“Now gather round, young Siri.” Zecora called, bringing her daily training session to order. Since Zakia’s arrival, more and more new recruits and fresher Siri Agents have traveled to Equestria. Thankfully, the Everfree Forest provided an optimal amount of cover and it helped that Fluttershy, being the only settlement too close to the forest, was properly broken in. Otherwise, Zakia would not allow such a large and noticeable movement. “Now, Master Zakia has asked me to go over the various potions you will be using. While many of you already know what these do and how to use them, many have arrived and are not as familiar with them or the wide range of scenarios. So I’ll be doing reviews of them throughout the next week, while having those that have more experience provide additional insight from their experience on the field with them.”

Looking throughout the room, a few dozen zebras, both mare and stallion, stood and watched eagerly. Some were there because of the skill they have shown and were assigned as Siri. While others were more veteran Siri Agents, but were unfamiliar with Equestria and required additional tutelage. It warmed Zecora’s heart to know that so many were already being assigned and stationed. Normally you’d never see so many fresh Siri on the front lines. Though this changed after the conquering of three of the mane six in such a short time. Her master requested more forces to bring over so they could advance things more quickly. Because of this she had to assign many new Siri arrivals with a mentor for their field work, while also gaining assistance to help her with the increased workload.. Zakia said things were going to change in a big way in Ponyville soon. This could only mean her Master was preparing for a more direct approach. She could not help but wonder if or how Zakia would reward her for her service. But she had work to do. Those wanton thoughts would have to be put to use later for when they were more than a fantasy in her head..

“Now, first, discretion and secrecy are our highest priority. You have all been chosen solely for your skills in these crafts and we do not want to fail our Master or our people.” Zecora began her lesson. She could tell that each Siri there was loyal and eager, but she had to be sure they were well taught. “Now, as you know, I am Zecora, your Mwangalizi. It is my duty to be sure you are all ready for what is out there. Some of you may know very well what I am about to explain, but with the influx of new arrivals, I feel this course is required, and having a sound foundation only strengthens you as a pillar of the Siri. Never forget that it only took them one day to destroy our great Empire and you must be the pillars that hold it up once more.”

The history of the Zebra Empire, though lost to history and time, was never forgotten by the Zebras. Zecora saw the look on all the Siri faces. She knew they understood her words. But she was not there to remind them of what was lost, Zecora was there to inform them of how to forge a new Empire in Equestria. Reaching over to a table, Zecora revealed a large glass flask. Swashing about in the flask was a strange, almost colorless liquid, and yet it shimmered with the light of a bright, yet fading rainbow hue.

“This is Uhuru, a special drug crafted by our skilled alchemists, witch doctors and scientists alike and blessed by our Goddess that also blessed our Master with his gifts..” Zecora explained, showing the flask to all the Siri Agents. “Also referred to as the Potion of Freedom, it is ironically called so for its capabilities to free one’s mind and body of all fears, doubts, and worries. But this is only half true. The other truth is, this potion in repeated and larger doses can cause the user to enter a suggestive state where they seek endless pleasures; it becomes an addiction.” Placing down the potion, Zecora finished her explanation. There would be more to tell at a later time. “Now, thanks to the guidance of our agents back home and on the frontline. Myself included, this potion has been further refined where now even a small dosage will put the user in a station even more potent than the most adverse effects. Though we are still unsure of its fullest extent, we have made sure to guarantee that Zebras have been properly treated to be immune to its effects alongside our allies who are still undergoing this slow process. So fear of self ingestion or use is nonexistent unless you, for whatever foolish reason, consume more of it than water for a few weeks if you’re a zebra. Griffins that wish to avoid the effect of the drug must be given a brew every one hundred and sixty-eight hours or a week simply put.”

Zecora’s lecture went on for a few hours as she thoroughly explained its use and the many forms it came in and how they used it. They are to report back its effectiveness because of it being something they are constantly refining and seeking to improve. Clarifying that those with higher magical resistances are less likely to be affected. She had a busy day ahead of her, as she had to do this several more times throughout the day. Training these agents would be a daunting task. Not only were they forced to handle a landscape they are still growing familiar with, but there would be no room for errors of any kind.

---

In the heart of Canterlot, along the bustling streets of the fabled city, lay a certain restaurant, the “Tasty Treat”, owned by Coriander Cumin, and his daughter Saffron Masala. Coriander had an amber coat and well-maintained mane that was dyed a dark raspberry. His rather large stomach, which was held back by his dark tan shirt and large dark amber pants, along with his large square mustache was often an intimidation factor, but his violet eyes held the soul of a hard worker who did his best to greet and serve his customers to the best of his abilities. A very hard working stallion if there ever was one. His daughter, on the other hand, was almost like a flower amidst the fumes of the restaurant’s spices and seasonings. Her curvaceous golden orange body, accompanied by her sizable breasts and near heart shaped rear, often enticed many young stallions to try and court her, much to her large father’s disappointment; and her fuchsia dyed curls of a mane was an envy among the younger mares who spent hundreds of bits to barely imitate it, a fact Saffron was quite proud of a true gem among mares. Coriander loved his daughter greatly, doing the best he could to raise her on his own, and even spent many shifts worth of tips to buy her whitish-yellow dress, the only remnant of his wife was the red cloth that Saffron wore delicately around her neck. Today was a slow day. No customers were arriving and Coriander considered closing early, but the ringing of the bell atop the door drew his attention away from his cleaning. Normally, Coriander would greet the potential customer with the utmost courtesy, but the guest was one he had not expected...so soon; it was a zebra stallion, one of Zakia’s Siri Agents. The Zebra wore a fine suit befitting any stallion found in Canterlot, giving him the air of sophistication, or at the very least, he had bits to spend. The two said nothing, only stared at each other for a few moments, time all but stopping as their eyes looked each other over.

“W-welcome to the Tasty Treat.” Coriander broke the silence with his usual greeting. “May I interest you in our special tea blend?” Unlike any other customer who would’ve gone through his doors, seeing the zebra sent a shiver down his spine.

“You may. Please sprinkle some shade leaf over it please.” The Zebra smiled, sitting down in one of the booths in the corner of the room. His tone was casual and yet held an air of command. “We have much to discuss.”

“Y-yes... of course.” Coriander’s body tensed a bit after hearing the Zebra’s request for shade leaf. It was a phrase he was given recently for when he would be approached by a Siri. Something that changed often to confirm who they were. “Who sent you?”

“Mwenye heri.” The Zebra responded calmly, his expression unchanged, not a shred of distrust painted on his face as Coriander’s blood froze at the name. “Come, sit with me for a moment.”

“S-s-s-saffron! We have a special guest, bring the finest tea and grind some shade leaf into it!” Coriander called his daughter, making his way to the Zebra. Sitting down, Coriander made sure his eyes could shift from his guest and through the door to ensure privacy. “How did you know of me, or my daughter? You are not one I know of, nor one that makes such a visible statement with such attire.”

“Our handler, the Mwangalizi, informed me I would have a safe place in Canterlot for my mission.” The Zebra explained, his eyes surveying the scene of the restaurant. Seeing no one else was around, even in the spots where one could hide themselves, he relaxed only a little. “As well as give you, and your daughter, your own mission beyond what you currently do.”

“B-but we have a mission.” Coriander objected, his tone raising a moment before composing himself. “We have set up this shop exactly as instructed, we have served the citizens of Canterlot food coated in Zebra spices, given them drinks spiked with the potion in small doses, and filled their lungs with the faint aroma of the incense we were given. I have sent report after report in secret to the Mwangalizi so she would have a better understanding of Canterlot and key targets.” As the zebra only continued to watch, he seemed to raise his voice only a little more in protest. “I was to never have any mission besides that. That was the deal! We have given so much, is that not enough?”

“F-father, who is this?” Saffron asked, just arriving with the tea. She quickly made herself a mute as she understood who the other stallion was. Coriander gestured to her to sit with the two stallions, serving a small cup of tea to the Siri. “Has something changed with our mission?” She was kept mostly in the dark about the many things regarding the mission she and her father had been given for the ‘kindness’ they had given them long ago. She knew enough to understand that they couldn’t escape it. “W-we have done nothing wrong, have we?”

“Nothing has changed.” Coriander answered stubbornly, his stare could almost pierce the Siri’s head. He didn’t want to worry his daughter more than he had to, she was all he had left. He wouldn’t dare cross the Siri for the fear of being ‘removed’ for acting against them. “We have given everything to the Master. We will not stray from our role only because some Siri has told me otherwise.”

“I understand.” The Siri responded, his voice remained calm and collected. “But perhaps you should consider this first.” Reaching into his suit, the Siri pulled out a sealed envelope. Upon quick inspection, Coriander recognized The Master’s seal and quickly opened the letter. “These words come from him and no one else.”

To Coriander and Saffron, Hello to you both. I hope the Siri I have sent has been handling his assignment well. I apologize for the informal nature of this slight change in your mission. I understand the risk you have taken for our cause, as well as knowing how deep your loyalties are to myself and my goals. But unfortunately, an unforeseen change in your mission must be made. There are two ponies in Canterlot, Hondo Flank and Cookie Crumble, both of which are the parents of a person of interest. While I can handle the person of interest, I want to utilize one of my Siri to convert these two. They are known for traveling a great deal and would benefit us in several ways. You and your daughter have served me for many years, and I know you can handle this.

Your instructions on this matter do not differ from your normal role: Gather intelligence, drug the population through food, drink, and incense, and to convert potentials to the Siri. Your mission is to do the same, but to these specific targets. I give you full control over how the situation may be handled and give you permission to achieve your mission in whatever way that does not reveal our presence to the Princesses. Freedom to act is granted, but discretion is still our priority. Make no move against them should the situation prove too much. Report any changes to my local agents. Finally, it should go without saying, but your shop’s location has been chosen to serve as a safe house for all Siri Agents tasked in Canterlot. The one who delivered this letter is the first of many who will come and go as the safe-house becomes active after being dormant for so long. What their mission is, is at their own discretion, and all that is provided is that they use your establishment until their missions are complete. Diggers will seek expansion under your establishment at a later date to further its size and operations.

I trust everything is in order and you understand your role. Do not fail me. Mwenye heri

“I... I understand.” Coriander responded aloud, igniting his horn to set the parchment a flame to remove any evidence of his allegiance. “I still dislike this, but what the Master commands I shall obey, as I have for years. I will send both rumors and flyers to draw these targets to my restaurant.”

“There is no need.” The Siri interjected, finishing his tea with a relaxed sigh. “From what our closest Siri was able to barely gather, the couple has been interested in your restaurant since you had the mares Pinkie Pie and Rarity help you. You remember those two?”

“Why yes, they were so kind to help us.” Saffron responded before her father. “It is ironic, thanks to them, that our reconnaissance has been able to continue and even improve with the growing customers. I do hope whoever is assigned to them treats them well. I think they would serve quite well.” She knew that she’d suffer the same fate down the road, but she feared she might be given to a less than kind zebra herself.

“The Master will personally handle them.” The Siri commented, only revealing as much as he was permitted. “But the targets were going to come, anyway. Master only wanted to be sure you keep an eye out for them, and do whatever it takes. Understood?”

“Yes.” Coriander nodded. With his task complete, the Siri got to his hooves and headed towards the door. “One more thing, if I may ask, what is your mission that would require such clothes?”

“My role was simply to give you the letter.” The Siri answered before departing from the table, finishing his tea. “We shall meet again, in time.”

“You think the Master will be pleased?” Saffron smiled at the thought of Zakia praising her for her hard work. “Last time he was here, he was very interesting and held the same aura as his mentor. He even said I had the makings of a fine Siri. I do hope I’ve lived up to those expectations… for both our sakes.”

A dreadful silence covered the two. Saffron knew that if the two of them were to live a good life in the future when everything was said and done. That they needed to ensure they gained plenty of favor with Zakia. She and her father had served the Siri for a long time and her very life was indebted to them… she couldn’t escape them even if she wanted to. She was a means to an end and all she could do was make things better for themselves. But because of their years of service, they have been spared not only anything that would’ve befallen a pony who knows too much, but neither were they promised a perfect place in the zebras’ future plans. For now, they were to be as beneficial to their providers as they could. It was the only way.

“Whether we get praise or scorn, we shall do as the Master orders.” Coriander responded, walking over to the kitchen door. His eyes then met with a photo of a younger Coriander holding a foal Saffron. “After all, we owe him and the Siri everything. I only wish your mother could have been around to see you grow.” Coriander's heart fluttered a bit as he recalled his wife. He remembered her warm smile and caring nature. It wrecked his heart to think that she had died, but she did so to ensure their daughter would survive after her birth. It was a devilish deal given by the Siri. It was one he and his wife had eagerly accepted, though, for Saffron’s sake. Coriander felt his daughter’s hands wrap around him as she hugged him from behind as he sat. His hand clasped over hers and he thought. “We will survive this one way or another”

---

“Well honey, I think this is a swell treat.” Hondo Flank commented, his hands holding two free tickets to Canterlot. His blue Hoofwaii shirt only made him stand out as another tourist. Sticking the thickets back into his denim pants pocket, he turned to his wife. “Now we just need to find the restaurant.”

“But Dear.” Cookie Crumble commented. Her red shirt and white pants were almost covered in sweat from their trip. “We’ve been circling Canterlot’s restaurant district for hours. Can’t we just eat at one of them?”

“No can do, honey bun.” Hondo shook his head, then continued looking. “We won these tickets to Canterlot and I want to meet the restaurant owner Rarity told me about during her last trip.”

“How did you even win these tickets again?” Cookie asked, using her yellow ascot to wipe her face a little. “We were in such a rush, you never told me.”

“Didn’t I? Oh sorry honey, you see...” Hondo explained his story to Cookie, while still walking around. “I was in the Ponyville market, when I saw this zebra doing some lottery. He seemed like a charming fellow, and it was only one bit of a turn. I turned it and I won the grand prize.”

“That is pretty lucky, was he surprised?” Cookie asked, following close to her husband. “I know I’d be surprised.”

“He said I was the luckiest pony he ever met.” Hondo then reached into his other pocket and pulled out a small bag of dried leaves. “He even gave me this bag.” Hondo reached into his traveler’s backpack and withdrew a small leather bag.

“What is it?” Cookie asked. The smell it produced as Hondo opened the bag made her mouth water. “It smells heavenly.”

“I don’t know exactly. I never asked the name. The zebra told me it’s a common snack where he’s from and offered it as a congratulations for winning.” Hondo answered, putting a few leaves in his mouth. “They’re dry when you put them in, but somehow melt in your mouth like chocolate and they taste amazing. Try one.”

“Wow, this is amazing!” Cookie said, eating a few leaves. The sensation of the dry leaves swelling from her own saliva, then releasing such exotic flavors, made her body shiver with delight. “But we still need to find that restaurant soon. I’m getting really hungry.”

“Then you have come to the right place, my friend.” called a nearby stallion voice. Turning their gaze, Hondo and Cookie met eyes with Coriander. His expression was warm and humble, along with his open and embracing body language. “I have overheard you are hungry, so why not come to my eating establishment? We are always open and you will taste nothing like it anywhere else.” Coriander then paused for a moment. He knew who these ponies were. The photo the Siri provided was enough information, but he felt he was coming on too strong. “Oh, but excuse me for being so forward. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Coriander Cumin.”

“Coriander?! That’s perfect, we were looking for you.” Hondo commented, shaking Coriander’s hand. “You see, a few months ago, my daughter helped with your restaurant and told us all about it. We had to come see it.”

“You are Rarity’s parents?” Coriander asked. He knew the answer, but had to maintain the charade. “Well, come this way, I can show you a meal you would never forget.”

---

After several minutes, Coriander led the ponies to his restaurant. The two were obviously impressed by the allure of the building; more so than even the most gullible of tourists. Coriander fought to hide his confident smirk. These two ponies were making their conversion almost too easy. He then shook his head, banishing any arrogant thoughts. He knew what happened when you got ahead of yourself and it wasn’t good. He was tasked with corrupting these two, and he was not going to get cocky about it. There was always the chance of failure. Reaching into her shirt pocket, Coriander unlocked the door.

He had placed Saffron in the back of the restaurant to wait for the doorbell to ring; to prevent any customer from entering, the door was locked and Saffron awaited her father’s return. Opening the door, the bell rang, signaling Saffron that her father and their targets had entered. They had been informed of the two’s arrival and that today was the day to act. They had little time to prepare, but they made do. Hondo and Cookie were taken in by the interior of the restaurant, struggling to resist the urge to take photos.

“Welcome, my friends, to the Tasty Treat.” Coriander gestured his hands around the store. “Come sit, I shall bring you a nice appetizer of my homeland. Saffron! We have guests, bring out the specials!”

“Well, that is certainly nice of him.” Hondo commented, watching his host leave for the kitchen. “It was very lucky he found us like he did.I’m afraid we would have not found them anytime soon otherwise!”

“And he’s so charming.” Cookie giggled a little, enjoying how kind Coriander was. She then grabbed a few more leaves. “I don’t know why, but these snacks are just making me hungrier and a bit tingly.”

“Just don’t spoil your appetite dear.” Hondo chuckled, taking a few bites of the leaves himself. “We still have so much more to eat. This place is so amazing, I just want to eat everything.”

“I do hope you weren’t waiting long.” A young mare’s voice commented. Turning around, Hondo and Cookie met eyes with Saffron, who was not in her more conservative attire, but a metal clasped bikini style attire. Similar to that of a belly dancer floating around her in an aura of magic, several servings of food floated to the table. “Hello my dear guests, I’m Saffron Masala, I do hope you enjoy yourselves and our delicious food from the far east.” Across the table, spreads of various foods such as Jalebi, Chana Masala, Karhi, Aloo Gobi, Halwa Puri, and Daal. As Hondo and Cookie marveled over the exoticism of their meal, Saffron poured them two cups of Kashmiri Chai. “This is all on the house, it is the least we can do for Rarity and her parents.”

“We, that’s kind of you.” Hondo smiled, lifting his spoon to take the first bite. His eyes lit up with the sheer brilliance of taste and flavor. His taste buds orgasmed in his mouth, as if nothing could make him feel this way ever again. “Honey! you have to try this!” Taking a bite of the food, Cookie almost squealed from delight, the food was beyond what she thought possible."

“This is so delicious!” Cookie commented, taking more bites of food, savoring all flavors. “I just have to know this recipe!”

“Oh well, that is no problem.” Saffron smiled, shaking her hips a little in excitement; an act that did not escape Hondo’s eyes. “I shall ask my father if he would be okay with sharing the recipe.” Moving away from the table, Saffron returned to the kitchen. Within the kitchen, Coriander watched his daughter with great praise. “Father, this is so easy. They are like children being given candy. They act as if they trust me fully from the moment we met and as if I knew them for years.”

“I know Saffron, but we must find a way to separate them.” Coriander commented. “Those dry leaves they are eating are the key ingredient for the aphrodisiac potion, and all their food has been spiced with the zebra ingredients given to us.”

“I found an opportunity.” Saffron explained. “The mare said she wants to know the recipe. So I’ll send her to the kitchen and we both handle one at a time.”

“That will work perfectly. Be sure to lock the door before you make your move. “Coriander praised his daughter’s cleverness. “Go and send her in, I will prepare for her now” Saffron exited the kitchen with the news. Coriander watched as his daughter left and turned to a self and moved some jars to the side and grabbed a small bottle. Inside were a few pills inside of it, pills that he had to take to even do the things he did. He hated what he had to do, but he had to do it for his daughter’s safety and these pills made it easier to be… a monster when it was needed. He took one and returned the bottle to its hiding spot and awaited the mare to arrive in his kitchen. Feeling the effects of the pill already taking effect.

“My father has said he would love to show you the recipe.” Saffron told Cookie to direct her to the kitchen. “He awaits to show you inside.”

“Oh, this is so exciting, dear. Will you be okay without me?” Cookie asked, but the sight of Hondo enjoying his meal was enough of an answer. “Well, I’ll be right back.”

As Cookie left her husband’s side, Saffron smirked at how she would seduce this gullible stallion. She moved to the door as she watched the pony gorge himself on the food. She wondered if all stallions were so easily tamed with food as they were with having their dick sucked. Saffron was more than confident she could handle this stallion. He gave no indication that he was even strong enough of will to resist such a temptation. He was some middle aged pony that was so naive, so gullible that he could be persuaded into anything; the perfect target. Looking back and forth between him and the kitchen door, the clever mare prepared herself.

Next Chapter: Chapter 02: A Tasty Treat Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 27 Minutes