“So now he’s running, right. The guards are on his tail. He hides in an abandoned oil refinery, still used to store the stuff.” Idared sat on her pillow, animatedly describing the situation. “Blueblood’s full of unused buildings. As soon as they’re no longer in operation, they’re just abandoned. Anyway, what was I saying?” Applejack  was curled up at the end of the bed, listening earnestly. “Right, yeah. He’s hiding, basically wetting himself now. Thing is, the genius had been doing a little reading on Molotov Cocktails. So he runs in, finds a bottle and gasoline and whatever else you need, and makes his own.” She rolled her eyes dramatically. “He’s lost a few marbles, considering the situations.”

“Did it work?”

“Well, course. He’s still alive, isn’t here? The soldiers burst in, drawn by the sound of the clumsy idiot, and he throws his little toy. Huge fire, which did shit all to the guards in their fireproof suits. If that fire hadn’t reached the gas storage, he’d be a goner. As it turns out, the explosion nearly finished him off anyway. Burnt half his coat off, incinerated the soldiers, and ripped a massive hole in the building. When he tells this story, which he does if you give him half the chance, he’ll tell you he woke up, saw the Molotov cocktail cutie mark, and has been here ever since.” Idared giggled. While her stories were interesting, Applejack didn’t entirely get the comedy behind them. “And that’s how Fastball got his cutie mark. By being a reckless moron.”

Now Applejack joined Idared’s laughter. “’Kay, that’s a good one.” It was late morning, three days after Rarity and Dash’s confrontation. Applejack had spent the time chatting with Idared, meeting various members of The Resistance, and exploring The Mile. In daylight this time.  She was growing restless, however, and Glen hadn’t given her any indication that she was needed for work. Maybe Rainbow had no intention of using her. Rarity had met her for coffee yesterday, insisting they catch up. No mention of Sweetie Belle was brought up, nor Rarity’s past. She seemed content with describing her amusing students, and places she needed to take Applejack in the future. It was a little worrying how the troubles of the city seemed to disappear when engaged in Rarity’s conversations.

“How ‘bout Tera?” At the moment, they were discussing cutie marks. Or, to be precise, their origins.

“Oh, that one’s so weird. She’s great at computers and all her radio stuff, and shit at fixing them. But then her cutie mark’s, like, a wrench jammed in a radio. Her special talent is breaking radios.” Applejack cracked up with laughter again. Idared continued through her giggling. “She- she doesn’t tell it like that though. She has this excuse- pff, she says it’s the government’s radio, as if she’s some kind of saboteur.”

As the two ponies rolled with laughter, a voice perked up from the bunk opposite. “Oi. I can hear you, you know!”

“Oh snap!” Idared ducked from Tera’s glare, struggling to contain her enjoyment. “Is she still there?”

“Yup,” Applejack confirmed, giving Tera a sympathetic smile. “If looks could kill.”

“Oh whatever.” The blonde pony turned back to her book. “You suck, Idared.”

“So, uh,” Applejack flicked through the list of ponies she knew in her head. “Oh, how about Glenlivet? His was supposed to represent earth ponies, right? How’d he get it?”

“Ugh. That’s… not really a funny story. You should probably hear it though. Most ponies know about it.” Idared dropped from her sitting position, curling her legs under her. “Okay, so when Glen was younger, early twenties, he was married. It was one of his childhood friends, a stallion called Laphroaig. Anyway, Glen was a blank flank at the time. Real late starter. He and Laphroaig worked at Horseshoe Inc, one of the original steel mills. Probably the worst places to work in Blueblood. Earth ponies were just tools for the machines. The foreman, this ex-military pegasus, drove them to near death.” Applejack didn’t like where this story was going. Depressing tales seemed to be the most popular thing in the city. “Laphroaig was a real rebel though. You know the sort? Had strong morals, and didn’t take shit from nopony. One day, he decided enough was enough, and started a strike. Not a violent one, mind you, but it had a lot of support amongst the workers.” Idared tutted, as if this was the worst thing to happen.

“His execution was public. His last words a rallying cry for freedom before he was hung. Glen was there to see it. It was that second, the moment that Laphroaig took his last breath, that Glen received his mark. It was exactly the same one as Laphroaig’s. He had basically inherited his husband’s special talent.”

“He went through that?” Applejack imagined the gruff, proud lieutenant of The Resistance. “I had no idea.”

“Yeah, well, don’t go speaking about it around him. But it makes sense, doesn’t it?” At Applejack’s lost look, Idared elaborated. “Most ponies here have lost somepony close to them as a result of the government. We can’t all be revolutionaries like Laphroaig or Firefly. What’s the point in joining otherwise?”

“Ain’t it to see justice and equality?”

“Yeah, but why throw your life away for it? It’s dangerous, putting your allegiance with us. Most ponies are happy to go along with the system, to not complain. As long as they do, even earth ponies can survive in relative peace and make a half decent living.” Applejack had seen it. Earth ponies living favourably with the leftovers they’d been given. Making do. “It takes the death of a loved one to see your own life as dispensable, because that’s what it is in the end. I’ve seen so many ponies leaving the resistance in exactly the same way, reuniting with Celestia. With somepony you love is ripped so violently from your life, only then can you have the freedom, the power, the anger to truly stand up for what is right, when the world is against you and your life on the line.”

“I didn’t think of it like that.” It was a chilling thought. Everypony here had a reason for being here, for risking their lives. Like Tera, for example. Applejack glanced over to the quiet mare. Why was she here? What event had led her to choosing this life? “What was yours, Idared?”

“Heh. My family’s death was a fairly large factor.” Oh Celestia! Applejack had completely forgotten about the filly’s family. “I mean, there’s not much else besides empty revenge for an orphan in the slums.”

“I’m so sorry, Sugercube.” She was kicking herself for being so insensitive. “Of course that was why.”

“It’s fine. I’m past it.” How could anyponye be past that? “It’s not even a good story, like Glen’s.”

At that moment, the stallion himself decided to burst in. “Skeevet and Adangi! Get your flanks down here, on the double!”

“Skeevet and Adangi?” Applejack whispered, as Idared made to move off the bed.

“Don’t ask. Some show before my time. I’m fairly sure it’s an insult though.” Applejack followed her down. As she passed her bed, she grabbed the button she had received from the pegasus guard on her first day, and slipped it safely behind her ear.

“C’mon, lasses. Walk and talk.” Glen was already moving out the dorm. The two girls hurried their pace to keep up. Time was of the essence, it seemed.

“He’s in a business mood,” Idared whispered as they drew up behind the stallion. “You can tell because-”

“Idared! Keep your candy filled thoughts to yourself, and your ears open. I have a mission for the two of you.” Applejack felt a friendly hoof in her side. Idared was grinning, eyebrows wiggling. Somepony was eager. “I’m putting you together for two reasons. One, you seem to enjoy each other’s company. Only Luna and Celestia know why. Two, you make a good team. Idared’s the brain, and Applejack’s the brawn.”

“Beg yer pardon!?”

“Oh? And you’d suggest Idared’s packing more kick than you?”

“No, no.” That wasn’t the issue at all. “She’s the brains? I’m not?” The filly was giggling uncontrollably. Applejack felt a show of her brawn to the back of Idared’s head was becoming a viable course of action.

“Based on the situation, I think so. Who has more understanding of this city? Who has been on more operations for this group? You, lass? Or the wee pain in the flank?” He had a point. Applejack begrudgingly mumbled her agreement.

“Don’t worry yourself about it. This mission’s easier than taking a piss.” Interesting choice of words. They reached the top of the spiral stairs, and entered the bar. “All you need to do is stand around and smile sweetly. My colleague will do all the talking.” Glen indicated to a nearby table, where a pony sat hidden by the day’s paper. “Barentu, they’re here.”

The paper was lowered, and Applejack received a clear view of the pony behind it. Or, to be precise, the Zebra behind it. He looked to be around five or six years older than Applejack. His stripes a far more vivid shade than Zecora’s had been. His mane, loose and wavy, but neatly trimmed, matched the black and white of his coat. His hazel eyes, and gently curving muzzle, ending in a pair of soft, full lips, could only be described in one way.

He was gorgeous!

“Glen, you must tell me how you read this trash?” He indicated the paper he was reading, Equestria Daily. That was hardly important, however. What was much more important was his voice. Every syllable was pronounced, and seemed to melt in Applejack’s ears. It was husky and dangerous, without even trying, and at the same time, so approachable.

“I don’t,” Glen grumbled, breaking the fantasies that had begun to form in Applejack’s head. “Firefly reads it to understand the lies the government feeds the ponies. Personally, the name Equestria Daily just makes my skin crawl.”

“I should hope so too. The nerve they have to write this.” He threw the paper to the table. “Ugh!” It was that moment his eyes fell on Glen’s company. His mouth curved into such a devilishly handsome smile, a crooked twist of the lips, that Applejack felt like she was almost floating. “And these are the lovely mares who will be joining me? Excellent.” He hopped out the chair, and bowed elegantly. “Barentu, at your service.”

“I, uh, th- the name’s Applejack. Or, uh, Honeycrisp, ‘round others.” The mare tried to match his bow, but only ended up stumbling forward. Barentu reached out a hoof, gently catching her.

“Careful there. And it’s a pleasure to meet you, Applejack.” The mare’s heartbeat resounded in her ears as she righted herself, stumbling over an apology. Glen made an enormous display of rolling his eyes. “And you must be Idared? Glen speaks highly of you.”

“He does?” Idared seemed genuinely shocked. Glen’s eyes made another lap around their sockets. “Well, he’s never mentioned you.”

“Hah. I’m sure.” His laugh wasn’t mocking. It was jovial sound that matched the shine in his eyes. “My work usually keeps me out the city. Today, however, is a special occasion.”

“Before you launch into the plan, you should probably head out.” Glen tapped his wrist, where a watch should have been. “You’re late as it is.”

“Right, right. Places to be, ponies to meet.” He made for the door, ushering Applejack and Idared with him.

“Thank you kindly once again, Barentu.” Glen made a slight nod of the head. Woah! Where had this polite, considerate Glen come from?

“Not at all, my good stallion,” Barentu called, looking over his shoulder. Applejack’s gaze jerked from his flank just in time. “Not at all.”

~~~~~~~~

“Zebra technology, as I’m sure you know, is the finest around.” Barentu had led them through Central Emponium. If Applejack had been paying attention, she would have seen the gradual change from earth pony businesses, to unicorn. The outdoor markets began dwindling, with their fresh food and homemade clothes, and more glass stores lined the streets. The products changed, with items aimed at the hooves of an earth pony, to equipment ideal for those with magic. Designer brands, and premade meals. Prices skyrocketed too. At one point, Barentu had taken them through a strange indoor building, with a huge glass ceiling and shops coving every inch of the five floors, that their guide had called a ‘mall’. There were still earth ponies milling around, and the first few pegasi Applejack had encountered out of uniform, but it was mostly unicorns that passed them. A surprisingly high number stopped in their tracks as the three Resistance members passed, staring in amazement at Barentu, whispering excitedly to each other. The cowpony, however, was not paying attention, so all this fascinating information was lost to her. Barentu was busy drawing her in with his musical voice.

“We supplied weapons to the griffons during the war, after all. But I’m sure you know all that.” Barentu had two bulky, heavy looking saddlebags on his perfectly toned barrel. They were blocking the view somewhat.

At Applejack’s silence, Idared decided to help her. “Actually, Applejack has no idea. She’s come from outside the city. Doesn’t know a thing about the history of Equestria.”

“Oh really?” Barentu gave her a sidelong glance, his eyebrows raised. “Well then, let me give you a little background. Around one hundred and eighty years ago the griffons formed an empire. It came as a fair shock at the time, considering a nomadic race such as the griffons banded together. It was due to their first Kaiser, Yesukhei, a ruthless and peerless tactician, that the alliance was formed. His bold move caught The Chancellor entirely off guard. He took Old Equestria’s west coast faster than anyone could have suspected, citing the treaty with the deceased Princess Celestia as void. In a mere ten years, he had claimed the entire coastline. Fighting back then was a bitter, slow process. However, it had given The Chancellor time to prepare an army. The pegasus force that met The Kaiser’s griffons held them there, trapped. As clever a griffon as he was, The Kaiser’s tactics were not gaining any ground. And that’s where we stepped in.

“Now, I can’t saw what my ancestors did was right. In fact, it was downright devious. But it was certainly clever. Emigrating in huge numbers, they started to settle on Equestria’s east coast. They began supplying the griffons with weapons, completely under the ponies’ noses. For the first time since the stalemate, The Kaiser pushed the ponies back. As the fighting entered the mountains, and the Kaiser was succeeded by his son, a poor excuse of a leader, the stalemate grew once again. But this time, to hold on to their ground, the griffons needed more weapons from us. More sales meant more money, which led to better research. Of course, at this point we began selling to the ponies as well. Always a step below what we sold the griffons, just so that stalemate would last, and more money would come to us. Where do you think those pegasus uniforms come from? With her attention on the griffons, The Chancellor didn’t even notice as Old Equestria’s east coast slowly fell into the hands of the Zebra Kingdom. And if she did notice, she couldn’t do anything about it for fear of breaking the arms deal. An arms deal, I might add, that prevented her city from destruction.

“Then the dragons came. They ripped apart the lands between Canterlot and the east coast, cutting off all safe passage between our countries. Their new leader, a ravenous brute of a thing, has held the land ever since. He allows passage, in theory. Anyway, without the zebra aid, the war became even more desperate, until finally The Kaiser and The Chancellor called a ceasefire. Five years followed before a written treaty was finally signed by each party, calling the war off. This was seventy years ago. At that point, it was the first day of peace every griffon and earth pony alive had seen between their nations. The land between this city and the Griffon Empire is a barren wasteland, inhabited by few. Relations between the current Kaiserin, Guanyin, and The Chancellor are friendly, but a lot of their citizens still cling to the old wartime rumours about the other side.

“And that,” Barentu gasped, “is how Nova Equestria was made, and how the zebras became the richest nation on the planet.”

His speech had given Applejack’s higher brain functions enough time to start working again. “So there’s a whole buncha dragons ‘tween here and yer lands?”

“In theory, yes. No one’s seen them in years, but resettlement is a no go. Whenever a new zebra or pony town springs up, it’ll be fine for a month or so, and then magically disappear, leaving a huge charred crater where it once stood. It doesn’t take an alicorn to work out what’s happened. Travel’s fine, as long as you don’t tarry, and the party is small enough.”

“That’s great and all,” Idared piped up. She had been more interested in avoiding cracks in the pavement than Barentu’s story, and had finally decided enough was enough. “But what has it got to do with now? You haven’t told us anything about what we’re doing out here!”

“Ah. Context, my inquisitive little friend.” He earned a glare for that title. “For the first time in years, ponies may have the upper hoof in weapon technology over zebras. Misaki Corporation has developed a revolutionary weapon prototype, improving drastically over the design currently used by pegasi. We have no information beyond that, but gosh do we want to get our hooves on that prototype.”

“So we’re helpin’ ya get this fancy new weapon so zebras can still be the best?” Applejack’s infatuation had now given in to confusion… mostly. “Why’d we wanna help zebras? No offence.”

“Haha, none taken.” There was that beautiful laughter again. “The reason is quite simple. There’s a small faction within The Zebra Kingdom that is most interested in earth ponies. This faction, led by yours truly, sympathises with your Resistance’s plight. For years, my species faced the same racism earth ponies now endure. Not as extreme, I’ll admit, but still. We sell our technology, at a bare minimum price, to The Resistance. Without us, you organisation wouldn’t have the tiniest foothold in Nova Equestria.”

Idared didn’t look so pleased with this. “And our roles?”

“Merely backup.” The filly sighed melodramatically at this response.

“Well, it makes sense, don’t it?” Applejack tried to mediate between her new friend and her new eye candy. “This’ll be mah first mission, ‘sides checkin’ in on Rarity. And I doubt Glen wants you in the thick o’ things.”

“Psh! Firefly always sends me on the awesome missions.”

“That’s ‘cause Firefly wouldn’t know responsibility if it bucked her in the face,” Applejack drawled, her face deadpan.

“Idared. Think about it this way. I’m basically helping you into one of the most advanced companies in the world to have a nose around. I’m sure you’ll find something interesting that’ll make this trip worth it.” By the way her muzzle scrunched up, Idared disagreed.

“So, if I’m understandin’ ya right, yer gonna walk in and ask for this prototype?” Barentu had started to slow down. They had entered a grassy square, surrounded by cafes and expensive stores. At the opposite end stood yet another impossibly tall building. Featureless glass, tinted a deep black, covered all four sides, and a unassuming sign above the main entrance announced its purpose. ‘Misaki Corp Head Offices’. “What makes ya think they’ll just give it to ya?”

Barentu shrugged, his cocky grin unflinching as he took in the building. “Just a hunch.”

~~~~~~~~

“Name?” The unicorn at the front desk didn’t even bother to check who had greeted her. Her attention was focused on what must be the most riveting paperwork.

“Barentu.” The zebra’s forehooves casually rested on the counter. “One word.”

“Uh huh.” She wasn’t the most engaging mare. “And you’ll be meeting?”

“Mr Okane Mochi, I believe.” Barentu kept his infallible charm on, despite the cold response.

“Yo- wha-” Now she looked up, surprise written all over her. This surprise seemed to increase tenfold when she realised who her customers were.

“Mr Mochi? I apologise if I’m not pronouncing that correctly. The company’s CEO?”

“Yes, yes. Of course!” The unicorn began tapping her keyboard franticly, as visibly confused as Applejack that Barentu had secured a meeting with the CEO. “Uh… yeah. Mr Barentu, half past one with Mr Mochi, two guests.”

“Splendid. That’ll be us.” Barentu tapped the counter before jumping down. “Shall we go on through?”

“Oh, n-no. Don’t worry. I’ve paged him for you. I’ll just need your bags to be checked first.” She motioned a nearby unicorn, who trotted over. Attached to his head was an earpiece, and light armour hid most of his coat. A holster was attached to his side. A security guard, presumably. He looked as pleased to be here as a student in a three hour lecture. And no, the student was not Twilight.

Barentu waved a hoof. “That won’t be necessary. There are a few important documents I’d rather not have tampered with.” He was being pretty daring. Any other pony would call it arrogant, but not to Applejack, with her rose-tinted glasses for the zebra.

“It will be necessary,” grunted the security guard. “Empty your saddlebags, sir.”

“Yeah, that’s not going to happen.” Barentu gave the guard the most apathetic look possible.

“Yes, it will!” The security guard threatening stepped forward. A faint glow surrounded the holster by his side, sliding out the object within.

“No, it most certainly will not!” A new voice echoed through the lobby, stunning the staff and visitors alike. Having just teleported in, a well-dressed unicorn came galloping over from the other side of the foyer. His grey coat, white hair, and silver eyes made him one of the dullest ponies Applejack had ever seen. “Stand down, Thorough Check!”

“But, Mr Mochi, sir.” Now the unicorn wasn’t bored. “Isn’t it company poli-”

“Forget company policy. Do you even know who you’re talking to?” He strode up to Thorough Check, pulling him away from Barentu. “This zebra is Prince Barentu, senior major of The Royal Dragoon Regiment, and heir apparent to the Varkoor Throne of The Zebra Kingdom.” Barentu’s smile had been upgraded to conceited. “Did you not see his royal wedding last year? It was international news!” Applejack, her mind having collapsed somewhat, looked at Barentu in a new light.

He was married! Celestia damn it!

Oh, and also he was the next king of the Zebras. That was fairly important too.

Thorough Check was now a nervous wreck. “I, uh, I can’t say I did see that, sir. I’m very sorry.” The receptionist had decided the best course of action was to keep her mouth shut, and head low.

“So you should be! I’ve half a mind to… ugh!” Amusingly, Mr Mochi poked Thorough Check with his horn. “Back to your position. You’re lucky you’re chief of security, and not one of the other morons.” As the dejected stallion returned to the side, Mr Mochi spun round to face his guests, his smile more transparent than Applejack’s ability to lie. “Your highness, I’m so very sorry for being late, as well as this abysmal display.”

“No need.” Barentu indicated the almost unreadable modern art clock on the huge back wall of the atrium. “We’re ten minutes early, and I always enjoy an entertaining reception.”

“Right, right. Of course.” If the unicorn wasn’t careful, he was going to have a heart attack. “Now, you’re here to see the new prototype, correct?” Barentu nodded. “Well, I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Hopefully the elevator will be politer that the security.” He laughed nervously, quickly stumbling to a halt as nopony joined him. “Follow… Follow me, please.”

~~~~~~~~

“Now, while a prototype, you will soon see that the model works as well as we would hope the final product will,” Mochi explained. “There’s a lot of testing that’s gone into this, so you may as well call it the final product. It a prototype for various, uh, legal reasons.”

He had taken them to the tenth floor, past a ridiculous number of security checks where, once again, Barentu’s saddlebag was left untouched, and into a small office. The far wall was made entirely of glass, giving the CEO and his guests a clear view into a clinically white laboratory. As they took their seats behind a desk, a group of white coated unicorns lead a pegasus into the lab. The lead unicorn, levitating a black, bulky saddle with her, stepped forward.

“Mr Mochi.” The scratchy voice seemed to come from hidden speakers to the side of the window. “The prototype is operational, and the volunteer has been briefed. Shall I commence the demonstration of Lightning Storm?”

“This is our chief engineer, Professor Diode.” Having not sat down, Mochi trotted over to a button on the wall. Holding down the button, he spoke into an adjacent grill. “Go ahead, Professor.”

“Thank you.” She returned to the pegasus. “Now, as you are aware, the pegasi currently use the suit mounted assault rifles. While cheap to make, they are expensive to maintain, and requires extensive training to use. Lightning Storm, however, negates these problems. Our volunteer has had no experience with the prototype before.”

She floated the saddle over the pegasus’ back, securing it in place. A few straps under the saddle were attached. A helmet was levitated from a nearby shelf, and placed over the pegasus’ head. A thin cable was connected from the helmet to the saddle.

“We will activate the weapon,” the Professor barked, with as much emotion as a pencil. The pegasus, with his shifting hooves and cautious eyes, was showing the first signs of worry. “Please keep your eyes forward.”

A switch on the side of the saddle was flicked, and the machine sprang to life. Lights began to faintly glow, and a soft humming could be heard. Then, as if controlled by a unicorn, three long, black tubes disconnected from the saddle, and began hovering around the pegasus. They all pointed at the far wall, where the pegasus was unflinchingly staring, as if his life depended on it. Not a single unicorn horn was glowing. While untouched by visible magic, each tube was striped with blue lights, which pulsated slowly in luminosity. Applejack was thankful to see Idared and Barentu looking as shocked as her.

“The weapons are kept in their levitating position by a collection of electromagnets, all communicating with one another, and the saddle.” Diode’s voice took on a tone of excitement. “But the most impressive thing in this is the power source. Unicorn magic, securely contained and stored in the machine.” She tapped a blue glowing box attacked to the rear of the saddle. “The machine regulates the use of power itself, as programmed beforehand. The helmet reads the direction the pegasus is directing their eyesight, provided that it remains within the one hundred and eighty degree angle the saddle is facing, and aims the weapons at the calculated point.” She turned her attention to the pegasus. “Try looking around.”

The pegasus did so. The floating weapons, as naturally as if controlled by a unicorn, waved lazily in the air, following the pegasus’ eyesight. “Wonderful. Let’s move on to actually firing the weapon.” She raised her hoof, purposefully not using her magic, and lowered a bar attached to the helmet. It swung down, and fitted into his mouth with ease. “This’ll be the trigger. It requires a fair amount of pressure to fire, to prevent accidents, but to be safe, make sure you have your vision focused on the target at all time.” She indicated a concrete block on the far side of the lab. “On my mark, bite down, and hold until the weapon has fired.”

The pegasus nodded, blinking nervously. His eyes never left the very centre of the concrete. As soon as Diode gave the word, his jaw tensed. The faint humming grew to a horrible buzzing sound, vibrating the teeth in Applejack’s head. Three hazy, red beams could be seen stretching from the weapons to the same spot on the target. The air around them seemed to distort slightly. For a few seconds Applejack wasn’t sure what she was supposed to be seeing. Then the weapons fired. A flash, like a bolt of lightning, jumped from the three nozzles and hit the target. Hidden by a flash of flames the target cracked open, spraying concrete into the lab. Drowning out the sound of the wall breaking, the noise of the machine, and Idared’s gasp was a deafening boom. It was as if a sonic rainboom had just exploded in right in front of Applejack. As the smoke in the lab cleared, and her hearing returned, Applejack could see the pegasus, his mouth hanging open in shock. The unicorns seemed entirely unfazed.

“That’s… incredible!” Barentu gushed, his face mirroring the pegasus’. “How does it work?”

“I’ll briefly go over the science behind the weapon,” Diode coincidently began, unable to hear Barentu. “In laypony’s terms, the laser initially heats and ionises the air, creating a conductive plasma channel. A high powered electric current is sent down this channel, causing the demonstrated impact.” She motioned towards the concrete target, which now featured a remarkable hole straight through the middle.

“That was laypony’s terms?” Applejack grumbled. All this weaponry and science didn’t impress her in the slightest. So there was a new way to kill ponies? Hooray!

“No recoil in the slightest, which I understand is a problem when firing the current pegasus weapons.” Diode hadn’t finished. “The time it takes to fire may be a problem, but I’m sure the payload makes up for that. The noticeable sound is caused by a small sonic boom, which we are unable to remove, unfortunately. Like I said, the most impressive part of this, the part we are most proud of, is the energy source. Never before has unicorn magic been contained in such a way, until now. And the amount that can be stored is impressive. The small battery, as you can see, can charge over thirty shots from the weapon.” That didn’t sound so impressive to Applejack, but what did she know?

Mochi tapped the button on the wall once again. “Thank you, Professor. That will be enough.” Diode nodded as her team began unstrapping the saddle from the pegasus. A metal screen slowly descended over the window. “So, your majesty. Your thoughts?”

“It’s amazing!” Barentu remarked, who had dropped to his hooves and began pacing. “How soon can you begin production?”

“Oh, that’s actually our major hurdle. Our company, and Equestria, simply doesn’t have the funds or resources to mass produce.”

“Is that so? Then I think a business opportunity is available, wouldn’t you agree? I’m certain my father would find this worthy of zebra funding.” What. Was this part of the plan? Applejack kept the complaint to herself.

“Yes! Perfect!” Mochi jumped towards Barentu, before remembering who he was talking to, and finishing with an enthusiastic nod. “That… that’s exactly what I was hoping for. Funding from the Zebra Kingdom would be a huge positive for the success of this project.”

“Glad to hear it. I’ll need to take the prototype back to my father first though, for testing.” Ah. There was the kicker. Barentu had been leading up to this. About time, too. Applejack was getting restless inside this characterless building.

Mochi, it appeared, was having trouble responding to this request. “Ah, well… um, that won’t really be possible.” Barentu’s smile barely faltered. “This prototype is the only one of its kind, and I’m sure you understand our need for security.”

“Right. No, no, I understand completely.” There was a second of painfully awkward silence. “Could you give my associates and I a few moments to discuss our deal in privacy?”

Mochi’s mouth opened and closed wordlessly. The worry on his face was almost pitiful. “Yes, I… yes. Certainly.” He moved towards the door, his legs acting as if the floor itself was paper thin. He paused, magic gripping the handle, and gave Barentu one last look. The prince, with none of the courtesy befitting his title, raised his eyebrows and flicked his hoof in a leaving motion, urging the unicorn to get out.

As soon as the door shut, Barentu sighed. “Funny little pony, that one.”

“Yer a prince!?” Applejack exploded, having held it in long enough. “And when were ya gonna tell us that?”

“I was sure it’d come up. And it did. So I was right.” With the option of anything vaguely romantic happening with Barentu out the window, Applejack was starting to see what a cocky mule he really was. “The important thing is our plan. It’s changed.”

“The plan in which ya walk in and just ask for this weapon thing? Sorry if I ain’t surprised at that not workin’ out.”

“Yeah! You tell him, AJ.” The filly hadn’t forgiven him for his earlier comments to her.

“Hah, well, yes. Maybe it wasn’t entirely fool proof. But we can improvise.” Barentu’s voice remained as positive as ever. “New plan, new plan. Let’s see… I distract old Okane, and the two of you… steal the weapon!”

Applejack’s mouth fell open. Steal it? Just like that? “That’s yer new plan!?”

“Our new plan, yes. Don’t worry. Just keep out of the guard’s reaches. And, you know, improvise.”

“Improvise is my middle name,” chirped Idared. She seems worriedly excited. So much for having her on Applejack’s side.

“Wait, wait. Hold on. Why’s this so darn important anyway? They can’t even make it without the money and stuff, so why’d y’all need it?”

“That would be due to my father.” Barentu took on a more serious tone. “He has no interest in pony politics, to be honest. The Chancellor could be systematically murdering earth ponies for all he cares. I, naturally, do care. But being his son doesn’t change much. I need him to owe me some form of favour. If I get this weapon back to him, he has promised my faction of earth pony sympathisers the crown’s permission to directly attack the government.”

“You mean a full out war?”

“Not quite. Marching an army over dragon territory would be suicide. No, it would merely be a couple dozen of my highest trained soldiers. There’s no real threat of retaliation from Nova Equestria, due to the whole dragon business. These soldiers wouldn’t go marching blindly in, of course, but they would be available to aid Firefly however she wishes.”

“And whatcha gonna do ‘bout powerin’ these weapons? They need unicorn magic, right?”

“Then The Zebra Kingdom’s unicorns will be busy.” His smile grew at Applejack’s confusion. To what extend was he enjoying baffling her? “Applejack. Did you really think that, after we moved over to Equestria’s east coast, we’d kick out all the ponies? Nonsense. They leave in peace and wealth within our lands, as far removed from the abysmal conditions of this city as possible.”

At least there were some earth ponies out there having great lives. “I guess that makes sense. Still-” Before Applejack could finish, she was interrupted by the office door opening.

“Oh, your majesty. I did for-”

Barentu clapped his hooves together. “Wonderful timing! I was just about to come find you, Mr Mochi. I have decided, after a short deliberation, that I will need a full tour of your company before I make any rash decisions. Who better to give me such a tour than yourself?”

“I, uh. Yes. That’s-”

“My colleagues will wait here. They’ve much work to be done that I’ve pulled them from.” He shook the saddlebags from his body, and onto the nearby chair. “You’ll find all the documents in there, ladies. I’ll be back here to meet you before I leave.” He winked discreetly.

“Barentu. Is this-” Applejack was having as much luck as Mochi at getting a word in.

“Come, my friend, and possible business partner if all goes well.” Barentu gave Mochi a light, playful punch in the leg. The unicorn looked as if he was close to a panic attack. It didn’t help when the zebra threw a foreleg over his shoulder. “Let’s see this company of yours, in all its technological glory.”

“Uh, uh… Y-yes, your majesty.” With Mochi’s reluctant surrender, the two stallions left.

“Well that,” Applejack fumed, “was stupid! What’re we supposed to do now? Just walk out and grab their stuff? That darn prince is such… is such…”

“A genius,” Idared whispered from behind Applejack. The older mare turned to see that the filly had opened the saddlebags, spilling their goods over the floor. She was hunched over them, a hungry look in her eyes. Various metal balls, two sheathed blades, two bodysuits with matching facemasks, and two odd objects looking disturbingly similar to the weapons on the pegasus armour. “Colt shotguns. He shouldn’t have!” She sounded like it was the morning of Hearth’s Warming Day.

“And do I wanna know what those are?” Applejack indicated the balls.

“Grenades, of course.” Idared scooped them up and poured them back into the saddlebags.

“Of course.” Applejack sighed, massaging her temples. When she looked back up, Idared was already getting into the smaller suit. “We’re actually doin’ this, are we? Are ya kiddin’ me?”

“Hell yeah we’re doing this!” The suit was on, and the facemask followed quickly after. “I’ll show you the ropes as we go along, don’t worry.” The sheathed knife was attached to her foreleg as Applejack hurried to catch up. “The freaking next king of the Zebras is kinda counting on us.” The saddleback was on her back. Applejack, on the other hand, was busy hopping around, half in the suit. Going well so far.

“Now c’mon.” Idared grabbed her shotgun, cocked it, and swung it over her back, its strap keeping it secured. “Let’s do some paperwork!”