CHAPTER 2

Hey everypony. I', finally back with chapter two. Sorry it took a little longer than anticipated to get this chapter up. I wrote this volume months ago,and I forgot that this chapter was so lengthy. But here it is, and I hope you all consider it well worth your wait. Things start to pick up a little in this chapter, and as you'll see, things are about to get very interesting indeed. So enjoy, my loyal readers, and please review.

We didn't have long to wait for an end to our boredom-fueled doldrums. Just two days later another letter arrived, this one from Ponyville. I was sitting in the right parlor, our more formal living room, brushing up on long-range reconnaissance patrols. I'd been toying around in my mind with the notion of attending Special Forces School ever since I had found out that since I was still a cavalry lieutenant on paper, I was still eligible for such things. As I read, my sister entered the room, and plopped down next to me on the sofa.

"Whatcha doin?" She asked.

"Eh...studyin' manuals." I replied dismissively, not even looking up from the book, which was open to a diagram of how to set up an ambush. "You finish all your school work yet?" I asked. Given her intelligence and her desire to go adventuring with us, we allowed Budder to be home-schooled as long as she got good grades. She did not disappoint. She was getting mostly A's and B's, and working at a higher grade level than most foals her age. At her current rate, my sister was poised to graduate at 15, which made her even happier. In her own words: 'I'll have more time to spend wit mah bubbeh!'

"Yep. Got it all done." She smiled. I looked over at her suspiciously.

"All of it? Really...already?"

"Meh. Mostly math today." She shrugged. My sister then narrowed her eyes."I hate math."

"But you're so good at it..." I commented.

"I know, right?"

"You make no sense, child." I grinned, shaking my head.

"Well...what was your worst subject in school?"

"Can't remember. Too many centuries ago." I said with a chuckle.

"You're thirty-one."

"Oh for Celestia's sake, don't remind me..." I groaned.

"Bub?"

"Alright, language arts." I admitted.

"Ugh...HOW?" She demanded. "You talk like a professor, and you wrote a book. Oh, and I've heard you speak Prench and Mexicolt. How the heck did you do bad in language arts, Drake?"

"I ain't got no good grammar, I

s reckon...heeyook." I replied in a stereotypical hillbilly dialect. My sister narrowed her eyes and shook her head slowly.

"Don't ever...do that...again." She sighed.

"Heya guys, guess what?" Dashie called happily as she walked into the room.

"Chicken butt?" I answered. Dashie stopped and let out a groan.

"Whyyyyyyy?!" Budder asked, her forelegs waving in the air in frustrated confusion. Oh yeah, she'd never heard this one before. I grinned.

"Chicken thigh." I stated.

"Dead." My sister breathed, collapsing face-down on the couch. I chuckled at Budder's reaction, then turned to my marefriend.

"Whatcha got, love?"

"What? Besides a good-looking stud that can't tell a decent joke?" Dash answered playfully. "A letter from Ponyville. Ponyville, Drake! It's a case!"

"Woo!" Budder exclaimed, suddenly not dead anymore.

"Heck, that's the best news I've gotten all week." I smiled. "So what's the job? Nightwork to be done? Kidnapped dignitary held hostage by an armed camp?"

"Ghost army invade somepony's bathroom?" Budder asked.

"Or did...wait...what?!" I asked, staring at my sister, seriously trying to figure out whether she'd been joking or not.

"Actually, it looks like somepony's been stealing from the town treasury." Dash explained. "And they want our help figuring out who done it."

"Oh...that's easy. It has to be an inside job. Case closed. What do they need us for?"

"Oh come on, Drake..." Dash urged. "Constable Copper says they've run out of leads, and it's turned into a real mystery."

"Heh. The only mystery surrounding Copper Shield is how he keeps getting reelected." I jested. "The last case that constable got to the bottom of was a case of hard cider." Dashie stood in front of me and gave me a pleading look.

"Sweetie, please? I haven't sen my friends in months. I'd really like to go." She said in a low voice. I smiled and leaned in, kissing my marefriend gently on the lips.

""If it means that much to you, then we'll go." I said. "Besides, a case is a case, even if it lacks in intrigue. We'll knock it off in a couple of days, and have ourselves a little vacation."

"Yay!" Budder squealed happily. I stood and stretched.

"Heh...and to tell the truth, if I don't get off this damned couch and do something productive, I'm think I'm gonna turn into a decorative throw pillow."

"Like this?!" Budder cried out, plopping down on top of me, winding me for a moment.

"Not...a pillow...angel..." I grunted. "Get...OOOF!" I shoved her off, and my sister fell onto the floor, giggling at her attack. "Alright, alright...we'll head down to Ponyville in a couple of days. I don't think this case is really time sensitive, so we have some time to prep and make plans. Now...I say we celebrate our new case by going out and eating somewhere nice tonight."

"Sweet!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Like where?"

"I dunno..." I replied. "Bistro?"

"Too fancy." Dash stated.

"24 Hour Breakfast Shack?" I asked.

"Meh." My sister shrugged. "I wanna lay off the pancakes for a while, bub."

"Blasphemy." I shot back. "Um...ah! The Cafe Bohemian!"

"Awesome." Dash said.

"Yee. I like their caramel mocha lattes." Budder added.

"Alright." I said, tossing my military book onto a nearby table. "Yeah, yeah...huzzah for us, happy-happy, new case and all that, let's eat" I said in a monotone as I ushered my family out the door.

…...

We returned home at the edge of dark, walking down the gas-lit sidewalk toward our neighborhood. Near our street's corner, we passed by the local patrol officer, standing by the corner lamp post.

"Evening, Lieutenant Drake." The officer nodded.

"Evenin' officer." I nodded back. I found it somewhat odd that the policpony was standing there on the corner, but didn't have time to think on it. In my peripheral vision, I saw another figure, which caused me to glance to the opposite corner. There, another officer stood post.

"Hm. Something's up." I muttered to Rainbow Dash as we continued to walk toward our house. "Notice all the law? Ponyhunt...escaped convict maybe...but they're up to something. Look." I motioned to where two more officers stood on the sidewalk, underneath a street lamp. Then we reached our house, and all three of us stopped.

By our fence gate were two Royal Guards, complete with golden helms and breastplates, swords belted around their waists, holding spears like they did in the royal palace. By the front door were two more, armed in a similar fashion, standing guard silently. I only imagined that there had to be just as many guards, if not more, by watching the rear of our house as well.

"The roof." I stated. My marefriend and my sister looked to the roof of our house, where four darkness-shrouded figures crouched low near the peak. "Luna's night guard. Celestia borrowed some of her sister's elite soldiers. Damn, this must be bad."

"Um...why, bub?" Budder asked.

"Heh...Her highness won't admit it, but her sister's contingent is better than hers. Heheh...those batpony commandos whip Celestia's guards in every wargame. Now, let's go see why our house is under guard from three agencies. Dunno about you guys, but it's bugging the everloving damnit out of me."

We trotted up to the gate, where the two guards militantly uncrossed their spears to let us by, meaning that they had specific orders to allow just us entry. As we made our way to the porch, I covertly noticed the EBI agent standing by the corner of the house, partially obscured by an azalea bush, holding a crossbow. Okay, this had to be very bad. Police, day guard, night guard, AND an EBI sniper? Either me or Princess Celestia had really pissed somepony off this time, and I couldn't remember stepping on anypony's hooves recently.

"keep up the good work, soldiers." I said nonchalantly as the two door guards uncrossed their spears. Our front door opened, revealing two heavily armored unicorn guards. Okay...local police, first circle of security. The guards at the gate, second circle. The third circle was the EBI agent and the night guard, providing standoff and overwatch security. Lessee...three, four, five levels of security, covering all three types of ponies. This had the words 'assassin', 'coup', and dangerous enemies' written all over it. In all uppercase letters.

"Um..." I said to the unicorns. "Eheh...First Lieutenant Dragoon Sabre reporting as ordered." I stated. One of the guards grunted, unamused.

"This way, lieutenant." He stated. "Her Highness, Princess Celestia is expecting you. She is in the parlor awaiting you, and will see you at once."

"I'm sure I can find it." I said with a grin. The guard narrowed his eyes, but I walked away anyhow, with Rainbow Dash and Budder close behind. The moment I stepped into the parlor, I saw the princess.

She stood in front of the fireplace, looking into the gently flickering flames. Her regal form seemed tired and weak, and he head was held low. I paused. I had never seen Celestia look this...burdened. Whatever was happening was obviously terrible, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for my monarch.

"You may close the door...Lieutenant Drake." Celestia said, still facing away. "So we may speak in private." I nodded to Dashie, and she slowly closed the door. As the click of the latch sounded in the otherwise silent room, Princess Celestia let out a sigh and slowly turned toward us.

"Your Highness..." I said respectfully, bowing slightly.

"I am truly sorry for the...invasion of your home..." The princess spoke. "And for all of the...security. At the moment, it is...unfortunately a necessity."

"Are you in danger, princess?" I asked. She closed her eyes and a few moments later, nodded to the affirmative.

"From who?" Budder asked. "I'll kick their butts!"

"Yeah, you don't have to worry, princess!" Drake added. "Is it the changelings again? Is Discord back to his old self again?" Celestia held up a hoof, and my marefriend and my sister went quiet.

"As you know, The Grand Galloping Gala will be held in a few days." Celestia began. "And it will be the largest gathering of Equestrian royalty, as well as important citizens all year. Well...in recent weeks, there have been threats made against not only myself, but against the entire government of Equestria and our allies. There have been two high-profile bank robberies in the last two weeks which we think may have been carried out to finance further actions." I glanced at Dashie, then back to the princess.

"Any idea who these terrorists are?" I queried.

"Yes lieutenant. A pony was apprehended three days ago by royal guards. He was attempting to sneak into a servant's entrance at the royal palace. On him was found several knives, crude explosive devices, and other weapons."

"Explosives?!" I exclaimed. Outside of the military, only licensed construction and demolition firms could even think about getting their hooves on explosives. Sure, maybe there were a few oddball anarchists and paranoid end-of-equestria types who knew how to make them, but it wasn't exactly common knowledge.

"Yes...well...after long...interrogation, we were able to learn that the captured pony was only part of a large group of terrorists, the same organization who sent us the earlier threats. They go by the name CRISIS, and believe that only a complete destruction of the Equestrian government, economy, and way of life can restore order to the land. And they feel fully justified in using any means necessary to accomplish that very goal."

"Damned idiots!: I spat. "Begging your pardon, Princess..." Celestia nodded. "Do they not know that to undermine this country would accomplish nothing but the downfall of the civilized world?! All the economies are linked to ours. They would all fail...trade destroyed...borders left undefended. It would be global anarchy!"

"Yes." Celestia agreed sadly. "All the more reason why it is imperative that we stop them before...well, we have to stop them, Drake."

"How about canceling or postponing the Gala?" I finally asked.

"The Gala must go on as planned." The princess replied. It is an important event for all of Equestria, and it is equally important that we do not give in to terrorists. We must show them that we are not afraid."

"You know, I somehow knew you would say that, princess..." I sighed. "But to be honest, I'd never back down either. Takes courage, Your Highness."

"Thank you." She smiled.

"Now, how's your security for the Gala?" I asked.

"Highest security measures ever in place during an event. Princess Luna and I have both assigned all available guards to duty at the Gala. I've also placed the Wonderbolts on high alert, and two squads will be flying at all times. EBI agents will be providing close-proximity protection for the Royal Family." I let out a whistle at the sheer amount of pony-power being used for the event. The princesses were seriously overdoing it with their security, but somewhere in my mind, I wondered if it were enough. I also knew what Celestia was going to ask next.

"And I would of course like your assistance as well." Princess Celestia said. "Your ability to read ponies, and your abilities as a detective and a great soldier would be most valuable." Of course I could not turn down Celestia. I was already kind of looking forward to this assignment, but first I had to iron out all of the details. Even on an important security mission for the highest authority in the land, any military pony worth his salt knows never go open contract.

"How can I help, Your Highness?" I asked.

"I would like you three to attend the Gala under the guise of regular guests." She explained. "Once there, mingle with the other guests and wander freely about the grounds and palace as you see fit. All of the guards and EBI agents will be apprised of your presence and assignment. Your sharp eyes and keen observational abilities may be able to detect danger before it presents itself."

"I understand. We will be working the Gala as plain-clothed security." I stated. "Oh, Your Highness? There is a case in Ponyville involving missing funds from the treasury. I originally thought it was just a minor case of theft, but given the circumstances, it could be connected to the terrorists."

"I can see your point, Drake." Celestia nodded. "What do you propose then?"

"I can send Dashie to Ponyville. She knows the town, and she's become a pretty good detective in her own right."

"Totally. I learned from the best, Princess." Rainbow smiled.

"Budder and I can handle the Gala." I said. "With so much security in place, it's unlikely that even the most brazen assassin will attempt anything." Celestia thought for a moment.

"I agree. Very well...Rainbow Dash, you will travel to Ponyville to aid in the case there. Meanwhile Drake, you and your sister shall come to the Grand Galloping Gala to provide your own style of security to the proceedings." I had to give it to Princess Celestia, she had just simply restated my idea, and just like that had made it her own. I had to smile a bit. One cannot govern an entire nation without either god-like omnipotence, or simply by using all of the good ideas of hundreds of subjects. Celestia seemed to often rely on both. At times, it seemed as though she was fully aware of how all events in the present played on each other, like an interconnected spider's web of ponies and occurrences, and how each course of events would ultimately play out. I was capable of the same logical foresight, but nowhere near Celestia's capacity.

"We would be happy to assist." I stated.

"And I admittedly feel a little better, and that much safer as well, just knowing that my best detective will be at the gala." The princess said a little more cheerfully. I couldn't help but feel honored that amid all of the military and police security, Princess Celestia would only be at ease if I were present. Or was it more of her foresight making it clear that I had a part to play in coming events? Oh well, best not to think about it too much.

"Well, I must be off." Celestia spoke, nodding her head. "Much more planning to see to, as you may guess."

"Of course." I replied. "When do you need us?"

"Always, my loyal detectives, always." She answered, making us all feel proud just to serve such a benevolent ruler. "Be at the palace the day after tomorrow. You will be provided with comfortable lodgings, and paid well...as always." She looked to the closed door of the parlor. "Golden Lance?" The unicorn who had let us in entered the room.

"Your Highness?" He asked dutifully.

"Relieve the guards and have them guard the royal chariot. We're going back to Canterlot."

"Yes, Your Highness." Lance dogmatically stated. "Sergeant-at-arms! Redeploy all guards for escort duty! I want Night Guard flying point, fifteen meter intervals! Personal Guard, close-proximity protection. Move it!"

"Sir!" A voice called in reply. All the while, Lance didn't move an inch, and the unicorn's face betrayed no emotion, just pure duty.

"Heart Blade! Inform local law enforcement and EBI personnel that the princess will be departing momentarily." Lance continued. "Once we are out of sight, they are relieved of special duty, and may retire for the evening.

"Sir!" Another voice returned. Golden Lance then spoke to Celestia in a more respectful tone. "Your Highness, if you are ready, we shall depart now."

"Of course. Thank you." Princess Celestia said courteously. Okay, maybe I'd been wrong about Golden Lance. He did his duty, and did it well, and that was good enough for me. I just couldn't handle how rigid and standoffish guards could be. No wonder most of them couldn't get a mare.

"I will see you the day after tomorrow." Celestia said. She walked to the door, paused, then turned back, her gaze meeting Dashie, then Budder, then fixing on me. "And as always, thank you Drake." With that, our monarch departed. We listened as the detail of guards ushered her from the house and to her chariot, and in a few moments, all was silent. I looked at Dash and Budder, what could only be described as an entertained look on my face.

"Heh...well guys, we wanted adventure, and now it looks like we got it in spades, huh?"

"No kidding." Dashie replied. I sighed and shook my head.

"Heheh. When it rains, it pours."

And so ends chapter two. Once again, I apologize for taking so long in getting this one typed out. It was tremendously long in comparison to the chapters I've grown accustomed to writing, and with my busy lifestyle, it's taken almost two days to get it done. I hope you all liked it, and I'm sure you can't wait to see what happens next. I'll try to get the next chapter up either late tonight or sometime tomorrow afternoon. Until then, thanks for reading, my loyal readers. Please send me your reviews. Chapter three will be up soon.