Sober
Chapter 2: A Cold Employee
Previous Chapter“You think just because you're getting the job means you can have whatever is behind the bar? No, NO, NO! GET OUT!” I yelled at my last potential employee as they stumbled out of the pub in pure fear.
My anger and frustration were really showing at this point. That was the ninth pony to come through the doors looking for a job, only to be abruptly chased-out by me because they were a lush looking for easy drinks. Spending a minute calming my nerves I make my way behind the bar and begin cleaning-up the spilled liquor. Early evening was approaching and I needed to open-up for the night. After finishing up I check the refrigerator and take a quick inventory. All of my various brews were fully stocked so that saved me an extra trip to the basement.
Closing the fridge I hear a knock at the door. A quick glance at the wall clock told me it could not be an early-bird as it was one hour before I needed to open. Supposing that one more applicant could not hurt I trot to the door and open it. Just outside stood a midnight-blue pegasus mare. Her mane and tail were like snow shining in the moonlight. Speaking of snow and moon, her cutie-mark was a crescent moon with a snowflake smack in the middle.
“Can I help you?” I ask.
“Yes, I'm looking for a job at this...” she paused briefly as she looked behind me. She slightly grimaced before forcing a smile, “...establishment.”
I could tell the traditional atmosphere I have set-up since the day I opened did not quite agree with her tastes. “Okay, come on in then. Do you have a resume by chance?” I asked her. Despite her impressions it was not that hard to figure out she was desperate for employment.
“Yes I do, but I would like to give it to the owner and not the bouncer if that's okay with you.”
I chuckle a bit and held-out my hoof, “You're speaking with him. My name is Walker Red.”
“Oh! I'm Arctic Midnight; just a sec.” She reached into her saddlebag, all the while I hear her mumble, “What is this pony? All brawn and no brains with a body like that? Maybe his horn doesn't work.” I did all I could to maintain a proper poker-face as she turned back to me with resume in teeth. “Here you go, sir.”
I take it in hoof. “Let's have a seat, Ms. Midnight. There's no sense in conducting an interview while standing,” I gestured to one of the many open tables.
We both took a seat, she pausing briefly before finally sitting down. I would have suspected she would be looking for crumbs, but this place is always clean before opening time. I begin looking over her resume, carefully reading details about her having gone to the Wonderbold Academy, staying in the reserves for five years, and doing some odd night jobs. I took special notice about being able to cause normal clouds to spontaneously create snow.
I finally break the brief silence, “Tell me about your time in the reserves.”
“Oh it was mostly some nighttime missions here and there. I loved it though it was rather boring at times.” I noticed she shifted in her seat a bit before continuing, “After Princess Luna's return her personal Night Guard took-over most of the patrols and missions. I had thought of joining her guard, but the requirements were a bit much for me.”
“Alright then, anything you want to talk about with your 'odd jobs'?”
“Mostly just working the overnight delivery routes because I could do them fast. I even worked as a guard for a bank for a while, but that was really boring.” Looks like she's been craving action for Celestia knows how long. Too bad she may not see much of it.
“I have one more question for you Ms. Midnight.” I looked at her like I was trying to imitate 'the stare' that I keep hearing about, “Why do you want to work at 'The Dry Trough'?”
She answered, “Well for a few reasons. One: it's a night time job; two: I get to put my speed and skill to the test; and three: it's close to my new home here.”
I blinked in surprise, “You moved here just today?”
“A few days ago actually.”
“Huh, odd...”
Arctic tilted her head in confusion, “How's that odd? Ponies move into new places looking for work all the time.”
"Ms. Midnight, usually when a new pony comes to Ponyville a certain pink pony tends to throw the newcomer a party. I'm surprised she hasn't seen you yet." Just then I see none other than Pinkie Pie looking through the window, “Speak of the devil.”
Arctic looked out the window, bewildered from the gasp she heard. “What's up with that mare's hair?”
I just laughed, “Well looks like you're getting that welcome party.”
“Not if my wings have anything to say about it,” she looked back to where Pinkie was just moments ago.
“Woah easy there,” I said trying to calm her down. “The party is probably gonna happen tonight so that means everypony will be there; thus making the pub empty for the evening. At least this way there's a reprieve from having to rush-train you.”
“We'll see...” she exhales a sigh. “I've only had nothing but bad experiences with, ugh, parties.”
I just shook my head, “I'm sure this'll be tons different from what you've experienced. Anyway, let me get you the paperwork to fill-out and go from there.”