[Herd] The Art of Herding - Prologue

> Before you stands a portal – wreathed in stainless steel, a soft blue glow emitted from the center.
> If it had a little more green in the tint, you could swear someone had found a way to take the ocean and contain it, then set it up-right.
> The room itself is… actually spacious for an underground facility. More so than you would’ve thought.
> “Mr. Anonymous? I hate to tell you to quit gawking at the scenery but… it’s likely to be the last glimpse of home you have. For now.” He quickly adds.
> You turn your head – cocked eyebrow and all – to look directly into the eyes of the UN Secretary General.
“Sir?”
> He sighs and turns fully towards you.
> “Anonymous – you’ve been in the service of the United Nations for some time now, correct?”
> You give a simple nod waiting for him to continue
> “You should know by now that many diplomats are sent overseas – away from their friends and family – to conduct business essential to the mission of our organization.”
> He makes a sweeping gesture towards the portal.
> “This is no different. And before you say it – I’m aware this is another dimension. I’m aware that the first reconnaissance teams encountered hostiles. We’re both aware of this.”
> “However, this doesn’t mean the whole place is hostile. As such, we need someone to represent us – humanity – to a species and race that has created a civilization on the other side of this portal.”
> You purse your lips. It’s a fair point, but that’s not to say you’re content with the idea.
> As such, you turn slightly and point roughly in the direction of the military observation booth behind the both of you.
“Are they at least going to send a team through with me?”
> His expression sours a hair-shade, remarking,
> “I’m afraid not. The deal was – we send one person, and one person only.”
> With a scowl you face the portal once more.
> “I can understand your hesitation, but you need to relax. The portal has a fixed destination this time, and the locals are providing security. You should be fine.”
> After a few tense moments, you relax a little and sigh.
“Yeah… I suppose that’s fair.”
> With a smile, the Secretary General claps you on the back.
> “In that case, congratulations – you’re now the UN Special Envoy to Equestria. To keep in touch with us and smooth things over quicker, we’re sending a pair of vid-phones with you; one for their head-of-state, Princess Celestia, and the other for you.”
> “It’s a direct hotline to me. Use it only when you deem it absolutely necessary.”
> He takes his hand off of your shoulder, and proceeds to clasp both of his hands together in front of him.
> “Regarding your mission, it should be simple – observe and report. We can’t make any negotiations without knowing the culture, you know, taboos and the like. Compile your reports and send one in at the end of each month. Best of luck to you.”
> With that, he steps back and gestures you to go up the ramp and into the portal.
> Tentatively you make your way to the entrance, the pulsating surface almost touching your nose. Taking a big breath, you step forward.