As soon as I got the letter, I flew to Canterlot as fast as my wings could carry me. My mind raced the entire way, formulating ideas as to how this could have happened. The letter stated that the crew had been outclassed on nearly all fronts. They were clearly outnumbered, which means a large army, likely in the hundreds. The letter stated that the enemies were too well armed. To take down the Possibility, that would mean artillery or other advanced weapons. It also meant they had air capability, most likely airships. Finally, there are a number of highly skilled spell casters on board. I'm a firm believer in the phrase 'In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is a king.' A great deal of our success stems from the fact that we have magic, and our enemies do not. In order to be a contender, that means that they almost certainly had magic as well. But then how would they get it?

"Oh SHIT!" Me. They got it from me. That whole time I spent in recovery in Canterlot, I was giving the research department my knowledge of magic. Of course, only the basics, but those basics would be enough to at least compete with a highly trained group, especially if they were heavily outnumbered. I had already heard reports of some ponies participating in the slave trade, if anyone had the resources to do so... it'd be the nobility. Which means in Canterlot. Which means it would be a simple matter to get their hooves on the outcome of scientific and magical developments under the guise of discovering new business opportunities or whatever the nobility actually does. Then they'd pass it on to whatever den they've got in their pockets. I can't believe I hadn't thought of that before.

Or, I could just be thinking way too much. I mean, I get that she's panicking, but she really should have sent more information than just, 'We're here, help us.' I'll have send a message when I get to Canterlot and have her send me more details.

When I arrived at the castle I was stopped by the guards at the entryway. They say my approach and immediately crossed their wings to deny me passage.

"Halt. The princess has declared she will have no visitors toda.. *Clang*..." The moment they started talking I did the only reasonable thing and smacked their armored heads together. They were knocked out easily, and should stay out long enough for me to get to the princess unhindered. In the main hall, I came across a servant who was carrying a platter. Good.

"Excuse me, do you know where I could find Princess Celestia?" I asked the unicorn.

"Oh, I'm sorry. The princess said she won't be taking visitors today." The mare replied kindly. I rolled my eyes.

"Oh, well, you should take a break. Dormire." I poked her on the nose, and she passed right out. I quickly grabbed the platter before it fell out of her telekinetic grasp. On opening it, I found that it contained a slice of cake, the vanilla with lemon filling kind. "Oh, I know who this is going to, but where is she, and how do I get there? Rrrrrr." I wandered around for another ten minutes, my frustration building with each passing moment. Admittedly, I could have followed the servant straight to the princess. Oh well, here's someone.

"Oh! Good. Listen, I have a... uh, special delivery for Princess Celestia. Do you know where I could find her?" I asked what looked like an elderly musician with a cheery demeanor.

"Ah! The lady's cake. I'll show you the way at once. We probably shouldn't keep her waiting." I followed behind the old stallion for another ten minutes, becoming increasingly frustrated as we appeared to be walking in circles.

"Um... are you sure you know where you're going?" I asked the old coot.

"Oh of course. I might be blind as a bat but I know these old halls like the back of my hoof... wait... where'd I leave my instrument..."

"Oh for FUCK'S SAKE!"

"Griffin, there's no need for that kind of language." Celestia stated as she opened the door on the right and stepped out, with her main all up on the top of her head and wrapped in a towel. She had clearly just gotten out of the bath.

"I told you I knew where I was going." The geriatric gent chided me with a hoof to the side before wandering off.

"Ooh, you brought me cake." The princess smiled as she took a nibble. "Delicious, though what brings you here? I doubt you came all this way to bring me baked goods."

So, Celestia and I walked to the throne room. She took a seat, Luna next to her, while members of the court gathered around as well, and I stood on the carpet in the middle of the floor.

"I came here today because as much as I hate to admit it, I need your help. My crew, my... family, is in danger. The letter Gilda sent me stated that there's an army of well armed and trained soldiers, diamond dogs, that have them trapped within the airship, which has been downed. Eventually, they'll run out of supplies, and they'll either die trying to escape, starve to death on board, or they'll have to surrender." I explained.

"I see."

"What's more, given the number of magic users that are on board, these dogs may possibly have magic of their own that they used to gain the advantage."

"Well then, what would you ask of me?"

"I..." I let out a sigh. "I can't fight them, not on my own. If they were able to beat my crew, I won't be able to do this myself. I know it's a lot to ask but... I don't know how to make this gesture in this form. Forma versus." Wit that, I turned human, dropped onto my hands and knees in front of all the Canterlot nobles, and hung my head. "I humbly beg you to help me rescue them."

"No." Her answer was short, simple, and to the point. It also made no sense to me at all.

"Wha... what?"

"The answer is no Griffin. I can't help you."

"Wh.. why not?"

"Look around. What do you see?"

"I see you, your sister, the nobles of the court, and the guard."

"Exactly Griffin, the guard. Not the army. The guard. Their purpose is to protect Equestria from threats within it's borders. They are numerous, and they are well trained, but most have never experienced combat, at least not the type you're proposing. Given the sheer numbers we're dealing with, for certain success I'd have to commit almost the entirety of the Equestrian defense force to a bloody campaign that would leave this nation undefended against an attack from outside sources. The dogs have already increased the frequency of their attacks as of late, and I cannot afford to leave any part of Equestria undefended. I will not send legions of ponies to their deaths just to save your crew."

"Then what about you?"

"The answer is still no. The reason I don't go now is the same reason why I haven't gone before. I may be immortal, and I may be powerful, but I am neither infallible nor omnipotent. If I were to fall into enemy hands, Equestria would be doomed. The same goes for my sister."

"You have to have some kind of military force, maybe a strike team that can help me to..."

"Griffin, the team you're talking about are the very ones you're asking me to rescue."

"Please... don't make me do this alone." She seemed a little surprised that even if I had no help, I'd still go, despite it being hopeless. She knows that if she doesn't help me, I'll go anyway, and it's basically a death sentence.

"I'm sorry Griffin. I truly am." She shook her head sadly.

"Thank you for your time." At that, I stood, and walked out of the throne room into the foyer.

"Okay, so, first I'll have Spike send a letter to find out all the tactical details, uh, then uh... damnit... there's just no way for me to take on an army entirely on my own. Every fight we've had so far has been on our terms, because we always picked the time, the place, and hit them when they we're at their weakest, but now they've got the upper hand. GRAH!" I slammed my fist against the armrest of the wooden chair.

"Why hello there, I couldn't help but notice that you're in a bit of trouble." I heard a sophisticated, pleasant voice with a smooth tone, lacking the haughty air pretty much everybody had around here.

"Hmm? Fancypants? How can I help you?"

"Oh it's not that you can help me, more like... helping each other, so to speak."

"I'm listening."

"I was present in the courtroom during your... display. Nasty bit of business there. It's truly a shame that the princess can't help, but I believe I can, in return for a favor."

"Go on..." Now he had my attention. Fancypants has always been a clever stallion, able to read the ebb and flow of the world. If he had an idea, I was all ears.

"Now, not that I'd condone such an action, but there are military elements in Equestria other than the guard who are more than willing to engage in dangerous activities... for the right price. Rather unscrupulous individuals."

"You're talking mercs. I happen to know one, a particularly good one, by his reputation."

"Now, unfortunately for you, this kind of assistance is quite expensive, and you can't possibly afford it unless you take a great deal of money out of the New Dominion however, that's where I come in. Now, it's no secret that since your debut, griffins have become a rather 'hot item'. Popularity soared, and, as the owner of 'Fancypants Fancy Pants' as well as being partnered with several other influential clothing companies, having the Griffin model our wares would be... very beneficial, not to mention the increased consumer base from all the griffins flocking to the safety of Equestria, well, they're probably going to want something to wear." Fancypants explained.

"So, I model for you, you pay me, I hire mercenaries and save my family. Too bad I don't have that kind of time. Only a week before their supplies run out."

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm willing to spot you the cash ahead of time. Family comes first after all."

"And what happens if I don't make it back? You'll be out quite a bit of money."

"Oh, I'm confident you'll return. You're the kind of fellow that even if they sent you to Tartarus, you'd climb your way out kicking and screaming and then beat the stuffing out of anything that followed you. If you don't make it back, well, I guess I'll have a winter home on Signal, won't I? Still, I'm certain you'll return, and you can pay me back when you do."

"..."

"Well, what to you say old chap?"

"Fancypants you magnificent bastard. You've got a deal."

"Excellent. Get in contact with whatever ruffians you will, and tell me how much you need."

"Will do." And with that, Fancypants left.

"Hehehe... poor Griffin, you look so lost." I heard a voice that sounded like many from the air around me.

"Chrysalis..." In that moment she appeared in a flash of green fire. Apparently she knows invisibility too. She likely listened in on my conversation with Fancypants, and was just waiting for him to leave before making her presence known.

"I heard you could use some help." She smiled a fang filled smile.

"Hmm, having shape shifting spies is always useful. The only question is what do you want in return?"

"Straight to the point. Oh, it's nothing much. You see, right now you're the king of a nation, and I'm queen of the changeling swarm, it's not too far gone to think an alliance is reasonable, is it?"

"You want me to let changelings have a free run of the New Dominion." I stated plainly. She simply looked at me with that same smile.

"No kidnapping, no replacing. Take unique identities and live your lives. Same deal as Equestria, except none of the lousy inhibitions, like having to check in every week and that nonsense. Done."

"That easily?" She looked genuinely surprised. "Aren't you even a little bit suspicious?"

"Come now, as allies you can just consider it a gesture of good faith. Besides, I don't think you'll stab me in the back, not after you'd have gone through so much to help me get my family back. Besides, you remember what happened at the wedding." It was not a question, it was a declaration made with a sinister smile, because how in the world could she ever forget? Then she looked at me and she gave a slight giggle.

"Finally, someone who knows what a proper alliance is. You make it so your ally can't afford to betray you. These ponies are far too trusting."

"I trust you know the location. Ancientwell. It's on the map, you can't miss it. Get spies inside, replace the important folk, for example, the quartermaster, the armory keeper, pretty much anyone with keys, and make sure to keep my people alive as well as you can without giving yourselves away."

"I've been at the game a lot longer than you, but that look in your eye says you have a plan, so I'll trust your judgement."

"Oh, hey Griffin, you're back." Rarity called as I flew into the library. "I hope you don't mind, but I read your letter, I.."

"Please, Rarity, not now." I interrupted. "Spike, you in here?"

"Uh huh, yeah." The little dragon replied as he came down the stairs. Thankfully, Twilight had enough tact to leave everything where I put it.

"Okay, listen, I can use my magic to send letters, but I can't receive them. I've got a unicorn on my ship specialized in this kind of thing, so I'm going to send letters, and I'll need you to receive them alright?"

"Can do." He replied with enthusiasm. I quickly wrote out a letter asking Gilda for all the tactical details and sent it off. She sent a reply almost immediately, confirming my suspicions. They had magic, and they had laser rifles, as well as artillery, and standard weaponry such as bows, and were advanced enough to use steel for the majority of their weapons and armor. She also confirmed that they were using enslaved griffins as mounts, and at the very least knew how to use the low level protection spell that I always keep on myself.

"Griffin, what's going on, you need to..."

"Shush, I'm trying to think." This time it was Twilight I interrupted. "I'll explain it all later, but right need to think. Hmm... If the timeframe is a week till supplies run out, travel time on foot between the dens here, here, and here is about a week, airship time is three days, that means... a week, a week, another week give or take, then another week, okay, so, got it. Have any of you seen Zeta around? I'm not sure where he lives." Twilight looked at me strangely as I muttered time frames to myself.

"Ooh! I know! I know!" Pinkie Pie shouted as her head popped out of a flower pot. "He's in town because he's in between jobs right now! I'll show you!" She pulled herself the rest of the way out of the pot, then dragged me out of the library and zipped down the street.

I knocked on Zeta's door, which was met my grumbles and mumbling from within. I stood there waiting for a couple minutes until it was opened by Scootaloo. She took one look at me before shouting into the back "Dad! It's for you!" She ran into the back and was soon replaced by the wolf himself.

"Hey, What's up?"

"Zeta. Lets talk in private... I'm calling in that favor."

He gave me a toothy grin at the prospect of a business. "So..." He paused. "Who do I have to kill for you?"

"Not that kind of favor." He seemed surprised at that. After all, that's the kind of thing you normally go to a merc for.

"Then I have no idea how I can be of assistance. What do you want?"

"In one month, I'm going to need a diversion."

"Well, I could do the job for you. Break the speed barrier and I'll light the place up like the 4th of July. And that's not even me pulling out the big guns. I can even give you a discount."

I let out a sigh. "No. I can't hire you."

"Hey I know I'm out of your price range and all, but its called a discount for something. Or we could work out a payment plan for an extended period of time, say a couple months..."

"You misunderstand. I'm planning to do something VERY bad. If I make it out alive, I don't want you trying to kill me afterwards, because you're probably one of the only ones who could succeed." He narrowed his eyes and turned his head away slightly.

"Just what are you getting at anyways?"

"In one month's time, I need a large group to attack a diamond dog warren... and lose."

"Ahh..." He suddenly realized what I was planning. "Thus, the diversion. But what's you're reason?"

"They have my family."

"Good enough for me. Since you're sending them to their deaths, I suppose you don't intend to pay them, and don't want any survivors."

I smiled sadly.

"You can read me too well. They're a distraction, but they have to be committed to the attack, so they can't know they're a distraction. If they pull out too soon, I'm screwed. The entire plan relies on the attack going poorly, straight to the end." The wolf seemed to ponder before grinning evilly.

"I might know a group that'd do the job for the rep as much as for the cash. A little merc company in the south that barks as much as they bite. They wouldn't risk losing their reputation by fleeing if they were already paid a downpayment. I could brooch the deal for ya, and then steal everything back later. In our business, once you're paid, you either succeed, or you die trying."

"Sounds good. I've already got a deal set up to get me enough for a down payment. For completion of the job, I can 'pay' them with land, servants, noble titles, whatever I want, with some pocket change upfront to ensure loyalty."

"How much pocket change are you talking about here?" Zeta frowned. "That'd determine the commitment to the attack."

"Hmm, I could probably get a million and a half or two million. For the whole group, that way, when they see their comrades dying, they'll only get more motivated since the reward would be split fewer times every time one of them dies or gets captured."

"Shit! You call that pocket change? That's more than I got paid for BOTH sides of the Canterlot Wedding job." Zeta literally jumped back in surprise. "And if I know these mercs, they won't be able to shut up about being hired by a king. That's more than enough for the job."

"Good. I'm glad to hear it."

There was a moment of awkward silence between us before Zeta put on a sly grin. Apparently, he thought of something devious.

"So... after they're dead, you won't mind if I raid their hideout and steal it all, would you? You're not going to want the money back?" He seemed very hopeful that I'd say no.

"Nah." He practically lit up. "It's yours. Just make sure you don't let slip what we're up to. If word gets out, I'm a dead man. A million or two is a small price to pay for my own life, not to mention that of my family. Just hope they don't blow all the cash before you have a chance to rob them."

He laughed loudly.

"I'm not worried about it. These guys will probably just leave it around their home so they can look at it, or buy expensive shit to feel fancy. Anyways, I'll get in touch with the Wild Hogs and let you know. I've got some letters to send." And with that, we both left, having plotted a betrayal and mass murder.

'I have some letters to send myself.'

I returned to the library where Twilight, Rarity, and Spike were waiting, along with the rest of the mane six. Apparently, Twilight must have called them in. I'm not sure why. There couldn't be much help by the way they were just milling about the library, at a total loss about how to deal with the situation. Some days, it blows my mind that these six mares, who are barely into adulthood, and have almost no tactical sense, are responsible for defending Equestria against incredible threats, and they always succeed by the skin of their teeth.

"Alright, Griffin, I've had just about enough." Twilight began angrily. "You've made a mess of the library, stormed off, came back, and haven't told anyone what's going on! I get that you're worried right now, but you need to tell us what you're planning!"

"Don't worry about it. It's all taken care of. I just need to send one more letter, get some supplies, meet somebody in Canterlot, and everything will be fine."

"What?!?"

"I'm going to send a letter, and in two months, Gilda will be sitting in this library."

Gilda,

Read carefully, this is important. What I want you to do is to hold out for five days on the resources you have, and then try to contact the diamond dogs outside. Find out what they want. It's likely they'll want you to surrender. Negotiate for the next two days, see what you can get, and when supplies run out, surrender. Don't try to escape, don't make a break for it, don't risk anyone's lives, and don't try to hold out and starve yourselves in the process. It's going to take me longer than a week to get to you, but when I do arrive, everything will be alright. I have a plan. I can't tell you in the letter because it's fairly complicated, and part of it relies on you not knowing what I'm up to. I'm sorry I can't tell you everything, but you're just going to have to trust me.

Griffin.

"That takes care of the letter. Now then. Rarity... I need some clothes, and LOTS of gemstones."