Bannhammer

Max sighed, this was going to be a crazy and ridiculous situation he found himself in, but he could overcome it. The two of them might prove to be a bigger problem than he expected, but Max had a plan for that. "Zephyr, we'll be grabbing sandwiches and apple pie. If that's ok. I expect you two to get along and not to embarrass me in front of the other ponies that live here." The Rockefilly whipped his head around and glanced at Silver before returning his focus to his destination. "You are not just protecting me, you are representing me. And I will accept nothing less than pure professionalism, even at meals. You will show each other respect... And you WILL bucking get along and be happy, so help me..." Max looked behind him and saw Zephyr following close behind, and he unconsciously picked up the pace to the restaurant. "But I digress... Let us first just get some food. Maybe I can get to know you two better as well"

Max shrugged off her comments. Of course a larger group was less effective, law of diminishing returns. He would allow her to offer advice, but he still knew he couldn't let her have too much freedom. The knight would have to watch her step just as much as Zephyr. The green Pegasus asked a completely logical question, and Max had no problem answering him. "Good question. The trip will take a few days by train, but that will be a first class trip." "Well, I think we'll be leaving in a week or so. I want to give you two time to get to know each other. Also, I need to send my invitations out for the meeting." The Rockefilly turned away from the two. "You will be rooming together in my guest room. But the day's young, let's not worry about the details just yet." With a flick of his mane, the rich stallion started trotting away from the train platform and towards town. "Let's grab something to eat."

Max facehooved. He just finished telling Zephyr to show respect, only to have Silver basically threaten his life. If Maximilian really wanted to be in control, he had to assert his dominance and show that he meant business. Max faced Zephyr. "Zephyr, I apologize for the... verbal assault on your character. But I just cannot allow anything to threaten my plan for this county and the gryphons." He took a deep breath and wheeled around, giving Silversword the same contemptuous glare. "But you..." "Do not threaten him. I'm asking him to respect us, the least we can do is respect him as well. I don't care if you're the bravest knight in Equestria, I am in charge here!" The Rockefilly moved closer to her. "I know you two don't like each other very much, but that does not excuse poor behavior, Knight. I want you two to work together, do not think I won't reprimand or punish you if you step out of line..." "I thought that a Destrier would at least have the dignity to avoid petty threats and insults, please make sure not to let it happen again. Or I may have to take the REA up on their offer for a whole squad of troops." With that, Max backed away and bowed slightly. He still respected her, but if he wanted to have control of the situation, he had to squash all problems before they got bigger. An eye roll was insubordination, a vague threat was a threat to the plan, everything needed to be stopped before it could begin. Maximilian Rockefilly knew he had a tough job ahead of him.

"Zephyr, I didn't hire you to point out the obvious. Of course I hired you to protect me from something! The streets of Stalliongrad are filled with thieves and gangs. I'd be a foal to walk through downtown without some sort of bodyguard!" The Rockefilly adjusted his tux. "I'm going to try and strike a deal that could revolutionize the way our country's domestic economy works, and while I'd normally go by myself, this project is too important to risk." He was about to enter rant mode, but he saw the expression of anger and loathing on the green pegasus' face. Max sighed and looked at Zephyr. The older stallion had a tired look on his face, and he was barely able to force a smile onto his muzzle. He changed his tone, hoping to seem less...like himself. "It's big stuff, you know? Bigger than me, bigger than all of us." "So, I thought that this was so big... That I couldn't let personal issues get in the way. I hired you, Zephyr Burst, because even though I have no reason to like you and you're still a criminal, I know you. I know that you're capable of bad, but you're capable of good. So I plucked you away from civilization and dragged you out here so I could boss you around until you probably kill me!" "That's another reason why I hired Silversword. She's here to protect me from everything, even you. I don't know her, and she doesn't know me. She'll tell me if i'm doing something stupid, and she'll do what's right, whatever the circumstances." "So..."Maximilian observed the two and noticed the obvious animosity they shared. "That's why i hired you two, and you'd both better get along, or I'll ditch you two in the desert together. I want..." Max paused, did Zephyr just roll his eyes?! With a sudden shift in tone, Max advanced upon Zephyr and looked the green stallion right in the eyes. By no means had the Rockefilly overcome his fear, he was just smart enough not to show it. "I swear, do NOT make me regret bringing you here. Your life will be infinitely more worthless and miserable than it already was. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt and I will not be made a foal of. Show some bucking respect, if you can." With a snort, the rich unicorn pulled back and stood firmly in front of Zephyr. Max was so afraid that he was barely able to contain it, his legs barely wobbled and he glanced quickly over at silversword.

Maximilian smiled at the knight, "I'm sure your services will be more than fine, I chose a Destrier specifically for their stellar record in getting the job done. Of course, I also needed somepony totally trustworthy to counter out the other pony I brought along. I have nothing to fear with you around." The rich stallion would've continued praising the holy order, but a very, very familiar green pegasus had walked right up to him. Without a word, Max levitated something out of his saddlebags, the large, round object from earlier. The Rockefilly opened the bracelet wide and swung it around from behind himself and brought it right onto Zephyr's left foreleg. It immediately snapped shut, and a faint glow emanated from the newly activated device. Maximilian expected a response, and he stood his ground, ready for any sort of movement from Zephyr. Max was totally afraid of Zephyr, but he couldn't let it show. "Do not be alarmed, Zephyr. It's merely a tracking bracelet, nothing more." "You were placed under my care for the entirety of your sentenced community service. I'm merely taking precautions to ensure you see it through." "Also... Hello." He narrowed his eyes and stared down the criminal. "I remember somepony saying they were trying to change. I see how well you've been doing since our last meeting." "Now, whether you were actually genuine in what you said, or you were just manipulating me to get my sympathy and help you out of that cave, I DON'T CARE. I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt. If I didn't trust you at all you wouldn't be here." "BUT, this project is too importent to risk, so I must make sure any 'wild cards' are accounted for." He looked at Silversword. "That is where you come in. The failsafe, the dependable knight who will not fail. Your job is not to babysit the criminal over here, your job is merely to do what you do best." "Now, as a matter of principle, I should give you your instructions." "Knight, you are free to act as you please to accomplish your mission. You are in charge of planning routes through Stalliongrad, and acting as a body guard wherever we may be. You are free to give orders to Zephyr Burst, but of course, my orders take precedence. Now..." Maximilian whipped his head back towards Zephyr. "You will follow orders when they are given. You will always stay within a hundred yards of me unless you are ordered to do otherwise. You will listen to knight Silversword and act according to her instructions. My orders are the end-all, you will defer to me when given conflicting orders." "Or so help me you will go right back to jail where you came from. I'll even make sure you get transferred to Manehattan penitentiary." "Do you two understand?"

Another morning in Appleoosa. Maximilian Rockefilly shifted in bed and eventually was able to work his way out from under the covers. For such a warm place, it sure gets cold at night, he thought. Sleep had not come easy, the complete silence at night was unnerving, and Max had laid in bed hoping for something to erupt so that be could finally fall asleep. Alas, the western town was as quiet as ever. Sleeping habits aside, the rich Unicorn was slowly becoming attached to the town where he now lived. It would take a while for his summer home to be built according to his standards, but his current accommodations weren't bad, they felt quite plain and simple, and he didn't mind. Finally out of bed, Max stood for a moment and waited for a servant to bring him his morning paper, sent in from Manehattan. The Rockefilly glanced at the clock, and once he knew he had ample time, he jumped back in bed and read the business section. After finishing his little morning ritual, Max finally got dressed, sporting a fine tux, of course. Unusually, the Rockefilly also selected a set of very rugged saddle bags he got from the surplus store. Maximilian didn't buy them because they looked nice, he bought them because they were perfect for the job. Tucking a large, round object into his bags, he prepared himself for the task at hoof. He checked the time, and bristling with excitement the unicorn stepped out of the door to his abode and made his way to the train station, waving and bowing to those he passed by. He finally reached it and took up position. The sun beat down on the creaky wooden platform as Max waited for a particular train to arrive. He yawned and stretched his back in the Appleoosa morning as he looked around at the barren wasteland that surrounded the town. Maximilian was soon lost in thought, and the potential deals and profits swarmed his mind. Business relaxed him, and the upcoming plan had massive potential for Aquellian-Equestrian relations, not to mention the domestic economy. "Next train, one minute" Max readied himself, preparing to meet his guests. They were supposed to accompany him to Stalliongrad, and Max wasn't stupid, he knew that he needed protection in that town. One pony was hired, the other was 'acquired'. The first pony was a trained professional, an obvious choice. The second was a wild card whom Max knew quite a bit about, perhaps too much. The train came into view, pulled by a team of large earth ponies. Unfortunately, such teams would prove a hinderance for the new line that Max wished to build. Any thoughts of business were shoved aside as the train came even closer and eventually reached the platform. Adjusting his tux, Max stood quietly and waited for the train to stop. It was a few cars long, with the one at the very back quite different from the rest, being small and windowless. Eventually, the train stopped and Max trotted towards one of the cars, having seen a specific pony step down from inside the train. "Ah, brave knight, it is a pleasure and an honor to meet you!" Maximilian bowed courteously.

"That filly from earlier? She did this?" Maximilian steamed some more and looked around, hoping to catch the little culprit and give her a good talking too. "Sheriff, I hope this sort of thing is not the norm out west, even in Manehattan the young foals have manners." "Young Lady, do not make me come looking for you! I'm trying to get some business done, an I don't have time for games!" The Rockefilly snorted and continued looking for the unicorn. This was really getting on his nerves, and he didn't know how much longer he could put up with having his business interrupted.

Max was about ready to open the floor for questions, but a pencil zoomed in and caused quite the disturbance. The sheriff shouted out a warning and helped Mrs LaMare get down for safety. The projectile punctured his map and zoomed about the room. The Rockefilly didn't move, instead he just followed the pencil around with his eyes, waiting to take it out. Maximilian lit up his horn and quickly froze the writing utensil mid-air. Upset, Maximilian shouted out so that everypony present could hear him and his anger. "Would the pony who so rudely wishes to sabotage this meeting please show themselves?!" To accentuate his point, he flung the pencil downwards so it embedded itself deep into the table. "It ruined my map!"

Max took a break from his calculations to look at the young filly. "You're... Welcome?" He cocked his head and returned to his seat. "Cherry, I should be thanking you! You're strength gave me the courage to find my own. I could never give you what you deserve." "And yet..." He placed a hoof to his chin. "Yet I have to ask." "Why do you care? I understand caring about others, but it seems to me that you throw yourself emotionally into others problems, almost as if you treat then as your own." "I don't doubt your sincerity, but from your... tears, I doubt how healthy this is for you. I appreciate what you did, but do you do this all the time? That mare you mentioned before, with the rhubarb, ou did the same for her, I can tell." Max quickly remembered some of the lessons he'd taken at private school. Psychology was a favorite, although Max usually used his knowledge of the mind to exploit it, not help. "But why? Is it some kind of martyrdom complex? Or do you fear having evil around you, lest it drag you down as well? Cherry, for somepony so young to see and know such terrible things, it's awful. I'm sorry if I get too personal, I just want to know if I can help you like you've helped me."

Maximilian listened carefully to her words, and he had to take a moment to fully digest what she had said about his father. His reflection didn't last long, as she quickly returned to the business side of things. She scooted closer to him, and once again she spoke with a passion in her voice that threatened to engulf Max as well. "Well, I could..." Cherry uttered a phrase that shook the very soul of the Rockefilly, who had to pause and let the truth of her words wash over him. Then, a flash of brilliance, "Myself! By Celestia, that's it!" He jumped off of the couch and started pacing, muttering to himself. Max levitated a bar napkin over and a quill as well. Holding both items aloft in the air, he began to scribble furiously. "There!" Maximilian tossed the quill aside and pulled the napkin closer to his face before thrusting it in Cherry's. "Myself! I can buy the apartments! I can use my own money and beat all competing bids, locking those other ponies out and giving me full control over their management. First, i'll have to make some minor improvements to the building itself, nothing too expensive, but the upgrades will bring more ponies in, which means more bits!" He took a deep breath, continuing his breakneck speed. "Assuming that this building is average, it can hold 2-300 occupants. If I can fill the building, that allows me to lower rent due to the larger number of ponies paying! BUT, the low rent is offset by the improvements I made that increase efficiency, and lower maintenance costs! All of this, combined with the improvements to the suites themselves, creates an above average apartment for each pony at a price anypony can afford!" Max stopped, and beaming, he summed up his point. "Nopony loses a home, it's Low rent, high standard of living... And I still turn a profit!"

Maximilian felt his hopes rising, and he straightened up in his seat. The pressure in his gut and the passion in his heart combined to form a powerful mixture simply waitig for the catalyst to set it off. Each one of her words was a spark, and each got closer and closer to igniting the flame. Eventually, she sputtered out, and so did the building fire, snuffed out by her return to more somber topics. "Well, they'll find somepony else to do it, I might be the richest, but they'll find a replacement. It's sad, but that's how the world is, I can only do my part and hope the others follow suit." "I guess I could look at the futility of it all, and just shrink back into my old habits. On the other hoof, shouldn't that motivate me further? To defy the world is to impress yourself upon it. I can build my own legacy! If it is as a pony who tried and failed..." A loom of nervousness seized his face, but he shook his head and resumed. "...then so be it." "Tis better to take a stand, I can only hope my father will be proud of me, Rest his soul."

"My father's word is gospel, even if he's dead and gone." With a halfhearted sigh the rich stallion levitated his coffee over towards him, also thanking the barkeep. He swirled the noir concoction around, lost in thought. Max didn't know what to think, this young filly had made a great point, and he meditated on it for a moment. All of this surely wasn't his father's fault, and she was right in saying that he had to keep going forward... "So what you're saying is that I should give up? Or that I should forge on ahead, damn the consequences?" He was still slightly inebriated, and neither of the extremes seemed very appealing. "Foundations are what you build your LIFE upon, am I supposed to tear down what I have and try again? The blueprints have been chosen and the materials gathered, I can't change what is going to be built." Disgusted, Max lowered his glass and scowled at nopony in particular. "I can't blame my father for my mistakes." There was an awkward silence, and the stallion looked at the filly with a soft glare, more of sorrow than contempt. Finally, he spoke up, placing a hoof on his chin. "Although..." "It seems that maybe, maybe, all is not lost. Even if I needed your help, I managed to one thing right. It's not much, but it's a start. If i can change in small ways... " He removed his hoof from his chin and exclaimed. "I can change in BIG ways too!" Noticing his outbreak, the dignified unicorn cleared his throat and adjusted his tux. "Of course, that was obvious."

Maximilian watched the reactions of the gathered ponies, and he felt a slight blush as they applauded. It was the first genuine applause he'd received in a while. Max was about to continue, but HoneyThread stood up and made it clear that she was leaving. "Likewise, Miss HoneyThread. And thank you for your kind words." He bowed as she left. Once she had left, Max noticed the absolutely terrible music coming from the piano, and the unsophisticated warble that the player spouted. He was belting something about 'flying' and 'wings', but the intended message was lost in translation. Max excused himself from the group and cantered over to the piano pony. "Excuse me, sir? I would love it if you were to continue with your music from before. I have no doubt that this piece is merely... unsuited to your talents, and a different one may in fact have better results..." Max plopped a few bits on the keys to emphasize his point. With an audible sigh, Maximilian returned to the table. "Forgive me, I do not wish to conduct such affairs in a... spoiled atmosphere." He cleared his throat and levitated the map of Equestria up into the air so that it was easily viewed by all. "This is where things get technical. You all know that this country has a decent railroad system." He traced lines on the map with a hoof. "They stretch between the major cities, and even reach out to the extremities of the country, Like Appleoosa and Stalliongrad. Yet..." Maximilian looked at each guest individually and grinned. "There is no line between Stalliongrad and Appleoosa." "A line between this city and that one would not only open up the frontier to many technologies that would make living here easier, it would also open up the eastern parts of Equestria to easier trade with us Appleoosans. A direct line can forgo all the transit stops in each city, and our apples and pies, among other things, can make it across the country quicker and cheaper." He paused, and allowed everypony to react. "That is not all..." "I also plan to journey to Rockwington and negotiate terms of trade with the gryphon nation. Products from Stalliongrad will be shipped here, and then to the city of Rockwington, at a much faster pace than if they wait for things to be shipped through other gryphon cities. Of course, to achieve this speed, trade would have to get through the mountains, which brings me to my final objective..." Maximilian took a deep breath and looked straight ahead. "A tunnel through the mountains linking Appleoosa directly to Rockwington!" (OOC:GASP! Anyway, this is basically me selfishly trying to foreshadow The Trans-Equestrian Railroad idea i'd like to do. If you want to know more, click the link and read on. This does not have to happen, the Appleoosan response is critically important. Also, since this town will be a major factor, you are all welcomed to participate in the 'campaign' if it actually happens!)

The Rockefilly reached for his mug, but it was empty. Sighing, the rich stallion relaxed in his seat. "It sure feels alright, but..." He slumped in his seat. "I don't feel like it's a good sign. I used to hate myself because I could never live up to my Father, now I hate myself because I finally realize how bad I really am. Everything I ever knew is wrong, what do I do now? What kind of company can I keep? Who would want to stick around me?" Max tossed a hoof dramatically and slumped even further. "I'm completely lost, and even though I know it's not enough to rest on my laurels and be pleased with my revelation, what else am I supposed to do? I know what the problem is, but every ounce of my being screams for me to continue, at least, the ounces of my being that still are still willing to call themselves Rockefilly." "How can I do this? What gives me the right to spit in my father's face and do this to his family?" Even though Maximilian Rockefilly Sr was long deceased, his son still spoke of him as though he were right there in the room. He rested his muzzle on the large rest of the sofa. "I fear I may know the answer to my own question. I'm certainly far enough gone where I can't even see where I started, and I don't know how to get back."

Maximilian sputtered and wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his Tuxedo. Like a small foal, he was unable to rein in his emotions. The Rockefilly sipped at his coffee, and placing the mug down he took a deep breath, finally able to compose himself. "For a while. I just looked back at my life one day, after my mother left, and for some reason the full weight of everything just hit me." "I was bred to do business, to take over the family, but now... now I just don't know anymore. Part of me wants to continue, but another part of me is disgusted with myself." He looked down at the black elixir. "The things I've done, they're the worst of the worst, I have no excuses. I knew I was hurting ponies, and yet I still do it. I want to stop hurting others so much, but wouldn't that mean I'd be a failure to him?" "And I know everypony hates me for what I've done, so why should I change? No matter what I do, ponies will always assume I'm out for myself." "Like father said, 'everypony acts for themselves, you should too. Do what you can for yourself'. Those words are what I live by... And I always assumed they were correct, nothing had ever proven me wrong." Max raised his head and looked at Cherry. "Which is why i'm still amazed by what you did. Nopony has EVER done something for me before, and for somepony who doesn't know me to just stick up for me like that, it's almost unreal."

"I agree" Maximilian stared blankly ahead, still trying to process exactly what had just happened. As he trotted alongside the younger filly Max gently placed a hoof on her shoulder as nothing more than a paternal display of concern. The unicorn muttered something and continued approaching the booth. As he sat down, Max didn't break his stare, and he found himself once again looking at an image so complex he could only hope to understand a part of it. Many questions swirled through his mind, and the rich stallion simply sat and let the confusion and apprehension wash over him and replace the fear and loathing that had taken up residency in his mind. There was a long silence, and it wasn't broken until the coffee finally arrived at the table, the steaming, black drink a welcome sight to the Rockefilly. He stared into the mug, and his own reflection stared back. Maximilian's expression was twisted and contorted, a futile attempt to rein in his confusion and pain. He finally looked up from his mug at Cherry, obviously holding his emotions back behind a weak levy made of nothing more than lies and doubt. There were a few more tentative moments of silence, and as Max lifted the cup to his muzzle he chuckled weakly, and was the first to speak. "To think, the first pony to do me a favor, and it's a little filly I met in a bar." The porcelain mug started to shake, and a pained smile formed on Max's lips, soon joined by watering eyes. "Why?" Whether or not Cherry was aware of this, that act of defiance meant so much to Max. Throughout his whole life, nopony had ever done anything for him, he had been forced to provide for himself, a ploy by his parents to simultaneously raise a strong son without having to do much work. He felt disgusted with himself, and Max didn't know whether or not he should feel so... weak, for lack of a better word. His mind was clouded was inebriation, and the already emotional stallion felt even more conflicted as time passed. His gratitude was replaced with doubt, and once again thoughts of his father's disappointment at his weakness creeped into his mind. "You... You didn't have to do that..." The tears, brought on by the squall of emotions, threatened to pour out, and he covered his face with a hoof. "Why?"