“‘sa mighty-fine shop ya got here, Davenport.”

Davenport looked up from his stocklist. Five hundred count of quills, forty count of sofas. Applejack and her brother, Big Mac, had sauntered into his store like they owned the place. He’d heard other shop owners complain about the pair.

“Applejack, Big Mac,” he said, flatly, “what a pleasure to see you.”

It was anything but: he knew the exact reason the two were there.

For protection money.

He’d only just moved back to Ponyville, and risked rebuilding his store during the Nightmare Moon fiasco. That crazy mare was still out there, somewhere, but he had a living to make. It had cost a lot to get his store back up and running, and it had taken such a long time for the store to be finished.

Sure, he could have paid the Union, and they’d have built it faster, but that was a rort! If they could build it faster, why didn’t they? Why did he have to pay extra for the same job?

“Ah see ya gotta lot’a sofas here,” Applejack drawled. “It’d be a mighty shame should somethin’ happen t’ ‘em! Right, Big Mac?”

“Eeyup,” the stallion replied, nodding.

“Well, I am sure nothing bad will happen to them,” Davenport said, scowling. “I take good care of my shop, thank you. Is there something I can do for you, or is this just a social visit?”

“A social visit?” Applejack chuckled. “No, guv… we’re just here t’ collect some insurance.”

“Eeyup!”

“I am quite happy with my current, insurance, thank you!” Davenport snarled. Applejack was supposed to be an element of harmony. And here she was—trying to extort him—like… like a common thug!

“Well, bad things happen, ya see?” Applejack said, brushing her hoof against her coat. “Your insurance helps t’ protect th’ town. Rainbow Dash ain’t comin’ back til we can raise th’ bits. An’ Ah’m sure yer current insurance doesn’t cover parasprites.”

“Nope!” Big Mac added.

“Ah mean, Ah’d hate for parasprites t’ come through th’ store an’ wreck things.” She nodded to her brother.

A loud crash filled the store, as Davenport watched Big MacIntosh buck one of his more expensive faux-leather chaise longue into kindling. Applejack herself tipped a carton of quills onto the floor, and ground them with her hoof.

“See? Bad things happen. Nightmare Moon, parasprites, changelings, fruit bats. Plenty of terrible things in Equestria, guv.”

“Get out!” Davenport yelled. “Get out before I call the police!”

“So, that’s yer answer?” Applejack and Big Mac shared a frown.

“Get out!”

“Well, Ah’m very sorry ya feel that way, Mr. Davenport.”

Applejack and Big Mac shared a look, and trotted out of the store.

Davenport whimpered.

They weren’t really going to do this, were they? Surely they were just trying to scare him.

He’d pay, he would. Oh, Celestia, he would pay.

“P-please,” he whimpered as more cement was poured on top of him. “I have a family.”

“Sorry, Dav, but ya had yer chance.”

Tears streaked from his eyes.

“Think of it this way, Davvy. Yer’ll be a foundin’ member o’ th’ new Ponyville!”

He watched in horror as the cement finally flowed over his eyes.

“Oh, Applejack!” Twilight Sparkle gasped. “The restaurant looks wonderful! Now all the ponies will have somewhere to eat.”

“Not a problem, Twi.”

“How did you clear the space for the restaurant so quickly?” Twilight marveled at the building before her.”

“Aww, it were no problem, Sugarcube. Ah jus’ called in a favors with th’ family.”