"I assume you're not surprised by how fast I found you," Celestia chuckled as she entered the old house on the hilltop far from Canterlot. Inside was one Speedy Silverstreak, who sat near a fire, playing with a deck of cards.

He regarded her with little interest as he made some plays.

Celestia walked gracefully over and sat down in front of him. "Such a clever stallion. Once this is all over, if you're still alive, I actually don't think I'll have you castrated." If she was trying to get some sort of reaction, she was sorely disappointed. Not that she showed it. "No. I believe a stallion as clever as you should be chained to a post and made to breed with the brightest mares in Equestria. Of course all the colts would have to be gelded."

"I'm assuming you found my wallet," the blue earth pony finally said in a neutral tone.

"Well, the ones investigating the destroyed schoolhouse did," Celestia nodded. "It helped identify you... but the other pieces were slowly falling into place. You really caught our attention after one of my sister's temples reported the sisters massacred and the geldings stolen away. It's hard to miss a celebrity spotted in the same area, who then vanishes immediately afterwards."

The stallion looked up for a minute. "I was a little hasty, there, I'll admit. Time was of the essence."

"Though, bombing a school teacher?" Celestia asked with a hint of humor. "That did seem a little extreme. Even for you. I had to look twice at the evidence."

"We have the keys to project Balefire, Celestia."

While she was miffed at not being addressed as Princess, she scoffed. "Oh, yes. The nuclear weapons with which you intend to end life as we know it. How clever you are. Maybe I'll even take a turn with you once this is over. A few daughters might help keep the mindless rabble in line. And, by gelding any sons we might produce, it would show ponies that I don't show favoritism."

"Our deal, Celestia," Silverstreak hissed dangerously.

The alicorn rolled her eyes. "Fine then. As you requested. The geldings... eunuchs... and your second in command... as well as the rest of your friends we've managed to catch over the years are on a train headed for the Crystal Empire as we speak. I assume your spies have told you as much."

The stallion nodded, producing a piece of paper. "I shall keep up my end of the bargain as well. The codes are hidden at this location. Try not to get on our bad side, Celestia. Next time we may not be so generous."

Celestia took the paper and looked it over. "Under my bed? My... you are a resourceful one. I'll leave you now, Silverstreak. Perhaps when I've caught you I'll ask why your so defiant against castration. Till then... take care."