Chapter One

A bolter round bounced down the dimly lit corridor, as a single Alpha Legion Infiltrator sprinted for cover. Quickly, the maximus clad legionnaire took cover in one of the sealed hallways, pulling his needle rifle, modified with long range sniper rifle capabilities, from his reptilian scale cloak. He checked how many more needle rounds were left, as bolter rounds detonated against the hallway's corner, noticing he had less than half a full cartridge.

"Damn, Salidar, look what you have gotten yourself into now?" The Infiltrator snickered, prepping his needle rifle for combat. "This is what I get for leaving the Warsmith's Warband, trying to work with one of my 'brothers' and get some revenge for Warsmith Zarrix… Though, maybe I should have expected the betrayal for their own cover, the risk comes with such a job." Carefully, Salidar peeked around the corner, spotting four Imperial Fist Tactical Marines slowly moving towards his position. "Huh… Seems they got smart, and put their helmets on. Oh well." He pulled a frag grenade out, pulling the pin with his thumb. "This should be enough to cover my escape."

Salidar tossed the armed frag grenade towards his pursuers, allowing it to roll at their feet. "Scatter, grenade!" One yelled, before the grenade went off, creating a blanket of fire and smoke, concealing the infiltrator's continued escape. "W-Where did he *cough* go!? Find him, quickly! We cannot let the traitor escape!"

The infiltrator kept a steady pace, eyes canning for somewhere he could use as concealment. Behind him, sounds of fast, armored, footfalls told Salidar that his pursuers started to chase him again. "Gotta hand it to the VII Legion… They are very tenacious." Salidar thought, rounding a corner. "Need to find somewhere to-crap!" He came to a screeching halt, nearly running right into an Imperial Fist Terminator. "U-Uh… This isn't where I left my copy of the Adeptus Astartes Codex, Redemption Edition! Must have made a wrong turn… I'll just leave you be."
When Salidar went to turn around, the Terminator lifted his combi-bolter up. "Die, Traitor."

The next moment, bolter rounds sprayed all over the corridor, Salidar sprinting like a madman and narrowly dodging each explosive round. "I. Really. Hate. This. MISSION!" He yelled, not noticing a bolter round bouncing off his teleporter beacon.

Soon, the Infiltrator was being chased by four Tactical Marines and one Terminator, all five shooting at their decent distance between the Imperial Fists and himself, until reaching an opened chamber. Quickly, he combat-rolled inside, pressed the 'lock' key, and destroyed its panel after the door sealed shut. Once he was sure the door had been sealed, keeping the Imperial Fists out, Salidar slung his needle rifle and unhitched the teleporter beacon. He worked on an emergency recall, needing to get out of this location before he is captured by the Imperial Fists. With his cover already blown, by betrayal, there is no reason for him to remain on this warship any longer.

"Come on… Come on…" Salidar muttered, pressing the keys for his desired destination recipient… The beacon's damaged side facing away from him. When the device clicked, Salidar gave an approving now. "Good, all I need do now, is hit the-!" A sudden melta-blast drew the infiltrator's gaze towards the door, seeing it bent open. A Terminator's power-fist grasping its frame, prompting Salidar to fully activate the beacon… Now noticing the damage on it. "Oh-!"

He vanished in a flash of light, as the Imperial Fists finally breached and went into capture Salidar. They all looked around, the Terminator activating his armor mounted light and began to scan the dimly lit room. To their confusion, and dismay, they were unable to locate Salidar or find a single trace out of their prey. "Who would like to inform the Force Commander, that our intruder managed to escape without a single trace of where they went?" The Terminator asked, none of the Tactical Marines saying a word, or volunteering in anyway. "Fantastic."

-Ponyville Day Spa-

Lotus Blossom, the light cerulean twin of Aloe, dutifully went through different financial records, customer appointments, supply sheets, monthly bills, and different business notices; that needed to be filed for their Spa or reviewed. A lot of this required multiple workers to handle correctly, but not for this mare, which is a secret very few knew about. Lotus was rather gifted with administration and filing work, making her quite a pain for any tax-collector or local town worker trying to trick them or pull wool over their eyes. In truth, she wanted to take this gift, along with her love for helping others, and challenge the world of politics. However, when she did have a chance to do this, the family owned Spa hit rock bottom and Lotus could not abandon her sister, forcing Aloe to fend for herself.

So, the mare became content with working as a beautician and the spa's administrator. Things have gotten better, but they still require high quotas to make sure all financial points are met. Even now, Lotus had stayed an hour past closing time, just to get their paperwork handled correctly. "Alright… Ve need to get more ointments, lotions, herbal remedies, hairspray, and seaweed wraps. Water, power, and heating are due within ze next six days." She looked at the next few sheets of paper, frowning and rubbing her forehead out of concern. "And ve do not have enough customers to handle ze payments."

Lotus leaned on to the desk, where she worked at, both hands over her eyes. There were not enough appointments scheduled between now and when everything needed to be paid for, even if their best customer, Rarity, came in every day. Missing payments is not an option for them, it could set them all back and prevent customers from receiving what they pay for… Which would lead to them losing customers, something they could not afford.

"Ugh!" lotus groomed, pulling her hands down, both eyes looking upwards. "I cannot believe zose big vigs in town hall raised ze taxes and payments, just to line zeir pockets." She placed her forehead on to the desk, arms draped over its edge. "Tourism influx and damage insurance my tail… No pony really comes to Ponyville for zight zeeing and ze town iz only damaged two times out of every ten attacks. Vhile ve suffer, zey enjoy ze finer zings in life. It iz not fair for ze common pony." Lotus pulled her head up, noticing on election flyer, that had been left there by its precious occupant… Seeing Spoiled Milk's arrogant grin of pre-victory, as if she had already won, despite registration just now opening. "I vish I could vipe zat look of your face."

Both the mare's eyes narrowed on to the flyer. Numerous times had Spoiled Milk came to the Spa, with her yes-mares, and talked down about those not of the same social status as her. About how easy it is to fool the "peasants" into believing her, and getting away with taking funds away from where Ponyville really needed them… Such as the local schoolhouse, needing supplies, or landmarks requiring much needed renovations and repairs.

"But, zanks to your new bill, no pony can run against you…" She leaned back into the chair, placing both hands over her white skirted lap. "How does Ms. Dash zay it? Zis iz total zi-!"

"SHIT!" A metallic voice yelled after a bright flash appeared, followed by something heavy falling into the hot tub.

The sudden interruption caused Lotus to jump out of her chair, staring up at said hot tub. Carefully, Lotus grabbed a hidden bat, used for unruly visitors, and approached the upper level and began to look the water, seeing a rather large shadow there. "C-Come out, now! M-Maybe I vill g-go easy on you!" She instructed, body trembling, as the made held her bat up defensively.

A few more moments passed, and no response came, causing Lotus to become more worried than scared. When she got closer to the tub's edge, lowering her weapon, an armored giant burst from the water, taking a deep breath of air! The teal armored giant grasped on to the hot tub's edge, pulling himself on to its edge. "Worst… Operation… Ever." He groaned, keeping his upper body out of the water, a strange contraption in his right hand. "First op back with my original Legion, and I get betrayed by another Infiltrator. Then, I am chased by three Imperial Fists marines and one Terminator, into a sealed room. To make matters all worse, my teleporter beacon malfunctions from being damaged! Now, I fall into a pool of water, filled with Primarchs knows what." Sluggishly, he removed the helmet and tossed it to the side… Revealing his short-cropped hair cut, military stile, and seemingly generic features. "I could really use a vacation."

Lotus just stared at the giant, as he simply leaned against the hot tub's edge, seemingly trying to catch his breath. Her gaze scanned his armor, taking note of the battle scars across its teal metal. She even noticed how strained this giant seemed, so worn out that he was barely able to get out of the water. He is a creature that was tensed and stressed, one who needed relaxation… He was a soul in need of help!

While trying not to draw his attention, or startle him, Lotus put her bat down. The mare reached up, fixing her white headband, then straightened her matching uniform, making sure the pink stockings were pulled up tight. Then, she made sure her ink-pale rose hair and tail were straight, and without any stray strands. Once done, Lotus placed both hands in front of herself, putting on the best 'welcome' smile she could, and walked up to the giant. "E-Excuse me, sir! I do not know about ze vacation… But, I can off you ze best massage and treatment for miles!"

"A massage actually sounds fantastic." Slowly, the armor creaking with movement, he dragged himself out of the tub, water pouring out, and on to his feet. "But, I doubt there is time to-?" He blinked, spotting the kind looking mare in front of him.

"Welcome to the Ponyville Day Spa!" Lotus cheerfully announced, still hodling her smile. "I am Lotus Blossom, it iz after working hours, and I am ze only one here… But, I vould be happy to be of assistance!"

"Salidar…" The sheer surprise of what he saw caused him to tell the mare his name. Salidar then scanned every detail on Lotus, even as she kept smiling.

"Vell, Mr. Salidar… Vould you like a massage? Full treatment, it appears you vould greatly enjoy it, along vith need it." She motioned towards one of the larger massage tables, meant for when they have a Minotaur customer. "Vith it being after hours, I vill not charge you… Especially in your current condition."

Salidar continued to stare' at Lotus, eyeing both her human features, but became rather confused by her cerulean skin, pale rose hair and tail. What really got him, were also the mare's equine features. His fingers began to tap against the needle rifle, Salidar looking at their surroundings to make sure that this was not a trick. "And why should I trust you?" He asked, Salidar's ice blue eyes locking on to Lotus' moderate azure ones. "In my profession, you learn not to trust so easily."

This caused Lotus to falter in her happy persona, somewhat offended at how her integrity had been called into question. "Vith all due respect, Mr. Salidar, I take my professional integrity very seriously. If I tell you vhat I am ding, zen zat is vhat I am going to do." She quickly spun around, walking over to the massage table. "Now, off vith ze armor. Even I can tell you are tense, and zis spa removes such zings from our customers."

Now that caused Salidar to blink before realizing that he was not exactly in any danger. Plus, there is no telling where that teleporter beacon sent him, either. The best option, right now, was for him to play along and not draw any unwanted attention to himself. "Yes, ma'am… It will take around an hour to get this armor off, where can I do so?"

"My VIP Room vill do." She motioned to one of the private massage rooms. "Ze door is unlocked, and zere should be a towel for you to vear."

Salidar gave a nod, walking towards the VIP Room, his gaze glancing back at Lotus, making sure she was not attempting anything. Carefully, keeping an eye on his host, he went into the VIP Room and locked the door.

-An Hour and a Half Later-

Lotus double checked all of her supplies, making sure everything was ready, and gave a light nod. All the mare is missing now, would be her customer and he should be almost ready. "Mr. Salidar? Are you almost ready, zir?" She asked, working on a few of the needed supplies.

"I may have an issue, Ms. Blossom." Salidar spoke up, followed by sounds of the VIP Room's door opening.

"Oh, Mr. Salidar, I can handle any issue thrown at me." Lotus giggled, lathering her hands with massage oil and turned around. "Now, what seems to be ze problem, de-eee-e!" Her eyes went wide, and face flushing.

Standing before her, would be a nearly nude Salidar! A towel simply held in front of his hips. Every inch of his form matched that of a demi-god's physique, muscles matching a heavy weight body builder's. He matched that of a minotaur's build, but his tone held muscle greater than even Iron Will's! Lotus found it very difficult to take her eyes off the Astartes, wanting to keep looking at his body, that would make master sculptures weep.

"The towel does not fit around my waist, properly… Will this be a problem?" Salidar asked, keeping one hand on the towel, unable to wrap it around his hips.

"N-No, of c-course not!" Lotus answered, averting her eyes by turning around. "Just grab a second towel, and lay on to your stomach. Ve vill use zem both to cover you, and your magnificent body." She whispered the compliment, but he still managed to hear it.

"As you wish." Salidar walked over to the nearby towel rack, retrieving a second one. The Astartes then walked over to Lotus' massage table, noticing that she continued to keep her back towards him… And not at the fact that Salidar hid his combat knife behind the front towel, obviously not wanting to be caught off guard. He laid down on to the massage table, in a prone position, placing the second towel over his exposed rear. "Ready when you are, Ms. Blossom."

"Of course, let us begin. "Lotus snapped herself out of the thoughts Salidar's body brought, and step on to the table. "Do not be alarmed, but due to your size? I must be up here to work." She informed, Salidar giving a nod of acknowledgement. Seeing this, Lotus gently straddled the Astartes' waist, placing her supplies to the side, and both hands on to his back. "He's hard as metal! Sweet Celestia, vhat does he use to vork out!?" The mare mentally swooned, before concentrating as to why she is on his back, in the first place.

Both of Lotus' hands began to gently press against Salidar's back, moving in slow circular motions. Right away, she could feel how tensed the muscles were, many of which seemed to be overworked and stressed. Keeping her hands moving, in that circular motion, the mare allowed her stockings covered knees to press against Salidar's side, moving them in the same motion. Soon enough, the muscles she worked on began to relax against her touch, feeling them loosen and allowed Lotus to move on to another muscle group that needed to be tended to. After a bit of work, she finished the areas on Salidar's back and had him turn over, finding this more awkward since she still had to straddle him.

But, there had been one thing to cause Lotus to become hesitant about touching, and that would be the countless scars across his body. These weren't accident scars, each one being either medical or battle scars, the kinds that would be extremely painful to endure, large gash scars appearing over his flesh. "So, um, Mr. Salidar… Vhat might your profession be?" Lotus asked, massaging the oil into his abdominal and pectoral areas. "Your body iz quite defined… It must be ztraining."

"In a way, yes." He answered, keeping both eyes open enough to secretly keep an eye on the mare. "Think of me as a… Problem solver. When there is a problem, I am sent in to deal with the issue."

Her ears perked up, after hearing Salidar's answer. "A problem zolver? I cannot tell you hov much Ponyville could use your help." Lotus giggled, allowing her hands to press against another tense muscle group, at the low center abdominal. "I vant to try and run against zis mare currently acting as our town's board leader, but I do not have ze bits nor can I just leave my zister to run our family's spa alone."

"Oh? You wish to do something about a political leader, but do not have the funds and do not wish to leave your sister alone?" Salidar asked, grunting after one of his muscles relaxed with a 'pop'. "I assume it is for a good reason?"

"You vould be correct." Lotus answered, moving her hands back up to his chest and shoulders. "Because ze current board's chair pony has increased both taxes and payments on everything, only ze rich could oppose her and zey are all in Spoiled Milk's back pocket, due to her husband."

"By the sounds of it, she could make her opponent's life utter hell." Salidar commented, his mind working over about how strange the name 'Spoiled Milk' is. When Lotus went to massage his collar and neck, the Astartes shot u, grasping her hair in one hand and placed the edge of his knife against her throat. "I could end your troubles here, and now. I am sure there is something that would help pay such things off, after I end your life." Lotus' eyes were wide, her body trembling in fear of how she is currently positioned. But, after a couple of moments, Salidar turned his knife up, its tip pressing under the mare's chin. "Or, to repay you for this, by helping you achieve victory in that political situation you have."

His response confused Lotus, raising a brow at how his responses came out in all three ways. "V-Vhat do you mean, Mr. Salidar?" She asked, becoming even more nervous about the knife under her chin.

"Simple, Ms. Blossom." Salidar removed his knife, spinning it before placing it on to the table. "Instead of trying to do something against me, but instead help me… That is very rare, in my profession." The Astartes had no idea where he is, or how things were run, which meant he needed to gain information. What better way to do this, than help one win a political race and create power bases across their land. "And even I must admit, you are quite good at massages… Might take that as payments."

Lotus had become dumbstruck by the offer. "Vhat about funds and support? I cannot run vithout either."

"Do not worry about that, I will handle both obstacles." Salidar answered, laying back on to the table.

"H-How?" She asked, with a raised brow. "You obviously just appeared, out of a flash of light… You have no idea how to approach of zese zings."

"Are the nobles and rich centered around their self-image, but do plenty of behind the door things?" Lotus gave a nod, as Salidar put both hands behind his head. "Then I know exactly how to handle them… You just focus on your campaign."

"Zen I accept your offer." She pressed both hands on to his torso, allowing the massage oil to seep in. "Now, can we finish zis massage, vith no interruptions?"

"I would love that." With that, Lotus continued her work on a relaxed Salidar.