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“Why is that whenever there’s trouble, your 22 is involved?” Luna could tell the question was meant as a half jest, half-serious one so she smirked and said, “I wish I knew the answer myself, but there’s one thing that can be said about 22’s nature.” Celestia raised an eyebrow and asked, “And what is that?”

“There’s never a dull moment with him around.” The solar princess gave a tired chuckle and replied, “Sister sometimes I worry about you.” The two monarchs settled into a comfortable silence and just looked out onto the city from their balcony.

Luna studied the setting sun’s position and sighed sadly. Celestia placed a hoof on her shoulder and gave a comforting reply saying, “Fret not sister. He’ll be back soon. As aggravating as his spontaneous shenanigans can be, there’s no doubt the Retribution was moved for a good reason.”

“It’s movement does not bother me Tia. His return or lack thereof is my problem. I know he got my letter and I just . . . It’s not like him to ignore me. Whatever happened must truly be something of importance.” Celestia nodded in agreement and replied, “Well whatever it is we’ll find out soon enough. Shadow Runner has called an emergency meeting first thing tomorrow, and the press will be in attendance.”

“Who?” Celestia rolled her eyes then dryly replied, “I mean . . . Agent Smith . .” The lunar princess chuckled girlishly and said, “Has 22 shown you the moving plays? He really is an exact copy of him, almost as if the humans based the character of him.” Celestia tried to hide her amusement, but couldn’t and began chuckling as well. The sisters then sighed and leaned against one another, content to cast off today’s problems and focus on them tomorrow. There’d always be another day.

CANTERLOT CASTLE: CONFERENCE ROOM

22 stood with Smith backstage and sighed. After the revelation of the Subjugator being gone it was time to deal with the fallout of moving the Retribution so suddenly. As Captain Quint had called, Canterlot was sent into a frenzy. So many questions ponies had and know one knew anything at the time. Was their an attack imminent? Where was the Retribution going? Why did it leave without warning? Were they being abandoned?! The panic grew so much that the royal castle’s outside gates was flooded with concerned citizens, wanting answers.

Celestia and Luna tried their best to assuage fears, but one could only do or say so much when they had no idea themselves. The assassin rubbed his shoulder then said, “How do you think everyone’s going to take it?” Agent Smith pondered the question then plainly replied, “Not well I imagine. We need to sell the idea that we’re already on top of things.”

“Even when we aren’t?” Agent Smith gave a rare smirk then turned and made his way towards the reporters. 22 huffed in annoyance, but followed suit. There was no point in delaying the inevitable.

As soon as the two stepped out onto the stage, several hooves went up and various reporters began shouting over one another, all vying for the duo’s attention.

“Over here 22!”

“Mr. Runner sir! Mr. Runner!”

“Hey right here guys! I’ve got a good one!”

The duo said nothing and just waited for the reporters to get the hint. They weren’t gonna respond to rowdiness in this conference. Soon the press got the idea and settled down as Agent Smith cleared his throat and said, “Thank you all for joining us for the joint press conference, and especially on such short notice. I’m Shadow Runner or colloquially known as Agent Smith. I’m the director of the Equestrian Bureau of Investigation and Intelligence, and joined with me is Professor 22 of Canterlot University, and also the military liaison for the Royal Army. We called this press conference today because of some intelligence reports that need to be shared with the community.”

22 nodded and took over saying, “We’ll get right to it and not waste anyone’s times. When I first arrived to your world I was hot on the trail of killer 7, this you all know. Though what was not mentioned to anyone when I finally started integrating into society was that Killer 7 also arrived here in a warship similar to the Retribution.” That was it. Just the mere mention of another ship sent the room into another frenzy. Everyone clamoring over one another, desperately trying to get more information from the human.

“Please hold all questions to the end! The airship she arrived in is roughly three times the size of the Retribution, has almost double the amount of armaments, and has a thicker hull as well. I never reported the ship because when we arrived it had already crashed and sunk into the Mane Sea. 49 and I at the time focused our efforts on gathering our bearings and trying to figure out what had happened and where we had ended up. I apologize for the dangerous oversight, but our departments have already put several contingencies for this into action. The Subjugator poses a threat to Equestria, but we will not allow the threat to materialize. NOW are there any questions?”

A speedy reporter beat everyone to the punch and had hoof up waiting impatiently. 22 picked her and she responded with, “Abigail Rambler, from the Canterlot Tattler. Is the Subjugator still in the Mane Sea?”

22 grimaced but replied anyways saying, “No. We received a very brief warning notice that came from the Subjugator, possibly a power surge or other interference so we investigated and found that it had been moved from the sea, and very recently I might add. Only in the last three to five days.” Once 22 had finished

hooves shot up once more and the yelling started up again, but 22 shook his head and picked someone else saying, “Yes you. The earth pony with the beige coat.” The called out reported straightened up and replied,”Yes Harold Hoover from the Ponyville Herald! Can you divulge deeper into the specifics of your contingency? Should cities start evacuating or citizens making provisions?”

Agent Smith took the question then replied, “No. No one should be making provisions for any attack. You will be notified well in advance if danger is imminent. We have early warning detection systems in place for if the Subjugator or any threat materializes to that level. Obey the local officials and take guidance when it’s delivered to you. Next question?”

Agent Smith picked a light green pegasus reporter and she smiled in response saying, “Hello! I’m Angie Fareweather from the Equestrian Bugle. What I want to know is the exact nature of the Retribution and it’s role to Equestria. From my understanding it’s actually not a facet of the Royal military, but a private venture owned by 22 and his research company yes? That poses incredible risk to the citizens of Equestria and beyond if 22 decides not to stay aligned with Equestria. What’s to stop him from taking the Retribution and using it against us?”

22 raised an eyebrow at the question and while he wanted to be mad about it, he really couldn’t. It was a valid question after all since there was technically nothing stopping him from using the Retribution to lay waste to Equestria. He folded his arms and responded to the reporter saying,

“Very valid question actually. Yes it’s true that I’m technically a free agent operating within Equestria. The Retribution or any licensed technologies does not belong to the Kingdom, but that does not mean I’m skirting the line or flirting with the idea of playing another side. I’ve never had another home before here and I’ll be damned if I lose it.” The reporter didn’t seem satisfied with the response, but went quiet and continued writing her notes.

22 picked out another pegasus and the reporter responded seriously with, “I’m with the Alicorn Times and I’m asking the question everyone in Equestria wants to know . . . Can you describe your relationship with Princess Luna?” 22 groaned in annoyance at the question, it was the same one he’d been getting ever since Luna and him had become a secret couple. It seemed everyone knew it, but no one could concretely prove it. Something he was greatly thankful for. It never failed that somepony would ask him if he and Luna were an item, but today 22 didn’t feel in the mood for games.

“The Princesses and I have an excellent working relationship. I have an office in Canterlot Castle and I communicate any progress or going-on-abouts directly to them when I can.” The reporter wasn’t satisfied and pressed on asking, “That I understand, but you’ve been spotted with Princess Luna on several occasions in environments that aren’t strictly professional or conducive for any type of formal work. Is there more to your relationship?”

“Are you seriously asking if the Princess of the night is laying with an otherworldly commoner? I thought you were a reporter for a reputable news outlet, not a tabloid writer? At any rate no there is nothing going on between Princess Luna and I, no we are not more the friends, and no I’m not sleeping with her . . . Although the jury is still out about me and your mother.” 22 gave a sly wink as the reporter’s cheeks tinged deep red with embarrassment. “Will there be any more questions? No? Alright this press conference is over, if anything changes you’ll hear it directly from the Princesses’ royal press secretary.” Reporters yelled and screamed after 22 and Agent Smith, but the two had already left the stage, not intent on entertaining the media another second.

22 and Smith made their way for the exit all the while 22 fumed, “Arrgh why does it feel like every press conference is the same? aRe YoU gOiNg tO sWiTcH sIdEs?! dO yOu fUCK tHe pRiNcEsS?! Uggh I’m over it Smith!” Agent Smith took the lead over the flustered assassin and replied, “Fret not about it. Let the media circus have it’s fun. We have more urgent things to attend to, like planning security for the Royal Summit that’s coming up.”

22 pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration then said, “Look Smith I know, I know . . . I’m sorry but I’ve got stuff to do tonight. We’ll talk security tomorrow.”

“ Stuff to do? You wouldn’t happen to be referring to our Princess would you?”

“Har har hardy har. Yes she’s on the list of things I’m going to do tonight. For an emotionless goon, you sure can be immature.” Agent Smith shrugged while walking past 22, but turned and said, “And for a cunning warrior you can be quite dense.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Smith turned back around and left the room, not even bothering to reply. 22 waved him off and shook his head saying, “That guy . . . I swear.” The assassin stood in the quiet halls of the castle and looked towards the ornate staircase that ascended up towards the Royal chambers. He knew what awaited him once he got to the top and he wasn’t sure if he was ready to face it.

“Arg come on 22 you can do this! She doesn’t bite . . . all the time.

22 gently creaked the door open to Luna’s room and peeked inside. The princess of the night seemed to be away much to 22’s relief. The assassin quickly discarded his work clothes and wrapped himself up in a silk bathrobe. The initials 2.2. were stitched onto it, a not so funny joke from his personal seamstress Rarity. The assassin looked over at a bedside photo of the bearers of harmony, The Princesses, 49, and himself.

They’d all been celebrating a recent successful infrastructure project that opened in Ponyville. It was the train there, and it had finally been upgraded to the likes of something more modern. Equestria’s first MagLev train, only this one wasn’t powered by magnets, but by a strong and stable magical field. 22 smiled as he remembered that day, it was years ago and he had just started to get comfortable being around talking ponies. The assassin chuckled then put the photo back in its place. He laid down on the plush sheets and felt himself being pulled into a deep sleep. He fought the sensation as he waited then decided to pick up in his lesson plans instead.

With papers in one hand and a red pen in the other, the professor went over the next class’ lecture and what he’d teach. He continued working well into the evening before he heard the distinctive sounds of hooves clopping against the ornate castle tile. The chamber door opened and in stepped a very tired and haggard-looking Luna. Her normally shiny and lustrous coat was dull and a bit matted. Her usually sharp and lively eyes were also not full of the same life as usual.

22 closed his lesson plan book and asked, “Long day?”

“Yes, but it’s better now.” The princess of the night unceremoniously flopped next to 22 and buried her face in the sheets and sighed. 22 knowingly rubbed her back gently and leaned against her saying, “Well to address the elephant in the room . . . I’m sorry about not telling you of the Subjugator. I really thought that was behind me.” Luna shifted herself closer to 22 and said, “Let us not talk of war and conspiracy tonight . . . I grow weary of it in my day to day duties.”

“Yea tell me about it. You know how many security meetings I have planned? Especially for the Royal Summit . . Argh but enough about that. Come closer night light.” Luna giggled at the pet name but obliged all the same. The alicorn settled herself into 22’s chest and sighed as the human held her close.

She nuzzled the side of his face and whispered, “We have a great working relationship now do we?” 22 smirked and rubbed noses with Luna saying, “We have the best working relationship . . . I know I don’t say it as much as I should, but God do I really love you Luna.” She smiled warmly at the admission and just took comfort of his close presence.

From their first meeting all those years ago to now lying together in each others arms. It was a dizzying thought for Luna, how’d she fallen for someone like 22. Though the more she thought about it the more it all made sense. He just understood her. They both shared a troubled past and could relate to the guilt that came with unsavory decisions. She looked at her mate and smiled as he dozed off, it was the peaceful times like these that she cherished the most. Just doing nothing, not worrying about what troubles tomorrow would bring. Taking advantage of the here and now, was her new philosophy.

The lunar princess gently tapped 22 saying, “22 Love? Are you asleep?”

“h-huh? Oh! No I’m not Night Light. I was just resting my eyes was all. What’s up?”

“What do you have planned tomorrow?” 22 hummed in thought as he tried to recall his schedule then replied, “Nothing much honestly. Have to drop these lesson plans off at the university then I’m pretty much free for the day. Why do you want to do something?” Luna gazed over at the bedside photo of them and said, “Yes actually. I think it’d be good if we went to visit our friends in Ponyville, don’t you?”

22 scratched his chin as looked back over the photo. It had been quite a while since he’d been in Ponyville for anything that wasn’t military or work related. Even the last time he was there he didn’t stop to say hi to any of the gang. “That’s actually not a bad idea, the only thing that is is both of us going. You heard the reporters, they’re desperate to get proof of us together.” Luna pouted and turned away saying, “So? Why is that such a big deal to you? Who cares if we’re together?! My sister and all of our friends approve so why don’t you?!”

22’s face fell at the jab. Luna had hit him right where it hurt, but she had a point. All of their friends did approve so why was he so on guard about their relationship? 22 sighed then leaned back saying, “Luna . . . you mean the world to me. I’m not ashamed of our relationship or am worried about pony’s approval, I’m worried about you.” The princess’ face softened as she listened to her mate. He was uncharacteristically quiet and she could tell the question had hurt him quite a bit.

“I’m sorry love. I don’t mean to offend, but I feel you worry too much about pony’s and their perceptions. Besides, why would you be worried about me?”

“Because of the stir and unrest, it would cause. You’ve both already done so much for me. Vouched for me when no one else would and helped me back on the right track. People would drag your name through the mud if the news broke out now. Stories upon stories of you and your poor character, I don’t want that, especially in this political climate. It’s not just name-calling either, that sort of thing could have far and wide reaching consequences, I don’t want everyone questioning our love. It’s none of their business, but at the same time they can totally question our motivations and that can be damaging. People already think I did some dirty work to get as close to you all, when the truth of the matter is you two wouldn’t let me out of your sight hahaha.” Luna smiled as she remembered those tense first few months. To see humans again after so long was quite a shock to the goddesses, especially after seeing the destruction they could create.

“I see your point and I’m grateful you feel so strongly about protecting my honor, but we’ll have to come to the light eventually.”

“True, but it won’t be at a press conference about existential threats to the kingdom.” Luna chuckled the replied, “Agreed. So we can go?”

“Yea we can go. Need to link up Rarity anyways about ordering some new threads.”

“You know the shops here at Canterlot sell clothing tailor-made for bipedal creatures.”

“Yea I know, but you expect me to be able to afford fancy Canterlot clothing on a teacher’s salary? Forget about it!” Luna chuckled and curled into 22 saying, Pleasant dreams 22.”

“Same to you Night Light . . .” The two lovers then settled in for the night and drifted off into slumber.

RETRIBUTION: TOP DECK

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“So Ponyville huh?” 22 raised an eyebrow at Dr. Pharah’s seemingly innocent question, but replied saying, “Yes Ponyville Pharah. You want a treat from the sugar cube don’t you?” The vulpine scientist flashed an offended look and replied, “Wha?! Me eat poison plastered and baked in sugar? I perish the thought . . . Although . . .”

22 smirked as he could see where she was going. “Yes Doctor? Although . . .”

“I could use a pie for research . . .”

“Research?” 22 asked incredulously. “Yes, research 22! Very important studies, things far above your mental capacity for understanding.” 22 threw his arms up in mock hurt saying, “Hey I went to college!”

“Yes you did, and you became a history major. How unfortunate, though that’s neither here nor there. You’ll get my pie for right?”

“For research?”

“Yes. For research.” 22 sighed then shrugged replying, “Alright I’ll get you one.”

“Ooh! Make sure it’s apple, and that the crust is flaky and crisp, but not burnt!” Dr. Pharah suddenly caught and adjusted her excitement saying, “These are all very important qualities for my studies.”

“Studies right . . . Say is my jump jet ready?” Dr. Pharah looked down at her clipboard and quickly went through a checklist before replying, “Yup looks like it. Had a team get on it earlier. Aren’t you supposed to be traveling with Luna though?”

22 began making his way towards the jet and replied, “Yea but she had a few things to take care of earlier this morning before she could get time away. We’re gonna meet up there later.”

“Aww that’s so cute! Anyway you’re clear for take off. We’ll be seeing you later 22.” The assassin waved back in response as he climbed up onto the plane. 22 fired up the massive engine and began his taxing down the tarmac. Once he was lined up he threw on the jump jet’s afterburners and went sailing down the Retribution’s flight strip.

As the ship finally reached its cruising altitude 22 began to relax. With the jet on autopilot he reclined back slightly and just took in the sights around him. There were a few weather pegauses milling about, pushing clouds around as they formed the weather.

“Ahh the peace and quiet . . .” _*RING* *RING* *RING* _ “Is nice while it lasts . . .” 22 pressed the answer button on his jet’s communicator and said, “I’ve only been gone about four minutes. Please tell me you haven’t already fallen apart without me.” CT-9 gave an electronic huff and replied, “Hardly. I wish you would leave more often.”

22 chuckled saying, What do you want CT?”

“I want to warn you 22.” The assassin tilted his head in confusion then asked, “Warn me? About what?”

“Agent Smith and I completed a secret assessment of the Ponyville Magic Processing Plant. We believe that an attack is imminent.”

“What? Attack imminent? What did the assessment point to?” CT-9 looked down on his own screen and said, “Information leaks. Agent Smith has been placing fake information and intelligence at the facility and it’s been steadily making its way outside of the facility and into the hands of courier wolves.”

“Shit . . .”

“My sentiments exactly. Agent Smith will meet you at these coordinates here. He wants to apprehend the leaker and do it quietly.” 22 sighed as he leaned back saying, “Doesn’t anyone care about my afternoon off? Can’t foes working against Equestria take a day off?!”

“Apologies 22, but work is work.”

“I know I know. I’ve got the digits and I’m on my way, though I’ve gotta ask . . . How does Smith want to handle the leaker?” CT tilted his head in thought before replying, “He does not want to draw attention to the fact that you two are there to apprehend them. If attention is drawn to the arrest then Smith can’t question them before local authorities are involved. He plans to grab them and bring them aboard the Retribution for detention and interrogation. After that . . . I am not certain.”

“Sounds good CT. I’ll take care of the leaker and then hopefully have the rest of my afternoon free.” CT-9 nodded in affirmation then cut the feed. 22 groaned in frustration but set course for the meeting place.

“An assassin’s work is never done apparently . . .