"What in-"

"Welcome, Warmaster!" announced the factory foremare. "To the Buckwood Arms Plant!"

Right as Selenite entered the plant gates, she stopped and stammered as she saw her own face smugly smiling down at her on a backdrop of tanks and planes. She, along with a small entourage, was there as the factory was vying for a military contract, and sought a first-hoof look at the production facilities to meet with the managers. Warm welcomes were common, but they were rarely so targeted.

"What's up with that?" she asked, pointing to the billboard.

"Oh, this?" The foremare drew a hoof towards the billboard and chuckled. "We just want to celebrate the heroic accomplishments of our great army! Plus, it motivates everypony to live up to those legendary standards! Had it here for weeks, and everypony loves it!"

"No no, why is it a picture of me?" Selenite clarified.

The foremare laughed. "Because you're an inspiration to us all, Warmaster!"

Part of her was convinced to disqualify the company from the contract contest there and then. The poster was clearly an act of blatant flattery to curry favour, likely to make up for a shortcoming in the production chain. But it was probably worth going through with the tour, and maybe to have another team come later for a closer, unannounced inspection.

"Right, then," said Selenite, motioning for her entourage to follow. "On with the tour."

Flattery served as a distraction. A distraction from what, exactly?