Bon-Bon: You look upset.
Ribbon: [Sigh] Liza’s teacher assigned one of those “who do you most admire” essays…

Bon-Bon: I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it.
Ribbon: It was a top five! How is your own mother not in the top five? My husband was there, of course.
Lyra: I wasn’t there, was I?
Ribbon: Praise Celestia, no!
Lyra: Oh good. I don’t have to be in this conversation then.

Ribbon: I don’t understand… Does she hate me?
Bon-Bon: Have you tried talking to her about this?
Ribbon: Oh sure. That’ll go over about as well as any other time I try talking to her about literally anything. To this day, she has still avoiding explaining that unsightly knot that wound up on her head a few years ago.

Lyra: It just sounds to me like teen rebellion. You’re the authority figure.
Ribbon: Well I certainly never signed up for this!

[Pause]

Bon-Bon: Technically… You literally did sign up for this.
Ribbon: Yes I-… You don’t suppose that…? Liza doesn’t know does she?

Bon-Bon: She’s never made any indication to me.
Lyra: Me neither. Though you have to figure she’s going to piece it together eventually.
Ribbon: There is literally no reason she should ever “piece it together”!
Lyra: Hey! I’ve said nothing to her! I still think it’s just teen rebellion!
Ribbon: Well I hope you’re right… The last thing I want is for her to start looking for answers she’s never going to accept.

Ribbon: So… That new school of Twilight’s looks… lovely.

Lyra: Ugh… As if the castle wasn’t enough of an eyesore.

Ribbon: Well, at least it’s for a good cause.

Bon-Bon: Twilight had quite a bit of trouble getting the doors to stay open.

Ribbon: So I heard. It’s a shame how the EEA caused such a ruckus. Behavior like that is what starts conflict.

Lyra: Really? You’re one-hundred percent on board with an international school of friendship?

Ribbon: Hmm? Oh certainly. We’re lucky so many other nations are willing to participate.
Bon-Bon: Wait for it…
Ribbon: It’s the perfect opportunity to elevate these other species away from their antiquated traditions.
Bon-Bon: There it is.
Ribbon: Did you know Hippogriffs don’t even have a standardized currency? An established society like theirs? You’d only expect something so backwards from Yaks or Dragons.

Bon-Bon: It continuously amazes me how you can manage to be in the right, yet do so for all the wrong reasons.

Ribbon: Oh dear Bonnie. If you didn’t come to the same, financially-profitable conclusion you’re simply not being creative enough.

1) Lyra: I’m not really in a position to ask “Hey, what was the exact thing you fire me for?“ I could try to sue for employee records on myself, but that’d probably go over as well as anything else.

Ribbon: Even if you tried, all you’d get in reply would be a generic “Inappropriate conduct in a public forum“ which is more than stretching the original terminology. This is why law makers should not also enforce the laws. Any time there’s a conflict you can be assured they’ll side with themselves.

2) Hahaha. Ohohoh-kay Strawberry. On a list of things that sound fake, that’d easily top the charts. But whatever you say.

Bon-Bon: Rebecca. I know you only want the best for me, but who I spend my days with is not your decision to make. And if you respect me for the things I’ve done, then you have to respect Lyra for the things she was forced to struggle through. That’s why I like spending time with her. Secret organizations, life-threatening situations, cloak-and-dagger; it may not have been my first choice, but it was still my choice. Lyra didn’t have that choice.

Bon-Bon: Besides, you think I want to be spoon-fed ambrosia from a silver bowl? I moved out here so I could be a normal mare. I like Lyra because she doesn’t treat me special. She never did. I didn’t do what I did for wealth or stature, I did it because it was the right thing. And we don’t do the right thing expecting something in return. We do it-
Ribbon: Because it’s right…

Bon-Bon: You’re my sister and I still love you, Rebecca. But this is it. If you do something like this again I can’t have you in my life anymore. I know when Mom gave up on me it put a lot of pressure on you, but you’re the one that choose to accept that pressure. And you’ve more than risen to her expectations! It’s ridiculous that I can trust you with my secret identity but not my everyday life.
Ribbon: But what about when she leaves? What about when you’re left here all alone?
Lyra: Why does everypony keep thinking I’m going somewhere?
Bon-Bon: We don’t live expecting the worst. We just enjoy what we have while we have it. It’s all we can do.
Ribbon: I’m… I’m sorry, Samantha! I’m sorry, Lyra!
Bon-Bon: I choose to believe you. Please don’t make that a mistake… And don’t call me Samantha.

Ribbon: I don’t… I mean I never…
Lyra: If you don’t know, I can tell you. It’s because I’m an orphan. Because I’m poor. I have no past and I might as well have no future.
Ribbon: That is not-!
Lyra: I don’t belong in your life unless I’m one of those poor ponies begging for your help: “They have to find me innocent, right?! I was never there! I don’t even know them!“ You can’t stand that you have no power over me!
Ribbon: Bonnie shouldn’t have to-!
Lyra: You act like it’s about her, but it’s all about you, isn’t it?! I’m not what you want! I’m just a street urchin, or a drifter, or some Romarei slur I know better than to repeat under such context!
Ribbon: Romarei?
Lyra: And if it’s not that then it’s just me! You despise everything I am! Nothing would please you more than to have me locked up or banished for the rest of my days! Anything to get me out of the way! You’d rather Bon-Bon spend time with anypony else in Equestria! Anypony but me!

Ribbon: YOU DON’T DESERVE HER! You’re a filthy, foul-mouthed, wretched creature!  And the very arrogance! You think it’s you? You think you’re anything special?! Ha! I’d have a line- A LINE- running out that door and around this little shack seven-times over on rich ponies alone! The Bohun family matched wits with the princesses and, even in defeat, still came out on top! We’re practically nobility! Ponies would kill to marry into our family! And if that were all… If you knew what she’s done for us all…
Bon-Bon: She knows, Rebecca.
Ribbon: She… does? Even the name?
Bon-Bon: Even the name.
Ribbon: And still? And still you swear in her presence!? Treat her like a commoner?! Equestria- the princesses- neigh, the entire world owes itself to Samantha, and that was before she joined the agency! Risked her life everyday! Saved thousands of lives a hundred times over! My sister deserves the hoof of a prince! Or a princess. Royalty and any rate! That’s why I only ever brought her the best! Dignitaries! CEOs! Diplomats! The Captain of the Wonderbolts-!

Lyra: Wait! Wait a minute! Spitfire? Spitfire was interested in Bon-Bon? You had a chance with Spitfire and turned it down?
Bon-Bon: She’s really not that great-
Lyra: Who else? Name names.
Ribbon: I- Uh… Emerald Beacon?
Lyra: Keep going.
Ribbon: Professor Hayton? Filthy Rich before he got back together with his wife, though even I’ll admit that was a poor judgement call on my part. Then Marigold Riverside, Spitfire, Fleur Dis Lee-
Lyra: The famous model?! She donates, like, thousands of bits a year!
Bon-Bon: And she’ll continue to do so with or without me- I think we’re losing focus here.

Ribbon: Thank you for inviting me over, Bonnie. I appreciate the opportunity to… to… You’re blocking the doorway.
Bon-Bon: You did not ask for permission to enter.

Ribbon: I see… May I come inside, sister?
Bon-Bon: You may. And you may have a seat.

Ribbon: Ah. I… did not realize Lyra would be here.
Lyra: Looks like you don’t quite know everything then, huh?
Ribbon: This suddenly feels like a bad time-
Bon-Bon: Sit. Down. This? This is ending now. No backward comments, no whispering under your breath. I’m tired of this between you two.

Lyra: I didn’t do any-!
Bon-Bon: Shut. Up. You might paint yourself as a saint on your blog, but I know better. Rebecca, say your piece.

Ribbon: Lyra, I’m sorry for-
Bon-Bon: Stop. If I was born yesterday, that would make you even younger than me. I don’t want to hear a bunch of fake apologies as you both go back to plotting behind each others’ back.
Lyra: I never-!
Bon-Bon: Shut! UP! … Rebecca, look at me. I am not sorry for what I said and what I did. I haven’t forgiven you and, even if Lyra does, I probably never will. Flaunting your money I didn’t mind. The suitors? I could deal with. But you attacked my friend and I want to know why. What possible reason could you have to go out of your way to try and ruin somepony’s life?

Lyra: Hello?

Ribbon: I know I’m probably the last pony in Equestria you want to see right now, but if you can just give me a minute to talk to you… Please?

Lyra: … What do I care?

Ribbon: I know we don’t get along. And I’m beginning to understand that I’m the one largely to blame. I’m still not convinced what I did was wrong, yet… I love my husband, contrary to what you might believe. But Bonnie… My sister means everything to me. If I were forced to choose between them… It would not even be a decision. [Sniff] I cannot bare the thought of living without her…

Ribbon: I tried. I talked and persuaded, civilly, financially, and legally, but they would not even consider reversing your dismissal. I… cannot undo what I did to you… No matter how much I wish I could. But… I remember how you used to talk about the fillies and colts, at the school? You would sound pleased with yourself. Not always, but-

Lyra: You…?

Ribbon: It’s not permanent. It will only last until the end of the school year, but it was all that I could manage at that particular location. I held the position for you. You’re free to start back tomorrow, if you’d like.

Lyra: … Thank you.

Ribbon: That’s more than I deserve. I wouldn’t dare ask for your forgiveness. I… If you mean that much to her, I don’t want either of you to ever feel the regret I do now. Especially not because of something I did…

[Pause]

Ribbon: Tootsie… Liza misses both of you dearly.

Bon-Bon: How could you?!

Ribbon: I don’t see what she’s so broken up about. I did her a favor. She loathed that job. I half expected her to laugh in my face when I told her!

Bon-Bon: No… You knew. You knew how hard it is for her to get a job. And now you’ve not only hurt her, you’ve hurt me! Do you know how much debt we have right now? I’ve been depending on her paycheck!

Ribbon: Then I’ll give you the money you need. Let her have a vacation for all I care. It’s a non-issue. Or would that hurt your pride?

Bon-Bon: How… dare you! You take away our financial independence… and then have the nerve to insult me?!
Ribbon: I-
Bon-Bon: NO! Not another word! You crossed the line last time and I forgave you too soon! But this?! Y-You’re a traitor and a coward! You can tell Liza I’m sorry, but it would feel wrong for her to stay here where you’re no longer welcome.
Ribbon: What-?
Bon-Bon: Get out of my house! And don’t come back!

Ribbon: But-! Sister-!
Bon-Bon: I HAVE NO SISTER!

[Slam!]

Ribbon: Bonnie! … Bonnie…? What have I done…?

Ribbon: Hello, Lyra. How’s it going, Lyra?
Lyra: Ribbon? B-
Ribbon: I know Bon-Bon isn’t here. My revenge is against you, not her.
Lyra: W-what?

Ribbon: It’s a funny little thing you run. Your blog. You don’t always say the nicest things on there, do you? Hmm? But maybe that was just me. So I got to thinking, ‘Gee, perhaps I’m being unfair. Maybe I should ask for a second opinion…‘ Don’t quite follow yet? Some ponies who might feel like your image reflects their own?

Lyra: No…
Ribbon: No?

Lyra: Please.
Ribbon: Please?
Lyra: I’m begging you!
Ribbon: It’s too late for begging.
Lyra: [Gasp]
Ribbon: You’ll go into work tomorrow to a pink slip! I only came over see the look on your face! That’s what you get for crossing-…
Lyra: [Sob]

Ribbon: That’s… not quite…
Lyra: [Crying, fading into the distance]

Ribbon: I don’t… You were supposed to be angry… It’s just some lousy job you hated… Isn’t it?

Ribbon: It looks just like the pictures. Absolutely amazing, Tootsie!

Tootsie: Liza.

Ribbon: Liza. Yes. I’m just so proud of you!

Tootsie: Thanks!

Ribbon: I mean, you display such proficiency and skill-
Tootsie: Mom.
Ribbon: I can’t imagine you doing anything else!
Tootsie: Mom.
Ribbon: If you’re this good now, just think of what you’ll be capable of in the-
Tootsie: Mom!

Ribbon: Alright, alright. Go grab your things. I’ll carry your horticulture marvel. I’m sure your father will be delighted to see your work! Look Bonnie!

Bon-Bon: I’ve been watching her take care of that flower for the last few months, Ribbon.

Ribbon: But just look here! Where the leaves change color? The book says that’s very hard to do!

Bon-Bon: And that’s wonderful, Ribbon! I’m happy for Liza.

Ribbon: Oh you shush. I’m a mother and I’m proud of my daughter’s work. Nothing more.

Bon-Bon: Right… Can you hurry up and get that thing out of here? Lyra’s been sneezing like mad ever since it bloomed.

Ribbon: Really? Almost a shame to take it then.

Bon-Bon: I don’t know what got between you two, but I don’t like it.

Ribbon: She won’t like it either…

Bon-Bon: I didn’t catch that?

Ribbon: Oh-uh, our maid, dear. She has allergies too. I’m sure she won’t like the flower either. But nothing for you to be concerned with!

Ribbon: Lyra! What in Tartarus did you do?!

Lyra: Oh Cels… Can I go one shift without somepony yelling at me?

Ribbon: All those horseapples about “being on the same side” and you go on a date with her?!

Lyra: I had to! She made me!
Ribbon: Did she put a knife to your throat?! Because you just buried one in my back!

Lyra: It wasn’t that big of a deal!

Ribbon: Oh no? She must have talked for two hours about it! Going on and on about how much fun she had and how much she just loooved spending time with you!  You’d have thought you two were there all night!

Lyra: We didn’t even do anything!

Ribbon: You did enough! I-It’s like you rekindled a dying flame! How am I supposed to find somepony to compete against you for her affections now?! You have a neigh-insurmountable lead!

Lyra: I’m sorry!

Ribbon: Oooh, you’re not sorry yet. But you will be. You’ve made a powerful enemy this day- I’ll tell you that much! But you know what really burns my flank? Lyra? You know what really gets under my coat? How she said that it wasn’t special. That it felt so normal. Like it was just some ordinary night and that’s how things are supposed to be! It’s like you don’t even have to do anything!

[Pause]

Lyra: Ugh… I’m just going to stop getting out of bed.

Lyra: Ribbon? What are you doing in Ponyville in the middle of the week?

Ribbon: Can a mother not be there for her daughter on the first week of a new school year?

Lyra: N-no? I mean, are you here to buy your ticket home now?

Ribbon: Of course! A smart mare purchases her ticket early to avoid the rush.

Lyra: But… this is rush hour…
Ribbon: So it is! But, about that conversation we had earlier. You recall, yes?

Lyra: Is this really the best time? I’m kinda working-
Ribbon: You’re with a customer, so you still are. Now I believe I made a very generous offer…
Lyra: You did.
Ribbon: And…?

Lyra: I appreciate the consideration, but-
Ribbon: Ugh! Why am I not surprised?

Lyra: Look, I know why you’re doing this and I’m not against it.
Ribbon: And how do you-…!? Wait… what?

Lyra: I don’t like Bon-Bon sitting around waiting for me to suddenly fall in love with her! She’s wasting her life away! There’s a hundred thousand ponies out there that could make her happy and she needs to get over me!

Ribbon: I… Well, yes that-
Lyra: But bringing her suitors isn’t going to work. She’s an entrepreneur, a self-starter, an independent workhorse. It has to be her that finds somepony.

Ribbon: Hmm… Yes that does sound like Bonnie. A change to the encounter then? Stage a meeting perhaps?

Lyra: I’m not helping you play matchmaker. I’m just letting you know I’m not standing in your way.

Ribbon: Fair enough. And this should be fare enough for a ticket. And a good day to you.

[Pause]

Lyra: She’ll be happier when she gets past me. I just… want her to be happy…

Ribbon: Hello, Lyra.

Lyra: Ribbon! Uh, hey! Bon-Bon’s not here right now-
Ribbon: I know.

Lyra: Liza is out playing, if you need me to-
Ribbon: Oh, no. I came here to talk to you.

Lyra: Oh. Uh…. Okay.

Ribbon: You see, I’ve begun to feel like Tootsie and I don’t spend enough time together.

Lyra: Well, yeah.

Ribbon: Yeah? Like-you-have-no-manners-what-so-… Anyway. I do a fair deal of typing, record keeping, scheduling- you know, things of that nature-
Lyra: Uh huh.
Ribbon: And I thought to myself, “I spend so much time on these details when really, I could hire somepony to do this for me-!“
Lyra: Okay.
Ribbon: And why would I hire just any old pony when I could hire somepony I know? Somepony who I trust with my very child?

Lyra: I don’t think Bon-Bon is going to-
Ribbon: How well do you type? You run your little blog thing, surely you have considerable experience.

Lyra: Well I-
Ribbon: So you type well? Fabulous! How would you like to work for me?

Lyra: I don’t-
Ribbon: I can assure you compensation that far exceeds your current position. And, if you want, I could even begin to teach you some law. Expand your skill set? In time, maybe take over client interviews. Perhaps sit in on a few cases. Maybe even become an attorney yourself.

Lyra: That’s-
Ribbon: And the money! Not just for yourself either. I bet there’s more than a few causes you could help support with bits to spare! Think about that. The opportunity to help others. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?

Lyra: Well, yes-
Ribbon: Splendid! You can pack your things and we’ll find you a nice place in Manehattan to stay.

Lyra: Wait. Leave Ponyville?

Ribbon: Well, of course. I can’t very well have a secretary working way out here. Oh, but you grew up in Canterlot, yes? Manehattan is so much more interesting! The shows, the shopping, the scenery! And so much more secure. How often does this little backwater village get attacked, set on fire, or turned inside-out?

Lyra: I’d… I’d have to-

Ribbon: Think about it? Oh of course! I wouldn’t expect you to just up and leave. No, of course not. But do give it some real consideration, would you? This is no small offer, after a~ll!

Lyra: Yeah… Sure…

Ribbon: Yes, but surely you could have done it, right?

Bon-Bon: The only thing I could have done was told them from the start how unfeasible it was. A chocolate fountain fixture built into the cake is one thing, but a working chocolate waterfall? On a seven layered cake? That might not be impossible, but the cost and time associated with planning, testing and putting something like that together would cost more than anypony having a wedding in Ponyville could afford. Especially under the short notice they had.

Ribbon: Haha! Of course! That was quite a short time to plan a wedding in!

Lyra: Rarity tends to plan a little big, but she’s also not one to shy away from a challenge.

Ribbon: And it all did work out in the end. At least, that’s what the article said.

Lyra: I don’t know first hoof, but Applejack said the ceremonies went without a hitch. And you’d be hard-pressed to challenge Applejack’s word.

Ribbon: Nice to know magazines can still tell the truth sometimes. And it’s so nice of you to join us for once, Lyra.

Lyra: Yeah, I’m usually working on Fridays and the weekend.

Ribbon: Are you? I was under the impression government employees didn’t work on holidays or weekends.

Lyra: I’m actually subcontracted. I work for-

Ribbon: Subcontracted? You poor dear. I’m so sorry. How dreadful.

Bon-Bon: Ribbon…

Ribbon: Oh, it’s not her fault. It’s a terrible system designed to cut corners and underpay employees. You don’t even get any benefits, do you?

Lyra: Well, there’s been some talk about it under the new group that bought the contract, but I don’t know when it’s supposed to start. Right now we’re under probation-

Ribbon: Under probation! You’ve been working there for a year, haven’t you? See? Down right criminal treatment. Ought to be illegal. But, if it’s a government operation, who’s going to call them out on it? It’s tragic, really.

Lyra: Y-yeah…

[Door open]

Ribbon: Oh.

Lyra: Nice to see you too.

Ribbon: Bon-Bon isn’t here?

Lyra: Not right now.

Ribbon: Well, I’m here for Tootsie.

Lyra: I figured. She’s cleaning up some toys.

Ribbon: I see.

[Lengthy pause]

Ribbon: So… How much time have you spent with my daughter?

Lyra: Little to none.

Ribbon: … Really?

Lyra: Ask her yourself.

Ribbon: I’m… Just a little surprised, is all.

Lyra: Believe it or not, I do try to adhere to your wishes regarding Tootsie. She’s your daughter; not mine. I’m not going to disobey you just for petty revenge.

Ribbon: That’s… very admirable of you.

Lyra: I still have a sense of honor. I still try to respect the opinions of others.

Ribbon: Valuable virtues to instill in future generations… I suppose my husband was right again.

Lyra: Listen. We’ve both said some things to each other that could probably have been worded better. If you’re willing to let all of this go, so am I.

Ribbon: … I’m… sorry.

Lyra: I’m sorry too. Hug?

Ribbon: Let’s just stick to cordial conversation and go from there.

Lyra: Fair enough.

Liza: I’m ready!

Ribbon: Oh, Tootsie! It’s good to see you again. Let us be off.

Liza: Bye, Lyra!

Lyra: Have a good one, Liza!