A/N: Really short chapter, I know. Explanation at the end.

The mare stepped out of the saloon shortly after, having learned all she could from the now friendly patrons. They had not, in fact, seen one of the mythical ‘humans’. She took in a deep breath of the night time air, and a lone breeze brushed her face. Outside, the street was silent, the only source of noise being the low din of the bar behind her with the occasional laugh piercing the stillness. Looking left and right she started off in the direction of the Red Stallion, hoping to find a bed for the night. I hope that colt is staying at a hotel. Now what would I do if it was someplace disgusting, like a brothel?  She walked on slowly until she came to a stop in front of the Red Stallion. A derelict sign swung slowly above the door, the image of a red pony barely visible due to the harsh, arid wind. She held out her hoof against the door and slowly entered.

Once inside, a mare behind a broad mahogany counter called out to her. “Need a room, dear?”

“Yes ma’am.” Replied Bloodjack while gazing around the parlor. She locked eyes with Lucky Strike, who had been carrying a conversation with several rowdy looking ponies.

“Miss Jack! How pleasant to encounter you again.” He called to her, his characteristic smile falling into place as he nodded his head at an angle in greeting. The three ponies around him turned to look at her, each meeting her gaze with looks of indifference and calculated cunning.

She nodded her head, tilted the edge of her hat, and leisurely strolled over to speak with him. “I need to ask you some questions.” She stated, more of a command than anything else.

“Mmm?” said Lucky, as he raised an eyebrow in question. “Before that, I would like to introduce you to my associates.” She stared at him skeptically. “This here’s Red Eye.” He gestured to the nearest stallion, a beige colored pegasus with a dirty blonde mane. His eyes were, in fact, red. She gave a curt nod, which he responded to with an abrupt nod. “This one’s Gold Curtana.” A silver colored unicorn shook hoofs with her as he pushed a golden lock of hair out of his face. “And last, the beautiful Cerul Cyme.” At this, the inconspicuous dark blue mare between the two previously mentioned stallions gave a gracious bow, which Bloodjack returned in full.

“Pleased to meet y’all.” She looked at Lucky, her eyes questioning his impromptu introduction.

“My associates here and I have come to the understanding that you’re searching for something.” He began. “Something Human.” The four stared at her.

She narrowed her eyes. This didn’t sound too good. “And where’d you hear this?” she probed.

“Why my dear, the key to success in this town is about having the most connections. And I happen to have the most connections.”

“And what business does you and your connections have with me?”

“Why, Miss Jack, we just happen to know where several might be. And we want you to lead our foray.”

She was in her room, staring up at the ceiling from her grungy twin sized bed. Hanging on one of the bedposts was her Stetson, and on the side table next to her was her Bowie knife in its sheath. In the corner of the room, a lone tallow candle cast off a dim, flickering glow, and through the paper-thin walls she could hear a couple arguing. In her head, she replayed the day’s events, until she came to the point where Lucky had made his proposition. Sighing softly, she turned on her side and curled up, slowly drifting into solitary slumber.

A/N: So, yeah. Mindblowingly short, right? I was gonna publish it on Friday, but the magic of Friendship (and a certain green holiday) beckoned to me.. Also, I got punched in the temple by an irate drunk 6'3 Puerto-Rican/German guy. (It's all good, his shit was bitchmade). I actually held back about a third from the chapter, cause I'm at an impasse and I didn't want to leave a comparatively worse chapter ending. Anyways, happy Day (or Night, rather) After St. Patrick's Day! Also, feedback on omitting that last paragraph after the previous page break for next chapter?