BaronEngel
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Rules of engagement
🕑 Added 2025-06-23 22:44:09 +0000 UTCWeekday evening traffic in Ft. Trotterdale was usually a pain in the butt. However Two Tone realized it was much less tedious when someone else was doing the driving and you were being swaddled in the lap of obscene luxury in my Royal Equestria Security Forces (RESF) dreamscape.
Also Two Tone had admire the ability of the drivers in The Boss and the vehicle following the sedan that they held station as the motorcade made their way toward the downtown of the city. They succeeded in holding formation and didn't allow any cars from inserting themselves between the sedan and them. Although this did result in some blast of horns from the other drivers.
However the impressive sound insulation and wards also went a long way toward dampening sounds of other motorists protesting horns. Besides Two Tone found herself distracted as she experimented with all the setting that her seat had to offer. A touch screen on the right arm rest displayed a range choices for localized heating or cooling, varying degrees of stiffness or softness, and localized massage of varying strength. The zebra didn't want to imagine what just one of these seats cost. Never mind 4 of them.
However as they made their way toward downtown Ft. Trotterdale her majesty took this time to enlighten Two Tone what the evening had in store for her.
"Now Two Tone as I told you in our text chat. Link Tonight the Moonlight Club is hosting a charity art auction to help raise money for the Ft. Trotterdale Music Center. There will be an eclectic mix of local politicians and business interests. Board members from the Music Center. Certain prominent musicians from the center who may be performing tonight or not. A small cadre of journalists. The artists who donated their pieces toward the night's event, and various patrons, supporters, potential bidders with generous purses and fat bank accounts.
The zebra groaned. "So you're telling there's going to be a bunch of fucking rich ponies who will be trying to impress other fucking rich ponies by spending more on shit than they did."
The disguised changeling pursed her lips. "A rather blunt but not inaccurate assessment. They can be a rather eccentric lot, but I have learned they can be useful under the right circumstances. However beware there are a few who have let their wealth go their heads. In its most cases they are only an annoyance. At their worse they can be downright predatory."
Two Tone raised her right gloved hand and made a clenched fist. "So. What are the rules of engagement if one of these shitheads gets up in my grill?"
For a brief instant a look of surprise danced across the face of the queen followed by an sly grin. "Well you'll by side most of the evening, so that will automatically deflect the majority of troublemakers, and my security detail will be on hand which will provide another layer protection."
The zebra cracked her knuckles. "And if any still get through?"
The changeling chuckled. "If possible try to be quiet about it. Please don't damage or destroy any of the pieces up for auction, or any of the other attendees. Unless they deserve it too. Also try to keep the property damage to the club to a minimum. Is that too much to ask of you?"
Two Tone did some arm stretches. "Nope!"
Eventually the motorcade left the Bay View Freeway and exited down into the heart of downtown Ft. Trotterdale. As Celestia's glowing orb sank closer to the horizon the 3 vehicle pulled up in front of a 4 story building that seemed to be made entirely black obsidian with the exception of various arches and buttresses of brushed stainless steel. Most Chrysalis's security detail disembarked with her, but each vehicle had at least one that stayed with the driver of the vehicle. As the disguised changeling and her party walked up to the front door they were greeted by a member of the club staff.
"Glimmering Gems!" A young, very handsome gun metal grey pegasus stallion in an immaculate suit stepped up to her. "As always it's pleasure when you grace our establishment with your presence." He shook the changeling's hand and then looked over at the zebra. "And I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you before! He extended his right hand. "Cumulus Dancer is the name, and who might you be...."
The zebra shook his hand. "Two Tone."
She watched as the stallion quickly made a mental note to remember her name and face in his mind before he continued speaking. "Well Miss Two Tone. I hope you find the evening entertaining and pleasant. If you have any questions do not hesitate to speak to one of Moonlight Club's staff. Now if you'll pardon me." Then with practiced grace the stallion disengaged, stepped aside, and moved forward to greet the next arriving party.
Right behind the Cumulus Dancer was a couple of stern looking unicorn mares in suits one had a tablet in her hands. The other mare had an interesting pair of wraparound glasses with dark lens. She dropped back a couple of steps as the mare with tablet stepped forward. The changeling's security detail stopped and formed a semi-circle behind their queen. The unicorn addressed Glimmering Gems with a rather deadpan voice.
"Name of you and your party ma'am?" The queen replied giving her alias and those of security members. With a casual gesture of her hand waved at the zebra.
"And this is my special companion this evening. One Miss Two Tone. You should've gotten the information yesterday evening."
As the mare with the tablet was confirming the guests the second mare slowly looked at every member of Chrysalis's party. Various tiny lights embedded on the frames of the glasses flickered off and on. Two Tone couldn't feel it but she recognized that she was being scanned. When the mare got to her she paused. With a scowl she spoke to her.
"Ma'am you are carrying a concealed firearm in your purse." Before Two Tone could speak the disguised changeling spoke up first.
"Yes she is. She's my up close and covert security member. I included that information when sent my guest attendees yesterday. You did get that information didn't you?"
The mare with the tablet tapped at it for a moment then silently looked at her teammate and nodded her head. The other one pursed her lip; from a pocket in her suit she produced some armbands.
"Please put these on and keep them on you while at the event. If you must leave the event before the evening is over you'll have to be readmitted by us and issued a new arm band." Then her and her partner stepped aside and bowed their heads. "Enjoy your evening at the Moonlight Club."
With that accomplished Chrysalis's party moved on and entered the club as the 2 mares started checking the next party behind them.
Comments
WILLIAM C JOHNSON
Why do I think that some of the Art on display will be by an up-and-coming artist from Ponyville named Skybrush? In attendance, naturally, with the girls. Petina meeting Two Tone might be "Interesting". As another aside, why do I think that the "Greeters" scan let them know just what, or Who, "Glimmering Gems" is???? This may get novel, in a hurry, 'Axe
Baron Engel
They definitely have some top shelf kit that's for sure.
Chris Teet
Part of me wonders whether or not the mares conducting the security check might have been embedded RESF operatives.
