{"id":20615,"date":"2021-04-07T17:14:34","date_gmt":"2021-04-07T22:14:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=20615"},"modified":"2023-01-19T11:54:03","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T17:54:03","slug":"chapter-6-emilio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2021\/04\/07\/chapter-6-emilio\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 6: Emilio"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thomas patted the dog on the head and frowned as clouds of white powder billowed out from its coat and into the surrounding air. Closing the kennel door, he considered this substance reputed to have near-magical properties for flea control–diatomaceous earth. Tabby believed in it whole-heartedly, and now it was coating every surface in the clinic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only was the pervasive powder personally annoying, but the cleaning crew was up-in-arms and ready to quit–the cleaning crew consisting of one small furry Fuzziwug named Couthy. The Fuzziwugs were a small and generally agreeable species, but Couthy had been pushed to the brink of crabbiness. Thomas was going to have to tell Tabby that enough was enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

The door flew open, and Tabby herself dashed in. \u201cGood morning!\u201d she said enthusiastically, tossing her purse on the countertop and unleashing another cloud of powder into the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Tabby,\u201d Thomas acknowledged. \u201cUmm, about the diatomaceous earth–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh my gosh, I know, right?\u201d Tabby interrupted. \u201cThat last batch is used up already!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas sighed. \u201cNo, I mean–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t worry, I have more on order,\u201d she assured him. \u201cI paid for express shipping, so it will be here later today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026 great,\u201d Thomas said. This was going well. \u201cBut this is the last order,\u201d he continued sternly. \u201cWe\u2019re buried under it as it is, and I haven\u2019t even seen any flea activity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have them on the run,\u201d Tabby affirmed, \u201cbut there\u2019s a stubborn holdout in the break room. We can\u2019t let our guard down now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere in the break room are you seeing them?\u201d Thomas asked, a suspicion forming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe sink. Why?\u201d Tabby queried. \u201cI <\/span>could<\/span><\/i> move on to Insect Growth Regulators, but Tiny said–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby, those are coffee grounds,\u201d Thomas protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby narrowed her eyes. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so,\u201d she said stubbornly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do appreciate your diligent preventative measures,\u201d Thomas said carefully, \u201cbut I think I can safely say that the clinic is one hundred percent flea-free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t come crying to me when there\u2019s a resurgence,\u201d Tabby said crossly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will hold my peace if that is the case. Are you ready for the 8:15 appointment?\u201d Thomas asked with a glance at the clock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, I\u2019m on it!\u201d Tabby said shrilly, darting out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot these guys again,\u201d Tabby mumbled, checking the chart for the appointment. She opened the exam room door and waved in the yellow stallion who was in the waiting area.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Tabby,\u201d Beauregard said. \u201cEmilio sure is happy to see you again!\u201d Emilio, a rose-hair tarantula, was uncaged, simply riding on his owner\u2019s back, as was his wont.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kitchen appliance was it this time?\u201d was Tabby\u2019s response as Beauregard set the arachnid on the table between them. Emilio, a free-ranging pet, was frequently at the clinic for health issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he\u2019s been staying out of the kitchen since the blender incident,\u201d Beauregard assured her. \u201cBut he\u2019s been rock climbing, and yesterday he took a tumble. One of his legs doesn\u2019t look right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat,\u201d Tabby said, wincing as she gave the tarantula a precursory glance and then turned away. \u201cI will get the doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In the moments that followed, Thomas entered the room and confirmed Beauregard\u2019s observation. \u201cYes, he does have a broken leg,\u201d he said after conducting the exam. \u201cIt can be fixed with a minor procedure, but I would like to keep him for observation for the rest of the day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon that’s fine; I’ll come by around five,\u201d Beauregard assented, and was on his way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere’s only one cure for being a tarantula, and that\u2019s a flat, heavy object from above,\u201d Tabby observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know that you do like the little guy, regardless of what you say,\u201d Thomas chided.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby winced. \u201cSo, do you just glue him back together like last time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the plan,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cI do need you to hold these legs out of the way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She grimaced, but complied after handing over a bottle from the supply drawer. It would have been a lot easier to just use magic on the broken leg–and would involve less hooves-on contact. But Thomas set the rules here, and this sort of injury could literally be glued back together. It could theoretically cause an issue in the next molt, but Emilio lived a charmed life, and these sorts of things didn\u2019t seem to trouble him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t understand how you think crayfish are the greatest pet but can’t stand spiders,\u201d Thomas said, competently mending the wound. \u201cThey’re practically the same.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCompletely different!\u201d Tabby protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that about does it. He looks lively. That\u2019s a good sign,\u201d Thomas said with an assessing look at the patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll toss him in the storage closet\u2026 he likes it there!\u201d Tabby clarified at a stern look from her boss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby found a small lidded container to place the tarantula, and Thomas walked with her to the closet. As she was setting Emliio\u2019s temporary home on the shelf, Thomas saw a cloaked bipedal figure with a toolbox sailing down the hallway toward him. It was the repairman who had arrived earlier that day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d the dark figure said in a low voice, stopping when he reached the unicorns. \u201cThe fire damage in surgery has been repaired, and the fixtures have been upgraded to take those one hundred thousand lumen bulbs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat!\u201d Tabby said, peering out from behind the closet door. \u201cThough why they weren\u2019t installed in the first place is beyond me! 50K isn\u2019t really enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn oversight,\u201d the cloak apologized.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think the original fixtures were fine,\u201d Thomas said with a frown at Tabby. She was always pushing the capabilities of equipment. \u201cBut I appreciate your quick response. Hopefully we won\u2019t need you out here again any time soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you need anything else? Are things satisfactory?\u201d the human asked. \u201cAny supplies, equipment, personnel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we\u2019re good,\u201d Thomas assured him. \u201cDo you have the bill for today\u2019s work?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot to worry,\u201d the cloaked man said. \u201cThe Foundation takes care of everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been very understanding about the damages so far. Someday they will come to collect,\u201d Thomas mused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Foundation is looking forward to a long and productive alliance,\u201d said the man. \u201cGood day to you both.\u201d He bowed his head before moving on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still think that your Foundation friends are a front for something,\u201d Tabby said in the repairman\u2019s wake as she closed up the closet door. \u201cEven if they <\/span>do<\/span><\/i> have cake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever they are, they probably didn\u2019t anticipate quite this much… <\/span>maintenance<\/span><\/i> when they offered me the position,\u201d Thomas said with a sideways glance at his assistant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s no need to look at <\/span>me<\/span><\/i> like that!\u201d she said, bristling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou <\/span>are<\/span><\/i> the direct cause of all the incidents,\u201d he pointed out, reaching out on instinct to catch her as she started to trip over Couthy\u2019s cleaning cart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe autoclave explosion could have happened to anyone,\u201d Tabby protested. \u201cAs for the rest–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, regardless of responsibility, this is the third service call they\u2019ve come for in the past month. The bills will start coming one day,\u201d Thomas said prosaically.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Strawberry was tidying up from a quiet lunch at her desk when Tabby popped into reception. \u201cStrawberry,\u201d she said very quietly but with a wild gleam in her eyes, \u201cI don’t want you to panic, BUT–there is a tarantula on the loose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d Strawberry gasped, leaping to her hooves. \u201cYou don\u2019t mean–<\/span>Emilio<\/span><\/i>!\u201d Though she had grown fond of the little creature and his frequent visits, she still had a fearful visceral reaction to a loose arachnid.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, <\/span>Emilio<\/span><\/i>!\u201d Tabby wailed, making a mad dash through Strawberry\u2019s work space, whipping open and slamming shut desk drawers and file cabinets. \u201cThe latch felt funny, but I thought I figured it out, but I just checked on him and he\u2019s <\/span>gone<\/span><\/i>. I don’t care what Beauregard thinks, but Thomas will never forgive me!\u201d Before Strawberry could respond, Tabby was gone to continue her search in other areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas entered the room soon after. \u201cDid I just hear Tabby\u2026\u201d he trailed off, noting Strawberry\u2019s troubled expression. Sighing, he asked, \u201cWhat happened this time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEmilio escaped and she\u2019s searching for him,\u201d Strawberry explained. Tabby was a terrible actress and wouldn\u2019t be able to conceal her distress, so it seemed just as well to be up front with Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do these things always happen to her?\u201d he asked, looking perturbed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but she does always land on her hooves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, they paused to appreciate the wild crashing noises heard coming from the back of the building, as doors and drawers were flung open and hastily searched, then slammed shut again.<\/span><\/p>\n

The door swung open again and Tabby flew back into the room. \u201cSug, I just thought of this–what if he got into the diatomaceous earth–it will tear open his exoskeleton!\u201d she exclaimed with rising terror, then noticed Thomas\u2019 presence. \u201cOh!\u201d she said, shutting her mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something you\u2019d like to tell me?\u201d Thomas asked dryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t have happened!\u201d Tabby declared defiantly. \u201cThere\u2019s no reason he should have gotten out!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure he\u2019s not in the container under the rock?\u201d Thomas asked, keeping a cool head. \u201cThey can be quite good at hiding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I turned over everything, and I\u2019ve looked everywhere!\u201d Tabby declared, pacing in furious circles. \u201cWhat if he crawled into someone else’s carrier?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose that\u2019s possible,\u201d Thomas said, but looked skeptical. \u201cI think we would have noticed, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou just <\/span>said<\/span><\/i> they\u2019re good at hiding!\u201d Tabby wailed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Couthy\u2019s cleaning cart?\u201d Strawberry interjected. \u201cHe was here all morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was that repair guy\u2019s fault. He distracted me when I was putting Emilio away,\u201d Tabby recalled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s probably somewhere in the closet,\u201d Thomas said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll work together calling everyone who\u2019s been here today,\u201d Strawberry said soothingly to her friend. \u201cWe\u2019ll find the little guy; don\u2019t you worry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Couthy had just arrived back home, a literal hole in the ground (the traditional Fuzziwug home), after a morning of cleaning the vet clinic. He had a couple of hours to kill before his shift at his other job, so he sat down in front of his computer to kill some time.<\/span><\/p>\n

His second shift job was at Fuzziwug Bargain Books, a business at the mall which was a communal venture among members of the Fuzziwug colony of Misty Hollow. The profits were enough to cover basic needs for the Fuzziwug community, which was located on a reserved patch of park land in the city. But costs were rising, and Couthy had started taking on odd jobs to help supplement the Fuzziwugs\u2019 coffers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Couthy realized he was not alone. There was a small, leggy creature climbing up the side of his monitor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA friend!\u201d Couthy brightened, waving at the pinkish-hued hairy creature. The tarantula waved back with several legs, one looking a bit stiff.<\/span><\/p>\n

Couthy held out his hand and allowed the arachnid to climb onto it, up his arm, and onto his head, then headed to the kitchen corner of the hole to fix lunch. Couthy hummed to himself, glad for the company.<\/span><\/p>\n

Emilio curiously crawled around the countertop, inspecting a jar of tomato sauce, and inadvertently tipping it over and spilling the contents; and in the frenzy of clean-up, Couthy\u2019s phone was knocked off the hook.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some time later, Couthy left his hole for the bookstore, with Emilio in tow.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Baratta took the call that came in on the switchboard. \u201cThe Old Milk House Foundation, how can I direct your call?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026 yes, hello, I\u2019m looking for the repair person that was at the vet clinic this morning,\u201d said a voice close to hysterics.<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning and sitting up straight in his chair, Baratta gestured for his partner to listen in. \u201cHow can we assist?\u201d he asked the caller.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019re short one tarantula, and I was wondering if he might have hitched a ride with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease hold,\u201d Baratta said smoothly, pressing the appropriate button.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zort was already beating out his cloak. \u201cI can check my tool box, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s on my person,\u201d he said, shaking his head at Baratta.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Ravenwood,\u201d Baratta said, raising his voice and addressing the woman seated at a desk at the head of the room, \u201cthat was Ms. Fershund–there\u2019s trouble at the clinic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat sort of trouble?\u201d Captain Ravenwood asked, slamming shut the book that had been open on the desk in front of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMissing patient,\u201d Baratta said succinctly. \u201cA tarantula.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what are we waiting for? Prepare to move out!\u201d she barked the order, and her team jumped into action. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to find it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ve talked to everyone,\u201d Strawberry sighed, replacing the phone receiver in its cradle. \u201cExcept for Couthy; the line has been busy the whole time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and the Foundation never took me off hold,\u201d Tabby said, frowning at the receiver that was still in her hoof.<\/span><\/p>\n

The door opened. A group of humans in dark cloaks burst into the clinic, gathering around Strawberry\u2019s desk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here they are!\u201d Tabby exclaimed. \u201cUh, well, I\u2019m just gonna hang up now.\u201d The receiver was set down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, can we help you?\u201d Strawberry asked, looking at them curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe received Ms. Fershund\u2019s call and were apprised of the tarantula situation,\u201d said the leader, whose cloak was a different shade of gray. Tabby thought it was the same one who had headed operations at the open house, Captain Ravencroft or something. \u201cWhere do we stand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know you were\u2026 assisting in this endeavor,\u201d Thomas said, frowning at Tabby.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t tell them to come out here!\u201d Tabby said indignantly. \u201cThis is entirely on them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are here to serve,\u201d said the captain. \u201cWe need a list of everyone who\u2019s been in and out all day–clients, contractors, vendors, deliveries, what-have-you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve already called everyone,\u201d Strawberry squeaked, putting her hoof over the list she had compiled for their own use.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you believed them? Someone\u2019s hiding something,\u201d Captain what\u2019s-her-name maintained, grabbing the list from Strawberry. \u201cGordan, Klatoo, you two search the clinic. Strawberry, get addresses that go with these phone numbers. Ming, Troz, Glarb, Vorton–you will visit the addresses, and question and search as necessary. Baratta, you\u2019re with me; we\u2019ll stay here and coordinate,\u201d she briskly ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

The crowd quickly dispersed from Strawberry\u2019s desk on their respective missions, with the captain and Baratta settling in across the room in the client waiting area.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis response does seem a little over the top,\u201d Thomas admitted to Tabby.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you!\u201d said Tabby, turning to the spare computer at reception that she used for\u2026 work things. \u201cThere\u2019s something going on with these guys,\u201d she muttered, clattering away at the keyboard. \u201cJust let me check. Ah-hah,\u201d she said quietly, craning her neck to view the cloaks\u2019 position in the waiting area. \u201dSee–the domain registration for The Old Milk House Foundation website,\u201d she continued, pointing at the screen, \u201csays it is owned by the Royal Order of Krulotin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know them?\u201d asked Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Know<\/span><\/i> them! They\u2019re only the royal guard of Atlantis!\u201d Tabby replied, scandalized at his lack of knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re not doing a very good job,\u201d Thomas observed. \u201cThe Atlantean empire collapsed thousands of years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, presumably there\u2019s still descendents of the royal family that need guarding,\u201d Tabby said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat need would they have to fund small businesses in Misty Hollow?\u201d Thomas asked skeptically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot small businesses in general; this clinic is the only thing they\u2019re funding, according to what I can find,\u201d Tabby said with a significant look. \u201cAlmost as if it was <\/span>their job<\/span><\/i> to watch out for <\/span>your particular interests<\/span><\/i>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s ridiculous,\u201d Thomas scoffed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you know about your family?\u201d Tabby demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that they’re not Atlantean royalty,\u201d Thomas said bluntly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d she asked disbelievingly. \u201cI traced <\/span>my<\/span><\/i> tree back to the housekeeper of a third cousin twice removed of King Melakos VI\u2019s wife’s mom’s second cousin,\u201d she said with great pride. \u201cSo that’s my connection to the royal family. I’ll build your tree for you–I bet there’s something.\u201d She navigated to Eqcestry.com.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven if\u2026\u201d Thomas shook his head. \u201cNo, it’s absurd. The Atlantean empire is long gone. Why would this secret society still exist? Someone just liked the name and re-used it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re needed to safeguard Atlantean magic, of course!\u201d Tabby insisted. Honestly, he had no imagination. \u201cKeep it from falling under the influence of enemy hooves\u2026 or hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they\u2019re not going to get much out of me,\u201d Thomas said shortly. \u201cUnfortunately, I think the Foundation\u2026 Krulotin\u2026 may be our best bet for finding Emilio at this point.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

The Krulotin had been to the maze of holes that Couthy’s address had led them to. Some residents in various pastel hues had obligingly–<\/span>naively<\/span><\/i>–given up the location of their comrade, working a shift at a store called Fuzziwug Bargain Books.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe’s fled,\u201d Ming said, shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure enough, he’s the one we want,\u201d Troz agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGlarb, call this in to Captain Ravenwood,\u201d Ming instructed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo the mall!\u201d said Vorton.<\/span><\/p>\n

Humans weren\u2019t too common in Misty Hollow, but they were around, so it didn\u2019t cause much fuss when the group of men showed up at the strip mall and clustered outside the bookstore. Ming, using hand gestures, wordlessly issued directions to the others, who spread throughout the bookstore.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ming approached the checkout counter. \u201cWe are looking for the one called Couthy!\u201d he declared. \u201cHe is wanted for crimes against Atlantis!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The pink Fuzziwug at the counter shrieked and ran away through a doorway. Some moments later, a blue Fuzziwug appeared wearing a rosy cap. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked crossly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you Couthy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’ve taken something from the vet clinic,\u201d Ming accused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn’t steal.\u201d Couthy stood his ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen what–is this?\u201d Ming pointed at the Fuzziwug\u2019s hat, that was actually a tarantula.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy friend!\u201d said Couthy staunchly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLikely story!\u201d Ming scoffed, and motioned for his team to move in. \u201cTake him into custody!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you guys?\u201d one of the pony patrons asked. \u201cAre you really authorized to do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis blade is all the authorization I need,\u201d Ming said, drawing his sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough,\u201d said the pony, backing off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo the clinic!\u201d Ming shouted, and the Krulotin were on their way.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Even with all the excitement around them, there was still the normal day\u2019s work to be done. Tabby and Thomas checked in eagerly with Strawberry between appointments, hoping for updates, but were always met with no news. Now the day was winding down, approaching five o\u2019 clock.<\/span><\/p>\n

The front door opened. The ponies looked up in anticipation, and Captain Ravenwood entered with a flourish. Two of her men followed her.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe patient is secured,\u201d Captain Ravenwood said, putting her hand down on Strawberry\u2019s desk and allowing Emilio to climb down from his perch on her shoulder. \u201cAnd the perpetrator is in our custody awaiting your judgment.\u201d She pointed behind her, where it was observed that her men were grasping a small blue furry thing between them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPray you are granted mercy!\u201d said one of the cloaks, jabbing Couthy roughly in the side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCouthy!\u201d Tabby exclaimed, sounding horrified. She was buying into these absurd theatrics that the Foundation had adopted. \u201cWhat have you done?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAccident! Didn’t know! Sorry!\u201d Couthy yelped, flailing around ineffectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, that’s just what a kidnapper would say,\u201d Tabby said, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, there’s been a misunderstanding,\u201d Thomas protested. \u201cLet him go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you wish.\u201d At a signal from Captain Ravenwood, the Fuzziwug was dropped unceremoniously to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNeed to get back to work!\u201d Couthy said urgently, running for the door. \u201cNew employees, not trained, don\u2019t know what they\u2019re doing!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you could lend him a hand?\u201d Thomas suggested with a sharp look at the captain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Captain Ravenwood sighed. \u201cMing, see that he gets back to his shop.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you guys, really?\u201d Thomas challenged. \u201cYou\u2019re not really a non-profit for economic development.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho told you that?\u201d Captain Ravenwood looked up sharply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNobody–it\u2019s on the internet,\u201d Tabby broke-in.<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman muttered something unintelligible under her breath; then the clinic door swung open again, and a yellow stallion walked in. A hushed silence fell over those gathered at Strawberry\u2019s desk, as everyone tried to wrap their heads around what had just happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t stop the party on my account,\u201d Beauregard said jovially, and then spotted his tarantula. \u201cOh, I see you have Emilio all set to go.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mutely, Tabby handed Emilio over to his owner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beauregard beamed, taking Emilio into his outstretched hoof. \u201cHope he didn\u2019t cause any trouble,\u201d he said, eyeing the gathering curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot a bit,\u201d Tabby said quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beauregard looked speculatively at the pink unicorn. \u201cHey, Tabby, you wanna go out–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re done here,\u201d Captain Ravenwood barked, cutting him off. \u201cToss him out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Obligingly, two officers flanked Beauregard and ushered him out of the building. \u201cBye!\u201d the stallion shouted over his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that’s service,\u201d Tabby said with relish.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe will be here if there is ever need,\u201d Captain Ravenwood said with a bow. \u201cWe are always watching. Good day.\u201d And then she, too, along with her men, were gone out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Cult<\/span><\/i>,\u201d said Tabby under her breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s somewhat… unsettling,\u201d Thomas admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, you\u2019re some kind of Atlantean royalty,\u201d Tabby said, stubbornly holding to her pet theory.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what to make of them,\u201d Thomas said, perplexed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The door opened <\/span>again<\/span><\/i>, and Thomas held back an exasperated sigh–they would have to get that locked for the day if they ever got a chance. It was a white stallion with red and white striped hair. He was with the police; Thomas had the vague notion that his name was Candy Cane, which was the kind of whimsical name ponies in these parts would come up with for a pony of that coloring.<\/span><\/p>\n

A gray mare followed him in. Yes, these were definitely the two detectives who had been at the open house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi!\u201d Gracie said enthusiastically. \u201cHow are you guys today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d said Thomas cautiously, stepping forward as spokespony.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not here on a social call,\u201d said Candy Cane gruffly. \u201cHeard you had some visitors. You know anything about this attempted kidnapping of Couthy the Fuzziwug?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a misunderstanding,\u201d Thomas explained. \u201cThey, uh, returned him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo he told me,\u201d said Candy Cane with a frown. \u201cStill, they can\u2019t take the law into their own… hands like that. What business did they have with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey volunteered to help us find a lost pet,\u201d Thomas admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re friends, then?\u201d Candy Cane looked up sharply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey have a financial stake in the business\u2026 no one here condoned their actions today,\u201d Thomas added hastily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCouthy says he won\u2019t press charges, so it doesn\u2019t really matter,\u201d Gracie interjected helpfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if these humans try to get you involved in any more\u2026 <\/span>questionable<\/span><\/i> activity, give us a call,\u201d Candy Cane said, frowning at his partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat! Now, can we go grab something to eat? I\u2019m starving!\u201d Gracie said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas ushered the two detectives out the door, which was summarily locked behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that was fun,\u201d Tabby said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we didn\u2019t come out of this <\/span>too<\/span><\/i> badly,\u201d Thomas said reflectively. What if there was something to what Tabby said, and this had all been set up specifically for him? Were there mysterious forces working to his benefit? Had he not accomplished any of this on his own merits?<\/span><\/p>\n

No, this was a ridiculous line of thinking, Thomas told himself. All they really knew was the funding organization was named after an obscure historical reference, and they were very hands-on with their projects. Tabby could chalk it up to conspiracies all she wanted–but the truth was, there were no secret societies acting in the shadows and directing his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Right?<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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