The division of labor.

[multaekappae]

 "Damn, this is too soon!" Sharp Wit cursed.

"I... I don't understand, how did they follow us?" White Noise frowned.

"Sweetheart, I kinda doubt you're specifically on the menu... not that they'll let any of us go when they find out this place isn't empty." Golden muttered, eyeing the rows and rows of bookshelves, sculptures, chairs, and unlit chandeliers. "You guys have some sorta' plan that obviously doesn't involve me, so go do it, I'll buy you some time."

"Absolutely not!" Sharp all but shouted.

"Hey, you're the one who didn't want me slowin' ya down... also, if you keep shouting, they're going to notice us..." the unicorn stallion's voice trailed off as he glanced out the window.

'Arrgh!' The dark gray pegasus moaned inwardly. 'Plans not working out quite right?' the dark voice purred. '...nothing I can't handle.' Sharp sighed. "Riptide, we can't use you until we have the right spell, so can I count on you to do what I know you're going to go do anyway?"

The kelpie rolled her eyes.

"And, Captain Harness, can you keep that old fool from getting in anypony's way?" 'Ah, campaigning for prom queen, I see.' 'Not. Now...'

The blue stallion nodded, though his expression made clear that there was going to be a conversation about this later.

The former EIS agent couldn't care less. 'If there is an afterwards in which I can apologize for this, I will be deliriously happy – even if Gold never talks to me again, it will still be worth it.'

"Well, what the hay are the rest of you standing around for? Let's get moving."