                "No need to seek forgiveness, commander Keen Spark." A mellow voice addressed the commander from somewhere behind us. The soldiers parted to reveal three ponies in heavy runic armour. I recognized them from my dossiers; The Vigilants, the supreme judicial branch of the Equestrian government whose unanimous vote under a state of national emergency can even suspend a princess' rule. Together, this triumvirate of ponies hold power only slightly less than the diarchy combined. I could taste them in the air; They were a sharp contrast to the sea of anxiety that was the royal guards. They were soft blue calm, with overtones of golden confidence and a touch of smug superiority.