The end of the political campaign had been everything Di had expected it to be and more.

As she expected, Cosmic Compass had won the election by a landslide. The hollow promises having gotten through to the general populace. Farthest Reach had tried, he really had. The problem was he just couldn’t promise anywhere near the amount Cosmic Compass did. Of course it was all fabricated, Di knew that. None of it mattered though. There was a winner and a loser and she and her restaurant were the losers.

As soon as it was over all the campaign materials had vanished in a day. She had to get a team in herself to repaint the place but it was worth it. Back to plain old Blubber King, just the way she liked it. Business had returned to normal, aside from a few of Cosmic Compass’s supporters coming in purposefully to gloat. They all ordered meals though.

Di was smart though, she knew a bad deal when she saw one. The first thing she had done the day after the election was request a transfer to a branch on another colony. She felt bad, leaving behind a capable workforce and a nice developing colony but things were changing on Sleipnir far too much for her liking. She could see where it was going. Better to get out now while she had the chance. Already she could see the cracks were forming. Cosmic Compass had been in office several weeks and so far, nothing had really changed. In fact in some areas things had gotten worse. He had started pulling funding from what he deemed unnecessary services to funnel into businesses that he deemed would bring the colony closer to the goal of gaining the incredible amounts of weight he had promised.

There were rumours though, Di had heard it from one of campaign aids of Farthest Reach. Supposedly he had immediately moved into the Governor's mansion. The details after that were sketchy but there was talks of construction workers, the building being expanded and a great deal of extra piping being installed. It was too early to tell yet but Di had a good idea of what he was up to.

In any case, it was her last day. She had packed up her belongings and had them shipped down to the Docks. After work she would be getting on a ship to Uchchaihshravas colony. The name was a heck of a mouthful but apparently most of the budding colonists there just called it Ucha colony. Quite new, still fledgling and the first branch of the franchise was being built to cater to the growing masses. It would be nice, she could get back to what she had come to do on Sleipnir all that time ago. In her thoughts she hoped it would be the last time she had to do it. Di was getting on, retirement was getting close.

She left her house for the last time and piloted herself to work. When she got there, Sunny was already waiting by the back entrance.

“Morning Di.”

“Morning Sunny. Have you got a moment?”

“Yes, actually. I wanted to talk to you…”

There was a wistful low tone in her employees voice. She could tell she wasn’t happy with the current situation. Di had announced as soon as she had requested the transfer that she would be leaving. Much of her staff was shocked. One had even quit there and then. The rest had stayed but she could tell they were unhappy. In a way it made her pleased that she had been such a big impact on them. She ushered Sunny inside and into her office.

“What can I do for you?”

“You can’t go.”

There was a moment of silence. The two stared at each other. Di was a little worried that Sunny might start to tear up but she couldn’t see any tears in her eyes. She just needed a moment.

“I’m sorry Sunny, but I’ve made my decision. I can’t stay on Sleipnir.”

“So that’s it huh? After all this time the best boss’s answer to a changing colony is to run away. You said right back when you started that you had done this at a lot of places. Is this what you meant? You just waddle off to the next quiet place when everything gets a bit tough?”

“Sunny, that’s not what…” but Sunny wasn’t finished, Di’s words were cut off before she could explain herself.

“Di we’re a team. We’ve been through everything together. The competition when things were rough, the recent political campaign. Heck do you remember all the gimmicks we tried? The eating competition??? I mean we’ve even been robbed and you’re still here. So why now?”

Di just sighed. “Sunny, it’s now because of who won the election. Do you really think that Cosmic Compass is going to deliver on his crazy promises? I can see it coming a mile away. When you’ve been around the block like I have things like this stick out like a sore hoof. Sleipnir is not going to be a very happy place in the coming months.”

“What does that matter?” Sunny retorted back. “So things might get a little interesting. Do you think ponies are going to be rioting in the streets because he can’t deliver? Look at us Di, we’re all too fat to riot. You don’t know about Farthest Reach do you? You came here well after he had taken up office.”

“No…?” was all Di could manage. She was a little surprised this young pony was flustering her, but she let her carry on.

“He’s been in office so long not many ponies can remember, but he promised the same. It’s just ponies are bigger now. It was easier for him to deliver on them. That’s why he lost to Cosmic Compass. He knew he couldn’t promise it again this time around.” Sunny explained. “Yes ponies are going to be upset they’re not Equestrian sized right away, but you know what it’s like here Di, they’ll have forgotten about it all in a few months. They’ll be happy as long as they’re eating.”

“I suppose, but I’ve heard things. Cosmic is funnelling a lot of money to himself. I heard something about a piping network to the Governor's Mansion.”

“What they’re upgrading the piping network that already exists? No surprise there.” Sunny chuckled. “I guess it could only bloat Farthest Reach up so far.”

“Huh…”

There was another pause, ended by Sunny.

“So are you still leaving?”

Di leaned back and thought. It was more a reflection on her previous posts. She had been prepared to leave Sleipnir for similar reasons as the ones she had left her last jobs for. It was a problem of hers. When she could see things becoming a little too difficult she ran away. She pressed a flabby hoof to her multiple chins and sat for a moment in silence. She had made a decision.

“No.”

“No?!” came an excited squeak from Sunny.

“No. I’m staying. Sunny you’re right. It would be too easy to give up and leave. It’s what I’ve done a lot of in the past. No more.” Di said with a smile. “You’ve made me see that. Thank you.”

“I just...I really don’t want you to go. You’re the best boss ever.” Sunny said, a little tear in her eye now. She leaned her fat frame into Sunny, squishing close to her giving her the best hug she could manage before drawing back and turning on her chubby hooves. “I’ll let everyone know you’re sticking around!” the mare said, vanishing out the door before Di could respond.

Di had a mail to write...oh and she had to get her stuff back from the Dockyard, make sure her house hadn’t been sold yet. Damn, that was going to be annoying to sort out but no matter. Sunny had said a lot to her that made sense. She was sick of it too, moving around so much. Sleipnir was a nice colony, probably the best she had been to in all her years. Sure things in the coming months were going to get rough and difficult but she liked a challenge. It was time to put her hoof down. No more running away. No more stupid gimmicks. No more bowing to whoever offered her the best deal. She was going to run Blubber King and she was going to run it until corporate decided she couldn’t anymore. And then heck who knows? She had a little money put away, maybe she could buy the building from them and keep running it as her own place. It was a lot to think about. Right now Di had to sort herself out because she wasn’t going anywhere. Outside her office though, she could hear a few cheers and the noise of the staff getting everything ready for the day. It comforted her and made her smile from ear to ear that she knew she was needed here. Her staff were like her children...she couldn’t leave them now. She had one last thing to do and piloted herself out of her office to the traditional spot near the counters. She had a speech to make.

“Can I have everypony’s attention!?”

The staff gathered around as best they could. The ones that had been there since the beginning Di observed fondly. They were all bigger, Sunny especially. It was another thing that gave her comfort.

“I announced a few weeks ago I was leaving. I am sure many of you knew this was set to be my last day. I know Sunny has already spread the news but I’m staying. We’re a good...no, a great team. We’ve been together through thick and thin. It’s made me realise why I love this business, this job and most importantly all of you.” she said with a tear in her eye. Di wasn’t really one for emotions but she could feel herself welling up as she spoke. “You’re my family. Families stick together. If you’re with me, we’re going to make Blubber King the best darn business on Sleipnir...if you’re with me.”

There was a pause. She could see there was some uncertainty from them. But as always Sunny came through.

“I’m with you.”

It didn’t take long before the rest piped up, saying “I’m with you!” until every pony in front of her had agreed. Di had to wipe the tears from her eyes. It was what she needed to hear right now.

“Then I’m with all of you. Let's get to opening. There are hungry ponies to feed.”

The crew dispersed. Di pulled Sunny aside though and asked her to follow her out the back.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For that...I needed it. You’re right.”

“I just...I really didn’t want to lose you. I guess it might be selfish but Di...you’re like a mother to me. You’ve always been there. Thank you for staying.”

The two embraced again, fat flesh squishing against one another as the two hugged tightly. Di was glad she had changed her mind. Yes, it was going to be difficult. Yes, she’d probably in a week wished she had left for an easier life. But sometimes the best things in life came at a price. But this time she had finally decided to pay that price.

The two headed inside, the day was just beginning.