Soarin takes a deep, shaky breath and places his hooves on the bathroom sink as he bows his head, then he deflates with a steady exhale. The pain in his injured limbs throbs with every beat of his heart, and a heavy weight bears down on his chest and stuffs throat. He does not know what it is that is causing it. All he knows is that it is uncomfortable and it really wants to make him cry.

Swallowing the lump, he opens his eyes and stares at his reflection, searching for the easygoing, soft face that mares would love to squeeze and peck with loving kisses to show their admiration. Instead he sees a tired pony with growing wrinkles around his darkened eyes, a scowl of permanent pain, and some strands of gray going through his mane.

The Captain of the Royal Guard sighs to himself and hobbles out of the bathroom to meet with the guards outside, which waited patiently for him after they inspected the bathroom and put up a spell or two ensuring his security. From there, they escort him back to his office, coolly ignoring the looks that the paper pushers outside his office give them as they go through. However, Soarin's entourage stops when they see Director Fuller sitting outside the Captain's office. Reading the comics section of the local newspaper.

Soarin looks to the left. No guards.

He looks to the right. Still no guards.

He cautiously walks forward, confused beyond words why Fuller is reading comics outside of his office without any protection.

The unicorn's ears flick with the sounds of Soarin's steps and he barely lifts his eyes before folding the newspaper down with his magic, and when he stands up he extends his hoof in greeting. “Captain.”

Soarin presses his hoof against Fuller's. “Director. What brings you here?”

“I have something I would like to discuss with you in private.”

Soarin nods and lets Fuller in, and after stepping inside he orders his guards to remain outside. They comply and he closes the door behind him and escorts Fuller to a table lined with bottled drinks, cups and various flavor enhancers. There is also an empty pie plate, but that is quickly pushed in the neighboring garbage can.

“Can I offer you a drink?” asks Soarin.

“That would be most appreciated.”

Soarin nods and grabs a clear, glass bottle of scotch from his table and carefully pours a couple of small glasses for himself and Fuller. Once the amber liquid is at an acceptable level for both, he nods to the Director, who quietly approaches and gives his thanks as he levitates his drink.

“So, what brings you here?” asks Soarin, watching Fuller nurse the drink.

Fuller, after smacking his lips lightly and placing the glass down, calmly replies with: “I was debating with an idea to discuss with Celestia new security measures regarding our Elements. Influenced by your move to protect the Generals with teams of on-sight bodyguards, to be honest.”

Soarin raises a brow. “Oh?”

Fuller nods. “If she approves, the Elements of Harmony will have guards with them at all times. It is a dangerous time we are living in, and they need protection. If it goes through, then Twilight, Rarity and Pinkamena and their loved ones will have protection, as well as Rainbow Dash when she returns from Bernese and Applejack and Fluttershy when they are found.”

Soarin sets his drink down and casts a critical eye at the unicorn while having to tilt his head up slightly, not realizing until now how big Fuller is in height and muscle mass.

“So, are you suggesting that Rainbow Dash be discharged when she returns?” asks Soarin.

“For her protection. Yes.” Fuller points at Soarin. “That choice remains up to you, however.”

Soarin exhales and limps towards his desk, speaking as he goes. “I assume the CDA would be acting as their guardians, then.”

Fuller calmly walks after Soarin and pulls up the guest chair. “Given our track record as of late, I predict that it will not happen, which is why I am offering you a chance to propose a joint military-CDA protection detail in my place. Should it pass, the military would be in charge and the CDA would be in the background with the appropriate role.”

Soarin, now sitting, looks at Fuller, eyes wide with surprise. “Oh... Oh, you mean me go to Celestia and... propose more security measures? I mean, I will do it for their safety, sure, but I already enacted the security teams for the Generals, so this just seems a little sudden for more security. Shouldn't we wait?”

Fuller sits down, using his magic to adjust his suit and inch the chair closer to the desk. “Soarin, you must understand that security is all I am concerned about. The Elements of Harmony, the governing bodies, the citizens of this nation, they all need guardians and fate has put us in these positions to be what this nation needs. Lawmakers are good with pens, but a pen cannot defend itself, just like an idea cannot defend itself. It needs soldiers. It needs shadows. It needs us.”

Soarin furrows his brows and lightly taps his desk without breaking eye contact from Fuller. “And what idea are you talking about?”

“Equestria's resurgence to power. Stronger than before. Better than before. I know you want Equestria safer and stronger, as do I, and the Elements are the foundations of this society. If anything happens to any of them, Equestria will be devastated and the Elements will reset. Their safety is key, and that is why I am coming to you to ask that you do what I cannot.”

“You know, I think this is the most I have heard you speak in the past... ever. But I already sent Rainbow Dash overseas, so if-”

“She will be fine. I am more concerned about her friends. Twilight holds a valuable position and the unrest in this nation is growing. It is only a matter of time before we are faced with a full scale rebellion that will target the holders of power. Politicians. Military. The Elements. Celestia, herself. All of us will be targeted and the stronger the security, the less damaging the coming uprising will be. The war is not going to make things any better, and the rebels may very well side with Bernese should they reach our shores.”

“Now, hold on. I know that times are shaky, but I don't think a rebellion is coming. Protests, sure, but we've always had those.”

“Those who have nothing to gain from power despise it, Soarin. The commoners feel like they are being crushed and their voices unheard and their way of life betrayed. The CDA hears it every day and we try to contain the problems as much as we can, but it is only a matter of time before it becomes uncontainable.”

Soarin remains quiet, not sure if he has anything to counter Fuller's paranoia induced claim.

“Anger is a powerful weapon, Soarin,” continues Fuller. “When strong enough, anger manifests itself into hate that consumes everypony, and when that happens it will be merciless and destroy everything you hold dear and all you love. I have seen it before in various scales, and I promise you, Equestria will crumble from the inside unless we stop it.”

“You are basically asking me to integrate the Civilian Defense Agency and the military together, right?” says Soarin. “Is that what you are asking me to do? Just be honest with me, as proper allies should be.”

“I am asking for a tighter allegiance. You do care about Equestria, correct?”

“Yes.”

“And you do want to protect our civilization from further discord?”

“I do.”

“As do I. It is evident that I cannot protect the Elements and our civilization as well as I hoped, but with your help, we can save this country together.”

The CDA Director then stands up and levitates a manila folder with the CDA seal on it, and he places it on the desk and slides it forward with his hoof. Seeing this, Soarin raises a brow and stares at the symbol curiously.

“Inside is the base layout of my idea,” says Fuller. “It is only bones, but seeing as how you will be the one leading, I am entrusting this idea to you, for you to edit and discuss with your own ideas. When you are ready for the fleshing out, call me.”

“You are putting a lot of trust in me for this,” says Soarin.

“It is because you remind me of myself when I was young, and I know you will do the right thing.”

Soarin chuckles and awkwardly rubs his neck bashfully. “Aw, now you're just being too nice.”

Fuller flashes a smirk and starts towards the door, wishing Soarin a good night. Soarin returns the gesture and then looks at the sealed envelope, contemplating on whether or not he should open it. With the mess Equestria is in, he knows Fuller's paranoia of a rebellion is not fully unjustified, but it is still a slight exaggeration of events. However, that said, he is right that problems must be contained and eliminated, and the Elements of Harmony do need protection from the mad world.

Right as Soarin goes to cut open the envelope, he hears Fuller call him, and he looks up and sees the older unicorn standing in front of him.

“Another thing, if is is not too disrespectful, I would like to ask you something on a personal level,” says Fuller.

Soarin lowers the envelope and gets an uneasy feeling in his chest. “I'll answer depending on what it is.”

“Do you fear death?”