Alice woke up early the next day and she resumed reading over the two files on her desk. She made a mental note to ask Rainbow how they got their recent lead, because from all she could tell the file seemed to be a bit dated. She was wondering if this was a test of some kind or if it just didn't cross Rainbow’s mind yesterday.

When it came to breakfast, Alice already had a few questions to ask about her first mission. She almost forgot she was to receive her rank officially at the morning meal. Once she remembered she was going to get her rank, she thought it would be on a board or in a big announcement. Instead it was given to her by one of the many messengers on a slip of paper. She decided this made sense in the end, since it would be best to keep rank knowledge of other Seekers relatively unknown.

Alice looked over her piece of paper again and smiled. She actually liked having proof in a solid form of her success for a change. Also she took note there was a message telling her to meet Rainbow Dash in her office immediately after she finished breakfast.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice knocked on the door to Rainbow’s office. “Come in!” she heard Rainbow’s voice answer. Alice walked inside and took notice someone else was in the office with Rainbow currently. It was Night Chill. He gave Alice a once over.

“Since you are curious Night Chill, Alice here is the new number five. I figured a smart pony like you would know this though,” Rainbow said as she motioned for Alice to wait. “Anyways, she will eventually meet the rest of you in time.”

“Why not now? She is here and we always have a ‘Congratulations to the new Stars Party’ every year, even if we are still the same ponies.” Night Chill asked. Alice was wondering why he cared about such things.

“The answer to that is simple. She already has her first mission. Anyways it is time for you to go, Night Chill. I need to speak with Alice alone about her first double header mission,” Rainbow said as she pointed a hoof at the door.

Night Chill’s eyes widened in surprise and he left. On his way out he said to Alice, “Congratulations, Alice.” He seemed sincere so Alice thanked him for his kind gesture.

He gave a little laugh as he said, “I wonder if the others realize they owe their current rank to me for finding a way to win our match, even if it was a cheap way to do so. I look forward to seeing all you will add to our ranks.” Night Chill closed the door behind him as he finally left the room.

Once she was sure Night Chill was gone, Rainbow spoke. “Sorry about that, Alice. It seems Night is concerned about who The Starts are now. They were as close as most in the factory can get for the most part, but that isn't really saying much. Anyways I'm sure you have some questions so feel free to ask them.”

“It seems you aren't the only one that has an interest in me, Rainbow.” Alice said before proceeding, without seeing the look in Rainbow’s eyes. “I do have some questions. The first two I have are how old is this information and what was this recent slip up on her part that led to this mission being assigned to me?”

Rainbow nodded and took a seat in her chair. She motioned for Alice to take a seat as well. “The information is old, but I am pretty sure you already knew you would have to get a live update on it before doing anything. As for the recent update… Well she fell off the grid for a long while. However, she was recently spotted still living at the address listed with Sunset Daisy not too long ago. We had thought they left that place. We would have acted sooner on this information, but we had that incident not too long ago which took priority.”

Alice kept a neutral face as she next asked, “Did either of the two stand out in any manner while they were still here? I mean talent or skill wise.”

Rainbow shook her head, “Not in particularly. Don’t forget though we only take the best flyers here in the factory. It was the same back then as well. I can only reiterate what I’m sure you already realize. They were capable enough to lead a mass escape at different levels in the factory, and their actions led to the creation of the Seekers.”

Alice’s eyes narrowed as she asked the next question. “Speaking of that. Why was it they didn't try something bigger than a mere escape? They had the skills and knowledge to do so I think.”

Rainbow gave a laugh to this. “They weren't stupid. They knew there wasn't anything they could do about it. The Pegasi Ponies at the highest levels know of this place and approve of it. Even Princess Celestia knows of this facility, and despite her feelings on it, she knows we need rainbows. She leaves matters of the factory to us out of respect for the sacrifice we make for all of Equestria. If a cover up was needed, we would have her full aid on the matter. No doubt she knows what might happen if this place was exposed to the public.”

Rainbow leaned back in her comfy office chair. “The public at large would be shocked at first. After that, they would wonder why we don’t use other methods for rainbow creation instead. Next, they would unsuccessfully try to find alternatives. Finally it would most likely end in revolution of some kind and/or mass hysteria.”

“And in the end even if they accepted the factory some would start going crazy at the realization of their beloved rainbows being produced from the deaths of other ponies. This would then lead to other ponies thinking it ok to kill other ponies for their life style to continue in any manner of ways.” Alice added after Rainbow.

Rainbow was about to say something, but Alice didn't give her the chance. “During this mission, what are you allowed to talk about or not talk about?”

“I can’t give you much idea about how to proceed on the mission, unless I have been authorized by the two circumstances I told you about yesterday. We can talk casually if you wish while you are assessing your situation before proceeding. I can also give you known information again if you need it, but only because this is your first mission. You can voice ideas aloud to me, but I most likely will not answer you.” Rainbow answered.

Next the cyan pegasus gave Alice a serious face as she spoke a warning to Alice. “If your life is in danger or you are almost about to die, I have no obligation to assist you. If it comes to that it shows you really aren't what we need in the Seekers.” Rainbow then gave a pretty smile and seductive eyes as she said, “But I think I would help a cute pegasus like you if it came to that. I don’t think I’ll need to help you though.”

Alice blushed for a second before asking her final questions, “Where is Las Pegasus from here, and what is the best way to reach it?”

Rainbow gave a smirk as she said, “That depends. Do you want to get there quickly or do you want to get there at a leisure pace?”

Alice gave it some though before answering, “I want to get there at a leisurely pace.”

Rainbow nodded and said, “Then we should hit up Ponyville for a little bit and take the train. I will have to check up on the other elements there first though. I have to get in contact with them before I go on any long term assignments, but I like spending time with my friends so it doesn't bother me. I can make the flight from here and there no problem, but since we are going all the way to Las Pegasus I have to make an appearance. It will add at most a day to our trip, unless you take the night train.”

“Since I've never been to Las Pegasus before it would only make sense I would be excited to go as soon as possible and thus take the night train,” Alice answered simply.

“Okay then. I guess you can wait at my place unless you want to look around Ponyville. What will you choose?” Rainbow asked.

“I would rather not make a sudden appearance at Ponyville at this time, so I will wait at your place if you don’t mind.” Alice answered. She remembered Doctor Hooves lived in Ponyville with his family. She would rather avoid contact with him.

He might ask questions or invite her over for tea or something. This would take up more time than she was willing for such things currently. Plus, the extra time would give her a chance to double check her aim with her cards before the mission.

“Alright let’s get going then. We can check the train’s time and get tickets before I show you to my place and I make my appearance.” Rainbow smiled at Alice and said, “I hope you’re ready for this, Alice.”

Alice gave a dark smile as she said, “A chance to hunt down two cowards and traitors to Equestria in a city I have never seen before?” Alice’s smile grew a little. “I look forward to it, Rainbow Dash. I will show you I belong as a Seeker.”

Rainbow would have said something like she didn't need to further prove something to her, but before she could say anything a rather pretty dress which Alice thought was suitable for travel appeared on her. Rainbow just stared for a moment.

Dash then shook her head and thought it might be something similar to Pinkie Pie’s breaking of psychics, and didn't bother to question what Alice just did. Instead she said, “Ummmm…. Alice… Not that I dislike your dress. It looks very good on you. But it would cause you to stand out in Ponyville.”

Alice blushed a little and asked. “Why is that, Rainbow?”

Rainbow scratched the back of her mane before answering. “You see Ponyville is a rather…. Laid back place. Ponies don’t usually wear anything other than maybe a hat or ribbon there.” Alice nodded and her dress vanished. Rainbow blinked a few times wondering about this ability of Alice's.

Alice casually summoned and dismissed her dress, because she figured it was part of the pocket space’s abilities and anypony could do it. Alice turned to RD and asked, “Mind leading the way? I've never been to Ponyville before so I don’t know how to get there.”

Rainbow shook her head a few times to clear it and led the way. While they were leaving she told Fresh Breeze, who they met on the way out, to tell the assistant facility manager she was leaving for her observation assignment. Rainbow and Alice left together for Ponyville, and fortunately it wasn't that long of a flight. Alice could keep up a bearable pace for Rainbow Dash, even if it was slower than she would like by a small amount.

{-} {-} {-}

When Ponyville came into view Alice could instantly appreciate the rustic architecture. She didn't understand why it was so very uniform though. Alice would have loved to admire the view, but she and Rainbow Dash instantly headed to the train station. Alice looked up at the train tables and figured while she wasn't found of trains, she could at least tolerate ones that weren't trying to destroy her mind and looked to be very cheery and fun to ride.

Alice paid for two train tickets to Las Pegasus with some money Rainbow Dash gave her. Rainbow said it was a business expense so Alice didn't need to pay her back, since she would later fill out an expense report with the receipts from their mission. Rainbow led Alice to her cloud home and promised she would be back at 7:00 P.M. This way they would have plenty of time before their 8:30 P.M. train to Las Pegasus.

“Well Alice make yourself at home for the next few hours. Feel free to try your target practice out back. Just make sure no one notices you. You are supposed to complete this mission without drawing undue attention to yourself." The cyan pegasus made her way out after that.

Rainbow was about to leave, but paused in the door way and said to Alice. "Also fair warning, some ponies might come by looking for me. Just be careful and stay silent if you hear a knock on the door. They won’t have any reason to enter uninvited so it should hopefully not be a problem,” Rainbow said with a trace of concern, since Pinkie wasn't big on other’s privacy.

Alice nodded and replied, “If someone does what should I do?”

The cyan pegasus placed a hoof on her chin and thought for a moment. “Sorry. I got nothing. I guess you will have to just wing it.” Alice gave her a frown.

Rainbow gave a sheepish smile as she feebly tried to defend herself. “Besides…. A Seeker needs to be good at improvisation. So you need to learn it if you aren't already good at it.” Rainbow blushed and nervously scratched the back of her mane as Alice rolled her green eyes.

“Anyways! Bye Alice!” Rainbow said before making a quick exit. She wanted to escape any potential disapproving gazes Alice might have for her.

Alice just sighed and said, “Might as well get my testing over and done with quickly so I don’t have to worry about being exposed.” Alice then checked outside the back of Rainbow’s house to make sure it was clear. Once she did this, she began testing her card throws.

After an hour, Alice smiled as she considered her cards to be in perfect order. They worked just as they did in Wonderland for the most part. Here she was limited not by magic consumption but by number of cards.

Fortunately it seemed they would return to her, like her knife, after a certain period of time. As far as Alice was concerned, this shouldn't be an issue for her. If it was she would have to simply find a way to improve her skills and strategies further.

As the day progressed, Alice had little to worry about at Rainbow’s home. There were a few visitors who came knocking but they left after three attempts. The only issue she had was an orange pegasus filly with a magenta mane. The filly kept yelling for Rainbow Dash to come out and say hello to her. Alice made her way silently up to the roof and barely peeked down to the pegasus filly.

Alice wasn't sure how old this pegasus was, but she noticed the filly couldn't seem to fly yet. Alice wasn't sure what to make of this filly, but she did take note that the filly had a pair of lungs on her if nothing else. She was cute but if she didn't learn to fly soon, she would most likely end up a Sacrifice. However, Alice figured she was currently too young for flying, so she was still a true pegasus as far she could tell.

{-} {-} {-}

Rainbow returned home at about 6:30 P.M. She and Alice made small conversation until it was time to go and get their train. Rainbow would have liked talking to Alice more, but she figured the green eyed pegasus was too focused on her mission to be much of a conversationalist at the moment.

Once they got on the train, the two had a meal where they talked about mundane things such as the weather lately. It finally became a real conversation once Alice asked Rainbow how her visit with her friends went earlier today, and before that told her about the few ponies who came looking for her.

Rainbow was relieved Alice didn't have to worry about anything for the most part, but there was one thing that made Rainbow a bit unsure about Alice. Rainbow wasn't sure what to make of her thoughts on Scootaloo.

Dash may not be the best big sister figure in Equestria, but she always did have a tiny soft spot for the small orange pegasus. When she heard Alice talk about her wondering if Scootaloo should be flying yet, and what it meant for the filly’s future if she wasn't, Dash came to a decision on Scootaloo. Rainbow decided she would actually take the filly under her wing after all and actually work with her. She didn't want to see Scootaloo the Sacrifice if she could help it.

Rainbow wanted to save at least two pegasi from the factory. Scootalooo was one. She wanted to do what she could to make sure she didn't end up there. The other was Fresh Breeze. Rainbow had a little soft spot for her as well. Fresh was still salvageable. The factory had affected the light green pegasus, but there was still hope for her. At least, that is what Rainbow Dash believed about her anyways.

Once they finished supper, Alice and Rainbow Dash both went to their respective beds. The train was expected to arrive at Las Pegasus at about 5:30 A.M. Surprisingly both mares managed to fall asleep rather quickly. They would have an undisturbed sleep until they woke up shortly before their stop in the early morning.

{-} {-} {-}

Once the morning came and the two mares stepped off the train, they were greeted with the wonderful city-scape of Las Pegasus. Alice was impressed beyond measure with this city. It felt like she was seeing a pony city of the future with all of the tall buildings and neon lights flashing the names of different places. Alice very much wanted to look at everything the city had to offer, but she kept focused on her mission at hand, or rather at hoof.

Before anything else, Alice needed something eat. Just like any other tourist would after a night train ride that didn't serve breakfast. This being the case she asked around for the best places to eat breakfast. After some investigation into this matter, they ended up finding a rather delightful restaurant that happened to be near their targets’ home.

Alice took a look across the table at her companion for this trip. “I have to say dark green looks rather odd on you.” Alice then gave a chuckle as she saw Rainbow give a pout.

“Well I am rather noticeable with my normal mane, and they might recognize me since we were former coworkers,” Rainbow said. The cyan pegasus currently sported a dark green mane and tail. She was also wearing clothes that covered her cutie mark. Clothes were somewhat common here in Las Pegasus, so it didn't draw any undue attention their way.

Once the two ‘travelers’ made their way to the café, they sat down on an elevated balcony that provided them a very wonderful view of the surprisingly scenic neighborhood. Alice smiled and looked around the area taking it all in and started a casual conversation with her official observer about the surrounding buildings.

The Director of Factory Operations usually replied with eloquent words like, “Meh… Not really my thing. I like buildings in clouds with rainbow colored falls. I heard this one pony near some small town has a house like that.” Alice just rolled her eyes and figured she should have known that answer. Nothing about subtle beauty would meet her companion’s taste.

Since they were early guests they received great service, and their waiter was more than willing to converse with Alice. When she asked him about the local ponies in this area compared to the rest of Las Pegasus, he had plenty to say. “Obviously they prefer to escape the glitz and glamor of the strip. They are usually very friendly to each other here, and one always knows what is going on with the others.”

Alice raised an eyebrow and asked, “Oh? How so good sir?”

Her polite respect seemed to sit well with the waiter. He answered, “Well for instance… Two long time lovers recently had a falling out. This news spread like wildfire with all of the locals in this little corner.”

Alice gave him a questioning look as she innocently pressed for more information. “Really? I doubt break ups, even with long time lovers, are all that uncommon.”

The waiter leaned in closer and said conspiratorially, as Alice and Rainbow leaned in as well. “The thing is the two were really well known mares in this area. Their love was always seen as something that could inspire songs of mediocrity.”

Alice gave a little huff at his choice of words and he took it as a clue to explain. “I say that because while it was endearing and very lovely, they rarely had any problems that weren't quickly and quietly resolved. This meant no pony thought they would ever break up. Almost everypony knows Sunset Daisy and Twinkle Star for their love for one another, though they usually just go by their first names.”

Rainbow watched Alice for any tells that this information affected her more so than it normally would. Rainbow was mentally astonished that it did, but only just enough to suggest it was her delight in learning more about the actual stories of ponies in the area she was visiting.

“Well that explains why it gained such interest. Two well-known lovers and both mares… That is like waving a big flag saying look at us!” Rainbow said keeping with the conversation. She also mentally decided she would have to make a stunt that involved her finishing an amazing landing while waving a giant flag on her own somehow.

Alice gave a little giggle as she said, “That would also explain your choice of words. Clearly a song that lacked drama in a relationship would be a hard sell for anypony.” Alice then gave a slight frown as she said, “Though I suppose now a song about their love could sell… It is a sad thought. One sometimes wonders if love is ever worth it.”

The atmosphere was darkened for a little bit. Alice’s statement struck very true for Rainbow Dash. She felt this many times and had almost slipped into the horrible and lonely darkness that claimed so many at the factory eventually. However Alice soon brought them out of the darkness as she cheerfully asked, “Do you know any other stories in this area, sir? I do love hearing what the places I visit really are like. I’m sure you know plenty of stories that would brighten our morning.”

He was about to say something, but Alice gasped as she cut him off, “I do mean only if it won’t interfere with your job. I would hate for my selfish request to cause you any problems with a stallion of your profession.”

The waiter gave a chuckle as he said, “Since you two wanted to get here as soon as possible for your trip you managed to beat our breakfast crowd by quite a bit. Let me check on your orders and then I can tell you a story or two more without any problem.” Alice gave him a pleasant smile and Rainbow mirrored it.

Once the waiter returned with their breakfast meals, he told them a couple of cheerful stories about the area. Alice was the perfect audience for such tales, and their meal ended up being very enjoyable. Once the two travelers left, they gave their waiter a really decent tip but not too large. Too much of a tip might cause suspicion Alice figured. It was still better than the average tip and the waiter seemed very pleased with it.

{-} {-} {-}

For the rest of the morning and into the afternoon, Alice managed to find out a few more details about the two ponies in the area that had gotten so much attention recently. The Seeker even managed to talk to a few local pegasi who claimed Sunset tutored them on flying.

In the end, Alice causally and easily learned a lot about her target. She found out Sunset Daisy recently rented a house towards the edge of town wanting to be away from her ex-lover. Alice felt a little disappointed she never got in touch with the informant who provided the breakthrough in tracking these two traitors though.

After that, Alice and Rainbow Dash checked into a room at a nice hotel near the strip. Rainbow asked her reasoning for this. Alice simply said, “Well any tourist would want a nice place to stay near the night life of a city like this. If they have any class at all, they wouldn't want to go to a dingy hotel some call mare uses for her customers that she doesn't want to take to her own place.”

Rainbow thought this was more of Alice’s rather interesting approach to the job. So many Seekers wished to stay as secretive and as far away from the public eye as they could when on a mission. This secretive approach was good, but could also lead to “situations” that needed to be cleaned up.

Alice was showing how worthy of her rank she was. She was more or less hiding a tree in a forest. By being noticed but not too noticed, she would avert attention from herself if she handled this properly. After all, who would suspect a bright eyed and happy tourist pony to be on an assassination mission?

{-} {-} {-}

When evening fell, the two went out to eat dinner and afterwards went to ‘explore’ the night life. They spent some time gawking at the street lights and the scene before them. Just like any wide eyed vacationing ponies might do. After doing this for a little while, they headed back to their room making a small show of going to bed for the night.

Once in the room, Rainbow had to shower. She couldn't stand the mane coloring any longer. Plus it was past the recommended time to keep it in her mane as it was. Once her shower was over the two opened their window and silently flew into the night. They took an indirect route to Sunset Daisy’s house.

The two factory pegasi approached the house shortly after night had fully fallen. Rainbow found a great cloud to wait on while Alice approached the house. Once Alice knocked on the door, Rainbow noticed a blind to the side shift as a pair of honey colored eyes looked to her front door.

Alice swayed a little on the spot. She was going to say she needed to call for a chariot and the bar nearby was too noisy and the patrons a little too friendly for her liking to call from there. Alice was about to knock again when she heard the backdoor open and somepony take off into the night. Alice was quick enough to see a dark burnt orange pegasus with a dark green and red mane fly off really quickly, and she silently made pursuit.

Alice gave a little smile as she flew. She liked this method anyways honestly. She hoped she would have a real fight on her hooves. At the moment, Alice thought "Hunter" would be a better title for her than "Seeker". She was hunting down a traitor.

Rainbow soon joined Alice and the two followed Sunset Daisy as she led them away from the city. Alice was still smiling as they flew, but she stayed focused. She just couldn't help but smile at the hunt and flying really fast once again. Alice gave a little giggle that not even rainbow could hear as they flew. “I really think I could love this job,” Alice thought as they raced through the night.

{-} {-} {-}

It was a dark and cloudy night with a storm in the background. Alice stood before the location she tracked Sunset Daisy to after the pegasus fled. She knew Sunset Daisy chose to flee for a reason. Sunset Daisy pretty much made a straight shot for this location and didn't even try to lose her. Alice could think of two reasons Sunset led them here.

The first reason was obvious. The traitor knew she would have to kill tonight if she wished to live. She needed to take her pursuer out without anyone witnessing the crime. Sunset seemed to have a great deal of confidence she could pull it off and escape before anyone noticed.

Alice was pretty sure she didn't know Rainbow was following as well though. Still, Alice could appreciate the confidence the pegasus showed. She was dangerous and fast despite her age. The Seeker was sure even Rainbow knew if the target was their same age and in top form, she would have to help Alice on this mission.

The second reason Sunset led them on their chase, was still obvious but not as obvious as the first reason. Sunset Daisy knew this day would come, and logically prepared for it. Alice narrowed her green eyes which seemed to glow under the dark night sky.

She was walking into a trap. She knew it. However a smile grew onto Alice’s face, she was always resourceful. She had walked into traps before and turned them into her favor. Sunset had provided her with a possible break on her first mission. She wouldn't have to be as concerned with stealth in this location. Any pony in Sunset Daisy’s situation might come to a place like this to end it all away from others.

The green eyed pegasus knew this, because it only made sense two well-known lovers wouldn't take such a serious and hard break up without feeling pain. Alice knew how love could lead to immense pain and suffering all too well. Had she not loved her sister Lizzie and their family as much as she did. Their deaths would not have mentally damaged her to the point they had.

She personally knew how losing those you love in any form could lead to dark thoughts of suicide. She had spent many nights over the years at Rutledge Asylum wishing she had just ended it all. However she was too cowardly to go through with the deed.

Alice felt right at home in this circumstance of a life or death battle. She figured wearing her blue dress with the blood stained white apron, put her right in the element for what was to soon come. Plus, it would make for a slightly easier clean up in the end. She could just poof away her dress instead of having to either hide or clean it.

Alice sensed the dangerous nature of this setup, and was certain even her target knew it was like a double edged sword. Alice had to blink a couple of seconds in using that saying, and would have pondered it further if she didn't have a mission.

This situation could go either way. Alice could lose and Sunset wouldn't have to worry about it being traced to her, or Sunset could lose and Alice wouldn't have to worry much about it being traced back to her. The seeker turned these thoughts over in her head. Finally, Alice figured this situation was Sunset Daisy’s way of saying, “If you do kill me…. Then you deserve to get away with it.”

Alice didn't know if this was Sunset’s intention or not, but Alice never did just accept other’s versions of reality. No. She had many times rejected what others told her and replaced it with her own reality. This was part of the reason why Wonderland was first created. It was a place that was familiar yet also unfamiliar.

Alice’s green eyes continued to look over the area before her. “Are you sure about doing this on your own, Alice?” Rainbow asked causing Alice to raise an eyebrow at her.

“I could help you with her. She has shown she far exceeds our initial estimation of her abilities. She knew we were coming and had already planned for it well in advance. I can help you if you want me to Alice, and it won’t count against you,” Rainbow explained.

Alice turned to Rainbow and gave a teasing smile as she said, “Oh, Rainbow… It’s sweet you care for me so.” Rainbow blushed a little to this and was about to defend herself, but Alice didn't let her.

“You really should have more faith in the pony you personally chose as a Seeker.” Alice’s teasing smile turned into a confident smirk as she turned back to the building before her. Alice began to hoover in the air.

Rainbow actually felt a little uneasy seeing Alice’s confidence. Not because she feared it was misplaced, but because she could tell how well placed Alice’s confidence was. Rainbow felt apprehensive at what was about to start, and how it might foreshadow the new Number Five’s future as a seeker. Rainbow Dash also couldn't help, but be just as equally intrigued by Alice at the moment.

“Hide yourself well and find a good seat to keep an eye out, Official Observer.” Alice gave that wonderful smile as she quickly and quietly took to the building. Rainbow took off soon after just as quietly. Already Alice had shown she had the stealth parts of this job down for the most part. If only the target didn't know they were already coming it probably would have been over already.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice kept her green eyes sharp as she entered the ruin of a building. She wasn't happy with the dimly lit surroundings, but if she relied on just her sight she would have long ago died. As she heard something slicing through the air from an angle above her, she quickly moved barely out of the way and immediately sent a few single shot cards in the direction.

Alice mentally cursed when the cards met only a stone wall. She had given away one of her abilities. Alice didn't let it get to her though. She only threw single cards at the direction. She already knew a couple of ways to use this exposure of her skill to her slight advantage. She soon heard something else heading her way.

This time Alice let the object barely graze her. It might be a little foolish, but she needed to have an idea of what the flying item was. Besides, it wasn't like she was well known for being overly cautious or anything. She was always a little reckless, especially in her Wonderland.

The Seeker felt the sharp disc graze her cheek. She now knew it was a disc her target used against her. She also knew it wasn't poisoned, and she then realized how foolish her move truly was. If the object was poisoned then it might have been the end of her. She wondered why ponies didn't do something like that, but she decided this was a topic to ponder at a different time than the present.

Alice was a little disappointed the next attack was pretty much the same as before. The light tan colored pegasus wondered if her target really underestimated her that much. She felt a little insulted Sunset decided she didn't need to actually engage her personally. Alice decided she wouldn't stand for this and focused on her surroundings.

It seemed having spent so much time in dark and dreary places had increased her ability to make out shapes and see patterns in the surrounding darkness. After she dodged the next attack, she sent a few single cards in the direction where she picked up a small hint of dark burnt orange.

When the next disc attack came, Alice dodged and had to deflect a sword from her left. Alice knew swords should have the advantage to a knife, but she was precise and efficient enough to negate this advantage with her blade skills. She looked into the honey colored eyes before her with calm.

Sunset was a bit impressed with the skills of this Seeker, but she didn't let it get to her. She wanted to live! It was the only way she felt she could make up for all of the horror she caused at the factory. Sunset may have lost the love of her life to an argument, but she wasn't going to just give in yet.

No, she had made it her personal responsibility to help train any young fillies and colts she could. That way they wouldn't become sacrifices. She may have been tough, but never did a trainee of hers fail their flight test.

She also made sure when they passed their flight test no matter how tough she was on them she gave them a Pinkie Pie kind of party congratulating them. She knew she would be missed if she died, and she made sure she wouldn't die, for her students. She loved how their little faces lit up when they accomplished even the smallest of flying feats. She hated everything about the Rainbow Factory!

Alice could feel the anger in the pegasus before her, and knew it was at the factory in general. This deep down angered Alice more. If she hated the factory this much why did she just run away from it? Alice decided once her target was on her last leg she would ask her this. At the moment though, she had a no good cowardly traitor to fight.

The two ponies kept their blades locked for a moment. Alice gave a little push to overpower Sunset and when the pegasus flew back. Alice threw a couple of cards her way. As the green eyed pegasus expected Sunset easily dodged the attack and quickly lunged forward again. Their blades clashed with each other once more.

“Well it seems they picked someone half talented to come for me at least,” Sunset said to Alice. She was hoping it might get a reaction of some kind from the green eyed, dark maned pegasus. It did get a reaction from her, but it wasn't what she hoped for. She wanted this to either give the Seeker over confidence or to get her angry at the back handed compliment. Not complete indifference.

“The factory and the Pegasi race take threats like you seriously,” Alice said. Alice rolled to the side and landed a kick in Sunset’s side. However the burnt orange pegasus was able to move just enough it minimized the effect on her. Alice didn't let this get to her though. She had landed a hit and if she landed more it would greatly affect her target’s performance.

The dark burnt orange pegasus charged her a few more times. Alice managed to block or dodge them all, but she still felt the power behind each attack and knew something would have to change. When the pegasus flew at her again, Alice dodged to the side and landed a solid buck on the mare sending her crashing into the darkness. Before Alice could follow through with her next attack, Sunset disappeared into the darkness again.

“If that is the case then why did they send a freshly graduated Seeker after me?” Sunset’s voice sounded from the darkness and was hard to pinpoint.

“Ohhhh?” Alice said with a hint of amusement in her voice. “What makes you think I’m a fresh Seeker?” Alice’s green eyes searched the darkness for any hints of burnt orange.

Sunset Daisy would have just ignored this comment, but with all that had just happened to her and the mental turmoil it caused. She wasn't thinking too clearly. She answered with a scoff and said. “Did you honestly think somepony like me wouldn't have found a way to keep tabs on what went on in the factory?”

The factory escapee paused, hoping the full implications of the question would sink in before she continued, “I had a pony keep a decent eye on the place without knowing what he was really doing and no pony else knowing either. Plus, Happy Cloud’s escape was hardly subtle, despite the Pegasi doing all they could to cover it up or explain it away.” Alice’s eyes widened just a hint, but the speaker noticed the slight movement.

Sunset dashed at Alice from the darkness thinking she might have caused the pony pause. She was disappointed when her sword strike was once again held off by a simple decorative kitchen knife. She retreated and attacked again. This time Alice dodged her, but when she did so Sunset Daisy simply attacked once again.

Alice managed to block the sword strike, but Sunset didn't bother to keep their blades locked this time. Alice was momentarily surprised when Sunset let her win the blade tug of war. However when Sunset let Alice deflect her attack, the former factory worker sent a solid buck Alice’s way before the Seeker could take advantage of this small victory.

Alice was caught off guard and the full force of the buck sent her flying into the darkness. When Alice was about to land hard against a wall, Sunset pressed her attack. Alice recovered, dodged the attack, and landed a hit on the burnt orange pegasus. Alice was a little pleased with this hit, but when Sunset kept going with the hit’s force and recovered in the next room, her momentary excitement ended.

Alice flew carefully into the next room. This room was darker than the last one. Alice couldn't make anything out in the area, but she didn't let it get to her. She gave a cruel smile as she sang and hoped to bait her prey, “A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go! Heigh ho a dariy-o, a hunting we will go.”

Alice looked around and couldn't make any movement out. This didn't stop her singing though. Alice continued, “A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go! I’ll catch a pony, and make sure she never lives again!”

Sunset grimaced hearing this song. She couldn't believe a Seeker would sing a twisted version of a foal’s song at a time like this. Her eyes widened and she gave a smile. In this split second of a decision, Sunset Daisy ended up sealing her fate. She thought Alice was one of those already far gone Seekers, and probably recently promoted from the floor. She prepared her next attack with this thought in her mind.

Alice would have smiled in victory when the burnt orange target charged her under the misconception about her mental state, but Alice was professional in her new job. As the pegasus charged her, everything seemed to go in slow motion for both of them. Each thought they had victory in their grasp now, but only one would end up being correct.

Sunset Daisy Charged with all of her might, which would have been enough for any pony she thought. Her eyes widened in realization as Alice barely dodged her charge at the last split second and easily sliced deep through her side with that knife. It took only a couple of seconds before she crashed and the pain registered in her brain. Sunset let out an unearthly scream as she lay on the floor in pain. She breathed heavily as she looked at her own blood pooling on the decrypted floor next to her.

She might have still tried something, but before she could recover Alice had her pinned to the wall and floor with that absurdly sharp blade on her neck. Sunset Daisy would have given a weak laugh at the situation, but she knew that would kill her. Sunset also knew Alice was for some reason allowing her a few last words.

Alice’s green eyes burned into her, but Sunset stayed strong. She spoke, “Finish me. Go ahead. But realize this. One day you will be in my position yourself, unless you become one of those full time floor workers. No pony truly escapes the Rainbow factory.”

Alice’s eyes didn't change as she said in a low voice that only Sunset Daisy could hear. “You are right, Sunset Daisy. No pony who works there will escape it; much less deserve to escape it. However, your biggest crime wasn't getting away from there.”

Sunset’s honey colored eyes widened in confusion. “No. It was the fact you didn't do anything but run and cower, that put you in this situation,” Alice said to her still in that low quiet voice.

Honey colored eyes widened further as Alice continued. “You had the means and talents to actually make a difference with your lover and confederates. Yet you didn't do anything but run. It doesn't matter if you had even the Sun Princess to worry about. You still took the cowardly way out. This, and the fact you are a true traitor, is the reason I am here to end your life.”

Sunset was shocked to hear this. She then looked into Alice’s eyes once again and realized fully what she had done to bring about her fate. She still couldn't help but ask, “Then why didn't you just end me out right? You're more than capable of doing that it seems?”

Alice’s face didn't change as she said, “You fought the best you could. You made sure your survival meant something. I figured you at least earned the right to speak your mind and fight for your own life.”

Sunset’s eyes grew just a little bit larger hearing this. She then closed them and gave a small smile. She had finally accepted her fate. As Alice’s blade slit her throat and she started gagging on her own blood, a few last thoughts went through her mind.

Sunset Daisy wondered how such beautiful green eyes could hold such darkness. She felt an odd peace as she started to drift off to her never ending sleep. She felt calm and hopeful as a bright light appeared in the distant sky before her. As she made her way to her eternity, she got one last glance at Alice and oddly felt the young pegasus was a dark angel sent here to end her misery. She felt every bad thing she had endured and spent her life redeeming for was cleansed from her soul.

Sunset thought Alice had in a way bestowed a mercy on her. She no longer had to suffer what she went through. She felt the darkness in the pegasus, but there was hope and maybe even salvation for them all as well. Oddly enough she wanted to thank the new Seeker for killing her.

Sunset Daisy’s soul gave a smile and felt warm as it thought everything would end up good in the end. She wasn't sure if this was from her present detachment to the mortal world, or because despite it all she figured the pegasus before her would bring an end to the horror of the factory. The horror that place brought on ponies affected those who worked there just as much as the sacrifices, but in a different way.

The Rainbow Factory was truly horrible. It would take either a very twisted saint, or a corrupted demon to fully survive that place. Sunset wasn't sure which Alice was though, but such things didn't matter to her anymore. Her soul took comfort in the fact she would soon be meeting her wonderful lover in a plane where only love for another pony matter, and nothing else. Not even such a horrible and heated argument would separate them in this new place.

Sunset’s soul soon found itself in a desert palace room with beautiful dark pink see through curtains covering the windows around her. She smiled as she closed her eyes and let the pleasantly warm breeze wash over her. This place felt serene. She could also feel the love and comfort in the area around her.

Sunset actually found herself feeling thankful for her final release from the hell her life had become. Sunset Daisy felt some concern for Alice and her own soul, but it didn't consume her thoughts. Nothing really mattered to her now. It was all over for her.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice felt odd as her target’s life ended. She wasn't sure what to make of these feelings. She felt proud to have partially completed her job, but she also felt oddly warm after having ended Sunset Daisy’s life. She could have sworn she felt relief from the dark burnt orange pegasus’ body as it turned cold.

She would have thought longer on this feeling more, but she still needed to finish her job. She hoped Rainbow didn't hear what she said to the departing pony, but if Rainbow did Alice hoped it would be chalked up to playing one last mind game on the target, and not count it against her in the evaluation.

Rainbow didn't hear what Alice said to the target as the pony died, but she figured it wasn't anything to worry about. There had been many Seekers, including herself, who gave some of their targets closure before ending their life for whatever reason. In Rainbow’s case, it was to give the target and herself some peace in what happened before it all ended.

Once Alice was sure the first target had died, she started thinking about the second target. She wanted to take care of Twinkle Star as soon as possible, but she hoped the next target wouldn't be too much trouble. Alice was a little exhausted after her fight with Sunset Daisy.

She now knew why double headers were so difficult. She took one target out, but if she didn't act fast enough her second target might escape before she could confront her, or the authorities might pick up on her assignment.

Alice then did what she could to place the body so it would look like a successful and rather extreme suicide by a distraught pegasus after her painful break up. Alice couldn't help but think how much of a double edged sword this situation really was for her target in the end. Alice then casually and calmly asked Rainbow a question. “Rainbow? Why is a double edged sword horrible?”

Rainbow just blinked completely caught off guard by this question. She even landed loudly in a heap as she asked, “What do you mean, Alice?”

“Well a sword is a blade. My knife is also a blade. A double edged blade wouldn't actually pose any threat to the wielder. After all when using a sword or knife you hold it by the handle. Not the blade itself. So why would it be bad for a situation to be compared to a double edged sword? That would simply mean you could attack and cut with both sides of the blade in front of you,” Alice said as she applied the last touch, a note.

It was a note that explained what happened. She was always very good at writing and loved copying others hand script. Sunset's was rather easy for her to copy since she managed to see a letter one of her unintentional informants gave her. The pony kept going on about how wonderful Sunset Daisy was as a flight tutor.

Rainbow despite the situation placed a hoof on her chin in deep thought before eventually answering. “You know, Alice. I've never thought of that before.” She gave a little laugh as she said, “I guess it doesn't actually make sense really.”

Alice nodded as she wiped her hooves on her white apron. “I could see a double bladed sword being dangerous. Well only if the blades were on opposing sides of the grip. I guess doubled edged sword is just easier to say than that.”

She gave a sigh and said, “Oh well. On to the next target, I wonder what Twinkle Star will be like. Hopefully she will make the cleanup just as easy as this one did.” The new Star number five looked around the room and said, “The hardest part was washing the splashes on the walls so they looked aged and from the past.”

Rainbow wondered about that a little bit, but was a little surprised, and to a lesser degree pleased. Alice thought she had it easy on this mission. Rainbow should have probably shuddered at this thought, but she was just proud of her choice in bringing Alice on board as a Seeker. Really though, no other pony she knew seemed to adapt as well to this type of work as Alice seems to have.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice looked over the house before her and noticed no one was home currently. She cautiously approached the building and was surprised to find the home unlocked. She and Rainbow silently and carefully made their way through the home.

Eventually Alice found an office of sorts, once she read the journal on the desk she knew where to find Twinkle Star. There was an old mission a decent bit away from the house, where Twinkle admitted she went to when things really bothered her like her fight with Sunset Daisy would have.

The two factory employees now stood on a cliff overlooking the old mission building below. Rain was already lightly pouring around them and the old ruin. Green eyes and rose colored eyes scanned the surrounding area for any defenses. Neither Alice nor Rainbow Dash could sense anything around the area.

Rainbow’s rose colored eyes looked to Alice, and she was happy to see the green eyed pegasus wasn't unnerved by the lack of traps in the area. Usually Seekers found a lack of danger as a bad sign and it noticeably affected them. It seemed the lack of danger was a bit welcoming to Alice, but at the same time she kept cautious as they approached the ruin silently.

Alice kept her guard up, but realized it might be a possibility her next target had accepted her fate already. Alice wasn't sure what she would do if that was the case. She would kill them either way, but she wasn't sure if she would hear their story or not.

On one hoof, surrendering could be seen as a noble act. This would only be if Twinkle Star realized she didn't deserve to live any longer for what she had done, or had realized nothing really matter for her anymore. Alice could understand this action. On the other hoof if the target ran here hoping to escape her fate, Alice didn't care to show even the slightest measure of sympathy towards her.

Alice slowly entered the building. It was an old church to some super natural being she could tell, but she didn't know much of anything about pony religions, so she didn't know who it was for. Alice heard a deep organ playing a slow and sorrowful tune, but didn't drop her guard. Alice was currently at ease, but not to the point she could easily be defeated by her target.

“So they finally have sent somepony to kill me for what I did so long ago… I’m a little surprised it took them this long to do such a thing. Tell me what is your name young one?” A steel blue pegasus with a dark purple mane turned around and looked at Alice as the music stopped. It was Twinkle Star, even if she looked a little older than in her photo from the file at Headquarters.

“You seem rather calm…. Why do you care who I am? I’m a Seeker sent here to deal with you,” Alice said. Her eyes were a little narrowed as she subtly scanned her surroundings for any known dangers. She couldn't really notice any, but she still kept her distance for the moment and her wits about her.

Twinkle Star gave a small smirk. “Is it really so hard to believe I want to at least know who is about to end my life? My suffering?” Alice’s eyes gave just a hint of surprise to this and Twinkle noticed it.

“I have long wished for my undeserved release from life. I have relived my time in the factory many nights since I ran from there. I would have just ended my own life and been done with it altogether when I was there, but others talked about their desire to leave that hell.” Twinkle turned to the statue in front of her as she took a breath and raised her forehooves to the ceiling.

Alice could understand where she was coming from. She too had felt similar to that way before. She decided to hear Twinkle out, even if she could tell the pegasus was the preachy type. Alice threw that thought away, she decided the fact they were in such a place had filled the traitor with a sense of self-righteousness and thus led to her inevitable preaching.

“I knew they wouldn't be able to do it on their own. I helped them out in the end. I felt maybe if I could at least help those who have suffered like I did to live even just a little bit longer… I could be forgiven for what I did in the factory, even if only slightly.” Twinkle sighed deeply, dropped her out stretched hooves and turned around to face her executioner again.

“However, once I was free from there… I wanted to live. I didn't have a reason for living, but I wanted to live anyways and find a reason. It wasn't long after that I ran into Sunset Daisy. I noticed she wasn't dealing with her past too well at the time, and decided I would help her in any way I could. The two of us took relief in each other. We knew what the other had been through and eventually fell in love for this main reason.” Twinkle’s eyes turned sorrowful.

“It lasted for a long time, but we fought eventually. I felt things were too nice for us. She felt we had done what we could to try and make up for it all, and shouldn't feel upset about anything and just live our lives.” Twinkle gave a smile and continued, “If I had just agreed with her maybe this meeting wouldn't be taking place at all.”

Twinkle gave yet another sigh as she noticed Alice still was on guard, “I might have been willing to fight you for my life, but after losing the pony I loved more than anything. I just don’t care. I want you to just end it all, and maybe tell me your name.”

Twinkle Star turned to look Alice in the eyes. The sight of her green eyes was more intense than she thought it should be. There was something in this pony’s eyes she couldn't explain. She felt as if she was truly unworthy in front of this pegasus that would kill her.

Twinkle turned away from Alice. She couldn't keep looking into her eyes. “I tried to find other ways to help others, but I couldn't do it. We even took a little colt under our wing. He still lives, but neither of us deserves to be a part of his life. I don’t deserve to experience anymore happiness even if second hand. I know my fate and I have already accepted it.”

Alice walked up to her calmly and asked her, “Does he know about the factory?”

Twinkle’s eyes widened at this. “Of course not! We wouldn't have told him anything about that place! We only made sure he wouldn't end up a sacrifice. Would you really have ended him if we did though? He is little more than a young colt.”

Alice’s face didn't change at all as she said, “If it was my duty. I would. But it doesn't really matter now does it. You won’t be alive for much longer, even if you did put up a fight.”

Twinkle couldn't believe what she heard, but it was what she heard next that caused her to gasp as Alice’s blade ran through her. “You, just like your lover, chose to run instead of something more. You barely made your survival and escape mean anything…”

It was a little more than a whisper to Twinkle’s ears, but the words were puzzling to her. She wondered if Alice was saying her lack of action after leaving the factory was a graver sin than what she did there. As she felt her life ending and slumped forward, she realized this was most likely the case.

Alice then said to Twinkle Star, as blackness over took the former factory worker’s vision, “Now that you have paid for your sins enjoy the eternal rest I, Alice gave you.”

Twinkle Star’s eyes shown with one final flicker of small happiness before she finally died. As her soul flew surprisingly upwards, she got one last glimpse of her executioner in the moonlight shining from a broken window. She unknowingly then came to the same conclusion her lover did in her last moments. She thought Alice was some dark angel sent here.

Twinkle also saw a glimpse of rainbow colored mane and discovered answers only death could provide her in that brief moment. Before she could dwell on these answers, she found herself no longer caring about the affairs of the living anymore. She rose into the moonlight peeking through the clouds outside and felt calm.

Twinkle’s soul finally came to a stop in what looked like the interior of a beautiful desert palace. There was a warm relaxing breeze that caused the thin curtains to flutter on the windows. The place was serene and more importantly quiet. No more would she hear the cries of innocents as essence was extracted from those ponies in front of them.

The place was perfect she thought, but there was one thing she felt was missing. When she heard a warm and loving voice say from behind her, “Welcome home, love,” and two hooves wrap around her she smiled and knew nothing was missing after all. She wasn't sure how she deserved this eternity, but it didn't matter to her. She was completely at rest and warm with the one pony that mattered the most to her, Sunset Daisy.

{-} {-} {-}

Alice looked around and saw a sharp jagged object that matched her knife close enough to use as a part of the setup. This target was even easier than the last one. She didn't even have to clean up any extra blood. Alice wiped the grime from her blade on her unofficially dubbed “Executioner Dress”.

Rainbow just watched silently from the corner as she thought over the two targets. She found it odd both seemed to have died with peaceful expressions in the end. Sometimes ponies had just given up in the past, but none she could think of had ever seemed peaceful. Even Happy Cloud had only begrudgingly accepted his fate in the end. Rainbow wasn't sure if this was somehow an Alice thing or if it was just these two targets.

Rainbow would have thought more on the subject presently, but Alice’s voice broke her from her musings. “Well that was even easier than the first one. I hope it was simply a good luck of the draw case this time.” Alice was now hovering in the air giving the area a look over with her forehooves crossed on her chest. Alice’s eyes caught something and she flew over to it and investigated it.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow as she asked, “Why is that? Most Seekers would love a break like this especially on their first mission.”

Alice returned with what looked like a note held loosely in her lips. She dropped the note right in front of the fallen pegasus. Alice then placed one of Twinkle’s hooves in the pool of blood and used the bloodied hoof to push the note forward as she spoke. “If that was the case then this job would actually get kind of boring. Sure it might be interesting to hear a pegasus’ story, but if that was all that happened then I would tire of this job quickly.”

After staring in disbelief at how causal Alice acted for a while, Rainbow couldn't help but let out a laugh. “I’ll keep that in mind when it comes to our more problematic cases, Alice. After all I wouldn't want my hoof picked Star Seeker to get bored. You might start cleaning up shop early or something.” Alice said nothing to this comment as she double checked there wasn’t any evidence of what happened here tonight that might draw attention to the factory’s involvement.

Once everything was in ship shape, the two pegasi silently made their way back to their hotel room and in through the opened window to their shared room. Alice had vanished her dress half way through their flight and took the first shower for herself. Rainbow went to shower after her and once she emerged she asked Alice a question, “So what is your plan now, Alice? Being your official observer I need to know if you have a plan or not.”

Alice just gave Rainbow Dash a beautiful smile as she answered, “I’m surprised there is a question about this. After all, what sort of tourist would leave so soon after first coming to this wonderful city? I plan on looking at the sights while I'm here.” Alice seemed to glow with excitement as she said, “I heard they have some amazing shows in the casinos here!”

Alice then gave a meaningful look as she said solemnly, “Besides if I were to leave so soon after tonight it might draw undue attention to my presence here. I don’t think it will take the officials too long to find at least one of them. I’m sure they will be able to determine the time of death decently enough, and any logical investigator would check transportation records and those that left quickly after the incidents.”

Rainbow blinked a couple of times as Alice continued, “I am of course figuring they won’t buy the whole ‘suicide’ story right away, despite evidence to its authenticity. My main concern is if they will get somepony like Investigator Hoofprints from Canterlot on the case, but I doubt that will happen.”

Alice sighed and said with a smile, “On a lighter note, do you happen to know of any great places here, Rainbow? I wouldn't want you to be bored while observing me till the finish of the job.”

Rainbow gave a smile and said, “I actually do know of a few places, Alice… I might even be able to get the factory to cover some of the expenses for the remainder of the trip, since I am still observing you and all.”

Rainbow gave a little chuckle as she said, “That is a unique approach, Alice. Usually a Seeker finds a way to leave as soon as possible unnoticed. It really can be a pain covering up for them after the fact sometimes. Fortunately it doesn't happen too often at least.”

Rainbow then gave a small devilish smile as she said lowly, “I look forward to taking you out and around in Las Pegasus, Alice." She gave a small flutter of her eyelashes before saying, "Anyways goodnight, Alice.”

Alice gave a little blush to Rainbow's words. Alice next gave a sweet smile as she said seductively, “With you around I’m sure it will be a goodnight. Goodnight, Dashie.” Alice gave a little giggle as she watched Rainbow Dash blush because of her tone and response.

While Alice drifted off to sleep, she briefly wondered at the cat’s mysterious absence. She was relieved, but also surprisingly saddened by his disappearance from her life. Sure it was nice not hearing his constant riddles and all around lack of help, but secretly she always thought of him as her best friend. She also wondered how Rainbow would react to meeting him and very much wanted to watch that scene play out.

Author's Notes:

I just wanted to throw a shout out to all of you out there who have read this story and enjoyed it. I would like to hear your thoughts on it, but I take plenty of solace in the fact this story, while only having about a quarter of the views my other story has (at this time at least) also has more thumbs up!

I hope everyone keeps enjoying this different take on the Rainbow Factory and its inner workings. I also hope everyone likes how I have portrayed a corrupted Alice and to a lesser extent Rainbow Dash. I want Alice to be awesome, but at the same time not absurdly awesome compared to our favorite rainbow maned pegasus.

One last note: Since I am fairly new to fan fiction and especially new to MLP fan fiction, feel free to tell me what you like about this story and/or what you don’t like about this story. I don’t care if you write fan fiction of your own or not, most here I am sure have read enough to know what works and what doesn’t work to a certain degree at least. I'm always looking for ways to improve, even if I don’t like what I hear. I still know there is something that can be taken from most criticism.