"How's it going today Diamond City? This is Traveling Miles hoping everyone's doing good and looking forward to the festivities tonight. That's right for all of us not invited to the big shindig there's a fancy ball all the nobles up in the upper decks are throwing. Normally we wouldn't bother reporting on what the nobility of D.C. gets up to, but this is actually of interest to us poor commoners too for once. This is the ponies in charge wanting a little time with the Princess of Sanctuary after all, I know lots of you out there always want to hear about her right?

I have it on good authority that this will be her last night in Diamond City for awhile and I'd like to thank all my listeners for giving the blue alicorn her space while she's been here. I've heard plenty from those of you who've talked to her over this last week and I've only heard good things. Everypony seems to agree, she's skittish but if you just go slow she's always ready to lend an ear and quick to help. A real noble pony who's actually, you know... noble... what a concept huh?

We'll all miss the common pony's princess when she leaves along with her friends, but don't feel too down! Turns out I can finally deliver on that promised recording for all of my listeners who aren't lucky enough to catch her out in the D.C. market! That's right, hot in my little hooves is a holotape of Princess Jade speaking to the foals at our own school, talking about the group she's part of back in Equestria and her thoughts. I think the kids did a good job asking some great questions for her too, buncha little reporters in the making down there. It's not an interview of course, but I wouldn't hold your breath for that. So here we go folks, enjoy!"

"Why don't you tell them about the Followers? Why you're in the Commonwealth and all? That's interesting."

"Oh! Yes, thank you Fast! I am a member of a group founded by one of the Lightbringer's friends in Equestria, called the Followers of the Apocalyse..."

Listening to the recording playing through my pip-buck in Piper's office I had to smile to myself, it had taken a lot of cajoling but I had finally managed to convince Jade to let Miles broadcast it. Thankfully I had enough backup after letting a few select ponies listen to it, and it was made easier as tonight was our last night in the city. Jade's anxiety over letting it play was alleviated by the promise of not being around for the response, and she was currently being kept busy preparing for the big to do this evening.

Two days ended up being just enough time, out of necessity her dress and other purchases from the Diamond City Carousel had to be custom tailored, alicorn sizes weren't in high demand after all. The hefty discount promised turned out to be pretty useful too, I shuddered to think what it would all cost without the boon granted by the leaders of the city and store proprietors. The clothing shop was quite expensive, designed to look and measure up to Rarity's own chain of boutiques from before the war. Even my own simple black suit and tie outfit had been pricey and it was off the rack.

The dealing with the local high end shops was actually aided by the reporter mare listening to my radio attentively with me, Piper's threats of bad reviews and knowledge of the locals sped things along nicely. Of course this was on the condition of being allowed access to the ball with the rest of us as one of our guests, apparently getting access to the ponies in charge was hard even for Piper.

She did also offer to handle navigating the complicated web of Diamond City politics, which was enough for Jade to get over her reservations concerning the odd mare. Piper had been trying to educate me on the subject, remembering which families owned or supplied what in the city and who disliked who was too much for me to keep track of though, I was grateful she was going.

Making one final perusal of her files was adding to my list of map markers and things to investigate, we had gone through most of it and reorganized it, but it was still chasing shadows. I could only try to organize things into some kind of rational travel pattern and see what came up at this point. Nick and Zed returning from another one of their trips interrupted us and added a few new bits of information.

Both seemed tired and dirty but had apparently been working together well, investigating churches in the area hoping if the Church of Balefire used one place of worship then they'd use the same trick again. It wasn't going as well as the zebra obviously hoped, but his attitude had mellowed a bit since he had gotten to make some progress. Watching them take a seat I asked how the latest trip went, curious if there was anything new.

"No. The robot has suggested inquiring among those they would most want to attract as... what you called test subjects? Most likely in irradiated areas, there is a large church in Monstallion Plaza and a very old one far to the east called simply the Old North Church I would like to investigate when we leave. Both are closer to the town of Goodneighbor, a place that has a significant ghoul population like Hexington. I would... appreciate heading that direction when possible, though I understand your erratic nature better now and believe Nick has found something to draw you elsewhere." Well Zed still wasn't cheery, he was improving though and I had been trying to spend time with him when he was in town, making slow progress.

"We'll try to go that way as soon as we can then Zed. Sure you won't go with us to this party thing?" I didn't expect much here, but had been asking since we got the invite.

The bored, flat expression he gave me was answer enough, he did choose to elaborate today though. "Certain ponies such as yourself are... not so bad. The ones inviting you to this farce however, nobility... they have no use for my kind nor I for theirs. I thank you for the consideration however."

"Alright if you're sure, so what's this you found to tempt me today Nick?"

The synth detective brightened and rooted around in his trenchcoat, pulling a tattered piece of paper and holding it out for me. "Finally tracked it down, secondhand description's not much to go on but 'big bald cyberbuck' is kinda unique. Wanted poster from my old files, take a look."

Hearing him mention the pony that led the assault into my Stable did grab my attention, I had only had Overstallion Shore's description and a short clip of his voice. I snatched the offered poster up in my magic, eager to get a look at a suspect. It was a sketch rather than a photo, pictures were hard to come up with out in the wasteland, but it was well done. A realistic image of a gruff looking earth pony stared back at me, a burned scar on one cheek, shaved mane and his front left and rear right legs were cybernetic. "Wanted: Krispy Kellog- Former Gunner Mercenary- breach of contract. Reward- 10,000 caps."

Noting the amount of caps offered I gave a low whistle, either whoever put this up reeeeally wanted him dead, or he was so dangerous no one would try without that kind of reward. Based on what I saw of his skills in the Stable, if this was him, I had to guess the latter. I burned the image in my mind, having something to focus on finally, though probably for nothing. "Thanks Nick, it's nice to have a face but it was a long time ago. A pony like this, he'd be long gone right?"

Nick lit a cigarette and shook his head slowly, "You'd think so, but look at the date. That poster was put up 20 years ago, down south. Once I found it and had the name again I went digging, he's a bit of a ghost story all on his own. Legendary Gunner, practically a founder of those mercs 100 years ago, one bad pony Fast. Ticked em off around 90 years back or so, before he was a cyberpony. They put up new posters anytime he's spotted somewhere, or just every few decades fishing for a lead. Like they're trying to be subtle, but it's always the same buck."

I goggled at the robot nodding back at me, "100 years? He looks the same, he's still around?"

"You got it pal, just the cybernetics you see there probably ain't all he's got. Imagine it's the stuff you don't see that's kept him going eh?"

With new appreciation I stared down at the image before stashing it in my own bags, if he was still around I might get to keep a promise to myself after all, there was enough natural hide shown to carve some names into him. Legendary Gunner or not I had despaired of ever finding the one who did the deed in Stable 111 since it was so long ago, if he was still around though... Val said she used to be a Gunner, maybe she'd know something about this contract for one of the founders of the group.

Piper suddenly started and looked down at her hoof, a new pip-buck informing her of the time. "Oh, have to get going fellas! Meeting your gals at the Mane Event to get dolled up and all. Love the discount Fast, never get to pamper myself on my own caps! I'll see ya soon alright!"

I had asked Preston to bring me the box containing several of the devices I kept out of the Stable back home and had been gifting them to select friends. I wished I had a broadcaster to be able to communicate with them, but experience had already shown how useful they were just to be able to track a wearer down. Along with Piper, Nick and Miles now had one of their own as well, I also had one for Zed but had been surprised he knew something about them I didn't.

Buried deep in the code was a nasty little subroutine built around a zebra wearing one specifically, I had watched with interest to see what would happen when both Jade as an alicorn and Val, a griffon, had put their own on to see how it would respond. I hadn't thought about what it would do with a zebra. Self destruct seemed to be the answer...

After he had declined the gift initially I had been tinkering with the one I still had on me, I finally had it cracked and made another attempt with Zed, pulling it out from my saddlebags. "I got it now Zed, it's safe so won't you try it on?"

He stared at it warily as I floated it in front of his face, "I told you what would happen. Those things were not made for my kind, I see little use for it."

"Aw come on, they're all kinds of useful. Just the locator tags would be enough, even if you seem to be able to match S.A.T.S. and E.F.S. on your own already. Trust me, I've been hacking through this thing since you told me, I wouldn't try it if it wasn't safe! Turns out there was a backdoor around that trap, weird password though... Zecora? Sounds kinda zebra like doesn't it?"

On hearing the word Zed's eyes widened barely, reading his expressions was never easy but this was definitely recognition and shock. He seemed to think to himself carefully a moment, torn between his distrust of the arcano-tech device and whatever the password meant to him. Finally he groaned and stood on his hindlegs, extending one out to me while balancing on the other.

"I would not replace my bracers with that... thing... If you insist and they are as useful as you say though... here." He looked away and winced as I cautiously placed it on the offered limb and waited.

I kept the key in place just in case it started beeping or flashing in an... explodey... kind of way, but thankfully it did just what it should. The new accessory softly adjusted its fit and ran through the startup sequence, quickly showing a picture of a zebra instead of an earth pony on the health screen. As the HUD filled his vision Zed released a held in breath and sat to start fiddling with it, listening patiently to my basic introduction. It wasn't a bell around his neck but now I could tell where he disappeared to when he decided to do so, and he could find me as he liked.

Satisfied with my tutorial he held a hoof up to stop me, "I have done something you wanted, now I wish for you to do the same. I have discussed certain... oddities about you with my host in this city. He is interested in meeting you and inspecting your soul jars, it will not take long."

Zed had been staying at the only zebra establishment in Diamond City, a place called Arx's Apothecary, I hadn't gone in or met the owner though. He hadn't really invited any of us in to do so and I generally just gave him his space, the reason for the visit was a little disconcerting but if he wanted me to meet his friend that was fine with me.

Waving goodbye to Nick as he continued going through his own notes, I joined the zebra stallion and headed for the alley Arx's was located in. Wearing a pip-buck on a hindleg seemed strange the more I looked at it as he led the way, but he had put it on and it was working. We walked into the odd little hut decorated with zebra masks and fetishes to a dim potion shop. A thin, elderly zebra stallion was waiting behind the counter going over a book full of zebra squiggles and looked to be expecting us.

"Aha, Zed, so this is the dark little pony you speak of? Interesting... I am Arx, pleased to meet you at last." He bowed graciously and took me by surprise with his open manner.

"Er.. Hi, I'm Fast, nice to meet you too. Zed never asked so I didn't want to intrude, you're a lot friendlier than I've gotten used to with him. You wanted to see me?"

The old zebra chuckled and shifted in his heavy green robe, "Well to be able to work my way to having a shop here in this city I have had to become adept at social niceties. Zed is a good zebra, just inexperienced with such realities. I was looking forward to meeting you, may I see your soul jars?"

Jade had given me the cliff notes version of the book of the Lightbringer concerning the Ministry Mare statues I had with me. The whole story seemed unbelievable, a black book, Rarity cutting her own soul into 43 pieces, making the resulting objects radiate with the purest essence of her friends from Ponyville... she assured me it was all true though. Knowing what I did now I floated the two little figures out reverently and set them before the old zebra on the counter. "Ok... they really are?"

Arx squinted at the pair and nodded, "Oh yes, these are genuine, Zed is well versed concerning objects like this. Interesting to actually see a pair of them myself, though I am far more intrigued by the third if I may see it as well?"

"Uh... These are all I have... Zed said I have another but it's one I... made? But I never cut my soul up or anything so..." This was still confusing and Jade had been no help here, she knew about the Ministry Mare figures only.

Zed groaned and gestured to my left saddlebag I had pulled the Applejack and Fluttershy figures from, "May I?"

Well he asked anyway, I nodded in acceptance and Zed immediately started rooting through the cramped bag, finally pulling his muzzle out holding my Shrouded Stallion figure. What? My toy? He seemed sure and set it down next to the first two, for some reason he didn't seem nearly as put out touching it as he was with the other two just being near.

Arx's eyes widened appreciably and he turned the action figure over in his hooves, inspecting it carefully. "Ahhhh... very rare indeed. This is an object you cherish?"

"Y-yeah... you're saying my toy is one of these soul jar things? Come on, that's crazy, my parents bought that for me from a store for a few bits. I lost it for 200 years."

Neither zebra was perturbed in the slightest, Zed rolled his eyes while Arx raised an eyebrow and put it back down by the others. "You lost it for 200 years yet it is still in such condition? That didn't strike you as strange?"

"W-well..." Ok maybe it was kind of odd it was still just sitting there where I left it in my room when I finally returned, but...

"Not to worry little pony, it is strange but not inherently dark like the origin of the other two. These Ministry Mare soul jars were made via the black book, a very evil tome that corrupted nearly all who ever looked within its pages. Your Rarity managed to survive it, along with the Lightbringer, but the source of the magic was very dark and dangerous. Your toy here however is a different matter, I have read of this happening very, very, rarely.

Soul jars can naturally be created, in such cases it is always a beloved object that... absorbs a bit of the owner's essence over time. Things like the brush of a master painter, a sword carried by a great warrior their whole career, objects that tend to become the focus of legends and regarded as magical in nature. These things are often weak soul jars, this one is a bit unique even among them however, it was not in your direct possession for such a long period?"

"Nooooo... I left it behind when I was a foal... I thought about it a lot, wished I hadn't forgot it all that time, but I didn't have it." I stared at the figure warily, it was bizarrely pristine for sitting in my ruined house through the end of the world, now that I really thought about it...

"When you were a foal? From what Zed has explained to me... that would be the bulk of those 200 years then yes? Very strange... "

"R-Right... well if that's all you wanted to see? It's nice meeting you but Zed waited till I was pretty busy to ask, can I help you with anything else before I get going?"

Arx shook his head kindly as I returned my items to my bags, "No, I thank you for indulging my curiosity. Zed was right, you are interesting. Perhaps I could do something for you though, you are to go see the rulers of this place tonight yes? Allow me to advise caution, there is darkness in this city among those that lead it, I have lived here quite awhile and felt its presence."

"So I've heard, and wondered myself. Thanks Mr. Arx, I'll be careful." The elderly stallion waved me off with a smile as I left, that was an weird encounter all around but he was pretty nice. The warning I took to heart too, I had gotten the feeling more went on behind the scenes here in the city since I got here, but it was carefully hidden. Hearing someone else express the same made me more sure of my suspicions.

I managed to weasel out of most of the primping involved before the event, convincing Jade that while I could go to the local barber, my mane was going to do what it wanted regardless of their skills. While the others were all getting ready I took my last lesson with the local wizard pony, Corona, who was sad to see me going. I had been surprised at the progress she had been able to coach me into making with what most would consider pretty basic magical skill, but it was well beyond what I had before.

She managed to sell me a couple more spell books, these were thankfully not for foals at least but for slightly more advanced students. What she called entrance primers for Celestia's school back before the war, what a young unicorn would study when preparing to apply to the princess' own academy of magic. I had to promise to practice and study, along with stop back again and keep her informed of my progress when I could, before she let me go. The whole process had been embarrassing but I did like the young wizard mare, she had worked wonders in such a short time so I would almost miss my daily lessons.

Afterwards I returned to Piper's office to get ready, I would have been fine heading back to the Dugout Inn, but since we were going together Val had insisted on leaving our gear here. The very idea of not wearing her new armor or bringing her heavy weapons rankled with the griffon, leaving them unattended was completely out of the question. Nick promised to be on site, going through the files in Piper's office anyway, so that was where I was to change and leave my stuff.

By the time I was ready and left the newspaper office the rusty stadium lights were just coming on, lighting the market and field effectively even with only half the proper number of working bulbs as they should have. I walked up to the city entrance in the stands and took a left today to a part of the city I hadn't gone before, the stands were for the higher end housing and a single expensive tavern Val had refused to visit.

Walking that way now I saw the elevator up to the upper decks the invitation in my suit jacket directed us to go to. A rather snobby looking stallion in a tuxedo operated the lift, eyeing me with disdain as I approached until his eyes tracked over my shoulder and widened a bit. Following his glance rewarded me with quite a sight, Glitter bounded up the ramp behind me, leading Piper, Val and Jade meekly hiding in the back.

"Dad! Look! Ain't we all pretty!? I helped pick stuff out see!" The little filly was beside herself prancing in front of me, a very frilly pink and silver dress swooshing around her as she moved. I was surprised she had accepted having to get cleaned up to go, her mane was pristine and held up in a silver clasp.

Val picked at her sheer black dress and grumbled, "Yeah, could'a picked something with room to hide some weapons in kiddo. Had to buy this silly purse thing just to have a place fer my pistol. Hey boss, what... w-what'cha lookin' at me like that for..." I knew I was wearing a slack jawed expression, but seeing Val all dressed up was that surprising.

The silky black dress complimented her fiery colors well, without her armor I could see a few more scars on her bright hide but they didn't detract from the image. Her small purse did look pretty bulky, but she refused to go completely unarmed. Her dark claws were finely polished and gleamed under the lights, her feathers were carefully cleaned and preened, her white plumage styled gracefully. It was quite a difference from the crude mercenary I was used to.

Watching her narrow her violet eyes at me I managed to answer before she got the wrong idea, "Nothing! Just... wow, you look really nice Val. I've never seen you dressed up is all, it's good, don't worry."

She managed to turn a little redder and waved a claw at me, shoving back at Piper when the reporter mare gave her a friendly nudge. "See, told ya, looks good!" Piper was wearing a simple red gown, reminding me of her normal leather coat. She had elected not to wear her battered cap for once, in favor of her dark mane's swooping curls carefully swept up in its place.

"Yes, Glitter helped you make an excellent choice Valkyrie. I am still u-unsure of my own however..." The blue alicorn princess trailing the others put everything else I had ever seen to shame.

The owner of the Diamond City Carousel had made such a production of getting to design a dress for Jade that Glitter had not been allowed input on it, much to her annoyance. I had heard secondhoof the amount of complaining the tailor pony had done at only having two days to work in, I couldn't see the issue now though. Jade's dress was a masterwork of shimmering pale blue silk and gossamer material, perfectly fitted to her large frame and accented with shining white stones and a borrowed pearl necklace. It was cut to amazingly accentuate her form, her back bare to allow her wings freedom, a long slit up the train at the back leading up to her flanks. She wore dainty white shoes with lacy stockings and even her pip-buck had been painted a matching white with silver accents, she had refused to part with it so the tailor had compromised there.

The stylists at the Mane Event had been as enthusiastic as the tailor too, her soft mane and tail sparkled under the lights like Luna's own. Both were meticulously primped and styled in wide, cascading curls reminiscent of everypony's favorite Ministry Mare around here, Rarity. Her blue eyes widened taking me in as I stammered and tried to get my brain to function again, blushing she seemed to get over her initial automatic reaction something must be wrong about her appearance though.

"I... take it you like it Fast? I-It seems a bit much for me, I do enjoy seeing your reaction however so I will defer to your judgement. You look very handsome as well, just as I expected."

"Duh...."

The elevator attendant interrupted as Jade gave a little whiny of pleasure watching me taking in the whole picture. "Ah, the guest of honor. Mostly a formality madame but invitation please?" That gave me something to pull myself together with and I pulled the gilded letter from my jacket to present to the snooty stallion. "Of course, there we are. If this is your entire party I shall take you up to the upper decks post haste."

He gave Piper a thinly veiled look of disgust, but kept his mouth shut thankfully as we all boarded the small, caged platform. At the hoof of a button the entire contraption was winched up towards the brightly lit, glass enclosed upper decks above home plate. As the lift settled at a waiting open window and we disembarked Piper gave a low whisper to us all, "Watch yourselves up here, real pit of vipers..."

Well it was a pretty opulent snake den, a grand open chamber sparkled with electric lights and chandeliers, heavy red drapes covered the walls and the polished stone floors gleamed mellowly under our hooves. Clean white tablecloths covered long tables loaded with food and a small wooden bar was doing brisk business in the corner. The entire chamber was full of well dressed ponies engaged in polite conversation as serving ponies drifted through the crowd carrying trays of food and drinks. A four piece band of ponies gathered around a grand piano played soft music that resounded through the room.

Everypony in the room turned in our direction when a heavyset light orange stallion in a dark plum suit trotted up with a grin. "Here we are! The Princess of Sanctuary at last! How wonderful to finally meet you, I am Govenor Slim McDonut at your service!"

Slim was really a misnomer... The portly pony practically jiggled and quivered like his bushy mustache as he came up and took a stiff bow to the applause of the room. A banquet full of ponies staring at her was already too much for Jade and she was shakily backing up towards the window in the face of it.

Piper beat me to intervening here though, earning her brownie points with the nervous alicorn. "Governor McDonut! What a treat getting to see you up close like this, I was starting to think you were never in town at all! What with your never returning my letters and your secretary always saying you're out of the office and all..."

"Miss Penmare... how... surprising to see you here... You are a guest of the Princess?" The Governor looked pretty put out at her mere presence, thoroughly distracting everypony before Jade got the idea of simply turning invisible.

"That's right Slim! Real common pony's princess you invited up here to your fancy shindig, associates with us low types all the time. Crazy I know, I'm sure you'll do your best to teach her the proper attitude nobility is supposed to have huh? Till then though, here I am! How bout that interview?"

The reporter mare seemed to be taking great delight tweaking the Governor of Diamond City, making his chubby features redden as he grumbled and turned away from her. "Yes, well... so you are. A simple mistake those who don't know what a mischief maker you are could be forgiven for making. Please Princess, take a moment to mingle and sample our feast! Allow me to go alert some dear friends of your presence."

As he hustled away Piper grinned back at us and gestured to his wide rump retreating to the crowd, "That was the current figurehead in charge around here guys, Governor McDonut. Think he just likes being a big shot, fulla hot air and himself mostly. It's the ponies that give him his orders that are really running this show and wanting to meet you, he's off to report like a good little lackey. Now, let's see..."

She led us through the crowd, floating an appetizer from a passing tray and munched while she scanned the crowd, pointing out a series of middle aged to elderly noble ponies. The common trait seemed to be they or their family all started one of the primary businesses in the market long ago, armor, weapons, potions and drugs, bars, etc. Using their grandfathered status they moved up in the world, opening fancier shops and other business ventures, cementing their hold over the living city below them now.

The names and relationships still wouldn't stick so I'd just have to keep Piper around if we dealt with any of these ponies. I did see someone I was interested in meeting, a grizzled old pegasus stallion was at the bar, he wore a nice suit but made no effort to hide the Rainbow Dash scars on his flanks. This must be the founder of the Red Rocket Couriers, he seemed to keep apart from most of the nobility and they from him.

Since we had all reached the food table I excused myself for a moment, snickering at Val and Glitter stuffing their faces together from all the high class, free food. Jade anxiously trailed me as I weaved my way through the crowd to the old pegasus and coughed for his attention.

"Um.. excuse me sir, I'm Fast and if I'm not wrong, are you the head of Red Rocket?"

The reddish tan old pony squinted at the two of us and nodded, "Ayup, that'd be me, Burning Jet at yer service, call me Burny. Fast eh? Ah yeah, yer the one Rocket Jr. was talkin' bout, with the princess here an all. Hafta thank ya fer the tip, fine new location ya told Jr. about up that way."

"Oh your welcome sir, thank you for opening it up. Your service is pretty useful, glad to have a branch near Sanctuary." I nudged the watching alicorn mare behind me, she was supposed to be the community's representative now after all.

"Y-Yes! Thank you very much er... Burny. W-We appreciate having your business open up by our home." She got through it ok with only a gentle prod, hopefully she'd warm up to this pony and be able to handle the others sure to follow.

Burny cocked an eyebrow at her and smiled slyly, "Yer welcome there 'Princess'. So tell me, ya don't seem to comfortable in the role, not yer idea eh? Don't worry, it's a good one, surprised none o' yer friends in the city thought of it."

"F-Friends? In the city?"

"Ayup, them other alicorns flittin' about Trinity Tower, course they keep to themselves so guess they'd have no reason to come up with the whole Princess bit. Still it's pretty sharp, got all these fools right interested."

Having the production immediately called out by the old pony was a little discouraging, but he didn't seem like all the other high society ponies up here. I actually liked his straightforward manner and he did say something interesting, I didn't know where the other alicorns in the Commonwealth I saw in a memory were, he did apparently. The casual mention made my pip-buck flash with a new map marker and an update;

Mission Added: Here There Be Alicorns

Objective-
-Investigate Trinity Tower

"Um, yeah it was my idea Burny, not hers. You're not bothered I set her up as the princess of our town? Claimed the title and all?"

The old pegasus outright laughed and took a drink, wiping his grinning muzzle and waving to the crowd. "Pfft! Course not! You think any o' these fools are actual nobility? Their families claimed the title themselves, set themselves up here in the beginning. Been at it so long they believe their own nonsense now, not a one can trace their lineage to real nobility in Equestria. They just like sayin' they're better than everypony else, none o' them could take the princess title though, lack the necessary equipment eh? Yer mare there's got it in spades though don't she, yer a fine lookin' filly miss, why if I were younger I'd give this buck a run fer his caps!"

Blushing at the compliment Jade sidled closer to me, "You would not win, but thank you sir. Calling me a princess has always been Fast's idea, I am uncomfortable in the role..."

"Bah! Nonsense, ya make a good one, lot better than these self centered jackasses. What I hear you actually spend time with regular folks? Heard yer radio thing too, mighty fine ideals. A town can call their leader what they want, havin a princess runnin' about what actually acts like one is good for everypony. They tolerate me cause o' all the caps I make an' my negotiatin' with the pegasus population, but I ain't zactly liked up here. Gonna make a bad impression talkin with ol' Burny too long, so go find out fer yerselves."

Tipping his nearly empty drink across the room Burny pointed out the Governor returning down a set of stairs with a number of ponies in tow. I thanked the elderly stallion and led the way back to Piper and the others, if we were meeting Diamond City's leaders I wanted the reporter who seemed to have dirt on everypony. It took a moment to distract her from questioning anypony who came to the table for food, but she perked right up at the approaching group.

Before they got here I better lay some ground rules, who knew what she'd do on her own. I whispered to her as they drew near, "Piper, try not to tear into them right off please? I need you as like... an advisor, tell me what I need to know quietly. When we're done you can do whatever you want, but I don't want to burn any bridges I don't have to."

She grumbled and gave a flat, disappointed look before sighing and agreeing to my request. Jade gulped nervously and wiped the sweat springing up on her brow away with a wing quickly at their approach. She was trembling but determined, Burny's encouragement had helped a bit it seemed. That was good as this was the real test, the Governor waved expansively as he trotted up with his bosses.

"Here we are! Sorry for the delay, busy ponies here but they're all interested in meeting you Princess. Now let's see, first is this fine young mare, Countess Couture, she actually owns the D.C. Carousel and Mane Event that we're happy to see you visited." The portly Governor bowed to an elderly pink unicorn mare in an incredibly elaborate violet dress, with a feathered cap and a lot of jewelery.

Jade took the old pony's hoof in her own shaky one and bowed in return as Piper whispered in my ear, "Also runs the biggest armor shop in town. Used to have a partner before D.C. ran a campaign to get rid of all the 'undesirables', quite the coup for her and several others."

"Pleasure to meet you Princess Jade, I see my tailor did an adequate job on your attire. Much better than that simple lab coat you were wearing dear, really those of us above the rabble must look the part, however will they know their place otherwise hmm? You simply must meet some of my grandstallions, they're quite looking forward to a dance." The elderly mare's condescending tone was a real put off, I didn't like what Piper said about a former partner who got pushed out either.

Jade managed to maintain a polite tone though, "Er.. y-yes I thank your employees for all their hard work, I know tailoring clothing for my kind is difficult, they did excellent work. I like my coat though, I... I am a doctor after all, as you say I should look the part yes?"

The Countess didn't look convinced, but was thankfully cut off my Governor McDonut moving on to a stern looking, middle aged stallion. He was tall and muscular, he must have been terrifying when he was younger. Now he war a dress military uniform from the Equestrian army, a dark green sharply cut suit with army badges and epaulets over his pale green coat. His blond mane was graying at the sides and cut in a short buzz and his bristly mustache was perfectly trimmed, all adding to the image of an old world military pony.

"Next is the General of our city guard, Stalwart Stone. He's been curious about your security and these stories about the Minutemares coming back, they were looking to be quite the military force before their unfortunate fall."

General Stone gave a sharp salute and nod before following up in a crisp, commanding tone. "Yes ma'am, I'm given to understand you have robotic security up in this Sanctuary place along with the new headquarters of the Minutemares. I'd be interested in what your capabilities in that regard are, robots are difficult to maintain and use effectively. Also the Minutemares had a policy of non interference with unallied towns before, we always appreciated their efforts out in the Commonwealth but I assure you Diamond City is well defended already. I would like to know what you can tell me about the others of your kind in Trinity Tower as well, we have had minimal contact with them since their settlement sprang up. They're not going to be an issue in the future are they?"

As Jade gave a low bow and struggled with the questions Piper gave me the lowdown again, "Former adventurer, kinda like you, not a raider but good in a fight. Found quite a haul in the old Equestrian Guard Training Center back in the day, used it to outfit his own company, worked his way up to being in charge of security here. Not a bad pony really, but really focused on his job and any potential threats to D.C."

"Um.. you'd have to talk to Fast about our robots... I am afraid I do not understand them very well, they are more his domain, he is very good with them though. T-The Minutemares should be unchanged, Preston Gardens runs them now and has vowed to rebuild them as they were before. As for the other alicorns here in the Commonwealth.. I do not know anything about them, I only just learned they are in this Trinity Tower place? I w-would be interested in meeting with them though, I can bring your concerns to them when I do sir." Jade was really doing well for being on the spot like this, I was proud of her.

The Governor introduced another waiting pony, this one a middle aged dark blue earth pony in a matching suit, his dark mane was slicked back and he had a very seedy vibe. This was reinforced by Piper's quick summation of Bullet Bishop while he gave his name to Jade.

"Gun runner, former gang leader way back. Got enough caps and guns together to go legit, not above using his old tactics though. Runs the biggest weapons shop in town and makes sure he doesn't have any competition. Has his hooves in businesses that cater to sleazier customers too, kept quiet or outside the city."

He certainly had a criminal bent that put me on guard. Bending down and giving Jade's hoof a slimy kiss didn't help my opinion either. "Ah, the famous Princess pony from up north, you live up to the stories sweetheart, rare beauty indeed. If you end up talkin' to those other alicorns I'd love to speak with them if they all look like you. Maybe we can do a little negotiatin' too, everypony always needs weapons and ammo right?"

"I.. will keep your concerns in mind sir. I do not deal in weapons however, y-you could talk to our... umm... C-Captain of the Guard, Valkyrie... she is always interested in such things." Jade stumbled a minute but recovered well, Val did always want more guns and had an eye towards security, the role was a good fit.

An older earth pony mare was introduced as Silver Seed, for being the source of much of Diamond City's food via her plantations she seemed overdressed and snobby. Of course my idea of earth pony farmers was based on Ministry Mare Applejack, a pony who did the work herself and was down to earth, nothing like the mare in the poofy, frilly dress before me.

Piper didn't help my opinion of her either, "Nasty piece of work Fast, runs a few farms outside the city, but produces all that food with slave labor. Not only that but controls the market, selling cheaper than anypony else who tries since she's not paying for labor, then raises the prices and cuts supply as it suits her when they're gone. She could supply your town with food alright, but not a source you wanna get it from I imagine."

So there really was slavery up here... I heard offhoofed mentions of slavers before but didn't want to believe it. That was something I found unacceptable and the dark Shroud in my head grumbled at the thought, if I ran into such a thing in the Commonwealth... I'd probably end up doing something stupid.

The last noble pony in line looked the slickest and most regal, a pale unicorn with a carefully groomed graying pink mane. His tuxedo was immaculate and obviously custom tailored and he wore a pair of gold framed spectacles on his muzzle. This one the Governor announced as Haycom Svengallop, his manners and speech were smooth but I didn't trust that smile of his.

Piper again confirmed my initial impression, "This one you wanna watch out for, old family, been in D.C. since the beginning. Has his hooves in a lot of businesses here and outside the city, the big ones everypony knows about are the Chem-I-Care drug store and a share in the Surgery Center, but there's a lot more that's kept quiet."

"So wonderful to meet you Princess Jade, I've heard of your medical work here in our fine city, most admirable. I actually deal in medicine and pharmaceuticals myself, perhaps we could discuss dealing with your new town to provide affordable care across the Commonwealth. I'd love to introduce you to my son, a dashing you buck who needs to settle down with a mare of proper standing." Yeah, I definitely didn't like this stallion, this was the second to talk about setting Jade up like I wasn't here.

Jade warmed to the topic of medicine immediately, trusting to a fault when it came to healing. "Oh that would be very nice, I am most interested in healing all I can, though the Followers do not charge for such services. However I have been somewhat educated in the necessity of finance to effectively provide care to those who need it, I am sure we can work together to help others. I... I would be happy to meet your son as well, I have found my own special somepony however." Her furling a wing over me for a gentle hug was a nice reassurance.

Haycom was undeterred though, scanning the crowd and pointing across the room. "Still a shame my dear, there he is right across the way, quite a handsome stallion wouldn't you agree?"

The pale unicorn he pointed out mingling with the crowd made me scowl across the room, I recognized the light blue maned buck in the well cut suit... "We've met actually sir... Somewhere not far from here, he was involved in a deal for certain pharmaceuticals himself at the time..."

I didn't want to come right out and start yelling about the pony I was looking at, last seen buying Dusk and Dawn from the gang in charge at Stable 114, in the middle of the high society party, but that was him. Alright I did want to, but it probably wasn't a good idea. Haycom took my meaning but remained composed, taking me aside as the others crowded Jade to chat with the guest of honor.

"Yes, that was most unfortunate, the vagaries of youth. Please forgive my foalish son, perhaps we could discuss this matter in private Fast? I would be most generous if we could keep this whole nasty business quiet hmm? I am sure we can come to some kind of arrangement, something that benefits your marefriend's hopes for these Followers perhaps?"

He was slick alright, speaking low, away from the others and tempting me with good bait to stay quiet. I wanted to to trot over and start hurting his son for his involvement in what happened back in Stable 114, making a scene here would hurt Jade and Sanctuary though. I could keep my temper in check weighing the positives that could come from it.

Gritting my teeth I replied quietly, watching Piper and Jade deal with the others. "Your son was more than foalish, he was involved in some very bad business I am still pretty unhappy about. If it helps Jade though... we can discuss what it would take for me to not do anything about him..."

My simmering anger didn't bother the older stallion in the slightest, "Of course, so happy you're willing to be reasonable. I am expected to mingle a bit but perhaps we could meet in my office, say in an hour or so. Simply ask one of the servants and they'll take you right there, enjoy the festivities in the meantime."

I felt slimy just compromising this much as he trotted off into the crowd with a smug smile, Piper had been careful to impress on me this was not like the wasteland though. There were consequences to my actions with the complex political machinations of the big city, even the pushy mare had warned me about going off half cocked.

Seeing Jade being mobbed and close to panic calmed me down at least, I had to rescue her from the situation I created. Pushing through the crowd was helped by Val who noticed my distress and casually shoved her way through, clearing a path. Once I reached her and offered an escape to the open dance floor she fled gratefully, nuzzling for reassurance as we moved slowly to the soft music.

"You're doing really great Jade, I'm sorry it's so much to deal with but I'm proud of how well you're handling it." I whispered up to her ear as her slight shivering subsided.

"S-So much attention... Blue alicorns such as myself were made not to be seen Fast, t-this is against my nature. I am trying... but I am very glad you are here, y-you must continue to do this. If I can escape and be close with you... I can tolerate all this, for the good your story can do only. I must say I do not care for many of these 'noble' ponies however."

"Yeah, me either... I haven't liked much of what Piper was telling me about them either, just your impressions without knowing all that are good. I really wouldn't trust that one talking about medical stuff either, no matter how much you want to, he's bad." I glared at the stallion in question, whispering to his rotten son and darting glances at us.

The elegant alicorn pressed against me sighed softly, "I had hoped some arrangement could be made with him... if he deals in medicine and healing, though I did feel uneasy around him."

"Don't worry about it, I may be able to still work something out, but it won't be because of his generous nature. Turns out I have some leverage on him, I'll try to help what you want for the Followers when I meet with him later."

She gave a questioning look at that, but probably best she didn't know about under the table deals with Haycom. She seemed more nervous than curious when she spoke, "You will leave me here? A-Alone..."

A quick peck on the cheek calmed her a little as I replied, "Not for an hour, and not long. I'd never leave you alone either, you're stuck with me. Glitter and Piper will be with you when I'm away, I think Val won't let me meet with one of these shady ponies alone though."

Her reply was rudely cut off by a stallion slightly older than me, shoving his way forward as the music changed to a new song. "Excuse me Princess, if I may cut in? Can't have your... guard? monopolize all your time can we?"

Part of me seethed with anger and jealousy, nopony else got to dance with Jade... Her reluctant but determined look soothed it a bit though, this kind of thing was part of the show, it didn't mean anything... really... "Fast is my... knight and special somepony, not a guard. I- I am sure I can agree to a change of partners for a single dance though."

Choking back the urge to smash that smarmy face in as he pushed his way up to taking my place, I gave Jade my best supportive, totally not jealous look. She was trying hard and obviously had no desire to dance with the pale stallion, she was doing all this because of my playing around with image, I had to swallow the results. Walking back to the others watching her moving gracefully with some other pony was still torture.

The next hour didn't improve, I tried to distract myself staying with Glitter as she took in all the sights and giving the little filly her own dance she enjoyed. Nopony was worth talking to except Burny or the servants who she happily chatted with, and Val had gone immediately to the high class bar where I didn't dare follow right now. Let off the chain Piper was zipping around the room, asking questions and causing a lot of sour faces, which I was pretty ok with at this point. I kept returning to reassure Jade and kept getting pushed right back out again by the long line of stallions trying to woo the princess. As the time for my meeting drew closer I went in again, determined to have one more dance before leaving her even for a short while.

As I approached I caught the end of another murmured conversation all the suitors had been attempting to her increasing visible annoyance, hearing just this much I felt the same way. The pale pink unicorn buck had a self assured look and was obviously pressing his point now, too self absorbed to notice that very goddess-y look the alicorn was getting.

"...surely you can see the benefits Princess! The running of your little community can be left to your servants, join me here in Diamond City and enjoy the life befitting one of your standing. Our courtship will be the talk of the town, we can have a grand wedding for all the peasants to marvel at. It will be..."

Jade finally had enough at 'wedding' and stamped her hooves, noticing me and bearing down on the stuck up stallion. "NO! All of you have said the same thing and my answer remains unchanged, I have a pony I love and have no interest in your proposals!"

She trotted over and drew close to illustrate her point, leaving the bratty grandstallion of Count Couture by his pink color flabbergasted looking between us. "This... this commoner? You must jest Princess, somepony so far below your standing is not fitting for a true Princess. You gain nothing being with this nobody, while you gain the great green jewel of the Commonwealth with me!"

Me being insulted actually further infuriated her, Jade never got mad when anyone was cruel to her but I was a different matter apparently. "This 'commoner' is worth 100 of you 'noble' ponies here in this city! He loves me for who I am, not some silly title you all put too much stock in! As a matter of fact you all seem to have the wrong idea of what a princess or nobility are supposed to be! If... if I am to be a princess I would be one for the common ponies you put yourselves above, not one who looks down on them as servants to raise them up. Nobility has an obligation to those relying on them to lift them up and inspire them, to help! I will never be the type of princess you want, but i-if I have to I will be the kind those common ponies deserve!"

The angry alicorn's outburst had stilled the room completely as everypony stared, the noble guests in their fancy attire gaped while the servants were looking on with awe in their eyes. I spotted Burny at the bar giggling in barely restrained glee.

What really drew my attention however was the slit running up the back of Jade's dress, she had stepped forward during her rant, making the target of her ire back down. Now she stood at her full height, wings flared and panting lightly in agitation, her rear was right beside me and there was a glow showing through that slit in her dress...

"J-Jade..." I squeaked staring at her flank, breaking the silence.

"Yes Fast? W-What is wrong... oh... oh no... I lost my temper again... I-I am sorry if I r-ruined your..." She was shrinking to her normal posture rapidly, but I could care less about what these ponies thought at this point.

"Y-Your.. your flank... ummm... c-check it..."

She gave me a confused look for a moment and turned to do as asked, "Why? Is there something wrong with... my... m-my..." Her blue eyes widened slowly as she moved the fabric away a bit further, taking in the fading glow of the image that now adorned her magnificent flank. A large red heart had appeared with a delicate golden crown overlaid on it, she had a cutie mark...

Murmurs of agitated conversation had started building in the room, these were completely outdone by Glitter's earsplitting screech. "Miss Jade! You got your mark!!!"

Jade stared at the new image for a minute, taking it in slowly before snapping her head back to me. Her eyes were huge and sparkling, shimmering wetly with tears and she beamed radiantly. "I... I h-have a mark... Fast look! I have a cutie mark! J-Just like any other pony! I... I am not a mons... I am... look!"

I looked one more time, giving it an affectionate pat before leaning up for a long kiss, staring into those blue pools when I broke off. "I see, I knew you would. You're a pony, not anything else, but you're not like any other, now you have a cutie mark to prove it. I always knew though, there's only one Jade and that's the mare I love."

Getting tackled and covered in affection by a large sniffling filly in a lot of dress was a little surprising in the crowd, it effectively got the message through to the seething stallion still watching though. Jade simultaneously sobbed and laughed, kissing me all over and ignoring the rising rabble of the gathered nobles. "Thank you Fast! T-Thank you! I have a mark! I actually have a mark! I was afraid I never would, but.. but there it is!"

Glitter had charged across the room to join in the embrace and congratulate her, even Val followed lazily with an expensive looking bottle from the bar and held it up in salute. "Way to go Blue! Now that was a good cutie mark story, you put these snobs in their place!"

Her blue face turned red, realizing what all she had done that led to the magical event and the agitated audience. I tipped her muzzle up before it could lower and hide. "We'll have to have a real party for you, something much better than this farce huh? Ready to get out of here?" At her happy nod I turned to the onlookers with a grin, "Well everypony, we thank you for your gracious hospitality but I'm afraid the Princess has had just about enough for one evening! I'm afraid she's going to retire for the night to our humble lodging below, we'll be out of your manes in the morning, please carry on and have a wonderful time."

We all gathered together and made our way to the open window leading to the lift down, Piper furiously scribbling in her notebook to recall every word. Jade was positively glowing as I saw her on the lift, only mildly put out when I explained I still had to go see Haycom. "Do not take long, I wish to celebrate with you and have you near. Tend to your business and return quickly, I... I do have other a-attire I purchased to show you later..."

So that was a bit of lace I saw when she moved her dress to inspect her new mark... interesting... Well one more reason to get all this over with quickly, I liked the part of Diamond City we had stayed in for the last week, but minimal exposure to those up here was more than enough for me too. We shared a parting kiss before the lift lowered and Val and I turned back to the darting glares of the ball awkwardly trying to resume, asking the nearest serving pony the way to Haycoms office.

The pretty earth pony mare in the maid outfit led us quickly down a side hallway past a number of doors and stairwells patrolled by Diamond City guards, nervously speaking up when we were far enough away from the gathering. "D-Did the Princess really mean that sir? She'd be... n-not like our nobles? A real princess for all of us?"

"Yes, she really did, a mark only appears when you're true to yourself right? She meant every word, Jade's what a princess should be, she really cares about everypony, not just herself."

The maid looked amazed and considered what I said, pointing out the proper door ahead and turning back to return to her duties. We might have burned a few bridges here with these ponies, but I'd be willing to bet the 'common' ponies would be talking about this for awhile. They were the ones who really mattered anyway.

She skittered off as we approached the office door, "Mr. Svengallop" was embossed on a gold plate adorning the heavy wood door. I had explained my purpose here to Val while waiting and angrily watching all the ponies dancing with Jade, she had insisted on coming as I expected and still looked dubious now that we were here.

"Yer sure about this boss? Dealin' with that little shit's old man to save his hide?"

"I don't like it Val, but I think he's who Nick was sent to find in that place. Maybe he really did just fall in with the wrong crowd, Fancy could be pretty convincing from what I read. He deals in medicine along with drugs, he can help Jade. We pissed enough of these ponies off, having one we can use is something worth overlooking the son." Honestly I hated this, just being in Haycom's presence raised my hackles before, but sometimes we have to do what we don't like.

I pushed open the door and the two of us entered a opulent office of polished wood and gold, books and scrolls filled the walls along with numerous pictures and knick knacks. A perfectly preserved, expensive looking red prewar rug stretched across the floor, heavy drapes covered the windows looking down on the city, overstuffed leather couches and chairs were arranged facing the huge desk backed by a fireplace. The desk itself was a dark wood topped with black marble polished to a mirror sheen, papers were carefully arranged near an ink bottle and quill and a working terminal glowed to one side.

Shutting the door I walked up to the desk, facing the large chair behind it turned towards the fireplace and away from us. I could see Haycom's hoof resting on the chair from here but he hadn't even bothered to turn and face us when we entered. Smug, overconfident, dismissive old stallion that he was, he just continued staring at the fire not acknowledging us at all.

"Alright Haycom, I'm here, let's talk about your son and the types of drugs he was dealing in. Oh and what I want to stay quiet, so long as he stays on the straight and narrow from now on."

I expected some kind of response to that, but he kept facing the fireplace and remained silent. Was he trying to play some kind of mind games with me? I wasn't great at dealing with other ponies but ignoring me wasn't improving my mood.

"Haycom! You told me to come here and deal with this, let's get it over with, I have better places to be right now. Really all I want is some kind of discount for the Followers of the Apocalypse in the Commonwealth, it can be for medicine only, no interest in your other products. That's fair right, keep your brat in line and be a little generous."

Val was peering around the room and clutching her pistol containing purse, "Don't like this boss, screw this jerk, let's get outta here..."

I agreed with her there, if Haycom wanted to be a prick let him. I knew a reporter mare who'd be very interested in what his son had been up to, I did want to tell him to his face before we left though. I grabbed the expensive office chair in my magic and spun it forcefully away from the fire, forcing him to look at me.

When the chair stopped suddenly as my magic was completely abandoned Val grunted while I froze, Haycom was sitting there alright, but he was dead... His face a rictus of pain, dead blue eyes staring right at me. A long, shiny and familiar looking knife was driven right through his heart and pinned him to the chair, blood soaked his suit and the seat below him.

"W-What..."

My griffon bodyguard was coping much better than I was, "Oh this is fucked, c'mon boss let's go already, like now!"

She was right, but I had to take a step forward and see something, that knife... Just from what I could see sticking out of it, that was my knife... No.. it didn't have Hearty Fork's mark engraved on the handle, it was identical though... why would another one be here? Val was definitely right, something was very wrong here... I turned to agree with her and leave to an piercing scream from the now open doorway.

"Help! Murder!! They killed Mr. Svengallop!!!" A mare shouted in a terrified voice from the hall, it didn't match her smug expression though... A white unicorn with a gleaming golden mane, dressed for the party in a pale lavender dress. She sneered as she screamed again, turning to the approaching guards from the hall. Former Overmare Fancy...

"YOU!" I roared at her and went to charge at her, even without my weapons I could blast her to cinders with my lightning, the first impulse the Shroud in my head had however was to simply start bucking her into the floor. Val saved me from making a serious mistake, grabbing my tail and holding me back as I heard a click from the hall beyond the evil mare, her own griffon waiting in the shadows had a pistol like Val's cocked and waiting for me.

Guards filled the hall behind them and started pushing their way in at her now convincingly hysterical sobbing and pointing, taking in the scene and the two of us in it... A guard with a somewhat fancier baseball uniform and armor shoved past them as they covered us with their weapons. The gruff looking tan earth pony stared at the body, then at us, nodding his head and moving forward confidently.

"You are under arrest under charges of murder. You may surrender and be detained in Diamond City's jail to await your trial, or this can get messy... Your choice."

There was a window here, they were all clumped up... I could just blast them all and have Val fly us out... she just waited for the word... The dark Shroud occupying my mind tempted and cooed, struggling against the voices of the two Ministry Mares. They were right again though, these were mostly just regular guard ponies, doing their job, nothing more. If I killed all of them to escape this trap I really would be a murderer... more so than I already was anyway. I had made peace with being forced to kill, but this was different than raiders out in the wasteland, I only had one choice.

"Alright. We surrender, arrest us."

New Perk Added!--------------------------------------

Extra Special-Charisma
----Spending time making new friends and working with public opinion in the city has improved your skills in dealing with others! Your experiences in the Wasteland have allowed you to add one to your Charisma.

Reputation Change!----------------

Diamond City Nobility- Sneering Punk
---Jade's outburst and your own sudden problem have made you very unpopular with this group. They'll go out of their way to punish you if they're able and have turned the guards of Diamond City against you, making you no longer welcome in the city on threat of death. Provided you escape the Diamond City jail that is...

Diamond City- Dark Hero
--- You've made enough of an impression many of the common ponies in town still want to believe the best of you. Nopony liked Haycom down there anyway, but the goodwill you've managed is now countered with the thought of you being a cold blooded killer. Expect a mixed reaction from the citizens of the city, if you could deal with them without the guards.