up.
“I could be of help there as well Mr. Ruhig.”
“I am sure you would, I just don’t want to create discomfort for you.” Said he rearranging his bow-tie.
“If it is located that far way, we could just take a carriage up there.”
Ruhig smiled unnoticeably “Be it the way you want, glad to have as a “protégé” someone as dedicated as you.”
Soon, they both exit the embassy building, breathing in yet again, the cold outside air of the upcoming winter. Despise the hour, the streets looked relatively deserted. While waiting for a taxi carriage to pass by, Ruhig took a look around him, observing the same black carriage he saw at the beginning of the day. In the next moments, while Ruhig was looking around in a condition resembling a light trans, Ms. Touche observed a carriage, waving to it from across the street. Straight after the carriage approached, Ms. Touche gave Ruhig an amused look while he was opening her door up. The carriage departed to the respective area of Canterlot economical activity.
“Well, now comes one of the most intriguing parts of our preparation process.”
“Do you really think so Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Of course” he smiled “The fireworks always manage to create a great visual atmosphere for any social gathering.”
“So, what exactly are we supposed to supervise there ?”
“Nothing too special, we must assure that the fireworks were of the designated model, quantity, and delivered to the embassy building. Some of our staff workers are most likely there at this very moment.”
After a half hour of relatively arbitrary chatting, the carriage arrives in the designated are of Canterlot, and to be more accurate, its economical center. This city area was literally filled with boutiques, shops, manufactures, arranged around in a rather arbitrary, but esthetical manner. Quite soon, the taxi carriage approached the respective shop. Ruhig and Ms. Touche exited it, entering in the building. Despise the fact that it had the role of a storage building, it had a rather rich appearance and content, as it was specializing not only in fireworks, but in everything related to pyro works, including explosives. As they were entering in, Ruhig already say a few staff workers already taking care of a few wooden boxes. The climbed up to the second floor, where he met the owner of the store, taking a look outside the window. To his personal amazement, Ruhig saw yet again the same black carriage that seemed to follow him the entire day. He rapidly ignored that and returned to his discussion with the owner.
“Hello, we are here to finish the formalities related to our order.” Ruhig continued.
“Oh yes, they boxes are already ready to be transported up to the embassy. Everything left to do is to sign this Mr. Ambassador” said the owner while passing a few papers to Ruhig.
Ruhig approaches Ms. Touche giving her to verify together with him the content of the papers over a nearby table. After a few seconds of reading, Ruhig took out a pen signing the papers.
“Nice having to work with you Mr. Ambassador” Said the owner while stretching out his hoof forward.
“Mutually” hoofshakes.
Ms. Touche and Ruhig exit the store, observing how the target boxes are already being loaded in a transporting carriage preparing to depart.
“This ended relatively fast.” Said Mr. Touche.
“Quite rapidly indeed.” smiles “I just can’t imagine the visual expression of the quests when they will see the beauty of a MX20 firework” suddenly Ruhig shivers mumbling “Not that.”
“Mr. Ruhig, what ?”
“I forgot to check if they took our model in, MX20.”
“Oh, don’t worry Mr. Ruhig, they inserted the correct model.” Replied Ms. Touche confidently.
“Are you sure Ms. Touche ?” Said Ruhig while looking uncertain at her.
“I have a great photographic memory, I am absolutely certain.”
Ruhig smiled looking at her “Great quality might I remark. I suppose I’ll trust in this time” Ruhig looks around the streets, observing again that black carriage with a curious and deceived face expression.
“So, I suppose we will be heading back to the embassy.”
“Well, you may suppose so, but” takes a look at the pocket watch”……it’s almost lunch time. There is a nice restaurant near. Care to join me ?”
“Why not.” She replied back calmly.
“Wonderful. It’s on me.”
As they were walking, Ruhig took another look to the already rather suspicious black carriage already having troubled thoughts concerning it. After a few minutes of walking, they entered the restaurant Ruhig was talking about. It was, an esthetically ornamented structure, with a great musical ambiance and a relatively high clientele. They calmly took place at an empty, 2 seated table just next to the window. Quite rapidly, a waiter approached them, taking their orders. Ruhig took a barilla soup, while Ms. Touche went with a Caesar salad. While waiting, Ruhig took another look through the window seeing again that carriage, yet trying to distract his own attention from it, convincing himself in the fact that he has some form of paranoia. After some time, their meals arrived. Ruhig trying to distract himself tried to create a conversation, in a rather, unusual manner.
“I just love the barilla soup, its brilliant” said he while folding a napkin around his neck.
“Why so ?”
Ruhig said lighting up “You get 2 in one, food and liquid.”
“Interesting point of view.”
“You should try it Ms. Touche; addressing to the waiter: Could you bring a second barilla soup and spoon please ?”
“Oh, no, this is not necessary Mr. Ruhig.”
“I suppose I understand, but, why not ? , it’s on me anyhow” Laughed Ruhig shortly.
“No, I would just feel embarrassed to, try out your meal, doesn’t sound very intelligent of a lady.”
Ruhig looked her deep in the eyes “Miss Touche, you seem to me one of the most intelligent ladies I have ever met, and” sips “I know you for less than a week.”
“You truly think so Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Of course” sips some soup “in fact, I am most certain that if I weren’t here, you’d have become the ambassador.”
“Perhaps.” Replied Ms. Touche while looking down at the floor.
Ruhig laughed “I’d actually gladly give my position to someone worthy if I had to, but there would still be one impediment to this.”
Touche asked while eating “And what is that ?”
Ruhig kept a moment of somber silence replying “I prefer keeping this as a secret” sips soup “but I see you have all the necessary qualities, education, studies, manners, and, most importantly…” said he while sipping again.
“What ?”
“Good moral convictions, you seem like a good person to me.”
Touche asked curiously “Do you think Mr. Ruhig ?”eats looking at the plate.
“Knowing my….unique perception of the world, I can never be certain” smiles “but I was always somehow able to feel the good and bad in my entourage.”
“Rather interesting.”
“Oh yes, though this made my foalhood a little more, intriguing.” Said Ruhig while looking at the ceiling shortly.
“How exactly Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Telling this would be irrelevant at the moment” sips again “but it opened to me one of the greatest pleasures of life, discovering something new in everything.”
Touche giggled shortly “Almost poetic.”
Ruhig smiled sips again consequently, looking through the window. He saw a storm was brewing outside, a rain was sure to start any minute now. After a few moments the waiter approached them with another plate. Ruhig takes it and passes it to Ms. Touche.
Ruhig said smiling “Try it, rather nice; said he while pushing the plate closer to her.”
Ms. Touche smiles while trying the soup, making in a matter of seconds a face expression betraying a great discomfort caused by the olfactory qualities of the meal.
Touche said breathing rapidly “Spicy……”
“Of course, novelty always implies some small risks” said he thinking while passing Ms. Touche a glass of water.
Ms. Tocuhe rapidly, yet with a great finesse took the glass of water, drinking its content in a rather short amount of time.
“Do you consume that kind of meal on a regular basis Mr. Ruhig, if I may ask ?”
“My diet is quite diverse, but I suppose so….” said he while pulling back the plate “Ms. Touche, I am quite sorry for this small discomfort, I suppose I didn’t take in consideration your personal food preferences.”
“No, that is quite alright.” Said she while still regaining her breath.
A relatively strong rain started outside. Ruhig and Ms. Touche were trying to enjoy the most of the afternoon in the delightful ambiance of the restaurant. While trying to distract himself from that already suspicious sight of the black carriage, and thanks to his curiosity. Ruhig tries again to engage in a conversation. During their meal, Ruhig was genuinely trying to discover better Ms. Touche, still retaining some limits of privacy, naturally. In a time period of approximately thirty minutes they were starting to familiarize.
Unfortunately, and unobservable for Ruhig, during this peaceful and delightful chat time, the mysterious black carriage finally started enrolling itself. 2 white stallions dressed in deep black suits exited the window tinned, soft roofed vehicle, heading slowly straight to the restaurant. In the meantime Ruhig and Ms. Touche were continuing their entertaining chat…
“Kislohoofsk” smiles “such a nice place for a family to origin from. Fresh air, mountains, you are one lucky lady Ms. Touche.”
“Thank you Mr. Ruhig” smiles “do you have some city from which your family takes origin ?”
While Ms. Touche was asking the question the waiter closed to their table presenting the bill. Ruhig paid up, the same instant continuing….
“Actually, my family is original from the capital, though we have had a lot in common with Stalliongrad along generations.” Replied Ruhig back.
“That’s interesting.”
While they were discussing, the 2 “Earth pony” stallions entered the restaurant approaching the table at which Ruhig and Ms. Touche were chatting.
“Mr. Ambassador ?” asked the first one of them.
Ruhig replied with a concerned face expression “Yes ?”
“Could you talk to us for a few moments ?” Continued the second stallion.
Ruhig rose from his eat, approaching the 2 stallions, and retreating in a more private area of the restaurant.
“How may I be of service ?” Calmly replied Ruhig.
The first stallion said with a short, grumpy tone “Our boss wants to have a word with you.”
“I would gladly, but now it’s my lunch time, could your “boss”, perhaps approach me a little later ?” Said Ruhig while briefly looking him in the eyes smiling.
The second earth pony continued “Our boss doesn’t understand “No” said he with a somehow imposing tone, looking Ruhig straight in the eyes. “He is waiting outside in the carriage over there” points at the black carriage.
As usually during such moments, hundreds of thoughts were being analyzed in Ruhig’s mind in an astonishingly short amount of time. Since he was suspecting that carriage was following him the whole day, he knew this is a matter of great importance, as well as somehow a bad, suspicious sign.
“Well then, I suppose I could cut my lunch short this once.” Said he while talking a brief look at his pocket watch.
Ruhig approached Ms. Touche who was still at the table, looking at them.
“Ms. Touche, I have someone I must speak to, ex pronto. Could you please return in the meantime to the embassy, and assist the process of preparation for tomorrow’s ball ?”
“Yes, of course. But….who Mr. Ruhig ?”
Ruhig smiled “That’s the marvel of novelty for you Ms. Touche. We will find out.”
Ruhig slowly walks away following the 2 stallions. They exit the restaurant walking through the intense rain, finally approaching the black carriage. Ruhig enters being followed by the 2 white stallions, who close the door inside after him. Right after entering, he saw on the opposing seats of the carriage the so called “Boss”, next to who sat the 2 white stallions in silence. And so, the carriage departed, with a rather astonishing speed.
“Hello Mr. Ambassador, glad you made it. Do you know who I am ?” said an old earth pony with a quite aggressive and unpleasant for Ruhig attitude.
“Yes, you are Mr. Alca, famous business man, with a rather contradictorily reputation” said Ruhig while looking calmly around the interior decor of the carriage.
Mr. Alca is an old “earth pony”, with a coat of a white coloration, and a rather compact physical size. He has a rude, direct, quite specific metropolitan accent.
“Good, then we skip the formalities. Do you know why you are here ?”
“Let’s suppose I know, but in order to avoid further confusion, let’s say that you require something of me.”
“Don’t play games with me…..Ambassador.” Replied Mr. Alca with an obvious expression of disgust.
Ruhig *looking around*- Oh I am not playing games, never in such cases.
Alca – Listen, since some events that happened long ago I am not in good terms with the diplomats of your empire.
Ruhig looked at his watch “I recall that, you are banned from passing our borders for a lifetime, old, but rather vivant scandal it was back them.”
Alca interrupted confidently “But I still have a great amount of shares and capital invested in different companies back there.”
“Yes, I am listening” said Ruhig while continuing to look around.
“And now this new “great alliance” of yours is messing up beneath my legs. I’ll start to lose a lot of profit you know.”
Ruhig replied realizing the final destination of this chat “Hmm, so what is my implication in this Mr. Alca ?”
“I……need the alliance documents Ambassador.”
“Pardon me but, I am not in their possession, yet.” Replied Ruhig instantly.
“I know you receive them tomorrow.”
“You seem very well informed Mr. Alca. But still, what would bring you to the thought that I would do such a thing ?”
“Everyone has his price Ambassador…. “ Continued Alca.
Ruhig just stood there for a few seconds looking Mr. Alca straight in the eyes with a serious face expression. After some moments Alca clapped with his hooves 2 times, one of his “assistants” bringing up a suitcase. They put in right before Ruhig, opening its content. Inside, the large suitcase was filled with a great amount of golden, Equestrian bits.
“Name yours.” Continued Mr. Alca with a mercantilist look.
Ruhig took a look out of the carriage window observing it’s high speed and the distance it already managed to travel.
“I’m ready to give you for the documents one million Golden Equestrian bits. This suitcase contains one hundred thousand. Once decided, my boys will deliver you the entire sum. This is enough money for 4 generations to live in luxury.” Continued Mr. Alca yet again.
Ruhig turned back the suitcase and its content, taking out a coin and looking at it closely. Then he practically threw it back with a rather amused face expression.
Ruhig smiled “This is by far, less than the real price of the “Alliance treaty”.”
Alca replied looking a little angry and disturbed “Name your price.”
“Nothing, zero, nul, ноли …..” Started to list Ruhig.
“Nothing ?!” Asked Mr. Alca intrigued.
“Nothing, of your materialistic concept. You see Mr. Alca, this treaty is far more precious, overpassing the definition of currencies.”
“What the hell are you mumbling about ? Do you know how much I need those papers ?!”
“Those “papers” are a guaranty of peace and prosperity between our nations” said Ruhig, after which he started looking around.
Alca continued with an angry tone “Just take the money.”
Ruhig laughed with a little sarcasm “Mr. Alca you seem like a pony with great aims, but such….small concept” laughs slightly, remembering Alca’s small physical size “Though this “Alliance” requires some sacrifices from every one of us, the results are promised to be above any present expectation.”
“So, you do not accept the money ? Just to make it clear between us.”
“No, as this contradict my principles, values and convictions” said Ruhig while looking off the window and observing that during this discussion, the carriage already managed to exit Canterlot, heading down the mountain on which the city is located, through a narrow pathway.
Alca mumbled “Alriiight then…..”
“Now, I suppose our small chat is over, could you please stop right on the spot and let me exit the transport.” Replied Ruhig in his turn.
“Not yet, you disappoint me Mr. Ambassador.”
“All in a day’s work.” Calmly replied Ruhig,
“You see, I told you too much to let you leave this carriage……physically fit like this.”
“Well you did try to bribe me, but, taking in consideration the current private circumstances in which this attempt passed, let’s just forgive and forget.”
“If we didn’t convince you the good way, we always can do it the hard way.”
“I don’t think the Equestrian court will accept such an appeal” said Ruhig while understanding the real meaning of the “hard way”.
“Show him boys.” Replied back Alca with a tone mixing confidence and disappointment.
Right after this, the 2 assistants that were standing near Mr. Alca took out each a sliver horseshoe with 3 sharp spikes. They each put on one of these accessories, stretching their hooves and necks.
Ruhig unobservable mumbled “I suppose this is not sport footwear.”
“By refusing me, you did a huge mistake Ambassador. You know what they say ?”
“What ?”
“Never get in carriages with strangers.”
In the meantime, Ruhig quickly analyzed his situation, understanding the harm he may receive. During the whole trip, while looking around the carriage, he observed the simple mechanism that was holding the soft roof on the carriage. The simple, yet crucial device was placed on the distance of an unfolded wing from Ruhig, which realizing this, smiled for a brief moment, unnoticeable for Alca unfolding his right wing.
“My mistake, perfectly agree, but you also Mr. Alca did one small” smiles remembering Alca’s size “mistake.”
“What’s that ?”
“Do you know that old saying about the Pegasus in the soft roofed carriage ?”
“No.”
“Me neither” Said Ruhig provokingly smiling
“Get him boys !” Replied aggressively Alca in turn.
In the same second, Ruhig opened with his wing the small lever, letting the light roof be taken away by the strong wind and rain that were outside. Right after feeling the cold rain drops on his face. Ruhig widened his second wind, rapidly talking off, before any of Mr. Alca’s, earth pony, “guns” could grab him. Now he was just flying comfortably above the speeding opened black carriage.
“I feel uncomfortable to leave you at such a moment, but I have duties I need to perform.”
“Get back here you !!”
Ruhig continued with a concerned tonality “I am, so sorry for you Mr. Alca. Good bye” said he while stopping in the middle air, while the carriage was going down the mountain.
After a few moments Ruhig saw the carriage stopping as well, but since, the pathway was to narrow, it couldn’t turn around. Ruhig didn’t wait for his hosts to leave the transport, though they technically couldn’t. He just went on, gathering speed and altitude, through the already impossibly strong rain.
After some time of flight against the wind, he reentered the air borders of Canterlot, heading straight back to the embassy. Luckily for him, by the time flew above the very embassy, the rain has become a lot lighter and tolerable, yet Ruhig was dripping wet. He landed on the territory of the back yard, observing that the strong rain forced everyone to go inside the building. Ruhig though the next after importance space for the conglomeration would be the ball room, where he naturally headed. Once there he saw a certain fraction of the embassy workers there. Realizing the events he passed through just some time ago, and trying to distract himself from them, Ruhig prefers to approach first the workers working on the freshly unwrapped fireworks. He started giving them some quite specific instruction, imposed by an experience Ruhig gathered since his foalhood, in a rather unusual manner for Equestria, yet so popular during his youth….
Ruhig continued “…. And please make sure that the fuse length between each triplet was exactly one point five meters.”
“Yes Mr. Ambassador” said the worker while taking out a roll of fuse.
Ruhig mumbled for himself “Oh how I missed working with anything explosives related; said he whit a pleased face expression.”
Soon after making sure the process of the firework preparation goes as planned, Ruhig decides to pass through the storage room where the apperitives and snacks for the ball are being stored over the night. While doing so, he realized the lack of the necessity to verify them, yet his mind was still in a light shock after the little carriage related incident. Slowly overpassing it, he heads towards the reception room, where to his delight Mr. Presspapier and Ms. Touche were checking up some last formalities.
“Hello everyone, pardon my absence, had an entertaining chat.” Greeted then Ruhig gladly.
“Ruhig, what happened to you? You look awful” said he while seeing Ruhig dripping water on the floor practically.
“And you are also very young and in shape Mr. Presspapier” said Ruhig sarcastically “but, had it worse sometimes to be perfectly honest. “
“So Mr. Ruhig, who have you met in that carriage ?” Said Ms. Touche engaging in the chat.
“Oh, this is just rich, especially for you Mr. Presspapier” said he with a tone combining amusement and somehow compassion.
“Who Ruhig ?”
“I don’t want to cause unwanted agitation, so I’ll just write it down” said Ruhig while briefly taking Presspapier’s plane-table and pen, writing the correspondent name.
Mr. Presspapier then levitates the plane-table before his face reading the name. For a second, Ruhig was able to feel some fear and deep concern in his colleague’s breath.
Presspapier continued startled “What did he try to do to you Ruhig ?”
“Oh nothing exiting the concept you imposed by me through your own experience. Bribery, possibly kidnap or even worse” said Ruhig with an unexpectedly relaxed attitude.
Both Ms. Touche & Mr. Presspapier exclaimed “What ?!?”
“How can you talk so relaxed about that Ruhig ? He is dangerous, always has been, even a few decades ago. He will be back you know !” Continued Mr. Presspapier.
“Exactly…….*smiles*that means he already lost his most precious card, the element of surprise. It’s as if he didn’t even study basic tactics at school” said Ruhig while calmly taking a seat on a couch.
“We should announce the authorities about this.” Said Mr. Presspapier contemplating.
“Oh let’s overpass those silly ideas dear Mr. Presspapier. We both now, each from personal experience, that these kinds of persons are virtually impenetrable from the juridical and legal point of view.”
“You’re right. But he still will be back for you Ruhig, this is a very delicate matter.”
Ruhig continued proudly “Luckily I still retain a few unused cards down my sleeves” continued he while pointing amused at his proper sleeves.
“So, are you ready for any further confrontation ?” Said Presspapier concerned “Your life isn’t a joke Ruhig, especially during those diplomatically intense times.”
“I deeply appreciate the care, but I learned a long time ago how to deal with such problems.” Said Ruhig while taking out his pen and setting it near his eye, as if checking its proper verticality.
“I…hope you know what you’re doing Ruhig.”
Ruhig said calmly “Be most certain in that. I just want to assure you that I won’t let anyone, and I repeat anyone, be an impediment for the event I have personally been waiting for my whole career life.”
In the next moment Ruhig looked around the room, realizing Ms. Touche was still in it, listening with a somehow shocked and confused face expression to the entire conversation. It was somehow a moment of discomfort discussing about such delicate matters in the presence of one who has no understanding of them. Luckily, in another few moments a secretary approached Ruhig, handing an envelope.
“Mr. Ambassador, letter from the…. “Silver Square”.” Said she somehow shocked of her own words.
“Thank you” said Ruhig while the secretary was leaving “Well, since the letter has a direct bond with our Prime Minister, I suppose it deserves immediate attention.”
Ruhig opened the letter, reading carefully every single word. Quite soon, his face lighted up with a mixture of joy and pride.
“Ruhig, what does the letter say ?” asked curiously Mr. Presspapier.
Ruhig smiled “Excellent news. Our fraction of the “SAS Alliance” arrives tomorrow… “
Mr. Presspapier and Ms. Touche both light up a bit after hearing the news.
“And the good news seem to come on further colleagues. They will be escorted by, General Ironshell, commander of the 1st Air Fleet” Continued Ruhig joyously.
“How is this good Mr. Ruhig ?” Asked Ms. Touche somehow confused.
“He’s my old childhood friend, we were classmates, chumps, mates, you catch the idea. Those were the days, studies, shooting…” suddenly Ruhig realized he is getting carried away by memories; “Anyhow, he is one of the persons I can fully trust at the moment.”
Presspapier said relieved “Well then this really seems like good news.”
“Oh yes, definitely” In the next few moments Ruhig raised from the couch, heading for the exit of the room” Now if you could all excuse me, I have a few last formalities to check for tomorrow” said he gladly while leaving his slightly confused colleagues alone in the reception room.
Ruhig returned to his office, where he took a brief, concerned look around the room, before taking calmly a seat on a couch. In that moment, he remembered in a silly manner the fact that his suit was still unacceptably wet, immediately rising up and taking it off. Though Ruhig perfectly realized the fact that most of the embassy workers, Equestria and his motherland’s citizens were walking around only in their coats, he still somehow didn’t feel comfortable, locking up the door to his cabinet. Straight after that he hanged his suit over a radiator, small, yet clever detail of the building’s infrastructure. Right after that he just looked briefly through some vinyl records inserting one in the gramophone. He sat down at his table reading some documents brought to his office during the day, assimilating together with them, the impressions gathered during his unexpected city escapade. After another few hours of studies in the calm and warm ambiance of his office, Ruhig finished his working day, rising from his office desk and putting back on his already dry, and perhaps warmed up suit. At that time of the day, many embassy workers were already heading home, in anticipation of tomorrow’s event, which, for their delight shortens the successive work day. At the exit of the embassy, Ruhig saw Ms. Touche who, was perhaps in anticipation of a taxi carriage, as standing in a still relatively light rain. He just approached her, deciding to keep company during her wait. For a brief moment, they both just smiled one to another, Ruhig lifting his left wing over her serving as an umbrella.
Ruhig asked gladly “So, in anticipation of tomorrow’s event Ms. Touche ?”
“I suppose. Yet Mr. Ruhig, may I ask a question ?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Who was that, dangerous someone you were talking about back in the reception room ?”
“Hmm, Ms. Touche, do you recall I described the marvel of novelty a few hours earlier ?”
Touche answered a little confused “Yes.”
“Well the one we were talking about some time ago is everything but novelty for us, especially for Mr. Presspapier. It was Mr. Alca.”
“That very Mr. Alca ?” excalimed she with a confused and impressed tone.
“Precisely. Though *lights up* considering his size I would be more keen in calling him “pony Alca”….or “Alca pony”, the way you like it better” laughed a little.
“Did he really try to kidnap you Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Hmm, I may have misinterpreted his actions, yet, I am most convinced of this knowing that there are many precedents of such unpleasant situations.”
“Are you sure Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Well, you could go and ask Mr. Presspapier more detailed on this matter. I don’t want to impose you a wrongful and inaccurate description of the long ago happened events.”
“Perhaps you are right Mr. Ruhig” said she while looking down the street seeking a carriage.
Ruhig smiled “All I know is that the next few days are going to be quite exciting.”
For a few moments a complete silence had fallen, allowing both of them to hear the pure sound the rain drops made when contacting the asphalt.
“So Mr. Ruhig, how do you plan to solve such a conflict ?” asked Ms. Touche with a concerned tone while waving to a taxi carriage approaching them.
While the carriage dropped by, Ruhig helped Ms. Touche get in saying…
Ruhig took a deep breath gaining a dark face expression “Ms. Touche, I prefer keeping such concepts as a secret, but, let’s just say that I am an ambassador. Solving conflicts is part of my very nature. Have a nice evening” continued he while smiling and closing her door up.
“Thank you Mr. Ruhig” She replied while smiling and sighing.
And so the taxi carriage departs, Ruhig successively taking off right after that. Quite soon, he lifted above Canterlot and the clouds layer covering the entire city with the light rain. Once overpassing it, Ruhig saw once again, the dark, yet clean skies brightly enriched with stars. After many, yet rapidly passing minutes of flight, he finally arrived back home, walking slowly on the fundament cloud his mansion was being suspending over.
Arrived back home, Ruhig just carries on his evening routine. He took off his suit, arranging it carefully in the wardrobe, getting to enjoy some private time alone. Ruhig boiled himself some tea, setting on yet again a record on his gramophone. Luckily for him, variety wasn’t a matter of concern when relating it to the number of record discs he has in his collection. While sipping his tea, one of the only thoughts that were evolving throughout his mind was those related to his encounter with Alca, from which he managed to escape relatively easy. The truth was he knew he was extremely dangerous, especially in the past, during the times Mr. Presspapier was fighting for peace during the 2 kingdoms. Ruhig was still preferring to hide such historical details from his “protégé” as well as the actions he is ready to take in consideration in order to obliterate yet again that old threat. Quite soon, those negative thoughts were replaced by his bright concepts regarding the future day, as soon as he finished up his routine, going in bed. For Ruhig, another day was over, closing him and his entourage to the climax of the events set to be put in motion in another few days. He fell asleep, being in a condition of relaxation, contradictory mixed with anticipation.

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                     Old Perspectives                      
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Old Perspectives
And so, after the short, yet significant reign of the night, the day was successfully starting to prevail again. Though with a yield becoming lower every day, the light as always started naturally taking the place of the dark. As imposed either by his discipline, either by the nature itself, Ruhig started to wake up following those basic signs of the new coming day. Ignoring the passing circumstances, Ruhig was yet again imposing himself in a good moral spirit, starting his quite usual morning routine. Naturally, this very routine didn’t consist of anything, extraordinary or unusual. After tidying up his dormitory and taking as usually care of the hygiene question, Ruhig set the water to boil, preparing his tea consequently. While in the process of preparation, Ruhig approached the exit oh his house, picking up from the doormat as usually the daily number of the newspaper he was subscribed to. Intentionally having a relatively weak bond with the high society in which he was a part of himself, Ruhig naturally subscribed to one of Mr. Focus’s newspapers, in order to preserve a constant level of omnipresence around the cultural and social life of Canterlot’s high hierarchy. Though profoundly disagreeing with the very concept of gossip, which he knew was present in the content of the newspaper as dominant fraction, Ruhig picked it up, returning back in the house, by the kitchen table, where in the pleasant ambiance of gramophone played classical music and his tea, he started as officially greeting the brand new day. While rapidly passing with little interest his eyes through the practically gossip filled lines, Ruhig laughed a little, appreciating some more the rather strategic location of his mansion, somewhere above the clouds, hidden from most of the curious eyes. Quite soon, Ruhig finished his tea and relatively large breakfast, cleaning up the kitchen, and successively approaching the wardrobe. As always, he picked up his suit tailored under his size, curiously admiring another spiritually rather close to him outfit. After putting on his suit, he took out of the wardrobe, as thanks to his usual curiosity, the old, yet gracious diplomatically-military uniform, remembering his very foalhood. In a matter of seconds, Ruhig’s youth passed rapidly through his mind recalling the way of life imposed back then by the society…
As a little known fact by the Equestrian ponies, a few decades ago, they were at the stake of war with Ruhig’s homeland. It was a rather intense time, when everypony was prepared to do anything in its competences in order to achieve the desired result. Unluckily for Ruhig, that time had fallen above his foalhood. While originating from a rather rich and socially advanced family, he was sent to study in a prestigious institution for foals, institution which besides a good education, was basically putting a great accent on a military type education, fact explained by the complicated times he was living in back then. Along with the rest of the empire, where the new generations were studying basic medicine care and hygiene, Ruhig and his entourage were studying the art of war from a far more refined point of view. Ruhig’s institution was preparing the new foals in 2 major aspects: Piloting and maintenance of military equipment, and training in the use of fire weapons and explosives. While choosing back then his, “secondary mandatory” school profile, Ruhig didn’t have a wide choice, taking in consideration his natural assets. While most of his friend were studying basic mechanics, Ruhig, belonging to the ironically rare in the empire Pegasus class, didn’t have to study how to pilot flying contraptions, being assigned to study the very weapons and tactics. Though being since back then a convinced pacifist with a great passion for arts and social sciences, Ruhig assimilated rather well in the concepts he was thought aside the school curriculum, gaining a wide experience and discipline. During his further life, those dark times at the stake of war have fortunately overpassed, Ruhig still maintaining that experience which somehow still marks him to the day.
While gently passing his hooves over the uniform, Ruhig remembered yet again the true price of peace, realizing the rather crucial role he plays in the fortification of this noble concept. For a few seconds, those thoughts brought a small condition of pride by Ruhig, who was already arranging back the luxurious uniform, foreseeing in anticipation the events planned for the current day. And so, without further endue, Ruhig left his house, starting as usually his daily commute in Canterlot. On the way there, he was quietly enjoying the light and warm sun rays, covering proportionally the skies. This pleasant entourage disappeared just as quickly as it appeared on Ruhig’s way, as soon as he started losing altitude, overpassing a thick layer of clouds, depriving the city Canterlot almost partially from the delight of the light. Yet on his way up to the embassy, he was as usually feeling the warmth Canterlot was emanating, perhaps due to the fact that the holiday season was arriving closer every passing day, even if it was brining cooler and cooler days along of it. After a few straight minutes of calm, perhaps relaxing flight, Ruhig landed at the entrance of the embassy.
Once arrived, Ruhig was carefully and delightfully observing the working contingent, that, perhaps alike himself, were in anticipation of the events bond to happen in another few hours. Along the way up to the last floor, where his office was naturally located, he was slowly, yet happily greeting most of his colleagues he saw. Arrived on the last floor, Ruhig approached a window facing the “back yard” of the embassy, as if visually checking the level of preparation for the social gathering planned for later. Yet, in the canter of the carefully decorated tables, statues and arbores, there was a rather large, clean patch of land. The only true visual bond that empty parcel had with the rest of the back territory was a long red carpet that seemed to conduct straight to the back entrance of the embassy. Right after admiring the festivity open space, Ruhig turned back, entering his office. While entering, he just took a sit in a rather relaxed manner, taking a random literature book out of the library shelf, as expecting something unplanned to happen.
After approximately twenty minutes of relaxing reading, someone knocked at his office door. While rapidly, yet quietly rising up from the couch and inserting the book back in the drawer, Ruhig said….
“Yes, come in.”
In the next instant, a secretary entered quietly standing at the entrance of the office….
“Mr. Ambassador, there is a visitor waiting for you.”
“Who ?” asked Ruhig a little exited realizing he exits his somehow predictable day routine.
“It’s Mr. Focus Word, he is waiting in the reception room. Shall I call him in ?”
Ruhig smiled somehow relieved “Actually no, I will go and meet him myself. Thank you for announcing me.”
“You are welcome Mr. Ambassador” said she while leaving the office, carefully closing the door after her.
Ruhig mumbled to himself “Well that certainly adds some novelty, before Ironshell’s arrival.”
And so Ruhig slowly, but firmly, exited his office, heading to the reception room, that was by itself a major space for the upcoming festivity. Arriving there, Ruhig immediately observed the thin and tall Mr. Focus, wearing besides his tailored suit, a shoulder bag for stallions. Ruhig confidently approached him.
“Hello Mr. Ruhig.”
“Hello Mr. Focus” said he while shaking his hoof.
Focus started looking around saying “I see you are practically ready for tomorrow’s event Mr. Ruhig.”
“Almost, all a matter of perception. What brings you here Mr. Focus ?”
“This night, this building will host a prestigious event, and *laughs*, you can say it’s my duty to document it.”
“Well, the interesting events will start a little sooner, but I perfectly understand. I suppose it would be better to discuss this in my office.”
“If you say so Mr. Ruhig.” Replied Mr. Focus who was expecting a little less formal metting.
In a rather short amount of time, both Ruhig and Mr. Focus walked up to the last floor, entering Ruhig’s office. Mr. Lock took place on a chair before Ruhig’s desk, while Ruhig sat by it, facing in a relaxed manner Mr. Lock.
Calmly facing Mr. Focus Ruhig said “Now you have my full attention Mr. Focus.”
“Well, I know tonight is the ball organized in the honour of the future signing of the Alliance.” Said Mr. Focus.
Ruhig laughed shortly “Most of the Canterlot city knows Mr. Lock, especially the guests, you being one of them.” Continued Ruhig while rapidly pointing at him.
Focus smiled a little embarrassed “Well….yes. As you also might know, I also have many publications, many of them bringing up to everyone the cultural life of the city.”
“I recognize that, you do a very fine job might I remark.”
“Thank you. And since this gathering has a rather great echo in the life of this city, I feel I should document it. I would like to ask Mr. Ruhig of your permission to have a few reporters attending your embassy tonight.”
“Perfectly understand that. I suppose we could achieve a compromise.” Said Ruhig while looking in a random file.
“What do you mean Mr. Ruhig ?
Ruhig continued “Well, Mr. Focus, this is, just as you said a great event in the political life of the city, as yet a rather private gathering. I wouldn’t like the guests to be intimidated by reporters walking through them, wearing large, bulky cameras. They wouldn’t feel quite comfortable.”
“Oh well, I forgot about that.”
“Yet as I said just now a compromise is quite possible. I wouldn’t like some curious journalists ruining the time of the guests, unless, a guests would be the one to document it.” Said Ruhig looking Mr. Focus in the eyes,
Focus asked somehow deceived “What do you mean by that Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Well, I recall the fact that you have a higher journalistic education. What would you say Mr. Focus, if I granted you permission to take up a small camera at tonight’s gathering, letting you document everything you might think is worthy of it. You are after all an elite guest, and your presence would be considered perhaps even an ornament for the night.” He smiled.
“Sounds like a good idea to me. But can I ask something else ?”
“I am listening.”
“Mr. Ruhig, besides tonight’s event, you said today has planned something else, just as important.”
Ruhig laughed slowly “Great journalistic instinct…and yes. In a short time, the Alliance documents are planned to be escorted here, in order to be stored in a vault for protection before the official formalities. It’s a matter of *looks at his pocket watch*, less than an hour actually.”
“That seems interesting, I’ll document that as well Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Hmm, I suppose there is no actual impediment in that, except one. We have no necessary personnel or equipment for that.”
“If you mean by that journalists and cameras, then it’s all here” said proudly Mr. Focus, while proudly tapping his rather, compact shoulder bag.
“Do you have a photo camera right in this bag Mr. Focus ?” asked Ruhig quite intrigued.
Focus smiled “Almost.”
Mr. Focus rose from his seat, bumping his right hoof in the shoulder back. In the next few instants, the elegant accessory converted in a vintage, photo camera.
Ruhig looked amazed saying “That is one, nice tool you have there Mr. Focus. Must be quite useful as well.”
“You bet Mr. Ruhig, the only problem is trying to fold this thing back” said Mr. Lock while pressing the lens back in the back with a considerate physical effort.
“How much do they cost?” I’d like to have one for my vacations.
Focus laughed proudly “Well, they are not for sale, at least at the moment. I ordered it from a company specializing in the domain of optics equipment. It’s an expensive pleasure.”
“Oh, I see. Well, if you wish, you can stay here and document the arrival of the document.”
“Thank you Mr. Ruhig.”
“No problems at all.”
“And a last question“ said Mr. Lock while looking curiously around the room.
“Ask right away Mr. Focus.” Responded Ruhig relaxed.
“Are they original ? asked Mr. Focus while pointing at a certain wall decoration.
“Well, you can be most certain of that, but not to worry, they are inoffensive. And as we are still on the subject, it’s also a rather exquisite accessory.”
“I can well see that.”
“Since I suppose I can’t entertain you any further until the documents arrive, perhaps you should consider just admiring our modest embassy Mr. Focus” said Ruhig while rising up from his chair.
“I think so. But it’s not that modest actually, it’s a luxurious building Mr. Ruhig.”
Ruhig smiled “We put a great accent on our international relations.”
After a few moments, Mr. Focus and Ruhig left the office, heading straight back again to the reception room, considering the fact that it was a rather representative location. While confidently tapping Mr. Focus on the back, Ruhig went further on, admiring the specific grace of a building in the final process of preparation. Quite soon, he closed in, on the storage facilities of the building, where, naturally, the beverages and aperitifs were kept cool for the night being. While passing through the containers, Ruhig, to his own amazement and somehow pleasure, noticed Ms. Touche, as involved in the last preparation details. She seemed to have been already dressed up as fitting for the planned gathering, wearing a beautiful rose coloured dress. While she was carried away in thoughts of her own, Ruhig, specifically for his mannerism, approached her rather silently and unnoticeably.
Ruhig smiled “Good day Ms. Touche.”
Touche responded a little surprised “Oh, hello Mr. Ruhig.”
Ruhig laughed a little “Already with the head in work I see ?”
“I, was just checking a few last formalities” said she while rapidly rearranging a notebook.
Ruhig briefly smiled “Pedantism, another quality I greatly appreciate.”
“Thank you” said she looking at Ruhig while sighing and lightly smiling.
“But today you Ms. Touche, as most of our embassy colleagues deserve a break. As of now, the last cares regarding today’s formalities had fallen on my hooves.”
“Ah, do you mean meeting your old mate, the general ?”
“Precisely, *smiles*, also you have that remarkable memory.”
Touche smiled “Thank you.”
Ruhig deeply inhaled “The life is a marvellous thing Ms. Touche, one day you are a filly, or foal learning to walk, the next you are thousands of kilometres away from your homeland.
Ms. Touche just laughed a little.
Ruhig continued “And you couldn’t even believe the circumstances me and Ironshell became friends a long time ago” as he laughed.
“How ?” asked Ms. Touche intrigued.
“Well, at first we hated each other, fighting every day. Then we suddenly became good friends. Life has sometimes a misleading concept of interpersonal perception.”
“That’s….interesting.” replied Ms. Touche.
Ruhig realized he is being carried away in front of a colleague “Yes. Well, we should return the back yard Ms. Touche. Ironshell’s transport is bond to appear any minute now.”
“I suppose you are right Mr. Ruhig.” Answered she back while taking a rapid look in her notebook.
Successively after that, they both started slowly walking to the above mentioned location. While heading to the back yard, they were both observing along the way, that a great number of the embassy workers were heading there as well. Soon, they were all there, in the back yard. All the embassy workers have aligned before the only empty, large parcel of land which had the red carpet conducting to the entrance inside the building. While Ruhig and Ms. Touche were taking their places as well, they saw Mr. Focus, trying to fit in the alignment as well.
“Mr. Focus, over here” loudly said Ruhig.
In the next few instants Mr. Focus approached, taking a place near them.
“Thanks Mr. Ruhig and” turns to Ms. Touche, smiling confidently “hello there, Ms. Toucha I recall.”
Touche politely corrected him “Touche.”
“Oh, yes.”
After smiling a little observing this little scene, Ruhig slowly exits the alignment. He approaches 2 other Pegasus ponies, both dresses in a rather specific uniform, each holding some noble gas, modern lamps of a deep red coloration. He addressed to them…
“Gentlemen, I should go first and verify the situation up there” said he while taking a look at his pocket watch. I will call you in a few moments.
“Understand Mr. Ambassador.” Replied one of the stallions.
And so, Ruhig made another few steps forward, unfolded his wings and quite rapidly took off. While lifting up with a relatively high velocity, he took a brief look back, at the ground, as if verifying the presence of the entire working contingent. In a few seconds, Ruhig overpassed the thick cloud layer which was keeping the earth in a relative isolation from the sun light, lifting up to the warm and bright section of the air space. He stopped in the middle air, hovering perfectly still. Ruhig took a brief look around, observing that he is located on a small, clean from the clouds parcel of the sky, closing his eyes. Now he was letting his ears percept the world, the way his musical education and predilection used him to, along his life. While standing perfectly still, listening in, Ruhig was starting to hear slowly, a noise to which he got used during his life. After some moments of listening in to that vibrant, closing sound, he started heading back on the earth. Rather quickly, partially thanks to the force of gravity, Ruhig landed, approaching yet again, the 2 specially dressed ponies.
“Alight gentlemen, you may proceed.”
The two Pegasus ponies leaned slowly their heads in confirmation and took off correspondently. Ruhig just approached Mr. Focus and Ms. Touche, smiling in anticipation.
Ruhig addressed Mr. Focus “You may prepare your camera Mr. Focus, soon you will see a contraption of an incredible novelty and performance. At least for Equestria.”
Focus unfolded the camera “If you say so Mr. Ruhig.”
In a few moments, everyone was starting to hear that loud, unique sound, approaching them every passing second. Soon, from beneath the clouds layer, the 2 Pegasus ponies were lowering, indications with their special lamps the route for that very contraption. After some time, all the embassy workers, Mr. Focus, Ms. Touche, everyone except Ruhig, were looking amazed at the zeppelin landing with a mathematical accuracy on the empty parcel of land reserved for it.
This zeppelin was a marvellous contraption combining the best technological novelties achieved by Ruhig’s homeland. The first thing that attracted attention to that mode of locomotion was its imposing size and construction material, the very balloon being constructed of new metal allies, overpassing the yet present in Equestria, old fashioned, fabric construction. Secondly, another imposing asset of the zeppelin is its power, achieved thanks to six, golden coloured propeller engines working on the modern principle of internal combustion. They are located parallel along the surface of the zeppelin, being united to it with flexible joints, allowing a great mobility. And last but not least, the zeppelin attracted the eyes thanks to its beauty, marvellous décor, and golden emblem of their homeland imprinted on it.
Soon, the zeppelin has landed, its main metal door opening thanks to a hydraulic mechanism. Ruhig approached the entrance of the marvellous vehicle. Once the door opened, Ruhig saw right away General Ironshell, his old childhood friend. He was a medium sized, but athletic earth pony, with grey coat coloration, wearing a green, military uniform ornamented by a variety of decorations. Ironshell, stepped out of the zeppelin, being followed by a few other soldiers 2 of them carrying a large, metal crate. They started to walk on the earlier prepared red carpet, eventually facing Ruhig.
Ruhig saluted with a serious face expression “General Ironshell.”
“Ambassador… “said Ironshell saluting as well.
“Ruhig….” Completed he.
For a few seconds they were both just looking one another in the eyes. Then suddenly…
“I’m joking here, hi Ruhig” said Ironshell laughing a little.
“You got me here for a moment” smiled Ruhig.
Ignoring the fact that this was a rather official meeting, Ruhig and Ironshell were trying to keep a rather unofficial conversation. Eventually, most of the embassy workers have dispersed through the building and its correspondent territory. After a few minutes, Ruhig and Ironshell were entering the meeting room, where the vault was located. Along the way, they have been followed by a small group through which Mr. Presspapier, Ms. Touche and Mr. Focus. At the entrance of the building, one of the soldiers noticed the unfolded camera Mr. Focus had by him, interdicting the entrance in the special room.
“Why can’t I enter ?” asked Mr. Focus a little revolted.
“For measures of security, no recording equipment of any kind is allowed inside” said the soldier who closed the door practically in Mr. Focus’s face, locking it from inside.
Focus mumbled from behind “That was rude.”
And so, the only ones who were allowed to be present in the meeting room during the transmission of the documents were the diplomatical figures through which Mr. Presspapier, Ms. Touche, Ruhig, and the military personnel responsible for its proper, secure delivery. In the next moments, the 2 soldiers carrying the metal crate had stopped in the centre of the room, gently putting it down. The room terhad fallen in almost a complete silence. Everyone except Ruhig and Ironshell had grouped, observing carefully the actions the two will execute. In a firm, yet calm manner, Ironshell took off from his neck a silver chain on which a golden coloured key was hanging. While doing so, Ruhig opened the vault, carefully rotating the coding wheel in the right manner. Ironshell closed up to the metal crate, inserting the key in the nicely ornamented keyhole, opening it. The lock mechanism protecting the content of the crate had shattered in a specific manner, Ironshell, taking out a delicate, relatively thick, red colored leather folder. He took it, walking up to Ruhig and transmitting him the precious cargo. In the next few moments, Ruhig introduced the folder containing the “SAS Alliance” papers in the vault, immediately closing it after. After that, Ruhig, yet again, covered the vault with the majestic stallion portrait, turning back to Ironshell.
Ironshell said dedicated “As of this moment, the responsibility for the documents falls fully over your shoulders Ambassador Ruhig. Until the signing of the treaty in two days, you must protect it, with the price of your life if necessary.”
Ruhig simply salutes General Ironshell with a firm face expression…
“The Empire may count on me.” Solemnly said Ruhig.
And so concluded the official meeting between Ruhig and his old foalhood friend. As of that moment, everyone was quietly leaving the meeting room. While doing so, Ruhig smiling briefly looked Ms. Presspapier and Ms. Touche in the eyes, exiting the room together with Ironshell, followed by his subordinates. After some moments, they both entered Ruhig’s office, the soldiers entering there as well. Observing that, and wanting to have a nice chat, Ironshell said at the entrance…
“At ease.”
The soldiers went away from the door in a disciplined manner, Ironshell closing it up afterwards.
“So glad to see you after so many years Iron” said Ruhig while closing up to a complex carved library shelf.
“Yeah, me too Ruhig.”
“Except your new uniform and athletic profile, you haven’t changed a bit Iron” said he while laughing a little.
“I can’t say the same about your fashion Ruhig, but you grew up in height” laughed Ironshell looking up at Ruhig.
In the meantime Ruhig took out of a shelf a Cognac bottle and two special glasses. While putting on the table he said…
“Oh the memories, so many things have changed and we are still the same. Well, not from the social point of view, more from the psychological one.”
Ironshell inhaled saying “Yeah, I remember how I used to be a simple officer.”
“Would you like one ?” said he while pointing at the Cognac bottle and glasses.
“No, I’m on duty, and” looks at Ruhig amused “I don’t remember you ever drinking that kind of drinks.”
“I don’t do it as often as you might think, especially alone. I take them out mostly for guests” he laughed.
“Well….you can put them back in that case Ruhig.”
“Already” replied he while putting the bottle back in the special shelf.
“So, do you think you can handle on you own the protection of the documents for a few days Ruhig ?” said Ironshell laughing, as implying the simplicity of the task.
“Well, actually yesterday reappeared back from the past a threat regarding them, and extra measures of security would be quite fitting” said Ruhig with a rather serious tone.
Ironshell said with an understanding tone “Hmm, do you need some soldiers to stay here for the weekend to protect them.”
Ruhig replied relaxed “Oh, I don’t want to create difficulties for you Iron. When I said that more security would be fitting, I imply already its presence.”
“But who is a threat to them Ruhig ? This may be serious.”
“Mr. Alca.” Said Ruhig calmly.
“That very Alca ?!” Asked Ironshell intrigued.
“Exactly” said Ruhig becoming already surprised of the reputation this entity had by his dear compatriots.
“It’s like we travelled around twenty years in the past, repetition. Well, how do you plan on protecting them alone, from HIM, Ruhig ?” said he somehow concerned.
“Do you remember Iron, your childish talks about the way you could ornament your offices in a theoretically distant future ?”
“Yeah…”
Ruhig continued confidently “At some point I found this idea rather useful. Please take a better look around.”
Ironshell turned around rapidly looking through the room. After a few moments his face was betraying amusement mixed somehow with admiration and confusion.
Ironshell laughed “You actually did that Ruhig ?!”
Ruhig smiled “As the last resort, hope never to get to use it for its actual purpose.”
Ironshell laughed “You are one odd fella Ruhig. You’ve always been. That’s actually amazing” said he while looking around again.
“Didn’t even expect another reaction” said he while slightly patted Ironshell on the back.
“So you say you’re ready to take the matter in your hooves if something wrong goes on?”
“You know me well Iron, I have always been keen to have a reserve plan. If you recall the graduation night for example.”
“Yeah, as well as not asking help from anypony when actually needed. Well, I think I got to go already” said Ironshell while rising up from his chair.
“New assignment soon ?”
“You bet. I have to escort here in a few days the Prime Minister himself. So I have to depart now.”
“Ah, understand. Good luck and God Speed” said Ruhig while rising up and firmly shaking Ironshell’s hoof.
“Thanks Ruhig, you too.”
After a few minutes, Ironshell was already preparing to depart together with his crew. While Ironshell’s crew was entering the zeppelin in an organized line, Ruhig and Ironshell were saying their last replies one to another…
“Well, I suppose we will see each other quite soon Iron.” Continued Ruhig.
“Yeah. Will you appear at our annual reunion ? asked Ironshell while pointing at Ruhig laughing.
Ruhig smiled “I always do.”
So, Ruhig and Ironshell shook each other’s hooves, saluting, Ironshell last embarking the air vessel, after whom the mechanized door had closed. The six powerful engines of the ship orientated upwards, helping it gain altitude in a rather short period of time. Quite soon, the zeppelin exited the field of view, as it entered the thick layer of clouds. Right after he lost any visual, and later auditory contact, Ruhig headed back in the embassy, why was performing its very last steps of preparation. While heading inside, in the large reception room, Ruhig saw Mr. Presspapier who was just sitting quietly, as if looking around his entourage. Ruhig approached him.
“Well, it seems the most difficult task planned has been realized Mr. Presspapier.”
“Yes, it seems. *thinking a little* But still the problem presented my Alca can’t leave my mind.”
“Don’t worry Mr. Presspapier, I got everything under control.”
“Are you sure Ruhig.”
“Absolutely. Speaking of which….have you seen Mr. Focus ?”
“Oh, he went back home in order to change for our further festivity.
“Aah, understand. Well *smiles thinking* now I can say is that all left in our competences for todays is to enjoy this pleasant, Friday night festivity.”
Presspapier said warming up “Yes, I think so.”
In the next moments, the specially hired orchestra has entered the territory of the embassy, and more specifically of the reception room, escalating together with their musical instruments on the specially decorated scene. Ruhig was watching with a great personal pleasure, the preparation of a small, room orchestra, composed of percussion, winds and string instruments.
“This should assure a nice entertainment for our guests” said Ruhig to Mr. Presspapier while proudly pointing to the preparing orchestra.
“Perhaps you are right Ruhig, but….I don’t know much about this field of activity” said he while lightly laughing, pointing to Ruhig’s “Piano” cutie mark.
“Yet again *smiles lightly*, all a matter of perception dear Mr. Presspapier” said Ruhig while retreating in his office.
After a relatively short amount of time, the festivity was bond to begin. One after another the prestigious guests were starting to enter the large territory of the embassy infrastructure, their presence being announced according to the formalities and social predispositions. It was no later than 6 PM, but the guests started to become accommodated to their ambiance for the night being. While sitting in his office, rearranging a little his bowtie, Ruhig was calmly looking at the sunset, anticipating, as always, an interesting evening. From the downstairs, and more accurately from the voluminous reception room, he was already able to hear, thanks to his refined ears, the harmonious music of the compact, yet professional orchestra. Successively after that, Ruhig decided to appear in front of the guests, as imposed by his elevated status in that international institution. While walking through the small groups of chatting ponies, Ruhig picked up a glass of champagne from one of the waiters walking though the guests, carrying silver plates, together with a small silver spoon from a table nearby. Ruhig started to gather a lot of attention around him, as he was confidently walking with a relaxed manner up to the large scene on which the room orchestra was located. As elevation the scene, he observed many rather familiar entities such as Mr. Presspapier, Steampuff, Lock and Ms. Touche looking up to him. With a rather elegant movement, Ruhig lightly and repetitively stroke the small spoon against the champagne filled glass attracting the attention of the guests. The orchestra continued playing the joyous melody a little more quietly…
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our modest, embassy. Tonight, we are celebrating, our long awaited SAS” smiled Ruhig while uplifting a little the glass filled with champagne.
Understanding the humour, many of the guests laughed a little.
“….By this I mean the Steam Alliance of Steel. During many decades, our prosper empires have had some, rather interesting, and perhaps provoking interrelations. But now, more than ever, we are heading straight into the future, as we are, the future. This economical-political cooperation may be very well compared to this beverage * smiles while accentuating the glass he is holding*, its effects being for both of us, a condition of ecstasy and pleasure….”
Many of the guests smiled, looking between themselves.
“Some say that family is like wine, the longer you preserve it, the more precious it becomes. Now I shall raise a toast, for that the small family in formation between our two empires, lasted enough to make its value rise above any conceivable expectation” said Ruhig while sipping just a little of the glass content. Enjoy your evening further ladies and gentlecolts.
After saying so, Ruhig walked off the scene under some calm, yet long applauds. For the next half hour, Ruhig has completely dedicated in the, somehow routine of his official obligations, paying attention and engaging in small discussion with many of the guests present the current evening. Though he wasn’t bonded to many of them, Ruhig tried to maintain friendly relationships, trying to assure the social success of the gathering. During this time Ruhig got a chance to exit the relatively crowded reception room, exiting in the nicely decorated, enlightened back yard. As talking with the wide variety of public figures present at the moment, Ruhig finally got to have a chat with Mr. Lock, who, apparently was enjoying himself, while sipping a drink and looking at some chatting mares from afar.
“Hello Mr. Lock, having a good time ?” asked gladly Ruhig while unnoticeably yet curiously trying to comprehend the direction at which his interlocutor was looking.
“Oh yes, a lot, you did a great job with that short speech Mr. Ruhig” said he while taking his look off the previous position, looking at Ruhig.
“Thank you Mr. Lock, made it on the go actually. As speaking of jobs, I hope your contraption will do us a great favour as well.” said he while referring to the vault guarding the documents.
“Don’t worry Mr. Ruhig, its content is perfectly safe” said he while levitating his glass, sipping from it.
Ruhig said somehow relieved “I greatly count on that.”
“Speaking of the content *coughs a little*, I’ll return to the subject of its influence over my business Mr. Ruhig.”
“Mr. Lock, I am greatly aware of the reputation your brand has managed to obtain in Equestria over the years” said he while taking a drink from a nearby table.
Lock interrupted curious “And ?....”
Ruhig continued smiling while sipping “It has a good reputation, and I am fair certain that despise the excellent engineering expertize my homeland has, if has a strong chance to leave a mark on the local market.”
“Are you sure Mr. Ruhig ?”
Ruhig inhaled a little “I am not a master in economical sciences Mr. Lock. My highest qualifications are related to Diplomatical relations, Music, and Psychology. But indeed your company has a strong name in Equestria. *sips a little* You can very well say that this will be a small, “durability test”.”
“I think I understood *sighs*. Well, thanks for the kind words Mr. Ruhig.”
“You’re always welcome Mr. Lock” said he while jokingly tapping Mr. Lock on the back. “Have a nice evening further on.”
“You too Mr. Ruhig.”
Though this discussion, to Ruhig’s somehow disappointment was related to official aspects of his job and alliance, he did find it rather entertaining. While furthering himself from Mr. Lock, Ruhig high moral spirit was raised a little, while finally realizing the original sight Mr. Lock was looking at. While thinking of it Ruhig laughed a little, more for himself. Soon, he re-entered the reception room, where, just as outside, the atmosphere was rather rich. Near the stage on which the room orchestra was place, stood a nicely crafted, black tail piano. Being genuinely enthusiastic in playing it during such festivities, as it was one of the few true entertainments for him, Ruhig quietly sat by it. Unwilling to stop the marvellous music the orchestra played in order to show himself, Ruhig just quietly started to improvise under it, receiving quite a lot of pleasure from playing some old classics. Quite soon, he started to attract some viewers, as not every prestigious guest of the night got ever used to see an ambassador playing the piano near an orchestra during such an event. Unusually for somepony of his position, Ruhig was rather nihilistic about this fact. He played in a perfect resonance with the orchestra, until Mr. Presspapier and Mr. Steampuff approached, rather unobservable for Ruhig. As he was playing, Mr. Steampuff said…
“Good evening Mr. Ruhig.”
Ruhig shattered a little “Good evening Mr. Steampuff, Mr. Presspapier. I have to say I am a little disappointed *smiles while turning to them*, unexpected introductions are part of my mannerism.”
Presspapier addressed to Mr. Steampuff laughing “So true.”
Steampuff continued “So, Mr. Ruhig, at long last the alliance seems to take course.”
“Yes, it took some good years of planning, but, it is certainly worth the wait.”
“And the Prime Minister is sure to sign it on Monday ?”
Ruhig smiled “Weekends represent as always a priority. Everyone needs some rest, even you Mr. Steampuff.”
“Well, I do rent here in Equestria over the week a luxurious apartment in the Royale Hotel.”
“That is one expensive rest Mr. Steampuff.” Complimented Ruhig.
Steampuff laughed proudly “Nothing my fortune can’t allow. Last floor, door 400, you should visit someday.”
“Be most certain Mr. Steampuff.” Said Ruhig while already rising from the piano seat, as engaging in the conversation.
“Resting there to see how the precious alliance will take effect. *a little provoking* Gentlemen, you both work here, could any of you tell me the actual price of that document ?”
Presspapier said thinking “Well, it has no technical price.” keeps silence for a few seconds “But I heart it would be quite expensive on the black market. “
Ruhig just leaned his head towards Mr. Presspapier, as suggesting the truthfulness of his words.
“Too bad, I would give anything to alter it, just a little. I hope you are not offended gentlemen.”
“Oh no.” Said calmly Mr. Presspapier.
Ruhig continued as well “Not at all. Especially considering this is virtually impossible.”
“Oh well, I guess you are both right gentlemen.”
“It all works out in the end for every single one of us Mr. Steampuff.” Said Ruhig.
Steampuff smiled while taking a drink from a nearby table “Yes, indeed. As talking of working out, Mr. Ruhig, how could you play at the piano so, professionally ?”
“I like to think of the idea that I am a natural in this domain of activity” said Ruhig unfolding his wing pointing at the cutie mark.
Mr. Presspapier laughed a little observing this rather silly, first acknowledge to Ruhig’s natural gift.
Steampuff said a little uncomfortable “Oh yes, missed that detail.”
“No problem Mr. Steampuff. New experiences are those which add intrigue to life. Said Ruhig in a nihilistic manner.
Steampuff continued “Well….yes.”
“Now if you could both excuse me, I will exit this conversation. Enjoy the evening.” said Ruhig while walking away.
Presspapier said “You too Ruhig.”
And so, for an undetermined period of time, Ruhig was just wondering through the richly decorated reception room. At some point, he took another glass of champagne off a table, putting it on his lightly unfolded wing, while walking through the guests. After a while, the random wondering through the territory of the embassy became rather monotonous for Ruhig, deciding to lift up to his office, and just sit quietly a little. To his amazement, after reaching the last floor, Ruhig saw Ms. Touche who was just sitting on the large window sill, looking with a relatively sad face expression through the window at the back yard. He was somehow even glad to see her, considering they haven’t had any solid contact the whole evening, yet a little concerned for her moral spirit, as of a fellow colleague naturally.
Ruhig leaned on the window sill near her “Good evening Ms. Touche.”
“Oh *sigh*, good evening Mr. Ruhig.”
“You seem upset Ms. Touche, the evening not turning out as expected ?”
“Oh no, it actually turns out quite well.”
“Then what’s wrong ?” Asked Ruhig rapidly.
“It’s….complicated actually.”
“Would you need some help from me ?”
“No, Mr. Ruhig, you….already helped enough.”
“Still consider it Ms. Touche, we’re colleagues. Interpersonal cooperation and help is natural.”
Touche sighed “Thank you Mr. Ruhig.”
“Oh not at all…….. Literally, I didn’t help you in anyway.”
Ms. Touche smiled for a brief moment, suddenly returning to her previous relatively sad predisposition.
“You behave as if you committed some awful mistake Ms. Touche. You should light up, pick up a drink, talk to someone.”
Touche sighed yet again “Maybe.”
Ruhig smiled “Follow me please, I know many guests who would be in the need of a chat companion of your elevation.”
“No, please, no need for that.”
“Ms. Touche, do you hear that ?” said Ruhig while orientating his ears somehow agitated.
“Hear what Mr. Ruhig ?”
For a few moments, Ruhig lifted his hoof as requesting a perfect silence while listening in.
Ruhig spoke quietly “Somepony is walking to this very floor. After the frequency of the steps, I would say around three stallions.”
“Are you sure ?”
“Well, maybe two, but rust me Ms. Touche, I have a little expertize in this domain.”
Both Ruhig and Ms. Touche just turned to the stairs which elevate to this floor, carefully looking in. To Ruhig’s amazement and deep disappointment it was no one but Mr. Alca, wearing a white suit and a tophat, and 2 of his “assistants”. Straight after making a firm visual contact with him, Ruhig turned to Ms. Touche whispering….
“Apparently it’s Alca, wishing to finish off the unfinished chat yesterday.”
Touche whispering back concerned “Should I call for some help Mr. Ruhig ?”
Ruhig replied serious “No necessity in that, everything is under perfect control.”
“Mr. Ruhig, do you at least believe in what you say ?” asked she concerned.
Ruhig restrained his bowtie “Not certain actually.”
Alca interrupted with a grumpy voice “Are you two going to whisper between each other there all night long ?”
Ruhig addressed to Alca “Fine observation, let’s enter my office for the rest of our chat.”
“What door ?” Asked Alca.
Ruhig just pointed to the carved door of his office. One of Alca’s helpers opened it, letting his superior and second assistant enter. In the next instant, once observing they entered, Ruhig headed himself to his office, with Ms. Touche following him. Right before entering the office, Ruhig supported his left hoof on the door, blocking Ms. Touche.
“Supposing the further discussions that will happen here, I highly advise you simply to return to the event held downstairs Ms. Touche.”
Touche whispered “But he’s dangerous, and you’ll be there alone.”
“Precisely, but still I am your superior Ms. Touche.” makes a relatively forced, but sincere smile “Just have a good time downstairs” said he while slowly closing the door after him.
So, Ruhig entered on a almost private, tête-à-tête chat with Alca. But, without him knowing, Ms. Touche didn’t leave the floor, supporting her ear on the door, listening in. In the meantime, Alca and his men were standing in the centre of the room, facing directly both Ruhig’s desk and window, and the very exit. Ruhig, approached his desk, taking a seat in an unusually relaxed manner, stretching his neck.
Ruhig started talking rather fast, more for himself “Firstly I would like to say how glad am I that you made it here gentlemen…….even if without an invitation.”
Alca interrupted “Cut to the chase.”
“Yes, naturally.”
Ruhig got up of his chair for a brief moment, opening the large window that was opposing his desk. Immediately after that, he sat back down at his desk, facing the uninvited quests.
“Trying to run away again ?” asked Alca with an aggressive tone while watching as Ruhig opened the window.
“Oh, no, I just like thinking at cold. And I didn’t run away Mr. Alca, I prefer the term “strategic retreat”.”
“And what’s the difference ?”
“You practice it when you are in a hopeless situation, in order to return more prepared. But I don’t think you came to my office at such a late hour for small chats regarding elementary tactics.”
“Well yeah, I came here for the papers” said Alca while taking out a cigar lighting it up and smoking it.
Ruhig said very quietly “Understand, but first, Mr. Alca, let me tell you something very important” continued he while gesticulating with his hooves in order for Mr. Alca to approach him.
While closing in, Alca was blowing quite an unpleasant smoke dust right in Ruhig’s face. With a rather delicate move, Ruhig unfolded on of his wings, taking the cigar our of Alca’s mouth and tossing it in a nearby trash can.
“I don’t accept smoking in my office” said Ruhig confidently while taking out his pocket watch looking at the time.
“You’re playing with my nerves” said Alca while slapping Ruhig’s hood, the last dropping off his watch on the table. Just cut out to the chase before we cut something out of you.
“Intimidation, interesting approach from a guest.” Replied Ruhig slightly amused.
In the next moments, each of Alca’s helpers took out a stiletto knife, one of them throwing it right in the face of a stallion portrayed in a picture on the wall.
Ruhig sighed “I actually liked that painting.”
“I hope you like living on the edge, cause that’s what we’ll be doing to you soon if you won’t give us what we want.”
Ruhig standing up saying “My sincere congratulations. You have evolved from yesterday’s dull weapons to cold weapons in a rather short amount of time. But this still doesn’t change my opinion about your intentions.”
“You know the codes, give them to us and we’ll go without touching you.”
Ruhig laughed a little “Mr. Alca, little known fact that my generation grew under a military discipline and preparation. You can’t scare me that easily with a few expensive yet sharp knives.”
“Do you really care that little about your life ?” asked Alca while mockingly smiling.
“That is personal matter. But consider this Mr. Alca. I am the Ambassador. In the case of my hypothetical death, my homeland would solve this problem in a rather aggressive manner. Yet we are not foolish, we wouldn’t wage war on the innocent and lovely folk of Equestria. War……would fall upon you.”
Right after that Mr. Alca’s assistant which still had his knife by him, unfolded it, proving out some professional skill of usage.
“You really think you can scare me ?!” Said Alca confidently.
“Oh I think I did, hear that Mr. Alca ?”
“Hear what ?”
“Your heart, your poor, weak, old heart. Beating in a perfect allegro tempo, afraid for every single cell of the small and pitiful body it desperately tries to keep alive” said Ruhig while confidently looking at Alca’s face, which, almost unobservable showed some fear.
“What the hell are you talking about.”
“Zeppelins Mr. Alca, an armada of modern, military zeppelins which will one day wake you up from your precious sleep with the infernal sound of their engines, hovering above your large properties. As blocking the skies with their great number, dropping explosives over the things you mostly love, including your own being.”
“This is getting ridiculous.”
“Yes, have to agree.”
“I see you like to use flying aphorisms. Let’s see how you’ll do that without your wings. There aren’t many pegasi back at your home anyway, you’re considered *laughs* rare. So you’ll start looking more fitting for your distant society” said Alca while taking out a stiletto knife of his own.
While hearing those rather scary for him threats, Ruhig walked up in front of Alca and his men, facing his desk and large window.
As doing so, Ruhig took a brief but careful look the coat of arms of his homeland. It was encrypted on a metal shield, representing the three pony kinds and their roles in the community. First, on the lower left corner came the Earth Ponies, which were seen hitting an anvil with a hammer. Secondly, on the lower right corner came the Unicorns, seen as levitating with their magic a quill and a scroll. Thirdly came the Pegasus kind, which were flying upwards holding spears. This coat of arms represented the domains of activity mostly represented by the people of Ruhig’s nation, the producers, the intellectuals, and the warriors, working together in a perfectly united community. But not the marvellous coat of arms was the object that at the moment captured Ruhig’s attention. It was the decor element placed behind it. Behind the beautiful shield stood a riffle. It was a military fire weapon, decorated in a golden baroque style, being powered by a drum magazine with five bullets of storage. Only Ruhig knew that this wasn’t by far a simple decoration, being fully loaded and, as used to be called by him “the last solution” in case of an attack.
Thus, with a great speed and coordination, Ruhig flew up to the coat of arms, picking up the rather unwanted, but necessary war instrument. While landing back, Ruhig stood on his back hooves, aiming in the malicious guests and saying….
“Allow me to introduce you sirs to the next level of weaponry, fire weapons.”
In the next moment, Alca and his men stopped advancing at Ruhig, standing still.
“You’re bluffing, this is a decoration, and it can’t possibly harm us.” Addressed to his crew “Show him.”
As a great, yet welcomed coincidence, the fireworks show had started outside. The beautiful, loud explosives were bringing up to the guests a beautiful, perfectly rhythmic presentation. While unwilling to attract attention caused by a potential use of a fire weapon, Ruhig listen in, synchronising with the fireworks. Straight after catching the rhythm, Ruhig quickly aimed and shot in Mr. Alca’s top-hat, propelling it right out of the preventively opened window. Immediately after observing the actual potency of the weapon, the malicious guests stopped right on the spot. Ruhig continued…
“I would suggest throwing the knives away before matter gets out of the hooves. I have a wide weapons expertize Mr. Alca, and aiming a little lower doesn’t represent a difficulty for me.”
Alca dressed to his crew with a rapid, disgusted tone “Drop the knives.”
Straight after saying that, the assistants dropped on the floor the cold weapons, pushing them further away.
Ruhig continued “This weapon is powered by a drum magazine with a capacity of 5 bullets, having a start velocity of 600 m/s, enough to decapitate somepony on the spot.”
“Listen…..ambassador….everyone has his price, remember ?”
“I am already rather disgusted by this mentality Mr. Alca. Name me three good reasons why I shouldn’t decapitate you on the spot.”
During the next few moments, Ruhig just stood calmly, aiming at Mr. Alca, who was mumbling indecipherable words. As doing so, he managed to observe fear in the old eyes of this truly ancient foe. Realizing that, Ruhig, let down the riffle barrel, unwilling to let himself fall to this level of conflict apprehension.
“I see you can’t bring me any worthy argument. But fortunately I know enough myself. Now, before our relations turn in an unwilling direction, I will ask of you to leave this office and embassy.”
Without any further endue, Mr. Alca indicated his men to leave the room , following them himself, under the supervision of Ruhig and his riffle.
“This isn’t the last you hear of me ambassador.”
“Of course not. But I wish our next encounter passed in a more pacifist manner.”
So, the unwanted guests exited the room office, opening the door, by which still stood Ms. Touche listening in the entire conversation. As Mr. Alca exited, both he and Ruhig gave her a rather confused look. But quite soon it was over, the office restoring its calm. Ruhig flied by the coat of arms reinserting the delicate weapon back on its place, as Ms. Touche just entered the office, closing the door after her.
Ruhig said a little sad “I….would usually try to explain myself during such incidents but I suppose you heart it all already Ms. Touche.”
Touche replied with a tonality combining shock & confusion “I did hear everything, it’s just….too much for one night.”
“Perfectly understand.” Said he calmly.
“Mr. Ruhig, were you actually ready to…..kill Mr. Alca ?”
“Of course not, this is beyond my competences. But I was ready to defend myself. *looking at Ms. Touche* You should take a seat.”
For the next moments, Ruhig was walking around his office, picking up the knives that have been left by his guests, mumbling rather loudly…
“If I see one more knife” continued he while simply tossing them in a trash can.
In the meantime, Ms. Touche also took a few steps around the office, eventually taking a seat on a nearby couch.
Touche said almost crying “Those persons are just….impossible.”
Ruhig took a place near her “You are perfectly right. I also find little liking in those who are able to over put their greed, over any good conviction of morals and good will” said he while gently putting one of his wings covering her.
“I am, so, sorry Mr. Ruhig.”
Ms. Touche just stood there for some moments, sniffing a little.
“Well *sigh* this was a rich evening.”
“Yes.”
“Too rich for me actually, I think I will leave this event a little earlier then I should.”
“Are you sure Mr. Ruhig ?” said she somehow concerned yet tired.
“Yes.”
After a few moment, Ruhig and Mr. Touche rose up from the couch, exiting the office.
“You go alone Mr. Ruhig. I will sit here a little more.”
“As you wish. Have a nice weekend Ms. Touche, rest well *smiling* Monday is a great day.”
Touche sighed saying “Yes, I know.”
And so, Ruhig left his “protégé” in solitude, concerned about her well-being, heading down to the reception room, and respectively to the exit. On his way, he saw Mr. Presspapier, approaching him…
“Mr. Presspapier, I will head home a little earlier than planned, just so you know.”
“Alright Ruhig.”
“May I just ask of two last favours for the night ?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Firstly, could you please check the integrity of the vault in which the Alliance document is stored. I have an unexplainable bad feeling about it.”
“Understand Ruhig, and what’s the second thing you wanted me to do ?”
“Ms. Touche is sitting at the last floor quietly. I don’t think she has a good time. Perhaps you could include her in some activity over here.”
“If you say so Ruhig. I see you show a great care for her” said he somehow gently.
Ruhig smiled “She is my “protégé” after all.” said he while turning around heading for the exit. Have a good night Mr. Presspapier.
“You too Ruhig, you too.”
Soon, after taking some last looks through the festive ambiance in which the embassy found itself for the night, Ruhig exited its infrastructure, widening his wings, and taking off. After some rather long minutes, he pierced yet again the snowy clouds, later arriving at his Cludsdale residence. Once arrived home, Ruhig, somehow desperately tried to relax, anticipating the weekend which was literary some hours away. Though he managed to apprehend the threat to the Alliance documents and his very life imposed that evening, he still couldn’t relax, as feeling an odd predisposition of the further events.
And so, under these thoughts Ruhig was concluding his evening routine, taking off his suit and washing up. Finally, he crawled up in his bed falling asleep. His mind was full both of odd predictions as of nice impressions and anticipations. This was going to be a relatively agitated sleep for him.
Night had finally fallen over Equestria, Ruhig, and Canterlot, which was still living in its agitated, late life.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       Honest Thief                        
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Honest Thief
And yet again, morning returned into the beautiful city of Clouds Dale and Equestria in general. The chilly, winter foretelling wind, which blew all night, already managed to create specific patterns at the window by which Ruhig’s bed was places. It was a nice, clear cold day, one, during which even the most hard working farmer would prefer sitting in the cozy bed rather than meeting the above mentioned chill outside. Ruhig, was no exception himself. But, it was for such situations, that he placed an alarm clock on his night stand. The device is rather rudimentary, yet practical. Once the according “wake up” hour has been set, the mechanism is reloaded every night, in order to perform its function. And so, once the alarm arrow hit exactly 6:30 AM, the small bells of the alarm filled the entire bedroom, creating at some extent the atmosphere of a crowded city center for anyone standing near them. During those precise times, Ruhig literary curses the sensitivity of his ears, mumbling in despair, hoping to lengthen his morning. Ironically, the only worthy motivation for Ruhig of meeting the morning which he found, was the fact that this, was a weekend morning, one during which everypony wishes to use every minute for his own satisfaction. Thus, with an almost mechanical manner, Ruhig turned off the infernal buzzing of the alarm, slowly getting off the yet extremely warm and comfortable bed. And so, ignoring the manner in which he woke up, and the weather outside, Ruhig stood on his four, hoping to make the best of this brand new day. Accordingly, he started his morning routine, altogether with the toilette, washing up, and dressing. Ignoring the very Sunday morning, Ruhig put on as usually his white shirt, red bow-tie, and fine, white stripped black suit. As he looked down the wardrobe, he realized he has a much wider choice of clothing, yet since his foalhood, sharp suits always represented a preferable choice for any occasion, being it a simple promenade with friends or a ball. With his usual calm attitude, he came to the living room, approaching a fine contraption from his motherland. It was a radio receiver, an amazing, yet bulky device, covered with a case built of polished wood. This device is one of the few reminders of his homeland, where, unlike in Equestria, they can be met in any decent household. Besides the ornament this system presented in itself, another curiosity was the fact that on its back, there was written with small, golden letters “Forte”, which inspired for Ruhig a certain, direct sense of familiarity. Ruhig turned it on, instantly hearing a delightful classical music, music, which soon spread in the intire mansion. Thus, with a high spirit and low speed, Ruhig entered the kitchen, boiling himself some tea, and taking out some bakery products, fitting for a cold, small weekend holiday. Soon after, Ruhig prepared his small breakfast, taking it in the living room, in order to enjoy it under the sounds of classical music. Those were some moments Ruhig genuinely enjoyed, pure delight while listening to the radio while sipping hot tea and croissants. Shartly after finishing his breakfast, a waltz has finished, a gentle mare voice on the radio telling…
“That was Hayan Hoofastian Strauss, on the Canterlot Radio, only the finest songs. Stay tuned further for today’s news….”
While the “nice voice” was starting to tell the most current events in Canterlot and Equestria generally, Ruhig slightly laughed mumbling for himself “Oh, I am not going anywhere dear.”
“…and lastly, the greatest diplomatical scandal to happen to Equestria in the last decade, implying one of the most daring thefts performed in Canterlot….”
Now willing to hear any news carrying such a negative content, Ruhig simply turned off the radio, lying quietly on the couch for a few minutes continuing to mumble with a delighted tone…
“Perhaps I should go to the Opera today, seems like a nice way to pass time before the signing of SAS”, continued he while looking off the window.
After a few more moments spent in silence, Ruhig got up and headed towards the entrance of the mansion. He looked in the mirror, and with a confident smile put on his head a black top-tat with a white stripe passing along its base. While doing so he thought of the upcoming day, nothing unusual, nor extraordinary, just a weekend of leisure and relaxation. Yet, during his casual preparation for a promenade, Ruhig heart some specific sounds from behind the door. He rapidly set his right ear against for the door carefully listening in after the suspicious sounds. It was a rather silly situation for him considering the door didn’t have a peephole, though it was for a very specific reason. Being an Ambassador, Ruhig’s house was equipped with a lot of security facilities placed through it, it’s worthy to mention the armored front door. And so, he was just listening in. His heart beat accelerated a little when he realized that on his cloud were marching more than one Pegasus, in a firm yet slow manner. The suspense slowly grew, until those behind the door, were separated from Ruhig only by the door itself. In the next seconds, a loud door knock waved through the house, beating straight into Ruhig’s ear. But this is rather obvious, nopony would react calmly to a door knock performed right in their ears. Yet the calm still remained. Unwilling to show to the potential unknown visitors that he was actually listening in for them, Ruhig, as quietly as he could, walked away from the door, pretending just to be walking up to it. From behind the door, he hear quite a solid, confident, yet calm stallion voice.
“Mr. Ambassador, open up the door please.”
Ruhig made a few steps around the door, saying calmly, yet with suspicion on his mind…
“In a moment.”
And thus, after opening the door, Ruhig stood face to face with 2 stallions. In a fraction of a second, just by their appearance, Ruhig started to form some opinions about them and their potential personality. One of them had a coat of a yellowish-pink coloration, having a slightly chubby body type, wearing a white shirt with a few unplugged buttons in the neck area. His hair was relatively long and messy, yet the stallion managed to give an impression of cleanness. However, the second stallion presented a little more interest for Ruhig. From the physical point of view he wasn’t as intriguing as the first, medium size, brown coat coloration, and short black mane. A small detail that dragged attention was the sharp grey suit he was wearing, being proved along generations that suits do tend to have such an effect. Immediately after opening the door, Ruhig said…
“Yes. How may I be of service gentlemen ?”
The slightly chubby and messy stallion replied immediately with a rather pesky voice “Oh, we’ll tell how you may be of service.”
Ruhig just stood for a moment rock calm listening, rather confused. The second sharply dressed stallion interrupted with the calm voice Ruhig previously heart from behind the door…
“Forgive my partner Mr. Ambassador. We are the Equestrian Central Security Agency.”, said he while pulling out of his suit a rather specific badge. It had symbolized an abstract form resembling the sun and the moon joined in one, with the specific engraving on it. “I am agent Cleareye, and this….” Continued he while pointing at his partner. Soon, he replied consequently….
“Hey, can present myself from time to time ? Agent Tazzer.” Said he while rapidly taking Ruhig’s hoof and shaking it, the last one being continuously confused, with a rock still face expression. Yet after a few moments Ruhig said…
“So how may I help you ?”
“You know how you can help us.” Said Tazzer while looking somehow frustrated at Ruhig.
“Mr. Ambassador, do you know why we are here ?” Asked Cleareye with a calm and confident tone.
“Mr. Cleareye, if I may call you so. I don’t have the smallest clue.” Said Ruhig calmly yet with a worried predisposition.
“Oh come on !” Buffed Zapper.
“Yesterday night, your embassy was robbed. To be more specific, your main vault has been robbed.” Continued Cleareye.
Immediately after hearing this, Ruhig shattered. Of course, he realized there was only one truly precious item guarded by the safe. He said rather astonished….
“Oh my. I suppose that means that the…..Alliance papers have been stolen ?”
“How did you guess Ambassador ?” asked Zapper with an obvious note of sarcasm.
“Are there any leads on the thief ?” Continued Ruhig after looking somehow shocked at Zapper.
“Well, yes.” Said Cleareye. “You are one of the suspects Mr. Ambassador.” He continued.
“So spill the beans out !” Said Zapper.
“Me !?!, that is absurd. How could you even arrive to such a conclusion ?” Asked Ruhig insulted and confused.
“You don’t seem to follow the news too hard Ambassador. This is in every newspaper. Even here.” Laughed Zapper while picking from near the doorstep a newspaper with the following title on the front page. Ruhig rapidly took it reading…
“….alliance documents stolen…..Ambassdor Ruhig Fortepiano to be the main suspect….”
Ruhig just stood truly shocked for a few moments. Only the colors distinguished him from a statue of the “Hoovre Museum”.
“You should come with us Mr. Ambassador.” Said Cleareye.
Yet again, Ruhig’s mind was overtaken by wild ideas, concepts and question. The greatest question of them all was “How could this happen ?”, though immediately another, even weirder question popped out “How could this happen to me, in such a time ?”. But Ruhig perfectly realized that the Central Security Agency was not a joking matter, so he just calmly replied…
“Understand.” Then slowly mumbled; “Perhaps I could then sort everything out.”
So, Ruhig just approached a little his door, taking a key out of his suit, intending to lock it up. With an extreme agility, Tazzer took the keys out of Ruhig’s hand saying…
“Oh no, we’ll need your house open Ambassador.”
“But, for what ?” Asked Ruhig confused.
“Our team will soon arrive here and check for anything, suspicious in your house.”
“Oh, I suppose I understand.” Replied Ruhig, while leaving the door unlocked. He immediately then put the key back in his suit pocket saying somehow enthusiastic and humiliated “We can go now gentlemen.”
“Follow me Mr. Ambassador.” Said Cleareye, while taking off.
“And don’t try any tricks on us, I’ve got the reaction of a cougar.” Finished off Tazzer.
“I shall….keep that in mind.” Said Ruhig, who was still astonished, shocked and confused over the events that happened yet so recently.
And thus, after finally putting on his initial top-hat, Ruhig flew after Agent Cleareye, followed by Agent Tazzer consequently. It would be a great lie to say that behind his calm cold face stood a relaxed spirit. Ruhig felt a dozen of emotions, opinions and ideas floating through his mind, trying to make a sense out of the last few minutes of his life. Perhaps it was Agent Tazzer who shocked him a little prematurely ? Even if so, this was irrelevant to his current situation. Ruhig stood before a rather complicated problem, which, he already realized that may carry an international aspect. He already started to put pieces in their places in his mind, though, he knew that that not all of them were available for him at the moment. Conclusively, all he could feel on his way was a sentiment of shock, amazement and irrelevance, mixed with the soft cotton shirt on him and the cold wind blowing on his face.
After around 10 minutes of continuous flying, Ruhig and his “escorts” were flying over Canterlot. Right after overpassing the thick layer of winter clouds, they say the building where this story shall gain its future development. To me more precise, it was the headquarters of the “Equestrian Central Security Agency”, a building which didn’t fancy through its architecture, having a rather simple parallelepiped shape, and a few white columns placed along its main entrances. Though, it did manage to impress a casual eye through its size, which, needed to be said, wasn’t modest at all. From the first sight, this looked like a well-fitting structure for the purpose had, representative, yet somehow closed and secretive. In a few moments from the well-established visual contact, Cleareye said…
“We are here Mr. Ambassador.”, as they started to lose altitude.
It didn’t take too long until they reached the building’s entrance, which, for Ruhig’s short lived joy, was empty. No sign of journalists, reporters or paparazzi to document that truly shameful moment. Thus, without further endue, they have entered the building’s interior, which, unlike its exterior, was quite crowded. A variety of ponies, most of which, must be told, were unicorns, running on errands throughout its corridors, rooms laboratories and so on. Returning back to the very interior, it was executed in a flawless manner. The floors were cut from perfectly polished, white granite with small black or red dots placed rarely and quite arbitrary around it. In the center of the floor composition stood the logo of the organization, “la piece de resistence” cut from black granite. It symbolized a sun and its sun rays with the moon placed inside, and the name of the organization written near it, with proud golden letters. This was the most well placed and stylish detail of the interior. Otherwise, the working crowd was taking away the esthetics. The furniture, though quite harmonious with the floor and the rest of the interior, was quite simplistic, being basically just office boxes, tables and chairs. Everything was placed for maximum ergonomics, although this term is not to be confused with comfort. One of the last details that could cheer somepony’s eyes was the large crystal chandelier placed in the center of the main hall, just beyond the very mosaic of the logo. Thus, it must be remarked that this, was a very crowded, busy, yet beautiful and well illuminated building.
“I see this society is working early even in the weekends.”, remarked Ruhig silently while looking around.
“Yes, most of them are pretty busy. Maybe thanks to you Mr.”, mumbled Tazzer.
“Excuse my partner Mr. Ambassador. He just had some other plans for today.” Kindly said Cleareye.
“Oh, understand.” Replied Ruhig.
“Do you know, how often I get to reserve a table for two in a fancy restaurant Clear ? No, you’re my partner but I don’t think you do.” Puffes Zapper.
“Not know Zapper.” Said Cleareye shortly looking his partner in the eyes.
“Hmm, so sorry to interrupt gentlemen, but, there was some issue which brought me here on a Saturday morning as well, could we please sort it out first ?” Said Ruhig with a small faked cough while trying to understand both his current situation, and take his escorts to another talking matter.
“Yeah, follow me Ambassador.” Said Zapper unexpectedly calm continuing “No more meetings to cancel for today.”
“Alright….” Said Ruhig very quietly.
“Follow Mr. Ambassador” Continued Cleareye giving a tired puff.
For a few minutes they have been walking throughout the head-quarters of the Central Security Agency. Ruhig was yet trying to understand his situation. He is usually quite a prolific thinker, with a great phonic memory and wit, but the current situation simply couldn’t allow him to think clearly at least for the next minutes, and to be fair, he didn’t think somepony else would handle such a situation differently. Every expectation left for the current day was left for the next room to come, the interrogation room to be more accurate. Once arrived in it, the expectation was brought up to the level. The room was fairly well illuminated, but heavily lacked furniture. The central composition was formed by a simplistic table, with 2 chairs on a side, and a chair on the other. Explaining the places of our current heroes would be a waste of time. And then, the modest composition was finished by a grey, metal file cabinet fixed in the wall. Thus, after entering the room, Ruhig took his place, followed by Tazzer and Cleareye, the last one locking the door of the room. So, the interrogation has started. This process was monotonous, just as it was entertaining for Ruhig. The questions were related to all of Ruhig’s aspects of life as a diplomat in Equestria. Then, the second round of questions came in, those were the ones related to the very “theft”, such as the time somepony was somewhere and what was he doing. “Finally”, thought Ruhig for himself, this small story seems to gain a vector. Of course, I could describe the very conversation here, but perhaps the average reader doesn’t want to spend too much time on question which have already been answered in the previous chapter. The dialogue will continue, from the part when, after being asked every possible detail needed from him, Ruhig takes initiative trying to find out what he needs in order to try and solve alone his problem…
“Alright, now we know everything we need. Thank you for the cooperation Mr. Ambassador, we shall take it from here.” Said Cleareye while browsing a notebook with all the answers gave during this interrogation.
“You could call me Ruhig or Mr. Ruhig, the way you feel comfortable gentlemen. But, I don’t think this is yet over. This may sound odd from somepony in my situation, yet could I ask some details about this crime ?” Replied Ruhig calmly.
“Haha, why should we do this ?” Asked Tazzer truly amused. “You still a suspect Am….Ruhig, we could arrest now right now.”
“No. No you couldn’t.” Smiled Ruhig while looking quite randomly around the interrogation room.
“Yeah, yeah we can. We’re national security agents. It’s not that much of a problem for us.” Continued Zapper appearing to be somehow intrigued.
“…..we can’t arrest him Zapper.” Whispered Cleareye to his partner.
“Oh come on ! Why ?” Asked Zapper a little disspointed.
“Let me explain that for you Mr. Zapper.” Calmly and rapidly said Ruhig. “Firstly, though your higher authority in the legal domain does allow the execution of arrests without orders from above, this isn’t such a situation. I don’t intend to say much on this matter, but I have diplomatical immunity. My arrest is a very complicated, and time taking procedure requiring cooperation from both our states. Yet I have limitations as well. Until this case isn’t solved, and the guilty found, I have no right to leave Equestria, rather fair if you ask me. In case I am found guilty, I am send back to my homeland where I will meet the justice at first hoof, if I may say. In case I am found innocent *smiles* somepony owns me an apology.”
Zapper and Cleareye, just stood still for a few moments.
“How do you know all that Mr. Ruhig ? It’s like you knew you were going to need to know this.” Said Zapper a little suspicious.
“I mastered the “International Political Relations” Mr. Zapper, knowing this isn’t unusual for somepony of my elevation.” Said Ruhig a little bored.
“Alright, we can’t arrest you Mr. Ruhig. But what makes you think we should help you ?”
“Mr. Zapper, I am not perfect, I am not perfect by far. Yet I am not a thief, a traitor and a liar. Those are some qualities I am deprived off thanks to my way of thinking. I just need a chance to prove that to you and the world. Could I please have that chance ?”
“We’ll consult a little with my partner.” Said Zapper.
Thus, Zapper and Cleareye, went into a corner of the interrogation room, whispering between. Ruhig just stood quietly, hoping for the best. After a few silent, yet unusually noisy moments, Cleareye said…
“Alright Mr. Ruhig, you may ask us something. But we will answer no more than three times.”
“Thank you very much. That’s more than enough.” Said Ruhig relieved. “Firstly, I would like to know who was the first witness of this crime, and who was present at the current scene yesterday ?”
“That counts as two questions Mr. Ruhig.” Said Zapper.
Ruhig briefly smiled saying “I was entitled with the right to ask three times, not three questions. This counts as one.”
“Clever.” Mumbled Zapper. “….alright.”
Zapper, went to the metal file cabinet taking out a file from it. It wasn’t too packed, and it was clear it was very fresh. He gave that file to Ruhig saying….
“We were announced about the theft by Mr. Presspapier. He said he opened it up in order to check for its safety. The list of the other witnesses is in the file.”
“Thank you.” Smiled Ruhig who started curiously to read the content of the document. “Mr. Presspapier, hmmm” mumbled he quietly then.
Immediately after the very first seconds of browsing this file, everything was starting slowly to make sense. A great factor helping in the perception of the written material were the photos taken from the so called “crime scene”. For Ruhig, the very entourage didn’t present an interest as great as the faces that have been immortalized in the photos he was browsing. Thus, for the next five minutes, Ruhig quickly absorbed as much useful information he could. That certain “larger picture” was starting to form in his mind, yet it was a rather blurry and uncertain concept. “I need a few more extra opinions before I could take any actions myself” Thought Ruhig for himself, while finishing up the last pages of the relatively thin document stack.
“Well, that was very informative.” Said calmly Ruhig while handing the document to Cleareye. “Yet, I should tell you something gentlemen.”
“What exactly Mr. Ruhig ?” Asked Cleareye in response.
“Judging by that file, I see you made a very careful and detailed detective work yesterday. And I most certain that you looked in my office as well. Didn’t you notice anything suspicious in it ?”
“Oh yeah, Mr. Ruhig…..or should I call you…..Mr. Mafiozi ?!” Exclaimed Tazzer.
“Ah, so you did find them in the trash bin.” Said Ruhig, who was contradictory a little content of that. “And I suppose you know which organization carries such tools with them ?” Continued he.
“None of your business. But we’re trying for a long time to get a hold on them. They are just about everywhere in Equestria, especially in Canterlot.”
“Then I wish to help you a little on that matter.” Said Ruhig.
“How ?” Asked Cleareye intrigued.
“And how do we know you’re not one of them ?” Asked Tazzer suspicious.
“Would a highly professional criminal leave such a weapon in a place as silly as a trash bin ?” Asked Ruhig responding to Tazzer’s question through another question.
Cleareye stood still a little, as if agreeing to Ruhig’s argument. Ruhig continued…
“In the last few days, that “organization” was trying to get a hold on the alliance papers. I am not sure whenever you are informed or not, but apparently its lead by Mr. Alca, the business colt….”
“Continue.” Said Zapper intrigued.
“…yes. As I said, they have been trying through different methods to get the papers, yet until, perhaps yesterday, none of them worked. If I may tell shortly, they have tried bribing, kidnapping and forceful handing of the documents. During the last trial, which happened, as you may already guess at the reception the embassy held, I was able to repel the attack, leading that certain Mr. Alca and a few of his assistants out of my office, though I am not sure if I took them……out of the building, if you catch my thought.”
“That, actually makes some sense.” Said Cleareye thinking.
“Thus, I don’t intend to draw any hurried conclusion, but I suppose they may have a much greater implication in this crime, unlike me. Plus, should I repeat again that I am rather dedicated to my cause and have no apparent or actual reason to cause an international scandal.” Continued Ruhig confidently.
“We should go check on that Mr. Alca and his mansion.” Said Tzaeer. “I heart he has 3 swimming pools in it. We totally need to check that up.” Continued he with a childish joy.
“Yeah, I suppose so.” Said Cleareye.
“Oh, and gentlemen, may I ask my last, most important to me question ?”
“Sure Mr. Ruhig.” Briefly said Cleareye.
“How did you arrive to the conclusion that I am a suspect ? Any clues or witnesses pointing on that ?”
“Oh, it’s much more than that.” Said Tazzer while walking towards the file cabinet.
In the next moments, Zatter was looking though the shelves of the file cabinet, he asked Ruhig somehow intrigued and amused…
“Say, Mr. Ruhig……do you know what time it is ?”
“A second please.” Said Ruhig starting to look in his suit pocket. But, quite an unprecedented case, he couldn’t find the watch. Being quite unused to this feeling, he said “Excuse me, I think I forgot it at home.” As he still continued to look through his suit.
“Oh, you sure ? Oh I think I found something…” as Zapper looked in the file cabinet “…a fancy new pocket watch.” Said Zapper while pulling out Ruhig’s golden engraved pocket watch.
“Is it my watch ?” Asked Ruhig looking amazed at it.
“Well it does say on it “To Ruhig, with love from Heilen…””
Ruhig almost blushed interrupting while a little irritated “This engraving is meant for me gentlemen. And yes, this is indeed my watch.”
“See ?!” Laughed Tazzer.
“Why is it here ?” Asked Ruhig confused.
“We found it in the safe Mr. Ruhig, right after starting our investigation yesterday.” Said Cleareye. “Though no hoofprints were found.”
“Well, in such case I understand why I am considered one of the main suspects.” Ruhig said thinking. “And, as we are on this matter, I think I could even explain how it got here.”
“Heh, go on Mr. Ruhig.” Said Tazzer.
“As I recall, while yesterday I “repelled” Mr. Alca’s attempt to take the documents, he hit my hoof throwing my watch away.” Thinks a little “Perhaps he took it ?”
“You know that this sounds a little silly, don’t you Mr. Ruhig.”
“Perfectly agree. But, let’s think at cold gentlemen. Would anypony intending to commit a crime of an international importance leave such obvious clues leaving to his eventual accusation ?”
“Yeah, that kind of maked sense.”
“Exactly, no decent thief would do such a thing. The presence of my watch in that safe, gives actually an impression of a blackmail attempt.” Continued Ruhig suspicious.
“We still can’t be sure Mr. Ruhig.” Said Tazzer sharing Ruhig’s thinking ambiance, yet having a somewhat intrigued tone.
“Yes, we should first make sure your house is clean M. Ruhig.” Continued Cleareye.
“Naturally, I understand. And as long as it’s no use for you anymore, could I ask for my pocket watch back ?” Asked Ruhig calmly.
Zapper and Cleareye looked shortly eachother in the eyes. In the next moments, Zapper replied…
“Sure. And, that’s a fancy watch. Must’ve cost a fortune.” As he childishly threw continuously at a small height.
“Please be careful, don’t drop….” Said Ruhig, while, ironically Zapper dropped on the floor the opened pocked watch. “…….the watch.”
Cleareye unfolded one of his wings rapidly slapping Tazzer’s face saying a little annoyed…
“Can’t you, not break something from time to time ?”
“Auch, hmmm” Tazzer picked the watch up “Sorry there Mr. Ruhig.” Continued he while giving Ruhig the watch.
“That *sniff* is a handmade piece of fine mechanical engineering with a great material and emotional value for me.” Said Ruhig with an obvious tone of sadness and disappointment.
“This is….awkward.” Said Tazzer.
“Well, I know a certain mechanic specialized in repairing such refined watches….luckily.” Mumbled Ruhig.
“So..it’s expensive is it ?” Asked Tazzer quite afraid of making up for this mistake.
“That mechanic actually gives discount for regular customers….but you may suppose I am not one of them. And don’t worry about that, I will fix it myself.”
“Really ?”
“Yes. The greatest consolation for me is that I know it’s not lost.” Mumbled calmly Ruhig truly content of the fact the watch wasn’t lost.
For a few seconds a morbid silence was installed in the interrogation room, and, in order to break it, Cleareye continued…
“So, we’ll be heading to your house to check for clues Mr. Ruhig. I suppose you want to come with us.”
“Naturally.” Smiled Ruhig, who was already planning in his mind his successive visits.
And thus, they have exited the interrogation room, though not before Cleareye rapidly stacked the answers Ruhig gave a short time ago in the file cabinet. As the reader may have guessed, they were heading towards the exit of the crowded central head-quarters.. While on their way, they stopped for a short while Tazeer told Ruhig…
“Wait here.”
“Not heading anywhere gentlemen.” Said Ruhig, who actually felt embarrassed to subordinate to such a direct order. If it weren’t for his current situation, he would have most likely tried to childishly provoke. Yet he stood still, looking and listening carefully to his escorts. As doing so, he clearly, though quietly heart Cleareye saying to a certain mare…
“Send some of our agents to Mr. Alca’s residence on the case of the stolen Alliance documents. Question him and investigate his house.”
The mare shake her head in sign of approval. Ruhig, in his turn, after hearing that, was childishly amused and happy, knowing that there might actually be some progress in this, most odd and important case. Immediately after that, Tazzer returned to Ruhig saying confidently…
“Well, off to your mansion.” Laughed Tazzer.
“Yeees.” Quietly giggled Ruhig sharing Tazzer’s enthusiasm.
And so, right after Cleareye, rejoined the small group again, the headed ultimately to the exit of the building. Thus, without further endue, they began their small aerial commute, which, isn’t worth describing considering the fact that it lacked any conversation important for the further plot development. The only thing worth mentioning was the awful windy weather which was making quite an impediment for a Pegasus to move at its full speed. Yet, ignoring the meteorological conditions, they arrived quite fast. Once having a firm visual contact with the mansion, Ruhig said…
“Thus, we are here.”
“You know Mr. Ruhig, that’s a pretty big house you have here.” Said Tazer looking at the mansion once again.
“Thank you.” Said Ruhig briefly.
Once stepping on the cloud, they observed that the detectives investigating the propriety have already finished their job, packing up all the instruments they used during the process. Landing on the clow and observing this, Ruhig said…
“Well, they seem to be finished.”
“Did you find anything suspicious ?” Asked Cleareye one of the detectives.
“No, no sign of the documents, weapons, or other illegal substances or objects.” Said he while rearranging his glasses.
“Did you look carefully ?” Whispered Tazzer suspicious, as hiding this from Ruhig, the last one, hearing it all naturally.
“Yes, we double checked, every inch, every book, every box in the mansion is clean.” Answered the detective.
“Oh well, see ya later Fred.” Said Tazzer.
“Fredward. We work for a few years together Tazzer, time to temember already.”
“Yeah….sorry.” Said the last a little ashamed.
“Anyway, see ya later.”
“Ya, bye.”
After that small, yet entertaining chat, Ruhig entered the house. After hearing the fact that his house has been double checked everywhere, he supposed this meant a total disaster and even anarchy inside. Unfortunately, he guessed right. The interior of the house was, gently speaking of course, a mess. Every single book from the library threw on the floor, every single item from the wardrobe checked and taken out of the place, the list goes on. Ruhig just stood still, quietly saying….
“It will take an entire day to clean that up.”
In the meantime Tazzer end Cleareye entered the house as well, observing the general condition of the place. With a happy attitude, Tazzer put his hoof in Ruhig’s neck saying with an optimist tone…
“Don’t worry about that, your maid will clean all that up.”
“Maid ?......” Asked Ruhig sarcastic.
“Buttler then….”
“What buttler ?” Continued Ruhig.
“Or…whatever you use back home, slaves ?” Continued Tazzer confused.
“Mr. Tazzer, this is my property. While moving in Equestria, I bought it, taking since then care of it alone. Just like in the domain of internal politics, I do not wish of foreigners to be involved in “internal affairs”, even if sometimes with a good aim.”
Tazzer just looked in an odd and confused manner at Ruhig, which, observing such a reaction continued…
“I tidy up my house alone.”
“Ooooh.” Continued Tazzer. “We’ll you’ve got some work then.”
“Yes…” Quietly replied Ruhig.
“Now I suppose we should go Mr. Ruhig.” Said calmly Cleareye.
“Wait, I though you could stay here for some tea gentlemen ?” Replied Ruhig.
“You….want to have tea with us ?“ Asked Tazzer somehow shocked.
“Well yes, basically.” Said Ruhig.
“We entered you house, accused you, made a mess, and you invite us for tea ?”
“That is your profession. I want to drink tea with Mr. Zapper and Cleareye, not agents Zapper and Cleareye.” Smiled Ruhig, while going to the kitchen.
“Well yeah, justice is blind after all.” Laughed Tazzer.
“It is at times….” Ironically laughed Ruhig while starting to boil the water. “Take a seat on the couch gentlemen.” He continued.
While preparing some tea in the kitchen, Tazzer comes at an uncomfortable distance near Ruhig. He wasn’t doing anything “unusual”, though he was staring soullessly at how Ruhig makes the tea. Of course, only a nihilist pony couldn’t be affected by such a continuous and suspicious staring, thus, at the moment when Ruhig’s patience was quite at the limit, he calmly asked Tazzer…
“Mr. Tazzer, may I help you ?”
“No, no no no” quietly said Tazzer “I just check that you didn’t put any poison in our tea.”
“Oh.” Said Ruhig rather calmly. Until that point, he didn’t quite think of meeting somepony with a more refined sense in excentrism. Continuing, Ruhig shouted from across the kitchen to Cleareye “Mr. Cleareye, is your partner always like, that ?”
“Asking when he is not like…”that”, would be a better question Mr. Ruhig.” Shouted Cleareye back.
“While we are on this, how many spoons of sugar do you want Mr. Cleareye ?” Asked Ruhig yet again his guest.
“I don’t drink tea with sugar, thank you.” Shouted Cleareye again from across.
“Why won’t you ask how many sugar spoons I want in my tea Mr. Ruhig ?” Said Tazzer a little insulted.
“Mr. Tazzer, you are staring at the sugar bowl whick is 30 cm away.” Laughs a little “I thought taking out a spoonful of sugar isn’t that great of a difficulty for you.”
“Well yeah…..but the gesture counts.” Said Tazzer a little calmed.
Ruhig just pushed the sugar bowl a little closer saying…
“Serve yourself Mr. Tazzer.” As he briefly smiled.
After a few moments Ruhig prepared the tea service, putting it over an aluminum plate and carrying it in the guest room on his wings. Doing so, he put the large polished plate on a small coffee table which centralized three couches in the guest room. While doing so, he calmly said while already sipping some tea…
“Serve your selves gentlemen.”
“You know Mr. Ruhig, you take that awfully calm.” Said Cleareye relaxing a little.
“No, trust me Mr. Cleareye, I am extremely stressed at the moment. Though, unlike joy, fear and stress are some particularities which I don’t like to expose.”
“Aah.” Affirmed indirectly Cleareye while drinking tea himself.
“But, we are all here quite emerged in our own concerns, so I don’t suppose you would like to hear about my emotions and plans during this nice small break.”
“Aaaactually, you can tell us some of your plans Mr. Ruhig.” Said Tazzer provokingly.
“Well….” Said Ruhig while rolling a little his eyes smiling “Leaving the city was not one of them, the other was to try and solve this document problem myself.”
“Haha, good luck on that.” Laughed Tazzer sincerely “We’re professionals, I don’t think you’ll be faster than us.”
“No, Mr. Tazzer, I am absolutely certain of your high competences, as I honestly count on them, and their presence. But I do say I am an early bird, maybe not the fastest there is, but…..you’ll most certainly hear me.” Smiled Ruhig while sipping his tea.
“What’s that supposed to mean ?” asked Tazzer a little confused.
“I am not sure myself” said Ruhig smiling “The matter of fact is that, ignoring the circumstances, at a certain point, a spark of luck is enough for me to break through such difficulties, and I always find such a spark.” Continued he confidently.
“Well….you can’t expect luck that easily.” Said Tazzer a little concerned.
“And this is exactly why I said that I “find” it.” Replied Ruhig while uplifting the finished tea cup in Tazzer’s direction.
“So….do you have a certain plan Mr. Ruhig ?” asked Cleareye intrigued.
“No, Mr. Cleareye. But as my cutie mark may show, I tend to be good at improvising.”
For the next few minutes, the three have been in a small chat, while discussing apparently every day problems. At a certain point, Cleareye got up saying…
“Well, it was nice staying, but we have plenty of work for today. So me and my partner will be heading off.”
“Visiting Mr. Alca I presume ?” Said Ruhig briefly.
“Maybe…” Answered Tazzer who was still drinking with a small avarice another cup rapidly.
“Well, please expect me to pay you a visit at work late this evening gentlemen. I have a certain feeling things will change radically in the next hours.”
“Most certainly.” Replied Cleareye, while already stepping out of the house.
In the next minute, the guests were already out of Ruhig’s mansion, on some of their own errands. Ruhig closed the door mumbling… “Well, time to pay some……friendly visits. First stop, “Focus Publishing”.” While walking a little through the house, he continued “How could four ponies destroy in an hour an order installed by one during months ?” as he observed the disorder reigning in the living room.
Ruhig started preparing to exit his house. In anyone’s opinion, including his, this was promising to be a rather rich day, especially taking in consideration the fact that it was yet quite an early time. Ruhig briefly walked around the house, taking a fast look at a pendulum watch, yet again proving the vast time reserve left for today. The large watch didn’t show more than 1 P.M., nice news considering the events planned further. Thus, without further endue, Ruhig put on his top-hat, leaving again his cozy warm, yet unorganized house. Exiting the house just at that moment, he realized how cold it got in the last few days. Never before, at least not this week, did he have a chance to leave the house on “personal business”, fact which explained his large active palette of senses, triggered by the exit. For a brief moment, Ruhig felt everything, the cold wind blowing in his face, the mild sunrays covering Cloudsdale…and the urge to put an end to this unexplained crime. As remembering so, he radically gained speed, taking as usually course in the city of Canterlot. Quite soon, in less than 20 minutes to be more accurate, Ruhig was already starting to lose altitude as meeting again the Equestrian capital city.As the reader might have already guessed from Ruhig’s previous lines, he was heading down to “Focus Publishing”. This wasn’t an arbitrary choice, as this media company was the one do write about the document heist and imply the public opinion that Ruhig is the number one suspect, also taking in consideration the fact that it is owned by Mr. Focus Word, guest at yesterday’s event, and most probably the witness for the newspaper.
While taking a look at the edifice from afar in the sky, it was rather clear that its main purpose wasn’t related to anything representative, diplomatic or cultural. No, the building was designed specifically for work. Ruhig paid attention to that thanks to the imposing number of windows installed in the tall edifice, windows which with the help of a pre-winter sun were slowly blinding him down. Luckily this small discomfort didn’t last that long, as he immediately landed in front of it. It was indeed a building of a new “office” type. Though it certainly added novelty to that, representative area of Canterlot, it lacked “class” in Ruhig’s opinion. The first floor of the building stood on the same level of the earth, without a complementary fundament, the entrance lacked any columns, the façade of the building lacked any elements of “décor”. Yet it stood out thanks to its imposing height. Of course, those were all brief observation made by Ruhig on his way inside, as he truly lacked time to allow himself the admiration of the building. As he entered it, he managed to observe that the expectations from the exterior didn’t differ from the content of the interior. But, to a small astonishment, not more than for a fraction of a second, he observed that the first floor was empty. The floor was covered with a carefully polished, dark turquoise color, while the walls, which were actually quite few due to the glass structure of the edifice, were of the game color, yet a bit lighter. The ceiling didn’t remark itself either, it was just a while, “mass” covered with many small lamps. Indeed, the simplicity impressed Ruhig somehow, yet it didn’t add any charm to it, at least in his opinion. Returning to the floor, its central composition was the information desk, which, yet again was a large piece of furniture of a dark turquoise color, covered by a whole, carefully polished piece of white granite. As expected, the information point was guarded by a fellow secretary mare, which to Ruhig’s slight disgust and slightly boredom, was also of a light green coat coloration. But, though not to Ruhig specifically, he looked rather attractive, curly blonde hair, pink ladies suit, and a nice tough made by some small vision glasses with a golden frame. Rather common fact for specialists in this domain, she was just sitting quietly reading some unnamed popular magazine. Without further endue, Ruhig approached her quietly, saying with a cold attitude…
“Hello”
“…uh….hi, Mr. deep voice….” responded she quite nihilistic while browsing the magazine, without even expensing a few seconds of her time to look at him.
“I’m here on private matter, don’t want to waste your time…” said Ruhig rapidly and calmly while being interrupted.
“…good…” slightly smiled while listening to him.
“…..yes, I would like to know where is the floor of the “Editor in chief”, Mr. Focus.” he finished.
The secretary, who naturally seemed rather busy at the moment, rapidly took out of her desk quite a large paper passing it to Ruhig. She continued…
“I don’t want to explain everythin, here’s the plan of the building.”
“Ah, thank you.” Said Ruhig while taking the plan of the building, carefully analyzing it. “Have a nice day.” Continued he while walking further in the building unwilling to disrupt this perfect working ambiance. As a response, the secretary, just mumbled something undecipherable in return. Honest to be, Ruhig would usually be rather insulted by such an ignorant attitude, and try to get back through some mildly childish comeback, but this wasn’t the case. Instead he just mumbled quite amused…
“I bet that if we two were stuck on an isolated island of some sort, we wouldn’t run out of discussion topics at least for two years.” continuing afterwards “Well, always good to see the good in the bad. At least this building is equipped with an elevator.”
Without any further hurry, he just went to the elevator pressing the according summoning button. Worth mentioning, Ruhig guessed from the button that the elevator might actually be richer then the entire first floor. And indeed, it was. After a small bell indicated the approach of the following contraption, the large polished aluminum doors opened, relieved a rather tastefully decorated elevator. Though it was nothing too special, yet the simple metal polish already gave a better impression than the first floor. Ruhig briefly took a look at the small map of the building gave to him by the secretary. Not that of a big surprise, the office of the editor in chief was indicated to be on the very last floor, along with a general area designed for the most representative workers and editors of the building. And so, the door have closed, and the contraption, basically started realizing its natural task, elevating. While doing so, a certain melody was coming out of a small speaker build in the walls. Nothing too special, just some boring bell sounds, in a symmetric form, yet lacking any sort of drama, passion or basic music. Ruhig continued a little sarcastic and amused…
“Elevators, great invention. But in a world of ever growing in height buildings, they will start to become a true prison, especially to the non-pegasi.” The elevator music played a little more, Ruhig continuing bored “…and this music will become the very first legal torture.”
Finally, after some rather long 30 seconds, the elevator arrived the 18th floor, giving one last bell ring. Ruhig immediately stepped out, looking at his ambiance. Unlike the first floor, and perhaps just like all the other floor, this one was quite vivant. No matter where he looked, he saw busy mares and stallions, each of them running arbitrary on their small errands. This “life” was giving off a certain noise, betraying an organization which aspires to leave an impact on the modern cities, even if in such indirect manners. The floor was decorated in a specific manner, nothing extraordinary or impression, just a great variety of office desks, each and every one of them being decorated individually through some small accessories. Returning to the above said, the only true décor, proving the worth of this specific floor, were the busy, apparently dedicated workers. He said slowly while walking through the crowd…
“Now, if I were to be a slightly ego-centric owner of a multi-millionaire media company, where would my office be ?” as he laughed a little very quietly. “Then again, why think of it ? I am surrounded with ponies who know.”
Thus, Ruhig simply approached an office worker asking calmly…
“Excuse me sir, here on some private matters, do you know where is Mr. Focus’s office ?”
“Yeah, you go right to the end of that corridor, and it’s the very last door.” Said the stallion pointing at the according corridor.
“Ah, thank you very much.”
“Say, are you that ambassador, you know from the paper.”
Ruhig just stood quietly listening, with a slight concern. The stallion continued…
“….the one who stole that document. You look pretty much like him.” Said he while showing Ruhig the newspaper which he coincidentally carried by him.
“….yes, it is me, the denigrated diplomat.” Replied he coldly and quietly continuing “Before you say anything, I kindly ask you to take an extra second to think about it.”
“Oh, sorry.” Replied the stallion back.
“Thank you.” Said Ruhig sincerely.
The stallion puffed a little, bursting in laughs in a few seconds. Shortly after that he yelled “Hey everypony, it’s the ambassador from the news.”
In the next second, the other ponies working on that floor, reacted as if they have been trained according to Pavlov’s reflex methods, turned straight towards Ruhig, looking with intrigued face expression. Naturally, the process of quiet gossip, for Ruhig’s indignation and shame, has started. The stallion continued amused dragging simultaneously everypony’s attention…
“Oh, and as long as we’re on it, me and my chumps were wondering…”
“Yes…” Said Ruhig coldly, expecting already a question bellow an intelligible level of conversation.
“Is your mane style natural, looks like some sort of piano to me.” As he burst in laughs together with the rest of the building.
“Have a good day.” Said Ruhig while walking rapidly away from the amused crowd, mumbling quietly and slightly irritated “I’m dragging a little too much public attention…..and it’s one of the few times the circumstances take away my content from it.” He continued walking, advancing the corridor on the background of an entertained group. As ironic as it wouldn’t seem, before that moment, he wanted simply to kindly ask from Mr. Focus some information on yesterday’s event. But, after remembering the common mentality and spirit of the journalist, he suddenly inclined his predisposition to a neutral, and perhaps slightly offensive one. As the reader might have deducted already, Ruhig suffers sometimes such radical changes in predisposition. This, could be easily explained by that influence of the society around him, but it would be partly a lie to affirm that, thanks to the fact that just as many times he proves a truly iron calm and dignity. After a few seconds, he approached the needed door. Excepting the fact that it was identified by one of the workers here, it was proven to be the correct one thanks to a golden plate with the encryption “Focus Word – chief editor”. A small surprise for Ruhig was the fact that the entrance heavily lacked any form of protection, not a sign of a ponyguard or reinforced door. This caused a few mixed impressions. Firstly, this caused a sense of a fake, yet healthy confidence. Secondly, this caused by ruhig an unexplained sense of doubt. He thought of his manners for a while and the necessity to knock at the doors, but in the very next second he left this thought off, considering the fact that he is low on time, and that Mr. Focus is perhaps responsible for the horrible calumny which is putting at risk Ruhig’s career and free life. Naturally, he expired slightly amused after seeing a small golden “Do not disrupt sign” whispering “Ponied need something more to contain me.”
Thus, with a professional mannerism, he carefully took the door handle, unwilling to make absolutely any noise. Of course, this intention was caused part by the fact that he wanted to make a “surprising” appearance, and that he didn’t want to disturb. To Ruhig’s luck, the door’s mechanisms and joints were rather well oiled, allowing him to open it without identifying the slightest sound, good news considering he had well trained ears. Once opened, quite a nice office room stood before Ruhig. The first intriguing detail of the room was its color, which was entirely white, thus creating a visual effect of space and light. Every single detail of this room, executed in a modernist manner in the above mentioned color. On the left of the entrance, he was a large library shelf with an impressive photo camera collection on. The furniture piece on the left side of the room, presented some sort of exposition, showing off a great number of news-paper issues, perhaps, in Ruhig’s opinion, the most successful ones. Of course, the most fundamental element of the furniture was a large white desk, confectioned of what it seemed to be polished wood. In front that desk stood two arm-chairs, with a small coffee table between. Behind that desk, stood a large window, with a nice view on the main economical areas of Canterlot. The interesting part was the fellow sitting at the table. As the reader has perhaps already guessed, it was Mr. Focus, who was sitting, rather comfortable for Ruhig, with his face turned towards the window. Most likely he didn’t even notice Ruhig at the moment. The curious part was the piece of publishing he was reading, though, this isn’t a good definition for his action. “Admiring” would fit much better way to put it, considering this was a magazine of an “adult” content. Knowing for quite some time Mr. Focus and his attitude towards the ladies, this wasn’t a surprise, yet considering the sign outside the door, Mr. Focus sure expected it to be one. Somehow, this cheered Ruhig up. He quietly started walking closer towards the concentrated reader, until the only thing that stood between Ruhig and Mr. Focus was the white piece of furniture. Just like in a horror story, with an unexpected finesse, Ruhig came closer and closer, leaning on the table, until their heads were almost on the same level. Observing somehow intrigued and amused the “entertaining” content of the magazine, Ruhig quietly whispered in Mr. Focus’s ear…
“Is it interesting ?”
In the very next instant, Mr. Focus, who was carefully glaring, rapidly and a little irritated replied…
“Shhh !”
As expected, in the next second Mr. Focus actually realized the actual circumstances. He rapidly slided his chair forward towards the window, turning straight face to Ruhig, who, being amused had a rather provoking face expression. Ruhig continued…
“Hello.”
“Mr. Ruhig !?, how did you get in here ?”
“Through the door, naturally.” Said Ruhig while smiling and rolling his eyes.
“The door sign says not to disrupt !” Continued Mr. Focus rather irritated.
“Mr. Focus, when I want to be left alone, I take it a little further by locking it.”
“You shouldn’t be here Mr. Ruhig.” Continued Mr. Focus grumpy.
“All the other ambassadors tell me that seeing the first stallion with such a position in his 20’s. For now, I’m just glad to have your attention.”
“I was getting to that…” said Mr. Focus “I suppose you won’t tell anyone of this.”
“Cabarets aren’t foreign to me Mr. Focus, been there a few times, don’t want to tell the circumstances though. And actually, unlike some, I am quite a good secret keeper.”
“Aaah, you are implying something Mr. Ruhig ?” Replied Mr. Focus already rather content.
“Well, I did browse rapidly today’s edition of your paper Mr. Focus.” Said Ruhig serious “That’s some shocking business right there.”
“That was one successful edition. Made the last changes just yesterday night.” Continued Mr. Focus with a face full of pride.
“I sincerely hope it was worth it.” Said Ruhig with an unusually for him, obvious sarcasm.
“Don’t blame me Mr. Ruhig, I am a journalist, you should have known better than allowing me to enter.”
“Suddenly, turns out I lack ethics in social behavior ?!. Well…every day learn something new.”
“I just wrote down the facts in my paper Mr. Ruhig, nothing more.” Replied Mr. Focus confidently.
“This is called fiction Mr. Focus, fiction. Facts slightly tend to differ from fiction.” Said he with a serious tone, mumbling very slowly afterwards “…apparently used my wall decoration on the wrong pony”.
“What ?” Asked Mr. Focus confused.
“Oh nothing. The point is Mr. Focus, I frankly don’t quite care of the circumstances which made you write that down, confidence, journalist spirit….perhaps envy…”
“Hey !”
“The point is that now my situation is rather delicate.” Said Ruhig while taking a seat on a nearby arm-chair. “I almost managed to sort it out….”
“Really ?” asked Mr. Focus confused.
“Yes, really Mr. Fucus. I tend to have a high speed of information processing in such moments. You should have seen me during the invasion of…..no importance. I need your help.”
“Really ?” asked Mr. Focus with a long and suggestive tone. “With what ?”
“I suppose you documented quite a lot of small details of yesterday’s evening, and memorized even more of them ?”
“Well….yeah.” Smiled Mr. Focus confidently.
“Fantastic *smiles*, because now, I need every single one of them. The “final picture” as I call it, is almost done, but I lack the last puzzle piece.”
“Understand. But tell me Mr. Ruhig, why should I help you ?” as Mr. Focus was walking around the office “This is a pretty favorable situation for me. One of those times I have to make more papers than planned. Ponies just keep buying and buying them.”
“This is your chance to help an innocent in his true cause…” Said Ruhig, who already observed a rather nihilistic attitude by Mr. Focus. Ruhig smiled continuing “But if that isn’t enough, I can think of a few other “yellow journalists” who might find your small secret, intriguing.”
“Hehe…” said Mr. Focus scratching his neck “Let’s not jump to conclusions.”
“Have you considered going to a cabaret Mr. Focus, basically the same experience, only in first person.” Smiled Ruhig provokingly, while approaching Mr. Focus’s desk and picking up that certain piece of publishing holding it rather nihilistic. “I personally prefer natural experiences to both of them but *smiles*…we are all different, that is quite entertaining, don’t you think ?”
Mr. Focus rapidly changed his proud and rather confident tone to something a little more dextrin saying with a calm attitude…
“So, help with some information ? Let me see…” he slowly mumbled.
“Only if you insist dear Mr. Focus.” Said Ruhig with a tonality ironically exchanged with the previous one of his interlocutor. Of course, he perfectly realized that Mr. Focus’s help wasn’t that sincere, but he didn’t quite care at the moment. For Ruhig, it was one of those few situations when the result matters a little more than the way it was achieved, manipulation counting as well. Ruhig thought amused to himself “Heh, I wouldn’t have left myself convinced by such an argument, but if it works, I work.” as he continued looking at Mr. Focus from the relatively cozy, yet bizarre white armchair.
In the next moments, Mr. Focus looked up in a drawer from his desk, taking out a file. This certain piece of documentation was obviously very fresh, at least to Ruhig. That conclusion was easily made thanks to its specific smell and bright colors. Mr. Focus passed the file to Ruhig, taking a seat at his desk consequently. The second, took it, paying attention to the relatively large piece of documentation inside. Yet Ruhig had a little satirical attitude inside telling jokingly to Mr. Focus:
“How convenient was the fact that you have all those files to yourself. As if my visit here was absolutely predictable.” As he laughed slightly.
“Well….yes…,predicatle of you Mr. Ruhig.” Said Mr. Focus, who profited Ruhig’s distraction, hiding away that certain magazine stacked with, un-childish content.
“I see. Well, I promise this won’t repeat again.” Jokingly continued Ruhig, looking in the file continuing “Though I must admit, you made an excellent job at yesterday’s gathering with that accustomed camera….even I didn’t browse through all those rooms.”
Mr. Focus smiled proudly continuing “That’s my job…and I have a good camera.”
“Hmm, is it one of the new models with internal self-developing films ?” asked Ruhig.
“Yeah, but twelve shots are little for me, I always carry a few spare wheels of film.” Said Mr. Focus, gladly exposing the experience he possesses in this domain.
“Aaah I see…” Continued Ruhig starting to completely to ignore his interlocutor. Though he had a little curiosity in the methods Mr. Focus uses on his daily basis, a much greater concern was the documentation taken , as there, may be that one small detail which can clarify the small, yet intense scandal. Ruhig asked while browsing “Which one of these photos were made the closest to the moment of the supposing theft ?”
Mr. Focus rapidly got up his chair, closing towards Ruhig and taking the file in his hooves. After a few seconds of browsing, worth to mention executed with a gambler’s speed, Mr. Focus whooshed the according photos saying:
“Here are those I made when everyone found out about the theft.” As he pointed to them.
“I see those are quite some shocked, and perhaps hysterical faces here.” Added Ruhig, partially unaware of the context.
“Yeah, those ponies are ready to fall in panic for a broken hoofiqure.” Laughed Mr. Focus.
“Heh, upper class, nothing we can change in them.” Supported Ruhig quietly.
“You mean, “us”?” Asked a little insulted Mr. Focus.
“Diplomats, are something different Mr. Focus. We are not educated to conduct an affair with financial resources or the large public. If I were to compare us with the upper class, the second would be a large tower watch; grandiose, majestic, yet loud and relatively inaccurate. On the opposing side, diplomats and leaders of state are to be compared with, pocket watches; quiet, accurate, always present and ready to execute our duty.” Said Ruhig who was already starting to fall in dilemmas related to the current subject.
In the mean-time, Mr. Focus took a seat on his armchair saying:
“You lost my attentention on the “something different” part Mr. Ruhig.” Replied Mr. Focus bored.
“It is Mr. Ambassador Ruhig for you Mr. Focus” answered Ruhig slightly amused by the lack of attention and interest of his chat partner.
“So now I have to call you by the full title ?” Laughed Mr. Focus.
“Of course not” smiled Ruhig “This isn’t the full title.” As he continued looking through the photos with a mutual nihilistic attitude towards Mr. Focus.
“Really ? hehe, what does it sound like ? I’m curious.”
“His excellency Ruhig Fortepiano, ambassador to the Grand Kingdom of Equestria.”
“Long.” Rapidly and loudly said Mr. Focus.
“Well of course, this isn’t a Sunday night after all.” Said Ruhig amused.
“Do I have to memorize that ?” Asked Mr. Focus intrigued.
“Oh dear no, a pony of your class, has far greater concerns than that.” Said Ruhig while briefly standing up and looking presumably at the desk shelf where Mr. Focus hid his certain publication. Naturally, the second didn’t catch the hint, continuing with his casual behavior. On one side, Ruhig was glad he didn’t insult his interlocutor, on the second half, he was a little disappointed in his level of perception. Little known fact, Ruhig sincerely believed that the potency with which somepony understood a joke, or a mocking, directly indicated his level of intelligence. He continued…
“Now if you don’t mind. I need a little silence in order to…sort out the facts from the fiction.”
“Yeah, sure.” Answered back Mr. Focus while sitting down.
While browsing the photos, Ruhig payed attention to rather specific details. Contrary to the beliefs inhibited in ponies from detective novels, he thought that is the photos were to give some clues, then only through the ponies which they depict. Briefly speaking, the “lead” would consist in the presence-absence of somepony instead of some rather visible clues like stains and dropped purses. Relatively speaking of course. Quite soon, after some careful browsing, a certain pattern between the present ponies and the place where they were when the photos were taken was starting to form in Ruhig’s mind. The suppositions were blurry, risky perhaps, thus he looked at the photos a little more before emerging into further conclusions. As doing so, he complimented a little his interlocutor…
“I must say Mr. Focus, I admire your insistence upon taking so many photographs.”
“Why thank you.” Replied Mr. Focus proudly.
The silence continued a little more. To Ruhig’s partly amazement, Mr. Focus took pictures even after the event, one of them proving to have a major for him, “presence”. “Of course…” thought he, “..this theory deserves to be checked ex pronto.” as he got up from his seat. Ruhig straightened his bowtie while approaching Mr. Focus shaking his hoof.
“Thank you for your help Mr. Focus, deeply appreciate it.”
“Ehhh….you’re welcome Mr, Ruhig.” Said he a little confused.
“Now if you’ll excuse me, I must depart.” Continued Ruhig while approaching the large window in the room.
“You’re going the wrong way, the exit’s that way.” Replied Mr. Fucus, perhaps a little more confused.
“Your offices are a little too…”welcoming” Mr. Focus.” Said Ruhig continuing in his mind “And the elevator music is a true nuisance.” Then he returned saying “I chose the natural way this time.”
“Natural way ?”
“Gravity Mr. Focus, gravity.” As he closed to the window opening it.
“…are you sure ?”
Ruhig widened his wings as suggesting the perfect, yet obvious control over such situations. While climbing up the window sill he said “Except me to contact you within the next day. Au revoir.” after which he took off, subsequently after falling for approximately 20 meters. During a small flight, no longer than 5 minutes, he was dragging the last conclusions from the material he saw at Mr. Focus’s office. In interests related to the reader’s curiosity about the rest of the story, the name of the suspect shall not be revealed. The only thing of which Ruhig could think was “Ironically….I hope I’m wrong.”
It was one of those rare days, when the amount of events happening around him was surpassing the speed with which he could process the information related to them. But, the moments or reconciliation with himself were close to an end, temporarily of course, as he landed at the entrance of the embassy. Unlike any other day, the building seemed rather cold to Ruhig. This wasn’t due to the winter coming in the Kingdom of Equestria, as of the subtle fear of the negative towards him external attitude. Until that moment, he was the young “Flagman” of that building, an (self proclaimed) eccentric, yet joyous member of that fine community. Now, he was entering it in the quality of a suspect, potential committer of international crimes, a shame to his own ideals. Moreover, this was going to be a “Trust fall” test at some extent. Thus, Ruhig deeply inhaled entering through the large, heavy wooden doors. Despite the fact that this was a weekend day, most of the workers staff were present, due to the events bond to happen in just one day. Everypony was in a hurry, everyone busy, stressed. Soon, apparently Ruhig added oil into the fire, as making the first steps into the large hall. In the next moments, a deadly silence had been installed apparently in the entire embassy. Everypony was looking shocked, judging, scared and confused at the Ambassador. Usually, do to his extrovert nature, social interactions weren’t a great concern for Ruhig, but not this time. He felt as if every look of his compatriots added more weight on his back, trying to take away the weak hope to fix the problem he was thought guilty of. Perhaps he should have talked a little more on this issue with Mr. Focus ? Maybe, but now wasn’t the time to ask such questions. As the reader may remember from the previous chapters, the main hall of the embassy was decorated in the center with a fountain, having as a “Piece de resistance” a statue of a pony general. Withought further endue, Ruhig rapidly took off, eventually standing on the top of the statue, as this seemed to him “the high ground”. Until that moment, all the eyes working or passing through the spacious room seemed to look at Ruhig. Even those who didn’t seem to pay attention, weren’t ignorant, fixating their ears upon the further unknown actions. Thus, he took a deep inhale saying…
“Excuse me everypony, could I have your attention for a few brief moments.”
That was it, the motive strong enough to make everypony look at him in more direct manners. Ruhig continued with a tone mixing sorry, respect, shame, yet daring at the same time…
“As you might have already found out either from the building itself or from the already highly advanced sources of mass media, a terrible event stroke our embassy less than a day ago. For those of you not in current with it, though I doubt that, I mean the heist of the alliance treaty. As well, not a less known fact, due to some appearances I am considered the main suspect of a crime which casts shadow on all the principles my position holds onto.”
Everypony was looking at Ruhig and at each other subsequently, in total silence.
“Honest to be, I am not here in order to ask you, my dear compatriots, to consider me innocent. Nor I am here to ask for forgiveness for a crime I didn’t commit. In my opinion, current excuses and pities are never able to correct the events given in the past. No…I am here to correct the matters at hoof.”
The ponies started to chat slowly though them, until Ruhig continued…
“Ignoring the hierarchical system of this institution, everypony who considers me guilty, mischievous or absurd, has the permission to leave.”
Ruhig waited for a few seconds. To his amazement, everypony was yet sitting still, even if a few whispers could be clearly heart. Though short lived, not more than a few miliseconds, this was a cheer for Ruhig. He went further telling…
“Thank you *smiled*. During most part of the day, I have been seriously thinking on this matter, analyzing, deducting…and arriving to an apparently silly deduction. The Alliance treaty was stolen from the main vault, true, but it never left the very building. Due to a certain, plot twist, the entity who committed the act at hoof yesterday, didn’t have the chance to take out the large stack of the important, wax-sealed documents, as the Equestrian Security Services couldn’t have ignored that at such times. Briefly speaking, they are somewhere here, waiting to be found.”
In the mean while the small crowd was already looking quite intrigued at the Ambassador.
“As you might have already noticed, I am usually a rather independent entity, trying on the contrary side to give aid to my colleagues when needed. This time, I am the one in need of help, help which wouldn’t be addressed to me, or even the perspective alliance between the 2 empires. I ask of a chance to overcome the appearances, and look in the face of the slowly rising conflict with the will to face it, uniting our strength, intellect and efforts for the good cause.”
The eyes of the ponies were slowly staring to become more enthusiastic…
“The time of predilections has passed, thus now the time to act has arrived. Everypony !.....WHO, IS, WITH, ME ?!”
All the ponies stood for a few seconds in a deadly silence, including Ruhig, who’s heart beat rate radically increased despise the firm face expression. Suddenly, somepony started clapping. It wasn’t loud, but in the preinstalled silence Ruhig has the impression to be able to hear even the footsteps of a fly. In the next second, that mysterious pony came out of the crowd, with a further increasing rate of clapping. It was Mrs. Inkdrop, to the common amazement. Apparently, the old heart of the serious and dedicated secretary leaked a few grams of admiration for the efforts made by Ruhig in the aims of redressing this odd scandal. Quite soon, following a chain effect, all the ponies gathered around the fountain on the top of which Ruhig was standing started to clap cheerfully.
In that moment, Ruhig felt briefly in a condition of ecstasy. “The people” were with him, and now the solution seemed to be only a matter of time. Yet, as mentioned earlier, this was just a brief moment of joy, immediately, he flew off the statue saying…
“Thank you very much everypony. Now I need every accessible hoof on this one. We must divide into 2 major groups, granting a small time expense. The first one will search in the backyard, hall rooms and every public space through which yesterday’s event passed. The second one has a more specific role, searching though the embassy archives in the under levels. Please, verify every shelf and file, a document of such size can’t be hard to find. The document we search is rather thick, and is decorated on the top with a Royal, Ferriosburg pattern stamp. Also the title is rather betraying. Everypony understood ?” as he smiled a little.
The small group of embassy workers confirmed indirectly their understanding by repeatedly inclining their heads in a positive manner, and by chatting engaged through them, starting slowly to split in the 2 above mentioned groups. At the time, Ruhig still couldn’t believe the spontaneity with which this all happens, taking in consideration that just this morning he was officially accused of the crime. Yet a small spark of curiosity inhibited in his mind. He approached Mrs. Inkdrop who was already apparently returning back to her obligations, telling her…
“Mrs. Inkdrop, unusual of me to say, thank you very much for the support.”
“What kind of support ?” responded she in a manner which somehow managed to indicate both unawareness of the situation and a deep comprehension over it.
“The one with the crowd here.” Said Ruhig somehow amused continuing “I am not completely sure if the supported me initially, but you, ignited that certain chain reaction. Thank you.”
“Everyone needs support Mr. Ambassador.” Continued she.
Curing those few moments, Mrs. Inkdrop proved herself as one of the most intriguing staff workers Ruhig has seen in his life. The reason was quite unknown. Was it due to her large experience? , considering the fact that she and Ms. Presspapier started their duty at approximately the same time. Or she just seemed to have an interesting array of skills. Anyhow, relating to the relative short time Ruhig served in this embassy, she proved herself as a valuable and appreciated worker.
“Quite right…” responded he back thinking a little.
“I need to get back to work Mr. Ambassador.”
“Yes, of course. Only one last question.”
“What ?”
“Have you seen Mr. Presspapier or Ms. Touche ?, they missed quite a show.”
“They have day offs Mr. Ambassador.” Responded she with a tone suggesting the obviousness of the answer.
“Oh yes, thank you again.” as he walked away a little, continuing “ You know Ms. Inkdrop, I should note such things down more often.”
Ms. Inkdrop just gave Ruhig a short look with a slight shadow of amusement, returning back to her work desk. Though Ruhig needed an pair of hooves on the task announced earlier, he thought to let this one go Thus, the search for the priced document has begun. He approached the slowly dispersing crowd, telling…
“Come on everypony, time is a limited resource. First group, please follow me.” Said Ruhig full of enthusiasm they all went on the next levels of the embassy with an unseen power…at least to his opinion.
Then embassy, in any country or empire, is considered a building of a special status. It is considered to be the the official territory of the country represented by it, thus, any hostile reaction towards it would be considered a sign of aggression towards the entire empire. Returning to the subject…Having such a special status, it promotes a variety of functions, such as receiving international guests, promoting delegations, establishing contact between two, sometimes opposing sides. Yet, those are all functions attributed more to the public, social domain. A true embassy, disposes of a great array of documentation, records, on a variety of themes. The name of every equestrian pony who has ever travelled to Ruhig’s motherland and vice versa, has his name written somewhere in the large archives, just in case.
For reasons which are to be latter told the the reader, in his opinion, the precious document was hidden somewhere in the embassy, and more specifically, through the great volume of paper documentation. What better place to hide paper then around other paper, right ?
And so, the group of “searchers” arrived at the second floor, where the main public archive of such genre was stored. It contained all the names affiliated to the diplomatical domain through the last 2 years. The archive room carried after itself a constant odor of freshly printed paper and strong coffee, odor which by the cold time of the year, came to a liking.
The search has started. Everywhere around the large, library bookshelves filled room, around twenty ponies were searching vividly, trying to find that certain “Royal red, wax imprint”. The general noise made by them equaled the level of sonic pollution made by a journalistic team, as observed by Mr. Focus.
Though Ruhig carried a status of both official and unofficial reader, his part of the general search wasn’t that large. Feeling that this floor could have been easily handled, he lifted to the 4 floor, the one where the offices of the most important workers, including his, were placed. In a hurried manner, he entered his office, approaching the large desk of finely carved wood. By opening a shelf, he started to randomly search with his hooves for a certain item, by palpating carefully. After no more than 5 seconds, it was found, a silver key ring with approximately 10 small keys around. Subsequently Ruhig rapidly got out of his room, browsing the well decorated corridor.
The reader might ask why did he search for something as, perilous as a few keys during a massive “paper hunt”. This is soon to be found out. He rapidly came to a door, near which, with golden letters, there was written “Lucius Presspapier, Envoy Extraordinary”, entering it. The office in which Mr. Presspapier was working, was as elevated as Ruhig’s, except of the size, limited by only a few square meters. With a heavy heart, Ruhig came by to Mr. Presspapier’s desk, passing his hooves slowly over the fine wood. He approached it a little more, looking at the shelves built in the desk. Some of them were locked, having a small key hole. This is basically the intriguing part. All the superior workers of the embassy have “private storage” shelves in their offices, used for the most diverse tasks. Every shelf had, by specifications, only one key, considered to belong to its owner in an exclusive manner. Yet apparently it wasn’t so. Ruhig, mostly due to his position, had an enlarged access to such personal spaces. Though under usual circumstances he wouldn’t dare looking into personal space, this, and I hope the reader agrees, wasn’t quite a usual situation.
Sincerely, Ruhig didn’t, or couldn’t believe that his old colleague could have committed such an act. But, considering the odd of having it stolen, and him being compromised, Mr. Presspapier seemed like a highly probable second target to the unknown antagonist. Thus, he unlocked the private container, finding nothing, which was quite enjoyable, as ironical as it could seem.
“Silly me, heh.” As he left Mr. Presspapier’s office, stacking everything back exactly as he found it.
Throughout the next 20 minutes, Ruhig searched in the same compulsive manner, basically all of the offices located on that floor. Of course, the lockable shelves had “intriguing” things in them as various suggesting post card photos, sweets, and a few exquisite alcoholic beverages. To his surprise, Mrs. Touche didn’t have any of such things through her shelves. All he found there was a symmetrically stacked work space, with a few well shelved letters. Naturally, Ruhig could enter the most sacred private space or correspondence, thus he only browsed a little the envelopes, and the few numerations written on some on them.
“That is…a perspective work attitude. I should keep in mind…..bravo.” He mumbled respectfully her office, “untouched”.
All the offices, of the most important workers seemed to be absolutely clean, brewing in him a combination of emotions such as shame, pride, and disappointment. He slowly walked through the corridors, descending back to the second floor, and the archives room, where in the meantime, the search basically came close to an end. The noisy atmosphere didn’t seem to quiet down by that time, yet the enthusiastic faces have been partly gone. By that, Ruhig easily derived the results of the search, yet asking publically, just in case…
“Has anypony found anything ?...”
A few seconds of silence and gestures subliming negation have followed. It lasted a little more until Ruhig said…
“Despise that, thank you everypony who participated, I….won’t forget this favor. Feel free to do what you want for the rest of the day.” As he sighed leaving the small group.
Now then, there was only one place left where the documents could have been located, the underground archives. Which is exactly where Ruhig headed now. The space which stored this, conglomeration of records, wasn’t a simple building actually. As another little known fact, it served a second purpose, of a bomb shelter. Personally to Ruhig’s opinion this seemed to be a small “overkill”, yet such implementations in architecture were widely used in his motherland. The most rational reason was perhaps the wide military expertise and history the country had in this domain, taking every last precaution in protecting the state workers and civilians. But let’s return back to the subject of underground archives. Unlike the one stored on the second and third floor near the office space, this one contained a larger array of documentation. Not in the sense of diversity, but in the one of age as there were stored documents from the last 150 years, since the beginning of the first Griffonian conflicts. So, the reader can deduct that there a lot to be searched here. The large room retained a smell specific to a wine cellar, in the sense of age, and an ever pursuing sense of knowledge. Despise that, it was well illuminated.
As approaching the ponies searching Ruhig asked…
“Could someone please tell me which are has already been checked ? I would like to join in.”
In the next moments, a stallion in a grey suit approached. He said rubbing a little his next…
“Well, Mr. Ruhig, good news and bad news. We checked everything from black A till block P.”
“That’s quite impressive actually.” Said he a little louder, as if praying them a little. “Any progress yet?”
“That’s the bad news.”
“Naturally.” as he sighed a little. “Continue the searches please.”
“Of course.” Said the stallion briefly while returning to the shelves.”
“In the meantime, where could I begin mine ?”
“That shelf hasn’t been checked yet.” Continued that stallion while pointing to a further located container.
“And I suppose that is where the search is left with the progress ?”
“Right.”
“Aaah, thank you.” As he approached that specific shelf, closing up on the searching crowd.
Usually, Ruhig had a weird predisposition around the embassy. He always participated in those important events, always praised the good workers and showed compassion even to their personal problems. But yet, he felt like a stranger towards them. The rest of the time he was giving instructions, either talking with Equestrian ponies, either sitting in his office doing things which, honest to be, most of the workers didn’t care about. Despise the mildly tragic circumstances, this small “Get together” cheered him up, proving that definitely that any leader, no matter the profession or rank, must first of all lead the way. This feeling woke up in his mind a small, yet irrelevant comparison between modern and ancient war. Once, the kings used to be in the first row of any battle, scouting the way and inspiring his forces. Now, a general sits comfortably in his zeppelin, transmitting commands to those who struggle in the mud of the tranches.
Those small thoughts dispersed as he began carefully browsing through the old papers. The old dust created for a few seconds an atmosphere of a graveyard. Perhaps it was thanks to the fact that most of the documents related about ponies who long ago passed on the other side. And so, the searched continued for another thirty minutes, not so long considering the amount of documentation, until, in a decisive moment, somepony shouted across the room:
“I think I found it !!”
Impulsed by those words, like a bullet from a trigger, Ruhig ran up to the mare who claimed to have found the precious paper. All the other ponies turned to their direction, waiting for that very “punch line” as if they were enjoying a drama at the theatre.
“Could I take a look at it Mrs. Carre ?”
“Of, course Mr. Ambassador.” As she handed the document envy herself to find out the result.
Ruhig carefully browsed the document. At the very first glance, there was no doubt it was it. Everything was there, the royal emblem, the impeccable calligraphy, and the notorious title. Yet, a few extra checks would be desirable. Despise the fact that, that the document was present, checking up for its integrity was a must. And so, he put the stack of papers on one of the old, dusty metal shelves, carefully looking through all the pages, checking that every single one stood by its place. Though he isn’t an amateur of card games, Ruhig was switching the pages rather fast, managing to take a look at every single one. After another 5 minutes of truly excruciating, both for him and his surroundings minutes, Ruhig slowly mumbled…
“I can’t believe it….”
“What ?” asked Mrs. Carre intrigued, representing at the moment the “collective will” as to say.
“This is just incredible….” He continued, slowly mumbling.
“What ?!!” asked she again, as the suspense slowly grew.
“It is intact, all here !!” shouted he, unable to hold more the intrigue.
“Really ?”
“Yes *rapidly hugged her* now there is no time to lose…”, as he grabbed the precious stack, rapidly hurtling out of the archives. Yet he made only a few steps, after which he stopped saying “Remind me to reward everyone who helped me on this one. I never like to be indebted to kind colleagues.”
Ruhig hurtled out of the archived, being rapidly followed by his co-workers. Apparently, this entire conflict seemed to be passed, yet, at least to his opinion, not quiet. The reader will found out why a little later.
In the next minutes, under the collective happiness of the embassy, he went in his office together with the precious document. After hiding back inside his desk the earlier mentioned, yet controversial ring of keys, he looked through the room a little, showing a mixture of fatigue, accomplishment and disappointment. Subsequently, he came close to a cupboard, opening it, and taking out a black leather briefcase. The only detail distinguishing from any other accessory of this genre, was the fact that it had imprinted on it with a white color, Ruhig’s cutie mark, a small element of individuality so priced by everypony. After putting the treaty in that very bag, he fixed it on his back, exiting the office, and subsequently, planning to leave the building. During approximately one hour, the personnel switched its “houmeur” from one resembling boredom, suspicion and a slight agony, to a vivant, joyous and talkative predisposition. While approaching the exit, he heart an old, easily recognizable voice…
“Mr. Ambassador ?”
As the reader might have guessed, it was Mrs. Inkdrop. Unusual of her to approach first, but, this entire, perhaps adventure rich day was filled with surprises. Ruhig stopped, coming a little closer to her asking…
“Is my attention required Mrs. Inkdrop ?”
“Oh no, good heavens. So, those documents were found ?”
“Yes, all here, as he tapped his briefcase. Yet I have some unfinished details left for today.”
“Carry on Mr. Ambassador.” As she smiled, though, very, very little.
“Why thank you. Oh, and I would ask of you a last favor.”
“Which is ?”
“Issue a premium for Mrs. Carre. She helped this institution a lot today.”
“But…”
“I listen Mrs. Inkdrop. Takeoff takes place a little later.”
“She found them, true, but by accident.”
“I prefer calling this…lucky charm.”
“Yet…” as she continued with an intonation specific more to a mother then a subordinate secretary.
“I understand. But I have a certain belief in this domain. Fame, fortune and success are a bliss by themselves. Luck, is a passing spirit, motivated by the predisposition of its owner. And in the common interests, I prefer praising and preserving this benevolent presence.”
“Hmm, perhaps.” As she was left a little literaly processing the above said words.
“And, good that you reminded me actually. You have my permission to issue yourself a premium as well Mrs. Inkdrop.”
“Why….thanks Mr. Ambassador.” As she concentrated her old neck, letting out a small laugh. “But why?”
“For the very same reasons Mrs. Inkdrop, the very same reasons.” Continued Ruhig while leaving the embassy, and his interlocutor, in the cheerful atmosphere established earlier.
Winter time. It was already starting to get dark. Walking a few hundred meters away from the embassy, he took a look his pocket watch. The screen was shattered, yet the rugged mechanics of the fine piece worked perfectly fine.
“Almost 6 P.M, astonishing efficiency for the day. Comparable only to the humiliation.” Ruhig mumbled as taking off, putting the pocket watch away in the internal pockets of his suit.
Now, according to the newly improved plans for the so called “Lazy Saturday”, there was only one last thing left to be done, and more exactly, proving, at least legally, his innocence. As of that moment, Ruhig was heading down to the “Equestrian Central Security Agency”. The path there, ignoring that current, was no less memorable itself, making it quite easy to find. The small details of the flight aren’t memorable enough to be told, but in around 20 minutes of rapid flying, he was already landing in the front of the impressive law preserving building.
“This is it…” he said gladly while climbing up the imposing stairs leading to the entrance inside.
The E.C.S.A. just like during the day time, preserved it’s ever vivant and intense air and atmosphere. Yet, while slowly advancing more and more on the stairs, it was clear that there was much less activity this part of the day. All he could see were no more than 20 ponies, dispersed the area. Ruhig got up to the entrance, opening up the massive doors and stepping in. Just like there rest of the day…and his life, he didn’t have a plan of actions. All he could count on was a brief inspiration or brutal luck, which, it wasn’t a secret to most of his entourage, always came to him when needed. This time, he was stopped by a security guard.
“Hey you there, stop !” as the guard approached him.
“Yes, I listen.” Calmly responded Ruhig, though deeply pressured by the hurry in which he was.
“What are you doing here ?, you’re not one of ours.”
“Oh no I am not. Allow me to present myself, Ruhig Fortepiano.”
“Ah…the thief Ambassador ?”
“Yes…..I am be called so only by those, remarkably informed gentlecolts.” Responded Ruhig with a refined, yet brute sense of sarcasm, continuing “Do you know by chance where is a worker called…Mr. Cleareye ?”
“Yeah, he’s right there.” Said the agent while pointing to our fine detective sited at a further desk of the corridor, talking with some colleague.
“I should transmit him a very important message so, if you could pardon me hurry.” As he slowly started to walk away.
“I’ll go with you.” Responded the stallion in a rather provocative tone, staring to follow Ruhig.
“Your time, your resource sir.” While continuing to walk.
After some seconds of walking, they approached our earlier mentioned detective, who just seemed to have finished the previous conversation.
“Hey Clear ?”
“Yeah. What’s the matter Taunt?”
“Here’s Ambassador R…., how’s your name again ?” asked he Ruhig.
“Ruhig.” Said he with a small sigh.
“Yeah, Rugig….right.” corrected the guard himself continuing “He said he wanted to talk to you.”
“Is that so Mr. Ruhig.” Asked Cleareye relatively curious, yet calm ?
“Why yes, a very important detail hams been uplifted.”
“Hmm, what exactly ?”
In the next seconds, Taunt left them telling somehow proudly…
“I got better stuff to do.” As he walked way.
Ruhig continued…
“I do not feel comfortable telling about this in such an, open place.” As he looked around the large spacious hall room.
“Sure, let’s go to my office.” Calmly said Cleareye.
“After you.”
Within the next few minutes of walking apparently aimless through the building, they arrived in what seemed to look like an office room. The atmosphere war pleasant enough, though the ever persistent small of Tabaco made obvious the stress hidden behind these walls every day. Just be the first glance inside, it was obvious that this wasn’t exactly a “private” office, since it had apparently two desks. Otherwise, there was nothing suspicious, rude or eccentric inside, green carpets, red floor, relatively poor illumination. In Ruhig’s, odd views of the world, this seemed like a perfect ambiance for an underground cabinet carefully defended from any air raids.
Mr. Cleareye took a sit at what appeared to be his office, showing Ruhig a gesture inclining him to do the same. After a few more seconds of morbid silence, during which Ruhig carefully put the briefcase over the desk, Cleareye asked…
“So, what is that you wanted to talk to me Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Some highly interesting news. But first, may I ask a question ?”
“Of…course.”
“Did you find anything suspicious by Mr. Alca ? Very curious.”
“I usually wouldn’t tell, but since this concerns you….alright. Nope, Mr. Ruhig, sorry but he didn’t have any treaty documents by him, though he had a hole other bunch of suspicious stuff. Unregistered weapons, tax evasion and so on. You catch the point.”
“hmm, so he was indeed not an innocent figure ?”
“Appears so. We’ll check him more, this things smells dirty. By the way, thanks for suggesting him to us, was it a hunch or luck, no matter, thanks.”
“Oh no problem. Always glad to help, even if in such indirect manners.” Said Ruhig, still quite intrigued by the above said words.
“Now….was there something you wanted to tell me ? You know Mr. Ruhig, it’s pretty late, time to got home.”
“I sincerely hope this won’t take too much time, but I bring excellent news.” Said he smiling.
“What ?”
“The Treaty document has been found.” Continued he proudly.
“You’re kidding me !!....Mr. Ruhig.”
“Oh by the contrary, though I was quite shocked at first as well. They are in this suitcase.”
Ruhig got up, opening the case, and taking out the precious stack, folding it carefully on the table, continuing…
“All here, up to the last paper.”
“But…how ? We had an entire team rounded up for this, and you…..just find it.”
“Mr. Cleareye, with all due respect, “just find it” applies to such objects as my house key, or pocket watch. This, was the result of an intensive search and time reconfiguration.”
“Yes, but, where DID you actually find it ?”
Ruhig smiled for a few seconds saying “I can bet that the circumstances would be rather unexpected even for a detective of your level Mr. Cleareye.”
“So tell me?” asked Mr. Cleareye with a mix of jealousy and intrigue.
“Bureaucratic mistake Mr. Cleareye. One of our employees misplaced it with another set of documents, inserting it in one of our archives by mistake. Took a little time and thinking to guess that our, most of my day actually.”
“I see…” mumbled Cleareye curiously.
“You know what is the most annoying details in this small adventure ?” Continued Ruhig calmly, and perhaps with a nihilistic tone,
“What ?”
“I wanted so much to go to the opera today, instead I spent a day being looked at as a thief of some sort.”
“But, you did manage to find the papers. I mean, that great, even we didn’t do that…WE !” Complemented Mr. Cleareye in his own manner.
“Well of course, lies have relatively short legs Mr. Cleareye. Heart that saying all my foalhood.” As he smiled a little.
“Honest thief.” Laughed Cleareye a little in answer.
“Yes.” Continued Ruhig following the laughs of the detective. “All a matter of social perspective… unfortunately.”
“Still, are you sure this is it ?...Mr. Ruhig.”
“Yes, absolutely” said he while passing his hoof along the document. “You see, a document of such worth, at least at the current technological level of development, can’t be faked. Firstly, and I tell this to everyone, we must pay attention to the small details.”
“Hmm, and what exactly?”
“The big red wax Royal blazor of course, left on it by the monarch itself as a sign of agreement. Then we have the refined calligraphy, and, you might agree with me, the truly hellish amount of pages. There are many small details actually, just browse and make sure for yourself.” Continued he confidently.
“Alright.” As Mr. Cleareye pulled the document towards himself, examining it.
A silence persisted a few minutes throughout the office. Lacking any need to communicate and use his ears, other sensory organs augmented their sensibility, allowing Ruhig to feel even better the disgusting smell of old, poorly ventilated cigar smoke. “Some intense ambiance…” though he to himself while inhaling the fumes. In another few moments, Mr. C;eareye heavily replied…
“Well, I am not sure if this is the real one, or a fake, but if it is fake, then a very successful one.”
“This….is the original Mr, Cleareye. Only one piece was ever made made.”
“So then…this is a “Case Solved”.”
“Thank lord.” Responded Ruhig jokingly continuing “No there is one last thing I need to do for today.”
“And what exactly ?”
“Put it back in the safe.” Said Ruhig loudly continuing in his mind “…and change its combination, just in case.”
“Congratulations Mr. Ruhig.”
“Why thank you.”
“Though hones to be, now you made my day harder.”
“How so ?”
“Well no I have to fill all of the forms, cancelling any further searches, and go with you to check the document’s safety one last time.”
“All in the name of the greater good.” Smiled he.
“Yeah…” Puffed happy, yet tired Mr. Cleareye. “Let’s go then.”
“After you sir.”
Thus, Ruhig put back the treaty in his briefcase, and the briefcase on his back subsequently, leaving the office and its heavy air. Quite soon, they were both outside, taking off. Yet again, no worthy of telling details of their way to the embassy. In around twenty minutes, they were already there, climbing up the stairs to the main entrance. In order to escape the dismal atmosphere, Mr. Cleareye made the first reply, though in quite a long time.
“Wow, it was much more crowded at this time yesterday.”
“I wasn’t here yesterday when it happened Mr. Cleareye. Perhaps such curious details are left to be told of until.”
“Yeah…”
“Follow me please.” Continued Ruhig.
“No, I remember everything here already.” Responded Cleareye confidently.
“Better for me.” As he smiled a little.
The embassy, was almost soulless. Actually, it was no detail to be surprised off, considering the late hour and day of the weak. One of the few ponies Ruhig has met during his way to the vault room, was Mrs. Inkdrop, who was a little surprise to see him once again at such a time.
“Good evening again Mra. Inkdrop.” Said Ruhig while passing near.
She just stood quiet, while letting Ruhig and Mr. Cleareye pass. The last, in order not to cause any confusion, displayed her his badge of allegiance to the security services. In the meantime Ruhig turned back saying…
“You should go home Mrs. Inkrop, it is rather late.”
“Well…I was planning to do that Mr. Ambassador.”
“Good evening then.” Smiled he.
“Good evening.” Responded she exhibiting a certain fatigue.
Thus, Ruhig and Mr. Cleareye arrived finally in the guest hall, also known as the room where the vault was installed. Taking in consideration the current circumstances, it was actually rather pleasant to be in it, knowing that in a few minutes, this silly situation will be almost over. As Mr. Cleareye took a sit on one of the couches present there telling…
“Go ahead Mr. Ruhig.”
“Thank you.” As he approached the vault, opening it.
The procedure of inserting the documents back wasn’t something worthy of telling, unlike the fact that Ruhig also started switching the safe to another access code. Despise the fact that he didn’t display the entire truth to Mr. Cleareye, there was a real and substantial trial to steal the documents by someone, who without using any brute force penetrated it. Conclusively, changing the code, even if useless at the moment, may prove to be the most rational action at the time.
While adjusting the fine clockwork mechanism for the according change, Ruhig said…
“Now if you’d excuse me, I need to tinker it a little and check its structural inegreity.”
“Do as you say Mr. Ruhig.” Responded Cleareye.
The next few minutes, Ruhig fixed the new code, carefully memorizing for himself every digit. Making mistakes was not an accepted outcome. In an instant, he replied…
“It is done.”
“Good. Well, off I go.” Said Cleareye.
“So early ?” Asked Ruhig jokingly.
“I still have to write down that report.”
“Naturally. Well, good luck further Mr. Cleareye.”
“Thanks.”
“I suppose you know where the exit is ?”
“Yeah sure.” Said he starting slowly to walk out.
“Oh, one last question. Where is your enthusiastic partner Mr. Cleareye ? He added a certain bonus of entertainment.”
“He finally got the time working for him.” Samiled Mr. Cleareye.
“Could you transmit him something from me when you see him ?”
“Sure.”
“Tell him he owns me an apology.” Added Ruhig returning back to a joyous attitude.
“Oh I’ll tell him.” Said Cleareye laughing a little.
“Gave a nice evening Mr. Cleareye.”
“Thanks, you too.” As he left the vault room, and successively the embassy.
Ruhig just took sit on of the couches saying heavily, mostly to himself…
“Tomorrow, this ends *sigh*.”
He just lied there for another 10 minutes, rather tired, trying yet to sort al the events that happened today. The worst was left behind. Yet in his opinion, the “fun” should arrive tomorrow. The documents have been found, preserved, and his reputation, at least legally, cleaned up. But the one who took them out of the safe the last night still remains unaware of the finding. During a full day of analyzing and observation, Ruhig concluded that a circle of ponies may have done it, but due to potential intrigue of the plot, names won’t be named yet. For now, a small leisure time has arrived and, he thought to himself…
“I just now pay attention that I didn’t eat almost anything today. Life priorities…”
Rather basic and primitive concerns comparing to his other thoughts today, but not less important. So, after another few seconds of sitting quiet and comfortable, Ruhig got up putting yet again on his back the briefcase, slowly exiting the sleeping embassy. There was nothing more left to do there.
He went out of the embassy, inhaling calmly the cold air of Canterlot. While taking out again his pocket watch, he deducted that he could afford another exit in the city, as it was no later than 8 PM. Rather late actually, but perfectly acceptable for the social class to which he was belonging. Thus he took off, landing in another 5 minutes in the most popular and socially active area of Canterlot. Though he wanted some peace and quiet, Ruhig couldn’t think of another are with a larger concentration of good, late working restaurants on a square kilometer.
Once landed, many of his suppositions were confirmed. Everywhere, he saw various distinguished mares and gentlecolts walking around. Night time, is the period when they become socially active, escaping the “heavy” duties concerning either their honest affair, or their everlasting and sometimes useless spending of capital. Briefly saying, all the rich ponies walked out for a walk.
Ruhig’s financial and social predispositions may certainly classify him in this category, yet there were many elements related to morality and mentality he didn’t like about them. “Didn’t like” is of course a strong expression, but the above stated elements may be compared to something as rudimentary as a small rock stuck in the horseshoe. Without further endue, Ruhig was walking right in one of the most famous and respected restaurants Canterlot had to offer. The name of the place manages to cast doubt on any possible contradictions related to its social brand: “Foie Grasse D’or”. A name which is rather easy to be translated by polyglots such as Ruhig himself, but absolutely undecipherable by most of the sassy, yet confident Canterlot elite.
As he entered, the image of the place started to be confirmed even more. This place, at least in his opinion deserved some respect, as it possessed many curious attributions. The first thing which was easily seen, or better, heart, was the small room orchestra playing live music for those, who can’t digest in a monotonous ambiance. Then there was the luxurious illumination created by a multitude of tall, crystal chandeliers placed symmetrically around the entire 3 level tall room, with one prominent large chandelier placed in the very center of the composition. Another detail was the canvas decorating the walls. The interior of the structure was covered in a silk canvas embroidered in a neo-classical manner, having a tasteful light green color and golden details. Generally, there are too many fine details to be told, though the last thing worth mentioning is that the place was truly vivant.
And so, he walked up to the restaurant host, asking if there are any tabled for one free at the moment. He replied with an accent which, at least to Ruhig opinion seemed cheaply reproduced…
“Excuse moi monsieur, but they are all busy, we have a free table for 4 persons if you are interested.”
Wanted to “play along” Ruhig answered…
“Eh bien, c’est acceptable pour le moment. Mais, est ce que je peux esperer de ne pas etre derange ?”
“Sorry, what ?”
“Aaah, much better” as he smiled a little continuing “Can I hope for privacy ?”
“Yes, of course sir.” Said the host while pointing out at the table. “The table was reserved to a bridal couple, though they couldn’t come today.”
“Understand. Good evening” Said Ruhig while walking up to the unoccupied table.
Though he didn’t want to admit this to himself, it was quite a delectable moment. The sensation of surpassing someone working on his own terms, pitiful, yet entertaining emotion.
The moment he took a sit, he started to attract some apparently suspicious eyes. Though he had all the reasons to motivate such “admiration” toward him, Ruhig just preferred ignoring them while giving his order to the waiter. All he had to do from now on was waiting for his food, and enjoy the rest of the night. The pleasant musical atmosphere starting to act on the principle of a veritable painkiller, relieving him of all the stress, and returning him definitely to the “playful” and calm ambassador he is indeed.
After around twenty minutes of relaxation, the first dishes arrived at his table. As educated since foalhood, a good meal should be started with something hot, preferably a soup of some sort. And this is what he exactly received. Thus, he started mixing the papillary and phonic experiences, helping further unravel the events which have happened and those bonded to happen, a bit later. Despise the common accepted etiquette, he didn’t put on any napkin, in order to prevent some accidental stain. As Ruhig lacks the accuracy of a mature unicorn telekinesis and is usually overwhelmed by his (mostly hidden) impulsive character, the “precise and clean” consumption of food of any kind is more likely a reflex developed on a basis of muscular memory, just as playing the piano.
Yet, he could obviously see he is being observed. As knowing through social media and city gossip most of the ponies passing their time here, Ruhig thought that the odds of meeting an interlocutor of at least his level, was dim. But, you can’t chose ponies, they choose you, and that is what actually happened next. During the time he was eating, some nearby ponies were having quite an entertaining time, laughing, chatting, and occasionally looking and even talking about him. At some point in time, a few of them supposedly built up the courage and approached him.
They were 2 stallions, and a mare. All of them seemed to be in the same age group as Ruhig, in their 20’s, yet looking a lot younger than our hero. Perhaps it was due to the lack of white hair (Ruhig’s natural color), or classical suit. They were all dressed for active sports, such as tennis, or even golf.
The first stallion, after his face expression was deduced to be a “pack leader” of some sort. Charismatic smile, athletic constitution…and a loud mouth. The second, at least to Ruhig seemed to be the backbone of many solutions, and maybe even more conflicts. Smart eyes, sight glasses, tall constitution, and by the face expression, a level of intelligence above the medium, though Ruhig didn’t even dare to guess “How much above ?” Regarding the young mare, there was actually little to say. Good body shape, vivant face expression, and a presumable lust for gossips, as judged by how much she whispered by their own table.
Returning to the general picture. The 3 young ponies approached Ruhig who was naturally still in the process of consumption. The “pack leader”, approached saying…
“Hello, excuse me, are you Ambassador Ruhig ?”
Ruhig calmly swallowed the content in his mouth responding “At your service.”
“Can me and by friends take sit here ?”
“Well of course. Such things shouldn’t even be asked permission for.” Ruhig said with a small smile.
“Great, great.” As the small group beseated near him.
The second “supposedly intelligent” unicorn continued…
“So, Mr. Ambassador, how’s the life ?”
“Vivant sir, but incomparable to the level of social self-implication you seem to poses.” Continuing in the same calm and playful tone.
Though actually, since the very first seconds, everything became clear about those 3 good friends. Just to think of it, 2 stallions and a mare in their pride, potentially rich and life fulfilled see somepony who appeared in the news, for a reason as curious as a heist. A “conversation” of such a composition is to be considered “conversation worthy material”. For Ruhig, this wasn’t a conversation, it was more of a bonus entertainment included with the meal. The young unicorn continued…
“Yeah, but I mean….didn’t you experience anything interesting in the last 24 hours ?.....Mr. Ambassador.”
“Oh yes, actually something of ahighly interesting nature.” Continued Ruhig with an invisible satiric attitude.
“Like what ?” Interrupted the mare.
“Well, I met today a group of 3 very good friends *smiles*. Other details of my career life may actually bore you.”
The mare continued…
“I read that there has been stolen from your embassy some…..important papers. And, aren’t you the main suspect Mr.…?”
“Ambassador.” Ruhig completed her, laughing up inside.
“What ?....Anyway, I read you are the main suspect.”
“I suppose you are rather misinformed miss, the article you read is outdated.” Ruhig continued jokingly thinking “Incredible, reading is a competence they have achieved. This promises to be entertaining.”
The first athletic stallion continued…
“What do you mean…outdated ? They told us about it this morning.”
Ruhig thought “ Hmm “told us”. Cut out the reading copmpetence, heh.” Continuing in loud voice…
“Sorry sir, I am not comfortable talking with those whose name is unknown to me. Wither you present yourself, wither you leave and approach me during my working ours.”
“Why would you need my name ? We’re all friends here.” As he started to up, chain-affecting the small group.
“I prefer the term “Allies” personally.”
Ruhig looked up at him, observing for the first time that the stallion had imprinted on his shirt his very name telling in his mind “Silly me.” Then, he continued in loud voice continuing to entertain himself…
“So. Mr. Corner, is there anything else you wanted to ask me ?”
“How did you guess my name ?”
Ruhig just stood there, barely holding himself up in the trial not to burst in laughs. He briefly said “Observation spirit.”
“You talk to us like we’re some kind of ruffians Ambassador.”
Ruhig just stood in silence sipping from his soup. Suddenly, the second unicorn interrupted paying attention to an intriguing for them detail.
“So, Mr. Ambassador, you say you are innocent ?”
“Yes.” Answered Ruhig already a little bored.
“So, you didn’t steal any documents ?”
“Brilliant perception. Please make your point a little faster.”
“Then you wouldn’t mind if we….looked inside your briefcase.” Continued the unicorn while levitating away from Ruhig his briefcase.
Ruhig just thought up for himself “The instigate, provoke, mock, and…steal ? Perfect sample of the morals developed by my generation.” Continuing loudly, and slowly…
“Sir, put the case back. Now.”
“Oh come one. All in good fun…Ambassador.” Added mockingly the mare.
“Carry on such case.” Said Ruhig while returning in his joking attitude.
“So you don’t mind ?” Responded Corner”
“But be warned, inside may lay things beyond an average limited comprehension.”
“Like government secrets and that stuff ?” Asked the mare mockingly.
“Matters, which can literally be seen only after achieving a certain level of enlightenment.” Continued Ruhig with an unobservable joking attitude.
Soon, the 3 ponies open the above mentioned briefcase. Ruhig wasn’t sure of their motives, but he was well aware they were not quite of a constructive nature. The most probable version would just be the desire to mock. Ruhig, actually found entertainment in them, though under usual circumstances, mocking a diplomatical figure is something…little recommended to do. Yet he waited for them to unravel the mysteries of an empty brief case, holding back his own enthusiasm.
“There’s nothing here !!” Responded Corner.
In the meantime, Ruhig stood up from the desk, asking loudly…
“Waiter, could you bring my note please ?”
While Ruhig was paying up for the unusually short meal, leaving a little the 3 were growing impatient. By the time the bill was paid, the unicorn replied…
“You said there were various secrets here.”
“Yes, I did. But I also stated that only an enlightened pony will manage to comprehend them. Please derive the conclusions yourselves.”
“So you lied to us.”
“Sir, what’s your name ?”
“Bucephal.” Said the unicorn aroused.
“I’ll give you a piece of advice which should be memorized well Bucephal. By the way, excellent name. A nation always needs brave and courageous fighters for its freedom, but wars, true blood filled wars, can be equally well won through methods as refined and delicate as secret keeping. Now before I tell to many useful advices myself, I will have to part away from your joyous and most delectable company.”
“Wait wait, you ain’t even gonna shake our hooves ?” Asked Corner.
“You…want me to shake your hoof ?” Said Ruhig slowly with a sublime intonation of disgrace.
“I don’t give a flying feather how they do things back your home, but here in Canterlot, we don’t finish something up until we shake hooves.”
Ruhig just went slowly towards them, taking with a very rapid and accurate gesture his briefcase subsequently turning his back away from them. Then he slowly started walking away and saying…
“I would gladly, sincerely. But where I come from, shaking hooves is a sign of mutual respect, something which both sides of the current agreement lack either due to the limitation of time, or intellectual property. Good bye.”
Corner continued “Now what do you mean by that Ambassador, you makin fun of us ?”
Ruhig answered briefly “Heavens no sir. Have a nice day.” Continuing in his mind “Well, at least I can’t make fun of somepony then the ethical limitations imposed to be by his intellect level.”
The 3 ponies just continued chatting between themselves. As predicted by their level of environment perception, the ideas expressed by them were anything but intelligent. Mostly mocking Ruhig and calling him various names. A few seconds after that, they returned to their own tables, continuing their “fine” ambiance.
Right after hearing those last relative towards him reactions, Ruhig exited the “Foie Grasse D’or”, inhaling yet again the cold and fresh air if the city. Though after such a rich conversation, he got a certain persistent sensation of dirtiness. He continued to mumble…
“Didn’t even have the chance to eat properly without the young high society showing me her best attributes. Though perhaps it’s just my perception playing jokes on me here. Those instigators now, more than ever, seem to be born in many more and diverse sociopolitical classes. They always existed, but now their influence is stronger than ever. I desperately need a shower.”
He took off, finally heading towards his house. Yet this time, tiredness seemed to take over more and more. The way back home lasted a little above half an hour, considering the impediments created by the winds and physical predisposition.
After penetrating the cloud barrier, the sky gained a completely different nature. A horizon filled with an immeasurable amount of celestial objects. The stars, creating an esthetic tessellation which couldn’t be fully understood from the relatively, low levels of atmosphere on which he was flying. And the, there appeared the pearl of the sky, the moon, irradiating across the entire Equestria cold, yet comforting moonlight. Yes, the night is, at least in his opinion, the most poetic part of the day.
But the admiration of the environment didn’t last long, as he finally made it to the house. While walking past the main entrance, Ruhig stretched instinctively his right wing, turning on the light switch. The atmosphere inside the house, wasn’t perfectly defining the word “Welcome”. Since the capital search organized in his house by the Equestrian Security Services, everything was thrown around, creating an impression of a literally “Organized Chaos”. He barely made it to the gramophone, setting a random record of classical music. Now, at least the phonic ambiance didn’t seem so polluted, unlike himself, and the rest of the house.
Ruhig went straight to the chicken, which worthy to mention, wasn’t less dirty, making himself a cup of tea. A few minutes later, while sitting in the hall-room with that very cup, he was contemplating the list of actions planned for tomorrow. This didn’t last long, as he briefly gave himself in the analyzing of the events which happened today. While remembering the fact that the treaty was stolen, the fact that it was found in a place somehow predicted by him, and nether the less, the potential committer, he mumbled…
“Either I am one of the most intelligent Ambassadorsto represent the homeland, either the blindest of them all” As he sipped continuing “I am inclined more towards the second option. *sigh*”
He sipped some more continuing “At least tomorrow shall be dedicated entirely to fun…in my conception which is.”
The reader may agree, it was quite a long day. After finishing the tea, Ruhig went to the kitchen washing up the cup, and hurtling straight in the bedroom. He took off the suit, climbing right up in the bed. Though earlier planned to take care of the hygiene, the body was left senseless, given up to the carnal and psychological bliss of sleep. By this time point, all the kinesthetic and phonic sensations, though barely existent, seemed rather substantial to him. He was feeling everything, the warmth of the bed, the wind outside the walls of the house, and his very own heartbeat. Soon, everything basically faded out. Such physiological processes can’t be fully described even in a variety of separate theses, so it’s earier to say he fell asleep.
Tomorrow a new day was coming, on in which the subconscious hoped, and perhaps even planned to sort everything out.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    Observatory Spirit                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Observatory Spirit
As the natural cycle of nature goes on in a perpetual manner, the sun rays yet again show their rare strings through the mountains of Equestria. Slowly, the light started to cover the kingdom, up from the clouds, till the darkest of the corners. At a certain moment, eventually it started to fill Clouds Dale and Ruhig’s house. By the time light started to crawl up his bed, Ruhig was already out, enjoying the brand new day. Yet he was still sleepy, his mind was already starting to process new and partially random thoughts planning a day, which gives him an interesting event as well as closing him to another. Taking his head out of the window for a short instant, Ruhig felt yet again the cold wind, that seemed to be unwind more intensively after every single day. The atmosphere, seemed to get more intense for Ruhig, who, realizing the responsibilities that should follow him these days, still prefers to percept the life as a musical opera, that gathers beauty and passion, on the way of its interpretation, rather than as a clock mechanism, that while still working gracefully, doesn’t play anything more than a soft, but monotonous ticking. Those thoughts were orbiting Ruhig quite frankly most of his life, though he seemed to overpass that constant internal struggle, resuming his casual morning activities.
After sipping his morning tea, and finishing his usual, voluminous breakfast, he went to his wardrobe, picking, ironically monotonously for him, the same tailored black striped suit he wore every day. He gently threw it on a backrest, putting on his snow white shirt, followed by his intense red colored tie. He took the suit off from the backrest, leaving his house, in order to start the working day. Closing the door, Ruhig made the first step on his cloud with a mannerism resembling a childish jump, putting on his suit, just before making the last steps on the cloud that was supporting his house. With an original enthusiasm hidden under a serious face, he widened up his wings, jumping down the sky. Several seconds after, he started slowly to hover in the air, and usually for him, enhancing his speed almost on place. The only apparent reason Ruhig was performing these unusual flight details in the air, is because, that was the only place, he could let, at least a part of his spirit out. Finally, he flew near his work place, feeling in the air a more vivant atmosphere then usually. Finally, he landed at the base of the embassy; the working day started. He entered the building, and as usually warmly saluted all the working contingent. Ruhig was heading towards his secretary Misses Inkdrop, an old unicorn who served for this embassy just as long as Mr. Presspapier. She was wearing a light green ladies suit, and a pair of round shaped yeyglasses.
“Good morning Misses Inkdrop, how are you doing ?” said Ruhig with an almost unremarkable smile.
“Quite well Mr. Ambassador, thank you for asking.” Replied she back while browsing through papers.
“Have there arrived any papers for me this morning ?” said Ruhig with the same tonality.
“While yes Mr. Ambassador, there is a certain list of documents needed to be read and signed by you by the end of the day” said Inkdrop as she put on her work desk a relatively small pile of papers.
“Thank you Misses Inkrop” said he brightening up a little “I suppose this day will go a little easier on me, have a nice day” said he while taking the papers and started heading towards his cabinet.
“Thank you Mr Ambassador” said she while turning back as well to her usual duties.
Ruhig went up to his office, gently opening the door, as is someone was sleeping inside, and as gently closing it back. He arranged all the papers he needed to work on today on the desk, taking a little peek through the window, then sitting back down at his table. Ignoring the slow speed with which he sat down, he took one of the papers from the pile with an unusual speed and motility, specific for piano players, starting to read it. After a few minutes later, Ruhig practically stoned, his only visible movements being his hooves regularly switching the documents he read, and his eyes, navigating through the lines. And so, he passed his time an hour, until he heart a door knock.
“Come in” said he while still reading with a dead lock on the documents.
It was Mr. Presspapier, arriving from his office, with a pair of eyeglasses folded in an external pocket of his suit.
“Hello Ruhig, wanted to escape my office and the paper work a little.” Said Mr. Presspapier sighing a little.
“Yes, I understand, this paper work consumes all my creative nature, thank higher forces I almost consumed all of it as well” said he while continuing to read, and smiling a little.
“As talking about creativity, how did your new “Chargé d'affaires”, Miss Touche, reacted to your original welcoming ?” said Presspapier rather intrigued.
Ruhig shivered for an unobservable even for him fraction of second…….
“Well if you put it that way, let’s say it ended a lot better than I expected” said Ruhig finally turning his eyes from reading the documents, and childishly smiling.
“Hmm, so what did you do Ruhig ?”
“Well, we were both invited to that ball at the observatory today, remember ?”
“Yes, we both received invitations for a “+1” as well. I used mine, you kept yours thinking you wouldn’t even go there, nether less inviting someone” a sudden realization ignites in Mr. Presspapier’s head “Aaaaah, you did what I think you did ?”
“Well, she seemed so nice to me, I thought it would be polite of me to invite her there. Exquisite atmosphere, unusual guests, thought this would make her happy.”
“That’s the first time I ever recall in your ambassador career that you invited a miss to a ball. You went to balls sometimes, I remember you call them “gatherings of society’s caprices”.”
“Well, call it the way you like Mr. Presspapier, it’s my form of apology.” Said Ruhig with a nihilist attitude.
“No Ruhig. You were always polite, but that’s a first by you.” Said Mr. Presspapier laughing.
“I suppose, but you know me well enough Mr. Prespapier, I always do something like that.” said Ruhig being unwillingly a little irritated.
“I see, Ruhig, you just won’t admit it until the end. Wait, I’ll return in few minutes; said Presspapier as he left Ruhig’s office.”
“Do as you must, as yet I don’t get your point Mr. Presspapier”; said Ruhig a little confused while trying to concentrate again at the documents.
After a few minutes, Mr. Presspapier walks in with an old book, with a red leather hard cover. He walks up to Ruhig’s desk and puts the book on it, with a proud smile.
“Hmm, what is that ?” said Ruhig slightly turning his eyes away from the papers.
“Well, it’s a book Ruhig” said Mr. Presspapier while laughing.
“This is quite obvious, but what is it about ?” asked Ruhig smiling a little.
Mr. Presspapier passes his hoof above the dusted of old age cover, revealing a golden drawing of a mare and a stallion dancing in a ball manner.
“I think I already understood.” Said Ruhig becoming a little bored.
“Everything you would need to know for such an occasion. You can’t go at a ball without some basics Ruhig. I think you need to make this night memorable for you as well” said Mr. Presspapier smiling.
“But I’m not a dancer, I don’t even recall the last time I danced, with somepony else except……no importance”; said he with a secretive attitude.
“Ruhig…….you’re a musician, it’s all about rhythm, you sure have that inside of you, somewhere. Just take a look in it when you’ll have a spare moment. It’d be a shame if you, as her stallion, didn’t invite her to dance under a waltz.” Replied Mr. Presspapier.
“I suppose you’re right. I shall read it after I’ll be done with the rest of these documents” Ruhig takes a look at literally a few left papers “Yet my devotion towards……somepony, still makes me feel uncomfortable”
“See you at the ball Ruhig” said Mr. Presspaier as he was leaving Ruhig’s office.
“Can barely wait for it” said Ruhig smiling for a brief moment.
“And Ruhig…..eh, who is that somepony you just mumbled about? , just curious” said Presspapier while rapidly turning back.
Ruhig just looked with a provoking smile towards Mr. Presspapier replying proudly “Somepony truly special for me”
“Ah, alright….” said Mr. Presspapier a little misled while leaving the office.
“Good day to you as well” said Ruhig taking a short laugh.
So, Ruhig took a look at his pocket watch in order to be able to schedule a bit more time efficiently the rest of his day. It was nearly 12 o’clock in the afternoon. He retrained his calamity and continued analyzing the papers. After another 30 minutes he finished reading and signing all the trusted to him documents, finally being able to have some leisure time for himself. Ruhig didn’t take Mr. Presspapier’s words as serious as usually this time, considering the fact that they weren’t related to work questions, as much as personal matters. He stood up from his desk, walking around it a little. At a point, he saw the old book Mr. Presppapier gave him, giving it a look that mixed up both shame and ignorance. Right after this, he took a deep breath, exiting his office, and approaching Misses Inkdrop.
“Misses Inkdrop, may I ask of you a favor ?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I have to do some extra reading today, could you just enter my office around 4 o’clock in the afternoon to remind me of time, just in case” said he while stretching a little his neck.
“Of course Mr. Ambassador.”
“Thank you” said Ruhig while walking back to his office.
Straight after walking in the close the door, and made a few quick circles around the room. He came up to his desk and picked up the book Mr. Presspapier gave him. He picked it up and randomly browsed through the old dusted pages filled with text and drawings. He walked up to a sofa placed at the corner of the office, sitting on it. He was mumbling a little “I can’t actually believe I’ll give it a try”, then he lifted up his voice a little and said, as to himself…
“Well, if I have nothing better to do until 4 o’clock, then why not” said he with a little smile.
Ruhig started reading the book, trying to make sense out of the detailed list of age old instructions. To his own amazement he entered rather fast in the concept of the depicted information and situations, starting to take little by little interest. After an undetermined amount of time he arrived to the list depicting the very procedure of waltz dancing. He was reading the pages with a relative interest, amazed at how a simple dance may have so many instructions. Specific for Ruhig’s nature, he left his imagination play a certain role in the process of the assimilation. At a point he closed the book, and took out a gromophone, searching for a good record of a waltz, mumbling finally “Valse des fleurs, perfect”. He inserted the vinyl record inside the gramophone, picking up a pillow from the couch on which he was early sitting. Under the fine music, he started to dance, as if during a real ball. Ruhig was remembering the one soul he felt truly attracted to, receiving unusually a great pleasure from the idea he was heading to a ball, even if with somepony else.
After a while, he hears a knock on the door of his office. Until that moment, he was still imagining he was dancing, but right after hearing the door knock, he left this small Trans. He restrained a smile that appeared unnoticeably even for him, rearranging his bow-tie.
“Yes, come in please.”
In that moment, Misses Inkdrop slowly entered.
“Mr. Ambassador, it is 4 o’clock.”
“Oh, I almost forgot, thank you very much Misses Inkdrop.”
“Mr. Ambassador, is that a pillow you are holding right now ?” said she noticing the waltz musing still playing there.
“Oh yes, I was a little tired, wanted some extra comfort for my chair” said he while smiling and rapidly throwing the pillow back on the couch.
“Oh, excuse me Mr. Ambassador.” replied she a little uncomfortable.
“Oh, not to worry Misses Inkdrop. While still here, may I ask of you a last favor for today ?” said Ruhig while leaving the office and turning off the gramophone.
“What exactly Mr. Ambassador ?”
“Could you please arrange a transport waiting for me at the entrance of this embassy at 6 o’clock ?” said he while looking at his pocket watch.
“Of course.” Said she while leaving the office.
“Thank you” said Ruhig leaving the office and smiling with enthusiasm.
Ruhig left the building of the embassy, widening his wings and taking off. He was heading towards his Mansion in Clouds Dale, gaining a little extra thrust from the wind blowing from behind. Once arrived back home, he took off his usual suit, dressing up as fitting for a ball. He rearranged back in the wardrobe his usual white striped black suit and shirt, taking out a classical, tailed suit, and another white shirt with embroidered sleeves. As to finish up his ensamble, Ruhig put on a red bow tie and a top hat.
After preparing his outfit, he slowly exited his house, taking off as slowly. The ball suit, just as his usual, was impervious to wind or high speed, he just didn’t want to lose his top hat. After arriving back in Canterlot, Ruhig stopped at a flower shop, buying a small rose and a small and a larger bouquet. Since the the embassy was relatively close to the shop, he though he should simply walk back to it. When finally returning there, Ruhig saw the carriage drawn by 4 stallions was already waiting. He ran in the embassy, popping with a smile in Misses Inkdrop’s office.
“Misses Inkdrop, thank you for your help with my transportation question.” Said Ruhig smiling
“Oh, that was nothing Mr. Ambassador” said she while arranging some documents on shelves.
“Maybe not, but today you helped me a lot, here’s a small bouquet for you” Ruhig puts the bouquet on her table.
“Thank you Mr. Ambassador.” Replied she somehow confused.
“Have a nice day” said Ruhig with another short smile, while walking out of her office and the embassy.
Ruhig sat in the carriage, telling to his transporters for the night the destination. After around fifteen minutes of galloping, the carriage arrives at an elegant and relatively large, but in the same time ordinary house located close to the edges of Canterlot. After stopping in the front of the house, Ruhig takes a rose he bought earlier separately, cutting the very flower and inserting it in an external pocket if his suit. Then he gets off the carriage taking with him the second, larger bouquet bought the same day. He starts slowly walking on the path towards the house, who still had some lights on inside. Once finally arriving at the very door, he takes a deep breath, arranging his top-hat and knocking at the door. In less then a minute, the door was opened by Miss Touche. She was wearing an elegant blue ball dress, with a groomed mane. For a fraction of a second, Ruhig just stood in a small transe, but immediately regaining his usual enthusiasm and mannerism said…
“Good evening Miss Touche, you look, great.”
“Good evening Mr, Ruhig, thank you.” Said she smiling back.
“And, I almost forgot, this is for you Miss; hands to Miss Touche the bouquet. I didn’t know which flowers you like so I took the liberty and chose roses.”
“How lovely of you Mr. Ruhig” said Miss Touche while taking the bouquet. “I just have to put them in a vase, I will return in a moment.”
“Yes of course, take your time. I will be waiting here; said Ruhig randomly looking around.
He stood there and waited for a minute. He retained his confidence, being a little carried away in memories related to such occasions. Once she returned, Ruhig conducted her to the carriage, sitting in as well afterwards. Ruhig told his transporters the address of the Observatory, who immediately started heading there.
“So, Mr. Ruhig, where is the Observatory located ?” said Miss Touche trying to start a conversation.
“It’s actually not that far, I assure you it’s a marvelous building. And, as long as it’s worth making the point, many of the guests present there, will take part at events our embassy will organize in a few days.”
“Events related to what ?” said Miss Touche a little confused.
“To the alliance we and Equestria will soon achieve, codenamed “SAS”. I still can’t believe I take part in such a glorious event.” Said Ruhig briefly looking at her.
“Sass ?”
“Yes, “SAS”, translating as “Steel Alliance of Steam”, an economical-political alliance between us and Equestria.” Ruhig said realizing the similarities between the codename and the word and laughing a little.
“Oh my, this seems indeed like a makeable event.”
“Indeed yes, this economical alliance will be mutually beneficial for both our empires, having as another side effect the elimination of corruption and even monopoly.”
“Oh yes, that I was aware of.” Said she smiling.
“Good to know. Unfortunately, some private faces may be against it, as this alliance can disturb their monopoly and cut over some over excessive profits.” Ruhig said thinking.
“I see….”
“But through it, we will achieve as well another level of relations with Equestria. And to think that quite recently we were at the stake of war with each other” said Ruhig with a face expression denoting some concerns.
“Oh yes, I recall we were at stake at war when I was still little. Do you recall who was the aggressor Mr. Ruhig? It's just that those events seemed so inconsiderable back then.”
“Shamefully for me to say, it was us who were the possible aggressors. I too remember while being little, Zeppelins mobilizing all over our skies, ready to break the world balance.”
“My history is a little week Mr. Ruhig. So how was our conflict solved ?”
“Excellent question Miss Touche, you perhaps recall Mr. Presppapier ?” said Ruhig smiling.
“Yes, I mistook him by the ambassador yesterday.” Said she blushing a little.
“Well, you actually were right in a certain manner. You see, he was indeed the ambassador…..during those dark times. Mr. Presppaier put a lot of effort in preserving the peace between our 2 empires, you may as well call him a hero.”
“To think we were just foals, we had no concept of those events, not to mention about a right of participation.”
“Now times have changed, peace prospers, and we, Miss Touche, will take this peace to a new level.” Said Ruhig confidently while looking at her.
“Yes, splendid” said she while looking in the distance.
“We are almost there”
Soon, the carriage arrives at the observatory. Despise its name, it was large, university alike building, placed at the outskirts of Canterlot. It’s most visible architectural element were 2 tall observatory towers. During that night, a lot of attention was surrounding that building. Once driving closer, there were visible many carriages, leaving off at its entrance, precious guests of high hierarchical positions in the society. Once arrived there, a valet dressed in a red suit, opened for Miss Touche and Ruhig the doors of their carriage, letting them enter the building where the event was held. While entering, another valet announced their presence. Ruhig and Miss Touche were slowly walking through the luxurious ambiance and famous figures.
“I can’t actually believe I am here, I can recognize so many figures here” said Miss Touche while smiling and looking at Ruhig. “I think I even saw some Sapphire Shores.”
“You’re quite welcome” he smiled “I’ll make you familiar with some guests that we might see sooner at our embassy in the meantime.”
“Mr. Ruhig, over here !” said a stallion waving from a company of a few other mares.
“Mr. Ruhig, who is that gentleman over there ?”
“Oh, he is Mr. Word Focus, owner of many popular magazines and newspapers. If there are news he ironically is always there. If you need a source of fresh gossip or information, he is you choice. If you need a secret keeper” Ruhig leaned his head unsurely, “let’s just say I or Mr. Presspapier are more reliable” said he laughing a little.
“I’ll keep that in mind” she smiled.
Ruhig and Miss Touche were walking quit close to each other towards Mr. Focus and his company. Mr. Focus is a unicorn, being of height greater than even Ruhig, but much skinnier. He had a yellow coloring, wearing a light brown suit. In a few seconds they were next to each other. Ruhig firmly approached Mr Focus, shaking his hoof.
“Hello Mr. Ruhig, glad you made it here.” Said Mr. Focus.
“Circumstances Mr Focus, circumstances, glad to see you.”
“And who is the lady next to you ?” said Mr. Focus while giving a slightly provoking look to Miss Touche.
Ruhig gave Miss Touche a short calm look suggesting she should present herself.
“Touche Finale, “Chargé d'affaires”, nice to meet you Mr. Focus.”
“The pleasure is all mine.”
Mr. Focus turned back to Ruhig with a confident air.
“Mr. Ruhig, it’s so nice that you found time to come here, considering the further events that will require your presence.”
“Yes, well, we all need an escapade from time to time.” Said Ruhig while looking around.
“As we are still on this, I made a few calculations, about this new “Alliance”….”
“I am listening.” Replied rapidly Ruhig realizing the direction of this conversation.
“It may have some negative effects on my monopoly over the media domain, this being between us.” Said Mr. Focus leaning his head close to Ruhig.
“Don’t worry Mr. Focus, knowing the name of your, brand, this shouldn’t affect your profits too much.”
“But still” leans even closer “is there anyway, you could correct this matter ?”
In that moment Ruhig made a few steps back and restrained his bow-tie…
“Mr. Focus, I am a servant of both our empires, I am truly sorry but I am not mixing business with diplomacy and politics” slaps Mr. Focus over the back “You’ll do just fine.”
“Well, expect me to be in touch with you Mr. Ruhig.” Said Mr. Presspapier confidently smiling.
“Naturally, have a nice evening Mr. Focus.”
Ruhig slowly walked away together with Miss Touche.
“That was Mr. Focus for you Ms. Touche, influent and rich figure in the world of mass media.”
“He seemed….interesting.”
“I am not a person of gossip, but rumors have it he always has a reporter nearby, to record anything spicy.” said Ruhig lighting up.
“True reporter” laughs gently.
Ruhig and Miss Touche walk a little more through the large ball room laughing and telling small jokes. For the first time, Ruhig was feeling relaxed doing a social gathering of such importance. After some minutes of chatting, Ruhig accidentally bumped in someone, though at a slow speed.
“Please pardon me, I wasn’t very careful” said Ruhig, making a few steps back.
“Be more careful next time” turns back with a relatively grumpy voice “Ambassador Ruhig, what a surprise to see you !”
“Mr. Steampuff, nice to see you made it to Equestria safe and sound.” Said Ruhig impressed.
Mr. Steampuff is a rich industrialist coming as well from Ruhig’s and Miss’s Touches’s homeland. As suggested by his name, his monopoly consists in the manufacture of steam engines, from vessels, until military zeppelins. Most of their homeland was powered by the engines Mr. Speampuff and his family were producing during generations. He is an earth pony, of a cooper color, with a grey suit. He was older then Ruhig or Miss Touche, yet looking quite well.
“Starting to exploit slowly air transport for such journeys, I can feel this is the future of transportation.” Said Steampuff proudly.
“You do actually have a point Mr. Steampuff” smiles “As a pegasus, I can confirm. By the way, meet our new diplomat in the Kingdom of Equestria, our new “Chargé d'affaires”” pushes smiling Miss Touche near “Meet, Miss Touche Finale.”
“Nice to meet you Mr. Steampuff, I’ve heard a lot of you back home.”
“You probably read my name on the locomotive of a train or some vessel.” Answered back Mr. Steampuff smiling.
“Well, it has been nice seeing you Mr. Steampuff. We will see you again in a few days.” Said Ruhig.
“Be most certain Mr. Ambassador.” Said Mr. Steampuff while shaking Ruhig’s hoof.
After that Ruhig went away with a smile. Misses Touche was walking next to him.
“That, Miss Touche, was Mr. Steampuff, rich industrialist in the world of transportation. Quite an elevated personality, greatly concerned in the prosperity of his family enterprise.”
“This is quite understandable Mr. Ruhig. So, it appears there are indeed guests related to us here.” Said Ms. Touche intrigued.
“Quite a lot actually, I don’t actually know how I could present them all to you this evening.” Said Ruhig slightly concerned.
“Understand Mr. Ruhig.”
“I think I’ll leave some free time for you Miss Touche, I suppose I already took from you too much liberty during this evening” Ruhig leaned a little his head and started walking. “Have a good time.”
“Thank you again for inviting me here.” Smiled back Ms. Touche
“You’re quite welcome.” Said he while already walking away. “Too bad she isn’t here with me” Mumbled he sadly only for himself.
And so Ruhig started wondering alone through the masses, who, ironical to their position, were quite numerous. He took a brief look at Miss Touche from behind, taking a drink from a table nearby. During most of the balls, one of his few sources of entertainment was the piano, which, in many prestigious gatherings was present beneath the status of a musical instrument, becoming a condition of fashion. But, the current ball was passing in an observatory institution, so Ruhig was just searching for any other familiar face. At a certain point, the organizers of the ball, proposed to the guests of the evening a tour across the institution, including the observatory towers, and the research laboratories. Though most of they guests paid attention to the announcement, not too many were interested in observing the activities in which the host is involved. At that moment, partially of boredom, partially of curiosity, Ruhig decided to join in the little excursion. Once joining the small group joyously chatting the progress in the astronomical sciences, Ruhig finally saw a familiar face. It was Mr. Presspapier who was engaged in a conversation with someone else.
“Hello there Mr. Presspapier, so glad to see a familiar face.” Said Ruhig lighting up.
“Oh hello Ruhig, glad to see you too, though I thought you will be with Miss Touche for the night being.”
“Well” he started talking rapidly “everyone needs some private time, didn’t want to be an impediment to her for the evening, and” thinking a little “I love telescopes, so you can see me here now” Ruhig briefly smiled “So, when does the tour start ?”
“Just any moment now.” Said Mr. Presspapier looking at his wrist watch. “In the mean time, meet Mr. Lock Shock” Mr. Presspapier presents the stallion he was talking to earlier.
“Good evening Mr. Lock, ambassador Ruhig, nice to meet you.” Said he shaking Mr. Lock’s hoof.
“Nice to meet you Mr. Ruhig.”
Mr. Lock is an Equestrian unicorn, of a silver coat coloration, wearing a purple suit, and having a golden key as a cutie mark.
“Mr. Lock here is descending from an old locksmith dynasty, founder of “Lock Corp”, producing security devices for all of Equestria.” Addressed Mr. Presspapier to Ruhig.
“That is impressive Mr. Lock.”
“Thank you. Actually speaking Mr. Ruhig, you have a device of my concept in the building of your embassy as well.” Said he proudly.
“Hmm, I think I know which one exactly, but I find a certain interest in maintaining the intrigue, so, could you tell me Mr. Lock ?” Said Ruhig.
“The central vault Mr. Ruhig, one of my best creation have to admit, soon guarding some of the most precious papers of the decade.”
“Oh yes, indeed impressive, nice to meet the one who created such a remarkable machine.”
“While still talking about it, Mr. Ruhig, do you think my brand has a chance on the market of your homeland or vice versa after the alliance treaty is signed ?” asked Mr. Lock concerned.
Ruhig replied back “Hmm, my knowledge is very limited in this domain, but if you mean a monopoly by this, then this is highly contradictable.”
“Is there any way, you could help my cause Mr. Ruhig ?”
Ruhig said smiling briefly “Sorry Mr. Lock, those are too many work related question for today, this is a rare evening in which I rejoin the high society in order to relax.”
In the meantime, the tour began. The guide was passing the evening guests through all the facilities their building disposed of. They were passing through a great number of laboratories, research cabinets, and eventually, the very telescopes. The Observatory was equipped with 2 high powered telescopes, that, ignoring their technological novelty were designed in a classical baroque manner, typical for Ruhig’s and Mr. Presspapier’s homeland. Mr. Presspapier, Ruhig, and Mr. Lock were curiously admiring discussing on their way the technological progress they have managed to observe during their rather different generations.
At a point of the tour, they passed through the most unique room the observatory had to offer. It was a spacious room of a perfect spherical form though which only a thin corridor was passing. On a parallel with the corridor, on the edge of the spherical form there was visible a window, through which they saw another laboratory. In the center of the corridor, there was a larger spherical area, out of which the guests were able to see a metal sun statue. It’s rays were pipes with suspiciously black edges. While the small group was passing through the odd, yet intriguing room, Mr. Presspapier and Mr. Lock, stopped to admire the machinery constructed to resemble the sun. Ruhig, considering they were still somewhere near him continued the tour and exited the spherical room, entering the laboratory which had visual contact with it through the above mentioned window. Once exited, the guide closed the entrance to the room saying…
The guide said as following “ This, was our most innovational room, designed to simulate the nature of the sun controlled by our wise Princess Celestia. The statue of the sun there, is actually a compressor, which recreates the effects of the direct sun temperature, letting us observe and study its true nature.”
In the meantime, scientists nearby pull a certain number of levers and steering wheels.
“The temperature inside the room achieves thousands of degrees, thanks to the clever system whose main part is a tanker which constrains and ignites natural gas under great pressure. And in few minutes, the system will be ignited in order for you to observe its work.” Continued the guide.
In that moment Ruhig was amazed of the observed sights, gaining again some of his natural enthusiasm and mannerism.
Ruhig slightly laughed “Mr. Presspapier, I suppose, that this there isn’t the only chamber of constrained natural gas, is it ?” said he while leaning his head behind as if to Mr. Presspapier.
After just a few seconds, after noticing not a single reaction from his work colleague, Ruhig turns back, observing he is not present. He runs up to the door which exited in the spherical room, observing Mr. Presspapier and Mr. Lock were still inside.
Ruhig addressed to the guide, shouting “Some gentlemen are in the room, you have to stop the process now!!”
“The door is sealed, it can’t be opened, until the test run is over.” Said the guide panicking
“Mr. Presspapier, get out of there, NOW !!” said Ruhig who didn’t knew the windows were fully sound and heat proof.
In the meantime Mr. Presspapier and Mr. Lock were still admiring the sun that was starting to make some odd sounds.
“I wonder what is happening inside of it” said Mr. Lock curiously looking around the room, finally observing Ruhig mimicking.
“Mr. Prespapier, that’s Mr. Ruhig there, mumbling something. I wonder what is he saying ?” Continued Mr. Lock.
“You’re going to combust, get out now !” Shouted Ruhig from behind the reinforced door.
“Few know I can lip read Mr. Lock, let’s see……” Said Mr. Presspapier who started reading Ruhig’s lips “Leave…..room….now…….fire…..die. Mr. Lock, I think he tries to tell us to exit the room immediately.”
Mr. Presspapier and Mr. Lock arrive up to the sealed door lock, desperately trying to open it. In the meantime, once Ruhig saw they understood his message, he ran up to the other face of the door, trying to open it himself.
Presspapier said exhausted “It’s no use, the door is deadlocked, we don’t have the strength to open it.”
“Please step back Mr. Presspapier” said Mr. Lock who came close enough to the door, as for his horn to have direct contact with the lock.
Mr. Lock applied a magical spell, which caused the lock mechanism to shatter, being able to hear small details changing positions inside. After a few seconds of applied magic, the door opened. Ruhig, who felt as well, the door lock opening, started pushing the door harder, opening it together with Mr. Presspapier and Mr. Lock at last. They both rushed out of it, Ruhig closing the door back afterwards. A few seconds after the door was sealed back again, the “sun” ignited. During the sun burning with a proportionate infernal heat every corner of the room, the three, came up to the glass, observing it’s deadly splendor.
“How did you manage to escape, I thought the door was deadlocked.” Said Ruhig who was still watching the fire with a mild trans tendency.
Lock responded while watching the fire as well “As I said earlier Mr. Ruhig, I descend from a locksmith dynasty. My magic is aimed to operate with lock mechanisms of any kind imaginable. Yet, thank you for your efforts to help us.”
“I did what anyone would at least try to do.”
After the artificial sun burned all the continent of the gas tank, the small tour group still stood a little amazed at what they saw. But soon enough they turned back to the guide, who was still shocked yet indisputably happy that Mr. Lock and Mr. Presspapier made it out of there alive.
“The tour ends with this small demonstration. Now I shall conduct you back to the ball room. Thank you for the attention.” Concluded the guide.
So, the group departed from the researching and laboratories filled areas of the building returning back to the ball room. The ball room itself, was supposed to be a place where large, mechanical models of cosmic objects were supposed to be orbiting, but were taken off as to leave room for the celebration. Once arrived back, there Mr. Lock departed from Ruhig and Mr. Presspapier entering in chats with other personalities. In the mean time the ball room was slowly preparing for its main purpose. Everyone was choosing a dance partner. Ruhig, at first looking a bit ignorant, just took another drink and started watching everyone preparing for the waltz, sighing. A true amazement for him was that even Mr. Presspapier found himself a pair to dance with, leaving him without at least a chatting mate. This was the part Ruhig hated the most at any ball, the ball dance itself, the moment he realizes how lonely he actually is in Equestria, despise all the persons that evolve around him and vice versa. When that thought came through his mind, the only thing that stopped him from shedding a tear was the reputation he had to maintain.
Soon, the waltz has started, ironically for Ruhig, it was the waltz he was listening to earlier that day in his office “Valse des fleurs”. All the pairs were dancing in an arbitrary, yet so geometrically advanced position relative one to another. The ball room, lost its chaotic look, now it had the appearance of a clock mechanism. After less than thirty seconds, Ruhig was able to see for a brief moment Miss Touche at the other side of the large and voluminous ball room. Just like him, Ruhig saw she stood there lonely, having a drink on her own. Ruhig widened his wings and took off, flying over the organized crowd. He landed just near Miss Touche, unobservable for her, as she seemed to be carried away in some depressive thoughts of her own. Miss Touche put away her drink leaning one of her hooves on the table near her, looking at the dancing crowds. Ruhig quietly put his hoof near hers…
“Hello again Miss Touche” Said he smiling “How was your night ?”
“It has been a lot more monotonous since you departed Mr. Ruhig.” Replied she smiling back.
“However I am not sure whenever to be happy or sad of that.”
For some long moments both just stay there quietly sipping their drinks…
As the break the silence Ruhig said “Valse des fleurs, marvelous musical composition. Sad just, listening to it.”
“Yes, perhaps.”
“Would you consider this dance with me Miss Touche ? said Ruhig rapidly smiling
“Of course.”
Ruhig takes Miss’s Touche’s hoof, starting to dance with her, in a perfect synchronization with the music. Despise Ruhig’s usual mannerism, during the dance he was looking Miss Touche in the eyes, with an usual calm soft look. Suddenly, Ruhig’s evening gained color. He started finally to feel alive, as if Miss Touche, this lady he knows just for almost two days, managed to remind him of a better time.
And so, even after the waltz ended Ruhig spent the rest of his evening at the ball in the company of Miss Touche, engaging naturally in small conversation with others as well. Since that point on, hours started to pass for Ruhig relatively fast, the only bridge he had with time, being his personalized encrusted pocket watch he always had by him. The ball ended quite late, all the guests, being ironically full of energy for the time being. Now, all the incitation started happening outside, where the transport carriages were escorting every single guest. Quite soon Ruhig’s and Miss’s Touche’s carriage came by, letting them depart. They said goodbye from the other familiar to them guests entering the carriage, and heading back to Miss’s Touche’s home.
“It was a,….rather exciting night.” Said Ms. Touche looking at the horizont.
“Yes, those moments sometimes make you regret the uniformity of the world.” Said Ruhig with his nihilistic calm attitude
“What do you mean Mr. Ruhig ?”
“Well, the natural cycle, the day changing night and so on. I feel sometimes that night should unroll it’s splendor a little more, metaphorically speaking of course.”
“Understand.”
Ruhig smiled a little, felling his idea was uncaught. As of together with the title of Ambassador and consequent relocation in Equestria, beauties such as family or love have stayed behind.
Soon, after some time of silence, the carriage arrives at Miss’s Touche’s house. Ruhig opens her the door out of the carriage and conducts to the entrance through the path. Once arrived Ruhig takes Miss’s Touche’s hoof…..
“Thank you for the night Miss Touche.”
“I’m flattered, but it’s you who took me there.” Said she while slightly blushing.
“Honest to be, I wouldn’t have gone there alone. Basically, despise the fact that this night was my apology, you Miss Touche made my night.” Said Ruhig taking off his top hat smiling.
“We should do this more often then.” Replied smiling Ms. Touche.
“We will have the chance, don’t worry, as tomorrow we start preparing our own events. I am envy to see you tomorrow at work. Have a good night.”
“You as well Mr. Ruhig.”
Ruhig slightly takes again on and off his top hat smiling under it. He walks away, hearing the door slowly closing behind him. Once exiting Miss’s Touche’s propriety, Ruhig approaches the designated drivers for the night.
“Thank you gentlemen for your services during this night, you are free. Have a nice evening.”
The carriage drives off, leaving Ruhig alone in the street during the relatively night. For a few minutes he just walks there admiring Canterlot in the night time, playing through his mind the events that happened just a few hours ago, causing a certain fulfilled expression on his face. At a moment, he takes off, heading to his mansion in Clouds Dale. Ruhig returned back home at a relatively late hour, feeling, as specifically for his relatively bipolar nature, both energized and exhausted. He took of his suit arranging carefully it back in the wardrobe, and preparing to sleep. As usually, his mind was trying to plan the next day, ironically hoping for some unpredictable intriguing event. Ruhig fell asleep happy, knowing he puts up one of the most important relations in his life.