Lyra regarded Fancy Pants warily. Her gaze kept shifting off him and back to the hospital room, as if she were expecting some kind of trick. “As a member of the Nobles’ Council, it gives me great pleasure to announce that by majority vote, the Council has decided to appoint you to a six-year term as ambassador to . . . uh, the creature’s unknown government.” The telegram unfortunately was of little help, but he could improvise the rest. “A formal ceremony will be held as soon as the embassy is opened. You should think about who you wish to appoint for your staff. Personally, I suggest at least one pony who’s on the Council. It helps to get things done in Canterlot.” He waved his hoof dismissively. “There’s a lot more formal stuff, but that can be dealt with later, if you accept the post.”