The Strong Sounds of Silence [ATTN: PineapplePony]

[IceStorm]

~~~Ice Storm~~~

 

 

 

It had been a couple weeks since that day at the candy shop where and first seen the pony of interest that she was meeting with today. She'd sent a letter out remembering the name, but not much of anything else, so she was hoping that they actually got the message. It hasn't been returned yet, so Ice was hopeful. She herself had just gotten back into Las Pegasus but long ago after paying Bluebelle a visit in Canterlot. There political dealings going on there were interesting to say the least. She wouldn't say they were complicated, what they could do was very black and white to her, but the beauty of politics is that not everypony sees things the same way.

 

That was precisely why Ice was going to meet with River Wisp today. The kirin was about to pick up on her conversation with Psmith through a crowded store that was very busy. Such a skill was quite a valuable asset to any sort of government project, but especially ones that deal with espionage on the regular. It would be a while before they would get to that though. There was a lot that Icy still needed to figure out about him. There wasn't much on the kirin village yet, and as such. Not a lot of information on the species as a whole, or their culture. She had no idea what they were capable of, so she wanted to be careful and make sure this would work to a mutual benefit. She sat in her office on the third floor of the hotel and waited for them to hopefully arrive.

[PineapplePoni]

River wisp had received a strange letter the other day. He was staying at his friends house in canterlot when it arrived, so he was confused as to how it made its way to him. Then he saw the note on the back: 

“Hey honey! A letter arrived for you (Exciting!!) and we thought we’d send it your way. 
                                                 Xx Your mums”

 

He chuckled as he read it, his suspicions fading. But.. only for a moment. Kirins never received mail, the village was small enough to just walk to the recipient’s house. The only time they’d ever get anything through their letter box is if somecreature from inner Equestria wanted to contact them, which is very rare. So suffice to say that this was very unusual. 
He opened it with caution and care, this was the first ever letter he had received, didn't want to damage it. He slipped the letter out of it's envelope,  and began to read;

 

Dear River wisp,

     I hope this letter finds you well. We met at the candy store a few days ago. I wish for your presence at my office on the 5th. 

     Regards,

                 Ice Storm

 

He was not expecting that! Ice Storm, the mysterious mare from the store, wanted to see him?!  He checked the date, TODAY was the 5th! He better get going! River wisp grabbed his stuff, waved a hasty goodbye to his friend, and set off to Ice's office, he wondered what she could want him for? He was glad, he thought, that Ice invited him. He was itching to learn more about this mysterious mare, there was definitely more to her than meets the eye. Once he arrived, he went up to the 3rd floor and nocked on the pretty blue door labelled "Ice storm". She was quick to answer. River wasn't expecting it, though, as he jumped back slightly in shock as the blue unicorn appeared seemingly out of nowhere, and invited him in. 
Ice showed River to his chair, and they both sat down. What could they possibly discuss? “I’m glad you could make it,”  Ice Storm began.

[IceStorm]

~~~Ice Storm~~~

 

 

 

The swift response from the kirin was appreciated, and even moreso from the mail service. She knew that the kirin village was a bit away from Las Pegasus, so she's wear quite pleased with the result. In front of her was a light blue Kirin, not too many shades away from her own coat. The orange scales and spots were good accents, and the metallic sheen from the scales made the color pop even more. This would be the first Equestrian born Kirin that she'd encountered, her time in Neighpon during one of her recent investigations or her in contract with many natives of Long Guo and it's neighbors.

 

The reason for the meeting today though, what not to take in the looks of the Kirin in front of her, but to find out more about his skill set. If it was as good as she was hoping, and the interest was there, she'd happily talk about a special forces contract. "Welcome, I'm glad you could make it," she started, taking her seat behind her desk. "I am glad that the letter found you. Ever since our chance meeting at the candy shop, I've had some interest in you. More specifically, you're super natural hearing. The fact that you were able to pick up on my conversation with Psmith and ask about it through a bustling store in it's grand opening definitely piqued my interest," she smiled. "I would like to know more about it, and what is limitations are."

[PineapplePoni]

River fidgeted in his chair, Ice has had some interest in him? That's unexpected! He thought it was normal to be able to hear that well, I guess not. Ice storm looked quizzically at River, and he wondered why his hearing was particularly important to her. He thought for a couple seconds, he didn't pay attention to his own hearing! He thought that some sort of test of his abilities was in order, so he trotted over to the window and opened it. River closed his eyes and listened, just listened to the sounds of the street below. He heard a foal crying for their mum, a couple having an argument over chicken and rice and a shop owner ushering the customers out for closing time. It was a little overwhelming, but as was every moment. River wisp opened his eyes and sat back down.

 

"I can hear most of the conversations down there." he gestured to the window "But around the corner is out of earshot. I do use lip-reading for the trickier, more far away creatures. I recon I can hear so well because of the lack of any noise when I was younger, so I'm hyper-sensitive to it now. But that's just a theory I came up with right now."

 

River played around with the font and colour of his writing, as the young alicorn suggested in the store, He was still dumbfounded that he had never tried it before!

"Why do you want to know this?"

River asked with a confused look and a smile on his face, it was quite odd!

[IceStorm]

~~~Ice Storm~~~

 

 

Ice was intrigued when the Kirin stood up and moved over to her window. When he acknowledged that he could make out most of the conversations outside on the ground floor. For everything else, they used lip reading as their method of comprehension. River further explained that they believed that it was the The Vow of Silence that was responsible for the super hearing as it allowed them to pick up on minute details. When he asked why she was interested, she smiled.

 

"That would be the question wouldn't it? Why would a good-hearted casino owner like myself be interested in such an ability..." Ice started, pouring herself a cup of tea, and then offering some to River. "Let me start by saying that not everything in this casino is as it seems. Functionally, there is no difference between this hotel or casino as any other here on the strip, until you get to it's staffing, and then to it's lower levels. Within the premises of this building, especially on the lower levels, my name is Commander Ice Storm. I am the founding member of the Severe Threat Action & Response Force, also known as STAR. With it being formally recognized as part of the Equestrian Military, I am the highest ranking official in the ranks, second only to The Princess herself. We are the first line of defense against issues that Equestria doesn't even know it has, and having somepony that can pick up on conversations over seventy feet away is a major asset."

 

"With your super hearing," she continued. taking a sip of her tea. "It would be possible to weed out a threat to Equestria before they even knew they were being watched! And being able to eliminate threats, before they are threats, has been my ultimate goal since starting this. I've already started challenging the noble circle, and holding those who would hurt others for their gain accountable for their actions. Were you to join STAR to help with our endeavor, You would get to choose whether you helped drain corruption in the upper echelons of nobility, or you can travel abroad to find more dangerous threats and report back when you've found something. Regardless of which path you choose, should you join STAR, it would be a great benefit. As such, living accommodations, pay, and generous leave time are also available. Technically, there are also several airship positions open, both on the Air Destroyers and the Air Battleship, but I don't know if those would be your cup of tea. They can get loud, and with hyper hearing comes the potential for hyper sensitivity, and I don't want to put you in a position where you could hurt yourself. Of course, the very nature of being a spy is dangerous work in of itself."

[PineapplePoni]

Me…. Join the Military?? River Wisp had never heard of STAR before, but was absolutely shocked to find out that Ice Storm wanted him in it! River agreed that his hearing was indeed above average, maybe even ‘super’ as Ice put it, but being one of the first defences to pony kind?! Wow. He looked at Ice suspiciously, was this all some elaborate prank? But then he saw the genuine look in her eyes and realised that she was dead serious. River had never encountered any major problems with his hearing before, as even after they were cured the kirins remained fairly quiet. But River had to agree that being in all the hustle and bustle of the big city did get quite overwhelming. He wasn't sure how his mothers would react, being in this field of work is incredibly dangerous, but noble. Would he even be able to tell his parents? It seems confidential. River started hyperventilating a little, this was a huge decision; it could potentially lethal if he made the wrong one.  But then again, simply listening couldn't do much harm, right? God, he was actually considering it! It would be nice to help others and be on the side of justice, but how did he even know that Ice storm was even telling the truth?! 

 

cautiously, he wrote: "How do I even know that you're who you say you are? And if I were to believe you, where would I even start work?" River looked around nervously, "And what would I be doing? Is it... dangerous?" Almost more importantly, River remembered, "What would I get paid? It doesn't have to be a lot, but I'd like to be able to move out of the village one day and bits are probably a good starting point." 

 

River contemplated what sort of life he would like in inner Equestria. He hoped for stability and nice neighbours, and hopefully some kirin comrades. This job could help him with this dream and gain him the respect of his fellow ponies. Well now River really hopes Ice isn't lying! 

 

"What threats do STAR stop specifically? And yes, I would like some tea please"

[IceStorm]

~~~Ice Storm~~~

 

 

 

Ice could see the wheels turning in the Kirin's head, and rightfully so. This was a big decision, and honestly, one that didn't have to be made right this very instant. If he would need time to think on the proposal, then she would be more than happy to allot it to him. She smirked when she read his first question. How could he be sure that she was who she said she was. It was true, it was a pretty big claim to be able to say that they founded a branch of the military, and for somepony that hasn't been around Equestria in a while, if ever at all... she knew that the kirins had remained remote for a while, even after they got their speech back. Well. most of them apparently. Still, that question could be answered with relative ease. She retrieved her own personal file from her directory. She placed it in front of the Kirin, and on the file was both the official seals of Equestria, and what became the official seal of star. A blue crystal, stylized in a six-pointed star overlapping an outline of another six-point star.

 

"A very good question to start with," Ice Storm started, pouring some tea for the Kirin. "It means you have good instincts and want to have all your ducks in a row without getting played. I can assure you though, what I've said is 100 percent true. The main headquarters for the branch is about six stories beneath us, and yes. I'm aware we're on the third floor," she smirked a bit. "As far as payment goes, that will be determined by your initial rank within the organization, and whether or not you choose to stay within the lodging provided at the hotel here or not..., but the starting salary for even the lowest ranked enlisted that I have is still roughly 2500 bits a month with ten percent automatically subtracted for rent as they live here in the hotel. Which would give you 2000 bits a month to work with, and all utilities are taken care of, so you don't have to worry about any of that. Each name badge also has an enchanted crystal on it. Whenever you go to a show, or a restaurant here in the casino, or down in base, you can choose to take it out of your next check rather than pay with the funds on hoof. Just swipe your badge and you're good to go. That's actually the option that most use because then they know that everything that they get paid is disposable income. Plus, unlike other branches of the military, we include vacation time, unless your on assignment," she explained.

 

"As for what you will be doing... eventually, yes. What you will be doing will be very dangerous, but not until your ready. If you were to join today, you would be required to move to Las Pegasus, at least for a couple months to undergo the basic survival training needed in hostile environments. Whether or not you see actual combat is irrelevant. It's better to have the knowledge to survive such a circumstance and not need it, then get caught in a situation where you have no idea what to do. That is how ponies get killed. Right now, my branch of the military is currently the only one with a "zero casualty" rating, and I would very much like to keep it that way," she continued. "AS far the threats that we help with. STAR Supports the Equestrian Navy by supporting Aeronautical Support. The Flagship of STAR is the Aero Dreadnought The STR - Shadow of Ice. The other, more common threats we deal with, are actually much more local," she added, taking a breath.

 

"While a large number of ponies are good-natured individuals," she started again. "There are some in the upper echelons of nobility that have figured out how to use their status to become ruthless in making sure they keep whatever they've status they've gained, no matter the cost to others around them, and sometimes, actively hurting others to progress their own fortune. STAR works in conjunction with the guards in this instance to try to root out the corruption and make nobility what it was meant to be. the wealth and the noble working to help those that have come on hard times. Not to be the creator of those hard times. Every time we succeed, means that there's one less filly or colt that goes hungry at night. There's one less filly or colt that has to choose between having a family, or simply surviving. Families won't have to worry where their next meal is coming from. IF you choose to remain in the Homeland of Equestria, that is the fight that you would be assisting with, in making sure that the ponies that are causing these atrocities are brought down through any means. That, after all is the creed of STAR. We fight, for those who can't. We are the protectors, The first into the fire, and the last out, and if we've done our job correctly, we are the last thing that a face of evil will see before they lose everything, and learn what it's like to have the horseshoe on the other hoof," she finished firmly with conviction.

[PineapplePoni]

  River Wisp blushed at the compliment, 'good instincts'? He wouldn't agree with that, but he'll take it. Being suspicious was something he wasn't praised for at home as it was seen as impolite. He took a peek at the file in front of him, it was decorated with 2 stars on the front in a charming shade of blue. The files definitely looked professional, and there was a letter of approval from princess Celestia in there, so he reasoned that he could trust her. Wait, 6 levels beneath them? Dear Rain shine, how many stories did this building have?! He got dizzy just thinking about looking up from the very bottom, and what were the other 5 used for? Weapons, criminals, FINANCE?! He shuddered at the thought and shook it out of his head as he turned back to Ice Storm. River listened about the bit amount, pony bits were worth more than Kirin bits so he'd have to do the maths. He mumbled to himself for a minute, 'hmm 49 divided by-3, 24..mhm carry the one...' he looked shocked for a moment then blurted out "Three THOUSAND Kirin bits a month?!!" Rent was quite cheap in the village, but even so his mum only made a bit more than that and she was head of the only school for miles. He sat embarrassed for a moment and continued to listen. River would probably live in the hotel, he'd have to break the news to his friend soon. Ooh, the enchanted crystals sound fancy, he thought as he winced at the loud beep of a carriage horn down in the street. The idea of taking your money directly out of your next salary was cool, but he'd probably end up with no salary; that popped-corn stuff he tried at the sweet shop was too nice to not have again. Why oh why did everything here have to be so expensive? Back home he could get a comic, an apple and a dentist appointment for the price of 2 bags of Canterlot sweets. At least with this newfound job he was being paid generously, although he was potentially putting his life in danger for it. River sipped his tea, he was glad to have holiday time, he would get too stressed without it. This job really sounded like a dream come true, but moving to Las Pegasus? He didn’t know anycreature there, it was apparently massive and wasn’t it on clouds?! How would he… walk? Or get up there for that matter? At least he’d be prepared for danger… 

 

The rest of the talk really got him riled up. These awful people deserved to pay! He’d love to help make the world a better place. That does it, he’s in.

 

Once Ice finished, River started to write “Wow. That sounds amazing, I’ve always wanted to do something great with my life. I just… wow.” 
River had so many thoughts running through his head he could barely focus. 
 

“I have so many more questions, but they can wait I suppose. I- I’m going to trust that this is legitimate and you’re really offering me this. I accept.

[IceStorm]

~~~Ice Storm~~~

 

 

 

Ice smiled as she continued speaking about everything. It looked as if he was taking every piece of information that she was giving him and breaking it down. He was deep in thought for a moment until he found his voice briefly, which further added to the shock value of what he has heard. Age was aware that the kirins were just starting to integrate themselves back into society, and their currency was suffering a bit from it. A part of her made a mental note to fix that and to try get some more Kirin in STAR. She didn't want to upsurt the town. On the contrary, she wanted the kirins to flourish, and to do that, they would need a fresh wavy of bit flow into their little village. With them being on the outskirts of Equestria to begin with, the idea came to pitch to the leader about establishing and outpost there, and that those who agreed would be paid handsomely, and that would give them advanced notice from anything coming from that region. 

 

When she heard him, or rather read his response, she smiled a bit more. He had accepted her offer, which now meant that she could inaugurate him into the system. With a flick of her magic, and a few clicks on a keyboard later, she activated the file that she had already created for him as well as a cheque that she had already written to him with his first payment. Since he was not technically living there yet, it would be for the full amount of $2,836 bits, after Equestrian Taxes. "Great! I'm so happy that you accepted. Now, I need you to repeat, erm... Write after me.

 

'I River Wisp, do hereby solemnly swear to uphold the values of the Severe Threat Action and Response Force, and act within it's code of conduct. I will conduct myself with honor and with pride. I will never abandon a pony in need. I will not let injustice go unanswered. If witness injustices, or ponies taking advantage of others, then I will immediately take action against them. Even if that action is to report it to a superior if you feel it's outside of your scope to handle. I will strive to be the best that I can possibly be, and I hereby declare my oath, to fight for those who can't'," Ice finished, holding the STAR guidebook out for him to swear on. He may not be able to speak it, but the written word was more powerful anyway. Any word that was written, was binding.

[PineapplePoni]

River placed his right hoof on the guidebook, and with a flick of his magic, started reciting the pledge. It was so exciting, it felt like he was joining one of those secret clubs the other foals made when they were younger! He was worried that it wouldn't count as he was technically writing the it instead of saying it, but it was too late now. During the closing words of the pledge, he started to think about the past conflicts the kirins have had amongst themselves. It was pretty scary when they got angry, they were silent for years because of it! He hoped that Ice would never have to see him like that; if you couldn't properly control it, it was not pleasant. Turning into flames felt like.. like all the rage in the world was bottled up just for you. River turned to look at Ice storm, she had a faint smile on her face, river wondered what she was thinking; reading emotions was never a strong suit of his, probably due to the fact that kirins never really showed their emotions. Despite everything, River Wisp as excited for his new job. Although, he felt wholly unprepared for it, he should go to the gym more often if he was to thrive in his new job. He wondered what he'd be doing in his first few weeks, the 'survival training' sounded hard, but he hoped he could handle it. 

'Now that I've joined, When will I have to move to las Pegasus for training?' River wrote as he began to reach for his bag, 'I'll need to tell my friend who I'm staying with'

River pulled out a quill and paper in his magic, and looked at Ice expectantly. 

'he's never home, so I'll write him a letter’ As he was writing, the pen and paper clattered to the table, making him pause for a moment, ‘what should I tell him?' 

River winced slightly at the scraping of his chair as he pulled it back in, why did things have to be so loud? Ice may see it an advantage, but super-hearing comes with its fair share of downsides.