EPILOGUE

"What do you believe they planned on doing with such a...strange weapon?" Princess Celestia asked, sitting across from me at my large dining table. I took a long drink of Coltlumbian blend coffee and shrugged.

"I dunno, Your Highness...but I'm sure it wasn't pleasant." I replied. "They could have done a lot of damage with that thing. Your soldiers take care of it, by the way?"

"Of course, Lieutenant. We had the...armored wagon taken to Canterlot. It was stored in a military warehouse there for safekeeping. I feel that the creation is far too dangerous for anypony to have."

"That's probably a good idea." I remarked. "Thing was hard enough to attack, princess. I'd hate to see those things used in warfare...by any side."

I agree, my dear lieutenant." Celestia replied. We sat in silence a moment. I took another drink of my coffee "It's really a tragedy..." The solar princess mused. "Sergeant Revetment had much talent and promise. Imagine what he could have accomplished if he had used his creativity for good."

"True." I agreed. "I guess it's a good thing I'm on the side of law and order myself, huh?"

"Indeed, Drake." Celestia returned. "But unlike the corruptible Sergeant in this matter, I honestly do believe that you are of a pure heart."

"Hm." I scoffed lightly. "You always speak too highly of me, Your Highness. I just do my job."

"And you can always be counted upon to do so, no matter what. That is what makes you special, Drake. Your fierce loyalties and your determination when you are in the right always aids you in performing your duties, whatever they may be. This is what separates you from many others." I thought about her deep sentiments a moment.

"Yeah, I guess I can be pretty stubborn sometimes, princess." I stated with a small grin. She gave me a small grin in return.

"Oh yes...I know this all too well..." The monarch said with a hint of mocking.

"How is your sister, princess?" I asked, finishing my mug of caffeinated bliss.

"She is well, lieutenant. And very pleased that you recovered the weapons. I would venture to guess that she may visit you herself soon." I sighed, and Celestia giggled. "She merely wishes to thank you in person, I'm sure. How is your family?"

"Oh, they're doing good, princess." I replied. "They're out right now. Dashie took Budder out for a checkup at the doc..." I said this last part with a little hesitation. Celestia looked at me quizzically a moment. "She's growing up, your highness." I said matter-of-factly, then blushed a little.

"Ah..." Celestia said, averting her eyes. "Oh yes...there is the matter of your payment. Four thousand an acceptable amount for you?"

"Four?" I asked. "I...I would take that, of course...it's just that..."

"Is there a problem, lieutenant?" Celestia asked.

"No...well...usually you pay me a little more..."

"Oh Drake..." Celestia said with a warm smile. "I meant four thousand for each of you." She saw my expression, and giggled. "I will take that as a resolute 'yes' then." She stood and walked to the door. "Expect my couriers to have your money here tomorrow. I will see you soon, my dear detective." She giggled again, and walked out, leaving me with my mouth open. After a few moments, I finally spoke.

"Huh...I guess I won't be blowing all my money on Dashie and Budder this time." I mumbled to myself. I walked to the coffee pot and poured myself a new cup. Then again, I probably would...

And so ends Volume 5. Did everyone enjoy this story? I hope so. I have a short story or two, and then I will begin Volume 6, which is one of the better volumes in the series. It has ghosts, curses, snakes, and more, and it's unlike ANY Drake story written so far! So prepare yourselves for that, chapter one starts in a couple days. Until next time, thanks for reading, everypony!